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Fat Dividends Served Reality Check
Seeking Alpha· 2025-05-29 22:54
Core Insights - The article discusses the anticipated decline in book value for mortgage REITs during Q1 2025, indicating a negative trend in the sector [1][4][6] - Two Harbors is highlighted as a significant underperformer among agency mortgage REITs, facing legal challenges that could further impact its book value [4][5] - The overall volatility in the mortgage REIT market is contributing to the decline in book values, with most companies projected to see decreases ranging from 1.4% to 14.5% [6][7] Mortgage REITs - The article notes that volatility in the market, including tariff issues and bond market fluctuations, is detrimental to mortgage REITs [6] - Most mortgage REITs are expected to experience declines in book value per share, with only one REIT estimated to have a slight increase of less than 1% [7] - ARMOUR Residential REIT is mentioned as one of the larger projected losers in terms of book value [8] Business Development Companies (BDCs) - In contrast to mortgage REITs, BDCs are showing more stability in book value, with gains of about 1% for the top performers and declines of around 2% for the worst performers [9] Legal and Management Issues - Two Harbors' management faced criticism for their performance during the pandemic, leading to a legal battle that may result in significant financial losses for shareholders [4][5] - The potential legal loss for Two Harbors could allow the former external manager to collect approximately $140 million, raising concerns about corporate governance and accountability [4][5] Investment Strategy - The article emphasizes a preference for lower-risk shares due to the current volatility in the market, suggesting a cautious approach to investment in mortgage REITs [10]
Ellington Residential Mortgage REIT(EARN) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-21 16:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For calendar Q1, the company reported a net loss of $0.23 per share and adjusted distributable earnings of $0.26 per share [10] - The overall net interest margin increased by 20 basis points to 5.27, supported by a growing capital allocation to CLOs [10][11] - The economic return for the quarter was negative 3.2%, with book value per share at $6.08 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The CLO portfolio increased by 46% to $250 million, while capital allocated to CLOs expanded to 81% from 72% [12] - The agency mortgage portfolio decreased slightly to $504 million from $512 million at the end of the previous quarter [12] - The portfolio P&L by strategy showed a negative $0.24 per share from CLOs and a positive $0.08 from agency [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market experienced turbulence in March, with credit spreads widening and prices declining across high yield, investment grade, and CLO debt tranches [8] - Significant tariff de-escalations in May led to credit spreads and prices reversing course, retracing a significant portion of the March and April moves [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company successfully completed its conversion to a registered closed-end fund and changed its fiscal calendar to begin on April 1 [5][6] - The strategy focuses on increasing the CLO portfolio while maintaining liquidity and flexibility in response to market conditions [23][30] - The company plans to add corporate debt to its liability structure later this year, which should be accretive to net investment income [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there were mark-to-market losses in calendar Q1, most price declines were driven by credit spread widening rather than realized credit losses [23] - The company is optimistic about deploying capital in a compelling market and believes it is well-positioned to drive strong earnings moving forward [30] Other Important Information - The company plans to issue monthly updates on portfolio metrics and net asset value on its website [27] - The company maintained high levels of liquidity, with approximately 18.8% of the total portfolio in cash and cash equivalents as of April 30 [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the yield on newly acquired CLOs compare to the previous $250 million? - Management indicated that the weighted average yield varied from slightly wider to potentially hundreds of basis points back, depending on the type of assets purchased [34][35] Question: Do you have dry powder to deploy? - Management confirmed that they still have good dry powder available for deployment [37] Question: What are the latest thoughts on the ADE trajectory? - Management stated that they might be a little short this quarter but are on track for coverage in the third quarter [56]
