The past 12 months have borne witness to a role reversal between developed and emerging markets (EMs). While the US Federal Reserve has held steady on rates, Asia’s EMs are benefiting from easing inflation and a weaker dollar – conditions that have supported more accommodative monetary policies.“In a way, it is as if the US has become the EM market, with high yields, high inflation and high volatility whereas the EM space has low rates, low inflation and low volatility,” says Mathieu Lépinay, global head o ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 2025, the company reported a GAAP net loss applicable to common stockholders of $900,000 or $0.03 per diluted share, with a comprehensive loss of $600,000 or $0.02 per diluted share [17][19] - The book value per common share decreased to $3.34 from $3.58 as of March 31, 2025, reflecting a decline in NAV of approximately $6.2 million or 2.7% [7][19] - Earnings available for distribution (EAD) attributable to common stockholders were $3.2 million or $0.10 per share, impacted by the maturity of a significant hedge [17][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mortgage servicing rights (MSR) portfolio had an unpaid principal balance (UPB) of $16.6 billion and a market value of approximately $225 million, representing about 43% of equity capital [12] - The residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) portfolio accounted for approximately 36% of equity capital, with a prepayment speed of 6.1 CPR [12][14] - The RMBS net interest spread was reported at 2.61%, lower than the previous quarter due to the impact of a maturing swap position [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The ten-year treasury yield ended the quarter at 4.23%, slightly higher than the previous quarter, with the Agency MBS sector experiencing negative performance due to mortgage basis underperforming [6] - The economic environment showed resilience with low inflation, and the company is closely monitoring the Fed's potential shift towards a rate cut cycle [6][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company entered a strategic partnership with RealGenius LLC, a digital mortgage technology firm, to enhance its investment strategy and explore unique growth opportunities [7][9] - The management indicated a potential shift towards a more risk-on investment strategy as the economic environment stabilizes, while maintaining strong liquidity and prudent leverage [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the economic recovery and the potential for rate cuts by the Fed, which could positively impact refinancing incentives and portfolio performance [9][13] - The company plans to proactively manage its portfolio and adjust its capital structure to enhance shareholder value through improved performance and earnings [15] Other Important Information - The company raised approximately $9 million of capital through its common ATM program and ended the quarter with $58 million of unrestricted cash [7] - Operating expenses for the quarter were reported at $3.4 million, and dividends were declared for both common and preferred stockholders [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What caused the lower servicing costs this quarter? - Management noted that lower servicing costs were due to deboarding fees from a prior quarter related to the Mr. Cooper acquisition, and a decrease in loan count [24] Question: What is the expectation for leverage moving forward? - Management expects leverage to gradually increase as the year progresses, influenced by economic conditions and potential Fed actions [26][28] Question: Can you provide details on the partnership with RealGenius and its projections? - The partnership is expected to be profitable within the first six to seven months, with dividends anticipated within the first year [33] Question: Are there any updates on the current book value? - The book value per share as of July 31 is expected to remain flat compared to June 30, prior to any third-quarter dividend accrual [39]

Financial Performance - MetroCity Bankshares reported net income of $16.8 million, or $0.65 per diluted share, for Q2 2025, an increase from $16.3 million in Q1 2025 and a slight decrease from $16.9 million in Q2 2024 [1][3] - For the first half of 2025, net income was $33.1 million, up from $31.6 million in the same period of 2024, representing a 4.9% increase [4] Revenue and Expenses - Net interest income for Q2 2025 was $32.2 million, an increase of $1.6 million from Q1 2025, driven by a rise in interest income [3][5] - Noninterest income for Q2 2025 was $5.7 million, a 5.1% increase from Q1 2025, attributed to higher gains on mortgage loans [9] - Noninterest expense totaled $14.1 million in Q2 2025, an increase of 2.3% from Q1 2025, primarily due to higher loan-related expenses and merger-related costs [13][14] Asset Quality - The provision for credit losses was $129,000 in Q2 2025, slightly down from $135,000 in Q1 2025, indicating stable asset quality [24] - Nonperforming assets decreased to $15.2 million, or 0.42% of total assets, down from $18.5 million in Q1 2025 [25][26] Balance Sheet - Total assets were $3.62 billion as of June 30, 2025, a decrease of $44 million from March 31, 2025, primarily due to declines in loans held for sale and investment [18] - Loans held for investment were $3.12 billion, a slight decrease from $3.13 billion in Q1 2025, but an increase from $3.09 billion in Q2 2024 [20] - Total deposits were $2.69 billion, down 1.7% from Q1 2025, reflecting a decrease in interest-bearing demand deposits [21][22] Merger Activity - MetroCity completed the acquisition of First IC Corporation and First IC Bank, with all regulatory approvals received, and the merger is expected to finalize in early Q4 2025 [2]