Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a total economic return of negative 14.5% for the second quarter, and negative 1.4% excluding a loss contingency accrual of $1.92 per share [5][16] - The book value decreased to $12.14 per share, reflecting the impact of the loss contingency accrual [16] - A comprehensive loss of $221.8 million or $2.13 per share was reported, which would have been $21.9 million or 21¢ per share without the accrual [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - First lien originations increased to $48 million UPB in Q2, up 68% from $29 million UPB in Q1, outpacing the nationwide trend of 16% [8] - Second liens brokered amounted to $44 million UPB, with the company beginning to originate second liens in its own name [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose from 6.6% to a high near 6.9%, stabilizing in the 6.7% to 6.8% range by the end of the quarter [6][7] - The volume of MSR available in the bulk market has decreased by about 30% year over year [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is enhancing its direct-to-consumer originations platform to recapture loans in its portfolio that may refinance [8] - Significant investments in AI technologies are being made to improve efficiencies and customer experiences [11][12] - The core strategy focuses on low coupon MSR paired with agency RMBS to benefit from stable prepayments and wide agency spreads [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management noted ongoing tariff threats and geopolitical tensions as potential market weighers, but also highlighted opportunities in the current environment [30] - The company expects RMBS and MSR portfolios to respond positively if the Federal Reserve cuts rates later in the year [7] Other Important Information - The company issued $115 million in senior notes due in 2030 for net proceeds of $110.8 million, part of which will be used for refinancing [19] - The economic debt to equity ratio increased to 7x, which is within the historical leverage range of 5 to 8 [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the current leverage level a new standard? - Management confirmed that the leverage of 7x is within the historical range and reflects current market conditions [34][35] Question: Update on economic return performance in July? - The company reported an economic return of about 1.5% for July [36] Question: Differences between expected returns and EAD metric? - Management explained that EAD is based on historical purchase yields, while expected returns reflect forward-looking market conditions [43] Question: Thoughts on financing strategy and shift from repo to unsecured? - The issuance of a baby bond was primarily to prefinance the maturity of existing convertible debt [63] Question: Impact of steepening yield curve on the portfolio? - Management indicated that a steepening yield curve could have counterbalancing effects on MSR values, affecting both float income and prepayment assumptions [70] Question: Plans for second liens in the investment portfolio? - The company is open to retaining second liens if yields are attractive, but will also consider selling them [55] Question: Expense structure and AI investment impact? - Most AI-related expenses will be recognized as operational expenses rather than capitalized, affecting the expense ratio [88][92]