Ellington Residential Mortgage REIT(EARN) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-21 16:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For calendar Q1, the company reported a net loss of $0.23 per share and adjusted distributable earnings of $0.26 per share [9] - The overall net interest margin increased by 20 basis points to 5.27, supported by a growing capital allocation to CLOs [9] - The economic return for the quarter was negative 3.2%, with book value per share at $6.08 [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The CLO portfolio increased by 46% to $250 million, while capital allocated to CLOs expanded to 81% from 72% at the end of the previous quarter [11] - The agency RMBS holdings decreased slightly to $504 million from $512 million at the end of the previous quarter [11] - The portfolio P&L by strategy showed a negative $0.24 per share from CLOs and a positive $0.08 from agency [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market experienced strong performance in January and February, followed by turbulence in March due to fears of tariffs, slowing growth, and persistent inflation [7] - Credit spreads widened significantly in March, impacting CLO mezzanine debt and equity tranches, leading to meaningful price declines [7][8] - Recent tariff de-escalations have led to credit spreads and prices reversing course in May, recovering a significant portion of the declines [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company successfully completed its conversion to a registered closed-end fund and changed its fiscal calendar to begin on April 1 [4][5] - The strategy focuses on increasing the CLO portfolio while maintaining liquidity and flexibility in response to market conditions [22][29] - The company plans to add corporate debt to its liability structure later this year, which should be accretive to net investment income [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there were mark-to-market losses in calendar Q1, most price declines were driven by credit spread widening rather than realized credit losses [22] - The company is optimistic about deploying capital in a compelling market and believes it is well-positioned to drive strong earnings moving forward [29] - Management expects to be slightly short on dividend coverage in the second quarter but is on track for recovery in the third quarter [56] Other Important Information - The company disposed of all remaining mortgage positions shortly after April 1, which allowed for increased liquidity and buying power [8][25] - As of April 30, approximately 18.8% of the total portfolio, or about $59 million, was in cash and cash equivalents, providing ample dry powder for deployment [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the yield on newly acquired CLOs compare to the previous $250 million? - Management indicated that the weighted average yield varied from slightly wider to potentially hundreds of basis points back, depending on the type of assets purchased [34] Question: Is there still dry powder available for deployment? - Management confirmed that there is still good dry powder available and that cash reserves are maintained to allow for increased portfolio size [37][39] Question: What are the latest thoughts on the ADE trajectory? - Management stated that they might be slightly short on covering the dividend in the second quarter but are on track for recovery in the third quarter [56]
Better Dividend Stock: Healthpeak Properties vs. AGNC Investment
The Motley Fool· 2025-05-20 07:04
Core Viewpoint - Real estate investment trusts (REITs) can provide significant dividend yields, with AGNC Investment and Healthpeak Properties being highlighted for their monthly dividends, but their sustainability and growth potential differ significantly [1]. Group 1: AGNC Investment - AGNC Investment is a mortgage REIT that invests in Agency MBS, which are protected against credit risk by government agencies, and it employs leverage to enhance returns, resulting in a high monthly dividend yield of 15.7% [3]. - The CEO noted that the outlook for agency MBS investments remains favorable, with potential returns in the low-20% range, which exceeds the company's total cost of capital of approximately 18% [4]. - However, AGNC has previously cut its dividend when returns fell below costs, indicating that it may not be the best option for investors seeking a highly sustainable income stream [5]. Group 2: Healthpeak Properties - Healthpeak Properties is a healthcare REIT with a diversified portfolio that includes outpatient medical, lab, and senior housing properties, providing stable cash flow with contractual annual rental increases [7]. - The REIT's adjusted funds from operations (FFO) have grown by 19% over the past three years, and it expects to generate between $1.81 and $1.87 per share of FFO this year, comfortably covering its $1.22-per-share dividend [9]. - Healthpeak has a strong balance sheet with $500 million to $1 billion available for new investments, and it recently raised its dividend payout by 2%, indicating a capacity for future dividend increases [10][12].
Mortgage REITs: Is The Thrill Of Victory Worth The Agony Of Defeat?
Seeking Alpha· 2025-05-18 11:00
Group 1 - Mortgage REITs have a long history, gaining popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s as large banks and mortgage brokers established their own [1] - The iREIT® Tracker provides comprehensive data on over 250 tickers, including quality scores, buy targets, and trim targets, aimed at enhancing investment research [1] - The introduction of the iREIT Buy Zone Ratings Tracker allows members to screen for value, enhancing investment decision-making [2] Group 2 - A promotional offer includes a 2-week free trial and a complimentary book, aimed at attracting new members to the iREIT® platform [4]
Starwood Property Trust(STWD) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-05-09 11:43
Q1 2025 SUPPLEMENTAL REPORTING INFORMATION Table of Contents | Press Release | Page | 1 | | --- | --- | --- | | Highlights | Page | 7 | | Commercial and Residential Lending Segment | Page | 10 | | Infrastructure Lending Segment | Page | 18 | | Property Segment | Page | 19 | | Investing and Servicing Segment | Page | 22 | | Capitalization | Page | 24 | | Appendix | Page | 30 | (i) Cover photo: $190M first mortgage participation in The Perigon, Miami Beach PRESS RELEASE – Closed $1.3 Billion After Quarter End ...
