Core Insights - The article focuses on analyzing Rithm Capital Corp.'s (RITM) recent performance metrics in comparison to 17 mortgage real estate investment trust (mREIT) peers, highlighting investment composition, leverage, hedging coverage, and economic returns [1][3][54] Investment Composition and Portfolio Overview - As of September 30, 2025, RITM's investment portfolio consisted of 21% fixed-rate agency MBS, 0% variable-rate agency MBS, 32% mortgage servicing rights (MSR), and 47% non-agency MBS and other mortgage-related investments [19][28] - RITM's diverse investment strategy includes subsidiaries like Newrez, SCU, Crestline, and RPT, which contribute to a broad range of financial investments [28][39] Leverage and Hedging Coverage - RITM's on-balance sheet leverage ratio was 2.4x, with an at-risk leverage ratio of 1.0x as of September 30, 2025, indicating a slight decrease in on-balance sheet leverage and a slight increase in at-risk leverage compared to the previous quarter [20][21] - The hedging coverage ratio for RITM decreased to 58% as of September 30, 2025, reflecting the company's strategy to prepare for lower mortgage interest rates [51] Economic Returns and Valuation - RITM reported a book value (BV) of $12.83 per share at the end of Q3 2025, representing a quarterly increase of 0.94% and an economic return of 2.91% for the same period [22][23] - The trailing 24-month economic return for RITM was 20.37%, ranking it as the 4th best performer among the analyzed mREIT peers, significantly outperforming the average returns of other mREIT categories [55] Comparative Analysis with Peers - RITM's economic return and leverage metrics indicate it operates with lower average leverage compared to its closest peer, PMT, and the broader mREIT sector, which helps mitigate book value volatility [56] - The stock price of RITM was trading at a 13.44% discount to the estimated current BV as of December 5, 2025, suggesting potential undervaluation [52][53]

Core Insights - The company reported strong third quarter results, demonstrating effective strategy execution and a balanced business model that adapts well to changing market conditions [5][30]. - Adjusted pretax income reached $31 million, with an annualized adjusted return on equity (ROE) of 25%, exceeding guidance for the quarter and year to date [6][22]. - The company experienced record origination volume and steady servicing profitability, contributing to book value growth, which increased to $62 per share, up 5% year over year [7][29]. Financial Performance - Revenue grew by double digits year over year and over the trailing quarter, driven by both servicing and origination units [22]. - The adjusted ROE for the year-to-date was 20%, above the upper end of guidance, with expectations to exceed the full year adjusted ROE guidance of 16% to 18% [23][28]. - GAAP net income was reported at $2.03 per share, reflecting a tax provision expense of $4 million related to tax planning strategies [6][22]. Business Segments - The origination segment saw a significant increase in adjusted pretax income, driven by strong recapture execution and improved performance in the B2B channel [24]. - The servicing segment contributed $31 million to adjusted pretax income, with growth in average UPB and revenue, although offset by higher runoff [25]. - The company’s Consumer Direct team achieved a recapture performance rate of 85%, indicating strong customer retention and growth potential [13][24]. Market Conditions and Strategy - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on both high and low interest rate environments, with a focus on maintaining agility in asset management [8][30]. - The servicing portfolio grew by $17 billion or 6% year over year, driven by double-digit origination growth [9]. - The company anticipates continued interest in subservicing options, with expectations for subservicing additions in the second half of the year to exceed $32 billion [14]. Technology and Innovation - The company has invested in AI and technology to enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and competitive positioning [19][21]. - The focus on integrating robotics and machine learning aims to optimize processes and improve decision-making across operations [20][21]. - The technology investments have resulted in improved cycle times, processing costs, and customer access, contributing to overall business performance [20].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recorded a comprehensive loss of $80.2 million, or $0.77 per share, including a litigation settlement expense of $175.1 million, which equates to $1.68 per share [16][17] - The return on book value was -0.63% including the litigation expense, while it would have been +7.6% excluding the expense [16] - Total economic return for the third quarter was -6.3%, and +7.6% without the litigation expense [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The RMBS portfolio decreased from $11.4 billion to $10.9 billion due to agency securities sales [6] - The company funded $49 million of UPB in first and second liens during the third quarter, with an additional $52 million UPB in the origination pipeline at quarter-end [12] - The company brokered $60 million UPB in second liens, a significant increase from $44 million in Q2 [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Fed cut rates by 25 basis points in September, marking the first cut since November 