This niche lender still has lots of appeal

Article Excerpt

Home Capital Group has dropped sharply in the past few months, largely due to the worldwide credit crisis. However, the company continues to profit from the niche markets it operates in. Its recent expansion into more traditional lending also broadens its customer base. As well, Home Capital has no exposure to the housing problems in the United States. HOME CAPITAL GROUP INC. $17 (Toronto symbol HCG; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Finance sector; Shares outstanding: 34.5 million; Market cap; $586.5 million; SI Rating: Extra risk) is the parent company of Home Trust Company, a federally regulated trust company that specializes in residential first mortgages to small business owners, the self-employed and others who don’t meet the stricter criteria of larger, traditional lenders. Home Capital recently began offering traditional mortgages. While that puts it in direct competition with the big banks, Home Capital feels this move will strengthen its position among mortgage brokers. Demand for new residential and commercial mortgages rose 39.8% to $1.1 billion in…