Bank acquisitions in the mortgage space have been few and far between the past few years. Still, officials at Western Alliance believe it makes perfect sense for the bank to acquire AmeriHome Mortgage.

Banks reported $22.5 billion in mortgage banking income in 2020, according to call reports. Long-time industry leader Wells Fargo had a rough ride. (Includes data chart.)

The company, which buys and sells homes directly, cautioned that it may not have sufficient cash flow from its businesses to pay down its substantial debt.