Orchid Island Capital Inc

Previous wording

Significant increases in both long-term and short-term interest rates pose a substantial risk associated with our investment in Agency RMBS. If long-term rates were to increase significantly, the market value of our Agency RMBS would decline, and the duration and weighted average life of the investments would increase. We could realize a loss if the securities were sold. At the same time, an increase in short-term interest rates would increase the amount of interest owed on our repurchase agreements used to finance the purchase of Agency RMBS, which would decrease cash available for distribution to our stockholders. Using this business model, we are particularly susceptible to the effects of an inverted yield curve, where short-term rates are higher than long-term rates. Although rare in a historical context, the U.S. and many countries in Europe have experienced inverted yield curves. Given the volatile nature of the U.S. economy and potential future increases in short-term interest rates, there can be no guarantee that the yield curve will not become and/or remain inverted. If this occurs, it could result in a decline in the value of our Agency RMBS, our business, financial position and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders could be materially adversely affected.

Current wording

Significant increases in both long-term and short-term interest rates pose a substantial risk associated with our investment in Agency RMBS. If long-term rates were to increase significantly, the market value of our Agency RMBS would decline, and the duration and weighted average life of the investments would increase. We could realize a loss if the securities were sold. At the same time, an increase in short-term interest rates would increase the amount of interest owed on our repurchase agreements used to finance the purchase of Agency RMBS, which would decrease cash available for distribution to our stockholders. Using this business model, we are particularly susceptible to the effects of an inverted yield curve, where short-term rates are higher than long-term rates. Although rare in a historical context, the U.S. and many countries in Europe have recently experienced inverted yield curves. Given the volatile nature of the U.S. economy and potential future increases in short-term interest rates, there can be no guarantee that the yield curve will not become inverted. If this occurs, it could result in a decline in the value of our Agency RMBS, our business, financial position and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders could be materially adversely affected.

Previous wording

Rising interest rates generally reduce the demand for consumer credit, including mortgage loans, due to the higher cost of borrowing. A reduction in the volume of mortgage loans may affect the volume of Agency RMBS available to us, which could affect our ability to acquire assets that satisfy our investment objectives. Rising interest rates may also cause Agency RMBS that were issued prior to an interest rate increase to provide yields that exceed prevailing market interest rates. If rising interest rates cause us to be unable to acquire a sufficient volume of Agency RMBS or Agency RMBS with a yield that exceeds our borrowing costs, our ability to satisfy our investment objectives and to generate income and pay dividends, our business, financial condition and results of operations, and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders may be materially adversely affected.

Current wording

Rising interest rates or high interest rates generally reduce the demand for consumer credit, including mortgage loans, due to the higher cost of borrowing. A reduction in the volume of mortgage loans may affect the volume of Agency RMBS available to us, which could affect our ability to acquire assets that satisfy our investment objectives. Rising interest rates may also cause Agency RMBS that were issued prior to an interest rate increase to provide yields that exceed prevailing market interest rates. If rising interest rates cause us to be unable to acquire a sufficient volume of Agency RMBS or Agency RMBS with a yield that exceeds our borrowing costs, our ability to satisfy our investment objectives and to generate income and pay dividends, our business, financial condition and results of operations, and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders may be materially adversely affected.

Previous wording

Our portfolio includes Agency RMBS backed by ARMs, hybrid ARMs and fixed-rate mortgages, and the mix of these securities in the portfolio may be increased or decreased over time. Additionally, the interest rates on ARMs and hybrid ARMs may vary over time based on changes in a short-term interest rate index, of which there are many.

Current wording

Our portfolio includes or may include Agency RMBS backed by fixed-rate mortgages, ARMs and hybrid ARMs and the mix of these securities in the portfolio may be increased or decreased over time. Additionally, the interest rates on ARMs and hybrid ARMs may vary over time based on changes in a short-term interest rate index, of which there are many.

