Portfolio Growth and Composition
Investment portfolio grew 19% quarter-over-quarter to $7.3 billion, comprised of $5.2B Agency RMBS, $1.2B Agency TBA (≈17% of portfolio), and $0.9B Agency CMBS. Purchases focused in 4.5%–5.5% coupons and TBAs to capture attractive dollar roll financing.
Prepayment Protection and Diversification
Over 80% of the portfolio has prepayment protection via more than $5.0B of specified-pool Agency RMBS and nearly $0.9B of Agency CMBS; continued preference for lower loan-balance specified pools to improve cash-flow predictability.
Capital Actions and Improved Capital Structure
Raised nearly $134 million net via ATM in Q1; reduced preferred equity to approximately 20% of total equity, lowering cost and benefiting common shareholders; shifted to monthly dividend payments ($0.12 per month) to better align with income investors.
Hedge Coverage and Funding Stability
Hedged 96% of borrowing costs at quarter end (hedge ratio increased from 87% to 96%); hedges weighted toward interest rate swaps (81% of notional, 65% dollar-duration). Repo financing remained available and stable; unrestricted cash and unencumbered investments totaled $493.1M.
Attractive Levered Returns
Agency RMBS current-coupon spread to a 5-/10-year SOFR blend ended the quarter near 165 bps (25 bps wider than year-end), implying levered gross returns in the high teens (mid–upper teens in April). Agency CMBS levered gross returns in the low double digits and outperformed Agency RMBS during the quarter.
Post-Quarter Book Value Recovery
Book value improved approximately 2% since quarter end as risk sentiment improved and rate volatility moderated in April, partially offsetting first-quarter declines.