Item 2. |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
|
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included in “Part I, Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements” of this
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
This section discusses our results of operations for the current quarter ended March 31, 2022 compared to the immediately preceding prior quarter ended December 31, 2021 as well as the corresponding quarter of the
prior year ended March 31, 2021. In this report, we are changing the basis of comparison from the corresponding quarter of the prior year to the immediately preceding prior quarter, in order to provide readers greater insight into our quarterly
performance. For our future Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, we will present a discussion of our results of operations for the current quarter compared to the immediately preceding prior quarter only.
General
We are a public residential real estate finance company focused on acquiring, investing in and managing residential mortgage assets in the United States. We were incorporated in Maryland on October 31, 2012, and we
commenced operations on or about October 9, 2013 following the completion of our initial public offering and a concurrent private placement. Our common stock, our 8.20% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (our “Series A Preferred Stock”)
and our 8.250% Series B Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (our “Series B Preferred Stock”) are listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols “CHMI,” “CHMI-PRA” and “CHMI-PRB,” respectively. We are
externally managed by our Manager, Cherry Hill Mortgage Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser.
Our principal objective is to generate attractive current yields and risk-adjusted total returns for our stockholders over the long term, primarily through dividend distributions and secondarily through capital
appreciation. We attempt to attain this objective by selectively constructing and actively managing a portfolio of Servicing Related Assets (as defined below) and residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and, subject to market conditions,
other cash flowing residential mortgage assets.
We are subject to the risks involved with real estate and real estate-related debt instruments. These include, among others, the risks normally associated with changes in the general economic climate, changes in the
mortgage market, changes in tax laws, interest rate levels, and the availability of financing.
We elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with our short taxable year ended December 31, 2013. We operate so as to continue to qualify to be taxed as a REIT. Our asset acquisition
strategy focuses on acquiring a diversified portfolio of residential mortgage assets that balances the risk and reward opportunities our Manager observes in the marketplace. Aurora has or is in the process of obtaining the licenses necessary to
invest in mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) on a nationwide basis and is an approved seller/servicer for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
In addition to Servicing Related Assets, we invest in RMBS, primarily those backed by 30-, 20- and 15-year fixed rate mortgages that offer what we believe to be favorable prepayment and duration characteristics. Our
RMBS consist primarily of Agency RMBS on which the payments of principal and interest are guaranteed by an Agency. We have also invested in collateralized mortgage obligations guaranteed by an Agency (“Agency CMOs”) consisting of interest only
securities (“IOs”) as well as non-Agency RMBS. We finance our RMBS with an amount of leverage, that varies from time to time depending on the particular characteristics of our portfolio, the availability of financing and market conditions. We do
not have a targeted leverage ratio for our RMBS. Our borrowings for RMBS consist of short-term borrowings under master repurchase agreements.
Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT, we utilize derivative financial instruments (or hedging instruments) to hedge our exposure to potential interest rate mismatches between the interest we earn on our
assets and our borrowing costs caused by fluctuations in short-term interest rates. In utilizing leverage and interest rate hedges, our objectives include, where desirable, locking in, on a long-term basis, a spread between the yield on our assets
and the cost of our financing in an effort to improve returns to our stockholders.
We also seek to operate our business in a manner that does not require us to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.
Effective January 1, 2020, the Operating Partnership contributed substantially all of its assets to the Sub-REIT in exchange for all of the common stock of the Sub-REIT. As a result of this contribution, the Sub-REIT
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Operating Partnership and operations formerly conducted by the Operating Partnership through its subsidiaries are now conducted by the Sub-REIT through those same subsidiaries. The Sub-REIT has elected to be
taxed as a REIT under the Code commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2020.
From time to time, we may issue and sell shares of our common stock or preferred stock, including additional shares of our Class A Preferred Stock or Class B Preferred Stock. See “Item 1. Consolidated Financial
Statements—Note 6. Equity and Earnings per Common Share—Common and Preferred Stock.”
The Company has an at-the-market offering program for its common stock (the “Common Stock ATM Program” and, together with the Preferred
Series A ATM Program, as defined below, the “ATM Programs”) pursuant to which it may offer through one or more sales agents and sell from time to time up to $50.0 million of its common stock at prices prevailing at the time, subject to volume and
other regulatory limitations. As of March 31, 2022, approximately $16.0 million was remaining under the Common Stock ATM Program. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, the Company issued and sold 505,000 shares of common stock under
the Common Stock ATM Program. The shares were sold at a weighted average price of $8.19 per share for gross proceeds of approximately $4.1 million before fees of approximately $83,000. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company issued
and sold 1,148,398 shares of common stock under the Common Stock ATM Program. The shares were sold at a weighted average price of $8.88 per share for gross proceeds of approximately $10.2 million before fees of approximately $200,000.
The Company also has an at-the-market offering program for its Series A Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Series A ATM Program”) pursuant to which it may offer through one or more sales agents and sell from time to time
up to $35.0 million of its Series A Preferred Stock at prices prevailing at the time, subject to volume and other regulatory limitations. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company did not
issue and sell any shares of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to the Preferred Series A ATM Program.
In September 2019, the Company initiated a share repurchase program that allows for the repurchase of up to an aggregate of $10.0 million of its common stock. Shares may be repurchased from time to time through
privately negotiated transactions or open market transactions, pursuant to a trading plan in accordance with Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act or by any combination of such methods. The manner, price, number and timing of share
repurchases are subject to a variety of factors, including market conditions and applicable SEC rules. The share repurchase program does not require the purchase of any minimum number of shares, and, subject to SEC rules, purchases may be commenced
or suspended at any time without prior notice. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company did not repurchase any common stock pursuant to the repurchase program.
Effects of COVID-19 on the Company
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create substantial uncertainty for government policy makers and the Federal Reserve Board with consequent effects on the economy in the United States. While the economy has largely
reopened, the increased presence of highly contagious variants, of the virus has exacerbated supply chain issues that arose during the shutdown of various economies. Certain forbearance programs and prohibitions on foreclosures have been extended
while others have expired adding to the concern of the consequences once all such programs end. As of March 31, 2022, 1.3% of borrowers on loans underlying the MSRs owned by Aurora are reflected as being in an active forbearance program, with 10.6%
of those borrowers continuing to make their regular scheduled monthly payment.
On March 16, 2022, the Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate to a range of between 0.25% and 0.5% and signaled that a series of rate increases is likely to follow over the course of the year.
In March, the Federal Reserve also ended its monthly asset purchases, including its purchases of Agency RMBS. With these actions, the Federal Reserve reversed its policy stance from the highly accommodative polices it adopted in 2020 in response to
the macro-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve adopted a policy of quantitative easing whereby it purchased each month significant amounts of U.S. Treasury securities and Agency RMBS.
The Federal Reserve also reduced the federal funds rate target to 0 to 0.25 percent, established a series of emergency lending programs, reduced the discount rate and encouraged depository institutions to borrow from the discount window, and took
regulatory actions to ease capital and liquidity requirements at depository institutions. The purpose of these actions was to stabilize financial markets and reduce both interest rates generally and the spread between long-term and short-term
interest rates. The Federal Reserve’s balance sheet increased by more than $4.5 trillion to nearly $9 trillion, including $2.5 trillion in Agency RMBS. Due to the reduction in interest rates, prepayment speeds and mortgage refinancing activity
increased. The Federal Reserve took similar actions during the 2008 financial crisis.
The ending of the Federal Reserve’s highly accommodative polices and initiation of a series of increases in the federal funds rate will likely result in higher interest rates across asset classes,
including for Agency RMBS. These actions also may decrease spreads on interest rates, reducing our net interest income. They may also negatively impact our results as we have certain assets and liabilities that are sensitive to changes in interest
rates. In addition, lower net interest income resulting from higher rates is expected to be partially offset by lower prepayments which extends the length of cash flows from the MSRs and slows the premium amortization on the RMBS portfolio. Any
benefit we expect to receive from lower prepayments on the mortgages underlying our MSRS and RMBS could be offset by increased volatility in the market and increased hedging costs attributable to such volatility.
We cannot predict or control the impact future actions by the Federal Reserve will have on our business. Accordingly, future actions by the Federal Reserve could have a material and adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.
