Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corp
For the period ended Jun 30, 2024. Filed Aug 8, 2024.
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A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Jun 30, 2024 · Filed Aug 8, 2024
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-03-31; filed 2024-05-06.
0001140361-24-024544
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-06-30; filed 2024-08-08.
0001140361-24-036413
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 144 previous paragraphs and 160 current paragraphs.
113 unchanged; 29 reworded; 13 added; 2 removed; 0 previous and 5 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 49 previous and 49 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (13)
Current report
Interest income for the three-month period ended June 30, 2024 was $13.7 million as compared to $12.7 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024. The increase of $1.0 million in interest income was due to purchases of new securities as well as replacing lower yielding securities with higher yielding securities.
Current report
Interest income for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024 was $26.4 million as compared to $24.3 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023. The increase of $2.1 million in interest income was due to purchases of new securities as well as replacing lower yielding securities with higher yielding securities coupled with portfolio positioning, which resulted in a decrease in price premium amortization driven by lower prepayment speeds.
Current report
Servicing fee income for the three-month period ended June 30, 2024 was $12.4 million as compared to $12.9 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024. The decrease of $500,000 in servicing fee income was due to changes in the size of the portfolio.
Current report
Servicing fee income for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024 was $25.3 million as compared to $27.3 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023. The decrease of $2.0 million in servicing fee income was due to changes in the size of the portfolio.
Current report
Servicing costs for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024 were $6.1 million as compared to $5.2 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023. The increase of $900,000 in servicing costs due to one-time loan level interest adjustments and de-boarding fees related to the MSR sale.
Current report
Realized loss on RMBS for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024 was approximately $1.9 million as compared to $11.3 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023. The decrease of $9.4 million in realized loss on RMBS was because fewer RMBS securities were sold during the six-month period ended June 30, 2024.
Current report
Realized gain on investments in MSRs for the three-month period ended June 30, 2024 was approximately $741,000 as compared to $0 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024. The increase of $741,000 in realized gain on MSRs was because no MSRs were sold during the three-month period ended March 31, 2024.
Current report
Realized gain on investments in MSRs for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024 was approximately $741,000 as compared to $0 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023. The increase of $741,000 in realized gain on MSRs was because no MSRs were sold during the six-month period ended June 30, 2023.
Current report
Unrealized loss on RMBS measured at fair value through earnings for the three-month period ended June 30, 2024 was $4.4 million as compared to a loss of $8.3 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024. The decrease of $3.9 million in unrealized loss on RMBS measured at fair value through earnings was due to a smaller rise in interest rates as compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2024.
Current report
General and administrative expense for the three-month period ended June 30, 2024 was $3.4 million as compared to $1.8 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024. The increase of $1.6 million in general and administrative expense was due to an increase in professional fees.
Current report
General and administrative expense for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024 was $5.2 million as compared to $3.5 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023. The increase of $1.7 million in general and administrative expense was due to an increase in professional fees.
Current report
On July 9, 2024, the Company announced that the special committee of the Company’s board of directors, which committee is comprised entirely of independent and disinterested members of the board, after consultation with its independent legal and financial advisors and as part of the special committee’s previously announced exploration of strategic alternatives, determined and recommended to the board of directors that it is advisable and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to internalize management of the Company, terminate the Management Agreement and take all steps necessary to begin operating the Company as a fully integrated, internally managed mortgage REIT. Following such recommendation from the special committee, the Company’s board of directors authorized and approved the Internalization and authorized and directed the Company’s officers to take all actions necessary to cause the Company to effect the Internalization.
Current report
On July 11, 2024, we received a letter from counsel to the Manager informing us that it is the Manager's position that no termination of the Management Agreement may be declared based on an Internalization Event absent the agreement of the Manager, no Internalization Event has occurred and, as a result of our July 9, 2024 announcement, the contractual termination fee in the amount of approximately $18.4 million is due. On July 17, 2024, counsel to the special committee responded to the Manager and denied the assertions made by the Manager's counsel and explained that the Internalization Event would not require the payment of a termination fee pursuant to the plain terms of the Management Agreement. The Manager has not responded to the July 17, 2024 letter sent by counsel to the special committee and, at this time, it is not known whether this matter will result in litigation. Should this matter result in litigation, the Company intends to vigorously contest this matter.
Removed paragraphs (2)
Previous report
Servicing fee income for each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was $12.9 million.
Previous report
General and administrative expense for each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was $1.8 million.
