Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported GAAP net income applicable to common stockholders of $5.3 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, compared to a book value per common share of $3.44, up from $3.36 at the end of Q3 2025 [5][15] - The NAV increased by approximately $3.1 million, or 1.3%, relative to September 30, 2025 [5] - Financial leverage remained consistent at 5.4x, indicating a prudent leverage strategy [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The MSR portfolio had a UPB of $15.9 billion with a market value of approximately $215 million, representing about 40% of equity capital [10] - The RMBS portfolio accounted for approximately 40% of equity capital and 79% of investable assets, excluding cash [10] - The RMBS portfolio's net interest spread was 2.52%, lower than the previous quarter due to reduced dollar roll income [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a stabilization in the interest rate environment and a steeper yield curve, which positively impacted performance [9] - The RMBS portfolio's prepayment speeds rose to 8.5% CPR for the three-month period ended December, compared to 6.1% for the prior quarter [11] - The market environment showed a flight to quality, with net spreads tightening initially but then widening in February [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to seek out investment opportunities that are accretive to its business while maintaining strong liquidity and prudent leverage [8] - The strategic partnership with Realgenius LLC is expected to facilitate growth as mortgage rates potentially decrease [7] - The company is focused on growing thoughtfully while managing its capital structure to enhance shareholder value [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the potential for additional Fed rate cuts, which could lead to lower mortgage rates and increased refinancing activity [7] - The company anticipates a low recapture rate and relatively low net CPR in the near term due to the characteristics of its MSR portfolio [11] - Management noted that the market has changed from Q4 2025 to early 2026, with tightening spreads in January followed by a widening in February [20] Other Important Information - Operating expenses for the quarter were reported at $3.3 million, reflecting a normalization after non-recurring expenses in the previous quarter [16] - A dividend of $0.10 per common share was declared for Q4 2025, paid in cash on January 30, 2026 [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Market conditions at the start of 2026 compared to 2025 - Management noted that net spreads tightened initially but then widened in February, indicating a flight to quality in the market [20] Question: Normalized level for CPR - Management indicated that the CPR could normalize around 15% if mortgage rates decrease, with current speeds around 8.5% [25] Question: Drop in G&A expenses - The decrease in G&A expenses was attributed to the normalization of expenses after non-recurring costs in the previous quarter [34] Question: Share buybacks and preferred stock strategy - Management is considering strategies for preferred stock buybacks and is focused on growing the company rather than immediate share repurchases [36] Question: Update on book value - As of March 31, 2026, the book value is expected to increase by about 1% compared to December 31, 2025 [46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported GAAP net income applicable to common stockholders of $5.3 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, compared to a book value per common share of $3.44, up from $3.36 as of September 30, 2025 [5][16] - The NAV increased by approximately $3.1 million, or 1.3%, relative to September 30, 2025 [5] - Financial leverage remained consistent at 5.4x, indicating a prudent leverage strategy [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The MSR portfolio had a UPB of $15.9 billion with a market value of approximately $215 million, representing about 40% of equity capital [10] - The RMBS portfolio accounted for approximately 40% of equity capital and 79% of investable assets, excluding cash [10] - The RMBS portfolio's net interest spread was 2.52%, lower than the previous quarter due to reduced dollar roll income [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a stabilization in the interest rate environment and a steeper yield curve, which contributed to gains in spread and equity markets [9] - The RMBS portfolio's prepayment speeds rose to 8.5% CPR for the three-month period ended December, compared to 6.1% for the prior quarter [11] - The market experienced tightening in January followed by widening in February, indicating a flight to quality in the mortgage market [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to seek out investment opportunities that are accretive to its business while maintaining strong liquidity and prudent leverage [8] - The strategic partnership with Real Genius LLC is expected to facilitate growth as mortgage rates potentially decrease [6][7] - The company plans to continue managing its portfolio proactively to enhance shareholder value through improved performance and earnings [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the potential for reduced mortgage rates to accelerate growth for Real Genius as more homebuyers look to refinance [7] - The company is monitoring the mortgage rate environment closely, particularly the impact of Fed rate cuts on refinancing opportunities [12] - Management acknowledged a softer tone in the market compared to the previous quarter, with a focus on quality in investment decisions [21] Other Important Information - Operating expenses for the quarter were reported at $3.3 million, reflecting a normalization from non-recurring expenses in the previous quarter [17] - The company declared a dividend of $0.10 per common share for Q4 2025, paid in cash on January 30, 2026 [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Market conditions at the start of 2026 compared to 2025 - Management noted that net spreads tightened initially due to GSEs reinvesting in mortgage-backed securities, but the market has since shown signs of widening and a flight to quality [20][21] Question: Normalized level for CPR - Management indicated that the CPR could normalize around 20% if mortgage rates drop to 5.5%, with current speeds around 8.5% [27] Question: Drivers of the drop in G&A expenses - The decrease in G&A expenses was attributed to the normalization of costs following non-recurring expenses related to personnel changes in the previous quarter [35] Question: Share buybacks and preferred stock strategy - Management is considering strategies regarding preferred stock buybacks and is focused on growing the company rather than