Core Insights - The February reporting season in Australia is underway, with major ASX-listed companies expected to report earnings that meet or exceed expectations, particularly in the financial sector [1][2][4] Financial Sector Performance - The financial sector is pivotal in shaping market sentiment, with the Commonwealth Bank's strong results setting a positive tone for the season [2][3] - ANZ Group reported a cash profit of $1.9 billion for Q1, with group revenue at $5.7 billion and a net interest margin increase of 3 basis points [7][9] - AMP Limited's FY25 results showed a statutory profit of $133 million, down 11.3% YoY, with a significant drop in share price following the announcement [13][16] ANZ Group Highlights - ANZ's performance was driven by effective cost management, with expenses below expectations and 60% of planned workforce reductions completed [8][10] - The bank's net interest margin improvement reflects favorable funding and pricing dynamics, consistent with trends across major banks [9] AMP Limited Highlights - AMP's overall profit was in line with expectations, but margins were softer due to strong growth in funds under management impacting average margin outcomes [14][16] - The bank's core profit declined by 10% to $55 million, influenced by higher digital investments, although net interest margins improved [18] Future Outlook - AMP provided margin targets for FY26, indicating modest pressure ahead, with limited scope for operating leverage without significant revenue changes [19][20] - The transition to new leadership at AMP raises questions about strategic direction, margin stabilization, and investment focus [21][22]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's book value increased to $11.13 per share at December 31, 2025, compared to $11.04 per share at September 30, 2025, resulting in a quarterly economic return of +3.9% [12] - Comprehensive income for the fourth quarter was $50.4 million or $0.48 per share, with net interest and servicing income decreasing due to MSR sales and lower float income [12][13] - The total economic return on book value for the full year 2025 was -12.6%, but excluding a litigation settlement expense, the return was +12.1% [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company settled on the sale of an additional $10 billion UPB of MSR, increasing total third-party subservicing to $40 billion at year-end compared to $30 billion at the end of the third quarter [10] - The direct-to-consumer (DTC) platform funded $94 million in first and second liens, a 90% increase from the third quarter [10] - The MSR portfolio experienced a minor increase in prepayment rates to 6.4% from 6.0% CPR, with 60-plus-day delinquencies remaining low at under 1% [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The yield curve steepened, with two-year Treasury yields down 14 basis points to 3.47%, while 10-year Treasury yields rose by 2 basis points to 4.17% [9] - The nominal spread for current coupon RMBS tightened by 30 basis points to 114 basis points of the swap curve, indicating a positive response to the decline in interest rate volatility [16] - The share of 30-year loans eligible for refinance returned to nearly 20%, with refinanceable coupon speeds increasing [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The merger with United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) is expected to double the size of the MSR portfolio to a pro forma $400 billion and create a powerful strategic alignment for accelerated growth [6] - The company aims to leverage UWM's expertise in capital markets and asset management while enhancing its own servicing capabilities [6] - The focus remains on maintaining a paired portfolio construction of MSR and Agency RMBS to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence that the merger with UWM will bring significant benefits and position the company for accelerated growth [11] - The administration's commitment to lower mortgage rates is expected to stimulate increased mortgage and origination activity in 2026 [7] - Management noted that while no decisions have been made regarding the securities portfolio post-merger, they will be thoughtful about future actions [8] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with over $800 million in cash and repaid $261.9 million in convertible senior notes on their maturity date [14] - The economic debt to equity ratio was slightly lower at 7 times, with portfolio sensitivity to spread changes marginally increasing [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the merger impacting portfolio construction? - Management confirmed that they are operating as an independent company and managing the portfolio as usual, with changes reflecting market assessments of risk and reward [28] Question: What is the current book value? - The book value is up about 1.5%-2% as of January 30, 2026 [29] Question: How is leverage being considered in the current market? - Management has become more defensive due to the current spread environment and has reduced leverage and mortgage risk [34] Question: What are the chances of an LLPA or guarantee fee reduction at the GSEs? - There is a reasonable chance for changes on the LLPA grid, but the market is still digesting the potential impacts [38] Question: How is the MSR market performing? - The interest in the MSR market remains strong, with no notable changes in bank activity [39] Question: What is the prospective return