SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

We make forward-looking statements in this Report that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans and objectives. When we use the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “should,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” or similar expressions, or the negative of these words, we intend to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the following subjects are forward-looking by their nature:

 

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our business and investment strategy;

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our expected operating results;

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our ability to acquire investments on attractive terms;

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the effect of actual, anticipated or proposed actions of the U.S. government, including the U.S. Federal Reserve (the "Fed"), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (the "FHFA"), the Federal Housing Administration (the "FHA"), the Federal Open Market Committee (the "FOMC") and the U.S. Treasury, on interest rates, monetary policy, fiscal policy and the housing and credit markets;

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the effect of interest rate changes on inflation, unemployment, and mortgage supply and demand;

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the effect of prepayment rates on the value of our assets;

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our ability to access the capital markets;

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our ability to obtain future financing arrangements;

	●	our ability to successfully hedge the interest rate risk and prepayment risk associated with our portfolio;
	●	market trends;

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the federal conservatorship of the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac” and together with Fannie Mae, the "Enterprises") and related efforts, along with any changes in laws and regulations affecting the relationship between the Enterprises and the U.S. government;

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our ability to make distributions to our stockholders in the future;

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our understanding of our competition and our ability to compete effectively;

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our ability to quantify risk based on historical experience;

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our ability to maintain our qualification as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

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our ability to maintain our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the Investment Company Act;

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our ability to maintain the listing of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE");

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geo-political events, government responses to such events and the related impact on the economy both nationally and internationally;

	●	the effect of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the potential future outbreak of other highly infectious or contagious diseases on the Agency RMBS market and on our results of future operations, financial position, and liquidity;
	●	expected capital expenditures; and
	●	the impact of technology on our operations and business.

 

The forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance, taking into account all information currently available to us. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us. Some of these factors are described under the caption ‘‘Risk Factors’’ in this Report and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict those events or how they may affect us. Except as required by law, we are not obligated to, and do not intend to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

 

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

Our Company

 

Orchid Island Capital, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“Orchid,” the “Company,” “we” or “us”), is a specialty finance company that invests in residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”). The principal and interest payments of these RMBS are guaranteed by the Enterprises or the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae” and, collectively with the Enterprises, “GSEs”) and are backed primarily by single-family residential mortgage loans. We refer to these types of RMBS as Agency RMBS. Our investment strategy focuses on, and our portfolio consists of, two categories of Agency RMBS: (i) traditional pass-through Agency RMBS, such as mortgage pass through certificates and collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) issued by the GSEs and (ii) structured Agency RMBS, such as interest only securities (“IOs”), inverse interest only securities (“IIOs”) and principal only securities (“POs”), among other types of structured Agency RMBS. Our website is located at http://ir.orchidislandcapital.com. Information on our website is not part of this Report. Our common stock is listed on the NYSE and trades under the symbol “ORC.”

 

We are organized and conduct our operations to qualify to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such, we are required to distribute 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deductions for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain, annually. We generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our REIT taxable income to the extent we currently distribute our net taxable income to our stockholders and maintain our REIT qualification. It is our intention to distribute 100% of our taxable income, after application of available tax attributes, within the limits prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), which may extend into the subsequent taxable year.

 

Our Manager

 

Bimini Capital Management, Inc. (sometimes referred to herein as “Bimini”) managed our portfolio from our inception through the completion of our initial public offering on February 20, 2013. Upon completion of the offering, we became externally managed by Bimini Advisors, LLC (“Bimini Advisors,” or our “Manager”) pursuant to a management agreement. Our Manager is an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Additionally, our Manager is a Maryland limited liability company that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bimini, which has a long track record of managing investments in Agency RMBS. Bimini commenced active investment management operations in 2003, and self-manages its own portfolio. We believe our relationship with our Manager enables us to leverage our Manager’s established portfolio management resources for each of our targeted asset classes and its infrastructure supporting those resources. Additionally, we have benefitted and expect to continue to benefit from our Manager’s finance and administration functions, which address legal, compliance, investor relations and operational matters, including portfolio management, trade allocation and execution, securities valuation, repurchase agreement trading and clearing, risk management, cybersecurity, information technologies and environmental, social and governance considerations in connection with the performance of its duties.

 

Our Manager is responsible for administering our business activities and day-to-day operations. Pursuant to the terms of the management agreement, our Manager provides us with our management team, including our officers, along with appropriate support personnel. Our Manager is at all times subject to the supervision and oversight of our board of directors (the “Board of Directors”) and has only such functions and authority as we delegate to it.

 

Our Investment and Capital Allocation Strategy

 

Investment Strategy

 

Our business objective is to provide attractive risk-adjusted total returns to our investors over the long term through a combination of capital appreciation and the payment of regular monthly distributions. We intend to achieve this objective by investing in and strategically allocating capital between pass-through Agency RMBS and structured Agency RMBS. We seek to generate income from (i) the net interest margin on our leveraged pass-through Agency RMBS portfolio and the leveraged portion of our structured Agency RMBS portfolio, and (ii) the interest income we generate from the unleveraged portion of our structured Agency RMBS portfolio. We also seek to minimize the volatility of both the net asset value of, and income from, our portfolio through a process which emphasizes capital allocation, asset selection, liquidity and active interest rate risk management.

 

 

We fund our pass-through Agency RMBS and certain of our structured Agency RMBS through repurchase agreements. However, we generally do not employ leverage on our structured Agency RMBS that have no principal balance, such as IOs and IIOs, because those securities contain structural leverage. We may pledge a portion of these assets to increase our cash balance, but we do not intend to invest the cash derived from pledging the assets.

 

Our target asset categories and principal assets in which we intend to invest are as follows:

 

Pass-through Agency RMBS

 

We invest in pass-through securities, which are securities secured by residential real property in which payments of both interest and principal on the securities are generally made monthly. In effect, these securities pass through the monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on the mortgage loans that underlie the securities, net of fees paid to the loan servicer and the guarantor of the securities. Pass-through certificates can be divided into various categories based on the characteristics of the underlying mortgages, such as the term or whether the interest rate is fixed or variable.

 

The payment of principal and interest on mortgage pass-through securities issued by Ginnie Mae, but not the market value, is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the federal government. Payment of principal and interest on mortgage pass-through certificates issued by the Enterprises, but not the market value, is guaranteed by the respective agency issuing the security.

 

A key feature of most mortgage loans is the ability of the borrower to repay principal earlier than scheduled. This is called a prepayment. Prepayments arise primarily due to sale of the underlying property, refinancing, foreclosure, or accelerated amortization by the borrower. Prepayments result in a return of principal to pass-through certificate holders. This may result in a lower or higher rate of return upon reinvestment of principal. This is generally referred to as prepayment uncertainty. If a security purchased at a premium prepays at a higher-than-expected rate, then the value of the premium would be eroded at a faster-than-expected rate. Similarly, if a discount mortgage prepays at a lower-than-expected rate, the amortization towards par would be accumulated at a slower-than-expected rate. The possibility of these undesirable effects is sometimes referred to as “prepayment risk.”

 

In general, declining interest rates tend to increase prepayments, and rising interest rates tend to slow prepayments. Like other fixed-income securities, when interest rates rise, the value of Agency RMBS generally declines. The rate of prepayments on underlying mortgages will affect the price and volatility of Agency RMBS and may shorten or extend the effective maturity of the security beyond what was anticipated at the time of purchase. If interest rates rise, our holdings of Agency RMBS may experience reduced spreads over our funding costs if the borrowers of the underlying mortgages pay off their mortgages later than anticipated. This is generally referred to as “extension risk.”

 

We may also invest in To-Be-Announced Forward Contracts ("TBAs"). A TBA security is a forward contract for the purchase or sale of Agency RMBS at a predetermined price, face amount, issuer, coupon and stated maturity on an agreed-upon future date. The specific Agency RMBS to be delivered into the contract are not known until shortly before the settlement date. We may choose, prior to settlement, to move the settlement of these securities out to a later date by entering into an offsetting TBA position, net settling the offsetting positions for cash, and simultaneously purchasing or selling a similar TBA contract for a later settlement date (together referred to as a "dollar roll transaction"). The Agency RMBS purchased or sold for a forward settlement date are typically priced at a discount to equivalent securities settling in the current month. This difference, or "price drop," is the economic equivalent of interest income on the underlying Agency RMBS, less an implied funding cost, over the forward settlement period (referred to as "dollar roll income"). Consequently, forward purchases of Agency RMBS and dollar roll transactions represent a form of off-balance sheet financing. These TBAs are accounted for as derivatives and marked to market through the income statement and are not included in interest income.

 

The mortgage loans underlying pass-through certificates can generally be classified into the following categories:

 

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Fixed-Rate Mortgages. Fixed-rate mortgages are those where the borrower pays an interest rate that is constant throughout the term of the loan. Traditionally, most fixed-rate mortgages have an original term of 30 years. However, shorter terms (also referred to as “final maturity dates”) are also common. Because the interest rate on the loan never changes, even when market interest rates change, there can be a divergence between the interest rate on the loan and current market interest rates over time. This in turn can make fixed-rate mortgages price-sensitive to market fluctuations in interest rates. In general, the longer the remaining term on the mortgage loan, the greater the price sensitivity to movements in interest rates and, therefore, the likelihood for greater price variability.

 

 

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ARMs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (“ARMs”) are mortgages for which the borrower pays an interest rate that varies over the term of the loan. The interest rate usually resets based on market interest rates, although the adjustment of such an interest rate may be subject to certain limitations. Traditionally, interest rate resets occur at regular intervals (for example, once per year). We refer to such ARMs as “traditional” ARMs. Because the interest rates on ARMs fluctuate based on market conditions, ARMs tend to have interest rates that do not deviate from current market rates by a large amount. This in turn can mean that ARMs have less price sensitivity to interest rates and, consequently, are less likely to experience significant price volatility.

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Hybrid Adjustable-Rate Mortgages. Hybrid ARMs have a fixed-rate for the first few years of the loan, often three, five, seven or ten years, and thereafter reset periodically like a traditional ARM. Effectively, such mortgages are hybrids, combining the features of a pure fixed-rate mortgage and a traditional ARM. Hybrid ARMs have price sensitivity to interest rates similar to that of a fixed-rate mortgage during the period when the interest rate is fixed and similar to that of an ARM when the interest rate is in its periodic reset stage. However, because many hybrid ARMs are structured with a relatively short initial time span during which the interest rate is fixed, even during that segment of its existence, the price sensitivity may be high.

 

Collateral Mortgage Obligation RMBS

 

CMOs are a type of RMBS, the principal and interest of which are paid, in most cases, on a monthly basis. CMOs may be collateralized by whole mortgage loans, but are more typically collateralized by pools of mortgage pass-through securities issued directly by or under the auspices of the GSEs. CMOs are structured into multiple classes, with each class bearing a different stated maturity. Monthly payments of principal, including prepayments, are first returned to investors holding the shortest maturity class. Investors holding the longer maturity classes receive principal only after the first class has been retired. Generally, fixed-rate RMBS are used to collateralize CMOs. However, the CMO tranches need not all have fixed-rate coupons. Some CMO tranches have floating rate coupons that adjust based on market interest rates, subject to some limitations. Such tranches, often called “CMO floaters,” can have relatively low price sensitivity to interest rates.

 

Structured Agency RMBS

 

We also invest in structured Agency RMBS, which include IOs, IIOs and POs. The payment of principal and interest, to the extent accrued and payable to the security, on structured Agency RMBS issued by Ginnie Mae, but not the market value, is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the federal government. Payment of principal and interest, to the extent accrued and payable to the security, on structured Agency RMBS issued by the Enterprises, but not the market value, is guaranteed by the respective agency issuing the security. The types of structured Agency RMBS in which we invest are described below.

 

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IOs. IOs represent the stream of interest payments on a pool of mortgages, either fixed-rate mortgages or hybrid ARMs. Holders of IOs have no claim to any principal payments. The value of IOs depends primarily on two factors, which are prepayments and interest rates. Prepayments on the underlying pool of mortgages reduce the stream of interest payments going forward, hence IOs are highly sensitive to prepayment rates. IOs are also sensitive to changes in interest rates. An increase in interest rates reduces the present value of future interest payments on a pool of mortgages. On the other hand, an increase in interest rates has a tendency to reduce prepayments, which increases the expected absolute amount of future interest payments.

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IIOs. IIOs represent the stream of interest payments on a pool of mortgages that underlie RMBS, either fixed-rate mortgages or hybrid ARMs. Holders of IIOs have no claim to any principal payments. The value of IIOs depends primarily on three factors, which are prepayments, the coupon interest rate (i.e. the Secured Overnight Funding Rate ("SOFR")), and term interest rates. Prepayments on the underlying pool of mortgages reduce the stream of interest payments, making IIOs highly sensitive to prepayment rates. The coupon on IIOs is derived from both the coupon interest rate on the underlying pool of mortgages and 30-day SOFR. IIOs are typically created in conjunction with a floating rate CMO that has a principal balance and which is entitled to receive all of the principal payments on the underlying pool of mortgages. The coupon on the floating rate CMO is also based on 30-day SOFR. Typically, the coupon on the floating rate CMO and the IIO, when combined, equal the coupon on the pool of underlying mortgages. The coupon on the pool of underlying mortgages typically represents a cap or ceiling on the combined coupons of the floating rate CMO and the IIO. Accordingly, when the value of 30-day SOFR increases, the coupon of the floating rate CMO will increase and the coupon on the IIO will decrease. When the value of 30-day SOFR falls, the opposite is true. Accordingly, the value of IIOs are sensitive to the level of 30-day SOFR and expectations by market participants of future movements in the level of 30-day SOFR. IIOs are also sensitive to changes in interest rates. An increase in interest rates reduces the present value of future interest payments on a pool of mortgages. On the other hand, an increase in interest rates has a tendency to reduce prepayments, which increases the expected absolute amount of future interest payments.

