Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a positive economic return of 2.6% for the quarter, consisting of a $0.34 dividend and a modest $0.11 decline in book value to $8.81 [7][22] - The estimated book value per common share as of April 30 is between $7.74 and $8.06, reflecting a decline in April due to market volatility [8][21] - The leverage ratio was reduced from 7.1x to the mid-6s during the quarter, indicating a cautious approach in response to market conditions [21][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The agency RMBS portfolio increased by 9.5% quarter over quarter, with investments focused on higher coupon securities [17] - The company rotated its allocations from lower coupons to higher coupons, capitalizing on attractive valuations [18] - Agency CMBS exposure remained at approximately 15% of the total investment portfolio, with new purchases yielding low double-digit ROEs [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. Treasury yields declined by 20 to 40 basis points across the yield curve during the first quarter, driven by concerns over economic growth [10][11] - The Fed funds futures market is now pricing in deeper cuts, with expectations for the target rate to be reduced three to four times in 2025 [12] - Agency mortgages underperformed treasuries in April due to increased interest rate volatility and market sell-offs [21][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on higher coupon Agency RMBS, anticipating improved demand as interest rate volatility declines [18][23] - The strategy includes increasing allocations to specified pools with predictable prepayment characteristics, particularly in a slowing economic environment [18] - The company is cautious about agency mortgages in the near term but maintains a favorable long-term outlook due to expected improvements in investor demand [8][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about tightening financial conditions and the potential impact of U.S. trade policies on economic growth [5][6] - The outlook remains cautious due to elevated interest rate volatility and policy uncertainty, but there is optimism for a steeper yield curve and improved demand in the long term [23] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining liquidity to navigate potential market stress while capitalizing on investment opportunities as conditions improve [23] Other Important Information - The company noted that prepayment speeds remained low due to limited purchase and refinancing activity, but a decline in mortgage rates is expected to increase prepayment speeds in the coming months [6][7] - The funding market for the company's assets has been stable, with repo spreads remaining attractive [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on leverage management during volatile periods - Management indicated that leverage was reduced by about 0.5 turns in April due to increased uncertainty regarding monetary and fiscal policy [26][28] Question: Comments on returns and spreads - Management noted that levered ROEs are in the low 20s on higher coupons, indicating attractive spreads [30] Question: Changes to the hedge portfolio - The hedge ratio was increased in response to uncertainty about near-term monetary policy, maintaining a mix of swaps and treasuries [34] Question: Impact of portfolio size on dividend levels - Management confirmed that the recent dividend reduction is still comfortably covered by current earnings [36] Question: Opportunity set in agency compared to previous peaks - Management expressed that the current opportunity in mortgages is attractive, but there is caution due to potential inflation and its impact on monetary policy [40][41] Question: Relative value of loan balance pools - Management discussed the rotation from low loan balance pools to more credit-constrained pools, driven by economic uncertainty and pricing dynamics [42][44] Question: Forward rate outlook and hedge portfolio development - Management emphasized a conservative approach to hedging and leverage, given the uncertainty in interest rate cuts [50][52] Question: Opportunities in commercial credit - Management stated that they are currently not looking to add credit exposure and have sold remaining credit investments, focusing solely on agency assets [61][62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, GAAP revenue was $97.7 million, net income was $29.4 million, and earnings per share (EPS) was $0.41, with a year-over-year decline in GAAP earnings primarily due to a nonrecurring loss of $1.9 million on a preferred equity investment [11][12] - The total portfolio at quarter end was $6.8 billion, with estimated unrealized capital appreciation (UCA) at $8.9 billion and a ground lease-to-value (GLTV) ratio of 52% [9][15] - The portfolio currently earns a 3.7% cash yield and a 5.4% annualized yield, with an economic yield of 5.8% that can increase to 7.4% when factoring in unrealized capital appreciation [12][13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company funded a total of $20 million in Q1, consisting of $16 million in ground lease fundings with a 6.7% economic yield and $4 million related to leasehold loans [10] - The ground lease portfolio has grown significantly, with 147 assets and an increase in multifamily ground leases from 8% at IPO to 58% today [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has nonbinding letters of intent (LOIs) totaling approximately $386 million for potential commitments across 11 ground leases and four loans, with six of the ground leases focused on affordable housing [8][9] - The GLTV increased from 49% to 52% quarter over quarter, reflecting the revaluation of the office portfolio [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to reach a scale that unlocks the full value of the business for shareholders while expanding its customer base to provide long-term lower-cost capital [5][6] - The management is