Factors Impacting our Operating Results
Our income is generated primarily by the net spread between the income we earn on our assets and the cost of our financing and hedging activities as well as the amortization of any purchase premiums or the accretion of
discounts. Our net income includes the actual interest payments we receive on our RMBS, the net servicing fees we receive on our MSRs and the accretion/amortization of any purchase discounts/premiums. Changes in various factors such as market
interest rates, prepayment speeds, estimated future cash flows, servicing costs and credit quality could affect the amount of premium to be amortized or discount to be accreted into interest income for a given period. Prepayment speeds vary
according to the type of investment, conditions in the financial markets, competition and other factors, none of which can be predicted with any certainty. Our operating results may also be affected by credit losses in excess of initial
anticipations or unanticipated credit events experienced by borrowers whose mortgage loans underlie the MSRs held by Aurora or the non-Agency RMBS held in our portfolio.
Set forth below is the positive net spread between the yield on RMBS and our costs of funding those assets at the end of each of the quarters indicated below:
Average Net Yield Spread at Period End
Quarter Ended
|
|
Average
Asset Yield
|
|
|
Average
Cost of Funds
|
|
|
Average Net
Interest Rate Spread
|
|
March 31, 2022
|
|
|
2.98
|
%
|
|
|
0.49
|
%
|
|
|
2.49
|
%
|
December 31, 2021
|
|
|
2.93
|
%
|
|
|
0.62
|
%
|
|
|
2.31
|
%
|
September 30, 2021
|
|
|
2.94
|
%
|
|
|
0.63
|
%
|
|
|
2.31
|
%
|
June 30, 2021
|
|
|
2.94
|
%
|
|
|
0.62
|
%
|
|
|
2.32
|
%
|
The Average Cost of Funds also includes the benefits of related swaps.
Changes in the Market Value of Our Assets
We hold our Servicing Related Assets as long-term investments. Our MSRs are carried at their fair value with changes in their fair value recorded in other income or loss in our consolidated statements of income (loss).
Those values may be affected by events or headlines that are outside of our control, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other events impacting the U.S. or global economy generally or the U.S. residential market specifically, and events or headlines
impacting the parties with which we do business. See “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Business” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
Our RMBS are carried at their fair value, as available-for-sale in accordance with ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. We evaluate the cost basis of our RMBS on
a quarterly basis under ASC 326-30, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses: Available-for-Sale Debt Securities. When the fair value of a security is less than its amortized cost basis as of the balance sheet
date, the security’s cost basis is considered impaired. If we determine that we intend to sell the security or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell before recovery, we recognize the difference between the fair value and
amortized cost as a loss in the consolidated statements of income (loss). If we determine we do not intend to sell the security or it is not more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before recovery, we must evaluate the
decline in the fair value of the impaired security and determine whether such decline resulted from a credit loss or non-credit related factors. In our assessment of whether a credit loss exists, we perform a qualitative assessment around whether a
credit loss exists and if necessary, we compare the present value of estimated future cash flows of the impaired security with the amortized cost basis of such security. The estimated future cash flows reflect those that a “market participant”
would use and typically include assumptions related to fluctuations in interest rates, prepayment speeds, default rates, collateral performance, and the timing and amount of projected credit losses, as well as incorporating observations of current
market developments and events. Cash flows are discounted at an interest rate equal to the current yield used to accrete interest income. If the present value of estimated future cash flows is less than the amortized cost basis of the security, an
expected credit loss exists and is included in provision (reversal) for credit losses on securities in the consolidated statements of income (loss). If it is determined as of the financial reporting date that all or a portion of a security’s cost
basis is not collectible, then we will recognize a realized loss to the extent of the adjustment to the security’s cost basis. This adjustment to the amortized cost basis of the security is reflected in realized gain (loss) on RMBS,
available-for-sale, net in the consolidated statements of income (loss).
Impact of Changes in Market Interest Rates on Our Assets
The value of our assets may be affected by prepayment speeds on mortgage loans. Prepayment speed is the measurement of how quickly borrowers pay down the unpaid principal balance (“UPB”) of their loans or how quickly
loans are otherwise liquidated or charged off. Generally, in a declining interest rate environment, prepayment speeds tend to increase. Conversely, in an increasing interest rate environment, prepayment speeds tend to decrease. When we acquire
Servicing Related Assets or RMBS, we anticipate that the underlying mortgage loans will prepay at a projected rate generating an expected cash flow (in the case of Servicing Related Assets) and yield. If we purchase assets at a premium to par value
and borrowers prepay their mortgage loans faster than expected, the corresponding prepayments on our assets may reduce the expected yield on such assets because we will have to amortize the related premium on an accelerated basis. In addition, we
will have to reinvest the greater amounts of prepayments in that lower rate environment, thereby affecting future yields on our assets. If we purchase assets at a discount to par value, and borrowers prepay their mortgage loans slower than
expected, the decrease in corresponding prepayments may reduce the expected yield on assets because we will not be able to accrete the related discount as quickly as originally anticipated.
If prepayment speeds are significantly greater than expected, the fair value of the Servicing Related Assets could be less than their fair value as previously reported on our consolidated balance sheets. Such a
reduction in the fair value of the Servicing Related Assets would have a negative impact on our book value. Furthermore, a significant increase in prepayment speeds could materially reduce the ultimate cash flows we receive from the Servicing
Related Assets, and we could receive substantially less than what we paid for such assets. Our balance sheet, results of operations and cash flows are susceptible to significant volatility due to changes in the fair value of, or cash flows from,
the Servicing Related Assets as interest rates change.
A slower than anticipated rate of prepayment due to an increase in market interest rates also will cause the life of the related RMBS to extend beyond that which was projected. As a result, we would have an asset with
a lower yield than current investments for a longer period of time. In addition, if we have hedged our interest rate risk, extension may cause the security to be outstanding longer than the related hedge, thereby reducing the protection intended to
be provided by the hedge.
Voluntary and involuntary prepayment rates may be affected by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the availability of mortgage credit, the relative economic vitality of, or natural disasters affecting,
the area in which the related properties are located, the servicing of the mortgage loans, possible changes in tax laws, other opportunities for investment, homeowner mobility and other economic, social, geographic, demographic and legal factors,
none of which can be predicted with any certainty.
We attempt to reduce the exposure of our MSRs to voluntary prepayments through the structuring of recapture agreements with Aurora’s subservicers. Under these agreements, the subservicer attempts to refinance specified
mortgage loans. The subservicer sells the new mortgage loan to the applicable Agency, transfers the related MSR to Aurora and then subservices the new mortgage loan on behalf of Aurora. See “Part I, Item 1. Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements—Note 7. Transactions with Related Parties” for information regarding Aurora’s recapture agreements.
With respect to our business operations, increases in interest rates, in general, may over time cause:
|
• |
the interest expense associated with our borrowings to increase;
|
|
• |
the value of our assets to fluctuate;
|
|
• |
the coupons on any adjustable-rate and hybrid RMBS we may own to reset, although on a delayed basis, to higher interest rates;
|
|
• |
prepayments on our RMBS to slow, thereby slowing the amortization of our purchase premiums and the accretion of our purchase discounts; and
|
|
• |
an increase in the value of any interest rate swap agreements we may enter into as part of our hedging strategy.
|
Conversely, decreases in interest rates, in general, may over time cause:
|
• |
prepayments on our RMBS to increase, thereby accelerating the amortization of our purchase premiums and the accretion of our purchase discounts;
|
|
• |
the interest expense associated with our borrowings to decrease;
|
|
• |
the value of our assets to fluctuate;
|
|
• |
a decrease in the value of any interest rate swap agreements we may enter into as part of our hedging strategy; and
|
|
• |
coupons on any adjustable-rate and hybrid RMBS assets we may own to reset, although on a delayed basis, to lower interest rates.
|
Effects of Spreads on our Assets
The spread between the yield on our assets and our funding costs affects the performance of our business. Wider spreads imply the potential for greater income on new asset purchases but may have a negative impact on
our stated book value. Wider spreads may also negatively impact asset prices. In an environment where spreads are widening, counterparties may require additional collateral to secure borrowings which may require us to reduce leverage by selling
assets. Conversely, tighter spreads imply the potential for lower income on new asset purchases but may have a positive impact on stated book value of our existing assets. In this case, we may be able to reduce the amount of collateral required to
secure borrowings.
