Ellington Credit Co
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 31, 2025.
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A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Mar 31, 2025
EARN$3.28+4.1%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-03-12.
0001560672-24-000017
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-31.
0001560672-25-000033
Item 7. 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 165 previous paragraphs and 192 current paragraphs.
79 unchanged; 50 reworded; 61 added; 32 removed; 4 previous and 2 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 14 previous and 14 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 (61)
Current report
We were initially formed in August 2012 as a Maryland company and have historically specialized in acquiring, investing in, and managing residential mortgage- and real estate-related assets, while electing to be taxed as a REIT under the Code.
Current report
On March 29, 2024, our Board of Trustees approved a strategic transformation, the "CLO Strategic Transformation," of our investment strategy to focus on corporate collateralized loan obligations, or "CLOs." In connection with the CLO Strategic Transformation, we revoked our election to be taxed as a REIT for tax year 2024, rebranded as Ellington Credit Company, and began operating as a taxable C-Corp. As a taxable C-Corp, we conduct our operations so that neither we nor any of our subsidiaries are required to register as an investment company under the 1940 Act. This includes holding a core portfolio of liquid Agency MBS pools in order to maintain our exemption from the 1940 Act. During this time, we also plan to take advantage of our significant existing net operating loss carryforwards to offset the majority of our U.S. federal taxable income.
Current report
On April 1, 2025, we intend to convert to a Delaware closed-end fund registered under the 1940 Act that will elect to be treated as a regulated investment company (a "RIC") under the Code (such actions, collectively, the "Conversion"). We obtained shareholder approval of certain matters related to the Conversion at a special meeting of shareholders held on January 17, 2025 (the "Special Meeting"). In conjunction with the Conversion, we intend to liquidate the vast majority of our remaining mortgage- and real estate-related assets and, upon the effectiveness of the Conversion, we intend to operate so as to qualify to be taxed as a RIC under subchapter M of the Code. After the Conversion, we would generally not be subject to corporate tax.
Current report
Our primary objective is to generate attractive current yields and risk-adjusted total returns for our shareholders by making investments that we believe compensate us appropriately for the associated risks. Following the CLO Strategic Transformation, we now seek to attain this objective by constructing and actively managing a portfolio of corporate CLOs, primarily mezzanine debt and equity tranches, which are typically collateralized by portfolios consisting primarily of below-investment-grade senior secured loans with a large number of discrete underlying borrowers across various industry sectors. CLOs are a form of asset-backed security collateralized by syndicated corporate loans which receive interest and principal cash flows from these underlying loans. Senior debt tranches are paid first, then mezzanine debt tranches, and finally, equity. Additionally, we may also invest in CLO loan accumulation facilities, which are entities that acquire corporate loans and other similar corporate credit-related assets in anticipation of ultimately collateralizing a CLO transaction.
Current report
We are externally managed and advised by our Manager, an affiliate of Ellington. Ellington has a longstanding record of investing in the CLO sector. In connection with the CLO Strategic Transformation, on June 25, 2024, our Board of Trustees unanimously approved the Management Agreement where, in addition to carrying over the removal of certain provisions related to the maintenance of our REIT status (which had been made in the prior amendment), our Board of Trustees determined to more closely align the management fee arrangement between us and our Manager with the advisory fee structures of CLO-focused registered closed-end funds.
Current report
Federal Reserve Policy
Current report
•In 2024, the U.S. Federal Reserve maintained its federal funds rate target range of 5.25%–5.50% across its first five meetings. At the September meeting, the Federal Reserve cut rates for the first time in four years, reducing the target range by 50 basis points to 4.75%–5.00%. The Federal Reserve cited a balance in risks to its employment and inflation goals.
Current report
•Subsequent meetings in November and December brought additional 25-basis-point cuts, bringing the range to 4.25%–4.50%. However, the December Summary of Economic Projections signaled a slower pace of rate cuts in 2025, with only two 25-basis-point reductions anticipated. Chair Powell noted further progress lowering inflation as a prerequisite for additional cuts.
Current report
•In June, the Federal Reserve reduced the pace of its balance sheet contraction by lowering the cap on portfolio runoff of U.S. Treasury securities from $60 billion to $25 billion, while maintaining the $35 billion cap on Agency RMBS.
Current report
Interest Rates
Current report
•Following sharp declines in the fourth quarter of 2023, interest rates rose in the first quarter of 2024 as expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts shifted later in the year. The 2-year U.S. Treasury yield increased by 37 basis points to 4.62%, while the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield rose by 32 basis points to 4.20%. Interest rate volatility declined, with the MOVE Index reaching a two-year low by quarter-end.
Current report
In the second quarter, interest rates rose in April before declining in May and June, ending slightly higher overall. The 2-year U.S. Treasury yield increased by 13 basis points to 4.75%, and the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield rose by 20 basis points to 4.40%. Volatility spiked in mid-April but fell through the quarter's end.
Current report
The third quarter saw significant declines in interest rates, particularly short-term rates. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield exceeded the 2-year yield for the first time since July 2022. The 2-year yield dropped by 111 basis points to 3.64%, and the 10-year yield fell by 62 basis points to 3.78%. Volatility spiked in early August and September before subsiding.
Current report
In the fourth quarter, interest rates reversed course again, with the 2-year U.S. Treasury yield rising 60 basis points to 4.24% and the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield increasing 79 basis points to 4.57%. The MOVE Index peaked ahead of the U.S. presidential election but declined by year-end.
Current report
•Mortgage rates closely tracked long-term interest rate movements. The Freddie Mac survey 30-year mortgage rate rose to 7.22% in May before declining to 6.08% by late September. Mortgage rates spiked again in the fourth quarter, ending the year at 6.85%.
Current report
•SOFR rates were stable in the first half of 2024 but fell sharply in the second half, reflecting the Federal Reserve rate cuts. For the full year, one-month SOFR decreased 102 basis points to 4.33%, while three-month SOFR fell 103 basis points to 4.31%. SOFR rates drive many of our financing costs.
Current report
Housing and Economic Indicators
Current report
•The Mortgage Bankers Association's Refinance Index, although still low on an historical basis, rose significantly in the first three quarters of 2024, tripling between the start of the year and September 27 th. However, the index declined sharply in the fourth quarter, ending 2024 only slightly higher year-over-year.
Current report
•Similarly, mortgage prepayment speeds increased during the year but remained at relatively low levels. Prepayment speeds for Fannie Mae 30-year RMBS started at 4.4 CPR in January 2024 and trended upward for most of the year, reaching a peak of 8.3 CPR in October. Prepayment speeds then declined towards year-end, with Fannie Mae 30-year RMBS registering 6.0 CPR in December.
Current report
•U.S. real GDP grew at annualized rates of 1.6% in the first quarter, 3.0% in the second quarter, and 3.1% in the third quarter, with an estimated growth rate of 2.3% in the fourth quarter. Unemployment edged up from 3.8% to 4.1% by year-end.
Current report
•Inflation trended lower, with the 12-month percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, not seasonally adjusted, falling from 3.1% in January to a low of 2.4% in September before ending the year at 2.9%.
Current report
Fixed Income Performance
Current report
•MBS returns were mixed, with the Bloomberg U.S. MBS Index posting a full-year positive return of 1.20% and a positive excess return (on a duration-adjusted basis) of 0.37% relative to the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Index. The performance of both indices was volatile, particularly in the fourth quarter, when returns were sharply negative overall.
Current report
•Corporate bonds fared better. The Bloomberg U.S. Corporate Bond Index returned 2.13% with an excess return of 2.46%, while the Bloomberg High Yield Bond Index posted an 8.19% return and 5.02% excess return. Corporate credit spreads tightened, with the Markit CDX North America Investment Grade and High Yield Indices narrowing by 7 and 45 basis points, respectively.
Current report
Leveraged Loans and CLOs
Current report
•Including $800 billion in repricings, U.S. leveraged loan issuance reached a record $1.5 trillion in 2024, per PitchBook|LCD. CLO new issue volume also hit a record, exceeding $200 billion, according to BofA Global Research.
Current report
•Default rates on U.S. leveraged loans declined in 2024. According to PitchBook|LCD the twelve-month trailing default rate on the Morningstar LSTA Leveraged Loan Index fell to 0.80% as of September 30 th, compared to 1.53% at the start of the year. Default rates rose slightly to 0.91% by December 31 st, but remained well below the 10-year historical average of 1.62%.
