Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the fourth calendar quarter, the company reported a GAAP net loss of $0.56 per share, with a net asset value (NAV) total return of negative 9.1% [12][16] - The NAV per share at year-end was $5.19, with cash and cash equivalents totaling $24.3 million [16][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Significant mark-to-market losses on CLO equity drove the net loss for the quarter, while CLO mezzanine debt performed better [12][14] - The weighted average GAAP yield for the CLO portfolio decreased to 13.7%, down from 15.5% in the prior quarter [13] - CLO equity represented 52% of total CLO holdings, remaining roughly unchanged from the prior quarter [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The CLO equity market faced challenges, with a median CLO equity return of negative 9% for the quarter and negative 14% for the full year [5][12] - In the U.S. leveraged loan market, lower-rated CCC loans faced significant pressure, while premium-priced loans continued to refinance at par [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has increased its allocation to CLO mezzanine debt tranches, which are believed to offer a compelling balance of yield and downside protection [7][19] - The company executed 218 CLO trades during the nine-month period following its conversion to a CLO closed-end fund, reflecting a disciplined and active approach to portfolio management [23][22] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management noted that the fourth quarter was challenging for CLOs, but disciplined portfolio management helped cushion the impact and position the company for future opportunities [11][21] - Looking ahead, the company aims to rebuild net investment income and NAV by deploying capital into what appears to be a distressed market, viewing it as fertile ground for trading opportunities [26][27] Other Important Information - The company increased its credit hedge portfolio to approximately $175 million, representing about 90% of its NAV, providing significant protection against market volatility [10][11] - The company is exploring the potential issuance of long-term unsecured debt to enhance its capital position [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the company's stance on the software sector amid negative headlines? - The management emphasized the importance of diversification by sector and name, noting that while there are concerns in the software sector, there will be both winners and losers [30][34] Question: Can the company quantify the proportion of loans that are triple C rated or lower? - The management indicated that the typical CCC bucket in a CLO is around 7.5%, estimating that their exposure is not far off from the CLO market average of 4.4% [38][43] Question: What is the drag from credit hedges on the portfolio? - The management stated that the drag from credit hedges is estimated to be around 1%-2% of fund NAV per annum, which is considered reasonable for the protection provided [51][52] Question: How do redemptions affect the CLO market? - The management noted that redemptions can create opportunities for active trading, as flows move between different funds and portfolios [64][65] Question: What is the recovery timeline and structure for potential defaults in the CLO market? - The management explained that recoveries from leveraged loans historically have been above zero, with an average par burn rate of about 75 basis points annually [67][69]

Ellington Credit Company (NYSE:EARN) Q4 2025 Earnings call March 05, 2026 11:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsAlaael-Deen Shilleh - Associate General CounselBenjamin Graham - Equity Research AssociateChristopher Smernoff - CFOGregory Borenstein - Portfolio ManagerJason Weaver - Managing DirectorLaurence Penn - CEONone - Company RepresentativeConference Call ParticipantsEric Hagen - Managing Director and BTIG Mortgage and Specialty Finance AnalystOperatorPlease stand by. Your meeting is about to begin. Good morn ...