Edison International(EIX) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-18 22:30
Edison International (NYSE:EIX) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 18, 2026 04:30 PM ET Speaker4Good afternoon, and welcome to the Edison International Fourth Quarter 2025 financial teleconference. My name is Michelle, and I will be your operator today. When we get to the question and answer session, if you have a question, press star one on your phone. Today's call is being recorded. I would now like to turn the call over to Mr. Sam Ramraj, Vice President of Investor Relations. Mr. Ramraj, you may begin your c ...
Grand Canyon Education(LOPE) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-18 22:30
Grand Canyon Education (NasdaqGS:LOPE) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 18, 2026 04:30 PM ET Speaker4Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the fourth quarter 2025 Grand Canyon Education earnings conference call. At this time, all participants are on listen only mode. After the speaker's presentation, we'll open up for questions. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press star one one on your telephone. You will then hear an automated message advising your hand is raised. To wit ...
Empire State Realty Trust(ESRT) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-18 18:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, core FFO was reported at $0.87 per diluted share, with Q4 core FFO at $0.23 per diluted share [24] - Same-store property cash NOI increased by 3.4% year-over-year for Q4 and 60 basis points for the full year [24] - Operating expenses increased by 1.7% for Q4 and 3.4% for the full year, primarily due to higher real estate taxes and cleaning-related labor costs [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The office portfolio is 93.5% leased, reflecting strong demand for top-quality, modernized buildings [8][19] - The observatory business generated approximately $24 million of NOI in Q4 and $90 million for the full year, with revenue per capita increasing by 6.9% year-over-year in Q4 [25][9] - The multifamily portfolio reported occupancy just under 98%, with revenue increasing by 9% year-over-year in Q4 [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The leasing team signed over 458,000 sq ft of new and renewal leases in Q4, achieving positive mark-to-market lease spreads of 6.4% in the Manhattan office portfolio [20] - The market for large block, institutional quality office space remains supply-constrained, with strong demand [15] - The company anticipates a year-end occupancy guidance of 90%-92% for 2026, despite expected temporary dips [22][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has transformed its portfolio to a 100% New York City focus, enhancing cash flow and portfolio quality [12][8] - Management emphasizes disciplined capital allocation and opportunistic share repurchases as part of their strategy [17][18] - The company aims to leverage its operating platform to drive occupancy, rents, and returns in a competitive market [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term cash growth potential of the portfolio, despite known tenant rollovers impacting FFO growth in 2026 [8] - The company remains focused on enhancing the guest experience and broadening marketing reach for the observatory, anticipating a recovery in international visitation [48][30] - Management acknowledged the impact of external factors, such as potential increases in property taxes, but remains optimistic about leasing demand [38][44] Other Important Information - The company completed $1 billion in acquisitions of high-quality real estate, improving cash flow and portfolio quality [8][11] - The company achieved the highest possible GRESB rating for the sixth consecutive year, reflecting its commitment to sustainability [10] - The company has a well-laddered maturity schedule with no unaddressed debt maturities until March 2027 [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook on leasing activity for Q1 2026 - Management indicated strong market tenor with over 170,000 sq ft of leases in the pipeline for Q1 and Q2 [33] Question: Details on the sale of the Stamford asset - The asset was sold for mid-$60 million, aligning with capital recycling objectives [34] Question: Impact of proposed property tax increases - Management stated that any increase would be passed through to tenants, and they remain focused on market conditions [38][39] Question: Effects of AI on leasing decisions - Management noted strong demand for high-quality office space, with AI contributing positively to leasing activity [40][41] Question: Impact of new mayor's policies on leasing discussions - Management confirmed that there has been no impact on leasing discussions due to the new mayor's rhetoric or policies [44] Question: Competition and economic outlook for the observatory - Management highlighted a shift in visitor demographics and competitive positioning, with a focus on direct marketing strategies [48][49]