outlook? - Spreads have tightened since the end of December, which may marginally affect dividend levels [43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The book value increased to $11.13 per share at December 31, 2025, compared to $11.04 per share at September 30, 2025, resulting in a quarterly economic return of +3.9% [13] - The company generated comprehensive income of $50.4 million or $0.48 per share, with net interest and servicing income decreasing due to MSR sales and lower float income [13][14] - For the full calendar year 2025, the total economic return on book value was -12.6%, but excluding a litigation settlement expense, the return was +12.1% [6][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company settled on the sale of an additional $10 billion UPB of MSR, increasing total third-party subservicing to $40 billion at year-end compared to $30 billion at the end of Q3 [11] - The direct-to-consumer (DTC) platform funded $94 million in first and second liens, a 90% increase from Q3, with an additional $38 million in the pipeline [11] - The MSR portfolio experienced a minor 0.4 percentage point pickup in prepayment rates to 6.4%, remaining below projections for most of the portfolio [23][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The yield curve steepened, with two-year Treasury yields down 14 basis points to 3.47%, while 10-year Treasury yields rose by 2 basis points to 4.17% [10] - The nominal spread for current coupon RMBS tightened by 30 basis points to 114 basis points of the swap curve, indicating a positive response to lower interest rate volatility [18][19] - The share of 30-year loans eligible for refinance returned to nearly 20%, with refinanceable coupon speeds increasing [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The merger with United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) is expected to double the size of the MSR portfolio to a pro forma $400 billion, enhancing competitive positioning and growth potential [6][12] - The company aims to leverage UWM's expertise in capital markets and asset management while benefiting from RoundPoint's servicing capabilities [6] - The strategic focus is on maintaining a paired portfolio construction of MSR and Agency RMBS to mitigate exposure to fluctuations in mortgage spreads [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence that the merger with UWM will yield significant benefits and position the company for accelerated growth [12] - The administration's commitment to lower mortgage rates is anticipated to stimulate increased mortgage and origination activity in 2026 [7] - Management noted that while no decisions have been made regarding the securities portfolio post-merger, they will be thoughtful about future actions [9] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with over $800 million in cash and repaid $261.9 million in convertible senior notes on their maturity date [14][15] - The economic debt to equity ratio was slightly lower at 7 times, with portfolio sensitivity to spread changes marginally increasing [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the merger impacting portfolio construction? - Management confirmed that they are operating as an independent company and managing the portfolio as usual, with changes reflecting market assessments [30] Question: What is the current book value? - The book value is up about 1.5%-2% as of January 30, 2026 [32] Question: How is leverage being considered in the current market? - Management has become more defensive due to market conditions and has reduced leverage and mortgage risk slightly [36] Question: What are the chances of an LLPA or guarantee fee reduction at the GSEs? - There is a reasonable chance for changes on the LLPA grid, but the market is still digesting the potential impacts [40] Question: How are prospective returns affected by recent spread tightening? - Spreads are tighter since the end of December, which may marginally affect return potential [45] Question: What is the impact of GSE activity on MSR valuations? - Management noted that the MSR market remains strong, and they have not seen notable changes in bank interest or activity [41][62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company reported a net income of $103.4 million, translating to $0.62 per share, an increase from $0.53 in Q3 [6] - The book value at the end of Q4 was $7.54, up from $7.33 at the end of Q3, with stockholder equity approximately $1.4 billion [6] - The total return for Q4 was 7.8%, compared to 6.7% for Q3 [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average mortgage-backed securities (MBS) portfolio was $9.5 billion in Q4, compared to $7.7 billion in Q3, with a year-end balance of $10.6 billion, reflecting a growth of approximately 27% during the quarter [7] - The leverage for Q4 remained at 7.4%, consistent with Q3 [7] - Liquidity at the end of Q4 was 57.7%, slightly up from 57.1% at the end of Q3 [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Interest rate volatility was low throughout the quarter, with the Treasury curve remaining steady [9][10] - The spread of current coupon mortgages to the ten-year Treasury tightened to about 80 basis points, reflecting a significant change since year-end [11][12] - The market saw strong performance in lower coupon MBS, particularly after the announcement of GSEs buying up to $200 billion of mortgages [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focused on acquiring agency