Reworded paragraphs (29)
Previous wording
We conduct substantially all of our operations and own substantially all of our assets through our Operating Partnership. We are the sole general partner of our Operating Partnership. As of March 31, 2024, we owned 98.1% of our Operating Partnership. Our Operating Partnership, in turn, owns all of the outstanding common stock of CHMI Sub-REIT, Inc. (the “Sub-REIT”). The Sub-REIT has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2020.
Current wording
We conduct substantially all of our operations and own substantially all of our assets through our Operating Partnership. We are the sole general partner of our Operating Partnership. As of June 30, 2024, we owned 98.0% of our Operating Partnership. Our Operating Partnership, in turn, owns all of the outstanding common stock of CHMI Sub-REIT, Inc. (the “Sub-REIT”). The Sub-REIT has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2020.
Previous wording
The Company has an at-the-market offering program for its common stock (the “Common Stock ATM Program”) pursuant to which it may offer and sell through one or more sales agents, up to $100.0 million in shares of its common stock at prices prevailing at the time, subject to volume and other regulatory limitations. As of March 31, 2024, approximately $4.8 million was remaining pursuant to the Common Stock ATM Program. The Company did not issue and sell any shares of common stock pursuant to the Common Stock ATM Program during the three-month period ended March 31, 2024. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company issued and sold 6,470,004 shares of common stock under the Common Stock ATM Program. The shares were sold at a weighted average price of $4.87 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $31.5 million before fees of approximately $631,000.
Current wording
The Company has an at-the-market offering program for its common stock (the “Common Stock ATM Program”) pursuant to which it may offer and sell through one or more sales agents, up to $100.0 million in shares of its common stock at prices prevailing at the time, subject to volume and other regulatory limitations. As of June 30, 2024, approximately $4.8 million was remaining pursuant to the Common Stock ATM Program. The Company did not issue and sell any shares of common stock pursuant to the Common Stock ATM Program during the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2024. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company issued and sold 6,470,004 shares of common stock under the Common Stock ATM Program. The shares were sold at a weighted average price of $4.87 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $31.5 million before fees of approximately $631,000.
Previous wording
In September 2019, the Company initiated a share repurchase program that allows for the repurchase of up to an aggregate of $10.0 million of its common stock. As of March 31, 2024, approximately $4.7 million was remaining under the share repurchase program. Shares of common stock may be repurchased from time to time through privately negotiated transactions or open market transactions, pursuant to a trading plan in accordance with Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act or by any combination of such methods. The manner, price, number and timing of share repurchases are subject to a variety of factors, including market conditions and applicable SEC rules. The common stock repurchase program does not require the purchase of any minimum number of shares of common stock, and, subject to SEC rules, purchases may be commenced or suspended at any time without prior notice. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock pursuant to the common stock repurchase program.
Current wording
In September 2019, the Company initiated a share repurchase program that allows for the repurchase of up to an aggregate of $10.0 million of its common stock. As of June 30, 2024, approximately $4.7 million was remaining under the share repurchase program. Shares of common stock may be repurchased from time to time through privately negotiated transactions or open market transactions, pursuant to a trading plan in accordance with Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act or by any combination of such methods. The manner, price, number and timing of share repurchases are subject to a variety of factors, including market conditions and applicable SEC rules. The common stock repurchase program does not require the purchase of any minimum number of shares of common stock, and, subject to SEC rules, purchases may be commenced or suspended at any time without prior notice. During the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock pursuant to the common stock repurchase program.
Previous wording
In December 2023, the Company initiated a preferred stock repurchase program that allows for the repurchase of up to an aggregate of $50.0 million of its shares of Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock. Shares of preferred stock may be repurchased from time to time through privately negotiated transactions or open market transactions, pursuant to a trading plan in accordance with Rules 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act. The manner, price, number and timing of share repurchases are subject to a variety of factors, including market conditions and applicable SEC rules. The preferred stock repurchase program does not require the purchase of any minimum number of shares of preferred stock, and, subject to SEC rules, purchases may be commenced or suspended at any time without prior notice. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, the Company repurchased 296,972 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock at a weighted average purchase price of $23.44 per share and paid aggregate brokerage commissions of approximately $8,900 on such repurchases.The difference between the consideration transferred and the carrying value of the preferred stock repurchased resulted in a gain attributable to common stockholders of $152,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its preferred stock pursuant to the repurchase program. Shares of preferred stock that are repurchased by the Company cease to be outstanding but remain authorized for future issuance.