Empire State Realty Trust(ESRT) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-18 18:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, core FFO was reported at $0.87 per diluted share, with Q4 core FFO at $0.23 per diluted share [24] - Same-store property cash NOI increased by 3.4% year-over-year for Q4 and 60 basis points for the full year [24] - Operating expenses increased by 1.7% for Q4 and 3.4% for the full year, primarily due to higher real estate taxes and cleaning-related labor costs [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The office portfolio is 93.5% leased, reflecting strong demand for top-tier, modernized properties [8][19] - The multifamily portfolio showed excellent performance with occupancy just under 98% and revenue increasing by 9% year-over-year in Q4 [23] - The Observatory business generated approximately $24 million of NOI in Q4 and $90 million for the full year, with revenue per capita increasing by 6.9% year-over-year in Q4 [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The leasing market in New York City is described as the strongest since 2019, with strong demand across various industries [19] - The company has a pipeline of over 170,000 sq ft of leases anticipated to close in the first and second quarters of 2026 [33] - The market for large block, institutional quality office space remains supply-constrained, with strong demand [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has transformed its portfolio to a 100% New York City focus, enhancing cash flow and portfolio quality [12] - A proactive balance sheet management strategy allows for strategic transactions and shareholder value creation [8] - The company aims to continue improving the quality of its portfolio and cash flows through prudent capital allocations [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term cash growth potential of the portfolio despite known tenant rollovers impacting FFO growth in 2026 [8] - The company anticipates a consistent performance in 2026, with core FFO guidance ranging from $0.85 to $0.89 per diluted share [27] - Management remains focused on enhancing the guest experience and driving efficiencies in the Observatory business [30] Other Important Information - The company completed $1 billion in acquisitions of high-quality real estate and disposed of suburban commercial assets without tax leakage [8] - The company achieved the highest possible GRESB rating for the sixth consecutive year, reflecting its sustainability leadership [10] - Opportunistic share repurchases remain a strategic part of the capital allocation framework, with $6 million repurchased in Q4 [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook on leasing activity for Q1 2026 - Management indicated strong market tenor and a pipeline of over 170,000 sq ft of leases anticipated to close in the first and second quarters [33] Question: Details on the sale price of the Stamford asset - The asset was sold for mid-$60 million, with a cap rate around 7% [34] Question: Impact of proposed property tax increases - Management stated that any increase would be passed through to tenants, and the market dynamics would dictate rent adjustments [38][39] Question: Impact of AI on leasing decisions - Management noted strong demand for high-quality office space, with AI being a positive factor for leasing demand [40] Question: Impact of new mayor's policies on leasing discussions - Management confirmed that the new mayor's rhetoric has not impacted leasing discussions, with high demand remaining [44] Question: Competition and economic outlook for the Observatory - Management highlighted a shift in visitor composition and strong direct marketing efforts, with competition from other attractions noted [48][49]
Empire State Realty Trust(ESRT) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-18 18:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, core FFO was reported at $0.87 per diluted share, reflecting continued performance across the platform [4] - Same-store property cash NOI increased by 3.4% year-over-year for Q4 and 60 basis points for the full year [22] - Operating expenses increased by 1.7% for Q4 and 3.4% for the full year, primarily driven by higher real estate taxes and cleaning-related labor costs [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The office portfolio is 93.5% leased, with a 170 basis point increase in occupancy year-over-year [18] - The multifamily portfolio reported occupancy just under 98%, with revenue increasing by 9% year-over-year in Q4 and 10% for the full year [21] - The observatory business generated approximately $24 million of NOI in Q4 and $90 million for the full year, with revenue per capita increasing by 6.9% year-over-year in Q4 [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The leasing market in New York City is described as the strongest since 2019, with strong demand concentrated among top-quality, modernized buildings [18] - The company has a pipeline of over 170,000 sq ft of leases anticipated to close in the first and second quarters of 2026 [31] - The market for large block, institutional quality office space is supply-constrained, with strong demand [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has transformed its portfolio to a 100% New York City focus, enhancing cash flow and portfolio quality [6] - A proactive balance sheet management strategy is in place to provide flexibility for strategic transactions and shareholder value creation [6] - The company aims to continue improving the quality of its portfolio and cash flows through prudent capital