Current report
•Additionally, prices on leveraged loans increased, with the Morningstar LSTA US Leveraged Loan Index rising by $1.10 over the year, reaching $97.33 as of December 31 st.
Current report
•European leveraged loans followed a similar trend, with default rates declining significantly year over year, to 0.42% from 1.62%. Prices increased as well, with the Morningstar LSTA EU Leveraged Loan Index rising by €1.96 to €98.01.
Current report
Equity Markets
Current report
•U.S. equities posted another strong year in 2024: the Dow Jones rose 12.9%, the S&P 500 gained 23.3%, and the NASDAQ climbed 28.6%. The FTSE 100 and MSCI World Indexes also posted gains of 5.7% and 17.0%, respectively.
Current report
•Equity volatility spiked at several points during 2024, with the VIX reaching, in early August, its highest level since October 2020.
Current report
Our CLO portfolio expanded nearly tenfold year over year to $171.1 million as of December 31, 2024, from $17.4 million, as we rotated investment capital into CLOs in conjunction with the CLO Strategic Transformation. As of December 31, 2024, our CLO portfolio consisted of $99.1 million of CLO equity tranches, ($91.8 million dollar-denominated, $7.3 million non-dollar denominated) and $72.0 million of CLO notes, specifically mezzanine debt tranches ($55.2 million dollar-denominated, $16.8 million non-dollar denominated).
Current report
In conjunction with the Conversion, we intend to liquidate the vast majority of our remaining mortgage- and real estate-related assets and rotate all investment capital into CLOs. Moving forward, we expect our CLO holdings to continue to be a blend of CLO equity and CLO debt investments, with the capital allocations fluctuating over time based on market opportunities. In addition, we intend to continue to invest in both dollar-denominated and non-dollar denominated CLO investments, based on relative value opportunities, but expect the majority of our CLO investments will continue to be dollar-denominated.
Current report
The size of our Agency RMBS holdings decreased by 30% to $512.3 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $728.0 million as of December 31, 2023, primarily driven by net sales in conjunction with the CLO Strategic Transformation, as well as paydowns. Meanwhile, we sold our remaining non-Agency RMBS and interest only securities throughout the year and held only a de minimis amount at year end.
Current report
CLO Performance
Current report
In 2024, the U.S. CLO market benefited from strengthening loan fundamentals and robust demand for leveraged loans, as well as from spread tightening across credit risk assets broadly. The trailing-twelve-month payment default rate for the Morningstar LSTA U.S. Leveraged Loan Index (the "U.S. LL Index") declined to 91 basis points at the end of 2024, which was 62 basis points lower year over year, while the balance of loans in the U.S. LL Index rated CCC+ or below declined to 5.3%, the lowest level since October 2022. The U.S. LL Index price rose $1.10 to $97.33 at year-end, which combined with interest payments drove a total return for the year of nearly 9%.
Current report
Leveraged loan prepayment and repricing rates surged in 2024, with prepayment rates on the U.S. LL Index increasing to 28% from 18% on a trailing-twelve-month basis, as borrowers took advantage of highly accessible capital markets to refinance debt at lower spreads, extend maturities, and increase liquidity. As a result, the broadly syndicated loan market saw gross issuance of nearly $1.5 trillion for the year, the largest annual issuance amount on record, split between $650 billion of new loan issuance and refinancings, and more than $800 billion in repricings. The wave of issuance was met by significant demand for the asset class, driven by a record year of CLO new issuance as well (over $200 billion in 2024), in addition to nearly $9 billion of net capital inflows into leveraged loan retail funds. On balance, the U.S. LL Index experienced net issuance of only $21 billion year-over-year. Net issuance in the U.S. CLO market was similarly limited in 2024.
Current report
The European CLO market also enjoyed strengthening loan fundamentals in 2024, benefiting from a full year default rate of just 42 basis points—120 basis points lower than 2023's default rate. However, loan prepayment rates rose less than in the U.S., increasing to 13.1 CPR (+2.6 CPR year over year). As a result of lower loan prepayment rates, the amount outstanding underlying the European leveraged loan index grew by 11%, compared to 2% in the U.S.
Current report
In both the U.S. and Europe, declining default rates contributed to strong demand for CLO debt and equity tranches, and along with limited net CLO issuance, drove CLO mezzanine and equity credit spreads tighter over the course of 2024. Additionally, high prepayment rates in the U.S. drove substantial deleveraging in many seasoned CLOs, contributing to incremental credit spread tightening in many mezzanine tranches. However, investors remained wary of credit dispersion and lower-quality loan portfolios in the U.S., driving debt spreads modestly wider for certain CLOs with elevated exposure to such assets. In Europe, while CLO mezzanine tranches did not benefit as much from elevated prepayment rates and rapid deal deleveraging, they were aided by reduced credit dispersion in their underlying loan portfolios relative to U.S. CLOs.
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Removed paragraphs (32)
Previous report
We are a Maryland real estate investment trust, or "REIT," formed in August 2012 that specializes in acquiring, investing in, and managing residential mortgage- and real estate-related and other assets. Our primary objective is to generate attractive current yields and risk-adjusted total returns for our shareholders by making investments that we believe compensate us appropriately for the risks associated with them. We seek to attain this objective by constructing and actively managing a portfolio consisting primarily of residential mortgage-backed securities, or "RMBS," for which the principal and interest payments are guaranteed by a U.S. government agency or a U.S. government-sponsored entity, or "Agency RMBS," and RMBS that do not carry such guarantees, or "non-Agency RMBS," such as RMBS backed by prime jumbo, Alternative A-paper, mortgage loans that are not deemed "qualified mortgage," or "QM," loans under the rules of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or "non-QM loans," mortgages on single-family-rental properties, manufactured housing, and subprime residential mortgage loans. We also acquire and manage corporate collateralized loan obligations, or "CLOs." We also may opportunistically acquire other types of mortgage- and real estate-related asset classes, such as commercial mortgage-backed securities, or "CMBS," residential mortgage loans, mortgage servicing rights and credit risk transfer securities. We believe that being able to combine Agency RMBS with non-Agency RMBS and other mortgage- and real estate-related asset classes, along with opportunistic investments in CLOs, enables us to balance a range of risks.
Previous report
We were initially formed through a strategic venture among affiliates of Ellington Management Group, L.L.C., an investment management firm and registered investment adviser with a 29-year history of investing in a broad spectrum of residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, or "MBS," and related derivatives, with an emphasis on the RMBS market, and the Blackstone Tactical Opportunity Funds, or the "Blackstone Funds." We are externally managed and advised by our Manager, an affiliate of Ellington. From our inception until August 2021, the Blackstone Funds had held special non-voting membership interests in the holding company that owns our Manager. In August 2021, an Ellington affiliate purchased these special non-voting membership interests from the Blackstone Funds.
Previous report
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on our taxable income that we distribute currently to our shareholders as long as we maintain our qualification as a REIT. We intend to conduct our operations so that neither we nor any of our subsidiaries is required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the "Investment Company Act."
Previous report
•After increasing the target range for the federal funds rate by a cumulative 4.25% in 2022, the U.S. Federal Reserve, or the "Federal Reserve," slowed the pace of its interest rate hikes in 2023. In 2023, at its January/February meeting, the Federal Reserve raised the target range by 25 basis points to 4.50%–4.75%, which was its smallest increase since March 2022.
Previous report
In March 2023, in response to stress in the banking system, which included the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or "FDIC," took steps to guarantee all deposits of those two failed banks, including deposits above the standard limit of $250,000. Meanwhile, concerns around the solvency of Credit Suisse Group AG prompted the Swiss Government to provide liquidity assistance and other financial support in conjunction with a merger of Credit Suisse Group AG into UBS Group AG. In addition, the Federal Reserve announced additional liquidity support through the creation of the Bank Term Funding Program, which provided loans with terms of up to one year to banks and other eligible depository institutions for qualified collateral, which included U.S. Treasury securities and Agency RMBS, at their par values. Other central banks around the world also announced plans to increase liquidity to financial institutions. Later in March 2023, at its monthly meeting, the Federal Reserve declared that the "U.S. banking system is sound and resilient" and increased the target range for the federal funds rate by an additional 25 basis points to 4.75%–5.00%.