Credit Risk
We are subject to varying degrees of credit risk in connection with our assets. Although we expect relatively low credit risk with respect to our portfolios of Agency RMBS, we are subject to the credit risk of
borrowers under the loans backing any CMOs that we may own and to the credit enhancements built into the CMO structure. We also are subject to the credit risk of the borrowers under the mortgage loans underlying the MSRs that Aurora owns. Through
loan level due diligence, we attempt to mitigate this risk by seeking to acquire high quality assets at appropriate prices given anticipated and unanticipated losses. We also conduct ongoing monitoring of acquired MSRs. Nevertheless, unanticipated
credit losses could occur which could adversely impact our operating results.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with US GAAP, which requires the use of estimates that involve the exercise of judgment and the use of assumptions as to future uncertainties. Our most critical
accounting policies involve decisions and assessments that could affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as well as our reported amounts of revenues and expenses. We believe that the decisions and assessments upon which our financial
statements are based were reasonable at the time made and based upon information available to us at that time. Our critical accounting policies and accounting estimates may change over time as we diversify our portfolio. The material accounting
policies and estimates that we expect to be most critical to an investor’s understanding of our financial results and condition and require complex management judgment are discussed below. For additional information on our material accounting
policies and estimates, see “Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies”.
Investments in Securities
We have elected to classify our investments in RMBS as available-for-sale. Although we may hold most of our securities until maturity, we may, from time to time, sell any of our securities as part of our overall
management of our asset portfolio. All assets classified as available-for-sale will be reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Fair value of our
investments in RMBS is determined based upon prices obtained from third-party pricing providers. Changes in underlying assumptions used in estimating fair value impact the carrying value of the investments in RMBS as well as their yield. For
additional information on our assessment of credit-related impairment and our fair value methodology, see “Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 4. Investments in RMBS and Note 9. Fair Value”.
Revenue Recognition on Securities
Interest income from coupon payments is accrued based on the outstanding principal amount of the RMBS and their contractual terms. Premiums and discounts associated with the purchase of the RMBS are amortized or
accreted into interest income over the projected lives of the securities using the effective interest method. Our policy for estimating prepayment speeds for calculating the effective yield is to evaluate historical performance, consensus
prepayment speeds, and current market conditions. Adjustments are made for actual prepayment activity. For information on how interest rates effect net interest income, see “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk –
Interest Rate Effect on Net Interest Income”.
Investments in MSRs
We have elected the fair value option to record our investments in MSRs in order to provide users of our consolidated financial statements with better information regarding the effects of prepayment risk and other
market factors on the MSRs. Under this election, we record a valuation adjustment on our investments in MSRs on a quarterly basis to recognize the changes in fair value of our MSRs in net income as described below. Although transactions in MSRs are
observable in the marketplace, the valuation includes unobservable market data inputs (prepayment speeds, delinquency levels, costs to service and discount rates). The change in fair value of is recorded within “Unrealized gain (loss) on
investments in Servicing Related Assets” on the consolidated statements of income (loss). Fair value is generally determined by discounting the expected future cash flows using discount rates that incorporate the market risks and liquidity premium
specific to the MSRs and, therefore, may differ from their effective yields. In determining the valuation of MSRs, management uses internally developed pricing models that are based on certain unobservable market-based inputs. The Company
classifies these valuations as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. For additional information on our fair value methodology, see “Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 9. Fair Value”.
Revenue Recognition on Investments in MSRs
Mortgage servicing fee income represents revenue earned from the ownership of MSRs. The servicing fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal balance and are recognized as revenue as the
related mortgage payments are collected. Corresponding costs to service are charged to expense as incurred. Servicing fee income received and servicing expenses incurred are reported on the consolidated statements of income (loss).
Repurchase Transactions
We finance the acquisition of our RMBS for our portfolio through repurchase transactions under master repurchase agreements. Repurchase transactions are treated as collateralized financing transactions and are carried
at their contractual amounts as specified in the respective transactions. Accrued interest payable is included in “Accrued expenses and other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets. Securities financed through repurchase transactions
remain on our consolidated balance sheet as an asset and cash received from the purchaser is recorded on our consolidated balance sheet as a liability. Interest paid in accordance with repurchase transactions is recorded in interest expense on the
consolidated statements of income (loss).
Income Taxes
We elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code commencing with our short taxable year ended December 31, 2013. We expect to continue to qualify to be treated as a REIT. U.S. federal income tax law generally requires
that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, and that it pay tax at regular corporate income tax rates to the extent that it annually
distributes less than 100% of its taxable income. Our taxable REIT subsidiary, Solutions, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Aurora, are subject to U.S. federal income taxes on their taxable income.
We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. ASC 740 requires the recording of deferred income taxes that reflect the net tax effect of temporary
differences between the carrying amounts of our assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, including operating loss carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using
enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in earnings in
the period that includes the enactment date. For information on our assessment of the realizability of deferred tax assets, see “Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 15. Income Taxes”. We assess our tax positions for all open tax years
and determine if we have any material unrecognized liabilities in accordance with ASC 740. We record these liabilities to the extent we deem them more-likely-than-not to be incurred. We record interest and penalties related to income taxes within
the provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of income (loss). We have not incurred any interest or penalties.
Results of Operations
Presented below is a comparison of the Company’s results of operations for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
Results of Operations
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2022
|
|
|
December 31, 2021
|
|
|
March 31, 2021
|
|
Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
$
|
5,519
|
|
|
$
|
4,529
|
|
|
$
|
3,301
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
1,640
|
|
|
|
1,534
|
|
|
|
1,454
|
|
Net interest income
|
|
|
3,879
|
|
|
|
2,995
|
|
|
|
1,847
|
|
Servicing fee income
|
|
|
13,116
|
|
|
|
13,030
|
|
|
|
13,540
|
|
Servicing costs
|
|
|
3,193
|
|
|
|
3,390
|
|
|
|
3,082
|
|
Net servicing income
|
|
|
9,923
|
|
|
|
9,640
|
|
|
|
10,458
|
|
Other income (loss)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realized gain (loss) on RMBS, available-for-sale, net
|
|
|
(13,222
|
)
|
|
|
(1,479
|
)
|
|
|
2,094
|
|
Realized loss on derivatives, net
|
|
|
(10,638
|
)
|
|
|
(4,688
|
)
|
|
|
(540
|
)
|
Realized gain on acquired assets, net
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net
|
|
|
24,456
|
|
|
|
8,233
|
|
|
|
(8,059
|
)
|
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments in Servicing Related Assets
|
|
|
21,731
|
|
|
|
(5,111
|
)
|
|
|
22,464
|
|
Total Income
|
|
|
36,141
|
|
|
|
9,590
|
|
|
|
28,269
|
|
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative expense
|
|
|
1,744
|
|
|
|
1,547
|
|
|
|
1,617
|
|
Management fee to affiliate
|
|
|
1,793
|
|
|
|
1,975
|
|
|
|
1,961
|
|
Total Expenses
|
|
|
3,537
|
|
|
|
3,522
|
|
|
|
3,578
|
|
Income Before Income Taxes
|
|
|
32,604
|
|
|
|
6,068
|
|
|
|
24,691
|
|
Provision for (Benefit from) corporate business taxes
|
|
|
3,875
|
|
|
|
(637
|
)
|
|
|
3,463
|
|
Net Income
|
|
|
28,729
|
|
|
|
6,705
|
|
|
|
21,228
|
|
Net income allocated to noncontrolling interests in Operating Partnership
|
|
|
(633
|
)
|
|
|
(130
|
)
|
|
|
(434
|
)
|
Dividends on preferred stock
|
|
|
2,463
|
|
|
|
2,463
|
|
|
|
2,463
|
|
Net Income Applicable to Common Stockholders
|
|
$
|
25,633
|
|
|
$
|
4,112
|
|
|
$
|
18,331
|
|
Presented below is summary financial data on our segments together with the data for the Company as a whole, for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
Segment Summary Data
|
|
Servicing Related Assets
|
|
|
RMBS
|
|
|
All Other
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Income Statement
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
5,519
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
5,519
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
1,253
|
|
|
|
387
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,640
|
|
Net interest income (expense)
|
|
|
(1,253
|
)
|
|
|
5,132
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,879
|
|
Servicing fee income
|
|
|
13,116
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
13,116
|
|
Servicing costs
|
|
|
3,193
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,193
|
|
Net servicing income
|
|
|
9,923
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
9,923
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
|
|
(3,366
|
)
|
|
|
25,705
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
22,339