 

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POs. POs represent the stream of principal payments on a pool of mortgages. Holders of POs have no claim to any interest payments, although the ultimate amount of principal to be received over time is known, equaling the principal balance of the underlying pool of mortgages. The timing of the receipt of the principal payments is not known. The value of POs depends primarily on two factors, which are prepayments and interest rates. Prepayments on the underlying pool of mortgages accelerate the stream of principal repayments, making POs highly sensitive to the rate at which the mortgages in the pool are prepaid. POs are also sensitive to changes in interest rates. An increase in interest rates reduces the present value of future principal payments on a pool of mortgages. Further, an increase in interest rates has a tendency to reduce prepayments, which decelerates, or pushes further out in time, the ultimate receipt of the principal payments. The opposite is true when interest rates decline.

 

Our investment strategy consists of the following components:

 

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investing in pass-through Agency RMBS, CMOs and certain structured Agency RMBS on a leveraged basis to increase returns on the capital allocated to this portfolio;

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investing in certain structured Agency RMBS, such as IOs and IIOs, generally on an unleveraged basis in order to (i) increase returns due to the structural leverage contained in such securities, (ii) enhance liquidity due to the fact that these securities will be unencumbered or, when encumbered, retain the cash from such borrowings and (iii) diversify portfolio interest rate risk due to the different interest rate sensitivity these securities have compared to pass-through Agency RMBS;

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investing in TBAs;

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investing in Agency RMBS in order to minimize credit risk;

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investing in assets that will cause us to maintain our exclusion from regulation as an investment company under the Investment Company Act; and

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investing in assets that will allow us to maintain our qualification as a REIT.

 

We rely on our Manager’s expertise in identifying assets within our target asset class. Our Manager makes investment decisions based on various factors, including, but not limited to, relative value, expected cash yield, supply and demand, costs of hedging, costs of financing, liquidity requirements, expected future interest rate volatility and the overall shape of the U.S. Treasury and interest rate swap yield curves. We do not attribute any particular quantitative significance to any of these factors, and the weight we give to these factors depends on market conditions and economic trends.

 

Over time, we will modify our investment strategy as market conditions change to seek to maximize the returns from our investment portfolio. We believe that this strategy, combined with our Manager’s experience, will enable us to provide attractive long-term returns to our stockholders.

 

Capital Allocation Strategy

 

The percentage of capital invested in our two asset categories will vary and will be managed in an effort to maintain the level of income generated by the combined portfolios, the stability of that income stream and the stability of the value of the combined portfolios. Long positions in TBAs are considered a component of the pass-through Agency RMBS category. Typically, pass-through Agency RMBS and structured Agency RMBS exhibit materially different sensitivities to movements in interest rates. Declines in the value of one portfolio may be offset by appreciation in the other, although we cannot assure you that this will be the case. Additionally, our Manager will seek to maintain adequate liquidity as it allocates capital.

 

We allocate our capital to assist our interest rate risk management efforts. The unleveraged portfolio does not require unencumbered cash or cash equivalents to be maintained in anticipation of possible margin calls. To the extent more capital is deployed in the unleveraged portfolio, our liquidity needs will generally be less.

 

During periods of rising interest rates, refinancing opportunities available to borrowers typically decrease because borrowers are not able to refinance their current mortgage loans with new mortgage loans at lower interest rates. In such instances, securities that are highly sensitive to refinancing activity, such as IOs and IIOs, typically increase in value. Our capital allocation strategy allows us to redeploy our capital into such securities when and if we believe interest rates will be higher in the future, thereby allowing us to hold securities, the value of which we believe is likely to increase as interest rates rise. Also, by being able to re-allocate capital into structured Agency RMBS, such as IOs, during periods of rising interest rates, we may be able to offset the likely decline in the value of our pass-through Agency RMBS, which are negatively impacted by rising interest rates.

 

 

We intend to operate in a manner that will not subject us to regulation under the Investment Company Act. In order to rely on the exemption provided by Section 3(c)(5)(C) under the Investment Company Act, we must maintain at least 55% of our assets in qualifying real estate assets. For purposes of this test, structured Agency RMBS are non-qualifying real estate assets. Accordingly, while we have no explicit limitation on the amount of our capital that we will deploy to the unleveraged structured Agency RMBS portfolio, we will deploy our capital in such a way so as to maintain our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act.

 

Financing Strategy

 

We borrow against our Agency RMBS using short term repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement (or "repo") transaction acts as a financing arrangement under which we effectively pledge our investment securities as collateral to secure a loan. Our borrowings through repo transactions are generally short-term and have maturities ranging from one day to one year but may have maturities up to five or more years. Our financing rates are typically impacted by the U.S. Federal Funds rate and other short-term benchmark rates and liquidity in the Agency RMBS repo and other short-term funding markets. The terms of our master repurchase agreements generally conform to the terms in the standard master repurchase agreement as published by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association ("SIFMA") as to repayment, margin requirements and the segregation of all securities sold under the repo transaction. In addition, each lender may require that we include supplemental terms and conditions to the standard master repurchase agreement to address such matters as additional margin maintenance requirements, cross default and other provisions. The specific provisions may differ for each lender and certain terms may not be determined until we engage in individual repo transactions.

 

We may use other sources of leverage, such as secured or unsecured debt or issuances of preferred stock. We do not have a policy limiting the amount of leverage we may incur. However, we generally expect that the ratio of our total liabilities compared to our equity, which we refer to as our leverage ratio, will be less than 12 to 1. Our amount of leverage may vary depending on market conditions and other factors that we deem relevant.

 

We allocate our capital between two sub-portfolios. The pass-through Agency RMBS portfolio, which includes CMOs issued by the Enterprises, will be leveraged generally through repurchase agreement funding. The structured Agency RMBS portfolio generally will not be leveraged. The leverage ratio is calculated by dividing our total liabilities by total stockholders’ equity at the end of each period. Long positions in TBAs are considered a component of the pass-through Agency RMBS category. While there is no explicit leverage applied to TBAs via repurchase agreement borrowings, as is the case with pass-through securities, to accurately reflect our reported leverage ratio, we calculate our leverage both with and without the market value of the net forward agreement as a component of our total leverage exposure for purposes of reporting our leverage ratio and other risk metrics. We include our net TBA position in our measure of leverage because a forward contract to acquire Agency RMBS in the TBA market carries similar risks to Agency RMBS purchased in the cash market and funded with on-balance sheet liabilities. Similarly, a TBA contract for the forward sale of Agency RMBS has substantially the same effect as selling the underlying Agency RMBS and reducing our on-balance sheet funding commitments.

 

The amount of leverage typically will be a function of the capital allocated to the pass-through Agency RMBS portfolio and the amount of haircuts required by our lenders on our borrowings. When the capital allocation to the pass-through Agency RMBS portfolio is high, we expect that the leverage ratio will be high because more capital is being explicitly leveraged and less capital is un-leveraged. If the haircuts, which are a percentage of the market value of the collateral pledged, required by our lenders on our borrowings are higher, all else being equal, our leverage will be lower because our lenders will lend less against the value of the capital deployed to the pass-through Agency RMBS portfolio. The allocation of capital between the two portfolios will be a function of several factors:

 

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The relative durations of the respective portfolios — We generally seek to have a combined hedged duration at or near zero. If our pass-through securities have a longer duration, we will allocate more capital to the structured security portfolio or hedges to achieve a combined duration close to zero.

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The relative attractiveness of pass-through securities versus structured securities — To the extent we believe the expected returns of one type of security are higher than the other, we will allocate more capital to the more attractive securities, subject to the caveat that its combined duration remains at or near zero and subject to maintaining our qualification for exemption under the Investment Company Act.

 

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Liquidity — We seek to maintain adequate cash and unencumbered securities relative to our repurchase agreement borrowings to ensure we can meet any price or prepayment related margin calls from our lenders. To the extent we feel price or prepayment related margin calls will be higher/lower, we will typically allocate less/more capital to the pass-through Agency RMBS portfolio. Our pass-through Agency RMBS portfolio likely will be our only source of price or prepayment related margin calls because we generally will not apply leverage to our structured Agency RMBS portfolio. From time to time we may pledge a portion of our structured securities and retain the cash derived so it can be used to enhance our liquidity.

 

Risk Management

 

We invest in Agency RMBS to mitigate credit risk. Additionally, our Agency RMBS are backed by a diversified base of mortgage loans to mitigate geographic, loan originator and other types of concentration risks.

 

Interest Rate Risk Management

 

We believe that the risk of adverse interest rate movements represents the most significant risk to our portfolio. This risk arises because (i) the interest rate indices used to calculate the interest rates on the mortgages underlying our assets may be different from the interest rate indices used to calculate the interest rates on the related borrowings and (ii) interest rate movements affecting our borrowings may not be reasonably correlated with interest rate movements affecting our assets. We attempt to mitigate our interest rate risk by using the techniques described below:

 

Agency RMBS Backed by ARMs. We seek to minimize the differences between interest rate indices and interest rate adjustment periods of our Agency RMBS backed by ARMs and related borrowings. At the time of funding, we typically align (i) the underlying interest rate index used to calculate interest rates for our Agency RMBS backed by ARMs and the related borrowings and (ii) the interest rate adjustment periods for our Agency RMBS backed by ARMs and the interest rate adjustment periods for our related borrowings. As our borrowings mature or are renewed, we may adjust the index used to calculate interest expense, the duration of the reset periods and the maturities of our borrowings.

 

Agency RMBS Backed by Fixed-Rate Mortgages. As interest rates rise, our borrowing costs increase; however, the income on our Agency RMBS backed by fixed-rate mortgages remains unchanged. Subject to qualifying and maintaining our qualification as a REIT, we may seek to limit increases to our borrowing costs through the use of interest rate swap or cap agreements, options, put or call agreements, futures contracts, forward rate agreements or similar financial instruments to economically convert our floating-rate borrowings into fixed-rate borrowings.

 

Agency RMBS Backed by Hybrid ARMs. During the fixed-rate period of our Agency RMBS backed by hybrid ARMs, the security is similar to Agency RMBS backed by fixed-rate mortgages. During this period, subject to qualifying and maintaining our qualification as a REIT, we may employ the same hedging strategy that we employ for our Agency RMBS backed by fixed-rate mortgages. Once our Agency RMBS backed by hybrid ARMs convert to floating rate securities, we may employ the same hedging strategy as we employ for our Agency RMBS backed by ARMs.

 

Derivative Instruments. We enter into derivative instruments to economically hedge against the possibility that rising rates may adversely impact the cost of our repurchase agreement liabilities. The principal instruments that the Company has used to date are Treasury Note (“T-Note”), SOFR, federal funds ("Fed Funds") and Eurodollar futures contracts, interest rate swaps, options to enter in interest rate swaps (“interest rate swaptions”), interest rate caps and TBA securities transactions, but the Company may enter into other derivatives in the future.

 

A futures contract is a legally binding agreement to buy or sell a financial instrument in a designated future month at a price agreed upon at the initiation of the contract by the buyer and seller. A futures contract differs from an option in that an option gives one of the counterparties a right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell, while a futures contract represents an obligation of both counterparties to buy or sell a financial instrument at a specified price.

 

We engage in interest rate swaps as a means of managing our interest rate risk on forecasted interest expense associated with repurchase agreement borrowings for the term of the swap contract. An interest rate swap is a contractual agreement entered into by two counterparties, under which each agrees to make periodic interest payments to the other (one pays a fixed rate of interest, while the other pays a floating rate of interest) for an agreed period of time based upon a notional amount of principal.

 

 

Interest rate swaptions provide us the option to enter into an interest rate swap agreement for a predetermined notional amount, stated term and pay and receive interest rates in the future. We may enter into swaption agreements that provide us the option to enter into a pay fixed rate interest rate swap ("payer swaptions"), or swaption agreements that provide us the option to enter into a receive fixed interest rate swap ("receiver swaptions").

 

An interest rate cap is a contract protecting us against a rise in interest rates above a fixed level. Interest rate caps are often used by borrowers to hedge against floating rate risk.

 

Additionally, our structured Agency RMBS generally exhibit sensitivities to movements in interest rates different than our pass-through Agency RMBS. To the extent they do so, our structured Agency RMBS may protect us against declines in the market value of our combined portfolio that result from adverse interest rate movements, although we cannot assure you that this will be the case.

 

The Company accounts for TBA securities as derivative instruments. Gains and losses associated with TBA securities transactions are reported in gain (loss) on derivative instruments in the accompanying statements of comprehensive income (loss).

 

Prepayment Risk Management

 

The risk of mortgage prepayments is another significant risk to our portfolio. When prevailing interest rates fall below the current interest rate of a mortgage, mortgage prepayments are likely to increase. Conversely, when prevailing interest rates increase above the coupon rate of a mortgage, mortgage prepayments are likely to decrease.

 

When prepayment rates increase, we may not be able to reinvest the money received from prepayments at yields comparable to those of the securities prepaid. Additionally, some of our structured Agency RMBS, such as IOs and IIOs, may be negatively affected by an increase in prepayment rates because their value is wholly contingent on the underlying mortgage loans having an outstanding principal balance.