2024, which positively impacted equity markets, with the S&P 500 up almost 8% by quarter-end [10] - The nominal spread for current coupon RMBS tightened by 26 basis points to 145 basis points to the swap curve [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance and grow its servicing and origination activities while focusing on a MSR-focused investment strategy [9] - The company plans to redeem $262 million of outstanding convertible notes to reduce structural leverage to historical levels [8] - The company is optimistic about the investment opportunities available in the market, particularly in the MSR and MBS portfolio [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's liquidity and risk metrics following the litigation settlement [5] - The company sees no reason for its stock to trade at an 11% discount to book value, given the quality of its assets and the uncertainty created by the litigation now resolved [13] - Management highlighted the importance of technology investments to maintain growth in the direct-to-consumer origination platform [69] Other Important Information - The company has established a significant relationship with a new sub-servicing client, bringing the total sub-servicing UPB to approximately $40 billion [11] - The company is focused on improving efficiencies and lowering costs in light of the recent settlement payments [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key drivers of the increase in the EAD in the third quarter relative to the second quarter? - The increase in EAD is attributed to the decrease in financing costs, allowing asset yields to remain constant [34] Question: Can you give us an update on your book value quarter to date? - The book value was up about 1% as of last Friday [37] Question: Can you talk about the various risk metrics as you think about the size of the portfolio? - The company considers multiple risk metrics, including returns available on asset classes and the ideal mix in the current market context [41][43] Question: Does the return potential slide factor in potential cost savings? - The return potential slide reflects current costs, and there is potential upside as cost savings are realized [44][46] Question: Can you help us understand the strategy behind the coupon positioning? - The coupon exposure is managed based on how rates move and the current coupon's position relative to risk exposures [51][52] Question: Can you give us color on growth opportunities in the sub-servicing business? - The company is focused on developing relationships and attracting clients dissatisfied with their current sub-servicers [60] Question: How do you see MSR valuations responding to a further drop in interest rates? - MSR valuations are expected to remain stable, with strong demand for low gross WAC MSR despite potential declines in prices [87][88] Question: What is the valuation of the flow MSRs that you're originating versus your existing portfolio? - The price multiple for the entire portfolio is 5.8x, with variations based on coupon rates [99]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recorded a comprehensive loss of $80.2 million, or $0.77 per share, including a litigation settlement expense of $175.1 million, which was $1.68 per share [16][17] - The return on book value was negative 0.63% including the litigation expense, while it would have been positive 7.6% excluding the expense [16][17] - Total economic return for the third quarter was negative 6.3%, and positive 7.6% without the litigation expense [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The RMBS portfolio decreased to $10.9 billion from $11.4 billion due to agency securities sales [6] - The company sold $19.1 billion UPB of MSR and an additional $10 billion UPB expected to settle soon, both slightly above marks [6][8] - The direct-to-consumer originations platform funded $49 million of UPB in first and second liens, with a record high of $60 million UPB in second liens brokered during the quarter [12][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Fed cut rates by 25 basis points in September, marking the first cut since November 2024, which positively impacted equity markets, with the S&P 500 up almost 8% by quarter-end [10][11] - The nominal spread for current coupon RMBS tightened by 26 basis points to 145 basis points to the swap curve [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its MSR-focused investment strategy and grow its servicing and origination activities [9][13] - The company plans to redeem $262 million UPB of outstanding convertible notes to reduce structural leverage to historical levels [8] - The company is optimistic about the investment opportunities available in the market, particularly in the MSR and MBS portfolio [15][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's liquidity and risk metrics post-litigation settlement, indicating a clear path forward [5][9] - The company sees mortgage spreads as attractive despite recent tightening and believes its strategy is well-positioned to capitalize on market conditions [14][31] - Management highlighted the importance of technology investments to improve customer experiences and reduce costs [13][69] Other Important Information - The company has established a significant relationship with a new sub-servicing client, bringing the total sub-servicing UPB to approximately $40 billion [8] - The company is focused on improving efficiencies