Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company generated a GAAP return on equity of negative 0.7% and a total return on common stock of negative 15.2%, assuming reinvestment of distributions [5] - The company paid $1.98 per share in cash distributions, representing 15% of the average stock price during the year [5] - The net investment income for the fourth quarter was $0.35 per share, down from $0.39 per share in the prior quarter [7] - The GAAP net loss for the fourth quarter was $15 million or $0.60 per share, compared to a GAAP net income of $0.43 per share in the third quarter [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Paydowns within the CLO debt portfolio totaled $147 million during 2025, contributing to early repayments [5] - The company participated in 10 resets and 6 refinancings across its CLO equity portfolio, resulting in average CLO debt cost savings of 46 basis points [6] - Recurring cash flows for the fourth quarter totaled $19 million or $0.79 per share, an 18% increase quarter-over-quarter [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The trailing twelve-month default rate decreased from 1.5% at the end of September to 1.2% as of December 31st, below the long-term average of 2.6% [14] - CLO new issuance rose to $55 billion in the fourth quarter, totaling $209 billion for 2025, surpassing the previous year's record [15] - The S&P UBS Leveraged Loan Index posted a 1.2% return for the fourth quarter and a 5.9% return for the entirety of 2025 [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company actively managed its portfolio, seeking opportunities across CLO debt and equity, as well as other asset classes beyond CLOs [4] - The company plans to continue its share repurchase program, viewing its stock as undervalued and an attractive use of capital [11] - The management believes the current market environment represents a compelling opportunity for patient, well-capitalized investors [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the CLO market faced challenging conditions, with reduced SOFR levels impacting CLO debt investment income and ongoing loan spread compression affecting CLO equity [4] - The company remains constructive on CLO market fundamentals, with a robust pipeline of refinancings and resets expected to lower liability costs [24] - Management emphasized the importance of active portfolio management amid dynamic market conditions, focusing on relative value and disciplined capital allocation [22] Other Important Information - The company's NAV decreased to $13.31 per share as of December 31st, down from $14.21 per share at the end of September [8] - The company completed the full redemption of its 7.75% Series B Term Preferred Stock and announced plans to redeem the 8% Series C Term Preferred Stock [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Follow-up on realized losses due to underperforming managers - Management indicated that underperforming collateral managers faced credit issues and loan spread compression, leading to a rotation into better-performing CLOs and other asset classes [26][28] Question: Source of funds for redeeming Series C Term Preferred Stock - Management confirmed that the redemption would be funded through a combination of cash on hand and the new revolving credit facility [29] Question: Non-recurring items in earnings - Management stated there were no non-recurring items in the earnings for the quarter [35] Question: Expectation of balance sheet investment portfolio shrinkage - Management clarified that while redeeming preferred stock, they have been opportunistically buying back stock and do not expect a significant shrinkage in the investment portfolio [36] Question: Focus on alternative credit assets - Management explained that investments in alternative credit assets are made across the Eagle Point platform, with dedicated teams focusing on these opportunities [37][39]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated a GAAP return on common equity of negative 14.6% during 2025, which is slightly better than the market-wide assessment by Nomura Research, which estimated a median CLO equity return of negative 15% for the same period [6][17] - As of December 31, the company's NAV was $5.70 per share, down from $7.00 per share on September 30 [7] - The fourth quarter of 2025 saw a net investment income (NII) less realized losses of -$0.26 per share, compared to -$0.16 per share in the third quarter [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed 10 resets and 3 refinancings of its CLOs in the fourth quarter, totaling 34 resets and 27 refinancings for the entire year [8] - Recurring cash flows from the portfolio increased to $80 million, or $0.61 per share, up from $77 million or $0.59 per share in the prior quarter [7] - The non-CLO portion of the portfolio was approximately 26% of the total investment portfolio at year-end [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The trailing twelve-month default rate decreased from 1.5% in September to 1.2% as of December 31, which is below the long-term average of 2.6% [22] - The S&P UBS Leveraged Loan Index posted a 1.2% return for the fourth quarter and a 5.9% return for the full year 2025 [21] - CLO new issuance volumes rose slightly to $55 billion in the fourth quarter, bringing the total to $209 billion for all of 2025, surpassing the previous year's record [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on increasing exposure to credit assets beyond CLO Equity, reflecting a strategic shift to maximize total return for shareholders [10] - The company plans to retain more capital for investments with attractive