 

A decrease in prepayment rates may also have an adverse effect on our portfolio. For example, if we invest in POs, the purchase price of such securities will be based, in part, on an assumed level of prepayments on the underlying mortgage loan. Because the returns on POs decrease the longer it takes the principal payments on the underlying loans to be paid, a decrease in prepayment rates could decrease our returns on these securities.

 

Prepayment risk also affects our hedging activities. When an Agency RMBS backed by a fixed-rate mortgage or hybrid ARM is acquired with borrowings, we may cap or fix our borrowing costs for a period close to the anticipated average life of the fixed-rate portion of the related Agency RMBS. If prepayment rates are different than our projections, the term of the related hedging instrument may not match the fixed-rate portion of the security, which could cause us to incur losses.

 

Because our business may be adversely affected if prepayment rates are different than our projections, we seek to invest in Agency RMBS backed by mortgages with well-documented and predictable prepayment histories. To protect against increases in prepayment rates, we invest in Agency RMBS backed by mortgages that we believe are less likely to be prepaid. For example, we invest in Agency RMBS backed by mortgages (i) with loan balances low enough such that a borrower would likely have little incentive to refinance, (ii) extended to borrowers with credit histories weak enough to not be eligible to refinance their mortgage loans, (iii) that are newly originated fixed-rate or hybrid ARMs or (iv) that have interest rates low enough such that a borrower would likely have little incentive to refinance. To protect against decreases in prepayment rates, we may also invest in Agency RMBS backed by mortgages with characteristics opposite to those described above, which would typically be more likely to be refinanced. We may also invest in certain types of structured Agency RMBS as a means of mitigating our portfolio-wide prepayment risks. For example, certain tranches of CMOs are less sensitive to increases in prepayment rates, and we may invest in those tranches as a means of hedging against increases in prepayment rates.

 

Liquidity Management Strategy

 

Because of our use of leverage, we manage liquidity to meet our lenders’ margin calls by maintaining cash balances or unencumbered assets well in excess of anticipated margin calls and making margin calls on our lenders when we have an excess of collateral pledged against our borrowings.

 

We also attempt to minimize the number of margin calls we receive by:

 

●

deploying capital from our leveraged Agency RMBS portfolio to our unleveraged Agency RMBS portfolio;

●

investing in TBAs in lieu of leveraged Agency RMBS to reduce margin calls from our lenders associated with monthly prepayments;

 

●

investing in Agency RMBS backed by mortgages that we believe are less likely to be prepaid to decrease the risk of excessive margin calls when monthly prepayments are announced. Prepayments are declared, and the market value of the related security declines, before the receipt of the related cash flows. Prepayment declarations give rise to a temporary collateral deficiency and generally result in margin calls by lenders; and

●

reducing our overall amount of leverage.

 

To the extent we are unable to adequately manage our interest rate exposure and are subjected to substantial margin calls, we may be forced to sell assets at an inopportune time, which in turn could impair our liquidity and reduce our borrowing capacity and book value.

 

Tax Structure

 

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Our ability to maintain our qualification as a REIT will depend upon our ability to meet, on a continuing basis, various complex requirements under the Code relating to, among other things, the sources of our gross income, the composition and values of our assets, our distribution levels and the concentration of ownership of our capital stock. We believe that we have been organized and have operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code, and we intend to continue to operate in a manner that will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT.

 

As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the REIT taxable income that we currently distribute to our stockholders. Taxable income generated by any taxable REIT subsidiary (as defined in Section 856(l) of the Code) (“TRS”) that we may form or acquire will be subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax. Under the Code, REITs are subject to numerous organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that they distribute annually at least 90% of their REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deductions for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gains. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any calendar year and do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, our income would be subject to U.S. federal income tax, and we would likely be precluded from qualifying for treatment as a REIT until the fifth calendar year following the year in which we failed to qualify. Even if we continue to qualify as a REIT, we may still be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets and to U.S. federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed income.

 

Investment Company Act Exemption

 

We operate our business so that we are exempt from registration under the Investment Company Act. We rely on the exemption provided by Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act, which applies to companies in the business of purchasing or otherwise acquiring mortgages and other liens on, and interests in, real estate. In order to rely on the exemption provided by Section 3(c)(5)(C), we must maintain at least 55% of our assets in qualifying real estate assets. For the purposes of this test, structured Agency RMBS are non-qualifying real estate assets. We monitor our portfolio continuously and prior to each investment to confirm that we continue to qualify for the exemption. To qualify for the exemption, we make investments so that at least 55% of the assets we own consist of qualifying mortgages and other liens on and interests in real estate, which we refer to as qualifying real estate assets, and so that at least 80% of the assets we own consist of real estate-related assets, including our qualifying real estate assets.

 

We treat whole-pool pass-through Agency RMBS as qualifying real estate assets based on no-action letters issued by the staff of the SEC. In August 2011, the SEC, through a concept release, requested comments on interpretations of Section 3(c)(5)(C). To the extent that the SEC or its staff publishes new or different guidance with respect to these matters, we may fail to qualify for this exemption. Our Manager manages our pass-through Agency RMBS portfolio such that we have sufficient whole-pool pass-through Agency RMBS to ensure we maintain our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act. At present, we generally do not expect that our investments in structured Agency RMBS will constitute qualifying real estate assets, but will constitute real estate-related assets for purposes of the Investment Company Act.

 

Employees and Human Capital Resources

 

We have no employees. We are externally managed and advised by our Manager pursuant to a management agreement as discussed below.

 

 

Competition

 

Our net income largely depends on our ability to acquire Agency RMBS at favorable spreads over our borrowing costs. When we invest in Agency RMBS and other investment assets, we compete with a variety of institutional investors, including other REITs, insurance companies, mutual funds, pension funds, investment banking firms, banks and other financial institutions that invest in the same types of assets, the Federal Reserve Bank and other governmental entities or government-sponsored entities. Many of these investors have greater financial resources and access to lower costs of capital than we do. The existence of these competitive entities, as well as the possibility of additional entities forming in the future, may increase the competition for the acquisition of mortgage related securities, resulting in higher prices and lower yields on assets.

 

Distributions

 

To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we must distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deductions for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, to our stockholders each year. We plan to continue to declare and pay regular monthly dividends to our stockholders.

 

Common Stock Reverse Split

 

On August 30, 2022, the Company effected a 1-for-5 reverse stock split of its common stock and proportionately decreased the number of authorized shares of common stock.  All share, per share, deferred stock unit and performance unit information has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the reverse split.

 

Available Information

 

Our investor relations website is www.orchidislandcapital.com. We make available on the website under “Financials/SEC filings," free of charge, our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K and any other reports (including any amendments to such reports) as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such materials to the SEC. Information on our website, however, is not part of this Report. In addition, all of our filed reports can be obtained at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

 

ITEM 1A.         RISK FACTORS

 

Summary of Risk Factors

 

Below is a summary of the principal factors that make an investment in our common stock speculative or risky. This summary does not address all of the risks that we face. Additional discussion of the risks summarized in this risk factor summary, and other risks that we face, can be found below under the heading “Risk Factors” and should be carefully considered, together with other information in this Report and our other filings with the SEC, before making an investment decision regarding our common stock.

 

●	Increases in interest rates may negatively affect the value of our investments and increase the cost of our borrowings, which could result in reduced earnings or losses and materially adversely affect our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

●

An increase in interest rates may also cause a decrease in the volume of newly issued, or investor demand for, Agency RMBS, which could materially adversely affect our ability to acquire assets that satisfy our investment objectives and our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

●	Interest rate mismatches between our Agency RMBS and our borrowings may reduce our net interest margin during periods of changing interest rates, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.
●	Further downgrades of the U.S. credit rating, automatic spending cuts, mounting budget deficits or another government shutdown could negatively impact our liquidity, financial condition and earnings.
●	Although structured Agency RMBS are generally subject to the same risks as our pass-through Agency RMBS, certain types of risks may be enhanced depending on the type of structured Agency RMBS in which we invest.

●	Differences in the stated maturity of our fixed rate assets, or in the timing of interest rate adjustments on our adjustable-rate assets, and our borrowings may adversely affect our profitability.

●	Changes in the levels of prepayments on the mortgages underlying our Agency RMBS might decrease net interest income or result in a net loss, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

●	Volatile market conditions for mortgages and mortgage-related assets as well as the broader financial markets can result in a significant contraction in liquidity for mortgages and mortgage-related assets, which may adversely affect the value of the assets in which we invest.

●	Failure to procure adequate repurchase agreement financing, or to renew or replace existing repurchase agreement financing as it matures, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

●

Adverse market developments could cause our lenders to require us to pledge additional assets as collateral. If our assets were insufficient to meet these collateral requirements, we might be compelled to liquidate particular assets at inopportune times and at unfavorable prices, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

●	Hedging against interest rate exposure may not completely insulate us from interest rate risk and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

●	Our use of leverage could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

●	It may be uneconomical to "roll" our TBA dollar roll transactions or we may be unable to meet margin calls on our TBA contracts, which could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.

●	Our forward settling transactions, including TBA transactions, subject us to certain risks, including price risks and counterparty risks.

●

We rely on analytical models and other data to analyze potential asset acquisition and disposition opportunities and to manage our portfolio. Such models and other data may be incorrect, misleading or incomplete, which could cause us to purchase assets that do not meet our expectations or to make asset management decisions that are not in line with our strategy.

 

 

●	Valuations of some of our assets are inherently uncertain, may be based on estimates, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may differ from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these assets existed. As a result, the values of some of our assets are uncertain.

●

If our lenders default on their obligations to resell the Agency RMBS back to us at the end of the repo transaction term, if the value of the Agency RMBS has declined by the end of the repo transaction term or if we default on our obligations under the repo transaction, we will lose money on these transactions, which, in turn, may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

●	Clearing facilities or exchanges upon which some of our hedging instruments are traded may increase margin requirements on our hedging instruments in the event of adverse economic developments.

●	We may change our investment strategy, investment guidelines and asset allocation without notice or stockholder consent, which may result in riskier investments.

●

The management agreement with our Manager was not negotiated on an arm’s-length basis and the terms, including fees payable and our inability to terminate, or our election not to renew, the management agreement based on our Manager’s poor performance without paying our Manager a significant termination fee, except for a termination of the Manager with cause, may not be as favorable to us as if it were negotiated with an unaffiliated third party.

●

We have no employees, and our Manager is responsible for making all of our investment decisions. None of our or our Manager’s officers are required to devote any specific amount of time to our business, and each of them may provide their services to Bimini, which could result in conflicts of interest.

●

We are completely dependent upon our Manager and certain key personnel of Bimini who provide services to us through the management agreement, and we may not find suitable replacements for our Manager and these personnel if the management agreement is terminated or such key personnel are no longer available to us.

●	If we elect to not renew the management agreement without cause, we would be required to pay our Manager a substantial termination fee. These and other provisions in our management agreement make non-renewal of our management agreement difficult and costly.

●	We have not established a minimum distribution payment level, and we cannot assure you of our ability to make distributions to our stockholders in the future.

●	Loss of our exemption from regulation under the Investment Company Act would negatively affect the value of shares of our common stock and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

●	Failure to obtain and maintain an exemption from being regulated as a commodity pool operator could subject us to additional regulation and compliance requirements and may result in fines and other penalties which could materially adversely affect our business and financial condition.

●	Our ownership limitations and certain other provisions of applicable law and our charter and bylaws may restrict business combination opportunities that would otherwise be favorable to our stockholders.

●	Our failure to maintain our qualification as a REIT would subject us to U.S. federal income tax, which could adversely affect the value of the shares of our common stock and would substantially reduce the cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

●	We cannot predict the effect that government policies, laws and plans adopted in response to geopolitical events, a global pandemic, or global recessionary economic conditions will have on us.

 

 

Risk Factors

 

You should carefully consider the risks described below and all other information contained in this Report, including our annual financial statements and related notes thereto, before making an investment decision regarding our common stock. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be harmed by any of these risks. Similarly, these risks could cause the market price of our common stock to decline and you might lose all or part of your investment. Our forward-looking statements in this Report are subject to the following risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by our forward-looking statements as a result of the risk factors below.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

Increases in interest rates may negatively affect the value of our investments and increase the cost of our borrowings, which could result in reduced earnings or losses and materially adversely affect our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

Under normal market conditions, an investment in Agency RMBS will decline in value if interest rates increase. In addition, net interest income could decrease if the yield curve is inverted or flat. While one or more of the GSEs guarantee the principal and interest payments related to the Agency RMBS we own, this guarantee does not protect us from declines in market value caused by changes in interest rates. Declines in the market value of our investments may ultimately result in losses to us, which may reduce earnings and negatively affect our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

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

 

An increase in interest rates may also cause a decrease in the volume of newly issued, or investor demand for, Agency RMBS, which could materially adversely affect our ability to acquire assets that satisfy our investment objectives and our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

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

 

Interest rate mismatches between our Agency RMBS and our borrowings may reduce our net interest margin during periods of changing interest rates, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

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

 

We finance our acquisitions of pass-through Agency RMBS with short-term financing. During periods of rising short-term interest rates, the income we earn on these securities will not change (with respect to Agency RMBS backed by fixed-rate mortgage loans) or will not increase at the same rate (with respect to Agency RMBS backed by ARMs and hybrid ARMs) as our related financing costs, which may reduce our net interest margin or result in losses.

 

 

Further downgrades of the U.S. credit rating, automatic spending cuts, mounting budget deficits or another government shutdown could negatively impact our liquidity, financial condition and earnings.

