Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment (CHMI) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, the company generated GAAP net income applicable to common stockholders of $9.1 million or $0.29 per diluted share, while earnings available for distribution (EAD) were $3.3 million or $0.10 per share, impacted by approximately two cents per share of special committee-related expenses [12][25][26] - Book value per common share decreased to $3.82 from $4.02 as of September 30, 2024, with NAV down approximately $5.5 million or 2.3% relative to the previous quarter [13][26] - Financial leverage remained consistent at 5.3 times, with $46 million of unrestricted cash on the balance sheet [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The MSR portfolio had a UPB of $17.3 billion and a market value of approximately $234 million, representing about 46% of equity capital [19] - The RMBS portfolio accounted for approximately 38% of equity capital, with a weighted average three-month CPR of approximately 5.7% compared to 5.4% in the previous quarter [22][23] - The RMBS net interest spread was 2.9% lower than the prior quarter due to improved repo costs being offset by a reduction in swap and dollar roll income [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Long-term yields rose to seven-month highs, with the ten-year yield ending at 4.57%, nearly eighty basis points higher quarter over quarter [7] - Mortgage spreads widened and volatility increased due to concerns about the US election and future debt levels, despite two rate cuts by the Fed [16] - Prepayment speeds for the MSR portfolio averaged approximately 4.7% for Q4, down modestly from the previous quarter, while RMBS prepayment speeds rose modestly as expected [20][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company completed the internalization of management, which is expected to reduce operating expenses in 2025 by $1.1 million to $1.6 million [9][11] - The investment strategy will continue to focus on agency RMBS and select MSRs that present strong risk-adjusted return profiles while maintaining strong liquidity and prudent leverage [14][15] - The company remains cautious of the macroeconomic environment and geopolitical factors, expecting to maintain its current investment strategy [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns over persistent inflation and uncertainty about economic growth, indicating that additional rate cuts in 2025 will be fewer than previously expected [8] - The company anticipates continued volatility in the near term, with rates expected to remain higher until inflation shows signs of moderating or economic growth falters [18] - Management highlighted the importance of aligning management and shareholder interests through internalization, improving transparency and decision-making processes [10] Other Important Information - Operating expenses for the quarter were $4.5 million, including special committee-related expenses [28] - The board declared a dividend of $0.15 per common share for Q4 2024, paid in cash on January 31, 2025 [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Special committee expenses and internalization benefits - The special committee expenses were found in the SG&A line item, and benefits from internalization will be reflected in SG&A and compensation and benefits going forward [31][33] Question: Repo costs and portfolio growth - Elevated repo costs were attributed to year-end expenses, but benefits have been seen in the first quarter, with potential for growth through capital raising [35][36][42] Question: Capital allocation between investment bins - The increase in servicing equity composition was due to an increase in MSR value, with a focus on RMBS for better returns in the current environment [48][51] Question: Expectations for Fed rate cuts - Expectations for fewer rate cuts this year may impact investment strategies, with a focus on the MSR portfolio's returns if rates drop [56][57] Question: Refinance activity and spec pools - Current refinanceability stands at about 5-10%, with a need for mortgage rates to drop to around 5.7%-5.8% for significant refinancing activity [71][73]