Two Harbors Investment (TWO) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated a total economic return of 4.4% for Q1 2025, with both RMBS and MSR contributing positively to the results [4] - Book value increased to $14.66 per share at March 31, compared to$14.47 at December 31, including a $0.45 common stock dividend [10] - Comprehensive income for the first quarter was$64.9 million, or $0.62 per weighted average common share [11] - Economic debt to equity decreased to 6.2 times [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest and servicing income increased by$5.2 million due to portfolio shifts into higher coupon agency RMBS and lower borrowing rates [11] - The company decreased its mortgage exposure by 30% and reduced leverage during the first quarter [15] - The MSR portfolio's prepayment speed was 4.2 CPR for Q1, down 0.7% quarter over quarter [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Interest rates across the US treasury yield curve ended the first quarter lower than at the end of 2024, with two-year and ten-year notes both decreasing by 36 basis points [5] - Prepayment rates for the thirty-year agency RMBS universe decreased by 1.4 percentage points quarter over quarter to 5.6% CPR [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to scale its direct-to-consumer originations platform, increase offerings of second liens, and explore opportunities in the Ginnie Mae market [6][7] - The focus is on growing the presence in third-party subservicing and generating cost efficiencies through technology and AI applications [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about economic uncertainty driven by proposals on tariffs and trade policy, which could impact the dollar's status as the world's reserve currency [6] - The company is managing its portfolio for long-term stability while keeping leverage and risk at muted levels until there is more clarity on the economic path forward [29] Other Important Information - The company has maintained high liquidity levels, with $950 million in unused MSR asset financing capacity and$47 million in unused capacity for service and advances [13] - The MSR market remains well supported, with transfer volume normalizing to pre-COVID levels [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on book value through April and portfolio adjustments - Management indicated a 3.5% decline in book value through early April and noted further risk reduction in the portfolio due to increased volatility [33][34] Question: Impact of Rocket and Mr. Cooper merger on the servicing market - Management believes the merger's impact on demand for MSR will be muted, with combined demand likely equal to the sum of individual demands [41][42] Question: Comfort level with the dividend - Management expressed confidence in supporting the dividend given the current portfolio composition and wider spreads [50] Question: Sensitivity of book value to spread changes - Management explained that the sensitivity to spread changes is lower due to the allocation of capital between MSR and securities [52][56] Question: Liquidity levels and recapture efforts - Management confirmed high liquidity levels and noted that organic recapture from the direct-to-consumer channel remains low but is expected to improve as the platform scales [81][84] Question: Interest in the Ginnie Mae market - Management is exploring the Ginnie Mae market for potential opportunities and to enhance their service offerings [86]