 

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

 

We invest in structured Agency RMBS, including IOs, IIOs and POs. Although structured Agency RMBS are generally subject to the same risks as our pass-through Agency RMBS, certain types of risks may be enhanced depending on the type of structured Agency RMBS in which we invest.

 

The structured Agency RMBS in which we invest are securitizations (i) issued by the GSEs, (ii) collateralized by Agency RMBS and (iii) divided into various tranches that have different characteristics (such as different maturities or different coupon payments). These securities may carry greater risk than an investment in pass-through Agency RMBS. For example, certain types of structured Agency RMBS, such as IOs, IIOs and POs, are more sensitive to prepayment risks than pass-through Agency RMBS. If we were to invest in structured Agency RMBS that were more sensitive to prepayment risks relative to other types of structured Agency RMBS or pass-through Agency RMBS, we may increase our portfolio-wide prepayment risk.

 

Differences in the stated maturity of our fixed rate assets, or in the timing of interest rate adjustments on our adjustable-rate assets, and our borrowings may adversely affect our profitability.

 

We rely primarily on short-term and/or variable rate borrowings to acquire fixed-rate securities with long-term maturities. In addition, we may have adjustable-rate assets with interest rates that vary over time based upon changes in an objective index, such as the U.S. Treasury rate or SOFR. These indices generally reflect short-term interest rates but these assets may not reset in a manner that matches our borrowings.

 

The relationship between short-term and longer-term interest rates is often referred to as the "yield curve." Ordinarily, short-term interest rates are lower than longer-term interest rates. If short-term interest rates rise disproportionately relative to longer-term interest rates (a "flattening" of the yield curve), our borrowing costs may increase more rapidly than the interest income earned on our assets. Because our investments generally bear interest at longer-term rates than we pay on our borrowings, a flattening of the yield curve would tend to decrease our net interest income and the market value of our investment portfolio. Additionally, to the extent cash flows from investments that return scheduled and unscheduled principal are reinvested, the spread between the yields on the new investments and available borrowing rates may decline, which would likely decrease our net income. It is also possible that short-term interest rates may exceed longer-term interest rates (a yield curve "inversion"), in which event our borrowing costs may exceed our interest income and result in operating losses.

 

Purchases and sales of Agency RMBS by the Fed may adversely affect the supply, price and returns associated with Agency RMBS.

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

Increased levels of prepayments on the mortgages underlying our Agency RMBS might decrease net interest income or result in a net loss, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

In the case of residential mortgages, there are seldom any restrictions on borrowers’ ability to prepay their loans. Prepayment rates generally increase when interest rates fall and decrease when interest rates rise. Prepayment rates also may be affected by other factors, including, without limitation, conditions in the housing and financial markets, governmental action, general economic conditions and the relative interest rates on ARMs, hybrid ARMs and fixed-rate mortgage loans. To the extent that our pass-through Agency RMBS are carried at a premium to par, faster-than-expected prepayments could also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders in various ways, including the following:

 

●

A portion of our pass-through Agency RMBS backed by ARMs and hybrid ARMs may initially bear interest at rates that are lower than their fully indexed rates, which are equivalent to the applicable index rate plus a margin. If a pass-through Agency RMBS backed by ARMs or hybrid ARMs is prepaid prior to or soon after the time of adjustment to a fully-indexed rate, we will have held that Agency RMBS while it was less profitable and lost the opportunity to receive interest at the fully-indexed rate over the remainder of its expected life.

●

If we are unable to acquire new Agency RMBS to replace the prepaid Agency RMBS, our returns on capital may be lower than if we were able to quickly acquire new Agency RMBS.

 

When we acquire structured Agency RMBS, we anticipate that the underlying mortgages will prepay at a projected rate, generating an expected yield. When the prepayment rates on the mortgages underlying our structured Agency RMBS are higher than expected, our returns on those securities may be materially adversely affected. For example, the value of our IOs and IIOs are extremely sensitive to prepayments because holders of these securities do not have the right to receive any principal payments on the underlying mortgages. Therefore, if the mortgage loans underlying our IOs and IIOs are prepaid, such securities would cease to have any value, which, in turn, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

While we seek to minimize prepayment risk, we must balance prepayment risk against other risks and the potential returns of each investment. No strategy can completely insulate us from prepayment or other such risks.

 

A decrease in prepayment rates on the mortgages underlying our Agency RMBS might decrease net interest income or result in a net loss, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

Certain of our structured Agency RMBS may be adversely affected by a decrease in prepayment rates. For example, because POs are similar to zero-coupon bonds, our expected returns on such securities will be contingent on our receiving the principal payments of the underlying mortgage loans at expected intervals that assume a certain prepayment rate. If prepayment rates are lower than expected, we will not receive principal payments as quickly as we anticipated and, therefore, our expected returns on these securities will be adversely affected, which, in turn, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

While we seek to minimize prepayment risk, we must balance prepayment risk against other risks and the potential returns of each investment. No strategy can completely insulate us from prepayment or other such risks.

 

 

 

 

Failure to procure adequate repurchase agreement financing, or to renew or replace existing repurchase agreement financing as it matures, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 

We intend to maintain master repurchase agreements with several counterparties. We cannot assure you that any, or sufficient, repurchase agreement financing will be available to us in the future on terms that are acceptable to us. Any decline in the value of Agency RMBS, or perceived market uncertainty about their value, would make it more difficult for us to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all, or maintain our compliance with the terms of any financing arrangements already in place. We may be unable to diversify the credit risk associated with our lenders. In the event that we cannot obtain sufficient funding on acceptable terms, our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders may be materially adversely affected.

 

Furthermore, because we intend to rely primarily on short-term borrowings to fund our acquisition of Agency RMBS, our ability to achieve our investment objectives will depend not only on our ability to borrow money in sufficient amounts and on favorable terms, but also on our ability to renew or replace on a continuous basis our maturing short-term borrowings. If we are not able to renew or replace maturing borrowings, we will have to sell some or all of our assets, possibly under adverse market conditions. In addition, if the regulatory capital requirements imposed on our lenders change, they may be required to significantly increase the cost of the financing that they provide to us. Our lenders also may revise their eligibility requirements for the types of assets they are willing to finance or the terms of such financings, based on, among other factors, the regulatory environment and their management of perceived risk.

 

Adverse market developments could cause our lenders to require us to pledge additional assets as collateral. If our assets were insufficient to meet these collateral requirements, we might be compelled to liquidate particular assets at inopportune times and at unfavorable prices, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

Adverse market developments, including a sharp or prolonged rise in interest rates, a change in prepayment rates or increasing market concern about the value or liquidity of one or more types of Agency RMBS, might reduce the market value of our portfolio, which might cause our lenders to initiate margin calls. A margin call means that the lender requires us to pledge additional collateral to re-establish the ratio of the value of the collateral to the amount of the borrowing. The specific collateral value to borrowing ratio that would trigger a margin call is not set in the master repurchase agreements and not determined until we engage in a repo transaction under these agreements. Our fixed-rate Agency RMBS generally are more susceptible to margin calls as increases in interest rates tend to more negatively affect the market value of fixed-rate securities. If we are unable to satisfy margin calls, our lenders may foreclose on our collateral. The threat or occurrence of a margin call could force us to sell, either directly or through a foreclosure, our Agency RMBS under adverse market conditions. Because of the significant leverage we expect to have, we may incur substantial losses upon the threat or occurrence of a margin call, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders. Additionally, the liquidation of collateral may jeopardize our ability to maintain our qualification as a REIT, as we must comply with requirements regarding our assets and our sources of gross income. Our failure to maintain our qualification as a REIT would cause us to be subject to U.S. federal income tax (and any applicable state and local taxes) on all of our net taxable income.

 

Hedging against interest rate exposure may not completely insulate us from interest rate risk and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

To the extent consistent with maintaining our qualification as a REIT, we may enter into interest rate cap or swap agreements or pursue other hedging strategies, including the purchase of puts, calls or other options and futures contracts in order to hedge the interest rate risk of our portfolio. In general, our hedging strategy depends on our view of our entire portfolio consisting of assets, liabilities and derivative instruments, in light of prevailing market conditions. We could misjudge the condition of our investment portfolio or the market. Our hedging activity will vary in scope based on the level and volatility of interest rates and principal prepayments, the type of Agency RMBS we hold and other changing market conditions. Hedging may fail to protect or could adversely affect us because, among other things:

 

 

●

hedging can be expensive, particularly during periods of rising and volatile interest rates;

●

available interest rate hedging may not correspond directly with the interest rate risk for which protection is sought;

●

the duration of the hedge may not match the duration of the related liability;

●

certain types of hedges may expose us to risk of loss beyond the fee paid to initiate the hedge;

●

the amount of gross income that a REIT may earn from hedging transactions, other than hedging transactions that satisfy certain requirements of the Code, is limited by the U.S. federal income tax provisions governing REITs;

●

the credit quality of the counterparty on the hedge may be downgraded to such an extent that it impairs our ability to sell or assign our side of the hedging transaction; and

●

the counterparty in the hedging transaction may default on its obligation to pay.

 

There are no perfect hedging strategies, and interest rate hedging may fail to protect us from loss. Alternatively, we may fail to properly assess a risk to our investment portfolio or may fail to recognize a risk entirely, leaving us exposed to losses without the benefit of any offsetting hedging activities. The derivative financial instruments we select may not have the effect of reducing our interest rate risk. The nature and timing of hedging transactions may influence the effectiveness of these strategies. Poorly designed strategies or improperly executed transactions could actually increase our risk and losses. In addition, hedging activities could result in losses if the event against which we hedge does not occur.

 

Because of the foregoing risks, our hedging activity could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

Our use of certain hedging techniques may expose us to counterparty risks.

 

To the extent that our hedging instruments are not traded on regulated exchanges, guaranteed by an exchange or its clearinghouse, or regulated by any U.S. or foreign governmental authorities, there may not be requirements with respect to record keeping, financial responsibility or segregation of customer funds and positions. Furthermore, the enforceability of agreements underlying hedging transactions may depend on compliance with applicable statutory, exchange and other regulatory requirements and, depending on the domicile of the counterparty, applicable international requirements. Consequently, if any of these issues causes a counterparty to fail to perform under a derivative agreement we could incur a significant loss.

 

For example, if a swap exchange utilized in an interest rate swap agreement that we enter into as part of our hedging strategy cannot perform under the terms of the interest rate swap agreement, we may not receive payments due under that agreement, and, thus, we may lose any potential benefit associated with the interest rate swap. Additionally, we may also risk the loss of any collateral we have pledged to secure our obligations under these swap agreements if the exchange becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy. Similarly, if an interest rate swaption counterparty fails to perform under the terms of the interest rate swaption agreement, in addition to not being able to exercise or otherwise cash settle the agreement, we could also incur a loss for the premium paid for that swaption.

 

Our use of leverage could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

We calculate our leverage ratio by dividing our total liabilities, adjusted for net notional TBA positions, by total stockholders' equity at the end of each period. Under normal market conditions, we generally expect our leverage ratio to be less than 12 to 1, although at times our borrowings may be above or below this level. We incur this indebtedness by borrowing against a substantial portion of the market value of our pass-through Agency RMBS and a portion of our structured Agency RMBS. Our total indebtedness, however, is not expressly limited by our policies and will depend on our prospective lenders’ estimates of the stability of our portfolio’s cash flow. As a result, there is no limit on the amount of leverage that we may incur. We face the risk that we might not be able to meet our debt service obligations or a lender’s margin requirements from our income and, to the extent we cannot, we might be forced to liquidate some of our Agency RMBS at unfavorable prices. Our use of leverage could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders. For example:

 

 

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our borrowings are secured by our pass-through Agency RMBS and a portion of our structured Agency RMBS under repurchase agreements. A decline in the market value of the pass-through Agency RMBS or structured Agency RMBS used to secure these debt obligations could limit our ability to borrow or result in lenders requiring us to pledge additional collateral to secure our borrowings. In that situation, we could be required to sell Agency RMBS under adverse market conditions in order to obtain the additional collateral required by the lender. If these sales are made at prices lower than the carrying value of the Agency RMBS, we would experience losses.

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to the extent we are compelled to liquidate qualifying real estate assets to repay debts, our compliance with the REIT rules regarding our assets and our sources of gross income could be negatively affected, which could jeopardize our qualification as a REIT. Losing our REIT qualification would cause us to be subject to U.S. federal income tax (and any applicable state and local taxes) on all of our income and would decrease profitability and cash available for distributions to stockholders.

 

If we experience losses as a result of our use of leverage, such losses could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 

It may be uneconomical to "roll" our TBA dollar roll transactions or we may be unable to meet margin calls on our TBA contracts, which could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may utilize TBA dollar roll transactions as a means of investing in and financing Agency RMBS. TBA contracts enable us to purchase or sell, for future delivery, Agency RMBS with certain principal and interest terms and certain types of collateral, but the particular Agency RMBS to be delivered are not identified until shortly before the TBA settlement date. Prior to settlement of the TBA contract we may choose to move the settlement of the securities out to a later date by entering into an offsetting position (referred to as a "pair off"), net settling the paired off positions for cash, and simultaneously purchasing a similar TBA contract for a later settlement date, collectively referred to as a "dollar roll." The Agency RMBS purchased for a forward settlement date under the TBA contract are typically priced at a discount to Agency RMBS for settlement in the current month. This difference (or discount) is referred to as the "price drop." The price drop is the economic equivalent of net interest income earned from carrying the underlying Agency RMBS over the roll period (interest income less implied financing cost). Consequently, dollar roll transactions and such forward purchases of Agency RMBS represent a form of off-balance sheet financing and increase our "at risk" leverage.