specified pools with call protection, targeting par to slight premiums [22][56] - A strategic shift towards higher coupon MBS was noted, with a focus on production and premium coupons in the 5%-6.5% range [26][34] - The company aims to maintain a flat duration profile and manage leverage tightly, anticipating potential inflationary pressures [38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for further mortgage tightening, driven by GSE activity and favorable economic conditions [40][41] - The company noted that while expenses increased, they did so at a lower rate than asset growth, leading to a reduced expense ratio [44] - The outlook for prepayment speeds is expected to moderate, which would improve carry for the company [37] Other Important Information - The average repo rate declined from 4.33% at the beginning of the quarter to 3.98% by quarter end, reflecting improvements in the funding environment [28] - The company maintained a stable hedge position, with 69% of outstanding repo hedged, slightly down from 70% in Q3 [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current book value update - Management indicated that the current book value is slightly up, inclusive of the dividend accrual, reflecting a 1.6% increase [50][52] Question: Thoughts on prepayments - Management noted that the portfolio is targeted at par to slight premiums, focusing on modest prepayments without overpaying for protection [55][56] Question: Capacity for further expense reduction - Management highlighted that most expense increases were due to management fees, with non-management fee expenses rising modestly, suggesting potential for further reduction [66][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company reported a net income of $103.4 million, translating to $0.62 per share, an increase from $0.53 in Q3 [6] - The book value at the end of Q4 was $7.54, up from $7.33 at the end of Q3 [7] - The total return for Q4 was 7.8%, compared to 6.7% in Q3 [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average mortgage-backed securities (MBS) portfolio was $9.5 billion in Q4, compared to $7.7 billion in Q3, reflecting a growth of approximately 27% [8] - The leverage for Q4 remained stable at 7.4%, consistent with Q3 [8] - Liquidity at the end of Q4 was 57.7%, slightly up from 57.1% in Q3 [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Prepayment speeds increased to 15.7% in Q4 from 10.1% in Q3 [9] - The treasury curve showed low volatility throughout the quarter, with interest rates remaining steady [10][11] - The spread of current coupon mortgages to the ten-year Treasury tightened to about 80 basis points [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focused on acquiring agency specified pools with call protection, targeting par to slight premiums [23][56] - A strategic shift towards higher coupon MBS was noted, with a focus on production and premium coupons [26] - The company aims to maintain a flat duration profile to manage interest rate risk effectively [33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for further mortgage tightening, driven by GSE activity and favorable market conditions [39][41] - The company anticipates that prepayment speeds may moderate, which would improve carry [37] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a low expense ratio, which currently stands at 1.7% [44] Other Important Information - The company paid dividends of $0.36 during the quarter, maintaining the same rate for the past two years [7] - The average repo rate decreased from 4.33% at the beginning of the quarter to 3.98% by quarter end [20] - The weighted average current price of the portfolio at year-end was $102.5, reflecting a strategic shift in coupon allocation [61] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current book value update - Management indicated that the current book value is slightly up, inclusive of the dividend accrual, reflecting a 1.6% increase [51][53] Question: Thoughts on prepayments - Management noted that the portfolio is targeted at par to slight premiums, focusing on modest prepayments without overpaying for protection [56][58] Question: Capacity for further expense reduction - Management stated that most expense increases were due to management fees, with non-management expenses rising only modestly, indicating potential for further reduction [70][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company reported a net income of $103.4 million, equating to $0.62 per share, an increase from $0.53 in Q3 [6] - The book value at the end of Q4 was $7.54, up from $7.33 at the end of Q3 [6] - Stockholder equity at the end of Q4 was approximately $1.4 billion, with dividends paid during the quarter remaining at $0.36 [6] - The total return for Q4 was 7.8%, compared to 6.7% for Q3 [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average mortgage-backed securities (MBS) during Q4 was $9.5 billion, compared to $7.7 billion in Q3, with a year-end balance of $10.6 billion, reflecting a growth of approximately 27% during the quarter [7] - The leverage for Q4 remained at 7.4%, consistent with Q3 [7] - Liquidity at the end of Q4 was 57.7%, slightly up from 57.1% at the end of Q3 [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Interest rate volatility was low throughout the quarter, with the treasury curve remaining steady [9][10] - The spread of the current coupon mortgage to the ten-year Treasury tightened to about 80 basis points, reflecting a significant