Previous report
Next, the Federal Reserve increased the target range by an additional 25 basis points in May 2023, paused in June, increased by an additional 25 basis points in July to a range of 5.25%–5.50%, and then maintained that range at each of its meetings from September through December, noting in December that "inflation has eased over the past year but remains elevated." In a dovish shift, the Summary of Economic Projections released by the Federal Reserve in December implied three interest rate cuts in 2024. However, minutes from the December 2023 meeting released in early January 2024 revealed that during the meeting Federal Reserve participants "reaffirmed that it would be appropriate for policy to remain at a restrictive stance for some time until inflation was clearly moving down," seemingly lowering the likelihood of a cut during the first quarter of 2024.
Previous report
Throughout 2023, the Federal Reserve continued to reinvest only principal payments that exceeded monthly caps of $60 billion on U.S. Treasury securities and $35 billion on Agency RMBS.
Previous report
•Interest rates were highly volatile during much of 2023, and many parts of the yield curve continued to be inverted. After falling in January, interest rates increased in February and early March, particularly short-term interest rates, as the yield on the 2-year U.S. Treasury surpassed 5% for the first time since June 2007. Then, in mid-March 2023, concerns about the stress in the banking system spurred a flight to safety, which drove interest rates down significantly. Overall, the yield on the 2-year U.S. Treasury decreased by 40 basis points to 4.03% in the first quarter, while the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury decreased by 41 basis points to 3.47%. Interest rate volatility spiked in mid-March 2023, with the MOVE Index surpassing its COVID-related highs and reaching its highest level since 2008.
Previous report
After trading in a relatively tight range in April and early May of 2023, interest rates rose steadily in the latter half of the second quarter, and the inversion of the yield curve deepened. Overall, the yield on the 2-year U.S. Treasury increased by 87 basis points to 4.90%, quarter over quarter, while the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury increased by
Previous report
37 basis points to 3.84%. Meanwhile, interest rate volatility, as measured by the MOVE Index, declined during the quarter, particularly in June 2023 following the resolution of the federal government's debt ceiling dispute.
Previous report
In the third quarter of 2023, interest rates increased, particularly long-term interest rates, which caused the inversion of the yield curve to subside somewhat. The yield on the 2-year U.S. Treasury increased by 15 basis points quarter over quarter to 5.04%, while the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury increased by 73 basis points quarter over quarter to 4.57%. Toward the end of the quarter, the 2-year U.S. Treasury yield reached its highest level since July 2006, and the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield reached its highest level since October 2007. Meanwhile, interest rate volatility, as measured by the MOVE Index, remained elevated throughout the quarter.
Previous report
In the fourth quarter, interest rates reversed course and began to decline, as the market anticipated the conclusion of the Federal Reserve's interest rate hiking cycle. For the quarter, the yield on the 2-year U.S. Treasury decreased by 79 basis points to 4.25%, while the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield decreased by 69 basis points to 3.88%. The MOVE Index increased modestly from the previous quarter.
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•Secured Overnight Financing Rates, or "SOFR" rates, rose sharply from the start of the year through July 31, 2023, with one-month term SOFR increasing by 96 basis points to 5.32% and three-month term SOFR rising by 78 basis points to 5.37%. Beginning in August 2023, SOFR rates were relatively stable with one-month term SOFR ending the year at 5.35% and three-month term SOFR ending the year at 5.33%. Many of our financing costs are based on SOFR.
Previous report
•Mortgage rates moved in sympathy with long-term interest rates during 2023. The Freddie Mac survey 30-year mortgage rate declined from 6.41% at the start of the year to 5.95% in mid-January, and then steadily rose to 6.74% in early March, before declining to 6.24% by the end of the first quarter. From there, mortgage rates rose steadily for much of 2023, with the Freddie Mac 30-year mortgage rate peaking at 7.79% on October 26 th, its highest level since October 2000. The survey rate then reversed course and fell sharply over the final two months of 2023, declining to 6.42% on December 28 th, approximately where it started the year.
Previous report
After reaching a 25-year low at the end of 2022, the Mortgage Bankers Association's Refinance Index increased by 53% in the first quarter of 2023, before declining through the end of November, driven by higher mortgage rates. The index temporarily rose in mid-December 2023 with lower mortgage rates, and declined again toward the end of December 2023. Overall, the index increased by 15% year over year but remained at historically depressed levels. Prepayment speeds also remained at historically low levels throughout 2023. The Fannie Mae 30-year MBS registered a CPR of 4.5 in December 2023, unchanged year over year, reaching a 2023 low of 3.7 in January and a 2023 high of 6.4 in June.
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•U.S. real GDP increased at an annualized rate of 2.2% in the first quarter, 2.1% in the second quarter, 4.9% in the third quarter, and an estimated annualized rate of 3.2% in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate remained low throughout 2023, starting the year at 3.5% and registering 3.7% as of year end.
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•Inflation, while still elevated, declined during each of the first six months of 2023. The year-over-year percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers ("CPI-U"), not seasonally adjusted, declined from 6.4% in January 2023 to 3.0% in June 2023. Year-over-year inflation then increased again in the third quarter of 2023, registering 3.7% in September, before declining modestly in the fourth quarter, registering 3.4% in December.
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•After a historically difficult year in 2022, MBS performance was mixed in 2023. Following strong absolute and relative performance in January 2023, MBS performance reversed course in mid-February and especially in March, as concerns in the banking sector caused volatility to surge. Overall for the first quarter of 2023, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. MBS Index ("BB MBS Index") generated a positive return of 2.53% but a negative excess return (on a duration-adjusted basis) of (0.50%) relative to the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Treasury Index. In the second quarter of 2023, the BB MBS Index generated a negative return of (0.66%) but a positive excess return of 0.79%, driven by strong outperformance in June. For the third quarter, the BB MBS Index posted a negative return of (4.13%) and a negative excess return of (0.88%) relative to the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Treasury Index, driven by underperformance of the mortgage basis in September 2023. That underperformance continued into October, but over the final two months of the year, volatility declined and yield spreads tightened and overall for the fourth quarter of 2023, the BB MBS Index generated a positive return of 7.31% and an excess return of 1.26%. For the full year 2023, the BB MBS Index generated a positive return of 5.05% and an excess return of 0.68%.
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•Similarly, after negative performance in 2022, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate Bond Index ("BB IG Index") generated positive results on both an absolute and relative basis in 2023, driven by strong results in the fourth quarter of 2023. For the full year 2023, the BB IG Index generated a return of 8.52% on an absolute basis and an excess return of 4.55%. Meanwhile, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index ("BB HY Index") generated positive returns in each quarter of 2023 on both an absolute and relative basis. For the full year 2023, the BB HY Index generated a positive return of 13.45% and an excess return of 8.86%.
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•U.S. equities were also volatile during 2023, but performed well overall for the year, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average increasing by 13.7%, the S&P 500 rising by 24.2%, and the NASDAQ up 43.4%. Meanwhile, London's FTSE 100 index increased by 3.8% for the year, and the MSCI World global equity index increased by 21.8%. The VIX volatility index spiked in mid-March 2023 in response to the stress in the banking system and again in late September and October, before falling through year end.
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The size of our Agency RMBS holdings decreased by 16% to $728.0 million as of December 31, 2023, compared to $863.3 million as of December 31, 2022. The decline was driven by paydowns and net sales, primarily during the second half of the year. Over the course of the year, our holdings of non-Agency RMBS decreased by 25% to $9.4 million, while our holdings of interest-only securities increased by 7% to $18.7 million.
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In addition, during the second half of the year, we started rotating a portion of our investment capital to corporate CLOs. As of December 31, 2023 our holdings of corporate CLO investments totaled $17.4 million. CLOs are a form of asset-backed security collateralized by syndicated corporate loans. We could continue to increase our capital allocation to CLO mezzanine debt and CLO equity investments, based on market opportunities or other factors.
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The first quarter of 2023 began on a constructive note with interest rates and volatility declining and Agency RMBS yield spreads tightening in January. However, markets reversed course in mid-February on renewed anxiety over inflation and what the Federal Reserve’s response would be. Then in March, turmoil in the banking system put further pressure on Agency yield spreads. Overall, Agency RMBS underperformed U.S. Treasury securities and interest rate swaps (which are the primary instruments we use to hedge our interest rate risk) in the first quarter with the most pronounced underperformance coming on sub-5% coupon RMBS, where our Agency RMBS was concentrated, due to concerns over future selling from distressed regional banks.
