Core Insights - New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. reported a net income of $30.285 million for the first quarter of 2025, translating to a basic earnings per share of $0.33, a significant recovery from a net loss of $68.34 million in the same period of the previous year [2][37][41] - The company achieved an economic return on book value of 3.13% and an economic return on adjusted book value of 2.71% for the quarter [2][4] - The company completed the issuance of $82.5 million in senior notes, raising approximately $79.3 million in net proceeds, which will support its investment activities [6] Financial Performance - Interest income for the quarter was reported at $129.734 million, up from $83.892 million year-over-year, while interest expense increased to $96.636 million from $66.029 million [37][41] - The net interest income for the quarter was $33.098 million, compared to $17.863 million in the same quarter of the previous year [37][41] - The yield on average interest-earning assets was 6.47%, with a net interest spread of 1.32% [2][23] Investment Activities - The company purchased approximately $1.5 billion in Agency RMBS with an average coupon of 5.35% and $396.8 million in residential loans with an average gross coupon of 9.33% [7] - Two securitizations of residential loans were completed, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $326.3 million [8] - The company repurchased 231,200 shares of its common stock for a total cost of approximately $1.5 million, averaging $6.50 per share [9] Capital Allocation - As of March 31, 2025, the total investment portfolio carrying value was $8.270581 billion, with significant allocations in residential loans and investment securities [11] - The company reported total assets of $10.004055 billion, an increase from $9.217282 billion at the end of the previous year [35] Management Commentary - The CEO highlighted that the increased investment activity in the first quarter was a response to more attractive market conditions, leading to a substantial boost in earnings [10] - The management believes that the strengthened balance sheet will provide flexibility to capitalize on market dislocations and further grow earnings throughout the year [11]

Core Insights - AGNC (NASDAQ: AGNC) operates a leveraged model that invests in mortgage-backed securities, enhancing returns by utilizing funding from lower interest rate entities [1] - The company employs hedging strategies, including interest rate swaps and US-based securities, to protect its investments from significant volatility [1] Company Overview - AGNC focuses on mortgage-backed securities, which are financial instruments backed by mortgage loans [1] - The company’s investment strategy is designed to capitalize on lower interest rates to maximize returns [1] Investment Strategy - The use of leverage in AGNC's model allows for increased potential returns, but also introduces additional risk [1] - Hedging techniques are critical for mitigating risks associated with interest rate fluctuations and market volatility [1]

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 - For Q1 2025, the company earned $0.18 per share compared to $0.07 in Q4 2024 [8] - Book value at March 31, 2025, was $7.94 per share, down from $8.09 at December 31, 2024 [8] - Total return for the quarter was 2.6% unannualized, compared to 0.6% for Q4 2024 [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average portfolio size for Q1 was just under $6 billion, up from $5.3 billion in Q4 2024 [9] - The leverage ratio increased to 7.8% at March 31, 2025, from 7.3% at December 31, 2024 [9] - Prepayment speeds were 7.8% in Q1, down from 10.5% in Q4 2024 [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market experienced significant volatility due to tariffs and their expected impact on the economy and inflation [11][72] - Swap spreads moved meaningfully negative late in the quarter and into April, affecting mortgage performance [18][22] - The performance of agency mortgages was strong, being the second-best sector in fixed income markets [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company raised $206 million in capital during Q1 2025, selling 25 million shares of stock [42] - The strategy involved deploying proceeds into higher coupon, shorter duration assets while hedging predominantly with longer duration hedges [31] - The company is cautious about future capital raising, considering the current market volatility and the need for liquidity [108][122] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expressed uncertainty regarding future economic conditions, citing potential slower growth and upward pressure on inflation due to tariffs [71][75] - The company is positioned with a skew towards higher coupon, shorter duration assets, which should benefit from a steeper yield curve [76] - Management remains vigilant and ready to reposition as market conditions evolve [77] Other Important Information - The company declared and paid dividends of $0.36 per share for each quarter [8] - The liquidity position at March 31, 2025, was 52.2%, slightly down from 52.9% at December 31, 2024 [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the duration gap at the end of the quarter and to-date? - The company does not provide duration in numerical terms but