Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment (CHMI) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company reported a GAAP net loss applicable to common stockholders of $9.3 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, compared to a comprehensive loss of $2.6 million, or $0.08 per diluted share [6][15]. - The book value per common share decreased to $3.58 from $3.82 at the end of Q4 2024, reflecting a decline of approximately 6.3% [7][17]. - The NAV was down approximately $7.5 million, or 3.2%, relative to December 31, 2024 [7]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The MSR portfolio had an unpaid principal balance (UPB) of $17 billion and a market value of approximately $227 million, representing about 44% of equity capital [11]. - The RMBS portfolio accounted for approximately 39% of equity capital, with a weighted average three-month CPR of 5.8%, slightly up from 5.7% in the previous quarter [12][13]. - Prepayment speeds for the MSR portfolio averaged approximately 4.1%, down modestly from the previous quarter, while RMBS prepayment speeds remained low [12]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Interest rates ended the quarter at 4.25%, approximately 30 basis points lower quarter over quarter, but volatility increased due to tariff announcements [5][6]. - The company noted that mortgage performance was mixed, with higher coupon mortgages outperforming lower coupon mortgages [10]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to deploy capital into Agency RMBS and select MSRs, focusing on strong risk-adjusted return profiles while maintaining liquidity and prudent leverage [9]. - Management emphasized the importance of closely managing operating expenses to improve the expense ratio and capital structure over time [8]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and the potential for elevated rates until clear macro policy is established [10][11]. - The company is cautious regarding GSE reform, indicating that current market assumptions about government guarantees may not be well-defined [27][29]. Other Important Information - The company declared a dividend of $0.15 per common share for Q1 2025, paid on April 30, 2025 [18]. - Operating expenses for the quarter were reported at $3.8 million, benefiting from the elimination of management fees [17]. Q&A Session Summary Question: What would it take for the company to allocate more to the RMBS portfolio? - Management indicated that all reinvestment income has been directed towards MBS, and significant changes would require selling a portion of the MSR portfolio [23]. Question: Is there any movement in GSE reform affecting market pricing? - Management stated it is too early to tell, noting that while there have been movements at the GSEs, specific plans regarding government guarantees remain undefined [27][29]. Question: Can you provide a book value update for Q2? - The company reported a NAV down about 3.7% in April, leading to an estimated 7% book value per share before any dividends [36]. Question: How much of the EAD in Q1 was due to the roll-off of internalization expenses? - Approximately $0.02 of EAD in Q1 was attributed to savings from internalization and G&A [52]. Question: What are the general thoughts on MSR pricing and supply post-Rocket Cooper deal? - Management noted that volumes have been lower than the previous year, and no substantial changes in pricing dynamics have been observed [51].