 

Under certain market conditions, TBA dollar roll transactions may result in negative carry income whereby the Agency RMBS purchased for a forward settlement date under the TBA contract are priced at a premium to Agency RMBS for settlement in the current month. Additionally, sales of some or all of the Fed's holdings of Agency RMBS, or declines in purchases of Agency RMBS by the Fed could adversely impact the dollar roll market. Under such conditions, it may be uneconomical to roll our TBA positions prior to the settlement date and we could have to take physical delivery of the underlying securities and settle our obligations for cash. We may not have sufficient funds or alternative financing sources available to settle such obligations. In addition, pursuant to the margin provisions established by the Mortgage-Backed Securities Division ("MBSD") of the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation ("FICC"), we are subject to margin calls on our TBA contracts. Further, our clearing and custody agreements may require us to post additional margin above the levels established by the MBSD. Negative carry income on TBA dollar roll transactions or failure to procure adequate financing to settle our obligations or meet margin calls under our TBA contracts could result in defaults or force us to sell assets under adverse market conditions and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Interest rate caps on the ARMs and hybrid ARMs backing our Agency RMBS may reduce our net interest margin during periods of rising interest rates, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

ARMs and hybrid ARMs are typically subject to periodic and lifetime interest rate caps. Periodic interest rate caps limit the amount an interest rate can increase during any given period. Lifetime interest rate caps limit the amount an interest rate can increase through the maturity of the loan. Our borrowings typically are not subject to similar restrictions. Accordingly, in a period of rapidly increasing interest rates, our financing costs could increase without limitation while caps could limit the interest we earn on the ARMs and hybrid ARMs backing our Agency RMBS. This problem is magnified for ARMs and hybrid ARMs that are not fully indexed because such periodic interest rate caps prevent the coupon on the security from fully reaching the specified rate in one reset. Further, some ARMs and hybrid ARMs may be subject to periodic payment caps that result in a portion of the interest being deferred and added to the principal outstanding. As a result, we may receive less cash income on Agency RMBS backed by ARMs and hybrid ARMs than necessary to pay interest on our related borrowings. Interest rate caps on Agency RMBS backed by ARMs and hybrid ARMs could reduce our net interest margin if interest rates were to increase beyond the level of the caps, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

 

Volatile market conditions for mortgages and mortgage-related assets as well as the broader financial markets can result in a significant contraction in liquidity for mortgages and mortgage-related assets, which may adversely affect the value of the assets in which we invest.

 

Our results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the markets for mortgages and mortgage-related assets, including Agency RMBS, as well as the broader financial markets and the economy generally.

 

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

 

Increased volatility and deterioration in the markets for mortgages and mortgage-related assets as well as the broader financial markets may adversely affect the performance and market value of our Agency RMBS. If these conditions exist, institutions from which we seek financing for our investments may tighten their lending standards, increase margin calls or become insolvent, which could make it more difficult for us to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all. Our profitability and financial condition may be adversely affected if we are unable to obtain cost-effective financing for our investments.

 

Our forward settling transactions, including TBA transactions, subject us to certain risks, including price risks and counterparty risks.

 

We purchase some of our Agency RMBS through forward settling transactions, including TBAs. In a forward settling transaction, we enter into a forward purchase agreement with a counterparty to purchase either (i) an identified Agency RMBS, or (ii) a TBA, or to-be-issued, Agency RMBS with certain terms. As with any forward purchase contract, the value of the underlying Agency RMBS may decrease between the trade date and the settlement date. Furthermore, a transaction counterparty may fail to deliver the underlying Agency RMBS at the settlement date. If any of these risks were to occur, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

 

We rely on analytical models and other data to analyze potential asset acquisition and disposition opportunities and to manage our portfolio. Such models and other data may be incorrect, misleading or incomplete, which could cause us to purchase assets that do not meet our expectations or to make asset management decisions that are not in line with our strategy.

 

We rely on analytical models, and information and other data supplied by third parties. These models and data may be used to value assets or potential asset acquisitions and dispositions and in connection with our asset management activities. If our models and data prove to be incorrect, misleading or incomplete, any decisions made in reliance thereon could expose us to potential risks.

 

Our reliance on models and data may induce us to purchase certain assets at prices that are too high, to sell certain other assets at prices that are too low or to miss favorable opportunities altogether. Similarly, any hedging activities that are based on faulty models and data may prove to be unsuccessful.

 

Some models, such as prepayment models, may be predictive in nature. The use of predictive models has inherent risks. For example, such models may incorrectly forecast future behavior, leading to potential losses. In addition, the predictive models used by us may differ substantially from those models used by other market participants, resulting in valuations based on these predictive models that may be substantially higher or lower for certain assets than actual market prices. Furthermore, because predictive models are usually constructed based on historical data supplied by third parties, the success of relying on such models may depend heavily on the accuracy and reliability of the supplied historical data, and, in the case of predicting performance in scenarios with little or no historical precedent (such as extreme broad-based declines in home prices, or deep economic recessions or depressions), such models must employ greater degrees of extrapolation and are therefore more speculative and less reliable.

 

 

All valuation models rely on correct market data input. If incorrect market data is entered into even a well-founded valuation model, the resulting valuations will be incorrect. However, even if market data is inputted correctly, “model prices” will often differ substantially from market prices, especially for securities with complex characteristics or whose values are particularly sensitive to various factors. If our market data inputs are incorrect or our model prices differ substantially from market prices, our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders could be materially adversely affected.

 

Valuations of some of our assets are inherently uncertain, may be based on estimates, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may differ from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these assets existed. As a result, the values of some of our assets are uncertain.

 

While in many cases our determination of the fair value of our assets is based on valuations provided by third-party dealers and pricing services, we can and do value assets based upon our judgment, and such valuations may differ from those provided by third-party dealers and pricing services. Valuations of certain assets are often difficult to obtain or are unreliable. In general, dealers and pricing services heavily disclaim their valuations. Additionally, dealers may claim to furnish valuations only as an accommodation and without special compensation, and so they may disclaim any and all liability for any direct, incidental or consequential damages arising out of any inaccuracy or incompleteness in valuations, including any act of negligence or breach of any warranty. Depending on the complexity and illiquidity of an asset, valuations of the same asset can vary substantially from one dealer or pricing service to another. The valuation process during times of market distress can be particularly difficult and unpredictable and during such time the disparity of valuations provided by third-party dealers can widen.

 

Our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders could be materially adversely affected if our fair value determinations of these assets were materially higher than the values that would exist if a ready market existed for these assets.

 

Because the assets that we acquire might experience periods of illiquidity, we might be prevented from selling our Agency RMBS at favorable times and prices, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

Agency RMBS might experience periods of illiquidity. Such conditions are more likely to occur for structured Agency RMBS because such securities are generally traded in markets much less liquid than the pass-through Agency RMBS market. As a result, we may be unable to dispose of our Agency RMBS at advantageous times and prices or in a timely manner. The lack of liquidity might result from the absence of a willing buyer or an established market for these assets as well as legal or contractual restrictions on resale. The illiquidity of Agency RMBS could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

Our use of repurchase agreements may give our lenders greater rights in the event that either we or any of our lenders file for bankruptcy, which may make it difficult for us to recover our collateral in the event of a bankruptcy filing.

 

Our borrowings under repurchase agreements may qualify for special treatment under the bankruptcy code, giving our lenders the ability to avoid the automatic stay provisions of the bankruptcy code and to take possession of and liquidate our collateral under the repurchase agreements without delay if we file for bankruptcy. Furthermore, the special treatment of repurchase agreements under the bankruptcy code may make it difficult for us to recover our pledged assets in the event that any of our lenders files for bankruptcy. Thus, the use of repurchase agreements exposes our pledged assets to risk in the event of a bankruptcy filing by either our lenders or us. In addition, if the lender is a broker or dealer subject to the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970, or an insured depository institution subject to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, our ability to exercise our rights to recover our investment under a repurchase agreement or to be compensated for any damages resulting from the lender’s insolvency may be further limited by those statutes.

 

 

If our lenders default on their obligations to resell the Agency RMBS back to us at the end of the repo transaction term, or if the value of the Agency RMBS has declined by the end of the repo transaction term or if we default on our obligations under the repo transaction, we will lose money on these transactions, which, in turn, may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

When we engage in a repo transaction, we initially sell securities to the financial institution under one of our master repurchase agreements in exchange for cash, and our counterparty is obligated to resell the securities to us at the end of the term of the transaction, which is typically from 24 to 90 days but may be up to 364 days or more. The cash we receive when we initially sell the securities is less than the value of those securities, which is referred to as the haircut. Many financial institutions from which we may obtain repurchase agreement financing have increased their haircuts in the past and may do so again in the future. When these haircuts are increased, we are required to post additional cash or securities as collateral for our Agency RMBS. If our counterparty defaults on its obligation to resell the securities to us, we would incur a loss on the transaction equal to the amount of the haircut (assuming there was no change in the value of the securities). We would also lose money on a repo transaction if the value of the underlying securities had declined as of the end of the transaction term, as we would have to repurchase the securities for their initial value but would receive securities worth less than that amount. Any losses we incur on our repo transactions could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

If we default on one of our obligations under a repo transaction, the counterparty can terminate the transaction and cease entering into any other repo transactions with us. In that case, we would likely need to establish a replacement repurchase facility with another financial institution in order to continue to leverage our portfolio and carry out our investment strategy. There is no assurance we would be able to establish a suitable replacement facility on acceptable terms or at all.

 

Clearing facilities or exchanges upon which some of our hedging instruments are traded may increase margin requirements on our hedging instruments in the event of adverse economic developments.

 

In response to events having or expected to have adverse economic consequences or which create market uncertainty, clearing facilities or exchanges upon which some of our hedging instruments, such as T-Note, Fed Funds, SOFR and Eurodollar futures contracts and interest rate swaps, are traded may require us to post additional collateral against our hedging instruments. In the event that future adverse economic developments or market uncertainty result in increased margin requirements for our hedging instruments, it could materially adversely affect our liquidity position, business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our inability to access funding or the terms on which such funding is available could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, particularly in times of significant market dislocations.

 

Our ability to fund our operations, meet financial obligations and finance asset acquisitions is dependent upon our ability to secure and maintain our repurchase agreements with our counterparties. Because repurchase agreements are short-term commitments of capital, lenders may respond to market conditions in ways that make it more difficult for us to renew or replace on a continuous basis our maturing short-term borrowings and have imposed and may continue to impose more onerous terms when rolling such financings. If we are not able to renew our existing repurchase agreements or arrange for new financing on terms acceptable to us, or if we are required to post more collateral or face larger haircuts, we may have to curtail our asset acquisition activities and/or dispose of assets.

 

 

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

 

We may change our investment strategy, investment guidelines and asset allocation without notice or stockholder consent, which may result in riskier investments. In addition, our charter provides that our Board of Directors may revoke or otherwise terminate our REIT election, without the approval of our stockholders.

 

Our Board of Directors has the authority to change our investment strategy or asset allocation at any time without notice to or consent from our stockholders. To the extent that our investment strategy changes in the future, we may make investments that are different from, and possibly riskier than, the investments described in this Report. A change in our investment strategy may increase our exposure to interest rate and real estate market fluctuations. Furthermore, a change in our asset allocation could result in our allocating assets in a different manner than as described in this Report.

 

In addition, our charter provides that our Board of Directors may revoke or otherwise terminate our REIT election, without the approval of our stockholders, if it determines that it is no longer in our best interests to qualify as a REIT. These changes could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, the market value of our common stock and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 

A prolonged economic slowdown, a lengthy or severe recession or declining real estate values could impair our investments and harm our operations. 

 

We believe the risks associated with our business may be more severe during periods of economic slowdown or recession, especially if these periods are accompanied by declining real estate values. Declining real estate values will likely reduce the level of new mortgage and other real estate-related loan originations since borrowers often use appreciation in the value of their existing properties to support the purchase of or investment in additional properties. Borrowers may also be unable to refinance their loans or sell their homes to facilitate relocating to a less distressed area of the country – thus lowering prepayment activity on our portfolio of Agency RMBS.  To the extent securities in our portfolio of Agency RMBS are carried at prices below par, this would reduce the yield we realize on our portfolio, and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and business and our ability to pay dividends to stockholders.

 

Market disruptions in a single country could cause a worsening of conditions on a regional and even global level, and economic problems in a single country are increasingly affecting other markets and economies. A continuation of this trend could result in problems in one country adversely affecting regional and even global economic conditions and markets. For example, concerns about the fiscal stability and growth prospects of certain European countries in the last economic downturn had a negative impact on most economies of the Eurozone and global markets. Military conflict in Ukraine and Israel and the resulting sanctions and penalties have caused, and may continue to cause, increased price volatility for publicly traded securities and other national, regional and international economic disruptions and economic uncertainty. The occurrence of similar crises in the future could cause increased volatility in the economies and financial markets of countries throughout a region, or even globally.