Current wording
In December 2023, the Company initiated a preferred stock repurchase program that allows for the repurchase of up to an aggregate of $50.0 million of its shares of Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock. Shares of preferred stock may be repurchased from time to time through privately negotiated transactions or open market transactions, pursuant to a trading plan in accordance with Rules 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act. The manner, price, number and timing of share repurchases are subject to a variety of factors, including market conditions and applicable SEC rules. The preferred stock repurchase program does not require the purchase of any minimum number of shares of preferred stock, and, subject to SEC rules, purchases may be commenced or suspended at any time without prior notice. During the three-month period ended June 30, 2024, the Company repurchased 98,925 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock at a weighted average purchase price of $24.76 per share and paid aggregate brokerage commissions of approximately $3,000 on such repurchases. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2024, the Company repurchased 395,897 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock at a weighted average purchase price of $23.77 per share and paid aggregate brokerage commissions of approximately $11,900 on such repurchases. The difference between the consideration transferred and the carrying value of the preferred stock repurchased resulted in a loss attributable to common stockholders of $74,000 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2024 and a gain attributable to common stockholders of $78,000 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its preferred stock pursuant to the repurchase program. Shares of preferred stock that are repurchased by the Company cease to be outstanding but remain authorized for future issuance.
Previous wording
Over the past two years, the Federal Reserve has substantially tightened monetary policy to combat an increase in U.S. inflation. Since March 2022, the Federal Reserve has increased its federal funds rate target from 0.0% - 0.25% to the current target of 5.25 – 5.50%. In March 2022, the Federal Reserve also ended its net purchases of Treasury and agency securities (a policy known as quantitative easing) and then in June 2022 began reducing the size of its balance sheet by no longer reinvesting proceeds of up to $60.0 billion (initially $30.0 billion) of maturing Treasury securities and up to $35.0 billion (initially $17.5 billion) in maturing agency debt and mortgage-backed securities per month. Inflation peaked in June of 2022 with consumer prices rising at a rate of 9.0% on a year-over-year basis, but subsequently declined to 3.4% on a year-over-year basis in January of 2024. However, consumer prices have edged up over the past few months with inflation rising to 3.9% on a year-over-year basis in March 2024. It is still unclear how long the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates at elevated levels to bring inflation down to its 2% target.
Current wording
The Federal Reserve has signaled that it is likely to begin to lower its federal funds rate target or otherwise ease monetary policy as soon as this September. Over the past year, the Federal Reserve has kept constant its federal funds rate target after sharply increasing the federal funds rate and otherwise tightening monetary policy in 2022 and 2023 to combat an increase in U.S. inflation. Starting March 2022, the Federal Reserve increased its federal funds rate target from 0.0% - 0.25% to the current target of 5.25 – 5.50%. In March 2022, the Federal Reserve also ended its net purchases of Treasury and agency securities (a policy known as quantitative easing) and then in June 2022 began reducing the size of its balance sheet by no longer reinvesting proceeds of up to $60.0 billion (initially $30.0 billion) of maturing Treasury securities and up to $35.0 billion (initially $17.5 billion) in maturing agency debt and mortgage-backed securities per month. Inflation peaked in June of 2022 with consumer prices rising at a rate of 9.1% on a year-over-year basis, but has subsequently declined to 3.0% on a year-over-year basis in June of 2024. In June of 2024, the consumer price index fell by 0.1 percent, raising expectations that inflation is on a path to hit the Federal Reserve's 2 percent inflation target. Based on this and other data, the Federal Reserve has indicated that an easing of monetary policy will soon be appropriate.
Previous wording
The Federal Reserve’s federal funds rate increases over the past two years and reductions in the size of its balance sheet have resulted in higher interest rates across asset classes, including for Agency RMBS. These actions also may reduce economic activity in the United States, as well as decrease spreads on interest rates, reducing our net interest income. They may also negatively impact our results as we have certain assets and liabilities that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. In addition, lower net interest income resulting from higher rates is expected to be partially offset by lower prepayments which extends the length of cash flows from the MSRs and slows the premium amortization on the RMBS portfolio. Any benefit we expect to receive from lower prepayments on the mortgages underlying our MSRs and RMBS could be offset by increased volatility in the market and increased hedging costs attributable to such volatility and by increased funding costs. The impact on our operating results of future actions by the Federal Reserve that change market interest rates is discussed further below. See “Factors Impacting our Operating Results”.