risk-adjusted returns, aiming for a stable or growing NAV over time [15] - A new joint venture was launched to invest in regulatory capital relief transactions, indicating a diversification strategy [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while defaults remain below long-term averages, spread compression in the loan market and negative sentiment towards credit impacted financial performance [4] - The company anticipates continued spread compression and a similar credit environment to 2025, with no significant uptick in credit expenses expected [41][45] - Management expressed optimism about a robust pipeline of refinancings and resets of CLOs in the portfolio, indicating potential for future growth [24] Other Important Information - The company announced a $100 million common stock repurchase program to buy stock in the open market if it trades at a material discount to NAV [14] - The company redeemed its 8% Series F Term Preferred Stock, which was its highest cost of financing, and proactively repurchased $9 million of other securities at discounts [12][13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of captive CLO equity funds on fee structures - Management acknowledged that CLOs without internal management fees could outperform those with fees, but noted that spread compression affects all funds [30][32] Question: Outlook for resets and refinances in 2026 - Management indicated that predicting the exact number of resets and refinances is challenging, but they have a robust calendar of investments planned [61] Question: Stock repurchase program and NAV stability - Management stated that the decision to use the repurchase program will depend on various factors, including share price and investment opportunities [50][52] Question: Trends in credit quality and expenses - Management expects credit quality trends to mirror those of the previous year, with no significant changes anticipated [45][46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated a GAAP return on common equity of negative 14.6% during 2025, which is slightly better than the market-wide assessment by Nomura Research, which estimated a median CLO equity return of negative 15% for the same year [5][6] - As of December 31, the company's NAV was $5.70 per share, down from $7.00 per share on September 30 [6] - The fourth quarter of 2025 saw a net investment income (NII) less realized losses of -$0.26 per share, compared to -$0.16 per share in the third quarter [6][17] - The company recorded a GAAP net loss attributable to common stock of $110 million, or $0.84 per share for the fourth quarter, compared to a GAAP net income of $0.12 per share in the prior quarter [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed 10 resets and 3 refinancings of its CLOs in the fourth quarter alone, and participated in 34 resets and 27 refinancings throughout 2025 [8][9] - Recurring cash flows from the portfolio increased to $80 million, or $0.61 per share, up from $77 million or $0.59 per share in the prior quarter [6] - The non-CLO portion of the investment portfolio was approximately 26% at year-end, reflecting a strategic shift towards credit assets beyond CLO equity [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The S&P UBS Leveraged Loan Index posted a 1.2% return for the fourth quarter and a 5.9% return for the full year 2025 [21] - Total loan repayments reached $294 billion, or approximately 19% of the market in 2025, resulting in a twelve-month trailing prepayment rate of 21% [21] - The trailing twelve-month default rate decreased from 1.5% in September to 1.2% as of December 31, remaining below the long-term average of 2.6% [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on increasing exposure to credit assets beyond CLO equity, with a strategic initiative to maximize total return for shareholders [10][11] - A new joint venture was launched to invest in regulatory capital relief transactions, indicating a diversification strategy [12] - The company plans to retain more capital for investments with attractive risk-adjusted returns, aiming for a stable or growing NAV over time [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while defaults remain below long-term averages, spread compression in the loan market and negative sentiment towards credit have impacted financial performance [4] - The company anticipates attractive opportunities for capital deployment in both CLO equity and other credit asset classes in 2026 [16] - Management expressed a cautious outlook on credit quality, expecting trends to mirror those of 2025, with continued spread compression [46] Other Important Information - The company announced a $100 million common stock repurchase program to buy stock in the open market if it trades at a material discount to NAV [15] - The company redeemed its 8% Series F Term Preferred Stock, which was its highest cost of financing, and proactively repurchased $9 million of other securities at discounts [12][13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of captive CLO equity funds on fee structures - Management acknowledged that CLOs without internal management fees could outperform those with fees, but noted that spread compression affects all funds [30][32] Question: Outlook for resets and refinances in 2026 - Management indicated that predicting the exact number of resets and refinances is challenging, but they have a robust calendar of investments planned [63][64] Question: Dividend policy and potential for supplemental distributions - Management stated that while the new dividend policy is conservative, there is potential for supplemental distributions in the future if conditions allow [84]