OREANDA-NEWS. September 08, 2015. Amid ongoing challenges, financial metrics are still improving for U.S. state housing finance agencies (SHFAs), according to Fitch Ratings in a new report.

Throughout fiscal (FY) 2014, low conventional mortgage rates continued to suppress SHFAs' ability to originate new whole loan mortgages through SHFA-issued debt. FY 2014 results showed that aggregate assets fell by 4.5% and aggregate debt decreased by 6.9%. 'Declines in balance sheet numbers are expected to continue in the short term; however, some SHFAs are beginning a return to mortgage revenue bond issuance and this slow movement back may take time to appear on audited financial statement balance sheets,' said Senior Director Maura McGuigan.

FY 2014's results revealed that SHFAs remain financially sound. Fitch's report shows that equity continues to increase while leverage ratios are falling. In addition, net operating revenue for SHFAs rose for the fourth straight year. 'Rising net operating revenue for state housing finance agencies is likely attributed to rising profitability within housing bond programs and the up-front revenues generated from alternative financing methods in recent fiscal years,' said McGuigan.

Fitch also released its Fitch Analytical Comparative Tool (FACT) for the SHFA sector, featuring a broad overview of the industry, highlighting time-series trends across key profitability, capital-related, and financial metrics.

'State Housing Finance Agencies - Peer Study (September 2015)' and 'State Housing Finance Agencies - F.A.C.T. (September 2015)' are available at 'www.fitchratings.com' or by clicking on the below links.