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FDIC-directed sales of RMBS from failed regional banks commenced at the start of the second quarter of 2023, which pressured yield spreads but also drove strong RMBS demand into May, even as interest rate volatility remained elevated. Then in June, yield spreads tightened following the resolution of the debt ceiling dispute, and Agency RMBS outperformed hedging instruments for the quarter. In the third quarter of 2023, Agency RMBS faced the significant headwinds of elevated market volatility and rising long-term interest rates, resulting in wider yield spreads and Agency RMBS underperformance relative to hedging instruments.
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In the fourth quarter of 2023, interest rates and volatility increased in October, which drove yield spreads wider in most fixed income sectors, including Agency RMBS. Markets then reversed course, however, with interest rates and volatility declining, and yield spreads tightening, through year end. Overall for the fourth quarter, Agency RMBS outperformed hedging instruments, with lower and intermediate coupon RMBS exhibiting the most pronounced outperformance.
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Overall, we had positive net income in the Agency RMBS strategy for the year, driven by net gains on our interest rate hedges, which exceeded net losses on our Agency RMBS and negative net interest income.
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In the fourth quarter, our newly established corporate CLO portfolio contributed positively to our results, driven by net interest income and net gains. Similar to Agency RMBS, yield spreads on most CLOs widened in October before tightening in November and December, finishing the fourth quarter tighter overall.
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We expect to continue to target specified pools that, taking into account their particular composition and based on our prepayment projections, should: (1) generate attractive yields relative to other Agency RMBS and U.S. Treasury securities, (2) have less prepayment sensitivity to government policy shocks, and/or (3) create opportunities for trading gains once the market recognizes their value, which for newer pools may come only after several months, when actual prepayment experience can be observed. We believe that our research team, proprietary prepayment models, and extensive databases remain essential tools in our implementation of this strategy.
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We believe that our adaptive and active style of portfolio management is well suited to the current MBS market environment, which, especially given the current effects and future uncertainties related to quantitative tightening, shifting central bank and government policies, regulatory changes, and disruptive technological developments, exhibits high levels of interest rate risk, prepayment risk (including extension risk), financing and liquidity risk.
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We also selectively enter into credit-hedging positions in order to protect against adverse credit events with respect to our CLO and/or non-Agency RMBS investments, subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT. Our credit hedging portfolio can vary significantly from period to period, and can encompass a wide variety of financial instruments, including corporate debt or equity-related instruments, RMBS- or CMBS-related instruments, or instruments involving other markets. Our hedging instruments can include both "single-name" instruments (i.e., instruments referencing one underlying entity or security) and hedging instruments referencing indices. Currently, our credit hedges consist of CDS on corporate bond indices, although there are periods of time where we have no credit hedges in place.
Previous report
For the year ended December 31, 2022, Other income (loss) was $(45.3) million, consisting primarily of net realized and unrealized losses of $(152.8) million on our securities, which were partially offset by net realized and unrealized gains of $107.5 million on our financial derivatives. Net realized and unrealized losses of $(152.8) million on our securities consists primarily of net realized and unrealized losses of $(156.2) million on our Agency RMBS, driven by significantly lower asset prices year over year due to rising interest rates and widening yield spreads. The net realized and unrealized gains on our financial derivatives of $107.5 million consisted of net realized and unrealized gains of $64.4 million on our interest rate swaps, $22.2 million on our net short positions in TBAs, and $20.9 million on our U.S. Treasury futures. The net gains on our financial derivatives were primarily the result of the significant increase in interest rates, and in the case of short positions in TBAs, also of widening yields spreads.
Previous report
Furthermore, Adjusted Distributable Earnings is different from REIT taxable income. As a result, the determination of whether we have met the requirement to distribute at least 90% of our annual REIT taxable income (subject to certain adjustments) to its shareholders, in order to maintain qualification as a REIT, is not based on whether we have distributed 90% of our Adjusted Distributable Earnings.
Reworded paragraphs (50)
Previous wording
We use leverage in our strategies and to date have financed our assets exclusively through repurchase agreements, which we account for as collateralized borrowings. As of December 31, 2023, we had outstanding borrowings under repurchase agreements in the amount of $729.5 million with 19 counterparties; 93% of such borrowings were collateralized by Agency RMBS.
Current wording
We currently use leverage in our strategies and to date have financed our assets exclusively through repurchase agreements, which we account for as collateralized borrowings. As of December 31, 2024, we had outstanding borrowings under repurchase agreements in the amount of $563.0 million with 14 counterparties; 89% of such borrowings were collateralized by Agency RMBS and 11% were collateralized by CLOs. As part of the Conversion, we intend to sell our remaining liquid Agency MBS pools and operate in compliance with 1940 Act requirements.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, our book value per share was $7.32 as compared to $8.40 as of December 31, 2022, respectively.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, our book value per share was $6.53 as compared to $7.32 as of December 31, 2023, respectively.
Previous wording
For the full year 2023, the 2-year U.S. Treasury yield decreased by 18 basis points, while the 10-year yield increased by 1 basis point.
Current wording
For 2024 as a whole, the 2-year U.S. Treasury yield decreased by 1 basis point, while the 10-year yield rose by 69 basis points.
Previous wording
•Despite higher mortgage rates for much of 2023, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Schiller US National Home Price NSA Index increased by 5.5% during the year. The National Association of Realtors Housing Affordability Index declined by 7% during 2023, as higher mortgage rates and record home prices continued to stress housing affordability.
Current wording
•Housing price metrics showed modest gains for the full year. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Schiller US National Home Price Index increased by 3.9%, while the National Association of Realtors Housing Affordability Index rose 0.2%.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, our mortgage-backed securities portfolio consisted of $706.0 million of fixed-rate Agency "specified pools," $7.1 million of Agency RMBS backed by adjustable rate mortgages, or "Agency ARMs", $14.9 million of Agency reverse mortgage pools, $7.4 million of Agency interest-only securities, or "Agency IOs", $9.4 million of non-Agency RMBS, and $11.3 million of non-Agency interest-only securities, or "non-Agency IOs". Specified pools are fixed-rate Agency pools consisting of mortgages with special characteristics, such as mortgages with low loan balances, mortgages backed by investor properties, mortgages originated through government-sponsored refinancing programs, and mortgages with various other characteristics.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, our mortgage-backed securities portfolio consisted almost entirely of $512.3 million of fixed-rate Agency "specified pools," and a de minimis amount of Agency interest-only securities, or "Agency IOs." Specified pools are fixed-rate Agency pools consisting of mortgages with special characteristics, such as mortgages with low loan balances, mortgages backed by investor properties, mortgages originated through government-sponsored refinancing programs, and mortgages with various other characteristics.
Previous wording
Our debt-to-equity ratio, adjusted for unsettled purchases and sales, decreased to 5.3:1 as of December 31, 2023, as compared to 7.6:1 as of December 31, 2022. The decline was primarily due to a decrease in borrowings on our smaller Agency RMBS portfolio and significantly higher shareholders' equity, partially offset by a small increase in borrowings on our CLO portfolio. Our debt-to-equity ratio may fluctuate period over period based on portfolio management decisions, market conditions, capital markets activities, and the timing of security purchase and sale transactions. As of December 31, 2023, 93% of our borrowings were secured by Agency RMBS.
Current wording
Our debt-to-equity ratio, adjusted for unsettled trades, decreased to 2.9:1 as of December 31, 2024, as compared to 5.3:1 as of December 31, 2023. The decline was driven by significantly higher shareholder's equity and less leverage on our CLO investments relative to Agency investments. Our debt-to-equity ratio may fluctuate period over period based on portfolio management decisions, market conditions, capital markets activities, and the timing of security purchase and sale transactions. As of December 31, 2024, 89% of our borrowings were secured by Agency RMBS and 11% were secured by CLOs.
Previous wording
Average pay-ups on our specified pool portfolio decreased to 1.01% as of December 31, 2023, as compared to 1.26% as of December 31, 2022. During the year, we continued to hedge interest rate risk primarily through the use of interest rate swaps, and to a lesser extent, short positions in TBAs, U.S. Treasury securities, and futures. We ended the year with a net long TBA position on a notional basis, but a net short TBA position as measured by 10-year equivalents. 10-year equivalents for a group of positions represent the amount of 10-year U.S. Treasury securities that would be expected to experience a similar change in market value under a standard parallel move in interest rates.