and lowering costs in light of the recent settlement payments [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key drivers of the increase in the EAD in the third quarter relative to the second quarter? - The increase in EAD is attributed to the decrease in financing costs, allowing asset yields to remain constant [34] Question: Can you give us an update on your book value quarter to date? - The book value was up about 1% as of last Friday [37] Question: Can you talk about the various risk metrics as you think about the size of the portfolio following the settlement? - The company looks at multiple risk metrics, including returns available on asset classes and overall leverage [41][43] Question: Does the return potential slide factor in potential cost savings? - The return potential slide reflects current costs, with potential upside as cost savings are realized [44][46] Question: Can you help us understand the coupon positioning strategy? - The coupon exposure is managed based on how rates move and the current coupon risk in the MSR portfolio [51][52] Question: Can you provide insight into growth opportunities in the sub-servicing business? - The company is focused on building relationships and attracting clients dissatisfied with their current sub-servicers [60][61] Question: How do you see MSR valuations responding to a further drop in interest rates? - MSR valuations are expected to remain stable, with strong demand for low gross WAC MSR [87][88] Question: What is the valuation of the flow MSRs that you're originating versus your existing portfolio? - The price multiple for the entire portfolio is 5.8 times, with variations based on coupon rates [99][100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recorded a comprehensive loss of $80.2 million, or $0.77 per share, including a litigation settlement expense of $175.1 million, which equates to $1.68 per share [14][15] - Excluding the litigation expense, the company would have generated comprehensive income of $94.9 million, or $0.91 per share [14] - The total economic return for the third quarter was negative 6.3%, while it would have been positive 7.6% without the litigation expense [8][14] - For the first nine months of the year, the total economic return on book value was negative 15.6% and positive 9.3% excluding the expense [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The RMBS portfolio decreased from $11.4 billion to $10.9 billion due to sales of agency securities [5] - The company sold $19.1 billion UPB of MSR and an additional $10 billion UPB expected to settle soon, both slightly above marks [5] - The direct-to-consumer originations platform funded $49 million of UPB in first and second liens, with an additional $52 million UPB in the origination pipeline at quarter-end [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Fed cut rates by 25 basis points in September, marking the first cut since November 2024, which positively impacted equity markets, with the S&P 500 up almost 8% by quarter-end [9][10] - The nominal spread for current coupon RMBS tightened by 26 basis points to 145 basis points to the swap curve [21] - The market for MSR remains competitive, with only about 3% of the MSR portfolio considered in the money at current mortgage rates [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance and grow its servicing and origination activities, focusing on a MSR-focused investment strategy [7][12] - The company plans to redeem $262 million UPB of outstanding convertible notes to reduce structural leverage to historical levels [6] - The company is optimistic about the growth of its sub-servicing business, establishing significant relationships with third-party clients [5][56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the portfolio adjustments and the ability to capitalize on opportunities in the MSR and MBS portfolio [12][30] - The company views mortgage spreads as attractive despite recent tightening and believes risks to MBS performance are symmetric, supporting their strategy [13] - Management highlighted the importance of technology investments to maintain growth in the direct-to-consumer origination business [63] Other Important Information - The company has approximately $770.5 million in cash on the balance sheet after the litigation settlement payment [17] - The weighted average days to maturity for agency RMBS repo was 88 days at quarter-end [18] - The company is focused on improving efficiencies and lowering costs, with significant savings already identified [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Key drivers of the increase in EAD in Q3 - The increase in EAD was driven by a decrease in financing costs, allowing asset yields to remain constant [32][34] Question: Update on book value quarter to date - The book value was up about 1% as of the last Friday [36] Question: Discussion on various risk metrics post-settlement - The company looks at multiple risk metrics, balancing returns available on asset classes with overall leverage and liquidity [40][42] Question: Cost savings impact on return potential - Current return potential estimates do not factor in potential cost savings, indicating upside potential as those savings are realized [43] Question: Strategy behind coupon exposure - The coupon exposure is managed based on how rates move and the current coupon's risk relative to the MSR portfolio [47][50] Question: Growth opportunities in the sub-servicing business - The company is focused on developing relationships and attracting clients dissatisfied with their current sub-servicers [54][56] Question: Valuation of flow MSRs versus existing portfolio - The valuation of flow MSRs is marked to market prices, and recapture cash flows do not impact the mark but affect yield [82]