Previous wording

U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns have increased the possibility of additional credit-rating downgrades and economic slowdowns, or a recession in the United States. Although U.S. lawmakers passed legislation to raise the federal debt ceiling on multiple occasions, ratings agencies have lowered or threatened to lower the long-term sovereign credit rating on the United States. The impact of this or any further downgrades to the U.S. government’s sovereign credit rating or its perceived creditworthiness could adversely affect the U.S. and global financial markets and economic conditions. In addition, disagreement over the federal budget has caused the U.S. federal government to shut down for periods of time. Continued adverse political and economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns have increased the possibility of additional credit-rating downgrades and economic slowdowns, or a recession in the United States. Although U.S. lawmakers passed legislation to raise the federal debt ceiling on multiple occasions, ratings agencies have in recent years lowered or threatened to lower the long-term sovereign credit rating on the United States. The impact of this or any further downgrades to the U.S. government’s sovereign credit rating or its perceived creditworthiness could adversely affect the U.S. and global financial markets and economic conditions. In addition, disagreement over the federal budget has caused the U.S. federal government to shut down for periods of time. Continued adverse political and economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

The Fed owns approximately $2.4 trillion of Agency RMBS as of December 31, 2023. After nearly doubling its Agency RMBS holdings from $1.4 trillion in March 2020 to a peak of over $2.7 trillion in April of 2022 as a result of its COVID-19 policy response, the Fed halted purchases of Agency RMBS in September 2022 and began allowing up to $35 billion per month of Agency RMBS to run off its balance sheet. This, combined with the Fed’s aggressive hikes to the Fed Funds rate in an effort to curb inflation, has resulted in a net supply of Agency RMBS, an increase in interest rates and a current inversion of the yield curve that has negatively impacted the market value of Agency RMBS. With prepayments slowing in response to rising mortgage rates, Agency RMBS runoffs may not reduce the Fed’s balance sheet quickly enough to meet its stated policy goals, raising the possibility of the Fed selling Agency RMBS outright. These actions by the Fed to date, along with interest rate increases, have adversely impacted the prices and returns of Agency RMBS. While it is very difficult to predict the impact of a continuing Fed portfolio runoff or potential sales of Agency RMBS on the supply, prices and liquidity of Agency RMBS, returns on Agency RMBS may be adversely affected.

Current wording

The Fed owns approximately $2.2 trillion of Agency RMBS as of December 31, 2024. After nearly doubling its Agency RMBS holdings from $1.4 trillion in March 2020 to a peak of over $2.7 trillion in April of 2022 as a result of its COVID-19 policy response, the Fed halted purchases of Agency RMBS in September 2022 and began allowing up to $35 billion per month of Agency RMBS to run off its balance sheet. With prepayments slowing in response to rising and/or high mortgage rates, Agency RMBS runoffs may not reduce the Fed’s balance sheet quickly enough to meet its stated policy goals, raising the possibility of the Fed selling Agency RMBS outright. These actions by the Fed to date, along with interest rate increases, have adversely impacted the prices and returns of Agency RMBS. While it is very difficult to predict the impact of a continuing Fed portfolio runoff or potential sales of Agency RMBS on the supply, prices and liquidity of Agency RMBS, returns on Agency RMBS may be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Short-term interest rates are currently higher than long-term interest rates. * This phenomenon, typically referred to as an inverted U.S. Treasury or yield curve, occurred during 2022 and 2023, and may continue well into the future.* * Under such conditions our**funding costs may equal or exceed yields available on our assets, adversely impacting our financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.*

Current wording

Short-term interest rates have recently been higher than long-term interest rates. * This phenomenon, typically referred to as an inverted U.S. Treasury or yield curve, occurred during 2022 through the majority of 2024, and may occur again in the future.* * Under such conditions our funding costs may equal or exceed yields available on our assets, adversely impacting our financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.*

Previous wording

As the Fed began to increase over-night funding rates during 2022 short-term interest rates began to rise faster than longer-term interest rates and eventually the U.S. Treasury yield curve became inverted, whereby yields on short-terms rates exceeded yields on long-term interest rates. This condition continued into 2023 and 2024, and may continue into the future. Consistent with this development, funding costs associated with our borrowings have increased relative to yields on our Agency RMBS securities. As a result, our net interest income has declined. We have employed various hedging strategies to off-set the phenomenon. However, such hedges may not be adequate to protect our interest income in the future, adversely affecting our financial condition, results of operations and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.

