Core Viewpoint - UWM Holdings Corporation is set to acquire Two Harbors Investment Corp in an all-stock transaction valued at $1.3 billion, aimed at enhancing profitability and operational efficiency for both companies [1][2]. Transaction Overview - The merger will be executed at a fixed exchange ratio of 2.3328 shares of UWMC Class A Common Stock for each share of TWO common stock, equating to a value of $11.94 per share for TWO [10]. - Upon completion, UWM shareholders will own approximately 87% of the combined entity, while TWO shareholders will hold about 13% [10]. Strategic Benefits - The acquisition is expected to nearly double UWM's mortgage servicing rights (MSR) portfolio to approximately $400 billion, significantly increasing recurring revenues [3]. - UWM anticipates annual cost and revenue synergies of around $150 million, contributing to earnings growth [3]. - The combined company will rank as the 8th largest servicer nationwide, enhancing its market position [9]. Operational Enhancements - UWM will gain expanded servicing expertise and scale, facilitating the in-house servicing transition [3]. - The merger will leverage TWO's capital markets expertise alongside UWM's operational scale to improve financing and hedging efficiencies [9]. Leadership and Governance - The transaction has received unanimous approval from the Boards of Directors of both companies and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending stockholder and regulatory approvals [11]. - The Board of the combined company will expand to eleven directors, including one designated by TWO [10]. Market Context - The merger reflects a growing trend in the mortgage industry where scale is increasingly critical for success [5]. - Both companies share a commitment to innovation and modernization in financial services, aiming to empower mortgage brokers and consumers [6].

Core Insights - Three stocks with strong value characteristics and a buy rank are highlighted for investors: Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Fox, and Two Harbors Investments Corp [1][2][3]. Group 1: Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. (SKWD) - Engages in underwriting commercial property and casualty insurance coverages primarily in the United States [1]. - Holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [1]. - Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings has increased by 6.3% over the last 60 days [1]. - Price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) is 12.53, compared to the industry average of 13.2 [2]. - Possesses a Value Score of A [2]. Group 2: Fox (FOX) - Produces and distributes news, sports, and entertainment content [2]. - Holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [2]. - Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings has increased by 7.7% over the last 60 days [2]. - Price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) is 13.73, compared to the industry average of 17.80 [3]. - Possesses a Value Score of A [3]. Group 3: Two Harbors Investments Corp (TWO) - Focuses on investing in, financing, and managing residential mortgage-backed securities and mortgage loans [3][4]. - Holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [3]. - Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings has increased by 10.3% over the last 60 days [3]. - Price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) is 8.6, compared to the industry average of 11.10 [4]. - Possesses a Value Score of B [4].

Core Viewpoint - T2 Metals Corp. has increased the non-flow-through portion of its private placement financing due to strong demand, aiming to raise up to $1,368,770 through the issuance of hard dollar units at $0.30 each [1]. Financing Details - The company plans to issue up to 4,562,567 hard dollar units (HD Units) at a price of $0.30 per unit, resulting in gross proceeds of up to $1,368,770 [1]. - The flow-through portion remains unchanged at 250,000 flow-through units (FT Units) priced at $0.40 each, expected to raise up to $100,000 [1]. Unit Composition - Each HD Unit consists of one common share and one-half of a common share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant allowing the purchase of an additional common share at $0.45 for two years from closing [2]. - Each FT Unit also consists of one common share and one-half of a common share purchase warrant, with similar terms for the warrants [2]. Use of Proceeds - Proceeds from the financing will be allocated to fund exploration at the Sherridon copper-gold project in Manitoba, the Shanghai gold-silver project in the Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt, and for working capital [3]. - The gross proceeds from FT Units will specifically be used for eligible Canadian exploration expenses related to the Sherridon Project [4]. Insider Participation and Fees - There will be insider participation in the financing, and finders' fees may be paid on a portion of the financing [4]. Regulatory Compliance - All securities issued in the financing are subject to a four-month hold period and require regulatory approvals, including acceptance from the TSX Venture Exchange [5]. Company Overview - T2 Metals Corp. is focused on enhancing shareholder value through exploration and discovery in under-explored areas, including the Sherridon, Lida, Cora, and Copper Eagle projects [7].