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
|
|
522
|
|
|
|
228
|
|
|
|
2,787
|
|
|
|
3,537
|
|
Provision for corporate business taxes
|
|
|
3,875
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,875
|
|
Net Income (Loss)
|
|
$
|
907
|
|
|
$
|
30,609
|
|
|
$
|
(2,787
|
)
|
|
$
|
28,729
|
|
Three Months Ended December 31, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
$
|
30
|
|
|
$
|
4,499
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4,529
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
1,271
|
|
|
|
263
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,534
|
|
Net interest income (expense)
|
|
|
(1,241
|
)
|
|
|
4,236
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,995
|
|
Servicing fee income
|
|
|
13,030
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
13,030
|
|
Servicing costs
|
|
|
3,390
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,390
|
|
Net servicing income
|
|
|
9,640
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
9,640
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
|
|
(5,998
|
)
|
|
|
2,953
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(3,045
|
)
|
Other operating expenses
|
|
|
597
|
|
|
|
182
|
|
|
|
2,743
|
|
|
|
3,522
|
|
Benefit from corporate business taxes
|
|
|
(637
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(637
|
)
|
Net Income (Loss)
|
|
$
|
2,441
|
|
|
$
|
7,007
|
|
|
$
|
(2,743
|
)
|
|
$
|
6,705
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
$
|
120
|
|
|
$
|
3,181
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
3,301
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
932
|
|
|
|
522
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,454
|
|
Net interest income (expense)
|
|
|
(812
|
)
|
|
|
2,659
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,847
|
|
Servicing fee income
|
|
|
13,540
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
13,540
|
|
Servicing costs
|
|
|
3,082
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,082
|
|
Net servicing income
|
|
|
10,458
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
10,458
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
|
|
(4,762
|
)
|
|
|
20,726
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
15,964
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
|
|
566
|
|
|
|
171
|
|
|
|
2,841
|
|
|
|
3,578
|
|
Provision for corporate business taxes
|
|
|
3,463
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,463
|
|
Net Income (Loss)
|
|
$
|
855
|
|
|
$
|
23,214
|
|
|
$
|
(2,841
|
)
|
|
$
|
21,228
|
|
|
|
Servicing Related Assets
|
|
|
RMBS
|
|
|
All Other
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Balance Sheet
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2022
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments
|
|
$
|
246,103
|
|
|
$
|
774,113
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
1,020,216
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
36,101
|
|
|
|
102,837
|
|
|
|
52,866
|
|
|
|
191,804
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
282,204
|
|
|
|
876,950
|
|
|
|
52,866
|
|
|
|
1,212,020
|
|
Debt
|
|
|
159,068
|
|
|
|
764,885
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
923,953
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
7,308
|
|
|
|
9,371
|
|
|
|
11,737
|
|
|
|
28,416
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
166,376
|
|
|
|
774,256
|
|
|
|
11,737
|
|
|
|
952,369
|
|
Net assets
|
|
$
|
115,828
|
|
|
$
|
102,694
|
|
|
$
|
41,129
|
|
|
$
|
259,651
|
|
December 31, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments
|
|
$
|
218,727
|
|
|
$
|
953,496
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
1,172,223
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
44,506
|
|
|
|
21,611
|
|
|
|
64,522
|
|
|
|
130,639
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
263,233
|
|
|
|
975,107
|
|
|
|
64,522
|
|
|
|
1,302,862
|
|
Debt
|
|
|
145,268
|
|
|
|
865,494
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,010,762
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
1,847
|
|
|
|
1,411
|
|
|
|
10,026
|
|
|
|
13,284
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
147,115
|
|
|
|
866,905
|
|
|
|
10,026
|
|
|
|
1,024,046
|
|
Net assets
|
|
$
|
116,118
|
|
|
$
|
108,202
|
|
|
$
|
54,496
|
|
|
$
|
278,816
|
|
Interest Income
Interest income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 was $5.5 million as compared to $4.5 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2021. The increase of $990,000 in interest income was primarily
due to a decrease in price premium amortization driven by lower prepayment speeds.
Interest income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 was $5.5 million as compared to $3.3 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. The increase of $2.2 million in interest income was
substantially due to a decrease in price premium amortization, which was partially offset by a decrease in interest income as a result of RMBS sales.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 was $1.6 million as compared to $1.5 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2021. The increase of $106,000 in interest expense was due to
a rise in interest rates.
Interest expense for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 was $1.6 million as compared to $1.5 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. The increase of $186,000 in interest expense was
substantially due to a higher notes payable balance, which was partially offset by a decrease in interest expense on borrowings under repurchase agreements driven by a smaller RMBS portfolio.
Servicing Fee Income
Servicing fee income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 was $13.1 million as compared to $13.0 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2021. The nominal change in servicing fee income
resulted from a decline in the size of the MSR portfolio.
Servicing fee income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 was $13.1 million as compared to $13.5 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. The decrease of $424,000 in servicing fee income
resulted from a decline in the size of the MSR portfolio.
Servicing Costs
Servicing costs for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 was $3.2 million as compared to $3.4 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2021. The decrease of $197,000 in servicing costs was due to
timing of certain payments as well as changes in the size of the MSR portfolio.
Servicing costs for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 was $3.2 million as compared to $3.1 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. The nominal change in servicing costs was due to timing of
certain payments as well as changes in the size of the MSR portfolio
Realized Gain (Loss) on RMBS, Available-For-Sale, Net
Realized loss on RMBS for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 was approximately $13.2 million as compared to $1.5 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2021. The increase of $11.7 million in
realized loss on RMBS was due to the sale of RMBS securities in the first quarter of 2022 in response to the rising interest rates.
Realized loss on RMBS for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 was approximately $13.2 million as compared to a gain of $2.1 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. The increase of $15.3 million
in realized loss on RMBS was due to the sale of RMBS securities in the first quarter of 2022 in response to the rising interest rates.
Realized Loss on Derivatives, Net
Realized loss on derivatives for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 was approximately $10.6 million as compared to $4.7 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2021. The increase of $5.9 million
in realized loss on derivatives was substantially comprised of an increase of $11.5 million in losses on TBAs and an increase of $1.2 million in losses on interest rate swaps, offset by an increase of $6.4 million in gains on U.S. Treasury futures
due to rising interest rates.
Realized loss on derivatives for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 was approximately $10.6 million as compared to $540,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. The increase of $10.1 million in
realized loss on derivatives was substantially comprised of an increase of $14.9 million in losses on TBAs and an increase of $1.2 million in losses on interest rate swaps, offset by an increase of $6.2 million in gains on U.S. Treasury futures due
to rising interest rates.
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
Unrealized gain on derivatives for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 was approximately $24.5 million as compared to $8.2 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2021. The increase of $16.3
million in unrealized gain on derivatives was primarily due to changes in interest rates and the composition of our derivatives relative to the prior period.
Unrealized gain on derivatives for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 was approximately $24.5 million as compared to a loss of $8.1 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. The increase of
$32.6 million in unrealized gain on derivatives was primarily due to changes in interest rates and the composition of our derivatives relative to the prior period.
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments in Servicing Related Assets
Unrealized gain on our investments in Servicing Related Assets for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 was approximately $21.7 million as compared to a loss of $5.1 million for the three-month period ended
December 31, 2021. The increase of $26.8 million in unrealized gain on our investments in Servicing Related Assets was primarily due to changes in valuation inputs or assumptions and paydown of underlying loans.
Unrealized gain on our investments in Servicing Related Assets for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 was approximately $21.7 million as compared to $22.5 million for the three-month period ended March 31,
2021. The decrease of $733,000 in unrealized gain on our investments in Servicing Related Assets was primarily due to changes in valuation inputs or assumptions and paydown of underlying loans.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expense for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 was $1.7 million as compared to $1.5 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2021. The increase of $197,000 in general
and administrative expense was primarily due to higher professional fees.
General and administrative expense for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 was $1.7 million as compared to $1.6 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. The decrease of $127,000 in general and
administrative expense was primarily due to lower professional fees.