Current wording

As the Fed began to increase over-night funding rates during 2022, short-term interest rates began to rise faster than longer-term interest rates and eventually the U.S. Treasury yield curve became inverted, whereby yields on short-terms rates exceeded yields on long-term interest rates. This condition continued into 2023 and through the majority of 2024, and may occur again in the future. Consistent with this development, funding costs associated with our borrowings have increased relative to yields on our Agency RMBS securities. As a result, our net interest income has declined. We have employed various hedging strategies to off-set the phenomenon. However, such hedges may not be adequate to protect our interest income if the yield curve inverts again in the future, adversely affecting our financial condition, results of operations and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.

Previous wording

Significant adverse changes in financial market conditions can result in a deleveraging of the global financial system and the forced sale of large quantities of mortgage-related and other financial assets. Concerns over rising interest rates, growing inflation, economic recession, geopolitical issues including events such as the COVID-19 pandemic or other global pandemics, the wars in Ukraine and Israel, policy priorities of a new U.S. presidential administration, trade wars, unemployment, the availability and cost of financing, the mortgage market and a declining real estate market or prolonged government shutdown may contribute to increased volatility and diminished expectations for the economy and markets.

Current wording

Significant adverse changes in financial market conditions can result in a deleveraging of the global financial system and the forced sale of large quantities of mortgage-related and other financial assets. Concerns over rising or high interest rates, inflation, economic recession, geopolitical issues including events such as global pandemics, the wars in Ukraine and Israel, policy priorities of a new U.S. presidential administration, tariffs or trade wars, unemployment, the availability and cost of financing, the mortgage market and a declining real estate market or prolonged government shutdown may contribute to increased volatility and diminished expectations for the economy and markets.

Previous wording

Issues related to financing are exacerbated in times of significant dislocation in the financial markets, for example, such as those experienced related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is possible our lenders will become unwilling or unable to provide us with financing, and we could be forced to sell our assets at an inopportune time when prices are depressed. In addition, if the regulatory capital requirements imposed on our lenders change, they may be required to significantly increase the cost of the financing that they provide to us. Our lenders also have revised and may continue to revise the terms of such financings, including haircuts and requiring additional collateral in the form of cash, based on, among other factors, the regulatory environment and their management of actual and perceived risk. Moreover, the amount of financing we receive under our repurchase agreements will be directly related to our lenders’ valuation of our assets that collateralize the outstanding borrowings. Typically, repurchase agreements grant the lender the absolute right to re-evaluate the fair market value of the assets that cover outstanding borrowings at any time. If a lender determines in its sole discretion that the value of the assets has decreased, the lender has the right to initiate a margin call. These valuations may be different than the values that we ascribe to these assets and may be influenced by recent asset sales at distressed levels by forced sellers. A margin call requires us to transfer additional assets to a lender without any advance of funds from the lender for such transfer or to repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings. Significant margin calls could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, business, liquidity and ability to make distributions to our stockholders, and could cause the value of our common stock to decline. In addition, we experienced an increase in haircuts on financings we have rolled. As haircuts are increased, we are required to post additional collateral. We may also be forced to sell assets at significantly depressed prices to meet such margin calls and to maintain adequate liquidity. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced margin calls in 2020 well beyond historical norms. As of December 31, 2023, we had met all margin call requirements, but a sufficiently deep and/or rapid increase in margin calls or haircuts could have an adverse impact on our liquidity.

Current wording

Issues related to financing are exacerbated in times of significant dislocation in the financial markets, for example, such as those experienced related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is possible our lenders will become unwilling or unable to provide us with financing, and we could be forced to sell our assets at an inopportune time when prices are depressed. In addition, if the regulatory capital requirements imposed on our lenders change, they may be required to significantly increase the cost of the financing that they provide to us. Our lenders also have revised and may continue to revise the terms of such financings, including haircuts and requiring additional collateral in the form of cash, based on, among other factors, the regulatory environment and their management of actual and perceived risk. Moreover, the amount of financing we receive under our repurchase agreements will be directly related to our lenders’ valuation of our assets that collateralize the outstanding borrowings. Typically, repurchase agreements grant the lender the absolute right to re-evaluate the fair market value of the assets that cover outstanding borrowings at any time. If a lender determines in its sole discretion that the value of the assets has decreased, the lender has the right to initiate a margin call. These valuations may be different than the values that we ascribe to these assets and may be influenced by recent asset sales at distressed levels by forced sellers. A margin call requires us to transfer additional assets to a lender without any advance of funds from the lender for such transfer or to repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings. Significant margin calls could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, business, liquidity and ability to make distributions to our stockholders, and could cause the value of our common stock to decline. In addition, we have in the past experienced an increase in haircuts on financings we have rolled, and may again in the future. As haircuts are increased, we are required to post additional collateral. We may also be forced to sell assets at significantly depressed prices to meet such margin calls and to maintain adequate liquidity. As of December 31, 2024, we had met all margin call requirements, but a sufficiently deep and/or rapid increase in margin calls or haircuts could have an adverse impact on our liquidity.