uses DV01, which was reported as $13, indicating a very narrow duration gap [84][85] Question: What is the current book value? - As of last Thursday, the estimated book value was $7.24, down 8.8%, but as of last night, it was estimated at $7.28, reflecting a decline of 8.3% quarter-to-date [94][95] Question: Where do you see gross ROE sitting today? - The gross ROE is very high, potentially in the range of 20%, with spreads on 7-year swaps versus current coupon above 200 basis points [103][104] Question: How are you looking at dividend issuance and buybacks? - The company is cautious about buybacks given the current stock price and may consider raising capital for liquidity purposes [108][122] Question: Will the 2025 dividend be 100% taxable income? - It is too early to confirm, but year-to-date, the taxable income has been in line with distributions [127][129]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1, the company earned $0.18 per share compared to $0.07 in Q4 [5] - Book value at March 31 was $7.94 per share compared to $8.09 at December 31 [5] - Total return for the quarter was 2.6% unannualized compared to 0.6% for Q4 [5] - Liquidity at March 31 was 52.2% compared to 52.9% at December 31 [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average portfolio was just under $6 billion compared to $5.3 billion in Q4 [6] - The leverage ratio at March 31 was 7.8 compared to 7.3 at December 31 [6] - Prepayment speeds were 7.8% in Q1 compared to 10.5% for Q4 [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market moved to price in three or more Fed cuts by the end of the year [11] - Swap spreads moved meaningfully negative late in the quarter and into April [14] - The spread of the current coupon mortgage to the ten-year has widened significantly [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company raised capital during the quarter and deployed it into higher coupon, shorter duration assets [24] - The strategy includes using longer duration hedges to mitigate exposure to declining swap spreads [24] - The company is focused on maintaining liquidity and is prepared to raise capital if necessary [76] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expressed uncertainty due to market volatility driven by tariffs and inflation [55] - The expectation is for slower growth and potential Fed eases, which could lead to a steeper yield curve [58] - The company is positioned with a skew towards higher coupon, shorter duration assets, which should work well in the current environment [59] Other Important Information - The company declared and paid dividends of $0.36 per share for each quarter [5] - The management acknowledged a mistake in the initial earnings release regarding the breakdown of earnings per share [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the duration gap at the end of the quarter and to date? - The duration gap is very narrow, with a DV01 basis of $13, remaining about the same as of now [62][63] Question: Where do you see gross ROE sitting today? - The gross ROE is estimated to be around 20%, with high volatility in swaps [73] Question: How are you looking at dividend issuance and buybacks? - The company is cautious about buybacks due to stock trading close to book value and may consider raising capital for liquidity [76][78] Question: Will the 2025 dividend be 100% taxable income? - It is uncertain at this point, but the taxable income has been right on top of the distribution year to date [91][93] Question: Thoughts on the Rocket Mortgage and Nationstar deal? - The deal may increase prepayment speeds and impact the convexity of the mortgage universe negatively [99][100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1, the company earned $0.18 per share compared to $0.07 in Q4, with a book value of $7.94 per share down from $8.09 at the end of Q4 [5][6] - Total return for the quarter was 2.6% unannualized, an increase from 0.6% in Q4 [5] - The average portfolio size was just under $6 billion, up from $5.3 billion in Q4, with a leverage ratio of 7.8 compared to 7.3 at the end of Q4 [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average portfolio size increased, indicating a more substantial investment in mortgage-backed securities [6] - Prepayment speeds decreased to 7.8% in Q1 from 10.5% in Q4, reflecting changes in market conditions [6][52] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market experienced significant volatility due to tariffs and their expected impact on the economy and inflation, leading to pricing in multiple Fed cuts by year-end [11][60] - Swap spreads moved meaningfully negative late in the quarter, impacting mortgage performance [14][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company raised capital during the quarter, deploying it into higher coupon, shorter duration assets, and hedging with longer duration instruments [24][32] - The strategy focuses on maintaining a balance between risk and return, particularly in a volatile market environment [61] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed uncertainty regarding future economic conditions, highlighting potential inflationary pressures and slower growth due to tariffs [56][60] - The company is positioned to benefit from a steeper yield curve, which is anticipated to occur as a result of the current