Core Insights - During market turbulence, investors often seek dividend-yielding stocks, which typically have high free cash flows and offer substantial dividends [1] Company Ratings and Performance - **Ready Capital Corp (NYSE:RC)**: - Dividend Yield: 19.69% - Analyst Jade Rahmani from Keefe, Bruyette & Woods maintained an Underperform rating and reduced the price target from $3.5 to $2.5 on Nov. 12, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 69% [7] - Analyst Randy Binner from B. Riley Securities maintained a Neutral rating and lowered the price target from $6 to $4 on Aug. 11, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 71% [7] - Recent News: Posted disappointing quarterly results on Nov. 6, 2025 [7] - **Two Harbors Investment Corp (NYSE:TWO)**: - Dividend Yield: 13.32% - Analyst Richard Shane from JP Morgan maintained a Neutral rating and raised the price target from $9.5 to $10 on Oct. 20, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 67% [7] - Analyst Kenneth Lee from RBC Capital maintained a Sector Perform rating and cut the price target from $13 to $12 on May 28, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 62% [7] - Recent News: Reported in-line earnings for the third quarter on Oct. 27, 2025 [7] - **Arbor Realty Trust Inc (NYSE:ABR)**: - Dividend Yield: 13.29% - Analyst Jade Rahmani from Keefe, Bruyette & Woods maintained a Market Perform rating and reduced the price target from $12 to $11 on Nov. 3, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 69% [7] - Analyst Richard Shane from JP Morgan maintained an Underweight rating and slashed the price target from $11.5 to $10 on Nov. 3, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 67% [7] - Recent News: Reported mixed third-quarter financial results on Oct. 31, 2025 [7]

Core Insights - Investors are increasingly turning to dividend-yielding stocks during market turbulence and uncertainty, as these companies typically have high free cash flows and offer substantial dividend payouts [1] Company Ratings and Performance - **Ready Capital Corp (NYSE:RC)**: - Dividend Yield: 19.69% - Analyst Jade Rahmani from Keefe, Bruyette & Woods maintained an Underperform rating and reduced the price target from $3.5 to $2.5 on Nov. 12, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 69% [7] - Analyst Randy Binner from B. Riley Securities maintained a Neutral rating and lowered the price target from $6 to $4 on Aug. 11, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 71% [7] - Recent News: Posted downbeat quarterly results on Nov. 6, 2025 [7] - **Two Harbors Investment Corp (NYSE:TWO)**: - Dividend Yield: 13.32% - Analyst Richard Shane from JP Morgan maintained a Neutral rating and raised the price target from $9.5 to $10 on Oct. 20, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 67% [7] - Analyst Kenneth Lee from RBC Capital maintained a Sector Perform rating and cut the price target from $13 to $12 on May 28, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 62% [7] - Recent News: Reported in-line earnings for the third quarter on Oct. 27, 2025 [7] - **Arbor Realty Trust Inc (NYSE:ABR)**: - Dividend Yield: 13.29% - Analyst Jade Rahmani from Keefe, Bruyette & Woods maintained a Market Perform rating and reduced the price target from $12 to $11 on Nov. 3, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 69% [7] - Analyst Richard Shane from JP Morgan maintained an Underweight rating and slashed the price target from $11.5 to $10 on Nov. 3, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 67% [7] - Recent News: Reported mixed third-quarter financial results on Oct. 31, 2025 [7]

Core Insights - T2 Metals Corp has completed its first reconnaissance exploration program at the Shanghai gold-silver Project in the Yukon Territory, identifying two distinct high-priority target styles for future drilling [2][3][8] Group 1: Project Overview - The Shanghai Project covers an area of 27.4 square kilometers and is located in the Tombstone Gold Belt, a region known for its rich mineral deposits [2] - The project has received a Class 3 permit, allowing for drilling, road construction, and camp installation without additional permissions [4] Group 2: Exploration Program Details - The exploration program was conducted by a four-person crew from Groundtruth Exploration Inc., utilizing the Banyan Gold Corp camp as a base [3] - A total of 52 rock samples and 3 soil samples were collected from two main prospective zones, focusing on areas with significant gold and silver anomalies [7] Group 3: Target Zones - Target Zone 1, identified as Ag-Au-Polymetallic, confirmed the presence of Keno Hill-style polymetallic quartz-vein mineralization [7] - Target Zone 2, associated with Reduced Intrusion-Related Gold Systems (RIRGS), showed evidence of disseminated mineralization linked to nearby Cretaceous intrusions [6][10] Group 4: Historical Context and Results - Historical sampling from the area reported exceptional results of 1.1 oz/tonne Au and 790.5 oz/tonne Ag [6] - The historical Shanghai Silver Mine had significant underground development, with assays reporting 9.1 m at 1182.8 g/t Ag, 8.2% Pb, and 7.2% Zn [19] Group 5: Future Plans - The company plans to finalize and prioritize drill locations for a Phase 1 drill campaign scheduled for 2026 based on the assay results from the current exploration program [8]