Previous wording

As conservator, the FHFA has assumed all the powers of the shareholders, directors and officers of the Enterprises* with the goal of preserving and conserving their assets. At various times since implementation of the conservatorship, Congress has considered structural changes to the Enterprises. The U.S. Treasury published the Treasury Housing Reform Plan in 2019 outlining proposed changes to the U.S. housing finance system, which could lead to the release of the Enterprises from conservatorship. Furthermore, the FHFA released its Strategic Plan in October 2019, which included in part an outline for the Enterprises exiting conservatorship. Events related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated economic slowdown raised concerns at the FHFA that the Enterprises may need additional capital in order to meet their obligations as guarantors on trillions of dollars of Agency RMBS. The market value of Agency RMBS today is highly dependent on the continued support of the Enterprises by the U.S. government. If such support is modified or withdrawn, if the U.S. Treasury fails to inject new capital as needed, or if the Enterprises are released from conservatorship, the market value of Agency RMBS could significantly decline, making it difficult for us to obtain repurchase agreement financing and could force us to sell assets at substantial losses. Furthermore, any policy changes to the relationship between the Enterprises *and the U.S. government may create market uncertainty and have the effect of reducing the actual or perceived credit quality of securities issued by the Enterprises. It may also interrupt the cash flow received by investors on the underlying Agency RMBS.

Current wording

As conservator, the FHFA has assumed all the powers of the shareholders, directors and officers of the Enterprises* with the goal of preserving and conserving their assets. At various times since implementation of the conservatorship, Congress has considered structural changes to the Enterprises. The market value of Agency RMBS today is highly dependent on the continued support of the Enterprises by the U.S. government. If such support is modified or withdrawn, if the U.S. Treasury fails to inject new capital as needed, or if the Enterprises are released from conservatorship, the market value of Agency RMBS could significantly decline, making it difficult for us to obtain repurchase agreement financing and could force us to sell assets at substantial losses. Furthermore, any policy changes to the relationship between the Enterprises *and the U.S. government may create market uncertainty and have the effect of reducing the actual or perceived credit quality of securities issued by the Enterprises. It may also interrupt the cash flow received by investors on the underlying Agency RMBS.

Previous wording

As of February 23, 2024, Bimini owned approximately 1.1% of our outstanding shares of common stock. In evaluating opportunities for us and other management strategies, this may lead our Manager to emphasize certain asset acquisition, disposition or management objectives over others, such as balancing risk or capital preservation objectives against return objectives. This could increase the risks or decrease the returns of your investment.

Current wording

As of February 21, 2025, Bimini owned approximately 0.7% of our outstanding shares of common stock. In evaluating opportunities for us and other management strategies, this may lead our Manager to emphasize certain asset acquisition, disposition or management objectives over others, such as balancing risk or capital preservation objectives against return objectives. This could increase the risks or decrease the returns of your investment.

Previous wording

To assist us in qualifying as a REIT, among other purposes, ownership of our stock by any person will generally be limited to 9.8% in value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of any class or series of our stock. Additionally, our charter will prohibit beneficial or constructive ownership of our stock that would otherwise result in our failure to qualify as a REIT. The ownership rules in our charter are complex and may cause the outstanding stock owned by a group of related individuals or entities to be deemed to be owned by one individual or entity. As a result, these ownership rules could cause an individual or entity to unintentionally own shares beneficially or constructively in excess of our ownership limits. Any attempt to own or transfer shares of our common stock or preferred stock in excess of our ownership limits without the consent of our Board of Directors will result in such shares being transferred to a charitable trust. These provisions may inhibit market activity and the resulting opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their stock that might otherwise exist if any person were to attempt to assemble a block of shares of our stock in excess of the number of shares permitted under our charter and that may be in the best interests of our security holders.