 

 

Competition might prevent us from acquiring Agency RMBS at favorable yields, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities. Our net income largely depends on our ability to acquire Agency RMBS at favorable spreads over our borrowing costs. In acquiring Agency RMBS, we compete with a variety of institutional investors, including other REITs, investment banking firms, savings and loan associations, banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, other lenders, other entities that purchase Agency RMBS, the Fed, other governmental entities and government-sponsored entities, many of which have greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we do. Some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that may not be available to us, such as funding from the U.S. government. Additionally, many of our competitors are not subject to REIT tax compliance or required to maintain an exemption from the Investment Company Act. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments. Furthermore, competition for investments in Agency RMBS may lead the price of such investments to increase, which may further limit our ability to generate desired returns. As a result, we may not be able to acquire sufficient Agency RMBS at favorable spreads over our borrowing costs, which would materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

We are highly dependent on communications and information systems operated by third parties, and systems failures could significantly disrupt our business, which may, in turn, adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

Our business is highly dependent on communications and information systems that allow us to monitor, value, buy, sell, finance and hedge our investments. These systems are operated by third parties and, as a result, we have limited ability to ensure their continued operation. In the event of a systems failure or interruption, we will have limited ability to affect the timing and success of systems restoration. Any failure or interruption of these systems could cause delays or other problems in our securities trading activities, including Agency RMBS trading activities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

Computer malware, ransomware, viruses, and computer hacking and phishing attacks have become more prevalent in the financial services industry and may occur on our or certain of our third party service providers' systems in the future. We rely heavily on our Manager’s financial, accounting and other data processing systems. Although we have not detected a breach to date, financial services institutions have reported breaches of their systems, some of which have been significant. Even with all reasonable security efforts, not every breach can be prevented or even detected. It is possible that we, our Manager or certain of our third-party service providers have experienced an undetected breach, and it is likely that other financial institutions have experienced more breaches than have been detected and reported. There is no assurance that we, our Manager, or certain of the third parties that facilitate our and our Manager’s business activities, have not or will not experience a breach. It is difficult to determine what, if any, negative impact may directly result from any specific interruption or cyber-attacks or security breaches of our networks or systems (or the networks or systems of certain third parties that facilitate our business activities) or any failure to maintain performance, reliability and security of our or certain of our third-party service providers' technical infrastructure, but such computer malware, ransomware, viruses, and computer hacking and phishing attacks may negatively affect our operations.

 

We invest in securities guaranteed by the Enterprises which are currently under conservatorship by the FHFA. The ultimate impact on the operations of the Enterprises from the conservatorships and the support they receive from the U.S. government is not determinable and could affect the Enterprises in such a way that our business, operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

 

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

 

All of the foregoing could materially adversely affect the availability, pricing, liquidity, market value and financing of our assets and materially adversely affect our business, operations and financial condition and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

Risks Related to Conflicts of Interest in Our Relationship with Our Manager and Bimini

 

The management agreement with our Manager was not negotiated on an arm’s-length basis and the terms, including fees payable and our inability to terminate, or our election not to renew, the management agreement based on our Manager’s poor performance without paying our Manager a significant termination fee, except for a termination of the Manager with cause, may not be as favorable to us as if it were negotiated with an unaffiliated third party.

 

The management agreement with our Manager was negotiated between related parties, and we did not have the benefit of arm’s-length negotiations of the type normally conducted with an unaffiliated third party. The terms of the management agreement with our Manager, including fees payable and our inability to terminate, or our election not to renew, the management agreement based on our Manager’s poor performance without paying our Manager a significant termination fee, except for a termination of the Manager with cause, may not reflect the terms we may have received if it was negotiated with an unrelated third party. In addition, as a result of the relationship with our Manager, we may choose not to enforce, or to enforce less vigorously, our rights under the management agreement because of our desire to maintain our ongoing relationship with our Manager.

 

We have no employees and our Manager is responsible for making all of our investment decisions. None of our or our Manager’s officers are required to devote any specific amount of time to our business, and each of them may provide their services to Bimini, which could result in conflicts of interest.

 

Our Manager is responsible for making all of our investments. We do not have any employees, and we are completely reliant on our Manager to provide us with investment advisory services. Each of our and our Manager’s officers is an employee of Bimini and none of them will devote their time to us exclusively. Each of Messrs. Cauley and Haas, who are the members of our Manager’s investment committee, is an officer of Bimini and has significant responsibilities to Bimini. Due to the fact that each of our officers is responsible for providing services to Bimini, they may not devote sufficient time to the management of our business operations. At times when there are turbulent conditions in the mortgage markets or distress in the credit markets or other times when we will need focused support and assistance from our executive officers and our Manager, Bimini and its affiliates will likewise require greater focus and attention from them. In such situations, we may not receive the level of support and assistance that we otherwise would likely have received if we were internally managed or if such executives were not otherwise committed to provide support to Bimini.

 

Our Board of Directors has adopted investment guidelines that require that any investment transaction between us and Bimini or any affiliate of Bimini receive the prior approval of a majority of our independent directors. However, this policy will not eliminate the conflicts of interest that our officers will face in making investment decisions on behalf of Bimini and us. Further, we do not have any agreement or understanding with Bimini that would give us any priority over Bimini or any of its affiliates. Accordingly, we may compete for access to the benefits that we expect our relationship with our Manager and Bimini to provide.

 

We are completely dependent upon our Manager and certain key personnel of Bimini who provide services to us through the management agreement, and we may not find suitable replacements for our Manager and these personnel if the management agreement is terminated or such key personnel are no longer available to us.

 

We are completely dependent on our Manager to conduct our operations pursuant to the management agreement. Because we do not have any employees or separate facilities, we are reliant on our Manager to provide us with the personnel, services and resources necessary to carry out our day-to-day operations. Our management agreement does not require our Manager to dedicate specific personnel to our operations or a specific amount of time to our business. Additionally, because we are affiliated with Bimini, we may be negatively impacted by an event or factors that negatively impacts or could negatively impact Bimini’s business or financial condition.

 

 

Our management agreement is automatically renewed in accordance with the terms of the agreement, each year, on February 20. Upon the expiration of any automatic renewal term, our Manager may elect not to renew the management agreement without cause, and without penalty, on 180-days’ prior written notice to us. If we elect not to renew the management agreement without cause, we would have to pay a termination fee equal to three times the average annual management fee earned by our Manager during the prior 24-month period immediately preceding the most recently completed calendar quarter prior to the effective date of termination. During the term of the management agreement and for two years after its expiration or termination, we may not, without the consent of our Manager, employ any employee of the Manager or any of its affiliates or any person who has been employed by our Manager or any of its affiliates at any time within the two-year period immediately preceding the date on which the person commences employment with us. We do not have retention agreements with any of our officers. We believe that the successful implementation of our investment and financing strategies depends to a significant extent upon the experience of Bimini’s executive officers. None of these individuals’ continued service is guaranteed. If the management agreement is terminated or these individuals leave Bimini, we may be unable to execute our business plan.

 

We, Bimini and other accounts managed by our Manager may compete for opportunities to acquire assets, which are allocated in accordance with the Investment Allocation Agreement by and among Bimini, our Manager and us.

 

From time to time Bimini may seek to purchase for itself the same or similar assets that our Manager seeks to purchase for us, or our Manager may seek to purchase the same or similar assets for us as it does for other accounts that may be managed by our Manager in the future. In such an instance, our Manager has no duty to allocate such opportunities in a manner that preferentially favors us. Bimini and our Manager make available to us opportunities to acquire assets that they determine, in their reasonable and good faith judgment, based on our objectives, policies and strategies, and other relevant factors, are appropriate for us in accordance with the Investment Allocation Agreement.

 

Because many of our targeted assets are typically available only in specified quantities and because many of our targeted assets are also targeted assets for Bimini and may be targeted assets for other accounts our Manager may manage in the future, neither Bimini nor our Manager may be able to buy as much of any given asset as required to satisfy the needs of Bimini, us and any other account our Manager may manage in the future. In these cases, the Investment Allocation Agreement will require the allocation of such assets to multiple accounts in proportion to their needs and available capital. The Investment Allocation Agreement will permit departure from such proportional allocation when (i) allocating purchases of whole-pool Agency RMBS, because those securities cannot be divided into multiple parts to be allocated among various accounts, and (ii) such allocation would result in an inefficiently small amount of the security being purchased for an account. In that case, the Investment Allocation Agreement allows for a protocol of allocating assets so that, on an overall basis, each account is treated equitably.

 

There are conflicts of interest in our relationships with our Manager and Bimini, which could result in decisions that are not in the best interests of our stockholders.

 

We are subject to conflicts of interest arising out of our relationships with Bimini and our Manager. All of our executive officers are employees of Bimini. As a result, our officers may have conflicts between their duties to us and their duties to Bimini or our Manager.

 

We may acquire or sell assets in which Bimini or its affiliates have or may have an interest. Similarly, Bimini or its affiliates may acquire or sell assets in which we have or may have an interest. Although such acquisitions or dispositions may present conflicts of interest, we nonetheless may pursue and consummate such transactions. Additionally, we may engage in transactions directly with Bimini or its affiliates, including the purchase and sale of all or a portion of a portfolio asset.

 

The officers of Bimini and our Manager devote as much time to us as our Manager deems appropriate. However, these officers may have conflicts in allocating their time and services among us, Bimini and our Manager. During turbulent conditions in the mortgage industry, distress in the credit markets or other times when we will need focused support and assistance from our Manager’s officers and Bimini’s employees, Bimini and other entities for which our Manager may serve as a manager in the future will likewise require greater focus and attention, placing our Manager’s and Bimini’s resources in high demand. In such situations, we may not receive the necessary support and assistance we require or would otherwise receive if we were internally managed.

 

Mr. Cauley, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our Board of Directors, also serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bimini and owns shares of common stock of Bimini. Mr. Haas, our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Investment Officer, Secretary and a member of our Board of Directors, also serves as the President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Investment Officer and Treasurer of Bimini and owns shares of common stock of Bimini. Accordingly, Messrs. Cauley and Haas may have a conflict of interest with respect to actions by our Board of Directors that relate to Bimini or our Manager.

 

 

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

 

If we elect to not renew the management agreement without cause, we would be required to pay our Manager a substantial termination fee. These and other provisions in our management agreement make non-renewal of our management agreement difficult and costly.

 

Electing not to renew the management agreement without cause would be difficult and costly for us. Our management agreement is automatically renewed in accordance with the terms of the agreement, each year, on February 20. However, with the consent of the majority of our independent directors, we may elect not to renew our management agreement in subsequent years upon 180-days’ prior written notice. If we elect to not renew the agreement because of a decision by our Board of Directors that the management fee is unfair, our Manager has the right to renegotiate a mutually agreeable management fee. If we elect to not renew the management agreement without cause, we are required to pay our Manager a termination fee equal to three times the average annual management fee earned by our Manager during the prior 24-month period immediately preceding the most recently completed calendar quarter prior to the effective date of termination. These provisions may increase the effective cost to us of electing to not renew the management agreement, thereby adversely affecting our inclination to end our relationship with our Manager even if we believe our Manager’s performance is unsatisfactory.

 

Our Manager’s management fee is payable regardless of our performance.

 

Our Manager is entitled to receive a management fee from us that is based on the amount of our equity (as defined in the management agreement), regardless of the performance of our investment portfolio. For example, we would pay our Manager a management fee for a specific period even if we experienced a net loss during the same period. Our Manager’s entitlement to substantial non-performance-based compensation may reduce its incentive to devote sufficient time and effort to seeking investments that provide attractive risk-adjusted returns for our investment portfolio. This in turn could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 

Our Manager will not be liable to us for any acts or omissions performed in accordance with the management agreement, including with respect to the performance of our investments.

 

Our Manager has not assumed any responsibility other than to render the services called for under the management agreement in good faith and is not responsible for any action of our Board of Directors in following or declining to follow its advice or recommendations, including as set forth in the investment guidelines. Our Manager and its affiliates, and the directors, officers, employees, members and stockholders of our Manager and its affiliates, will not be liable to us, our Board of Directors or our stockholders for any acts or omissions performed in accordance with and pursuant to the management agreement, except by reason of acts constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their respective duties under the management agreement. We have agreed to indemnify our Manager and its affiliates, and the directors, officers, employees, members and stockholders of our Manager and its affiliates, with respect to all expenses, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, charges and claims in respect of or arising from any acts or omissions of our Manager, its affiliates, and the directors, officers, employees, members and stockholders of our Manager and its affiliates, performed in good faith under the management agreement and not constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of their respective duties. Therefore, our stockholders have no recourse against our Manager with respect to the performance of investments made in accordance with the management agreement.

 

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

 

Investing in our common stock may involve a high degree of risk.

 

The investments we make in accordance with our investment objectives may result in a high amount of risk when compared to alternative investment options and volatility or loss of principal. Our investments may be highly speculative and aggressive, and therefore an investment in our common stock may not be suitable for someone with lower risk tolerance.

 

 

We have not established a minimum distribution payment level, and we cannot assure you of our ability to make distributions to our stockholders in the future.

 

We intend to continue to make monthly distributions to our stockholders in amounts such that we distribute all or substantially all of our REIT taxable income in each year, subject to certain adjustments. We have not established a minimum distribution payment level, and our ability to make distributions might be harmed by the risk factors described herein. All distributions will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor and will depend on our earnings, our financial condition, maintaining our qualification as a REIT and such other factors as our Board of Directors may deem relevant from time to time. We cannot assure you that we will have the ability to make distributions to our stockholders in the future. To the extent that we decide to pay distributions from the proceeds of a securities offering, such distributions would generally be considered a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A return of capital reduces the basis of a stockholder’s investment in our common stock to the extent of such basis and is treated as capital gain thereafter.

 

Shares of our common stock eligible for future sale may harm our share price.