Current wording
The Federal Reserve’s federal funds rate increases and reductions in the size of its balance sheet resulted in higher interest rates across asset classes, including for Agency RMBS. These actions also generally reduce economic activity in the United States, as well as decrease spreads on interest rates, which can reduce our net interest income and increase our funding costs. They may also negatively impact our results as we have certain assets and liabilities that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. In addition, lower net interest income resulting from higher rates is partially offset by lower prepayments which extends the length of cash flows from the MSRs and slows the premium amortization on the RMBS portfolio. To the extent the Federal Reserve now decides to reduce the federal funds rate or otherwise ease monetary policy, the converse results could be expected. Lower rates could reduce our funding costs and spur economic activity, increasing our net interest income. Higher prepayment could reduce the length of cash flows from the MSRs and accelerate the premium amortization on the RMBS portfolio. The impact on our operating results of future actions by the Federal Reserve that change market interest rates is discussed further below. See “Factors Impacting our Operating Results”.
Previous wording
All of our investments in RMBS are reported at their fair value. At the time of purchase, ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities requires us to designate a security as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading, depending on our ability to hold such security to maturity. Alternatively, we may elect the fair value option of accounting for securities pursuant to ASC 825, Financial Instruments. Prior to January 1, 2023, we designated all our investments in RMBS as available-for-sale. On January 1, 2023, we began electing the fair value option of accounting for all RMBS acquired after such date. Unrealized gains and losses on RMBS classified as available-for-sale are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, whereas unrealized gains and losses on RMBS for which we elected the fair value option are reported in the consolidated statements of income (loss).
Current wording
All of our investments in RMBS are reported at their fair value. At the time of purchase, ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities requires us to designate a security as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading, depending on our ability to hold such security to maturity. Alternatively, we may elect the fair value option of accounting for securities pursuant to ASC 825, Financial Instruments. Prior to January 1, 2023, we designated all our investments in RMBS as available-for-sale. On January 1, 2023, we elected the fair value option of accounting for all RMBS acquired after such date. Unrealized gains and losses on RMBS classified as available-for-sale are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, whereas unrealized gains and losses on RMBS for which we elected the fair value option are reported in the consolidated statements of income (loss).
Previous wording
Prior to fiscal year 2023, we designated all our investments in RMBS as available-for-sale pursuant to ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. Although we may hold most of our securities until maturity, we may, from time to time, sell any of our securities as part of our overall management of our asset portfolio. All assets classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. On January 1, 2023, we began electing the fair value option of accounting pursuant to ASC 825, Financial Instruments, for all RMBS acquired after such date. Unrealized gains and losses on RMBS for which we elected the fair value option are reported in the consolidated statements of income (loss). Fair value of our investments in RMBS is determined based upon prices obtained from third-party pricing providers. Changes in underlying assumptions used in estimating fair value impact the carrying value of the investments in RMBS as well as their yield. For additional information on our assessment of credit-related impairment and our fair value methodology, see “Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 4. Investments in RMBS and Note 9. Fair Value”.
Current wording
Prior to fiscal year 2023, we designated all our investments in RMBS as available-for-sale pursuant to ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. Although we may hold most of our securities until maturity, we may, from time to time, sell any of our securities as part of our overall management of our asset portfolio. All assets classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. On January 1, 2023, we elected the fair value option of accounting pursuant to ASC 825, Financial Instruments, for all RMBS acquired after such date. Unrealized gains and losses on RMBS for which we elected the fair value option are reported in the consolidated statements of income (loss). Fair value of our investments in RMBS is determined based upon prices obtained from third-party pricing providers. Changes in underlying assumptions used in estimating fair value impact the carrying value of the investments in RMBS as well as their yield. For additional information on our assessment of credit-related impairment and our fair value methodology, see “Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 4. Investments in RMBS and Note 9. Fair Value”.
Previous wording
Interest income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 was $12.7 million as compared to $12.8 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2023. The change in interest income was marginal.
Current wording
Interest expense for the three-month period ended June 30, 2024 was $13.5 million as compared to $13.6 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024. The change in interest expense was nominal.
Previous wording
Interest expense for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 was $13.6 million as compared to $13.2 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2023. The increase of $400,000 in interest expense was due to changes in the Company’s leverage.
Current wording
Interest expense for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024 was $27.2 million as compared to $25.1 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023. The increase of $2.1 million in interest expense was due to a rise in financing rates.