Current wording

To assist us in qualifying as a REIT, among other purposes, ownership of our stock by any person is generally limited to 9.8% in value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of any class or series of our stock. Additionally, our charter prohibits beneficial or constructive ownership of our stock that would otherwise result in our failure to qualify as a REIT. The ownership rules in our charter are complex and may cause the outstanding stock owned by a group of related individuals or entities to be deemed to be owned by one individual or entity. As a result, these ownership rules could cause an individual or entity to unintentionally own shares beneficially or constructively in excess of our ownership limits. Any attempt to own or transfer shares of our common stock or preferred stock in excess of our ownership limits without the consent of our Board of Directors will result in such shares being transferred to a charitable trust. These provisions may inhibit market activity and the resulting opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their stock that might otherwise exist if any person were to attempt to assemble a block of shares of our stock in excess of the number of shares permitted under our charter and that may be in the best interests of our security holders.

Previous wording

Our taxable income may be substantially different than our net income as determined based on generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), because, for example, realized capital losses will be deducted in determining our GAAP net income but may not be deductible in computing our taxable income. In addition, unrealized portfolio gains and losses are included in GAAP net income, but are not included in REIT taxable income. Also, we may invest in assets that generate taxable income in excess of economic income or in advance of the corresponding cash flow from the assets. As a result of the foregoing, we may generate less cash flow than taxable income in a particular year. To the extent that we generate such non-cash taxable income in a taxable year, we may incur U.S. federal corporate income tax and the 4% nondeductible excise tax on that income if we do not distribute such income to stockholders in that year. In that event, we may be required to use cash reserves, incur debt, sell assets, make taxable distributions of our stock or debt securities or liquidate non-cash assets at rates or at times that we regard as unfavorable to satisfy the distribution requirement and to avoid U.S. federal corporate income tax and the 4% nondeductible excise tax in that year.

Current wording

Our taxable income may be substantially different than our net income as determined based on generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), because, for example, realized capital losses will be deducted in determining our GAAP net income but may not be deductible in computing our taxable income. In addition, unrealized portfolio gains and losses are included in GAAP net income, but are not included in REIT taxable income. Also, we may invest in assets that generate taxable income in excess of economic income or in advance of the corresponding cash flow from the assets. As a result of the foregoing, we may generate less cash flow than taxable income in a particular year. To the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our taxable income in a taxable year to our stockholders, whether due to non-cash taxable income or otherwise, we may incur U.S. federal corporate income tax and the 4% nondeductible excise tax on that income. If we have non-cash taxable income in a taxable year, we may be required to use cash reserves, incur debt, sell assets, make taxable distributions of our stock or debt securities or liquidate non-cash assets at rates or at times that we regard as unfavorable to satisfy the distribution requirement and to avoid U.S. federal corporate income tax and the 4% nondeductible excise tax in that year.

Previous wording

We cannot predict the rate at which climate change will progress. However, the physical effects of climate change could have a material adverse effect on our operations and business. Our headquarters and our Manager are located very close to the Florida coastline. To the extent that climate change impacts changes in weather patterns, our headquarters and our Manager could experience severe weather, including hurricanes and coastal flooding due to increases in storm intensity and rising sea levels. Such weather events could disrupt our operations or damage our headquarters. There can be no assurance that climate change and severe weather will not have a material adverse effect on our operations or business.

Current wording

We cannot predict the rate at which climate change will progress. However, the physical effects of climate change could have a material adverse effect on our operations and business. Our headquarters and our Manager are located very close to the Florida coastline. Our headquarters and our Manager have experienced and may in the future experience severe weather, including hurricanes and coastal flooding due to increases in storm intensity and rising sea levels. Such weather events could disrupt our operations or damage our headquarters. There can be no assurance that climate change and severe weather will not have a material adverse effect on our operations or business.