Starwood Property Trust Reports Results for Quarter Ended March 31, 2025
Prnewswire· 2025-05-09 11:00
– Quarterly GAAP Earnings of $0.33 and Distributable Earnings (DE) of $0.45 per Diluted Share –– Invested $2.3 Billion, Including $1.4 Billion in Commercial Lending and Record $0.7 Billion in Infrastructure Lending –– Closed $1.3 Billion After Quarter End, Including $0.9 Billion in Commercial Lending –– Issued $500 Million of Corporate Debt, Extending Average Maturity to 3.7 Years –– Current Liquidity of $1.5 Billion –– Paid Quarterly Dividend of $0.48 per Share for Over a Decade –MIAMI BEACH, Fla., May 9, ...
Claros Mortgage Trust(CMTG) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-08 15:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company reported a GAAP net loss of $0.56 per share and a distributable loss of $0.25 per share [11] - Distributable earnings prior to realized losses were $0.08 per share, with earnings from REO investments contributing a distributable loss of $0.03 per share [11] - The held for investment loan portfolio decreased to $5.9 billion at March 31 from $6.1 billion at December 31, primarily due to loan resolutions [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company fully realized five loans, receiving $7 million in proceeds from repayments and resolutions, which improved liquidity and reduced leverage [8] - Hospitality exposure was reduced by $326 million, reflecting a strategic move in light of economic headwinds [9] - A $214 million facility was closed to finance non-performing loans through the REO stage, indicating progress in the multifamily REO strategy [9][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted widening spreads in the real estate capital markets and a pause in transactions by institutional participants due to heightened uncertainty from U.S. tariff and foreign policy volatility [6][7] - The economic and political climate is impacting capital markets and investor sentiment, which may affect the company's operational strategies [10][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing liquidity, reducing leverage, and optimizing outcomes on watch list loans, with strategies including loan sales and discounted payoffs [11][12] - Management is considering various paths for loan resolutions, including divesting, extending, recapitalizing, or taking assets over as REO, depending on market conditions [10] - The company aims to achieve $2 billion in realizations over the year, with $600 million already completed [60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the ongoing higher rate environment and its headwinds to broader real estate recovery, while expressing optimism about achieving strategic goals [7][10] - The company is navigating a period of uncertainty and volatility, with plans to remain pragmatic and proactive in its approach [16] - Management believes that fundamentals at the property level remain strong, despite the challenges in the broader market [59] Other Important Information - The company reported total liquidity of $136 million as of March 31, which includes cash and undrawn credit capacity [16] - The company has extended repo facilities with Wells Fargo and Goldman Sachs, indicating constructive relationships with repo counterparties [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on two large multifamily loans - Management is still anticipating payoffs for the two loans maturing on July 31 and August 1, but may need to evaluate other options due to market volatility [18][19] Question: Current thoughts on term loan B - The term loan matures in August 2026, and management is evaluating options including amending and extending the loan or exploring private credit solutions [21] Question: Update on repo counterparties - The company has extended its repo facilities with Wells Fargo and Goldman Sachs, and is evaluating capacity size based on current financing needs [34][35] Question: Summary statistics for the overall portfolio - The portfolio is transitioning, with a significant reduction in construction assets and an increase in cash-flowing multifamily exposure [41][45] Question: Total REO expected this year and liquidity implications - The company is actively working on monetizing current REO assets and expects to take on additional multifamily assets, with no initial liquidity outflow anticipated from the new financing facility [50][51] Question: Consideration of splitting the company into separate entities - Management is considering various strategies for REO but currently has no plans to split the company into separate entities focused on development and mortgage REIT operations [55]
Claros Mortgage Trust(CMTG) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-08 15:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company reported a GAAP net loss of $0.56 per share and a distributable loss of $0.25 per share [10] - Distributable earnings prior to realized losses were $0.08 per share, with earnings from REO investments contributing a distributable loss of $0.03 per share [10] - The held for investment loan portfolio decreased to $5.9 billion at March 31 from $6.1 billion at December 31, primarily due to loan resolutions [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company fully realized five loans, receiving $67 million in proceeds from repayments and resolutions, which improved liquidity and reduced leverage [7] - Hospitality exposure was reduced by $326 million, reflecting a strategic move in light of economic headwinds [8] - A $214 million facility was closed to finance non-performing loans through the REO stage, indicating progress in the multifamily REO strategy [8][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted widening spreads in the real estate capital markets and a pause in transactions by institutional participants due to heightened uncertainty [6] - The economic and political climate is impacting capital markets and investor sentiment, which may affect the company's