Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported GAAP net income of $0.14 per share and adjusted distributable earnings (ADE) of $0.47 per share, exceeding dividends of $0.39 per share [4][12] - The economic return for the fourth quarter was 4.6% annualized, with book value per share at $13.16 [19][40] - The weighted average borrowing rate on recourse borrowings decreased by 32 basis points to 5.67% [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The credit portfolio saw net interest income increase sequentially, with contributions from non-QM retained tranches and forward MSR-related investments [12][13] - The Longbridge segment reported strong origination profits driven by higher origination volumes and margins, alongside positive contributions from servicing [13][14] - The adjusted long credit portfolio increased by 15% to $4.1 billion quarter-over-quarter, with growth in non-QM loans, agency-eligible loans, and commercial mortgage bridge loans [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The agency-eligible loan strategy added approximately $250 million in loans during the second half of 2025, reflecting a shift towards sectors where GSEs are reducing their footprint [8][9] - The company completed seven securitizations in Q4 2025, expanding its securitization platform to include various loan types [20][21] - The total long agency RMBS portfolio decreased slightly to $218 million, while the Longbridge portfolio decreased by 18% to $617 million due to securitizations [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to optimize its capital structure and enhance balance sheet resilience by increasing the proportion of long-term, non-mark-to-market borrowings [10][18] - The focus is on growing loan origination market share while maintaining strong credit performance, supported by a robust securitization platform [38] - The company is in contract to acquire a small residential mortgage servicer to enhance in-house servicing capabilities, particularly for delinquent assets [36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the housing market shows broader signs of weakness, with more borrowers struggling to stay current, but they maintain significant credit hedges [27] - The company is optimistic about the long-term opportunities in the agency-eligible sector, especially as policymakers are more receptive to private capital [9] - The economic environment remains uncertain, with potential government policy changes impacting the mortgage market [24][66] Other Important Information - The company completed 25 securitizations in 2025, significantly up from seven in 2024, indicating a strong focus on enhancing its funding profile [29] - The company has maintained low realized credit losses, reflecting strong underwriting discipline and asset management capabilities [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on the decision to buy the servicer - Management highlighted the consolidation in the servicing industry and the need for best-in-class protocols to handle borrowers facing challenges, emphasizing the importance of in-house capabilities [42][43] Question: Conditions for applying repo to retained tranches - Management noted that the repo market functioned well, with low financing spreads, but they prefer to operate conservatively and avoid adding more leverage to retained tranches due to inherent price volatility [53][55] Question: Approach to the agency-eligible market amid potential changes - Management indicated that while there are risks associated with potential changes in LLPAs and g-fees, current execution remains favorable for private label markets, and they are monitoring these developments closely [62][66] Question: Current competition and margins in origination activity - Management described the competitive landscape as challenging but not cutthroat, with margins remaining attractive due to favorable pricing structures [71][73]