allocations [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects 2026 FFO and same-store cash NOI to be consistent with 2025 results, with anticipated commercial occupancy of 90%-92% by year-end 2026 [25] - Known tenant rollover is expected to impact FFO growth in 2026, but the portfolio is well-positioned for long-term cash growth [6] - The company remains optimistic about the return of traditional international visitors and is focused on enhancing guest experiences [8] Other Important Information - The company achieved the highest possible GRESB rating for the sixth consecutive year, reflecting its sustainability leadership [9] - Opportunistic share repurchases remain a strategic part of the capital allocation framework, with $6 million of shares repurchased in Q4 [16] - The company has completed $1 billion of acquisitions of high-quality real estate, improving cash flow and portfolio quality [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook on leasing activity for Q1 2026 - Management indicated strong market tenor and a pipeline of over 170,000 sq ft of leases anticipated to close in the first and second quarters [31] Question: Details on the sale of the Stamford asset - The sale price was mid-$60 million, with adjustments bringing it close to the debt balance [32] Question: Impact of proposed property tax increases - Management stated that any increase would be passed through to tenants, and the market dynamics would dictate rent adjustments [36][37] Question: Impact of AI on leasing decisions - Management noted strong demand for high-quality office space, with AI being a positive factor for leasing activity [38] Question: Impact of the new mayor's policies on leasing discussions - Management confirmed that there has been no impact on leasing discussions from the new mayor's rhetoric or policies [42] Question: Economic outlook for the observatory and competition - Management highlighted a shift in visitor composition towards more domestic visitors and noted competition from other attractions [46]
Sonic Automotive(SAH) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-18 17:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reported GAAP EPS for Q4 2025 was $1.36 per share, with adjusted EPS at $1.52 per share, reflecting a 1% increase year-over-year [4] - Consolidated total revenues for Q4 were $3.9 billion, down 1% year-over-year, while full-year revenues reached an all-time record of $15.2 billion, up 7% year-over-year [4][5] - Consolidated total gross profit for the full year was $2.4 billion, up 9% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA growing 10% to $615 million [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Franchise dealership segment revenues for Q4 were $3.4 billion, flat year-over-year, with a 5% decrease in same-store sales driven by an 11% decrease in new vehicle retail volume [5][6] - EchoPark revenues for Q4 were $481 million, down 5% year-over-year, but adjusted EBITDA reached a record $49.2 million for the full year, up 78% year-over-year [8][9] - Powersports segment revenues for Q4 were $36 million, up 19% year-over-year, with gross profit increasing by 25% [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same-store new vehicle gross profit per unit (GPU) was $3,033, down 7% year-over-year, while used vehicle GPU decreased 2% year-over-year to $1,379 [7] - EchoPark's total GPU for Q4 was a record $3,420 per unit, up 15% year-over-year [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand EchoPark to cover 90% of U.S. car buyers, targeting over 1 million vehicles sold annually, while focusing on brand marketing to drive growth [9][10] - Strategic adjustments to the EchoPark business model are expected to facilitate disciplined store openings beginning in late 2026 [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about potential tariff impacts on vehicle production and pricing, indicating that new car prices are expected to rise, which could affect consumer affordability [12][40] - The company remains optimistic about the growth potential in fixed operations, projecting significant growth opportunities in the service sector [56] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $702 million in available liquidity and repurchased approximately 600,000 shares for about $38 million during Q4 [11] - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.38 per share was approved, payable on April 15, 2026 [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss EchoPark's position in the used car ecosystem? - Management views EchoPark as a low-cost provider in the pre-owned vehicle market, aiming to sell vehicles at prices $3,000-$6,000 lower than competitors like Carvana and CarMax [19][21] Question: What is the plan for advertising spend? - The planned $10 million-$20 million advertising spend will focus on brand building and will begin in the second quarter, with a broader rollout expected in 2027 [32][34] Question: How is the company addressing fixed operations growth? - The company has increased technician numbers significantly and sees potential for $100 million a month in fixed operations growth, aiming to attract more customers back to dealership service [55][92] Question: What are the expectations for GPU in 2026? - Management anticipates new car GPU to be in the range of $2,700-$3,000, with potential increases during tax return season [39] Question: How is the company planning to handle inventory sourcing? - The company is leveraging its new car franchise dealerships for inventory and is incentivizing teams to buy vehicles from various sources, reducing reliance on auctions [25][26] Question: What is the outlook for the luxury vehicle market? - Management noted that while luxury vehicle prices are high, they are monitoring consumer behavior closely, especially as new car prices continue to rise [40][74]