Previous wording
Servicing costs for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 were $2.6 million as compared to $3.2 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2023. The decrease of $520,000 in servicing costs was primarily due to timing of interest payments on escrowed loans.
Current wording
Servicing costs for the three-month period ended June 30, 2024 were $3.5 million as compared to $2.6 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024. The increase of $900,000 in servicing costs was due to one-time loan level interest adjustments and de-boarding fees related to the MSR sale.
Previous wording
Realized loss on RMBS for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 was approximately $0 as compared to $14.9 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2023. The decrease of $14.9 million in realized loss on RMBS was because no RMBS securities were sold during the three-month period ended March 31, 2024.
Current wording
Realized loss on RMBS for the three-month period ended June 30, 2024 was approximately $1.9 million as compared to $0 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024. The increase of $1.9 million in realized loss on RMBS was because no RMBS securities were sold during the three-month period ended March 31, 2024.
Previous wording
Realized gain on derivatives for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 was approximately $6.3 million as compared to $7.1 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2023. The decrease of $850,000 in realized gain on derivatives was substantially comprised of an increase of $5.6 million in losses on U.S. Treasury futures and a decrease of $300,000 in interest rate swaps periodic interest income, offset by an increase of $4.6 million in gains on interest rate swaps and an increase of $475,000 in gains on TBAs due to changes in interest rates.
Current wording
Realized gain on derivatives for the three-month period ended June 30, 2024 was approximately $9.4 million as compared to $6.3 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024. The increase of $3.1 million in realized gain on derivatives was substantially comprised of an increase of $7.5 million in gains on TBAs and $430,000 in gains on U.S. Treasury futures offset by a decrease of $4.3 million in gains on interest rate swaps and a decrease of $400,000 in interest rate swaps periodic interest income due to changes in interest rates.
Previous wording
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on RMBS, Measured at Fair Value through Earnings, Net
Current wording
Unrealized Loss on RMBS, Measured at Fair Value through Earnings, Net
Previous wording
Unrealized loss on RMBS measured at fair value through earnings for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 was $8.3 million as compared to a gain of $36.3 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2023. The increase of $44.6 million in unrealized loss on RMBS measured at fair value through earnings was due to a rise in interest rates combined with marginal widening of nominal spreads.
Current wording
Unrealized loss on RMBS measured at fair value through earnings for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024 was $12.8 million as compared to $6.8 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023. The increase of $6.0 million in unrealized loss on RMBS measured at fair value through earnings was due to a rise in interest rates combined with marginal widening of nominal spreads.
Previous wording
Unrealized gain on derivatives for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 was approximately $12.3 million as compared to a loss of $56.0 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2023. The increase of $68.3 million in unrealized gain on derivatives was primarily due to changes in interest rates and the composition of our derivatives relative to the prior period.
Current wording
Unrealized loss on derivatives for the three-month period ended June 30, 2024 was approximately $3.0 million as compared to a gain of $12.3 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024. The increase of $15.3 million in unrealized loss on derivatives was primarily due to changes in interest rates and the composition of our derivatives relative to the prior period.
Previous wording
Unrealized loss on our investments in Servicing Related Assets for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 was approximately $3.3 million as compared to $12.8 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2023. The decrease of $9.5 million in unrealized loss on our investments in Servicing Related Assets was primarily due to changes in valuation inputs or assumptions and paydown of underlying loans.
Current wording
Unrealized loss on our investments in Servicing Related Assets for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024 was approximately $6.6 million as compared to $14.7 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023. The decrease of $8.1 million in unrealized loss on our investments in Servicing Related Assets was primarily due to changes in valuation inputs or assumptions and paydown of underlying loans.
Previous wording
Net income allocated to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, which are LTIP-OP Units owned by directors and officers of the Company and by certain other individuals who provide services to us through the Manager, represented approximately 1.9% of net income for each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Current wording
Net income allocated to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, which are LTIP-OP Units owned by directors and officers of the Company and by certain other individuals who provide services to us through the Manager, represented approximately 2.4% and 1.9% of net income for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively, and 2.0% and 1.9% of net income for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023, respectively.