Current wording
During the year, we continued to hedge interest rate risk through the use of interest rate swaps and short positions in U.S. Treasury securities and futures. We ended the year with a net short TBA position on a notional basis, but a net long TBA position as measured by 10-year equivalents. 10-year equivalents for a group of positions represent the amount of 10-year U.S. Treasury securities that would be expected to experience a similar change in market value under a standard parallel move in interest rates. We also maintained modest credit hedge and currency hedge portfolios at year end.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $38.5 million, in addition to other unencumbered assets of $22.9 million. This compares to cash and cash equivalents of $34.8 million and other unencumbered assets of $2.9 million as of December 31, 2022.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $31.8 million, in addition to other unencumbered assets of $79.2 million. This compares to cash and cash equivalents of $38.5 million, and other unencumbered assets of $22.9 million, as of December 31, 2023.
Previous wording
Finally, our non-Agency RMBS portfolio and interest-only securities generated strong results for the year, driven by net interest income and net gains.
Current wording
Our non-Agency RMBS portfolio and interest-only securities generated positive results for the year, driven by net interest income and net gains associated with several profitable sales.
Previous wording
Our net mortgage assets-to-equity ratio—which we define as the net aggregate market value of our mortgage-backed securities (including the underlying market values of our long and short TBA positions) divided by shareholders' equity attributable to our mortgage-related strategies—slightly declined during the year. The decrease was driven by lower leverage employed in our mortgage-related strategies at December 31, 2023, despite having a net long TBA position as of December 31, 2023 as compared to a net short TBA position as of December 31, 2022. From time to time, in response to market opportunities and other factors, we increase or decrease our net mortgage assets-to-equity ratio by varying the sizes of our net short TBA position and/or our long RMBS portfolio in relation to the portion of our overall shareholders' equity employed in our mortgage-related strategies. The following table summarizes our net mortgage assets-to-equity ratio and provides additional details, for the last five quarters, to illustrate this fluctuation.
Current wording
Our net mortgage assets-to-equity ratio—which we define as the net aggregate market value of our mortgage-backed securities (including the underlying market values of our long and short TBA positions) divided by total shareholders' equity —declined year over year. The decrease was driven by significantly higher shareholders' equity and a smaller Agency RMBS portfolio. From time to time, in response to market opportunities and other factors, we increase or decrease our net mortgage assets-to-equity ratio by varying the sizes of our net short TBA position and/or our long RMBS portfolio in relation to the portion of our overall shareholders' equity employed in our mortgage-related strategies. The following table summarizes our net mortgage assets-to-equity ratio and provides additional details, for the last five quarters, to illustrate this fluctuation.
Previous wording
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we had total net realized and unrealized gains on our Agency securities of $0.2 million, or $0.01 per share. Our Agency portfolio turnover was approximately 87% for the year ended December 31, 2023 and we recognized net realized losses of $(59.2) million.
Current wording
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we had total net realized and unrealized losses on our Agency securities of $(16.1) million, or $(0.68) per share, and net realized losses of $(24.8) million, or $(1.05) per share.
Previous wording
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we continued to hedge interest rate risk primarily through the use of interest rate swaps, and to a lesser extent, short positions in TBAs, U.S. Treasury securities, and futures. We had total net realized and unrealized gains of $10.8 million, or $0.73 per share, on our interest rate hedging portfolio, as sharply rising interest rates in the second and third quarters of the year drove a significant gain on our interest rate hedges during those periods. These gains were partially offset by net losses in the first and fourth quarters, driven by declining interest rates. These gains exclude net realized and unrealized gains of $0.6 million, or $0.04 per share, on our long TBAs held for investment.
Current wording
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we continued to hedge interest rate risk through the use of interest rate swaps and short positions in TBAs, U.S. Treasury securities, and futures. We had total net realized and unrealized gains of $24.1 million, or $1.02 per share, on our interest rate hedging portfolio, driven by the increase in interest rates during the year. These gains exclude net realized and unrealized losses of $(4.2) million, or $(0.18) per share, on our long TBAs held for investment.
Previous wording
We ended the year with a net long TBA position on a notional basis, but a net short TBA position as measured by 10-year equivalents. Ten-year equivalents for a group of positions represent the amount of 10-year U.S. Treasury securities that would be expected to experience a similar change in market value under a standard parallel move in interest rates. The relative makeup of our interest rate hedging portfolio can change materially from period to period. We may also selectively hedge our corporate CLO and/or non-Agency RMBS investments; as of December 31, 2023, we had a small credit hedge position in place.
Current wording
We ended the quarter with a net short TBA position on a notional basis, but a net long position as measured by 10-year equivalents. Ten-year equivalents for a group of positions represent the amount of 10-year U.S. Treasury securities that would be expected to experience a similar change in market value under a standard parallel move in interest rates. The relative makeup of our interest rate hedging portfolio can change materially from period to period. As of December 31, 2024, we also maintained a modest credit and foreign currency hedge portfolio.
Previous wording
After giving effect to dividends declared during the year ended December 31, 2023 of $0.96 per share, our book value per share decreased to $7.32 as of December 31, 2023, from $8.40 as of December 31, 2022, and we had a negative economic return of (1.4)% for the year ended December 31, 2023. Economic return for a period is computed by adding back dividends declared during the period to ending book value per share, and comparing that amount to book value per share as of the beginning of the period.
Current wording
After giving effect to dividends declared during the year ended December 31, 2024 of $0.96 per share, our book value per share decreased to $6.53 as of December 31, 2024, from $7.32 as of December 31, 2023, and we had an economic return of 2.3% for the year ended December 31, 2024. Economic return for a period is computed by adding back dividends declared during the period to ending book value per share, and comparing that amount to book value per share as of the beginning of the period.
Previous wording
For the year ended December 31, 2023, our average repo borrowing cost increased to 5.18%, as compared to 1.40% for the year ended December 31, 2022. This increase in average repo borrowing cost was the result of a sharp increase in short-term interest rates during the year ended December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the weighted average borrowing rate on our repurchase agreements was 5.58% and 3.70%, respectively.
Current wording
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, our average repo borrowing cost was 5.48% and 5.18%, respectively, driven by increases in short-term interest rates year over year and the growth of our CLO portfolio, as our CLO portfolio has higher borrowing costs compared to our Agency RMBS portfolio. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the weighted average borrowing rate on our repurchase agreements was 4.81% and 5.58%, respectively.
Previous wording
Our debt-to-equity ratio was 5.4:1 as of December 31, 2023, as compared to 7.5:1 as of December 31, 2022. Adjusted for unsettled purchases and sales, our debt-to equity ratio was 5.3:1 as of December 31, 2023, as compared to 7.6:1 as of December 31, 2022. The decline was primarily due to a decrease in borrowings on our smaller Agency RMBS portfolio (reflecting in part the ongoing rotation of investment capital from RMBS to corporate CLOs) and significantly higher shareholders' equity. Our debt-to-equity ratio may fluctuate period over period based on portfolio management decisions, market conditions, capital markets activities, and the timing of security purchase and sale transactions.
Current wording
Our debt-to-equity ratio was 2.9:1 as of December 31, 2024, as compared to 5.4:1 as of December 31, 2023. Adjusted for unsettled trades, our debt-to equity ratio was also 2.9:1 as of December 31, 2024, as compared to 5.3:1 as of December 31, 2023. The year over year decline was driven by significantly higher shareholders' equity and less leverage on our CLO investments (relative to Agency investments), which constituted a significantly larger proportion of our overall portfolio as of December 31, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023. Our debt-to-equity ratio may fluctuate period over period based on portfolio management decisions, market conditions, capital markets activities, and the timing of security purchase and sale transactions.