Net Income Allocated to Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Partnership
Net income allocated to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, which are LTIP-OP Units owned by directors and officers of the Company and by certain other individuals who provide services to us through
the Manager, represented approximately 2.2%, 1.9% and 2.0% of net income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022, December 31, 2021 and March 31, 2021, respectively. The increase was due to the issuance of LTIP-OP Units during the
three-month period ended March 31, 2022.
For the periods indicated below, our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) changed as a result of the indicated gains and losses (dollars in thousands):
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
|
|
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2022
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss), December 31, 2021
|
|
$
|
7,527
|
|
Other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(44,535
|
)
|
Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss), March 31, 2022
|
|
$
|
(37,008
|
)
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2021
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income, September 30, 2021
|
|
$
|
15,803
|
|
Other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(8,276
|
)
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income, December 31, 2021
|
|
$
|
7,527
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2021
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income, December 31, 2020
|
|
$
|
35,594
|
|
Other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(19,349
|
)
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income, March 31, 2021
|
|
$
|
16,245
|
|
Our GAAP equity changes as the values of our RMBS are marked to market each quarter, among other factors. The primary causes of mark to market changes are changes in interest rates and credit spreads. During the
periods ended March 31, 2022, December 31, 2021 and March 31, 2021, volatility and increases in the 10 Year U.S. Treasury rate and widening of credit spreads caused a net unrealized loss on our RMBS in each of those periods, which is recorded in
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section contains analysis and discussion of non-GAAP financial measures, including:
|
• |
earnings available for distribution; and
|
|
• |
earnings available for distribution per average common share.
|
Earnings available for distribution (“EAD”) is a non-GAAP financial measure that we define as GAAP net income (loss), excluding realized gain (loss) on RMBS, realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, realized
gain (loss) on acquired assets, realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments in MSRs (net of any estimated MSR amortization) and any tax expense (benefit) on realized and unrealized gain (loss) on MSRs. MSR amortization refers to the portion
of the change in fair value of the MSR that is primarily due to the realization of cashflows, runoff resulting from prepayments and an adjustment for any gain or loss on the capital used to purchase the MSR. EAD also includes interest rate swap
periodic interest income (expense) and drop income on TBA dollar roll transactions, which are included in “Realized loss on derivatives, net” on the consolidated statements of income (loss). EAD is adjusted to exclude outstanding LTIP-OP Units in
our Operating Partnership and dividends paid on our preferred stock.
EAD is provided for purposes of potential comparability to other issuers that invest in residential mortgage-related assets. We believe providing investors with EAD, in addition to related GAAP financial measures, may
provide investors some insight into our ongoing operational performance. However, the concept of EAD does have significant limitations, including the exclusion of realized and unrealized gains (losses), and given the apparent lack of a consistent
methodology among issuers for defining EAD, it may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other issuers, which define EAD differently from us and each other. As a result, EAD should not be considered a substitute for our GAAP net income
(loss) or as a measure of our liquidity. While EAD is one indicia of the Company’s earnings capacity, it is not the only factor considered in setting a dividend and is not the same as REIT taxable income
which is calculated in accordance with the rules of the IRS.
Earnings Available for Distribution
EAD for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 as compared to the three month periods ended December 31, 2021 and March 31, 2021, increased by approximately $344,000 and $2.7 million respectively, or $0.02 and
$0.13 per average common share, respectively, substantially due to a decrease in price premium amortization on the Company’s investments in RMBS driven by lower prepayment speeds.
The following table reconciles the GAAP measure of net income (loss) to EAD and related per average common share amounts, for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2022
|
|
|
December 31, 2021
|
|
|
March 31, 2021 (B)
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
28,729
|
|
|
$
|
6,705
|
|
|
$
|
21,228
|
|
Realized loss (gain) on RMBS, net
|
|
|
13,222
|
|
|
|
1,479
|
|
|
|
(2,094
|
)
|
Realized loss on derivatives, net (A)
|
|
|
14,422
|
|
|
|
8,860
|
|
|
|
4,741
|
|
Realized gain on acquired assets, net
|
|
|
(12
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives, net
|
|
|
(24,456
|
)
|
|
|
(8,233
|
)
|
|
|
8,059
|
|
Unrealized gain on investments in MSRs, net of estimated MSR amortization
|
|
|
(28,011
|
)
|
|
|
(947
|
)
|
|
|
(30,059
|
)
|
Tax expense on realized and unrealized gain on MSRs
|
|
|
4,937
|
|
|
|
594
|
|
|
|
4,229
|
|
Total EAD:
|
|
$
|
8,831
|
|
|
$
|
8,458
|
|
|
$
|
6,099
|
|
EAD attributable to noncontrolling interests in Operating Partnership
|
|
|
(195
|
)
|
|
|
(160
|
)
|
|
|
(125
|
)
|
Dividends on preferred stock
|
|
|
2,463
|
|
|
|
2,463
|
|
|
|
2,463
|
|
EAD Attributable to Common Stockholders
|
|
$
|
6,173
|
|
|
$
|
5,835
|
|
|
$
|
3,511
|
|
EAD Attributable to Common Stockholders, per Diluted Share
|
|
$
|
0.34
|
|
|
$
|
0.32
|
|
|
$
|
0.21
|
|
GAAP Net Income Per Share of Common Stock, per Diluted Share
|
|
$
|
1.40
|
|
|
$
|
0.23
|
|
|
$
|
1.07
|
|
(A)
|
Excludes drop income on TBA dollar rolls of $2.9 million, $3.4 million and $2.7 million and interest rate swap periodic interest income of $915,000, $786,000 and $1.3 million, for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022, December 31, 2021 and March 31, 2021, respectively, and includes trading expenses of $176,000 for the three-month
period ended March 31, 2021.
|
(B)
|
Commencing with the three-month period ended
December 31, 2021, the Company has enhanced the calculation of unrealized gain (loss) on investments in MSRs used to determine EAD. EAD for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 has
not been adjusted to reflect the Company's enhanced calculation of unrealized loss (gain) on investments in MSRs, net of estimated MSR amortization. If the enhanced calculation had been applied retroactively to the three-months
ended March 31, 2021, the Company would have reported EAD attributable to common stockholders of $3.9 million and EAD attributable to common stockholders per share of $0.23.
|
Our Portfolio
MSRs
Aurora’s portfolio of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac MSRs have an aggregate UPB of approximately $20.4 billion as of March 31, 2022.
The following tables set forth certain characteristics of the mortgage loans underlying those MSRs as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
MSR Collateral Characteristics
As of March 31, 2022
|
|
|
|
|
Collateral Characteristics
|
|
|
|
Current Carrying Amount
|
|
|
Current Principal Balance
|
|
|
WA Coupon(A)
|
|
|
WA
Servicing
Fee(A)
|
|
|
WA
Maturity (months)(A)
|
|
|
WA Loan
Age
(months)(A)
|
|
|
ARMs %(B)
|
|
MSRs
|
|
$
|
246,103
|
|
|
$
|
20,441,178
|
|
|
|
3.48
|
%
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
|
|
315
|
|
|
|
26
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
%
|
MSR Total/Weighted Average
|
|
$
|
246,103
|
|
|
$
|
20,441,178
|
|
|
|
3.48
|
%
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
|
|
315
|
|
|
|
26
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
%
|
As of December 31, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
Collateral Characteristics
|
|
|
|
Current Carrying Amount
|
|
|
Current Principal Balance
|
|
|
WA Coupon(A)
|
|
|
WA
Servicing
Fee(A)
|
|
|
WA
Maturity (months)(A)
|
|
|
WA Loan
Age
(months)(A)
|
|
|
ARMs %(B)
|
|
MSRs
|
|
$
|
218,727
|
|
|
$
|
20,773,278
|
|
|
|
3.51
|
%
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
|
|
316
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
%
|
MSR Total/Weighted Average
|
|
$
|
218,727
|
|
|
$
|
20,773,278
|
|
|
|
3.51
|
%
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
|
|
316
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
%
|
(A) |
Weighted average coupon, servicing fee, maturity and loan age of the underlying residential mortgage loans in the pool are based on the unpaid principal balance.
|
(B) |
ARMs % represents the percentage of the total principal balance of the pool that corresponds to ARMs and hybrid ARMs.