Previous wording
Our GAAP equity changes as the values of our RMBS are marked to market each quarter, among other factors. The primary causes of mark to market changes are changes in interest rates and nominal spreads. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, a rise in interest rates combined with marginal widening of credit spreads caused a net unrealized loss on our available-for-sale RMBS. During the three-month period ended December 31, 2023, volatility in interest and mortgage rates combined with positioning of securities caused a net unrealized gain on our available-for-sale RMBS. Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale RMBS is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Current wording
Our GAAP equity changes as the values of our RMBS are marked to market each quarter, among other factors. The primary causes of mark to market changes are changes in interest rates and nominal spreads. During the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2024, a rise in interest rates combined with marginal widening of credit spreads caused a net unrealized loss on our available-for-sale RMBS. Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale RMBS is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Previous wording
EAD for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three month period ended December 31, 2023 decreased by approximately $537,000, or $0.04 per average common share due to changes in interest rates and increase in expenses.
Current wording
EAD for the three-month period ended June 30, 2024 as compared to the three month period ended March 31, 2024 decreased by approximately $1.7 million, or $0.05 per average common share due to changes in interest rates and increase in expenses.
Previous wording
Aurora’s portfolio of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac MSRs have an aggregate UPB of approximately $19.6 billion as of March 31, 2024.
Current wording
Aurora’s portfolio of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac MSRs have an aggregate UPB of approximately $18.0 billion as of June 30, 2024.
Previous wording
As of March 31, 2024, we had repurchase agreements with 35 counterparties and approximately $965.0 million of outstanding repurchase agreement borrowings from 14 of those counterparties, which were used to finance RMBS. As of March 31, 2024, our exposure (defined as the amount of cash and securities pledged as collateral, less the borrowing under the repurchase agreement) to any of the counterparties under the repurchase agreements did not exceed five percent of the Company’s equity. Under these agreements, which are uncommitted facilities, we sell a security to a counterparty and concurrently agree to repurchase the same security at a later date at the same price that we initially sold the security plus the interest charged. The sale price represents financing proceeds and the difference between the sale and repurchase prices represents interest on the financing. The price at which the security is sold generally represents the market value of the security less a discount or “haircut.” The weighted average haircut on our repurchase debt at March 31, 2024 was approximately 4.3%. During the term of the repurchase transaction, which can be as short as a few days, the counterparty holds the security and posts margin as collateral. The counterparty monitors and calculates what it estimates to be the value of the collateral during the term of the transaction. If this value declines by more than a de minimis threshold, the counterparty requires us to post additional collateral (or “margin”) in order to maintain the initial haircut on the collateral. This margin is typically required to be posted in the form of cash and cash equivalents. Furthermore, we are, from time to time, a party to derivative agreements or financing arrangements that may be subject to margin calls based on the value of such instruments.
Current wording
As of June 30, 2024, we had repurchase agreements with 35 counterparties and approximately $994.8 million of outstanding repurchase agreement borrowings from 11 of those counterparties, which were used to finance RMBS. As of June 30, 2024, our exposure (defined as the amount of cash and securities pledged as collateral, less the borrowing under the repurchase agreement) to any of the counterparties under the repurchase agreements did not exceed five percent of the Company’s equity. Under these agreements, which are uncommitted facilities, we sell a security to a counterparty and concurrently agree to repurchase the same security at a later date at the same price that we initially sold the security plus the interest charged. The sale price represents financing proceeds and the difference between the sale and repurchase prices represents interest on the financing. The price at which the security is sold generally represents the market value of the security less a discount or “haircut”. The weighted average haircut on our repurchase debt at June 30, 2024 was approximately 4.4%. During the term of the repurchase transaction, which can be as short as a few days, the counterparty holds the security and posts margin as collateral. The counterparty monitors and calculates what it estimates to be the value of the collateral during the term of the transaction. If this value declines by more than a de minimis threshold, the counterparty requires us to post additional collateral (or “margin”) in order to maintain the initial haircut on the collateral. This margin is typically required to be posted in the form of cash and cash equivalents. Furthermore, we are, from time to time, a party to derivative agreements or financing arrangements that may be subject to margin calls based on the value of such instruments.
Previous wording
These short-term borrowings were used to finance certain of our investments in RMBS. The RMBS repurchase agreements are guaranteed by the Company. The weighted average difference between the market value of the assets and the face amount of available financing for the RMBS repurchase agreements, or the haircut, was 4.3% as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The following tables provide additional information regarding borrowings under our repurchase agreements (dollars in thousands):
Current wording
These short-term borrowings were used to finance certain of our investments in RMBS. The RMBS repurchase agreements are guaranteed by the Company. The weighted average difference between the market value of the assets and the face amount of available financing for the RMBS repurchase agreements, or the haircut, was 4.4% as of June 30, 2024 and 4.3% December 31, 2023. The following tables provide additional information regarding borrowings under our repurchase agreements (dollars in thousands):
Previous wording
The weighted average term to maturity of our borrowings under repurchase agreements as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was 22 days and 21 days, respectively.