focused on capital recycling and evaluating opportunities to address the public versus private valuation disconnect [35][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while the market remains volatile, there are signs of stabilization, and they are optimistic about the pipeline of deals [19][62] - The management expressed a cautious optimism regarding the ability to close deals, emphasizing the importance of controlling the entire capital stack [75][76] Other Important Information - The company has approximately $1.3 billion of liquidity and a well-structured capital base with no near-term maturities [17][20] - The company is rated A3 by Moody's, A- by Fitch, and BBB+ by S&P, with ongoing discussions to improve its credit rating [17][80] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the sponsors and markets related to the LOIs? - The pipeline includes a diverse range of sponsors and markets, with a majority in multifamily, including existing deals and construction projects [25][26] Question: What are the benefits of ground leases versus leasehold loans? - Leasehold loans provide more certainty in volatile markets and can help kickstart transactions that are stalled [27] Question: Can you quantify the closed deals from the LOIs? - The majority of the deals are expected to close this year, with timing varying based on the type of deal [32][33] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding potential joint ventures? - The company is considering joint ventures to unlock value from its existing portfolio while also focusing on new transactions [65][66] Question: How does the company view the current market volatility? - Management acknowledged the ongoing volatility but noted that it has tightened, allowing sponsors to make clearer long-term decisions [44][62] Question: What is the conversation like with S&P regarding credit ratings? - The company is in dialogue with S&P and aims to demonstrate its stability and prudent capital management to achieve a higher rating [80]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, GAAP revenue was $97.7 million, net income was $29.4 million, and earnings per share (EPS) was $0.41, reflecting a decline in GAAP earnings year over year primarily due to a nonrecurring $1.9 million loss on a preferred equity investment [11][12] - Excluding the one-time loss, Q1 EPS increased slightly year over year, driven by higher net earnings on investment fundings and percentage rent [12] - The portfolio currently earns a 3.7% cash yield and a 5.4% annualized yield, with an economic yield of 5.8% [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total portfolio at quarter end was $6.8 billion, with an estimated GLTV of 52% and rent coverage of 3.5 times [9][15] - The company funded a total of $20 million in Q1, consisting of $16 million in ground lease fundings and $4 million related to leasehold loans [10] - The ground lease portfolio has grown 20 times by both book value and estimated unrealized capital appreciation since the IPO, with 85 multifamily ground leases now comprising 58% of the portfolio [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has nonbinding LOIs totaling approximately $386 million for potential commitments across 11 ground leases and four loans, with six of the ground leases focused on affordable housing [7][9] - The portfolio GLTV increased from 49% to 52% quarter over quarter, reflecting the largest office revaluation quarter [14][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to reach a scale that unlocks the full value of the business for shareholders while expanding the customer base that can benefit from long-term lower-cost capital [4][5] - The management is focused on capital recycling and evaluating opportunities to address the public versus private valuation disconnect [35][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management noted that while the market remains volatile, there are signs of stabilization, and they are optimistic about the pipeline of deals [6][19] - The management expressed confidence in the ability to close the majority of the deals in the pipeline within the year, despite the challenges posed by market conditions [31][61] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with approximately $1.3 billion of liquidity, supported by potential available capacity in joint ventures [9][17] - The company has a weighted average debt maturity of approximately 19 years and no corporate maturities due until 2027 [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the sponsors and markets related to the nonbinding LOIs? - The pipeline includes a robust mix of multifamily deals, with diverse locations across the West Coast, Southeast, Northeast, and Midwest [25][26] Question: What are the benefits of ground leases versus leasehold loans? - Leasehold loans provide more certainty in volatile markets and can help kickstart transactions that are stalled [27] Question: Can you quantify the closed deals from the LOIs? - The majority of the deals in the pipeline are expected to close this year, with timing varying based on construction versus recap deals [31] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding joint ventures? - The company is exploring opportunities for joint ventures to unlock value from the existing portfolio while focusing on larger scale deals with current partners [65][66] Question: How does the company view the current market volatility? - The management acknowledged ongoing volatility but noted that it has tightened, allowing sponsors to make clearer long-term capital decisions [44][61] Question: What is the outlook for S&P ratings? - The company is in dialogue with S&P and aims to achieve a third single A rating through prudent capital management and continued deal origination [82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a GAAP net loss applicable to common stockholders of $9.3 million or $0.29 per diluted share for Q1 2025 [6][16] - Book value per common share decreased to $3.58 from $3.82 at the end of Q4 2024 [7][17] - NAV declined approximately $7.5 million or 3.2% relative to December 31 [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The MSR portfolio had an unpaid principal balance (UPB) of $17 billion and a market value of approximately $227 million, representing about 44% of equity capital [10] - The RMBS portfolio accounted for approximately 39% of equity capital, with a weighted average three-month CPR of 5.8% [10][12] - EAD attributable to common stockholders was $5.4 million or $0.17 per share, benefiting from dollar roll income [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Interest rates ended the quarter at 4.25%, approximately 30 basis points lower quarter over quarter [5] - Prepayment speeds for the MSR portfolio averaged approximately 4.1%, down modestly from the previous quarter [11] - RMBS portfolio's net interest spread was 3.55%, higher than the prior quarter [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to deploy capital into Agency RMBS and select MSRs while maintaining strong liquidity and prudent leverage [8] - The management is closely monitoring the macro environment and tariff situation to stress the portfolio for various scenarios [8] - The company aims to improve its expense ratio and capital structure over time by managing operating expenses [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed that rates will continue to be highly reactive to global political agendas and domestic economic data [6] - The uncertainty in the market has led the company to position its portfolio more neutrally to withstand daily volatility [6] - Future EAD is expected to trend lower due to the maturation of a significant hedge that previously contributed to EAD [16][53] Other Important Information - The company completed its first full quarter as an integrated, internally managed mortgage REIT [7] - Operating expenses for the quarter were $3.8 million, reflecting a decline due to the elimination of the management fee [17] - The Board declared a dividend of $0.15 per common share for Q1 2025, paid in cash on April 30 [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What would it take for the company to allocate more to the RMBS portfolio? - Management indicated that all reinvestment income has been directed towards MBS, and significant changes would require selling a portion of the MSR [20][24] Question: Is there any movement in GSE reform affecting capital allocation? - Management stated it is too early to tell, and the market has not fully priced in the potential changes regarding GSE reform [25][29] Question: Can you provide a book value update for Q2? - The company reported a NAV down about 3.7% in April, leading to a 7% book value per share before any dividends [36] Question: How much of the EAD in Q1 was due to the roll-off of expenses associated with internalization? - Approximately $0.02 of EAD in Q1 was attributed to internalization and G&A savings [51] Question: What are the general thoughts on MSR pricing and supply post the Rocket Cooper deal? - Management noted that volumes have been lower and there have not been substantial changes in pricing dynamics in the market [50] Question: Are there opportunities in spec pools within the builder buy-down space? - Management has seen builder buy-downs but has not focused on them for the portfolio, preferring to keep pay-ups modest [44]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company reported a GAAP net loss applicable to common stockholders of $9.3 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, compared to a comprehensive loss of $2.6 million, or $0.08 per diluted share [6][15]. - The book value per common share decreased to $3.58 from $3.82 at the end of Q4 2024, reflecting a decline of approximately 6.3% [7][17]. - The NAV was down approximately $7.5 million, or 3.2%, relative to December 31, 2024 [7]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The MSR portfolio had an unpaid principal balance (UPB) of $17 billion and a market value of approximately $227 million, representing about 44% of equity capital [11]. - The RMBS portfolio accounted for approximately 39% of equity capital, with a weighted average three-month CPR of 5.8%, slightly up from 5.7% in the previous quarter [12][13]. - Prepayment speeds for the MSR portfolio averaged approximately 4.1%, down modestly from the previous quarter, while RMBS prepayment speeds remained low [12]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Interest rates ended the quarter at 4.25%, approximately 30 basis points lower quarter over quarter, but volatility increased due to tariff announcements [5][6]. - The company noted that mortgage performance was mixed, with higher coupon mortgages outperforming lower coupon mortgages [10]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to deploy capital into Agency RMBS and select MSRs, focusing on strong risk-adjusted return profiles while maintaining liquidity and prudent leverage [9]. - Management emphasized the importance of closely managing operating expenses to improve the expense ratio and capital structure over time [8]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and the potential for elevated rates until clear macro policy is established [10][11]. - The company is cautious regarding GSE reform, indicating that current market assumptions about government guarantees may not be well-defined [27][29]. Other Important Information - The company declared a dividend of $0.15 per common share for Q1 2025, paid on April 30, 2025 [18]. - Operating expenses for the quarter were reported at $3.8 million, benefiting from the elimination of management fees [17]. Q&A Session Summary Question: What would it take for the company to allocate more to the RMBS portfolio? - Management indicated that all reinvestment income has been directed towards MBS, and significant changes would