immediate share repurchases [37] Question: Update on book value - As of March 31, the book value is expected to show about a 1% increase compared to December 31 [47]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GAAP net income for Q4 2025 was $7 million or $0.08 per share, while full-year net income was $144 million or $1.72 per share [10] - GAAP book value at the end of Q4 was $19.70 per share, with an economic return on GAAP book value of -0.9% for Q4 and +7.4% for the full year [11] - Earnings available for distribution (EAD) for Q4 was $45 million or $0.53 per share, and for the full year, it was $141 million or $1.68 per share [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The investment portfolio segment reported economic net interest income of $65 million for Q4, with a yield on average interest-earning assets of 5.9% and a net interest spread of 1.4% [12] - HomeXpress funded $1 billion in production during Q4 with a gain-on-sale premium of 358 basis points, and its EBITDA was $11 million for the quarter [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the year with $528 million in total cash and unencumbered assets, down from $752 million at the end of Q3 [14] - Agency swap OAS tightened by approximately 22 basis points in Q4, while generic non-QM AAAs firmed by 5 basis points [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build a hybrid REIT focused on diversification, liquidity, and fee-based income, with a clear plan to grow Agency RMBS and acquire MSRs [5][9] - The acquisition of HomeXpress is expected to enhance capabilities and reach, contributing to a diversified residential platform [6][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, focusing on unlocking capital and redeploying into earnings-accretive investments [24] - The company anticipates strong demand for non-QM loans and related securitized products, projecting significant growth in the market [25] Other Important Information - Compensation, general, and administrative expenses increased by $22 million year-over-year due to staffing costs related to acquisitions [16] - The company generated over $600 million of capital through portfolio and capital markets activity, supporting its portfolio realignment [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on HomeXpress volume and gain on sale - Management noted typical seasonal reduction in volume but expects a strong first quarter compared to last year, with good gain on sale premiums [32][33] Question: Context for dividend increase - The company balanced dividend size with the need to retain capital for growth, ensuring sufficient EAD coverage [40][41] Question: Originating second liens and non-QM volume outlook - Currently not originating second mortgages but sees significant growth potential in non-QM loans, projecting a 20%-25% market growth in 2026 [46][48] Question: Change in book value and securitized debt - The decline in book value is attributed to faster increases in the value of securitized debt compared to loan values, but this does not affect economic risk [49][50] Question: Credit enhancement levels in securitization trusts - Management does not expect a material decline in credit enhancement levels, viewing securitization as an economic consideration [53][54]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GAAP net income for Q4 2025 was $7 million or $0.08 per share, while for the full year it was $144 million or $1.72 per share [10] - GAAP book value at the end of Q4 was $19.70 per share, with an economic return on GAAP book value of -0.9% for the quarter and +7.4% for the full year [11] - Earnings available for distribution (EAD) for Q4 was $45 million or $0.53 per share, and for the full year, it was $141 million or $1.68 per share [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The investment portfolio segment reported economic net interest income of $65 million in Q4, with a yield on average interest-earning assets of 5.9% and a net interest spread of 1.4% [12] - Home Express funded $1 billion in production in Q4 with a gain-on-sale premium of 358 basis points, and its EBITDA was $11 million for the quarter [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the year with $528 million in total cash and unencumbered assets, down from $752 million at the end of Q3 [14] - Agency swap OAS tightened by approximately 22 basis points in Q4, while generic non-QM AAAs firmed by 5 basis points [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build a hybrid REIT focused on diversification, liquidity, and fee-based income, with a clear plan to grow Agency RMBS and acquire MSRs [5][9] - The acquisition of Home Express is expected to enhance capabilities and reach, contributing to a diversified residential platform [6][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, focusing on unlocking capital and redeploying into earnings-accretive investments [24] - The company anticipates strong demand for non-QM loans and related securitized products, projecting significant growth in the non-QM market [25][48] Other Important Information - Compensation, general, and administrative expenses increased by $22 million year-over-year due to staffing costs related to acquisitions [16] - The company generated over $600 million of capital through portfolio and capital markets activity, supporting its portfolio realignment [18][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on HomeXpress volume and gain on sale - Management noted typical seasonal reduction in volume post-holidays but remains optimistic about Q1 2026 performance compared to last year [33] Question: Relative value between adding more agencies versus securitizations - Management emphasized the importance of portfolio construction and maintaining a balance between agency and credit components [35] Question: Context for dividend increase - The company aims to balance dividend payouts with sufficient EAD coverage to support growth in operating aspects of the business [40] Question: Non-QM volume outlook for 2026 - Management anticipates significant growth in the non-QM market, projecting origination volumes to increase by 20%-25% [46][48] Question: Change in book value and securitized debt - Management explained that while loan values increased, the faster increase in securitized debt value led to a reduction in reported book value [49][50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GAAP net income for Q4 2025 was $7 million or $0.08 per share, while for the full year it was $144 million or $1.72 per share [11] - GAAP book value at the end of Q4 was $19.70 per share, with an economic return on GAAP book value of -0.9% for the quarter and +7.4% for the full year [12] - Earnings available for distribution (EAD) for Q4 was $45 million or $0.53 per share, and for the full year, it