Current wording
The weighted average term to maturity of our borrowings under repurchase agreements as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was 26 days and 21 days, respectively.
Previous wording
Freddie Mac MSR Revolver. In July 2018, the Company, Aurora and QRS V (collectively with Aurora and the Company, the “Borrowers”) entered into a $25.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Freddie Mac MSR Revolver”) pursuant to which Aurora pledged all of its existing and future MSRs on loans owned or securitized by Freddie Mac. The term of the Freddie Mac MSR Revolver is 364 days with the Borrowers’ option for two renewals for similar terms followed by a one-year term out feature with a 24-month amortization schedule. The Freddie Mac MSR Revolver was upsized to $45.0 million in September 2018. The Company also has the ability to request up to an additional $5.0 million of borrowings. On April 2, 2019, Aurora and QRS V entered into an amendment that increased the maximum amount of the Freddie Mac MSR Revolver to $100.0 million. In July 2023, the Borrowers entered into an agreement that extended the revolving period for an additional 364 days. At the end of the revolving period, the outstanding amount will be converted to a one-year term loan. Amounts borrowed bear interest at a weighted average borrowing rate of 8.2%. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, approximately $62.5 million and $64.5 million, respectively, was outstanding under the Freddie Mac MSR Revolver.
Current wording
Freddie Mac MSR Revolver. In July 2018, the Company, Aurora and QRS V (collectively with Aurora and the Company, the “Borrowers”) entered into a $25.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Freddie Mac MSR Revolver”) pursuant to which Aurora pledged all of its existing and future MSRs on loans owned or securitized by Freddie Mac. The term of the Freddie Mac MSR Revolver is 364 days with the Borrowers’ option for two renewals for similar terms followed by a one-year term out feature with a 24-month amortization schedule. The Freddie Mac MSR Revolver was upsized to $45.0 million in September 2018. The Company also has the ability to request up to an additional $5.0 million of borrowings. On April 2, 2019, Aurora and QRS V entered into an amendment that increased the maximum amount of the Freddie Mac MSR Revolver to $100.0 million. In July 2024, the Borrowers entered into an amendment that extended the revolving period for an additional 364 days subject to renewal of the acknowledgment agreement with Freddie Mac on or before October 25, 2024. If such renewal does not occur, absent some other agreement between the parties, the Borrowers would need to pay down the outstanding amount under the Freddie Mac MSR Revolver by February 28, 2025. Amounts borrowed bear interest at a weighted average borrowing rate of 8.2%. At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, approximately $62.5 million and $64.5 million, respectively, was outstanding under the Freddie Mac MSR Revolver.
Previous wording
Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility. In October 2021, Aurora and QRS III entered into a loan and security agreement (the “Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility”), pursuant to which Aurora and QRS III pledged their respective rights in all existing and future MSRs for loans owned or securitized by Fannie Mae to secure borrowings outstanding from time to time. The maximum credit amount outstanding at any one time under the Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility is $150.0 million. The revolving period is 24 months which may be extended by agreement with the lender. In October 2023, Aurora and QRS III entered into an amendment to the Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility that extended the revolving period for an additional 24 months. Amounts borrowed bear interest at a weighted average borrowing rate of 8.1%. At the end of the revolving period, the outstanding amount will be converted to a three-year term loan that will bear interest at a rate calculated at a spread over the rate for one-year interest rate swaps. The Company has guaranteed repayment of all indebtedness under the Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, approximately $105.0 million and $106.0 million, respectively, was outstanding under the Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility.
Current wording
Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility. In October 2021, Aurora and QRS III entered into a loan and security agreement (the “Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility”), pursuant to which Aurora and QRS III pledged their respective rights in all existing and future MSRs for loans owned or securitized by Fannie Mae to secure borrowings outstanding from time to time. The maximum credit amount outstanding at any one time under the Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility is $150.0 million. The revolving period is 24 months which may be extended by agreement with the lender. In October 2023, Aurora and QRS III entered into an amendment to the Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility that extended the revolving period for an additional 24 months. Amounts borrowed bear interest at a weighted average borrowing rate of 8.1%. At the end of the revolving period, the outstanding amount will be converted to a three-year term loan that will bear interest at a rate calculated at a spread over the rate for one-year interest rate swaps. The Company has guaranteed repayment of all indebtedness under the Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility. At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, approximately $98.0 million and $106.0 million, respectively, was outstanding under the Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility.