Previous wording
The effective yield on our debt securities that are deemed to be of high credit quality (including Agency RMBS, exclusive of interest only securities) can be significantly impacted by our estimate of future prepayments. Future prepayment rates are difficult to predict. We estimate prepayment rates over the remaining life of our securities using models that generally incorporate the forward yield curve, current mortgage rates, mortgage rates on the outstanding loans, age and size of the outstanding loans, and other factors. We compare estimated prepayments to actual prepayments on a quarterly basis, and effective yields are recalculated retroactive to the time of purchase. When differences arise between our previously calculated effective yields and our current calculated effective yields, a catch-up adjustment, or "Catch-up Amortization Adjustment," is made to interest income to reflect the cumulative impact of the changes in effective yields. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recognized a Catch-up Amortization Adjustment of $(0.1) million and $3.1 million, respectively. The Catch-up Amortization Adjustment is reflected as an increase (decrease) to interest income on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Current wording
The effective yield on our debt securities that are deemed to be of high credit quality (including Agency RMBS, exclusive of interest only securities) can be significantly impacted by our estimate of future prepayments. Future prepayment rates are difficult to predict. We estimate prepayment rates over the remaining life of our securities using models that generally incorporate the forward yield curve, current mortgage rates, mortgage rates on the outstanding loans, age and size of the outstanding loans, and other factors. We compare estimated prepayments to actual prepayments on a quarterly basis, and effective yields are recalculated retroactive to the time of purchase. When differences arise between our previously calculated effective yields and our current calculated effective yields, a catch-up adjustment, or "Catch-up Amortization Adjustment," is made to interest income to reflect the cumulative impact of the changes in effective yields. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recognized a Catch-up Amortization Adjustment of $(0.5) million and $(0.1) million, respectively. The Catch-up Amortization Adjustment is reflected as an increase (decrease) to interest income on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Our accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums on securities for U.S. federal and other tax purposes is likely to differ from the accounting treatment under U.S. GAAP of these items as described above. See Note 2 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements for more information on the assumptions and methods that we use to amortize purchase premiums and accrete purchase discounts.
Previous wording
Income Taxes: We made an election to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and are generally not subject to corporate-level federal and state income tax on net income we distribute to our shareholders within the prescribed time frames. We may take positions with respect to certain tax issues which depend on legal interpretation of facts or applicable tax regulations. Should the relevant tax regulators successfully challenge any such positions, we might be found to have a tax liability that has not been recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Also, management's conclusions regarding the authoritative guidance may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on changing tax laws, regulations, and interpretations thereof. As of December 31, 2023, the REIT had a net operating loss carry-forward of approximately $39 million. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for additional details on income taxes.
Current wording
Income Taxes: We revoked our REIT election for tax year 2024 and currently operate as a taxable C-Corp. We are subject to U.S. federal, state, and local income tax. We may take positions with respect to certain tax issues which depend on legal interpretation of facts or applicable tax regulations. Should the relevant tax regulators successfully challenge any such positions, we might be found to have a tax liability that has not been recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Also, management's conclusions regarding the authoritative guidance may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on changing tax laws, regulations, and interpretations thereof. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for additional details on income taxes.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, 89% of our invested capital was allocated to mortgage-related securities and 11% was allocated to corporate CLOs. The majority of our mortgage-related securities are Agency RMBS, which include investments in Agency pools and Agency collateralized mortgage obligations, or "CMOs."
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, 72% of our invested capital, calculated based on risk capital, was allocated to corporate CLOs and 28% was allocated to mortgage-related securities. Substantially all of our mortgage-related securities are Agency RMBS, which include investments in Agency pools.
Previous wording
Our most prevalent method of financing RMBS is through short-term repos, which generally have maturities of 364 days or less. The weighted average lives of the RMBS that we own are generally much longer. Consequently, the weighted average term of our repurchase agreement financings will almost always be substantially shorter than the expected average maturity of our RMBS. This mismatch in maturities, together with the uncertainty of RMBS prepayments, and other potential changes in timing and/or amount of cash flows on our RMBS assets, creates the risk that changes in interest rates will cause our financing costs with respect to our RMBS to increase relative to the income on our RMBS over the term of our investments.
Current wording
Our most prevalent method of financing RMBS and CLOs is through short-term repos, which generally have maturities of 364 days or less. The weighted average lives of the RMBS and CLOs that we own are generally much longer. Consequently, the weighted average term of our repurchase agreement financings will almost always be substantially shorter than the expected average maturity of our RMBS and CLOs. This mismatch in maturities, together with the uncertainty of prepayments on the underlying mortgage or corporate loans, and other potential changes in the timing and/or amount of cash flows, creates the risk that changes in interest rates will cause our financing costs with respect to our RMBS and CLOs to increase relative to the income on these assets over the term of our investments. In addition, changes in the fair value of our RMBS and CLO investments, whether as a result of changes in market conditions, prepayments, or other factors, may trigger changes in margin requirements, in which counterparties to our repurchase agreements may require us post additional collateral to re-establish the agreed-upon collateralization requirements.
Previous wording
In the case of TBAs, many of our positions are short TBA positions with negative duration, meaning that should interest rates rise, the value of the short position would be expected to increase. This expected increase in value would then serve to offset corollary expected increases in our current and/or future borrowing costs under our repurchase agreements, and so in this manner our short TBA positions serve as a hedge against potential increases in interest rates. While we use TBAs to hedge interest rate risk and certain other risks, we also hold net long positions in certain TBA securities as a means of acquiring exposure to Agency RMBS.
Current wording
In the case of TBAs, many of our positions are short TBA positions with negative duration, meaning that should interest rates rise, we would expect to profit from these positions. These profits would then serve to offset corollary expected increases in our current and/or future borrowing costs under our repurchase agreements, and so in this manner our short TBA positions serve as a hedge against potential increases in interest rates. While we use TBAs to hedge interest rate risk and certain other risks, we also hold net long positions in certain TBA securities as a means of acquiring exposure to Agency RMBS.
Previous wording
The composition and relative mix of our hedging instruments may vary from period to period given the amount of our liabilities outstanding or anticipated to be entered into, the overall market environment and our view as to which instruments best enable us to execute our hedging goals.
Current wording
The composition and relative mix of our hedging instruments may vary from period to period given the amount of our liabilities outstanding or anticipated to be entered into, the overall market environment and our view as to which instruments best enable us to execute our hedging goals. At year end, we held a modest credit hedge portfolio.
Previous wording
We finance our assets with what we believe to be a prudent amount of leverage, which will vary from time to time based upon the particular characteristics of our portfolio, availability of financing, and market conditions. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, our total debt-to-equity ratio was 5.4:1 and 7.5:1, respectively. Collateral transferred with respect to our outstanding repo borrowings, including net cash collateral posted or (received), had an aggregate fair value of $0.8 billion and $0.9 billion, as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Our debt-to-equity ratio may fluctuate period over period based on portfolio management decisions, market conditions, capital markets conditions, and the timing of security purchase and sale transactions.
Current wording
We finance our assets with what we believe to be a prudent amount of leverage, which will vary from time to time based upon the particular characteristics of our portfolio, availability of financing, and market conditions. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, our total debt-to-equity ratio was 2.9:1 and 5.4:1, respectively. Collateral transferred with respect to our outstanding repo borrowings, including net cash collateral posted or (received), had an aggregate fair value of $0.6 billion and $0.8 billion, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our debt-to-equity ratio may fluctuate period over period based on portfolio management decisions, market conditions, capital markets conditions, and the timing of security purchase and sale transactions.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, our shareholders' equity increased to $136.2 million from $112.4 million as of December 31, 2022. This increase principally consisted of net proceeds from the issuance of shares of $33.6 million and a net gain of $4.6 million, partially offset by dividends declared of $14.5 million. As of December 31, 2023, our book value per share was $7.32, as compared to $8.40 as of December 31, 2022.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, our shareholders' equity increased to $193.7 million from $136.2 million as of December 31, 2023. This increase principally consisted of net proceeds from the issuance of shares of $73.6 million and a net income of $6.6 million, partially offset by dividends declared of $23.1 million. As of December 31, 2024, our book value per share was $6.53, as compared to $7.32 as of December 31, 2023.
Previous wording
Net income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $4.6 million, as compared to $(30.2) million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The reversal in our results of operations year over year was primarily due to a total other income in the current period as compared to a total other loss in the prior period. Gains in the current year were partially offset by a significant increase in interest expense, primarily as a result of higher financing costs stemming from the significant increase in short-term interest rates during 2023.
Current wording
Net income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $6.6 million, as compared to $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The period-over-period change in our results of operations was primarily due to positive net interest income in the current period, as compared to negative net interest income in the prior period, partially offset by a decline in total other income and an increase in total expenses.