change since year-end [11] - Prepayment speeds increased to 15.7% in Q4 from 10.1% in Q3 [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focused on acquiring agency specified pools with call protection, targeting par to slight premiums [22][56] - A strategic shift towards higher coupon MBS was noted, with an emphasis on production and premium coupons [26] - The company plans to continue managing leverage tightly while maintaining a flat duration profile to mitigate risks associated with interest rate movements [38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for further mortgage tightening, driven by GSE activity and favorable economic conditions [40][41] - The company noted that while mortgages are not as attractive as a year ago, there is still potential for continued performance improvement [41] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a low expense ratio, which has improved to 1.7% at the end of 2025 [44] Other Important Information - The company doubled its equity base and MBS portfolio over the course of 2025, capitalizing on wide MBS spreads [24] - The average repo rate declined from 4.33% at the beginning of the quarter to 3.98% by quarter end, reflecting favorable funding conditions [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current book value update - Management indicated that the current book value is slightly up, inclusive of the dividend accrual, reflecting a 1.6% increase [51][53] Question: Thoughts on prepayment speeds - Management noted that the portfolio is constructed to target modest prepayments and emphasized the focus on mid-tier call protection [56][58] Question: Capacity for further expense reduction - Management stated that most expense increases were related to management fees, with non-management fee expenses rising only modestly, indicating potential for further expense reduction [67][69]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Financial conditions improved during the quarter, supported by two Federal Reserve rate cuts, solid corporate earnings, and strong economic growth [4] - Book value per common share increased by 3.7% to $8.72, resulting in an 8% economic return for the quarter [7] - The liquidity position remained robust with $453 million in unrestricted cash and unencumbered assets [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Agency mortgage portfolio was valued at $5.4 billion, while the Agency CMBS portfolio was $900 million [8] - Agency RMBS investments increased by 11% quarter over quarter, focusing on 5% and 5.5% coupons [18] - Agency CMBS risk premiums remained largely unchanged, with no new purchases made during the quarter [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Interest rates were generally stable, with the 10-year Treasury yield ending the year at 4.17%, 40 basis points lower than the start of the year [10] - The yield curve steepened, benefiting longer-term investments such as Agency RMBS and Agency CMBS [11] - The TBA dollar roll market showed notable improvement, indicating strong demand for Agency mortgage collateral amid limited net supply [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains positive on Agency mortgages, anticipating favorable conditions due to lower interest rate volatility and expectations for broadening demand [9] - The strategy includes focusing on specified pools with lower loan balances to enhance predictability of future cash flows [19] - The company plans to selectively access the ATM for capital raising when conditions are favorable [42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while near-term risks are balanced, the current environment of low volatility in interest rates and spreads is expected to provide a positive backdrop for Agency mortgages [26] - The conclusion of quantitative tightening and the announcement of T-bill purchases by the Fed are seen as tailwinds for the company's strategy [25] - Management expressed confidence in the liquidity position, providing a cushion for potential market stress [26] Other Important Information - The Federal Reserve ended its quantitative tightening program, which had reduced its Treasury and Agency mortgage holdings by over $2.2 trillion since mid-2022 [5] - The company modestly increased leverage to 7 times, consistent with the constructive investment environment [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about your approach to leverage level post the tightening and where you are finding value within the coupon stack? - The company increased leverage slightly in the fourth quarter due to a positive environment, and is comfortable with current levels despite tighter spreads [30] - Good value is being found primarily in the 3.5% to 5.5% coupon range [31] Question: Have you seen any surprises within prepay reports in the specified pool portfolio? - No significant surprises were noted; prepayment speeds increased in higher coupons but were less impacted due to prepayment protection [33] Question: Have you continued rotating down in coupon with new capital invested? - The company is focusing on lower coupons for future purchases, particularly in the belly of the coupon stack [36] Question: Can you talk about your capital structure and ability to raise capital going forward? - The company feels it is in a better place regarding capital structure and selectively accesses the ATM when beneficial to shareholders [42] Question: How should we think about book value sensitivity and overall upside to further