|
RMBS
The following tables summarize the characteristics of our RMBS portfolio and certain characteristics of the collateral underlying our RMBS as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
RMBS Characteristics
As of March 31, 2022
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Unrealized
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average
|
|
Asset Type
|
|
Original
Face
Value
|
|
|
Book
Value
|
|
|
Gains
|
|
|
Losses
|
|
|
Carrying Value(A)
|
|
|
Number of Securities
|
|
Rating
|
|
Coupon
|
|
|
Yield(C)
|
|
|
Maturity (Years)
|
|
RMBS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fannie Mae
|
|
$
|
678,445
|
|
|
$
|
476,781
|
|
|
$
|
669
|
|
|
$
|
(22,459
|
)
|
|
$
|
454,991
|
|
|
|
68
|
|
(B)
|
|
|
3.10
|
%
|
|
|
2.99
|
%
|
|
|
27
|
|
Freddie Mac
|
|
|
422,127
|
|
|
|
334,222
|
|
|
|
383
|
|
|
|
(15,483
|
)
|
|
|
319,122
|
|
|
|
42
|
|
(B)
|
|
|
3.08
|
%
|
|
|
2.97
|
%
|
|
|
28
|
|
Total/Weighted Average
|
|
$
|
1,100,572
|
|
|
$
|
811,003
|
|
|
$
|
1,052
|
|
|
$
|
(37,942
|
)
|
|
$
|
774,113
|
|
|
|
110
|
|
|
|
|
3.09
|
%
|
|
|
2.98
|
%
|
|
|
28
|
|
As of December 31, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Unrealized
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average
|
|
Asset Type
|
|
Original
Face
Value
|
|
|
Book
Value
|
|
|
Gains
|
|
|
Losses
|
|
|
Carrying Value(A)
|
|
|
Number of Securities
|
|
Rating
|
|
Coupon
|
|
|
Yield(C)
|
|
|
Maturity (Years)
|
|
RMBS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fannie Mae
|
|
$
|
772,607
|
|
|
$
|
554,151
|
|
|
$
|
9,276
|
|
|
$
|
(3,650
|
)
|
|
$
|
559,777
|
|
|
|
76
|
|
(B)
|
|
|
3.09
|
%
|
|
|
2.96
|
%
|
|
|
27
|
|
Freddie Mac
|
|
|
484,479
|
|
|
|
391,700
|
|
|
|
5,260
|
|
|
|
(3,241
|
)
|
|
|
393,719
|
|
|
|
45
|
|
(B)
|
|
|
3.02
|
%
|
|
|
2.89
|
%
|
|
|
28
|
|
Total/Weighted Average
|
|
$
|
1,257,086
|
|
|
$
|
945,851
|
|
|
$
|
14,536
|
|
|
$
|
(6,891
|
)
|
|
$
|
953,496
|
|
|
|
121
|
|
|
|
|
3.06
|
%
|
|
|
2.93
|
%
|
|
|
28
|
|
(A) |
See “Part I, Item 1. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 9. Fair Value” regarding the estimation of fair value, which approximates carrying value for all securities.
|
(B) |
The Company used an implied AAA rating for the Agency RMBS.
|
(C) |
The weighted average yield is based on the most recent gross monthly interest income, which is then annualized and divided by the book value of settled securities.
|
The following table summarizes the net interest spread of our RMBS portfolio as of the dates indicated:
Net Interest Spread
|
|
March 31, 2022
|
|
|
December 31, 2021
|
|
Weighted Average Asset Yield
|
|
|
3.77
|
%
|
|
|
3.19
|
%
|
Weighted Average Interest Expense
|
|
|
0.71
|
%
|
|
|
0.73
|
%
|
Net Interest Spread
|
|
|
3.06
|
%
|
|
|
2.46
|
%
|
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity is a measurement of our ability to meet potential cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, fund and
maintain investments and other general business needs. Additionally, to maintain our status as a REIT under the Code, we must distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income. In 2017, the Internal Revenue Service issued a revenue
procedure permitting “publicly offered” REITs to make elective stock dividends (i.e., dividends paid in a mixture of stock and cash), with at least 20% of the total distribution being paid in cash, to satisfy their REIT distribution requirements.
In December 2021, the Internal Revenue Service issued a revenue procedure that temporarily reduces the minimum amount of the total distribution that must be paid in cash to 10% for distributions declared on or after November 1, 2021, and on or
before June 30, 2022, provided certain other parameters detailed in the Revenue Procedure are satisfied. Pursuant to these revenue procedures, the Company has in the past elected to make distributions of its taxable income in a mixture of stock
and cash.
Our primary sources of funds for liquidity consist of cash provided by operating activities (primarily income from our investments in RMBS and net servicing income from our MSRs), sales or repayments of RMBS and
borrowings under repurchase agreements and our MSR financing arrangements. The COVID-19 pandemic has not adversely affected our ability to access these traditional sources of our funds on the same or reasonably similar terms as available before the
pandemic.
In the future, sources of funds for liquidity may include additional MSR financing, warehouse agreements, securitizations and the issuance of equity or debt securities, when feasible. During the three-month period
ended March 31, 2022, the Company issued and sold 505,000 shares of common stock under the Common Stock ATM Program. The shares were sold at a weighted average price of $8.19 per share for gross proceeds of approximately $4.1 million before fees of
approximately $83,000. During the three-month period ended December 31, 2021, the Company issued and sold 594,898 shares of common stock under the Common Stock ATM Program. The shares were sold at a weighted average price of $8.80 per share for
gross proceeds of approximately $5.2 million before fees of approximately $105,000. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2021, we did not issue and sell any capital stock pursuant to the ATM programs. In the past we have used, and we
anticipate that in the future we will use a significant portion of the paydowns of the RMBS to purchase MSRs. We may also sell certain RMBS and deploy the net proceeds from such sales to the extent necessary to fund the purchase price of MSRs.
Our primary uses of funds are the payment of interest, management fees, outstanding commitments, other operating expenses, investments in new or replacement assets, margin calls and the repayment of borrowings, as well
as dividends. Although we continue to maintain a higher level of unrestricted cash than prior to the pandemic, we expect to invest more of that unrestricted cash in our targeted assets if normalization of the economy continues. We may also use
capital resources to repurchase additional shares of common stock under our stock repurchase program when we believe such repurchases are appropriate and/or the stock is trading at a significant discount to net asset value. We seek to maintain
adequate cash reserves and other sources of available liquidity to meet any margin calls resulting from decreases in value related to a reasonably possible (in the opinion of management) change in interest rates.
As of the date of this filing, we believe we have sufficient liquid assets to satisfy all of our short-term recourse liabilities and to satisfy covenants in our financing documents. With respect to the next twelve
months, we expect that our cash on hand combined with the cash flow provided by our operations will be sufficient to satisfy our anticipated liquidity needs with respect to our current investment portfolio, including related financings, potential
margin calls and operating expenses. While it is inherently more difficult to forecast beyond the next twelve months, we currently expect to meet our long-term liquidity requirements through our cash on hand and, if needed, additional borrowings,
proceeds received from repurchase agreements and similar financings, proceeds from equity offerings and the liquidation or refinancing of our assets.
Our operating cash flow differs from our net income due primarily to: (i) accretion of discount or premium on our RMBS, (ii) unrealized gains or losses on our Servicing Related Assets, and (iii) impairment on our
securities, if any.
Repurchase Agreements
As of March 31, 2022, we had repurchase agreements with 34 counterparties and approximately $765.0 million of outstanding repurchase agreement borrowings from 13 of those counterparties, which were used to finance
RMBS. As of March 31, 2022, our exposure (defined as the amount of cash and securities pledged as collateral, less the borrowing under the repurchase agreement) to any of the counterparties under the repurchase agreements did not exceed five
percent of the Company’s equity. Under these agreements, which are uncommitted facilities, we sell a security to a counterparty and concurrently agree to repurchase the same security at a later date at the same price that we initially sold the
security plus the interest charged. The sale price represents financing proceeds and the difference between the sale and repurchase prices represents interest on the financing. The price at which the security is sold generally represents the market
value of the security less a discount or “haircut.” The weighted average haircut on our repurchase debt at March 31, 2022 was approximately 4.2%. During the term of the repurchase transaction, which can be as short as a few days, the counterparty
holds the security and posts margin as collateral. The counterparty monitors and calculates what it estimates to be the value of the collateral during the term of the transaction. If this value declines by more than a de minimis threshold, the
counterparty requires us to post additional collateral (or “margin”) in order to maintain the initial haircut on the collateral. This margin is typically required to be posted in the form of cash and cash equivalents. Furthermore, we are, from time
to time, a party to derivative agreements or financing arrangements that may be subject to margin calls based on the value of such instruments.