Fresh Del Monte Produce (FDP) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-18 17:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q4 2025 were $1.02 billion, with an adjusted net sales of $968 million, reflecting strong demand in the banana segment and other products [13][15] - Gross profit was $106 million, with a gross margin of 10.4%, while adjusted gross profit was $109 million with an adjusted gross margin of 11.3% [14][15] - For the full year 2025, net sales reached $4.3 billion, with adjusted net sales of $4.1 billion, driven by higher selling prices across business segments [15][16] - Fresh Del Monte's net income was $91 million for the full year, with an adjusted net income of $178 million [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fresh and value-added products segment net sales were $2.6 billion, driven by higher selling prices in pineapples and Fresh Cut products [18] - The banana segment generated $1.5 billion in net sales, benefiting from higher selling prices in North America and improved market demand [19] - Other products and services segment net sales were $210 million, primarily from the third-party ocean freight business [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Market demand in North America and Europe remains strong, while demand in Asia, particularly Japan and Korea, is trending lower year-over-year [25] - The banana segment faced cost pressures due to adverse weather and crop diseases, impacting margins [19][42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on core strengths by divesting non-core assets and streamlining its portfolio, which has strengthened its balance sheet and expanded margins [4][5] - Fresh Del Monte is in the process of acquiring select assets from Del Monte Foods, aiming to reunify the brand under one company to enhance operational efficiency and long-term value creation [5][10] - The acquisition is expected to close before the end of Q1 2026, pending regulatory approvals [6][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to manage the upcoming acquisition and highlighted the importance of disciplined decision-making and capital allocation [9][23] - The outlook for 2026 includes expectations for net sales to be 1%-2% higher, driven by increased selling prices, with gross margins projected to be in the range of 12%-14% for the fresh and value-added segment [24][26] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share, reflecting a disciplined approach to capital allocation [22] - Capital expenditures for the full year totaled $64 million, focusing on enhancing operations in Central America and North America [21][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What stood out in the quarter regarding margins in the Fresh Cut segment? - Management indicated comfort with the guidance of 12%-14% gross margin for the year, despite the last quarter's adjusted gross margin being 14.8% [31][32] Question: Can you discuss trends in the Fresh Cut segment and expectations for 2026? - Fresh Cut is performing well with strong demand and volume increases expected to continue into 2026 [33] Question: How is the pineapple business managing supply issues? - The company is expanding production in Costa Rica and Brazil, but land availability and government approvals are challenges [37][38] Question: How did North America fare relative to other regions in the banana segment? - North America performed reasonably well, focusing on profitability rather than volume, while Asia impacted margins negatively [40][42] Question: What is the expected sales growth and profitability from the Del Monte Foods acquisition? - Management preferred to wait until Q1 to provide guidance on the expected sales growth and profitability from the acquisition [46][47]
MFA Financial(MFA) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-18 17:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - As of December 31, GAAP book value was $13.20 per share, and economic book value was $13.75 per share, both showing modest increases from the end of September [21] - Total economic return for the fourth quarter was 3.1% and 9% for the full year of 2025, with total shareholder return for the year at 6% [11][21] - GAAP earnings for the fourth quarter were $54.3 million, or $0.42 per basic common share, with net interest income at $55.5 million, a decline from $56.8 million in the third quarter [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the fourth quarter, the company acquired $1.9 billion of loans and securities, including $1.2 billion of agencies and $443 million of non-QM loans [13] - The agency portfolio grew by over 50% to $3.3 billion during the quarter, with significant investments made before spreads tightened [29] - Distributable earnings for the fourth quarter were