 

We cannot predict the effect, if any, of future sales of shares of our common stock, or the availability of shares for future sales, on the market price of our common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of these shares of our common stock, or the perception that these sales could occur, may harm prevailing market prices for our common stock. The 2021 Equity Incentive Plan provides for grants of up to an aggregate of 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock (on a fully diluted basis) at the time of the award, subject to a maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan of 800,000 shares of common stock plus 673,324 shares of our common stock that remained available for issuance under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan as of the date of the Board’s adoption of the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. As of February 23, 2024, Bimini owns 569,071 shares of our common stock. If Bimini sells a large number of our securities in the public market, the sale could reduce the market price of our common stock and could impede our ability to raise future capital.

 

We may be subject to adverse legislative or regulatory changes that could reduce the market price of our common stock.

 

At any time, laws or regulations, or the administrative or judicial interpretations of those laws or regulations, which impact our business and Maryland corporations may be amended. In addition, the markets for RMBS and derivatives, including interest rate swaps, have been the subject of intense scrutiny in recent years. We cannot predict when or if any new law, regulation or administrative or judicial interpretation, or any amendment to any existing law, regulation or administrative or judicial interpretation, will be adopted or promulgated or will become effective. Additionally, revisions to these laws, regulations or administrative or judicial interpretations could cause us to change our investments. We could be materially adversely affected by any such change to any existing, or any new, law, regulation or administrative or judicial interpretation, which could reduce the market price of our common stock.

 

In addition, at any time, the U.S. federal income tax laws or regulations governing REITs or the administrative interpretations of those laws or regulations may be amended. We cannot predict when or if any new U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation, or any amendment to any existing U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation, will be adopted, promulgated or become effective and any such law, regulation or interpretation may take effect retroactively. We and our stockholders could be adversely affected by any such change in, or any new, U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation. Prospective stockholders are urged to consult with their tax advisors with respect to any legislative, regulatory or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on investment in our common stock.

 

The market value of our common stock may be volatile.

 

The market value of shares of our common stock may be based primarily upon current and expected future cash dividends and our book value. The market price of shares of our common stock may be influenced by the dividends on those shares relative to market interest rates. Rising interest rates may lead potential buyers of our common stock to expect a higher dividend rate, which could adversely affect the market price of shares of our common stock. In addition, our book value could decrease, which could reduce the market price of our common stock to the extent our common stock trades relative to our book value. As a result, the market price of our common stock may be highly volatile and subject to wide price fluctuations. In addition, the trading volume in our common stock may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. Some of the factors that could negatively affect the share price or trading volume of our common stock include:

 

 

●	actual or anticipated variations in our operating results or distributions;

●	changes in our earnings estimates or publication of research reports about us or the real estate or specialty finance industry;

●	the market valuations of Agency RMBS;

●	increases in market interest rates that lead purchasers of our common stock to expect a higher dividend yield;

●	government action or regulation;

●	changes in our book value;

●	changes in market valuations of similar companies;

●	adverse market reaction to any increased indebtedness we incur in the future;

●	a change in our Manager or additions or departures of key management personnel;

●	actions by institutional stockholders;

●	speculation in the press or investment community; and

●	general market and economic conditions.

 

We cannot make any assurances that the market price of our common stock will not fluctuate or decline significantly in the future.

 

There may not be an active market for our common stock, which may cause our common stock to trade at a discount and make it difficult to sell the common stock you purchase.

 

Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “ORC.” Trading on the NYSE does not ensure that there will continue to be an actual market for our common stock. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to:

 

●	the likelihood that an actual market for our common stock will continue;

●	the liquidity of any such market;

●	the ability of any holder to sell shares of our common stock; or

●	the prices that may be obtained for our common stock.

 

Risks Related to Our Organization and Structure

 

Loss of our exemption from regulation under the Investment Company Act would negatively affect the value of shares of our common stock and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

We have operated and intend to continue to operate our business so as to be exempt from registration under the Investment Company Act, because we are “primarily engaged in the business of purchasing or otherwise acquiring mortgages and other liens on and interests in real estate.” Specifically, we invest and intend to continue to invest so that at least 55% of the assets that we own on an unconsolidated basis consist of qualifying mortgages and other liens and interests in real estate, which are collectively referred to as “qualifying real estate assets,” and so that at least 80% of the assets we own on an unconsolidated basis consist of real estate-related assets (including our qualifying real estate assets). We treat GSE whole-pool residential mortgage pass-through securities issued with respect to an underlying pool of mortgage loans in which we hold all of the certificates issued by the pool as qualifying real estate assets based on no-action letters issued by the SEC. To the extent that the SEC publishes new or different guidance with respect to these matters, we may fail to qualify for this exemption.

 

If we fail to qualify for this exemption, we could be required to restructure our activities in a manner that, or at a time when, we would not otherwise choose to do so, which could negatively affect the value of shares of our common stock and our ability to distribute dividends. For example, if the market value of our investments in CMOs or structured Agency RMBS, neither of which are qualifying real estate assets for Investment Company Act purposes, were to increase by an amount that resulted in less than 55% of our assets being invested in pass-through Agency RMBS, we might have to sell CMOs or structured Agency RMBS in order to maintain our exemption from the Investment Company Act. The sale could occur during adverse market conditions, and we could be forced to accept a price below that which we believe is acceptable.

 

Alternatively, if we fail to qualify for this exemption, we may have to register under the Investment Company Act and we could become subject to substantial regulation with respect to our capital structure (including our ability to use leverage), management, operations, transactions with affiliated persons (as defined in the Investment Company Act), portfolio composition, including restrictions with respect to diversification and industry concentration, and other matters.

 

 

We may be required at times to adopt less efficient methods of financing certain of our securities, and we may be precluded from acquiring certain types of higher yielding securities. The net effect of these factors would be to lower our net interest income. If we fail to qualify for an exemption from registration as an investment company or an exclusion from the definition of an investment company, our ability to use leverage would be substantially reduced, and we would not be able to conduct our business as described herein. Our business will be materially and adversely affected if we fail to qualify for and maintain an exemption from regulation pursuant to the Investment Company Act.

 

Failure to obtain and maintain an exemption from being regulated as a commodity pool operator could subject us to additional regulation and compliance requirements and may result in fines and other penalties which could materially adversely affect our business and financial condition.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act established a comprehensive new regulatory framework for derivative contracts commonly referred to as “swaps.” As a result, any investment fund that trades in swaps may be considered a “commodity pool,” which would cause its operators (in some cases the fund’s directors) to be regulated as “commodity pool operators” (“CPOs”). Under new rules adopted by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”), those funds that become commodity pools solely because of their use of swaps must register with the National Futures Association (the “NFA”). Registration requires compliance with the CFTC’s regulations and the NFA’s rules with respect to capital raising, disclosure, reporting, recordkeeping and other business conduct. However, the CFTC’s Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight issued a no-action letter saying, although it believes that mortgage REITs are properly considered commodity pools, it would not recommend that the CFTC take enforcement action against the operator of a mortgage REIT who does not register as a CPO if, among other things, the mortgage REIT limits the initial margin and premiums required to establish its swaps, futures and other commodity interest positions to not more than five percent (5%) of its total assets, the mortgage REIT limits the net income derived annually from those commodity interest positions which are not qualifying hedging transactions to less than five percent (5%) of its gross income and interests in the mortgage REIT are not marketed to the public as or in a commodity pool or otherwise as or in a vehicle for trading in the commodity futures, commodity options or swaps markets.

 

We use hedging instruments in conjunction with our investment portfolio and related borrowings to reduce or mitigate risks associated with changes in interest rates, mortgage spreads, yield curve shapes and market volatility. These hedging instruments may include interest rate swaps, interest rate futures and options on interest rate futures. We do not currently engage in any speculative derivatives activities or other non-hedging transactions using swaps, futures or options on futures. We do not use these instruments for the purpose of trading in commodity interests, and we do not consider the Company or its operations to be a commodity pool as to which CPO registration or compliance is required. We have claimed the relief afforded by the above-described no-action letter. Consequently, we will be restricted to operating within the parameters discussed in the no-action letter and will not enter into hedging transactions covered by the no-action letter if they would cause us to exceed the limits set forth in the no-action letter. However, there can be no assurance that the CFTC will agree that we are entitled to the no-action letter relief claimed.

 

The CFTC has substantial enforcement power with respect to violations of the laws over which it has jurisdiction, including their anti-fraud and anti-manipulation provisions. For example, the CFTC may suspend or revoke the registration of or the no-action relief afforded to a person who fails to comply with commodities laws and regulations, prohibit such a person from trading or doing business with registered entities, impose civil money penalties, require restitution and seek fines or imprisonment for criminal violations. In the event that the CFTC asserts that we are not entitled to the no-action letter relief claimed, we may be obligated to furnish additional disclosures and reports, among other things. Further, a private right of action exists against those who violate the laws over which the CFTC has jurisdiction or who willfully aid, abet, counsel, induce or procure a violation of those laws. In the event that we fail to comply with statutory requirements relating to derivatives or with the CFTC’s rules thereunder, including the no-action letter described above, we may be subject to significant fines, penalties and other civil or governmental actions or proceedings, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

Our ownership limitations and certain other provisions of applicable law and our charter and bylaws may restrict business combination opportunities that would otherwise be favorable to our stockholders.

 

Our charter and bylaws and Maryland law contain provisions that may delay, defer or prevent a change in control or other transaction that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders, including business combination provisions, supermajority vote and cause requirements for removal of directors, provisions that vacancies on our Board of Directors may be filled only by the remaining directors for the full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred, the power of our Board of Directors to increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of stock or the number of shares of any class or series of stock, to cause us to issue additional shares of stock of any class or series and to fix the terms of one or more classes or series of stock without stockholder approval, the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock and advance notice requirements for director nominations and stockholder proposals.

 

 

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

 

Our Board of Directors may, without stockholder approval, amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of our shares or the number of shares of any class or series that we have the authority to issue and to classify or reclassify any unissued shares of common stock or preferred stock, and set the preferences, rights and other terms of the classified or reclassified shares. As a result, our Board of Directors may take actions with respect to our common stock or preferred stock that may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control, including transactions at a premium over the market price of our shares, even if stockholders believe that a change in control is in their interest. These provisions, along with the restrictions on ownership and transfer contained in our charter and certain provisions of Maryland law described below, could discourage unsolicited acquisition proposals or make it more difficult for a third party to gain control of us, which could adversely affect the market price of our securities.

 

Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to take action against our directors and officers are limited, which could limit your recourse in the event of actions not in your best interests.

 

Our charter limits the liability of our directors and officers to us and our stockholders for money damages, except for liability resulting from:

 

●

actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services; or

●

a final judgment based upon a finding of active and deliberate dishonesty by the director or officer that was material to the cause of action adjudicated.

 

We have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers that obligate us to indemnify them to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. In addition, our charter authorizes the Company to obligate itself to indemnify our present and former directors and officers for actions taken by them in those and other capacities to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. Our bylaws require us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, to indemnify each present and former director or officer in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of his or her service to us. In addition, we may be obligated to advance the defense costs incurred by our directors and officers. As a result, we and our stockholders may have more limited rights against our directors and officers than might otherwise exist absent the provisions in our charter, bylaws and indemnification agreements or that might exist with other companies.

 

Certain provisions of Maryland law could inhibit changes in control.

 

Certain provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”), may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making a proposal to acquire us or impeding a change of control under circumstances that otherwise could provide our stockholders with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price of our common stock, including:

 

●

“business combination” provisions that, subject to limitations, prohibit certain business combinations between us and an “interested stockholder” (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of our outstanding voting stock or an affiliate or associate of ours who, at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of our then-outstanding stock) or an affiliate of an interested stockholder for five years after the most recent date on which the stockholder became an interested stockholder, and thereafter require two supermajority stockholder votes to approve any such combination; and

●

“control share” provisions that provide that a holder of “control shares” of the Company (defined as voting shares of stock which, when aggregated with all other shares of stock owned by the acquiror or in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), entitle the acquiror to exercise one of three increasing ranges of voting power in electing directors) acquired in a “control share acquisition” (defined as the direct or indirect acquisition of ownership or control of issued and outstanding “control shares,” subject to certain exceptions) generally has no voting rights with respect to the control shares except to the extent approved by our stockholders by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares.

 

 

We have elected to opt-out of these provisions of the MGCL, in the case of the business combination provisions, by resolution of our Board of Directors (provided that such business combination is first approved by our Board of Directors, including a majority of our directors who are not affiliates or associates of such person), and in the case of the control share provisions, pursuant to a provision in our bylaws. However, our Board of Directors may by resolution elect to repeal the foregoing opt-out from the business combination provisions of the MGCL, and we may, by amendment to our bylaws, opt-in to the control share provisions of the MGCL in the future.

 

Our bylaws designate the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit stockholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors or officers and could discourage lawsuits against us and our directors and officers.

 

Our bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, or, if that court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division, will be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any Internal Corporate Claim, as such term is defined in the MGCL, (b) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (c) any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by any of our directors or officers to us or to our stockholders, (d) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors or officers arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL or our charter or bylaws or (e) any other action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors or officers that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine.

 

This exclusive forum provision may limit the ability of our stockholders to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such stockholders find favorable for disputes with us or our directors or officers, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors and officers. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provisions contained in our bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and operating results.

 

U.S. Federal Income Tax Risks

 

Your investment has various U.S. federal income tax risks.