operational momentum [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing liquidity, reducing leverage, and optimizing outcomes on watch list loans through various strategies including loan sales and discounted payoffs [10] - The management is considering various paths for loan resolutions, including divesting, extending, recapitalizing, or taking assets over as REO depending on market conditions [9] - The company aims to manage liquidity effectively while preparing for future liability maturities and seeking to improve asset performance [58] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the ongoing volatility in U.S. tariffs and foreign policy, which has created uncertainty in the economy and commercial real estate [5] - Despite the challenges, management expressed optimism about achieving strategic goals and improving liquidity through realizations [6][58] - The company is preparing for potential economic headwinds and recessionary fears while remaining proactive in its strategies [9] Other Important Information - The company reported total liquidity of $136 million as of March 31, which includes cash and undrawn credit capacity [15] - The company has a target of $2 billion in realizations for the year, with $600 million achieved so far [58] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on large multifamily loans - Management confirmed that two large multifamily loans are still in process, with maturities approaching [17][18] Question: Thoughts on term loan B - Management is evaluating options for the term loan B, including amending and extending the existing loan or exploring private credit solutions [19][20] Question: Repo counterparties update - Management extended the Wells Fargo facility for another year and the Goldman Sachs repo facility for two years, indicating constructive relationships with repo lenders [31][32] Question: Portfolio statistics and liquidity implications - Management discussed the transitional nature of the portfolio, with a focus on improving liquidity and managing funding commitments [40][41] Question: Total REO expected this year - Management indicated that the REO strategy is fluid, with potential monetization of assets in the near term and ongoing evaluations of additional REO acquisitions [48][49]
Invesco Mortgage Capital (IVR) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-08 14:02
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 [9][10] - 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 [10][26] - The leverage ratio was reduced from 7.1x to the mid-6s, indicating a cautious approach in response to market conditions [24][26] 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 [19] - The company rotated its allocations from lower coupons to higher coupons, capitalizing on attractive valuations [20] - Agency CMBS exposure remained at approximately 15% of the total investment portfolio, with new purchases yielding low double-digit ROEs [21] 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 [12][13] - 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 [14] - Agency mortgages underperformed treasuries in April due to increased interest rate volatility and market sell-offs [9][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on higher coupon Agency RMBS, anticipating improved demand from banks and overseas investors as interest rate volatility declines [20][26] - The strategy includes increasing allocations to specified pools with predictable prepayment characteristics, particularly those with low credit score borrowers [20] - The company is cautious on agency mortgages in the near term but maintains a favorable long-term outlook due to expected improvements in investor demand [10][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted tightening financial conditions and increased uncertainty regarding monetary and fiscal policies, impacting market sentiment [6][10] - The outlook for the second half of the year is cautiously optimistic, with expectations for improved demand for Agency RMBS as the economic environment stabilizes [16][26] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining liquidity and reducing leverage to navigate current market volatility [24][26] Other Important Information - The company has been disciplined in adding exposure to Agency CMBS, focusing on relative value and risk diversification [21] - The funding market for assets has remained stable, with repo spreads consistent and haircuts unchanged [15] - The company has sold remaining credit investments, focusing entirely on agency assets [65] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the decision to take down leverage? - The company reduced leverage by about 0.5 turns due to increased uncertainty regarding monetary, fiscal, and trade policy, which could impact mortgage demand [29][30] Question: What are the current returns on an incremental basis? - Levered ROEs are in the low 20s on higher coupons, indicating attractive spreads [32] Question: Can you comment on changes to the hedge portfolio in April? - The hedge ratio was increased due to uncertainty about near-term monetary policy, maintaining a mix of swaps and treasuries [35][36] Question: How does the smaller portfolio size impact the dividend level? - The company is comfortably covering the dividend despite the portfolio size reduction, with supportive ROEs from reinvestments [38] Question: How do current opportunities in agency compare to previous peaks? - The opportunity in mortgages is attractive, but there is caution regarding potential inflation and its impact on monetary policy adjustments [41][42] Question: What is the outlook for forward rates and the hedge portfolio? - There is uncertainty about future cuts, with a conservative approach to managing the hedge portfolio and leverage [50][52] Question: Are there opportunities in commercial credit? - The company has been hesitant to add credit exposure and has sold remaining credit investments, focusing solely on agency assets [64][65]