Core Viewpoint - During market turbulence, investors often seek dividend-yielding stocks, which typically have high free cash flows and offer substantial dividends [1] Group 1: High-Yielding Stocks in Financial Sector - MFA Financial Inc (NYSE:MFA) has a dividend yield of 15.86%. Analysts from Keefe, Bruyette & Woods downgraded the stock from Outperform to Market Perform, reducing the price target from $12 to $10 [8]. RBC Capital maintained a Sector Perform rating and also cut the price target from $12 to $10 [8]. The company is set to host an investor conference call on November 6 to discuss Q3 2025 results [8] - Ready Capital Corp (NYSE:RC) has a dividend yield of 15.72%. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods maintained an Underperform rating and lowered the price target from $3.75 to $3.5 [8]. B. Riley Securities maintained a Neutral rating and reduced the price target from $6 to $4 [8]. The company reported disappointing quarterly results on August 7 [8] - Two Harbors Investment Corp (NYSE:TWO) has a dividend yield of 13.85%. JP Morgan maintained a Neutral rating and increased the price target from $9.5 to $10 [8]. RBC Capital maintained a Sector Perform rating and lowered the price target from $13 to $12 [8]. The company reported in-line earnings for Q3 on October 27 [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recorded a comprehensive loss of $80.2 million, or $0.77 per share, including a litigation settlement expense of $175.1 million, which equates to $1.68 per share [16][17] - The return on book value was -0.63% including the litigation expense, while it would have been +7.6% excluding the expense [16] - Total economic return for the third quarter was -6.3%, and +7.6% without the litigation expense [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The RMBS portfolio decreased from $11.4 billion to $10.9 billion due to agency securities sales [6] - The company funded $49 million of UPB in first and second liens during the third quarter, with an additional $52 million UPB in the origination pipeline at quarter-end [12] - The company brokered $60 million UPB in second liens, a significant increase from $44 million in Q2 [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Fed cut rates by 25 basis points in September, marking the first cut since November 2024, which positively impacted equity markets, with the S&P 500 up almost 8% by quarter-end [10] - The nominal spread for current coupon RMBS tightened by 26 basis points to 145 basis points to the swap curve [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance and grow its servicing and origination activities while focusing on a MSR-focused investment strategy [9] - The company plans to redeem $262 million of outstanding convertible notes to reduce structural leverage to historical levels [8] - The company is optimistic about the investment opportunities available in the market, particularly in the MSR and MBS portfolio [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's liquidity and risk metrics following the litigation settlement [5] - The company sees no reason for its stock to trade at an 11% discount to book value, given the quality of its assets and the uncertainty created by the litigation now resolved [13] - Management highlighted the importance of technology investments to maintain growth in the direct-to-consumer origination platform [69] Other Important Information - The company has established a significant relationship with a new sub-servicing client, bringing the total sub-servicing UPB to approximately $40 billion [11] - The company is focused on improving efficiencies and lowering costs in light of the recent settlement payments [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key drivers of the increase in the EAD in the third quarter relative to the second quarter? - The increase in EAD is attributed to the decrease in financing costs, allowing asset yields to remain constant [34] Question: Can you give us an update on your book value quarter to date? - The book value was up about 1% as of last Friday [37] Question: Can you talk about the various risk metrics as you think about the size of the portfolio? - The company considers multiple risk metrics, including returns available on asset classes and the ideal mix in the current market context [41][43] Question: Does the return potential slide factor in potential cost savings? - The return potential slide reflects current costs, and there is potential upside as cost savings are realized [44][46] Question: Can you help us understand the strategy behind the coupon positioning? - The coupon exposure is managed based on how rates move and the current coupon's position relative to risk exposures [51][52] Question: Can you give us color on growth opportunities in the sub-servicing business? - The company is focused on developing relationships and attracting clients dissatisfied with their current sub-servicers [60] Question: How do you see MSR valuations responding to a further drop in interest rates? - MSR valuations are expected to remain stable, with strong demand for low gross WAC MSR despite potential declines in prices [87][88] Question: What is the valuation of the flow MSRs that you're originating versus your existing portfolio? - The price multiple for the entire portfolio is 5.8x, with variations based on coupon rates [99]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recorded a comprehensive loss of $80.2 million, or $0.77 per share, including a litigation settlement expense of $175.1 million, which was $1.68 per share [16][17] - The return on book value was negative 0.63% including the litigation expense, while it would have been positive 7.6% excluding the expense [16][17] - Total economic return for the third quarter was negative 6.3%, and positive 7.6% without the litigation expense [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The RMBS portfolio decreased to $10.9 billion from $11.4 billion due to agency securities sales [6] - The company sold $19.1 billion UPB of MSR and an additional $10 billion UPB expected to settle soon, both slightly above marks [6][8] - The direct-to-consumer originations platform funded $49 million of UPB in first and second liens, with a record high of $60 million UPB in second liens brokered during the quarter [12][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Fed cut rates by 25 basis points in September, marking the first cut since November 2024, which positively impacted equity markets, with the S&P 500 up almost 8% by quarter-end [10][11] - The nominal spread for current coupon RMBS tightened by 26 basis points to 145 basis points to the swap curve [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its MSR-focused investment strategy and grow its servicing and origination activities [9][13] - The company plans to redeem $262 million UPB of outstanding convertible notes to reduce structural leverage to historical levels [8] - The company is optimistic about the investment opportunities available in the market, particularly in the MSR and MBS portfolio [15][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's liquidity and risk metrics post-litigation settlement, indicating a clear path forward [5][9] - The company sees mortgage spreads as attractive despite recent tightening and believes its strategy is well-positioned to capitalize on market conditions [14][31] - Management highlighted the importance of technology investments to improve customer experiences and reduce costs [13][69] Other Important Information - The company has established a significant relationship with a new sub-servicing client, bringing the total sub-servicing UPB to approximately $40 billion [8] - The company is focused on improving efficiencies and lowering costs in light of the recent settlement payments [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key drivers of the increase in the EAD in the third quarter relative to the second quarter? - The increase in EAD is attributed to the decrease in financing costs, allowing asset yields to remain constant [34] Question: Can you give us an update on your book value quarter to date? - The book value was up about 1% as of last Friday [37] Question: Can you talk about the various risk metrics as you think about the size of the portfolio following the settlement? - The company looks at multiple risk metrics, including returns available on asset classes and overall leverage [41][43] Question: Does the return potential slide factor in potential cost savings? - The return potential slide reflects current costs, with potential upside as cost savings are realized [44][46] Question: Can you help us understand the coupon positioning strategy? - The coupon exposure is managed based on how rates move and the current coupon risk in the MSR