require selling a portion of the MSR portfolio [23]. Question: Is there any movement in GSE reform affecting market pricing? - Management stated it is too early to tell, noting that while there have been movements at the GSEs, specific plans regarding government guarantees remain undefined [27][29]. Question: Can you provide a book value update for Q2? - The company reported a NAV down about 3.7% in April, leading to an estimated 7% book value per share before any dividends [36]. Question: How much of the EAD in Q1 was due to the roll-off of internalization expenses? - Approximately $0.02 of EAD in Q1 was attributed to savings from internalization and G&A [52]. Question: What are the general thoughts on MSR pricing and supply post-Rocket Cooper deal? - Management noted that volumes have been lower than the previous year, and no substantial changes in pricing dynamics have been observed [51].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported distributable earnings of $57.3 million or $0.28 per share, and $0.31 per share excluding one-time realized losses from the sale of REO assets [19] - The return on equity (ROE) for the first quarter was approximately 10% [19] - The company anticipates distributable earnings guidance of $0.30 to $0.35 per quarter for 2025 [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the balance sheet lending platform, the company originated $370 million of new bridge loans in the first quarter, with a target of $1.5 billion to $2 billion for 2025 [13] - The agency business had a slow first quarter, producing $6 million in originations and $731 million in loan sales, maintaining strong margins of 1.75% [25] - The investment portfolio grew to $11.5 billion at March 31, with an all-in yield of 7.85% [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a significant backup in long-term rates, creating headwinds for originations [7] - The delinquency rate decreased by 20% to $654 million as of March 31 compared to $819 million at December 31 [22] - The average cost of debt decreased to approximately 6.82% at March 31 from 6.88% at December 31 [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on resolving REO assets and delinquencies, viewing 2025 as a transitional year [18] - A transformational deal was announced with a $1.1 billion repurchase facility to finance assets in existing CLO vehicles, enhancing liquidity and efficiency [4][5] - The company aims to leverage the securitization market to drive higher returns on capital and increase future earnings [37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the current rate environment is volatile and unpredictable, impacting the ability to forecast future earnings [8] - There is optimism regarding a potential reduction in interest rates, which could positively affect agency volumes and earnings [9] - The company is actively working to reposition underperforming assets and improve occupancy and net operating income (NOI) over the next 12 to 24 months [11] Other Important Information - The company has taken back approximately $197 million of REO assets and expects to see these assets grow to between $400 million and $500 million [52] - The average balance on debt facilities was down to approximately $9.4 billion for the first quarter compared to $9.7 billion in the fourth quarter [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for net growth in the Bridge portfolio in 2025? - Management expects net growth in the Bridge portfolio, targeting $1.5 billion to $2 billion in new business while managing runoff effectively [33] Question: What were the primary weaknesses in the 2022 and 2023 vintages? - Management highlighted that the multifamily sector experienced a long period of growth without corrections, leading to poor performance due to economic factors and management issues [39][41] Question: What is the current cash and liquidity situation? - The company has approximately $325 million in cash and liquidity, with plans to enhance leverage and grow liquidity through the securitization market [48][49] Question: What is the expected trajectory for NPLs and REO? - Management anticipates NPLs to decrease and REO to increase to between $400 million and $500 million, focusing on repositioning these assets [52][54] Question: What is the book value at the end of the quarter? - The book value was reported at $11.98 at the end of the quarter [76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated a total economic return of 4.4% for Q1 2025, with both RMBS and MSR contributing positively to the results [4] - Book value increased to $14.66 per share at March 31, compared to $14.47 at December 31, including a $0.45 common stock dividend [10] - Comprehensive income for the first quarter was $64.9 million, or $0.62 per weighted average common share [11] - Economic debt to equity decreased to 6.2 times [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest and servicing income increased by $5.2 million due to portfolio shifts into higher coupon agency RMBS and lower borrowing rates [11] - The company decreased its mortgage exposure by 30% and reduced leverage during the first quarter [15] - The MSR portfolio's prepayment speed was 4.2 CPR for Q1, down 0.7% quarter over quarter [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Interest rates across the US treasury yield curve ended the first quarter lower than at the end of 2024, with two-year and ten-year notes both decreasing by 36 basis points [5] - Prepayment rates for the thirty-year agency RMBS universe decreased by 1.4 percentage points quarter over quarter to 5.6% CPR [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to scale its direct-to-consumer originations platform, increase offerings of second liens, and explore opportunities in the Ginnie Mae market [6][7] - The focus is on growing the presence in third-party subservicing and generating cost efficiencies through technology and AI applications [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about economic uncertainty driven by proposals on tariffs and trade policy, which could impact the dollar's status as the world's reserve currency [6] - The company is managing its portfolio for long-term stability while keeping leverage and risk at muted levels until there is more clarity on the economic path forward [29] Other Important Information - The company has maintained high liquidity levels, with $950 million in unused MSR asset financing capacity and $47 million in unused capacity for service and advances [13] - The MSR market remains well supported, with transfer volume normalizing to pre-COVID levels [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on book value through April and portfolio adjustments - Management indicated a 3.5% decline in book value through early April and noted further risk reduction in the portfolio due to increased volatility [33][34] Question: Impact of Rocket and Mr. Cooper merger on the servicing market - Management believes the merger's impact on demand for MSR will be muted, with combined demand likely equal to the sum of individual demands [41][42] Question: Comfort level with the dividend - Management expressed confidence in supporting the dividend given the current portfolio composition and wider spreads [50] Question: Sensitivity of book value to spread changes - Management explained that the sensitivity to spread changes is lower due to the allocation of capital between MSR and securities [52][56] Question: Liquidity levels and recapture efforts - Management confirmed high liquidity levels and noted that organic recapture from the direct-to-consumer channel remains low but is expected to improve as the platform scales [81][84] Question: Interest in the Ginnie Mae market - Management is exploring the Ginnie Mae market for potential opportunities and to enhance their service offerings [86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated a total economic return of 4.4% for Q1 2025, with both RMBS and MSR contributing positively [5] - Book value increased to $14.66 per share at March 31, compared to $14.47 at December 31 [10] - Comprehensive income for the first quarter was $64.9 million, or $0.62 per weighted average common share [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest and servicing income increased by $5.2 million due to portfolio shifts into higher coupon agency RMBS and lower borrowing rates [11] - The company’s economic debt to equity decreased to 6.2 times, with a 30% reduction in mortgage exposure [16] - The MSR portfolio's prepayment speed was 4.2 CPR for Q1, down 0.7% quarter over quarter [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Interest rates across the US treasury yield curve ended the first quarter lower than at the end of 2024, with two-year and ten-year notes decreasing by 36 basis points [6] - Prepayment rates for the thirty-year agency RMBS universe decreased by 1.4 percentage points quarter over quarter to 5.6% CPR [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to scale its direct-to-consumer originations platform, increase offerings of second liens, and grow its presence in third-party subservicing [7][8] - The company is exploring opportunities in the Ginnie Mae market and diversifying its portfolio in response to the evolving mortgage finance landscape [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about economic uncertainty driven by trade policies and the Fed's response, indicating a cautious approach to portfolio risk [7][28] - The company sees attractive levered returns on Agency RMBS and expects stable cash flows from its low weighted average mortgage rate MSR portfolio [29] Other Important Information - The company maintained high liquidity levels with $950 million in unused MSR asset financing capacity [13] - The company is actively managing its portfolio to take advantage of market dislocations and attractive return opportunities [5][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on book value through April and portfolio changes - Management reported a 3.5% decline in book value through early April and noted further risk reduction in the portfolio due to increased volatility [33][35] Question: Impact of Rocket and Mr. Cooper merger on competitive landscape - Management indicated that the merger may lead to slightly better bidding for MSR but does not represent a wholesale change in market dynamics [42][46] Question: Comfort level with the dividend - Management expressed confidence in supporting the dividend given the current portfolio composition and wider spreads [51] Question: Sensitivity of book value to spread changes - Management explained that the sensitivity to spread changes is lower due to the allocation of capital between servicing and securities [56][58] Question: Volatility and hedging activity impact on static return estimates - Management acknowledged higher convexity costs due to realized volatility but noted that wider spreads could mitigate some of these costs [67][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the fourth quarter was $240 million, up 44% compared to $166 million last year, with adjusted EBITDA of $18 million and net income of $8.5 million [5][18] - For the full year, revenue grew 8% to approximately $696 million, with a net loss of $12.4 million, significantly improved from a net loss of $34 million last year [5][24] - Adjusted EBITDA for the full year was $9.4 million, compared to a negative $19.6 million in the prior year [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Brokerage revenue increased 40% in the fourth quarter, with transaction count up 23% and volume growth of 41% [5][6] - Financing revenue nearly doubled in the fourth quarter to $31 million, a 97% increase year-over-year [20][21] - The core private client business contributed 59% of brokerage revenue in the fourth quarter, down from 66% the previous year [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company