Previous wording
Our portfolio as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022 consisted primarily of Agency RMBS, and to a lesser extent, non-Agency RMBS, and as of December 31, 2023, CLO investments. Before interest expense, we earned approximately $38.8 million and $33.4 million in interest income on these securities for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The year-over-year increase in interest income primarily resulted from higher asset yields on both our Agency and credit portfolios and to a lesser extent higher average holdings on our credit portfolio, partially offset by lower average holdings on our Agency RMBS portfolio. The Catch-up Amortization Adjustment causes variability in our interest income and portfolio yields. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we had a negative Catch-up Amortization Adjustments of approximately $(0.1) million, which decreased interest income. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we had a positive Catch-up Amortization Adjustments of approximately $3.1 million, which increased interest income. Excluding the Catch-up Amortization Adjustments, the weighted average yield of our overall portfolio was 4.09% and 2.80% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Current wording
The Catch-up Amortization Adjustment causes variability in our interest income and portfolio yields. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had a negative Catch-up Amortization Adjustments of approximately $(0.5) million and $(0.1) million, respectively, which decreased interest income. Excluding the Catch-up Amortization Adjustments, the weighted average yield of our overall portfolio was 6.57% and 4.09% for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Previous wording
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the majority of interest expense that we incurred was related to our repo borrowings, which we use to finance our assets. We also incur interest expense in connection with our short positions in U.S. Treasury securities as well as on our counterparties' cash collateral held by us. Our total interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $45.3 million and $14.8 million, respectively, which primarily consisted of interest expense on our repo borrowings. The year-over-year increase in our total interest expense resulted mainly from higher financing costs stemming from the significant increase in short-term interest rates.
Current wording
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the majority of interest expense that we incurred was related to our repo borrowings, which we use to finance our assets. We also incur interest expense in connection with our short positions in U.S. Treasury securities as well as on our counterparties' cash collateral held by us. Our total interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $34.8 million and $45.3 million, respectively, which primarily consisted of interest expense on our repo borrowings. The year-over-year decrease in total interest expense primarily resulted from lower overall borrowings driven by growth of the CLO portfolio, which carries significantly less leverage compared to Agency RMBS. The decline in our total interest expense was partially offset by higher financing costs stemming from elevated short-term interest rates during the first half of the year. In addition, the growth in our CLO portfolio also contributed to an increase in our average cost of funds, which partially offset the decline in interest expense, as our CLO portfolio has higher borrowing costs compared to our Agency RMBS portfolio.
Previous wording
The following table details the components of our adjusted cost of funds(1)(2) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Current wording
The following table details the components of our adjusted cost of funds(1) for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Previous wording
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the weighted average yield on our Agency RMBS and credit portfolios excluding the impact of the Catch-up Amortization Adjustment was 4.09%, while our total adjusted average cost of funds, including interest rate swaps and net short U.S. Treasury securities, was 2.66%, resulting in a net interest margin of 1.43%. By comparison, for the year ended December 31, 2022, the weighted average yield of our portfolio of Agency and non-Agency RMBS excluding the impact of the Catch-up Amortization Adjustment was 2.80%, while our total adjusted average cost of funds, including interest rate swaps and short U.S. Treasury securities, was 1.22%, resulting in a net interest margin of 1.58%.
Current wording
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the weighted average yield on our Agency RMBS and credit portfolios excluding the impact of the Catch-up Amortization Adjustment was 6.57%, while our total adjusted average cost of funds, including interest rate swaps and net short U.S. Treasury securities, was 2.21%, resulting in a net interest margin of 4.37%. By comparison, for the year ended December 31, 2023, the weighted average yield of our portfolio of Agency and credit portfolios excluding the impact of the Catch-up Amortization Adjustment was 4.09%, while our total adjusted average cost of funds, including interest rate swaps and net short U.S. Treasury securities, was 2.66%, resulting in a net interest margin of 1.43%.
Previous wording
For each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, our management fee expense was approximately $1.8 million. Management fees are calculated based on our shareholders' equity at the end of each quarter.
Current wording
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, our management fee expense was approximately $2.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively. Management fees are calculated based on our shareholders' equity at the end of each quarter. The increase in the management fee period over period was driven by higher shareholders' equity during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Previous wording
Other operating expenses, as presented above, includes professional fees, compensation expense, insurance expense, and various other operating expenses included on the Consolidated Statement of Operations incurred in connection with the operation of our business. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, our other operating expenses were approximately $3.7 million and $3.4 million, respectively. The increase in other operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily due to an increase in professional fees.
Current wording
Other operating expenses, as presented above, includes professional fees, compensation expense, insurance expense, and various other operating expenses included on the Consolidated Statement of Operations incurred in connection with the operation of our business. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, our other operating expenses were approximately $6.2 million and $3.7 million, respectively. The increase in other operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 was primarily due to increases in professional fees, compensation expense, and other operating expenses related to the CLO Strategic Transformation.
Previous wording
Other income (loss) consists of net realized and net change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities and financial derivatives. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Other income (loss) was $12.8 million, consisting of net realized and unrealized gains of $9.6 million and $3.2 million on our financial derivatives and securities, respectively. Net realized and unrealized gains of $9.6 million on our financial derivatives consisted of net realized and unrealized gains of $8.3 million on our TBAs and $2.6 million on our interest rate swaps, partially offset by net realized and unrealized losses of $(0.8) million on our U.S Treasury futures and $(0.4) million on our credit default swaps. The net gain on our financial derivatives was primarily the result of sharply rising interest rates in the second and third quarters of the year. These gains were partially offset by net losses in the first and fourth quarters, driven by declining interest rates. Net realized and unrealized gains of $3.2 million on our securities consisted primarily of net realized and unrealized gains of $1.5 million on our non-Agency RMBS and $1.4 million on our U.S. Treasury securities.
Current wording
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Other income (loss) was $12.8 million, consisting of net realized and unrealized gains of $9.6 million and $3.2 million on our financial derivatives and securities, respectively. Net realized and unrealized gains of $9.6 million on our financial derivatives consisted of net realized and unrealized gains of $8.3 million on our TBAs and $2.6 million on our interest rate swaps, partially offset by net realized and unrealized losses of $(0.8) million on our U.S Treasury futures and $(0.4) million on our credit default swaps. The net gain on our financial derivatives was primarily the result of sharply rising interest rates in the second and third quarters of the year. These gains were partially offset by net losses in the first and fourth quarters, driven by declining interest rates. Net realized and unrealized gains of $3.2 million on our securities consisted primarily of net realized and unrealized gains of $1.5 million on our non-Agency RMBS and $1.4 million on our U.S. Treasury securities.
Previous wording
We calculate Adjusted Distributable Earnings as net income (loss), excluding realized and change in net unrealized gains and (losses) on securities and financial derivatives, and excluding other income or loss items that are of a non-recurring nature, if any. Adjusted Distributable Earnings includes net realized and change in net unrealized gains (losses) associated with periodic settlements on interest rate swaps. Adjusted Distributable Earnings also excludes the effect of the Catch-up Amortization Adjustment on interest income. The Catch-up Amortization Adjustment is a quarterly adjustment to premium amortization or discount accretion triggered by changes in actual and projected prepayments on our Agency RMBS (accompanied by a corresponding offsetting adjustment to realized and unrealized gains and losses). The adjustment is calculated as of the beginning of each quarter based on our then-current assumptions about cashflows and prepayments, and can vary significantly from quarter to quarter.
Current wording
We calculate Adjusted Distributable Earnings as net income (loss) adjusted for: (i) net realized and change in net unrealized gains and (losses) on securities, financial derivatives, and foreign currency transactions; (ii) net realized and change in net unrealized gains (losses) associated with periodic settlements on interest rate swaps; (iii) other income or loss items that are of a non-recurring nature, if any; (iv) Catch-up Amortization Adjustment (as defined below); and (v) provision for income taxes. The Catch-up Amortization Adjustment is a quarterly adjustment to premium amortization or discount accretion triggered by changes in actual and projected prepayments on our Agency RMBS (accompanied by a corresponding offsetting adjustment to realized and unrealized gains and losses). The adjustment is calculated as of the beginning of each quarter based on our then-current assumptions about cashflows and prepayments, and can vary significantly from quarter to quarter.
Previous wording
Adjusted Distributable Earnings is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure. We believe that the presentation of Adjusted Distributable Earnings provides information useful to investors, because: (i) we believe that it is a useful indicator of both current and projected long-term financial performance, in that it excludes the impact of certain current period earnings components that we believe are less useful in forecasting long-term performance and dividend-paying ability; (ii) we use it to evaluate the effective net yield provided by our portfolio, after the effects of financial leverage; and (iii) we believe that presenting Adjusted Distributable Earnings assists our investors in measuring and evaluating our operating performance, and comparing our operating performance to that of our residential mortgage REIT peers. Our calculation of Adjusted Distributable Earnings may differ from the calculation of similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures by our peers, with the result that these non-GAAP financial measures might not be directly comparable; Adjusted Distributable Earnings excludes certain items, such as most realized and unrealized gains and losses, that may impact the amount of cash that is actually available for distribution.
