Two Harbors Investment (US:TWO)2025-01-30 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The book value at December 31 was $14.47 per common share, down from $14.93 on September 30, resulting in a flat quarterly economic return [6][17] - The company incurred a comprehensive loss of $1.6 million or $0.03 per weighted average common share in Q4 [18] - Net interest expense decreased by $7.4 million in Q4 due to lower RMBS borrowing balances [18] - The economic return for the full year of 2024 was 7.0 percent [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net servicing income was $168 million, slightly down from Q3 due to lower float income [19] - The servicing assets showed a gain of $82.5 million in Q4 after a loss of $133.4 million in Q3 [20] - The weighted average note rate in the MSR portfolio was 3.46%, with mortgage rates around 7% [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The 10-year treasury yield increased by 79 basis points to finish at 4.57% [7] - The 2-year treasury yield increased by 60 basis points to 4.24% [7] - The overall prepayment rates for 30-year agency RMBS rose to 6.9% CPR, reflecting a lagged effect from lower rates in Q3 [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a hedged MSR-centric strategy to generate stable cash flows [14] - A direct-to-consumer origination platform was launched to maintain the servicing portfolio through recapture of underlying mortgage loans [11] - The company aims to expand its second lien loan offerings to borrowers [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects mortgage rates to remain above 6% in the intermediate term, which may keep housing activity muted [9] - The company believes that its MSR portfolio will benefit from the success of servicing and originations [11] - Management expressed optimism about the stability of returns and the potential for attractive levered returns in 2025 and beyond [35] Other Important Information - The company serviced $212 billion UPB of MSR across 861,000 loans, with $58 billion UPB serviced for third-party clients [10] - The economic debt to equity ratio decreased slightly to 6.5 times [26] - The MSR portfolio was valued at $202 billion UPB at December 31, reflecting a slight increase in price multiple to 5.9 times [31][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: How has the book performed so far in the quarter? - Management indicated that total return is estimated to be up between 1.5% to 2% as of the previous night [38] Question: How does the lower leverage level impact earnings power? - Management stated that overall debt to economic ratio is just one measure and that the mix of assets supports stable returns [39][40] Question: What is the outlook for Agency MBS spreads this year? - Management expressed a positive outlook for mortgage spreads, noting a more controlled response since November [46][49] Question: Any thoughts on potential GSE reform? - Management indicated they do not have more information than the market regarding GSE reform and its implications [54] Question: Can you discuss the differences between EAD and static return range? - Management explained that the static return is a mark-to-market basis, while EAD reflects the purchase price and can create timing distortions [60][62] Question: Are there new financing counterparties for the MSR portfolio? - Management noted that the depth of the market for MSR financing continues to grow with new entrants [70][71] Question: How have costs changed in response to rate cuts? - Management stated that financing costs have decreased as the Fed has cut rates, impacting both MSR and RMBS sides [73]