spread tightening? - The magnitude of change in book value to spread changes remains the same, but expectations for further spread tightening are reduced [56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Financial conditions improved during the quarter, supported by two Federal Reserve rate cuts, solid corporate earnings, and strong economic growth [4] - Book value per common share increased by 3.7% to $8.72, resulting in an 8% economic return for the quarter [7] - The liquidity position remained robust with $453 million in unrestricted cash and unencumbered assets [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The agency mortgage portfolio was valued at $5.4 billion, while the agency CMBS portfolio was $900 million [8] - Agency RMBS investments increased by 11% quarter over quarter, focusing on 5% and 5.5% coupons [18] - The agency CMBS allocation declined modestly due to growth in the overall portfolio, despite no new purchases [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Interest rates were generally stable, with the 10-year Treasury yield ending the year at 4.17%, 40 basis points lower than the start of the year [10] - The yield curve steepened, benefiting longer-term investments such as agency RMBS and agency CMBS [11] - Agency mortgages delivered strong performance, driven by reduced interest rate volatility and robust demand from money managers [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains positive on agency mortgages, anticipating favorable conditions due to lower interest rate volatility and expectations for broadening demand [9] - The strategy includes a focus on specified pools with lower loan balances to enhance predictability of cash flows [19] - The company plans to selectively access the ATM for capital raising when conditions are favorable [42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the economic environment is supportive, with expectations for additional Federal Reserve rate cuts through 2026 [6] - The company views near-term risks as balanced, with a positive outlook for agency mortgages due to favorable supply and demand technicals [26] - Management highlighted that the current environment reflects a more normalized investment landscape, providing attractive levered returns [25] Other Important Information - The Federal Reserve ended its quantitative tightening program, which alleviated funding pressures and improved repo spreads [12] - The company reported a 4.5% increase in book value since year-end through the week of the call [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about your approach to leverage levels post the tightening and where you find value within the coupon stack? - Management indicated that leverage was modestly increased in Q4, reflecting a positive environment, and they are comfortable with current levels despite tighter spreads [30] Question: Have you seen any surprises in prepayment reports within the specified pool portfolio? - Management noted no significant surprises, with prepayment speeds in higher coupons increasing but less impacted due to prepayment protection [33] Question: Have you continued rotating down in coupon with new capital invested? - Management confirmed a focus on lower coupons, particularly in the 3.5-5.5 range, due to attractive conditions in the TBA dollar roll market [36] Question: Can you discuss your capital structure and ability to raise capital going forward? - Management expressed confidence in their capital structure, indicating selective access to the ATM when beneficial to shareholders [42] Question: How should we think about book value sensitivity and overall upside to further spread tightening? - Management stated that while the magnitude of change in book value to spread changes remains the same, expectations for further spread tightening are reduced [56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Financial conditions improved during Q4 2025, supported by two Federal Reserve rate cuts and strong economic growth, leading to an 8% economic return for the quarter and a 3.7% increase in book value per common share to $8.72 [3][5][19] - The company's portfolio at year-end was valued at $6.3 billion, with $5.4 billion in Agency mortgages and $900 million in Agency CMBS [6][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Agency RMBS portfolio increased by 11% quarter over quarter, focusing on 5% and 5.5% coupons, while the allocation in 6% and 6.5% coupons declined due to paydowns [14][15] - Agency CMBS risk premiums remained largely unchanged, with no new purchases made during the quarter, but the sector continues to provide benefits through prepayment protection and fixed maturities [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The 10-year Treasury yield ended the year at 4.17%, with a steepening yield curve benefiting longer-term investments [8][9] - Agency mortgages delivered strong performance in 2025, driven by reduced interest rate volatility and increased demand from GSEs [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains positive on Agency mortgages, viewing conditions as favorable due to lower interest rate volatility and expectations for broadening demand [6][21] - The strategy includes selectively accessing the ATM for capital raising when conditions are favorable, with a focus on maintaining a robust capital structure [36][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while near-term risks are balanced, the current environment of low volatility