Current wording
Adjusted Distributable Earnings is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure. We believe that the presentation of Adjusted Distributable Earnings provides information useful to investors, because: (i) we believe that it is a useful indicator of both current and projected long-term financial performance, in that it excludes the impact of certain current period earnings components that we believe are less useful in forecasting long-term performance and dividend-paying ability; (ii) we use it to evaluate the effective net yield provided by our portfolio, after the effects of financial leverage; and (iii), we believe that presenting Adjusted Distributable Earnings assists investors in measuring and evaluating our operating performance, and comparing our operating performance to that of our peers. Our calculation of Adjusted Distributable Earnings may differ from the calculation of similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures by our peers, with the result that these non-GAAP financial measures might not be directly comparable; Adjusted Distributable Earnings excludes certain items, such as most realized and unrealized gains and losses, that may impact the amount of cash that is actually available for distribution.
Previous wording
In setting our dividend, our Board of Trustees considers our earnings, liquidity, financial condition, REIT distribution requirements, and financial covenants, along with other factors that the Board of Trustees may deem relevant from time to time.
Current wording
In setting our dividends, our Board of Trustees considers our earnings, liquidity, financial condition, distribution requirements, and financial covenants, along with other factors that the Board of Trustees may deem relevant from time to time.
Previous wording
Liquidity refers to our ability to generate and obtain adequate amounts of cash to meet our requirements, including repaying our borrowings, funding and maintaining RMBS and other assets, paying dividends, and other general business needs. Our short-term (the 12 months following period end) and long-term (beyond 12 months from period end) liquidity requirements include acquisition costs for assets we acquire, payment of our management fee, compliance with margin requirements under our repurchase agreements, TBA and other financial derivative contracts, repayment of repurchase agreement borrowings to the extent we are unable or unwilling to extend our repurchase agreements, the payment of dividends, and payment of our general operating expenses. Our capital resources primarily include cash on hand, cash flow from our investments (including monthly principal and interest payments received on our securities and proceeds from the sale of securities), borrowings under repurchase agreements, and proceeds from equity offerings. We expect that these sources of funds will be sufficient to meet our short-term and long-term liquidity needs.
Current wording
Liquidity refers to our ability to generate and obtain adequate amounts of cash to meet our requirements, including repaying our borrowings, funding and maintaining RMBS and other assets, paying dividends, and other general business needs. Our short-term (the 12 months following period end) and long-term (beyond 12 months from period end) liquidity requirements include acquisition costs for assets we acquire, payment of our management fee, compliance with margin requirements under our repurchase agreements, TBA and other financial derivative contracts, repayment of repurchase agreement borrowings to the extent we are unable or unwilling to extend our repurchase agreements, the payment of dividends, and payment of our general operating expenses. Our capital resources primarily include cash on hand, cash flow from our investments (including periodic principal and interest payments received on our securities and proceeds from the sale of securities), borrowings under repurchase agreements, and proceeds from equity offerings. We expect that these sources of funds will be sufficient to meet our short-term and long-term liquidity needs.
Previous wording
In addition, each lender may require that we include supplemental terms and conditions to the standard master repurchase agreement. Typical supplemental terms and conditions include the addition of or changes to provisions relating to margin calls, net asset value requirements, cross default provisions, certain key person events, changes in corporate structure, and requirements that all controversies related to the repurchase agreement be litigated in a particular jurisdiction. These provisions may differ for each of our lenders.
Current wording
We borrow funds in the form of repurchase agreements. The terms of our repo borrowings are predominantly governed by Master Repurchase Agreements, or "MRAs," which generally conform to the terms in the standard master repurchase agreement as published by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association as to repayment and margin requirements. In addition, each lender may require that we include supplemental terms and conditions to the standard master repurchase agreement. Typical supplemental terms and conditions include the addition of or changes to provisions relating to margin calls, net asset value requirements, cross default provisions, certain key person events, changes in corporate structure, and requirements that all controversies related to the repurchase agreement be litigated in a particular jurisdiction. These provisions may differ for each of our lenders.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had $729.5 million and $842.5 million outstanding under our repurchase agreements, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, our outstanding repurchase agreements were with 19 counterparties.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had $563.0 million and $729.5 million outstanding under our repurchase agreements, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, our outstanding repurchase agreements were with 14 counterparties.
Previous wording
The amounts borrowed under our repurchase agreements are generally subject to the application of "haircuts." A haircut is the percentage discount that a repo lender applies to the market value of an asset serving as collateral for a repo borrowing, for the purpose of determining whether such repo borrowing is adequately collateralized. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the weighted average contractual haircut applicable to the assets that serve as collateral for our outstanding repo borrowings was 5.7% and 5.5%, respectively.
Current wording
The amounts borrowed under our repurchase agreements are generally subject to the application of "haircuts." A haircut is the percentage discount that a repo lender applies to the market value of an asset serving as collateral for a repo borrowing, for the purpose of determining whether such repo borrowing is adequately collateralized. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the weighted average contractual haircut applicable to the assets that serve as collateral for our outstanding repo borrowings was 9.5% and 5.7%, respectively.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, we had an aggregate amount at risk under our repurchase agreements with 19 counterparties of $50.1 million. As of December 31, 2022, we had an aggregate amount at risk under our repurchase agreements with 17 counterparties of $49.8 million. Amounts at risk represent the excess, if any, for each counterparty of the fair value of collateral held by such counterparty over the amounts outstanding under repurchase agreements. If the amounts outstanding under repurchase agreements with a particular counterparty are greater than the collateral held by the counterparty, there is no amount at risk for the particular counterparty. Amounts at risk under our repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 does not include $0.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively, of net accrued interest receivable, which is defined as accrued interest on securities held as collateral less interest payable on cash borrowed.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, we had an aggregate amount at risk under our repurchase agreements with 18 counterparties of $55.7 million. As of December 31, 2023, we had an aggregate amount at risk under our repurchase agreements with 19 counterparties of $50.1 million. Amounts at risk represent the excess, if any, for each counterparty of the fair value of collateral held by such counterparty over the amounts outstanding under repurchase agreements. If the amounts outstanding under repurchase agreements with a particular counterparty are greater than the collateral held by the counterparty, there is no amount at risk for the particular counterparty. Amounts at risk under our repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 does not include $3.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of net accrued interest receivable, which is defined as accrued interest on securities held as collateral less interest payable on cash borrowed.
Showing the first 40 of 50 pairs. Open the source sections for the rest.
Rearranged current paragraphs (2)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
(2)Conformed to current period presentation.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Other income (loss) consists of net realized and net change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities and financial derivatives. For the year ended December 31, 2024, Other income (loss) was $0.8 million, consisting primarily of net realized and unrealized gains of $19.9 million on our financial derivatives, which were partially offset by net realized and unrealized losses of $(18.4) million on our securities. Net realized and unrealized gains of $19.9 million on our financial derivatives consisted of net realized and unrealized gains of $26.2 million on our interest rate swaps and $0.4 million on our forwards, partially offset by net realized and unrealized losses of $(4.1) million on our U.S. Treasury futures, $(1.8) million on our TBAs, $(0.7) million on our credit default swaps, and $(0.1) million on Euro FX futures. The net gain on our financial derivatives was primarily the result of rising interest rates during much of 2024, partially offset by net losses in the third quarter driven by declining interest rates in that period. Net realized and unrealized losses of $(18.4) million on our securities consisted primarily of net realized and unrealized losses of $(16.1) million on our on our Agency RMBS, $(3.7) million on our corporate CLOs, and $(0.4) million on our U.S. Treasury securities, partially offset by net realized and unrealized gains of $1.9 million on our non-Agency RMBS.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (4)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Our accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums on securities for U.S. federal and other tax purposes is likely to differ from the accounting treatment under U.S. GAAP of these items as described above.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
See the Note 2 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements for more information on the assumptions and methods that we use to amortize purchase premiums and accrete purchase discounts.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
(1)Excludes U.S. Treasury securities.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
We borrow funds in the form of repurchase agreements. The terms of our repo borrowings are predominantly governed by Master Repurchase Agreements, or "MRAs," which generally conform to the terms in the standard master repurchase agreement as published by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association as to repayment and margin requirements.