Set forth below is the average aggregate balance of borrowings under the Company’s repurchase agreements for each of the periods shown and the aggregate balance as of the end of each such period (dollars in thousands):
Repurchase Agreement Average and Maximum Amounts
Quarter Ended
|
|
Average Monthly
Amount
|
|
|
Maximum Month-End
Amount
|
|
|
Quarter Ending
Amount
|
|
March 31, 2022
|
|
$
|
820,270
|
|
|
$
|
859,726
|
|
|
$
|
764,885
|
|
December 31, 2021
|
|
$
|
830,099
|
|
|
$
|
865,494
|
|
|
$
|
865,494
|
|
September 30, 2021
|
|
$
|
790,587
|
|
|
$
|
821,540
|
|
|
$
|
777,416
|
|
June 30, 2021
|
|
$
|
858,269
|
|
|
$
|
897,047
|
|
|
$
|
897,047
|
|
March 31, 2021
|
|
$
|
1,012,389
|
|
|
$
|
1,118,231
|
|
|
$
|
934,001
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
$
|
1,303,927
|
|
|
$
|
1,465,037
|
|
|
$
|
1,149,978
|
|
September 30, 2020
|
|
$
|
1,374,041
|
|
|
$
|
1,419,991
|
|
|
$
|
1,365,471
|
|
June 30, 2020
|
|
$
|
1,286,998
|
|
|
$
|
1,395,317
|
|
|
$
|
1,395,317
|
|
The decrease in the Company’s borrowings under its repurchase agreements was primarily due to the sale of RMBS securities during 2020 and 2021.
These short-term borrowings were used to finance certain of our investments in RMBS. The RMBS repurchase agreements are guaranteed by the Company. The weighted average difference between the market value of the assets
and the face amount of available financing for the RMBS repurchase agreements, or the haircut, was 4.2% and 4.6% as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The following tables provide additional information regarding borrowings
under our repurchase agreements (dollars in thousands):
Repurchase Agreement Characteristics
As of March 31, 2022
|
|
RMBS Market Value
|
|
|
Repurchase
Agreements
|
|
|
Weighted
Average Rate
|
|
Less than one month
|
|
$
|
401,150
|
|
|
$
|
396,958
|
|
|
|
0.33
|
%
|
One to three months
|
|
|
377,070
|
|
|
|
367,927
|
|
|
|
0.46
|
%
|
Total/Weighted Average
|
|
$
|
778,220
|
|
|
$
|
764,885
|
|
|
|
0.39
|
%
|
As of December 31, 2021
|
|
RMBS Market Value
|
|
|
Repurchase
Agreements
|
|
|
Weighted
Average Rate
|
|
Less than one month
|
|
$
|
297,720
|
|
|
$
|
291,007
|
|
|
|
0.13
|
%
|
One to three months
|
|
|
595,168
|
|
|
|
574,487
|
|
|
|
0.14
|
%
|
Total/Weighted Average
|
|
$
|
892,888
|
|
|
$
|
865,494
|
|
|
|
0.14
|
%
|
The amount of collateral as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, including cash, was $805.2 million and $905.1 million, respectively.
The weighted average term to maturity of our borrowings under repurchase agreements as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was 33 days and 38 days, respectively.
MSR Financing
As of March 31, 2022, the Company had two separate MSR financing facilities: (i) the Freddie Mac MSR Revolver, which is a revolving credit facility for up to $100.0 million that is secured by all Freddie Mac MSRs owned
by Aurora; and (ii) the Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility, which is a revolving credit facility for up to $150.0 million, that is secured by all Fannie Mae MSRs owned by Aurora. Both financing facilities are available for MSRs as well as certain
servicing related advances associated with MSRs.
Freddie Mac MSR Revolver. In July 2018, the Company, Aurora and QRS
V (collectively with Aurora and the Company, the “Borrowers”) entered into a $25.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Freddie Mac MSR Revolver”) pursuant to which Aurora pledged all of its existing and future MSRs on loans owned or
securitized by Freddie Mac. The term of the Freddie Mac MSR Revolver is 364 days with the Borrowers’ option for two renewals for similar terms followed by a one-year term out feature with a 24-month amortization schedule. The Freddie Mac MSR
Revolver was upsized to $45.0 million in September 2018. The Company also has the ability to request up to an additional $5.0 million of borrowings. On April 2, 2019, Aurora and QRS V entered into an amendment that increased the maximum amount of
the Freddie Mac MSR Revolver to $100.0 million. In July 2021, the Borrowers entered into an amendment to the Freddie Mac MSR Revolver that extended the revolving period for an additional 364 days with the option for two more renewals of 364 days
each. At the end of the revolving period, the outstanding amount will be converted to a one-year term loan. Amounts borrowed bear interest at an adjustable rate equal to a spread above one-month LIBOR. At March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021,
approximately $65.0 million and $63.0 million, respectively, was outstanding under the Freddie Mac MSR Revolver.
Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility. In October 2021, Aurora and QRS
III entered into a loan and security agreement (the “Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility”), to replace the Prior Fannie Mae MSR Financing Facility. Under the Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility, Aurora and QRS III pledged their respective rights in
all existing and future MSRs for loans owned or securitized by Fannie Mae to secure borrowings outstanding from time to time. The maximum credit amount outstanding at any one time under the Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility is $150.0 million. The
revolving period is 24 months which may be extended by agreement with the lender. During the revolving period, borrowings bear interest at a rate equal to a spread over one-month LIBOR subject to a floor. At the end of the revolving period, the
outstanding amount will be converted to a three-year term loan that will bear interest at a rate calculated at a spread over the rate for one-year interest rate swaps. The Company has guaranteed repayment of all indebtedness under the Fannie Mae
MSR Revolving Facility. At March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, approximately $94.8 million and $83.0 million, respectively, was outstanding under the Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility.
As noted above, the Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility replaced the Prior Fannie Mae MSR Financing Facility. In September 2019, Aurora
and QRS III entered into a loan and security agreement (the “Prior Fannie Mae MSR Financing Facility”). Under the Prior Fannie Mae MSR Facility, Aurora and QRS III pledged their respective rights in all existing and future MSRs for loans owned or
securitized by Fannie Mae to secure borrowings outstanding from time to time. The maximum credit amount outstanding at any one time under the facility was $200 million, of which $100 million was committed. Borrowings bore interest at a rate equal
to a spread over onemonth LIBOR subject to a floor. This facility was terminated and replaced in October 2021 with the Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility (as defined and discussed above). As a result, there was no outstanding balance under the
Prior Fannie Mae MSR Financing Facility at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
Cash Flows
Operating and Investing Activities
Our operating activities provided cash of approximately $13.8 million and our investing activities provided cash of approximately $57.6 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022.
Dividends
U.S. federal income tax law generally requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, and that it
pay tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that it annually distributes less than 100% of its taxable income. We intend to make regular quarterly distributions of all or substantially all of our REIT taxable income to holders of our common
and preferred stock out of assets legally available for this purpose, if and to the extent authorized by our board of directors. Before we pay any dividend, whether for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise, we must first meet both our
operating requirements and debt service on our repurchase agreements and other debt payable. If our cash available for distribution is less than our REIT taxable income, we could be required to sell assets or borrow funds to make cash
distributions, or, with respect to our common stock, we may make a portion of the required distribution in the form of a taxable stock distribution or distribution of debt securities. We will make distributions only upon the authorization of our
board of directors. The amount, timing and frequency of distributions will be authorized by our board of directors based upon a variety of factors, including:
|
• |
actual results of operations;
|
|
• |
our level of retained cash flows;
|
|
• |
our ability to make additional investments in our target assets;
|
|
• |
restrictions under Maryland law;
|
|
• |
the terms of our preferred stock;
|
|
• |
any debt service requirements;
|
|
• |
the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code; and
|
|
• |
other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.
|
Our ability to make distributions to our stockholders will depend upon the performance of our investment portfolio, and, in turn, upon our Manager’s management of our business. Distributions will be made quarterly in
cash to the extent that cash is available for distribution. We may not be able to generate sufficient cash available for distribution to pay distributions to our stockholders. In addition, our board of directors may change our distribution policy
with respect to our common stock in the future. No assurance can be given that we will be able to make any other distributions to our stockholders at any time in the future or that the level of any distributions we do make to our stockholders will
achieve a market yield or increase or even be maintained over time.