economic landscape [61] Other Important Information - The company declared and paid dividends of $0.36 per share for the quarter, maintaining a consistent payout [5] - Liquidity at the end of Q1 was 52.2%, slightly down from 52.9% at the end of Q4 [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the duration gap at the end of the quarter and to date? - Management indicated that the duration gap is narrow, with a DV01 basis of $13, remaining consistent [64][65] Question: What is the current book value? - The estimated book value was $7.28, reflecting an 8.3% decline quarter to date [70][71] Question: Where do you see gross ROE sitting today? - Management suggested that ROE is very high, potentially around 20%, due to volatile market conditions [79] Question: How are you looking at dividend issuance and buybacks? - Management noted that buybacks were reactivated due to stock price declines, and future capital raising may be considered for liquidity purposes [81][82] Question: How does the Rocket Mortgage and Nationstar merger affect prepay speeds? - Management indicated that the merger could lead to faster prepayment speeds, impacting the convexity of the mortgage universe [104]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, the company generated GAAP net income applicable to common stockholders of $9.1 million or $0.29 per diluted share, while earnings available for distribution (EAD) were $3.3 million or $0.10 per share, impacted by approximately two cents per share of special committee-related expenses [12][25][26] - Book value per common share decreased to $3.82 from $4.02 as of September 30, 2024, with NAV down approximately $5.5 million or 2.3% relative to the previous quarter [13][26] - Financial leverage remained consistent at 5.3 times, with $46 million of unrestricted cash on the balance sheet [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The MSR portfolio had a UPB of $17.3 billion and a market value of approximately $234 million, representing about 46% of equity capital [19] - The RMBS portfolio accounted for approximately 38% of equity capital, with a weighted average three-month CPR of approximately 5.7% compared to 5.4% in the previous quarter [22][23] - The RMBS net interest spread was 2.9% lower than the prior quarter due to improved repo costs being offset by a reduction in swap and dollar roll income [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Long-term yields rose to seven-month highs, with the ten-year yield ending at 4.57%, nearly eighty basis points higher quarter over quarter [7] - Mortgage spreads widened and volatility increased due to concerns about the US election and future debt levels, despite two rate cuts by the Fed [16] - Prepayment speeds for the MSR portfolio averaged approximately 4.7% for Q4, down modestly from the previous quarter, while RMBS prepayment speeds rose modestly as expected [20][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company completed the internalization of management, which is expected to reduce operating expenses in 2025 by $1.1 million to $1.6 million [9][11] - The investment strategy will continue to focus on agency RMBS and select MSRs that present strong risk-adjusted return profiles while maintaining strong liquidity and prudent leverage [14][15] - The company remains cautious of the macroeconomic environment and geopolitical factors, expecting to maintain its current investment strategy [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns over persistent inflation and uncertainty about economic growth, indicating that additional rate cuts in 2025 will be fewer than previously expected [8] - The company anticipates continued volatility in the near term, with rates expected to remain higher until inflation shows signs of moderating or economic growth falters [18] - Management highlighted the importance of aligning management and shareholder interests through internalization, improving transparency and decision-making processes [10] Other Important Information - Operating expenses for the quarter were $4.5 million, including special committee-related expenses [28] - The board declared a dividend of $0.15 per common share for Q4 2024, paid in cash on January 31, 2025 [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Special committee expenses and internalization benefits - The special committee expenses were found in the SG&A line item, and benefits from internalization will be reflected in SG&A and compensation and benefits going forward [31][33] Question: Repo costs and portfolio growth - Elevated repo costs were attributed to year-end expenses, but benefits have been seen in the first quarter, with potential for growth through capital raising [35][36][42] Question: Capital allocation between investment bins - The increase in servicing equity composition was due to an increase in MSR value, with a focus on RMBS for better returns in the current environment [48][51] Question: Expectations for Fed rate cuts - Expectations for fewer rate cuts this year may impact investment strategies, with a focus on the MSR portfolio's returns if rates drop [56][57] Question: Refinance activity and spec pools - Current refinanceability stands at about 5-10%, with a need for mortgage rates to drop to around 5.7%-5.8% for significant refinancing activity [71][73]