approximately $27.8 million, or $0.27 per share, an increase from $0.20 per share in the third quarter [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Bloomberg US Aggregate Index was up 7.3% in 2025, following a decline of 7.1% over the previous three years [6] - Treasury rates declined, with 2-year yields dropping 77 basis points and 10-year yields dropping by 39 basis points [7] - The MOVE Index, which measures bond market volatility, ended the year at just under 64, down from above 100 for most of the previous three years [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing earnings and growing return on equity (ROE) through strategic initiatives, including deploying excess cash into target assets [12] - The company plans to relaunch multifamily lending and has hired 45 new salespeople at Lima One, indicating a push for growth in 2026 [14] - The company is also working on resolving delinquent loans, with over $150 million resolved in the fourth quarter, unlocking capital for redeployment [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the macroeconomic environment, citing favorable conditions for the mortgage market due to lower rates and government support for housing affordability [9][10] - The company expects to see the results of its strategic initiatives reflected in financials in 2026, with a focus on enhancing earnings and ROEs [20] - Management noted that while the delinquency rate across the loan portfolio ended the year at just over 7%, it is expected to remain elevated in the legacy portfolio as it winds down [35] Other Important Information - The company reported a decline in general and administrative (G&A) expenses, totaling $119 million for 2025, down from $132 million in 2024 [25] - Approximately 40% of the 2025 common dividends were treated as a tax-deferred return of capital, enhancing after-tax yield for shareholders [21][22] - The company has reauthorized a stock buyback program, utilizing proceeds from preferred stock issuance to repurchase common stock at a discount [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the run rate ROE on your EAD once loss provisions are through? - Management indicated that DE on a lossless basis was in the 8%-9% range, expected to rise to 10-11% in the back half of 2026 [44] Question: Can you discuss the re-entry into the multifamily market? - The company is targeting higher quality loans with larger average amounts, focusing on an originate-to-sell model [46] Question: How do you think about the potential deals that could be called? - Management noted that several deals could unlock $50 million-$100 million of capital for redeployment [51] Question: What are your expectations for margins and total volumes throughout the year? - The company anticipates healthy spreads and significant growth potential, particularly in the back half of the year [68]
Sonic Automotive(SAH) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-18 17:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reported GAAP EPS for Q4 2025 was $1.36 per share, with adjusted EPS at $1.52 per share, reflecting a 1% increase year-over-year [4] - Consolidated total revenues for Q4 were $3.9 billion, down 1% year-over-year, while full-year revenues reached an all-time record of $15.2 billion, up 7% year-over-year [4][5] - Consolidated total gross profit for the full year was $2.4 billion, up 9% year-over-year, and consolidated Adjusted EBITDA grew 10% to $615 million [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Franchise dealership segment revenues for Q4 were $3.4 billion, flat year-over-year, with a 5% decrease in same-store new vehicle retail volume, partially offset by a 5% increase in same-store used vehicle retail volume [5][6] - EchoPark revenues for Q4 were $481 million, down 5% year-over-year, but gross profit reached a record $54 million, up 9% year-over-year [8] - Powersports segment revenues for Q4 were $36 million, up 19% year-over-year, with gross profit also reaching a record of $9 million, up 25% year-over-year [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same-store new vehicle gross profit per unit (GPU) was $3,033, down 7% year-over-year, while new vehicle GPU on a reported basis was $3,209, down 1% year-over-year [7] - EchoPark segment total GPU was a record $3,420 per unit, up 15% year-over-year [8] - The average retail selling price of new vehicles reached over $62,000 in Q4, indicating a trend of increasing vehicle prices [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand the EchoPark platform to reach 90% of U.S. car buyers, targeting over 1 million vehicles sold annually [9] - Investment in brand marketing is expected to be key for long-term growth, with plans to increase advertising expenses by $10-$20 million in 2026 [10] - The company is focused on leveraging its new car franchise dealerships for inventory sourcing to reduce dependence on auction lanes [25][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about potential pricing pressures due to tariffs and the impact on consumer affordability as new car prices continue to rise [40][41] - The company remains optimistic about the growth potential in the EchoPark segment, especially as inventory conditions improve [107] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining strong relationships with manufacturer