We make distributions based on a number of factors, including an estimate of taxable earnings. Dividends distributed and taxable income will typically differ from GAAP earnings due to items such as fair value
adjustments, differences in premium amortization and discount accretion, and nondeductible general and administrative expenses. Our common dividend per share may be substantially different than our taxable earnings and GAAP earnings per share. Our
GAAP income per diluted share for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022, December 31, 2021 and March 31, 2021 was $1.40, $0.24 and $1.07, respectively.
Contractual Obligations
Our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 included repurchase agreements, borrowings under our MSR financing arrangements, our Management Agreement with our Manager, and our subservicing
agreements.
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations for borrowed money as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
Contractual Obligations Characteristics
As of March 31, 2022
|
|
Less than
1 year
|
|
|
1 to 3
years
|
|
|
3 to 5
years
|
|
|
More than
5 years
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Repurchase agreements
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings under repurchase agreements
|
|
$
|
764,885
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
764,885
|
|
Interest on repurchase agreement borrowings(A)
|
|
$
|
137
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
137
|
|
Freddie Mac MSR Revolver
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings under Freddie Mac MSR Revolver
|
|
$
|
65,000
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
65,000
|
|
Interest on Freddie Mac MSR Revolver borrowings
|
|
$
|
1,390
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
1,390
|
|
Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings under Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
10,150
|
|
|
$
|
84,650
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
94,800
|
|
Interest on Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility
|
|
$
|
3,604
|
|
|
$
|
8,247
|
|
|
$
|
6,328
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
18,179
|
|
As of December 31, 2021
|
|
Less than
1 year
|
|
|
1 to 3
years
|
|
|
3 to 5
years
|
|
|
More than
5 years
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Repurchase agreements
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings under repurchase agreements
|
|
$
|
865,494
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
865,494
|
|
Interest on repurchase agreement borrowings(A)
|
|
$
|
135
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
135
|
|
Freddie Mac MSR Revolver
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings under Freddie Mac MSR Revolver
|
|
$
|
63,000
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
63,000
|
|
Interest on Freddie Mac MSR Revolver borrowings
|
|
$
|
1,954
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
1,954
|
|
Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings under Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
7,566
|
|
|
$
|
75,434
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
83,000
|
|
Interest on Fannie Mae MSR Revolving Facility
|
|
$
|
3,156
|
|
|
$
|
6,127
|
|
|
$
|
4,941
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
14,224
|
|
(A) |
Interest expense is calculated based on the interest rate in effect at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, and includes all interest expense incurred through those dates.
|
Management Agreement
The Management Agreement with our Manager provides that our Manager is entitled to receive a management fee, the reimbursement of certain expenses and, in certain circumstances, a termination fee. The management fee is
an amount equal to 1.5% per annum of our stockholders’ equity, adjusted as set forth in the Management Agreement, and calculated and payable quarterly in arrears. We will also be required to pay a termination fee equal to three times the average
annual management fee earned by our Manager during the two four-quarter periods ending as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter prior to the effective date of the termination. Such termination fee will be payable upon termination
or non-renewal of the Management Agreement by us without cause or by our Manager if we materially breach the Management Agreement.
We pay all of our direct operating expenses, except those specifically required to be borne by our Manager under the Management Agreement. Our Manager is responsible for all costs incident to the performance of its
duties under the Management Agreement. We believe that our Manager uses the proceeds from its management fee in part to pay the Services Provider for services provided under the Services Agreement. Our officers receive no cash compensation directly
from us. Our Manager provides us with our officers. Our Manager is entitled to be reimbursed for an agreed upon portion of the costs of the wages, salary and other benefits with respect to our chief financial officer, and, prior to January 1, 2022,
our general counsel, originally based on the percentages of their working time and efforts spent on matters related to the Company. The amount of the wages, salary and benefits reimbursed with respect to the officers our Manager provides to us is
subject to the approval of the compensation committee of our board of directors.
The term of the Management Agreement expired on October 22, 2021 and was automatically renewed for a one-year term on such date and will be automatically renewed for a one-year term on each anniversary of such date
thereafter unless terminated or not renewed as described below. Either we or our Manager may elect not to renew the Management Agreement upon expiration of its initial term or any renewal term by providing written notice of non-renewal at least 180
days, but not more than 270 days, before expiration. No such written notice of non-renewal was provided in 2021 and the Management Agreement’s term was automatically extended until October 22, 2022. In the event we elect not to renew the term, we
will be required to pay our Manager the termination fee described above. We may terminate the Management Agreement at any time for cause effective upon 30 days prior written notice of termination from us to our Manager, in which case no termination
fee would be due. Our board of directors will review our Manager’s performance prior to the automatic renewal of the Management Agreement and, as a result of such review, upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members of our board
of directors or of the holders of a majority of our outstanding common stock, we may terminate the Management Agreement based upon unsatisfactory performance by our Manager that is materially detrimental to us or a determination by our independent
directors that the management fees payable to our Manager are not fair, subject to the right of our Manager to prevent such a termination by agreeing to a reduction of the management fees payable to our Manager. Upon any termination of the
Management Agreement based on unsatisfactory performance or unfair management fees, we are required to pay our Manager the termination fee described above. Our Manager may terminate the Management Agreement, without payment of the termination fee,
in the event we become regulated as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Our Manager may also terminate the Management Agreement upon 60 days’ written notice if we default in the performance of any material term of the Management
Agreement and the default continues for a period of 30 days after written notice to us, whereupon we would be required to pay our Manager the termination fee described above.
Subservicing Agreements
As of March 31, 2021, Aurora had four subservicing agreements in place, one of which is with Freedom Mortgage. Following the sale of the Ginnie Mae MSRs to Freedom Mortgage in June 2020, Freedom Mortgage continued to
subservice certain loans that had been purchased from Ginnie Mae pools due to delinquency or default. Freedom Mortgage ceased subservicing these loans during 2021 because these loans and any related advance claims had been rehabilitated or
liquidated. One of the other subservicing agreements is with RoundPoint. Freedom Mortgage acquired RoundPoint and it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Freedom Mortgage in August 2020. The agreements have varying initial terms (three years, for
Freedom Mortgage, and two years for the other three sub-servicers) and are subject to automatic renewal for additional terms equal to the applicable initial term unless either party chooses not to renew. Each agreement may be terminated without
cause by either party by giving notice as specified in the agreement. If an agreement is not renewed by the Company or terminated by the Company without cause, de-boarding fees will be due to the subservicer. Under each agreement, the subservicer
agrees to service the applicable mortgage loans in accordance with applicable law and the requirements of the applicable Agency and the Company pays customary fees to the applicable subservicer for specified services.
Joint Marketing Recapture Agreement
We attempt to reduce the exposure of our MSRs to voluntary prepayments through the structuring of recapture agreements with Aurora’s subservicers.
In May 2018, Aurora entered into a recapture purchase and sale agreement with RoundPoint, one of Aurora’s subservicers and since August 2020, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Freedom Mortgage. Pursuant to this agreement,
RoundPoint attempts to refinance certain mortgage loans underlying Aurora’s MSR portfolio subserviced by RoundPoint as directed by Aurora. If a loan is refinanced, Freedom Mortgage will sell the loan to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, as applicable,
retain the sale proceeds and transfer the related MSR to Aurora. The agreement continues in effect while the subservicing agreement remains in effect.
Inflation
Substantially all of our assets and liabilities are financial in nature. As a result, interest rates and other factors affect our performance more so than inflation, although inflation rates can often have a meaningful
influence over the direction of interest rates. Furthermore, our financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and our distributions are determined by our board of directors primarily based on our REIT taxable income, and, in each case,
our activities and balance sheet are measured with reference to historical cost and/or fair market value without considering inflation.