closed 7,800 transactions with a total volume of $43.6 billion for the year, reflecting gains of 414% in transaction count [10] - Average transaction size increased to approximately $7 million in the fourth quarter, up from $6.2 million a year ago [19] - The ten-year treasury yield dropped to a low of 3.6% in September, which contributed to increased market activity [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase investor outreach and client contact while focusing on individual producer productivity [15][16] - Investments in technology, including AI, are being made to enhance underwriting and support processes [15][39] - The company is pursuing strategic acquisitions and partnerships to extend market penetration and enhance service offerings [16][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that interest rate volatility remains a significant challenge for closing deals [11] - There is cautious optimism for incremental growth in transactions, driven by situational distress and realistic pricing [12] - The company expects first-quarter revenue to follow seasonal trends and be sequentially lower than Q4 [25][26] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with no debt and $394 million in cash and marketable securities [24][17] - A semi-annual dividend of $0.25 per share was declared, amounting to approximately $10 million [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the different transaction size buckets for commission revenue? - Management highlighted a trend of increased capital in larger transactions, driven by institutional investors and entrepreneurial private investors [30][31] Question: What impact have the recent fires in Greater LA had on multifamily transactions? - Management noted that insurance costs have increased and that there is pressure on operating costs, affecting market sentiment and inventory availability [33][34] Question: Any updates on external growth opportunities or strategic initiatives? - Management indicated ongoing discussions for potential acquisitions but noted valuation concerns as a barrier [37][38] Question: How does the company balance capital allocation between share repurchase and dividends? - Management stated that capital allocation decisions are made opportunistically, with a focus on long-term growth investments [41][42]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The book value at December 31 was $14.47 per common share, down from $14.93 on September 30, resulting in a flat quarterly economic return [6][17] - The company incurred a comprehensive loss of $1.6 million or $0.03 per weighted average common share in Q4 [18] - Net interest expense decreased by $7.4 million in Q4 due to lower RMBS borrowing balances [18] - The economic return for the full year of 2024 was 7.0 percent [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net servicing income was $168 million, slightly down from Q3 due to lower float income [19] - The servicing assets showed a gain of $82.5 million in Q4 after a loss of $133.4 million in Q3 [20] - The weighted average note rate in the MSR portfolio was 3.46%, with mortgage rates around 7% [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The 10-year treasury yield increased by 79 basis points to finish at 4.57% [7] - The 2-year treasury yield increased by 60 basis points to 4.24% [7] - The overall prepayment rates for 30-year agency RMBS rose to 6.9% CPR, reflecting a lagged effect from lower rates in Q3 [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a hedged MSR-centric strategy to generate stable cash flows [14] - A direct-to-consumer origination platform was launched to maintain the servicing portfolio through recapture of underlying mortgage loans [11] - The company aims to expand its second lien loan offerings to borrowers [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects mortgage rates to remain above 6% in the intermediate term, which may keep housing activity muted [9] - The company believes that its MSR portfolio will benefit from the success of servicing and originations [11] - Management expressed optimism about the stability of returns and the potential for attractive levered returns in 2025 and beyond [35] Other Important Information - The company serviced $212 billion UPB of MSR across 861,000 loans, with $58 billion UPB serviced for third-party clients [10] - The economic debt to equity ratio decreased slightly to 6.5 times [26] - The MSR portfolio was valued at $202 billion UPB at December 31, reflecting a slight increase in price multiple to 5.9 times [31][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: How has the book performed so far in the quarter? - Management indicated that total return is estimated to be up between 1.5% to 2% as of the previous night [38] Question: How does the lower leverage level impact earnings power? - Management stated that overall debt to economic ratio is just one measure and that the mix of assets supports stable returns [39][40] Question: What is the outlook for Agency MBS spreads this year? - Management expressed a positive outlook for mortgage spreads, noting a more controlled response since November [46][49] Question: Any thoughts on potential GSE reform? - Management indicated they do not have more information than the market regarding GSE reform and its implications [54] Question: Can you discuss the differences between EAD and static return range? - Management explained that the static return is a mark-to-market basis, while EAD reflects the purchase price and can create timing distortions [60][62] Question: Are there new financing counterparties for the MSR portfolio? - Management noted that the depth of the market for MSR financing continues to grow with new entrants [70][71] Question: How have costs changed in response to rate cuts? - Management stated that financing costs have decreased as the Fed has cut rates, impacting both MSR and RMBS sides [73]