New York Mortgage Trust (NYMT) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 01, 2025 09:00 AM ET Company Participants Kristi Mussallem - AVP - Investor RelationsJason Serrano - Chief Executive OfficerKristine Nario-Eng - CFONicholas Mah - PresidentRandy Binner - Managing DirectorMatthew Erdner - Director Conference Call Participants Marissa Lobo - Analyst Operator Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for standing by. Welcome to the New York Mortgage Trust First Quarter twenty twenty five Results Conference Call. Duri ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The recurring earnings in Q1 2025 increased to a level consistent with the company's dividend of $0.20 per share, reflecting a strategic portfolio restructuring initiated two years ago [6][7] - Earnings Available for Distribution (EAD) per share rose to $0.20 in Q1 2025 from $0.16 in Q4 2024, while quarterly EPS contribution from adjusted net interest income increased to $0.40 per share, up from $0.36 in the prior quarter [12][13] - GAAP book value and adjusted book value per share increased to $9.37 and $10.43 respectively, representing a 1% increase compared to the end of 2024 [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Agency RMBS investments now account for over 50% of company assets, with approximately $1.5 billion of Agency RMBS purchased in Q1 2025, nearly four times more than the previous quarter [11][18] - In the residential credit sector, $397 million of whole loans were purchased, with a focus on bridge loans and rental loans [19][20] - The portfolio recourse leverage ratio decreased to 0.5 times from 1.1 times, reflecting successful securitizations in the residential loan sector [10][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market experienced spread widening in Agency RMBS and residential credit, with current coupon agency spreads widening from 135 basis points to 143 basis points [22] - As of April 2025, adjusted book value is estimated to be down approximately 1.5% [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a strong focus on Agency RMBS while also exploring opportunities in residential credit, particularly BPL rental loans [21][41] - The strategic shift towards more liquid agency RMBS is intended to enhance flexibility in capital allocation depending on market conditions [21][22] - The company has reduced its JV equity exposure to less than 1% of the overall portfolio, indicating a shift in investment strategy [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for additional revenue generation through service fee income and highlighted the importance of operational efficiencies in supporting dividend coverage [8][12] - The company anticipates continued market volatility but is prepared to deploy liquidity into attractive investment opportunities as they arise [21][22] - Management does not foresee significant impacts from potential GSE reforms in the near to medium term [33][34] Other Important Information - The company recognized net unrealized gains of $118.2 million during the quarter, primarily from higher valuations in the agency RMBS portfolio [14] - General and administrative expenses increased slightly due to non-recurring employee severance costs related to restructuring initiatives [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of FHFA and GSEs changes on business - Management discussed potential GSE reforms, indicating that it could lead to higher mortgage rates and liquidity issues, but does not expect significant changes in the near term [33][34] Question: Update on book value performance in Q2 - As of April 2025, adjusted book value is estimated to be down approximately 1.5% [38] Question: Capital allocation strategy amidst market volatility - Management confirmed a continued focus on Agency RMBS and BPL, with a preference for BPL rental over BPL bridge loans [40][41] Question: Timing surrounding mezzanine and multifamily investments - The 10% payoff rate mentioned was year-to-date as of early April, with expectations for continued resolutions in the multifamily mezzanine portfolio [44] Question: Future capital allocation preferences - Management expressed a preference for Agency RMBS in the near term but acknowledged the potential for shifts depending on market conditions [46]