Previous wording
Our operating activities used cash of approximately $19.1 million and our investing activities used cash of approximately $55.6 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2024. The cash used by our investing activities resulted primarily from RMBS purchases offset by principal paydowns of RMBS.
Current wording
Our operating activities provided cash of approximately $4.1 million and used cash of approximately $15.0 million and our investing activities used cash of approximately $15.2 million and $70.8 million during the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2024. The cash used by our investing activities resulted substantially from RMBS purchases offset by principal paydowns of RMBS and sales of RMBS and MSRs.
Previous wording
We make distributions based on a number of factors, including an estimate of taxable earnings. Dividends distributed and taxable income will typically differ from GAAP earnings due to items such as fair value adjustments, differences in premium amortization and discount accretion, and nondeductible general and administrative expenses. Our common dividend per share may be substantially different than our taxable earnings and GAAP earnings per share. Our GAAP income per diluted share for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 was $0.32 and our GAAP loss per diluted share for the three-month period ended December 31, 2023 was $1.29.
Current wording
We make distributions based on a number of factors, including an estimate of taxable earnings. Dividends distributed and taxable income will typically differ from GAAP earnings due to items such as fair value adjustments, differences in premium amortization and discount accretion, and nondeductible general and administrative expenses. Our common dividend per share may be substantially different than our taxable earnings and GAAP earnings per share. Our GAAP loss per diluted share for the three-month period ended June 30, 2024 was $0.06 and our GAAP income per diluted share for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 was $0.32.
Previous wording
Substantially all of our assets and liabilities are financial in nature. As a result, interest rates and other factors affect our performance more so than inflation, although inflation rates can often have a meaningful influence over the direction of interest rates. As discussed above under “—Effects of Federal Reserve Policy on the Company”, the Federal Reserve has raised its federal funds rate over the past two years in response to the increase in inflation. The higher interest rates imposed by the Federal Reserve to address inflation may increase our interest expense, which expense may not be fully offset by any resulting increase in our interest income. Furthermore, our financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and our distributions are determined by our board of directors primarily based on our REIT taxable income, and, in each case, our activities and balance sheet are measured with reference to historical cost and/or fair market value without considering inflation.
Current wording
Substantially all of our assets and liabilities are financial in nature. As a result, interest rates and other factors affect our performance more so than inflation, although inflation rates can often have a meaningful influence over the direction of interest rates. As discussed above under “—Effects of Federal Reserve Policy on the Company”, the Federal Reserve has kept its federal funds rate target constant over the past year after sharply increasing the federal funds rate in 2022 and 2023 in response to the increase in inflation, but is now expected to lower the federal funds rate possibly as soon as September. The higher interest rates imposed by the Federal Reserve to address inflation may increase our interest expense, which expense may not be fully offset by any resulting increase in our interest income. If the Federal Reserve moves to lower the federal funds rate, it may decrease our interest expense and our interest income. Furthermore, our financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and our distributions are determined by our board of directors primarily based on our REIT taxable income, and, in each case, our activities and balance sheet are measured with reference to historical cost and/or fair market value without considering inflation.
Rearranged current paragraphs (5)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Realized Gain on Investments in MSRs, Net
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Realized gain on derivatives for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024 was approximately $15.7 million as compared to $6.0 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023. The increase of $9.7 million in realized gain on derivatives was substantially comprised of a decrease of $9.5 million in losses on interest rate swaps and a decrease of $3.8 million in losses on U.S. Treasury futures offset by an increase of $3.9 million in losses on TBAs due to changes in interest rates.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Unrealized gain on derivatives for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024 was approximately $9.3 million as compared to a loss of $5.4 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023. The increase of $14.7 million in unrealized gain on derivatives was primarily due to changes in interest rates and the composition of our derivatives relative to the prior period.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Unrealized loss on our investments in Servicing Related Assets was approximately $3.3 million for each of the three-month periods ended June 30, 2024 and March 31, 2024.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
EAD for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024 as compared to the six month period ended June 30, 2023 decreased by approximately $3.2 million, or $0.16 per average common share due to changes in interest rates and increase in expenses.