Financial Performance - The company reported a comprehensive loss of $(0.77) per share [6] - The economic return on book value was (6.3)% [6] - Excluding litigation settlement expense, the economic return on book value was 7.6% [6] - A common stock dividend of $0.34 per share was declared [6, 13] Portfolio Composition - The investment portfolio totaled $13.5 billion [6] - The portfolio composition included Agency RMBS of $6.5 billion, MSR of $2.6 billion, and cash & cash equivalents of $0.8 billion [18] - The company's economic debt-to-equity ratio was 7.2x [6] MSR Portfolio - The fair value of the MSR portfolio was $2.627 billion [41] - The UPB (Unpaid Principal Balance) of the MSR portfolio was $177.216 billion [41] - The weighted average 3-month CPR (Conditional Prepayment Rate) for the MSR portfolio was 6.0% [41]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's book value per share increased by 4.3% from $18.45 in the prior quarter to $19.25 [20] - Economic return for Q3 was 8.1%, bringing the year-to-date economic return to 11.5% [20][21] - Earnings available for distribution per share remained consistent at $0.73, exceeding the dividend for the quarter [22] - Average yields improved to 5.46% from 5.41% in the prior quarter, with net interest spread ex-PAA increasing to 1.5% [22][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The agency portfolio's market value increased to over $87 billion, up 10% quarter-over-quarter, with total growth of $7.8 billion [9] - Residential credit portfolio increased to $6.9 billion in economic market value, with average yields rising to 6.29% [11][22] - The mortgage servicing rights (MSR) portfolio increased by $215 million to $3.5 billion [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. economy showed resilience with GDP growth supported by consumer spending and AI-driven business investment [5] - Inflation remained elevated near 3%, with a modest impact from higher tariffs on goods inflation [6] - Labor market conditions weakened, with hiring slowing to 30,000 jobs per month [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company maintains a diversified housing finance strategy, generating a 13% annualized economic return over the past three years [18] - Focus on maintaining high credit quality in residential credit and leveraging proprietary assets through the correspondent channel [15] - The company is positioned to benefit from expected Fed cuts and healthy fixed income demand [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the agency sector despite tighter spreads, citing improved fundamentals and technicals [26] - The outlook for the residential credit business is positive, with expectations for continued growth in the private label market [18] - Management remains cautious about taking on additional rate risk given current market uncertainties [56] Other Important Information - The company raised $1.1 billion of equity in Q3, including $800 million through its ATM program [8] - The MSR valuation multiple decreased slightly due to lower mortgage rates, but cash flows remain stable [16] - The company has $7.4 billion in unencumbered assets, including $5.9 billion in cash and Agency MBS [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Agency returns and investment preferences - Management indicated that agency investments remain attractive despite tighter spreads, with expectations for increased demand from banks and REITs [26][27] Question: MSR bulk supply and pricing - Management noted that bulk supply has increased from large participants, with stable pricing throughout the year [29] Question: Breakdown of agency returns - Management provided insights on the spread to swaps versus treasuries, indicating a blended yield of about 160 basis points [33] Question: Book value performance - Management reported a 1% increase in book value pre-dividend accrual, translating to a 1.5% to 2% economic return [35] Question: Prepayment protection in the OBX portfolio - Management highlighted that the OBX portfolio has shown slower prepayment speeds than anticipated, benefiting from prepayment penalties [82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's book value per share increased by 4.3% from $18.45 in the prior quarter to $19.25, achieving an economic return of 8.1% for Q3 and 11.5% year-to-date [20][21] - Earnings available for distribution per share remained consistent at $0.73, exceeding the dividend for the quarter [22] - The average yield improved to 5.46% from 5.41% in the prior quarter, while the average repo rate improved by three basis points to 4.5% [22][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The agency portfolio's market value increased to over $87 billion, up 10% quarter-over-quarter, with total growth of $7.8 billion [9][10] - The residential credit portfolio increased to $6.9 billion in economic market value, with significant contributions from securitization and loan purchases [11][12] - The mortgage servicing rights (MSR) portfolio increased by $215 million to $3.5 billion, with stable cash flows and low delinquency rates [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. economy showed resilience with GDP growth supported by consumer spending and AI-driven business investment, despite elevated inflation near 3% [5][6] - Labor market conditions weakened, with hiring slowing to 30,000 jobs per month, leading to a slight increase in the unemployment rate [7] - Interest rate volatility declined, benefiting the company's portfolio by lowering convexity costs [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company maintains a diversified housing finance strategy, generating a 13% annualized economic return over the past three years [19] - The investment strategies are positioned for the balance of the year, with expectations of declining macro volatility and additional Fed cuts [18] - The company aims to increase its residential credit and MSR weightings to a combined 40% [27][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a positive outlook for the agency sector, citing improved demand dynamics and expectations for regulatory reform [17][18] - The company remains cautious about taking on additional rate risk, preferring to maintain a stable duration profile amid market uncertainties [56][59] - The management highlighted the importance of maintaining high credit quality in the residential credit portfolio, especially in light of softer housing market conditions [15] Other Important Information - The company raised $1.1 billion of equity in Q3, including $800 million through its ATM program [8] - The MSR valuation multiple decreased modestly due to lower mortgage rates, but the portfolio remains well insulated [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Agency returns and investment preferences - Management noted that despite tighter spreads, the agency sector remains attractive due to improved fundamentals and technicals [26] Question: Bulk supply and pricing for MSR - The bulk supply has increased from large participants, with stable pricing encouraging future bulk supply [29] Question: Breakdown of agency returns - The spread to swaps versus treasuries is around 35 to 40 basis points, with low realized volatility aiding hedging costs [33] Question: Outlook for mortgage spreads and securitization - Non-QM issuance is expected to grow, with the market penetration of non-QM loans increasing significantly [47][49] Question: Duration risk and portfolio management - The company is currently maintaining a close-to-zero duration gap due to market uncertainties, with a cautious approach to taking on additional rate risk [56][59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's book value per share increased by 4.3% from $18.45 in the prior quarter to $19.25, achieving an economic return of 8.1% for Q3 and 11.5% year to date [19][20] - Earnings available for distribution per share remained consistent at $0.73, exceeding the dividend for the quarter [20] - The average yield improved to 5.46% compared to 5.41% in the prior quarter, while the average repo rate improved by three basis points to 4.5% [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The agency portfolio's market value increased to over $87 billion, up 10% quarter over quarter, with total growth of $7.8 billion [10] - The residential credit portfolio increased to $6.9 billion in economic market value, with new origination non-QM AAA spreads tightening by 15 basis points [12] - The mortgage servicing rights (MSR) portfolio increased by $215 million to $3.5 billion, with stable cash flows and unchanged serious delinquencies at 50 basis points [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. economy showed resilience with GDP growth likely on pace with Q2, supported by consumer spending and AI-driven business investment [6] - Labor market conditions weakened, with hiring slowing to 30,000 jobs per month, while inflation remained elevated near 3% [6][7] - The agency MBS market saw improved supply and demand dynamics, with fixed income fund inflows more than 50% higher than the average over the past few quarters [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company maintains a diversified housing finance strategy, which has generated a 13% annualized economic return over the past three years [17] - The focus remains on maintaining a high credit quality portfolio and leveraging proprietary assets through the correspondent channel [14] - The company is positioned to benefit from expected Fed cuts and a healthy fixed income demand, with plans to increase allocations to residential credit and MSR [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a positive outlook, highlighting the benefits of declining macro volatility and anticipated Fed cuts [16] - The company remains flexible in the current investing climate with historically low leverage and significant liquidity [18] - Concerns about the housing market were noted, with expectations of modest cumulative depreciation due to elevated mortgage rates [14] Other Important Information - The company raised $1.1 billion of accretive equity in Q3, including $800 million through its ATM program [9] - The MSR valuation multiple decreased modestly due to lower mortgage rates, but the portfolio remains well insulated [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Agency returns and investment preferences - Management indicated that agency investments remain attractive despite tighter spreads, with expectations for increased demand from banks and overseas