Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP net income of $0.29 per share and adjusted distributable earnings (ADE) of $0.53 per share, marking a new quarterly high for ADE since its introduction in 2022, significantly exceeding the $0.39 per share dividends for the quarter [5][11][20] - Total portfolio holdings grew by 12% during the quarter, driven by non-QM, proprietary reverse mortgage, and commercial mortgage bridge loans [7][20] - The economic return for the third quarter was 9.2% annualized, with book value per share at $13.40 [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the credit portfolio, net interest income grew sequentially, with $0.42 per share from credit, $0.04 from agency, and $0.09 from Longbridge [11][12] - The Longbridge segment had strong contributions from both originations and servicing, with origination profits driven by higher volumes of proprietary reverse mortgage loans [14][15] - The adjusted long credit portfolio increased by 11% to 3.56% quarter over quarter, while the Longbridge portfolio increased by 37% to $750 million [15][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a favorable environment for agency RMBS due to lower interest rates and reduced volatility, which supported portfolio performance [13] - The securitization market has become more liquid and commoditized, attracting a larger universe of investor-grade bond buyers, which has tightened spreads [70] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on diversifying its funding sources and reducing reliance on short-term repo financing, as evidenced by the successful pricing of $400 million in senior unsecured notes [10][21] - There is an emphasis on technology investments to enhance loan origination efficiency and expand the range of products offered by affiliate loan originators [23][25] - The company plans to expand its footprint in the securitization markets and is optimistic about purchasing seasoned mortgage loan portfolios from banks [25][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about potential economic cracks, including recent corporate bankruptcies and weakened job formation, but remains focused on maintaining credit quality [21][22] - The company anticipates continued strong performance in the fourth quarter, with robust securitization activity and origination volume [29][30] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a disciplined risk management approach while pursuing high returns [32] Other Important Information - The company has seen a significant increase in securitization volumes, with 20 securitizations priced year to date, more than triple last year's pace [6][9] - The percentage of borrowings subject to mark-to-market margining declined to 61% from 74% month over month, indicating improved financing terms [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on loan originator platforms and valuations - Management noted that strong earnings performance has driven higher book values and liquidity for loan originator platforms, leading to improved valuations [35][36] Question: Opportunities in buying loans from banks - Management confirmed that recent transactions involved residential mortgage loans from smaller banks, indicating a trend of banks restructuring portfolios due to lower yields [40][41] Question: Credit performance and allocation of capital - Management highlighted that credit performance remains strong, particularly among higher-end borrowers, while being cautious about potential impacts from layoffs in the labor market [46][47] Question: Longbridge portfolio and leverage - Management stated that Longbridge does not require more leverage to achieve target returns, as most equity is in high-yielding servicing [75] Question: Non-QM market and convexity risk - Management emphasized the importance of understanding prepayment risks and noted that the Non-QM market has become more liquid and attractive due to tighter spreads [77][81]