Irvine-based ECC Capital Corp. said Wednesday that it did $2.3 billion in mortgage loans in the first quarter.
That’s up 43% from a year earlier, but down 12% from the third quarter.
“The first quarter 2005 results reflected the traditional seasonality of the business,” said Shabi Asghar, the company’s co-chief executive.
ECC is the parent of Irvine-based subprime mortgage lender Encore Credit Corp. The company, which lends money to borrowers with imperfect credit, raised about $350 million in its initial public offering in February.
Shares of ECC were up 1.3% to $5.5 at close of trading Wednesday. The company went public at $6.75 a share.
Last week, the company reported fourth-quarter net income of $1.1 million, up 130% from a year earlier. Revenue for the quarter was up 30% to $32 million.
ECC is one of several subprime lenders based in Orange County, including industry leaders Ameriquest Capital Corp. of Orange and Irvine-based New Century Financial Corp.
The top executives at ECC Capital hail from New Century and started the company in 2002.