partners to navigate challenges in vehicle production and pricing [12] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $702 million in available liquidity and repurchased approximately 600,000 shares for about $38 million in Q4 [11] - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.38 per share was approved, payable on April 15, 2026 [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss EchoPark's position in the used car ecosystem? - Management views EchoPark as a low-cost provider in the pre-owned vehicle market, aiming to sell over 1 million vehicles annually and expand coverage [20][21] Question: What is the plan for advertising spend? - The $10 million-$20 million advertising budget will focus on brand building and will begin in the second quarter, with a broader rollout expected in 2027 [32][34] Question: How is the company addressing fixed operations growth? - The company has increased technician numbers significantly and sees potential for $100 million a month in fixed operations growth, targeting mid-single-digit growth in this segment [55][92] Question: What are the expectations for new car pricing and consumer behavior? - Management anticipates that new car prices will continue to rise, which may affect consumer affordability, but believes this will benefit the used car market [40][41] Question: How is the company planning to leverage technology in service operations? - The company is investing in a digital retail solution and plans to launch an EchoPark app to enhance customer experience and streamline the buying process [98][99]
MFA Financial(MFA) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-18 17:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - As of December 31, GAAP book value was $13.20 per share, and economic book value was $13.75 per share, both showing modest increases from the end of September [21] - Total economic return for the fourth quarter was 3.1% and 9% for the full year of 2025, with total shareholder return for the year at 6% [11][21] - GAAP earnings for the fourth quarter were $54.3 million, or $0.42 per basic common share, with net interest income at $55.5 million, a slight decline from $56.8 million in the previous quarter [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the fourth quarter, the company acquired $1.9 billion of loans and securities, including $1.2 billion of agencies and $443 million of non-QM loans [13] - The agency book grew by over 50% to $3.3 billion during the quarter, with a focus on low pay-up spec pools [29] - Lima One originated $226 million of new loans in the fourth quarter, including various types of loans, contributing to $5.7 million of mortgage banking income [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Bloomberg US Aggregate Index increased by 7.3% in 2025, following a decline of 7.1% over the previous three years [6] - Treasury rates declined, with 2-year yields dropping 77 basis points and 10-year yields dropping by 39 basis points, leading to a steepening of the 2-10 spread from 32 basis points to 70 basis points [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing earnings and return on equity (ROE) through strategic initiatives, including deploying over $100 million of excess cash into target assets [12] - The company plans to relaunch multifamily lending and has made investments in technology and sales force at Lima One to enhance growth [14][15] - The company is optimistic about 2026, expecting supportive government policies and favorable market conditions to drive growth [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that 2025 felt like an exit from a challenging period for fixed income investors, with lower rates and volatility creating a favorable environment for the mortgage market [5][9] - The company expects to see the results of its strategic initiatives reflected in financials in 2026, with a focus on resolving delinquent loans and reducing expenses [17][20] Other Important Information - The company reported a decline in general and administrative (G&A) expenses to $119 million in 2025 from $132 million in 2024, achieving a reduction of approximately 9.5% [25] - Approximately 40% of the 2025 common dividends were treated as a tax-deferred return of capital, enhancing the after-tax yield for shareholders [21][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the run rate ROE on your EAD once loss provisions are through? - Management indicated that DE on a lossless basis was in the 8%-9% range, expected to rise to 10-11% in the back half of 2026 [44] Question: Can you discuss the re-entry into the multifamily market? - The company is targeting higher quality loans with larger unit sizes and an originate-to-sell model to capture fees [46] Question: How do you think about the potential deals that could be called? - Management noted that several deals could unlock $50 million-$100 million of capital for reinvestment [52] Question: How should we think about capital allocation going forward? - The expectation is to initially increase investments in the agency portfolio before transitioning to non-QM and BPL asset classes [55] Question: What are your expectations for margins and total volumes throughout the year? - The company anticipates healthy spreads and significant growth potential, particularly in the back half of the year [70]