portfolio [51][52] Question: Can you provide insight into growth opportunities in the sub-servicing business? - The company is focused on building relationships and attracting clients dissatisfied with their current sub-servicers [60][61] Question: How do you see MSR valuations responding to a further drop in interest rates? - MSR valuations are expected to remain stable, with strong demand for low gross WAC MSR [87][88] Question: What is the valuation of the flow MSRs that you're originating versus your existing portfolio? - The price multiple for the entire portfolio is 5.8 times, with variations based on coupon rates [99][100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recorded a comprehensive loss of $80.2 million, or $0.77 per share, including a litigation settlement expense of $175.1 million, which equates to $1.68 per share [14][15] - Excluding the litigation expense, the company would have generated comprehensive income of $94.9 million, or $0.91 per share [14] - The total economic return for the third quarter was negative 6.3%, while it would have been positive 7.6% without the litigation expense [8][14] - For the first nine months of the year, the total economic return on book value was negative 15.6% and positive 9.3% excluding the expense [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The RMBS portfolio decreased from $11.4 billion to $10.9 billion due to sales of agency securities [5] - The company sold $19.1 billion UPB of MSR and an additional $10 billion UPB expected to settle soon, both slightly above marks [5] - The direct-to-consumer originations platform funded $49 million of UPB in first and second liens, with an additional $52 million UPB in the origination pipeline at quarter-end [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Fed cut rates by 25 basis points in September, marking the first cut since November 2024, which positively impacted equity markets, with the S&P 500 up almost 8% by quarter-end [9][10] - The nominal spread for current coupon RMBS tightened by 26 basis points to 145 basis points to the swap curve [21] - The market for MSR remains competitive, with only about 3% of the MSR portfolio considered in the money at current mortgage rates [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance and grow its servicing and origination activities, focusing on a MSR-focused investment strategy [7][12] - The company plans to redeem $262 million UPB of outstanding convertible notes to reduce structural leverage to historical levels [6] - The company is optimistic about the growth of its sub-servicing business, establishing significant relationships with third-party clients [5][56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the portfolio adjustments and the ability to capitalize on opportunities in the MSR and MBS portfolio [12][30] - The company views mortgage spreads as attractive despite recent tightening and believes risks to MBS performance are symmetric, supporting their strategy [13] - Management highlighted the importance of technology investments to maintain growth in the direct-to-consumer origination business [63] Other Important Information - The company has approximately $770.5 million in cash on the balance sheet after the litigation settlement payment [17] - The weighted average days to maturity for agency RMBS repo was 88 days at quarter-end [18] - The company is focused on improving efficiencies and lowering costs, with significant savings already identified [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Key drivers of the increase in EAD in Q3 - The increase in EAD was driven by a decrease in financing costs, allowing asset yields to remain constant [32][34] Question: Update on book value quarter to date - The book value was up about 1% as of the last Friday [36] Question: Discussion on various risk metrics post-settlement - The company looks at multiple risk metrics, balancing returns available on asset classes with overall leverage and liquidity [40][42] Question: Cost savings impact on return potential - Current return potential estimates do not factor in potential cost savings, indicating upside potential as those savings are realized [43] Question: Strategy behind coupon exposure - The coupon exposure is managed based on how rates move and the current coupon's risk relative to the MSR portfolio [47][50] Question: Growth opportunities in the sub-servicing business - The company is focused on developing relationships and attracting clients dissatisfied with their current sub-servicers [54][56] Question: Valuation of flow MSRs versus existing portfolio - The valuation of flow MSRs is marked to market prices, and recapture cash flows do not impact the mark but affect yield [82]