in interest rates and spreads is expected to provide a positive backdrop for agency mortgages over the long term [21] - The conclusion of quantitative tightening and the announcement of T-bill purchases by the Fed have solidified funding markets, serving as a tailwind for the company's strategy [20][21] Other Important Information - The liquidity position remains strong, with $453 million in unrestricted cash and unencumbered assets [6] - The company modestly increased leverage to 7 times, consistent with the constructive investment environment [5][6] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company approaching leverage levels post the tightening? - The company increased leverage slightly in Q4, reflecting a positive environment, and remains comfortable with current levels despite tighter spreads [25] Question: Have there been any surprises in prepayment reports for higher coupons? - No significant surprises were noted; prepayment speeds increased in higher coupons but were less impacted due to prepayment protection [27] Question: Is the decision on the ATM solely based on stock price? - The decision is based on a combination of price to book and the availability of accretive investment opportunities [40] Question: What would trigger a tighter spread range for MBS? - An increase in the GSEs' caps or a notable increase in the pace of purchases could signal a tighter spread range [46] Question: How should investors think about book value sensitivity to spread changes? - The magnitude of change in book value to spread changes remains consistent, but expectations for further spread tightening are reduced [50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's book value per share increased by 5% from $19.25 in the prior quarter to $20.21 as of December 31, 2025 [19] - Earnings Available for Distribution (EAD) rose marginally to $0.74, exceeding the dividend for the quarter [7][20] - Economic return for Q4 was 8.6%, bringing the full-year economic return to 20.2% [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The agency portfolio ended 2025 at $93 billion in market value, an increase of nearly $6 billion quarter-over-quarter and $22 billion year-over-year [8] - The residential credit portfolio reached $8 billion in market value, up $1.1 billion quarter-over-quarter, representing approximately 19% of the firm's capital [10] - The mortgage servicing rights (MSR) portfolio ended the fourth quarter at $3.8 billion in market value, a nearly $280 million increase quarter-over-quarter and a 15% increase year-over-year [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fixed income markets exhibited strong performance, contributing to the highest total return in the U.S. aggregate bond index since 2020 [5] - The yield curve steepened during the quarter as short-term yields fell while long-term yields rose modestly [5] - Swap spreads continued to widen, supported by a shift from Quantitative Tightening to balance sheet expansion by the Fed [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase its allocation to residential credit and MSR, targeting a long-term weighting of 50% agency, 30% residential credit, and 20% MSR [46][47] - The diversified housing finance model is expected to continue performing well for shareholders, with a focus on opportunistic investments in the current coupon MSR market [18] - The company remains well-positioned to benefit from growth in the non-QM market and the broader non-agency market [13][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The macroeconomic environment remains solid, with the labor market showing signs of softness but limited layoffs [4] - The company anticipates continued strong results from its investment strategies in 2026, supported by favorable market conditions [16][18] - Risks include global fiscal challenges and potential changes in housing policy that could impact the agency markets [39][40] Other Important Information - The company raised $560 million of common equity through its ATM in Q4, bringing total equity raised in 2025 to $2.9 billion [8] - The economic leverage ratio remained low at 5.6x, down from the previous quarter [22] - Total assets available for financing reached approximately $9.4 billion, providing significant liquidity and flexibility [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on mark-to-market book values - The book value was up 4%, inclusive of the dividend accrual, with a slight increase noted [25] Question: Portfolio returns and comfort level with the dividend in 2026 - The company expects mid-teens returns and feels confident about the durability of the swaps market as a hedge [26] Question: Insights on the MSR portfolio and current coupon MSR - The company is now active in the MSR exchange platforms and is well-positioned to manage recapture effectively [27][29] Question: Impact of potential G-fee cuts on prepayment environment - A G-fee cut on purchase loans is seen as appropriate, but broad cuts could negatively impact the MBS market [31] Question: Factors that could change the current low-risk environment - Risks include global fiscal issues and asset market euphoria, which could lead to corrections [39] Question: Attractiveness of buying lower-coupon MBS - The valuation on low-coupon MBS is tight, and better ways to manage risk are available [41] Question: Likelihood of GSE portfolio caps being increased - The current capacity is far from hitting caps, and future increases remain uncertain [48]