was $141 million or $1.68 per share [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The investment portfolio segment reported an economic net interest income of $65 million for Q4, with a yield on average interest-earning assets of 5.9% and a net interest spread of 1.4% [13] - Home Express funded $1 billion in production during Q4 with a gain-on-sale premium of 358 basis points, and its EBITDA was $11 million for the quarter [13][27] - The company ended the year with a total leverage of 5.1-to-1, compared to the REIT average of 2.4-to-1 [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Agency swap OAS tightened by approximately 22 basis points in Q4, while generic non-QM AAAs firmed by 5 basis points [19] - Treasury yields had a tightening bias, with the two-year, ten-year Treasury spread ending the year at 69 basis points, approximately 37 wider than at the beginning of the year [20] - Mortgage rates decreased by approximately 70 basis points for the year, ending at 6.15% [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build a diversified residential platform capable of generating long-term value, focusing on portfolio diversification, liquidity expansion, and fee-based income growth [10] - The acquisition of Home Express is a key part of the strategy to enhance capabilities and reach within the residential mortgage market [6][10] - The company is committed to maintaining a long-term orientation while adapting to market conditions and evolving its operational capabilities [7][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the first quarter of 2026, expecting strong revenue and gain on sale premiums despite typical seasonal reductions in volume [33] - The company anticipates continued growth in the non-QM and business purpose loan markets, projecting a market growth of 20%-25% in 2026 [46] - Management emphasized the importance of capital allocation and the balance between dividend payouts and reinvestment for growth [39] Other Important Information - The company raised approximately $120 million in unsecured debt, with the majority of funding for transformation coming from its own portfolio [6] - Compensation, general, and administrative expenses increased by $22 million year-over-year, primarily due to staffing costs related to acquisitions [16] - The company is focused on managing capital at risk and evaluating cash flow generating capital rather than short-term valuation movements [50] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Home Express volume and gain on sale - Management noted a typical seasonal reduction in volume but expressed optimism for Q1 2026, expecting good revenue compared to the previous year [33] Question: Relative value between adding more agencies versus securitizations - Management highlighted the importance of portfolio construction and maintaining a balance between agency and credit components, with a focus on MSR allocation [34][35] Question: Context of dividend increase - Management explained that the dividend increase was sized to ensure sufficient EAD coverage while allowing for growth in operating aspects of the business [39] Question: Originating second liens and non-QM volume outlook - Management confirmed they are not currently originating second mortgages but anticipate significant growth in the non-QM market in 2026 [46] Question: Change in book value and securitized debt - Management clarified that the reduction in book value was due to the faster increase in the value of securitized debt compared to loan values, emphasizing the focus on managing capital at risk [49][50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2025, the company reported GAAP net income applicable to common stockholders of $2 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, with comprehensive income of $4.5 million, or $0.12 per diluted share [14][15] - Book value per common share increased to $3.36 from $3.34 as of June 30, 2025, reflecting a slight growth [5][15] - Earnings available for distribution (EAD) were $3.3 million, or $0.09 per share [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The MSR portfolio had an unpaid principal balance (UPB) of $16.2 billion and a market value of approximately $219 million, representing about 41% of equity capital [10] - The RMBS portfolio stood at approximately $782 million, up from $756 million in the previous quarter, indicating a strategic shift towards lower and middle-of-the-coupon stack mortgages [12] - The net interest spread for the RMBS portfolio was approximately 2.87%, higher than the previous quarter, driven by increased asset purchases [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The 10-year yield ended the quarter marginally lower at 4.15%, with mortgage rates hovering around 6% [4][7] - The average net CPR for the MSR portfolio was approximately 5.9%, consistent with the previous quarter, while the RMBS portfolio's prepayment speeds held steady at 6.1% CPR [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company adjusted its dividend to $0.10 per share, aligning it with earnings power for sustainability [6] - A strategic partnership with Real Genius LLC was highlighted, focusing on enhancing the digital mortgage experience, which is expected to accelerate growth as mortgage rates decrease [6][8] - The company aims to monitor the economic environment closely while seeking investment opportunities that are accretive to its business [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a reduction in macro volatility and anticipated continued easing from the Fed, which could lead to higher prepayment speeds for high coupon mortgages [4][5] - The company expressed optimism regarding the potential for accelerated growth due to lower mortgage rates, which may encourage refinancing and home purchases [8] Other Important Information - Financial leverage remained consistent at 5.3 times, with $55 million of unrestricted cash, indicating a solid liquidity profile [5] - Operating expenses for the quarter were reported at $3.8 million [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the Real Genius partnership, was it opportunistic, or can more partnerships be expected? - Management indicated that while they are not prepared to forecast, they are open to exploring interesting and creative opportunities that align with their skill set [19][20] Question: Thoughts on expenses going forward, particularly G&A and compensation? - Management acknowledged a 12.5% sequential rise in G&A and compensation, attributing it to personnel changes and professional fees, but anticipates costs to decrease moving forward [25][28] Question: Update on current book value? - Management reported that the book value per share as of October 31 was up about 1.2% from September 30, before any fourth-quarter dividend accrual [33]