participants [26][27] Question: MSR bulk supply and pricing - The bulk supply has increased from large participants, with stable pricing throughout the year, encouraging future bulk supply [29][30] Question: Agency returns breakdown - The spread to swaps versus treasuries is around 35 to 40 basis points, with low realized volatility aiding hedging costs [35][36] Question: MSR purchase strategy - The company prefers lower note rate MSRs to mitigate negative convexity risk, with a focus on maintaining a diversified portfolio [46][48] Question: Outlook for mortgage spreads and securitization - Management expects stable mortgage spreads to support continued market activity, with NonQM market penetration increasing [51][54] Question: Duration risk and portfolio management - The company is currently maintaining a close to zero duration gap due to market uncertainty, with plans to manage risks carefully [62][66] Question: GSEs' potential impact on the market - Speculation exists regarding GSEs becoming more active buyers, but the market has strong demand from REITs and fixed income funds [70][71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The book value per share increased by 4.3% from $18.45 in the prior quarter to $19.25, achieving an economic return of 8.1% for Q3 2025 and 11.5% year-to-date [19][20] - Earnings available for distribution per share remained consistent at $0.73, exceeding the dividend for the quarter [20] - The average yield improved to 5.46% from 5.41% in the prior quarter, while the average repo rate improved by three basis points to 4.5% [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The agency portfolio's market value increased to over $87 billion, up 10% quarter-over-quarter, with a total growth of $7.8 billion [8][19] - The residential credit portfolio increased to $6.9 billion in economic market value, with significant contributions from new securitizations [10][11] - The mortgage servicing rights (MSR) portfolio increased by $215 million to $3.5 billion, with stable cash flows and low delinquency rates [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. economy showed resilience with GDP growth supported by consumer spending and AI-driven business investment, despite elevated inflation near 3% [4][5] - Labor market conditions weakened, with hiring slowing to 30,000 jobs per month, leading to a slight increase in the unemployment rate [5] - The agency MBS market saw improved supply and demand dynamics, with fixed income fund inflows over 50% higher than average [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company maintains a diversified housing finance strategy, focusing on agency MBS, residential credit, and MSR, which has generated a 13% annualized economic return over the past three years [16][18] - The outlook remains positive, with expectations of additional Fed cuts and healthy fixed income demand supporting investment strategies [17][18] - The company aims to increase its residential credit and MSR weightings to a combined 40% in the near term [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the macro environment is expected to remain stable, with declining volatility and a favorable technical backdrop for agency MBS [16][17] - The company is cautious about taking on additional rate risk, preferring to maintain a close-to-zero duration gap due to market uncertainties [50][52] - The management expressed confidence in the stability of earnings available for distribution, supported by a strong swap portfolio and low leverage [60][67] Other Important Information - The company raised $1.1 billion of equity in Q3, including $800 million through its ATM program, and reopened the mortgage REIT preferred market [6][7] - The MSR valuation multiple decreased slightly due to lower mortgage rates, but the portfolio remains well insulated with stable cash flows [14][15] - A new partnership with PennyMac Financial Services was announced, enhancing the company's servicing capabilities [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Agency returns and investment preferences - Management indicated that agency investments remain attractive despite tighter spreads, with expectations for increased demand from banks and REITs as the Fed continues to cut rates [25][26] Question: Bulk supply and pricing of MSR - The bulk supply of MSR has increased by 50%, primarily from large participants, with stable pricing throughout the year [27] Question: Breakdown of agency returns - The spread to swaps versus treasuries is around 35 to 40 basis points, with a blended yield of about 160 basis points, indicating a favorable risk-return profile [30] Question: Prepayment protection in specified pools - Management discussed the advantages of specified pools for prepayment protection, emphasizing their long-term options and favorable convexity profiles [34][35] Question: Outlook for mortgage spreads and securitization - The company expects continued activity in the non-QM market, with stable mortgage spreads allowing for growth despite seasonal pressures [42][43] Question: Duration risk and leverage - Management confirmed a cautious approach to duration risk, maintaining a close-to-zero duration gap while evaluating opportunities for future leverage [50][52] Question: Stability of NII and dividend coverage - The company expressed confidence in maintaining stable NII levels and ensuring dividend coverage, supported by a strong hedge ratio [58][67]