 

This summary of certain tax risks is limited to the U.S. federal income tax risks addressed below. Additional risks or issues may exist that are not addressed in this Form 10-K and that could affect the U.S. federal income tax treatment of us or our stockholders. This summary is not intended to be used and cannot be used by any stockholder to avoid penalties that may be imposed on stockholders under the Code. We strongly urge you to seek advice based on your particular circumstances from your tax advisor concerning the effects of U.S. federal, state and local income tax law on an investment in our common stock and on your individual tax situation.

 

Our failure to maintain our qualification as a REIT would subject us to U.S. federal income tax, which could adversely affect the value of the shares of our common stock and would substantially reduce the cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

 

We believe that commencing with our short taxable year ended December 31, 2013, we have been organized and have operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Code, and we intend to operate in a manner that will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT. However, we cannot assure you that we will remain qualified as a REIT. Moreover, our qualification and taxation as a REIT will depend upon our ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual annual operating results, certain qualification tests set forth in the U.S. federal tax laws. Accordingly, given the complex nature of the rules governing REITs, the ongoing importance of factual determinations, including the potential tax treatment of investments we make, and the possibility of future changes in our circumstances, no assurance can be given that our actual results of operations for any particular taxable year will satisfy such requirements.

 

If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any calendar year, we would be required to pay U.S. federal income tax (and any applicable state and local tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate rates, and dividends paid to our stockholders would not be deductible by us in computing our taxable income. Further, if we fail to qualify as a REIT, we might need to borrow money or sell assets in order to pay any resulting tax. Our payment of income tax would decrease the amount of our income available for distribution to our stockholders. Furthermore, if we fail to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we no longer would be required under U.S. federal tax laws to distribute substantially all of our REIT taxable income to our stockholders. Unless our failure to qualify as a REIT was subject to relief under U.S. federal tax laws, we could not re-elect to qualify as a REIT until the fifth calendar year following the year in which we failed to qualify.

 

 

Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to forego or liquidate otherwise attractive investments.

 

To continue to qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy various tests regarding the sources of our income, the nature and diversification of our assets, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of our stock. In order to meet these tests, we may be required to forego investments we might otherwise make. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our investment performance.

 

In particular, we must ensure that at the end of each calendar quarter, at least 75% of the value of our total assets consists of cash, cash items, government securities and qualified REIT real estate assets, including Agency RMBS. The remainder of our investment in securities (other than government securities and qualified real estate assets) generally cannot include more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer or more than 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer. In addition, in general, no more than 5% of the value of our total assets (other than government securities, TRS securities, and qualified real estate assets) can consist of the securities of any one issuer, no more than 20% of the value of our total assets can be represented by securities of one or more TRSs and no more than 25% of the value of our assets can be represented by debt of “publicly offered REITs” (i.e., REITs that are required to file annual and period reports with the SEC under the Exchange Act) that is not secured by real property or interests in real property. Generally, if we fail to comply with these requirements at the end of any calendar quarter, we must correct the failure within 30 days after the end of such calendar quarter or qualify for certain statutory relief provisions to avoid losing our REIT qualification and becoming subject to U.S. federal income tax (and any applicable state and local taxes) on all of our income. As a result, we may be required to liquidate from our portfolio otherwise attractive investments or contribute such investments to a TRS. These actions could have the effect of reducing our income and amounts available for distribution to our stockholders.

 

Failure to make required distributions would subject us to tax, which would reduce the cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

 

To continue to qualify as a REIT, we must distribute to our stockholders each calendar year at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (including certain items of non-cash income), determined without regard to the deductions for dividends paid and excluding net capital gain. To the extent that we satisfy the 90% distribution requirement but distribute less than 100% of our taxable income, we will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on our undistributed income. In addition, we will incur a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which our distributions in any calendar year are less than the sum of:

 

●

85% of our REIT ordinary income for that year;

●

95% of our REIT capital gain net income for that year; and

●

any undistributed taxable income from prior years

 

We intend to distribute our REIT taxable income to our stockholders in a manner intended to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement and to avoid both U.S. federal corporate income tax and the 4% nondeductible excise tax.

 

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

 

Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may face other tax liabilities that reduce our cash flows.

 

Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income, tax on income from some activities conducted as a result of a foreclosure, and state or local income, property and transfer taxes. In addition, any TRSs we form will be subject to regular corporate U.S. federal, state and local taxes. Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distributions to stockholders.

 

 

The failure of Agency RMBS subject to a repurchase agreement to qualify as real estate assets would adversely affect our ability to continue to qualify as a REIT.

 

We have entered and intend to continue to enter into repurchase agreements under which we nominally sell certain of our Agency RMBS to a counterparty and simultaneously enter into an agreement to repurchase the sold assets. We believe that for U.S. federal income tax purposes these transactions will be treated as secured debt and we will be treated as the owner of the Agency RMBS that are the subject of any such agreement, notwithstanding that such agreements may transfer record ownership of such assets to the counterparty during the term of the agreement. It is possible, however, that the IRS could successfully assert that we do not own the Agency RMBS during the term of the repurchase agreement, in which case we could fail to qualify as a REIT.

 

Our ability to invest in and dispose of forward settling contracts, including TBA securities, could be limited by the requirements necessary to continue to qualify as a REIT, and we could fail to qualify as a REIT as a result of these investments.

 

We may purchase Agency RMBS through forward settling contracts, including TBA securities transactions. We may recognize income or gains on the disposition of forward settling contracts. For example, rather than take delivery of the Agency RMBS subject to a TBA, we may dispose of the TBA through a “roll” transaction in which we agree to purchase similar securities in the future at a predetermined price or otherwise, which may result in the recognition of income or gains. The law is unclear regarding whether forward settling contracts will be qualifying assets for the 75% asset test and whether income and gains from dispositions of forward settling contracts will be qualifying income for the 75% gross income test.

 

Until we receive a favorable private letter ruling from the IRS or we are advised by counsel that forward settling contracts should be treated as qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test, we will limit our investment in forward settling contracts and any non-qualifying assets to no more than 25% of our total gross assets at the end of any calendar quarter and will limit the forward settling contracts issued by any one issuer to no more than 5% of our total gross assets at the end of any calendar quarter. Further, until we receive a favorable private letter ruling from the IRS or we are advised by counsel that income and gains from the disposition of forward settling contracts should be treated as qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, we will limit our income and gains from dispositions of forward settling contracts and any non-qualifying income to no more than 25% of our gross income for each calendar year. Accordingly, our ability to purchase Agency RMBS through forward settling contracts and to dispose of forward settling contracts through roll transactions or otherwise, could be limited.

 

Moreover, even if we are advised by counsel that forward settling contracts should be treated as qualifying assets or that income and gains from dispositions of forward settling contracts should be treated as qualifying income, it is possible that the IRS could successfully take the position that such assets are not qualifying assets and such income is not qualifying income. In that event, we could be subject to a penalty tax or we could fail to qualify as a REIT if (i) the value of our forward settling contracts, together with our other non-qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test, exceeded 25% of our total gross assets at the end of any calendar quarter, (ii) the value of our forward settling contracts, including TBAs, issued by any one issuer exceeded 5% of our total assets at the end of any calendar quarter, or (iii) our income and gains from the disposition of forward settling contracts, together with our other non-qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, exceeded 25% of our gross income for any taxable year.

 

Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively.

 

The REIT provisions of the Code substantially limit our ability to hedge. Our aggregate gross income from non-qualifying hedges, fees, and certain other non-qualifying sources cannot exceed 5% of our annual gross income. As a result, we might have to limit our use of advantageous hedging techniques or implement those hedges through a TRS. Any hedging income earned by a TRS would be subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax at regular corporate rates. This could increase the cost of our hedging activities or expose us to greater risks associated with changes in interest rates than we would otherwise want to bear.

 

 

Our ownership of and relationship with any TRSs that we form will be limited and a failure to comply with the limits would jeopardize our REIT qualification and may result in the application of a 100% excise tax.

 

A REIT may own up to 100% of the stock of one or more TRSs. A TRS may earn income that would not be qualifying income if earned directly by the parent REIT. Both the subsidiary and the REIT must jointly elect to treat the subsidiary as a TRS. A corporation (other than a REIT) of which a TRS directly or indirectly owns more than 35% of the voting power or value of the stock will automatically be treated as a TRS. Overall, no more than 20% of the value of a REIT’s total assets may consist of stock or securities of one or more TRSs. A domestic TRS will pay U.S. federal, state and local income tax at regular corporate rates on any income that it earns. In addition, the Code limits the deductibility of interest paid or accrued by a TRS to its parent REIT to ensure that the TRS is subject to an appropriate level of corporate taxation. The rules also impose a 100% excise tax on certain transactions between a TRS and its parent REIT that are not conducted on an arm’s length basis. Any domestic TRS that we may form will pay U.S. federal, state and local income tax on its taxable income, and its after-tax net income will be available for distribution to us (but is not required to be distributed to us unless necessary to maintain our REIT qualification).

 

We may pay taxable dividends in cash and our common stock, in which case stockholders may sell shares of our common stock to pay tax on such dividends, placing downward pressure on the market price of our common stock.

 

We may make taxable dividends that are payable partly in cash and partly in our common stock. The IRS has issued Revenue Procedure 2017-45 authorizing elective cash/stock dividends to be made by publicly offered REITs. Pursuant to Revenue Procedure 2017-45 the IRS will treat the distribution of stock pursuant to an elective cash/stock dividend as a distribution of property under Section 301 of the Code (i.e., a dividend), as long as at least 20% of the total dividend is available in cash and certain other parameters detailed in the Revenue Procedure are satisfied. Although we have no current intention of paying dividends in our own stock, if in the future we choose to pay dividends in our own stock, our stockholders may be required to pay tax in excess of the cash that they receive. If a U.S. stockholder sells the shares that it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of our common stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to certain non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in common stock. If we pay dividends in our common stock and a significant number of our stockholders determine to sell shares of our common stock in order to pay taxes owed on dividends, it may put downward pressure on the trading price of our common stock.

 

Our ownership limitations may restrict change of control or business combination opportunities in which our stockholders might receive a premium for their stock.

 

In order for us to qualify as a REIT for each taxable year after 2013, no more than 50% in value of our outstanding stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals during the last half of any calendar year. “Individuals” for this purpose include natural persons, private foundations, some employee benefit plans and trusts, and some charitable trusts. In order to assist us in qualifying as a REIT, among other purposes, ownership of our stock by any person is generally limited to 9.8% in value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of any class or series of our stock.

 

These ownership limitations could have the effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction in which holders of our common stock might receive a premium for their common stock over the then-prevailing market price or which holders might believe to be otherwise in their best interests.

 

Dividends payable by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates available for some dividends.

 

The maximum tax rate applicable to “qualified dividend income” payable to U.S. stockholders that are taxed at individual rates may be lower than ordinary income tax rates. Dividends payable by REITs, however, are generally not eligible for the reduced rates on qualified dividend income. Rather, ordinary REIT dividends constitute “qualified business income” and thus a 20% deduction is available to individual taxpayers with respect to such dividends. To qualify for this deduction, the U.S. stockholder receiving such dividends must hold the dividend-paying REIT stock for at least 46 days (taking into account certain special holding periods) of the 91-day period beginning 45 days before the stock becomes ex-dividend and cannot be under an obligation to make related payments with respect to a position in substantially similar or related property. The 20% deduction results in a 29.6% maximum U.S. federal income tax rate (plus the 3.8% surtax on net investment income, if applicable) for individual U.S. stockholders. Without further legislative action, the 20% deduction applicable to ordinary REIT dividends will expire on January 1, 2026. The more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate qualified dividends could cause investors who are taxed at individual rates to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stock of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could adversely affect the value of the shares of REITs, including our common stock.

 

 

Liquidation of our assets may jeopardize our REIT qualification.

 

To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we must comply with requirements regarding our assets and our sources of income. If we are compelled to liquidate our assets to repay obligations to our lenders, we may be unable to comply with these requirements, thereby jeopardizing our qualification as a REIT, or we may be subject to a 100% tax on any resultant gain if we sell assets that are treated as inventory or property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business.

 

Our qualification as a REIT and exemption from U.S. federal income tax with respect to certain assets may be dependent on the accuracy of legal opinions or advice rendered or given or statements by the issuers of assets that we acquire, and the inaccuracy of any such opinions, advice or statements may adversely affect our REIT qualification and result in significant corporate-level tax.

 

When purchasing securities, we may rely on opinions or advice of counsel for the issuer of such securities, or statements made in related offering documents, for purposes of determining whether such securities represent debt or equity securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the value of such securities, and the extent to which those securities constitute qualified real estate assets for purposes of the REIT asset tests and produce income that qualifies under the 75% gross income test. The inaccuracy of any such opinions, advice or statements may adversely affect our REIT qualification and result in significant corporate-level tax.

 

General Risk Factors

 

The occurrence of cyber-incidents, or a deficiency in our cybersecurity or in those of any of our third party service providers could negatively impact our business by causing a disruption to our operations, a compromise or corruption of our confidential information or damage to our business relationships or reputation, all of which could negatively impact our business and results of operations.

 

A cyber-incident is considered to be any adverse event that threatens the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of our information resources or the information resources of our third party service providers. More specifically, a cyber-incident is an intentional attack or an unintentional event that can include gaining unauthorized access to systems to disrupt operations, corrupt data, or steal confidential information. As our reliance on technology has increased, so have the risks posed to our systems, both internal and those we have outsourced. The primary risks that could directly result from the occurrence of a cyber-incident include operational interruption and private data exposure. We have implemented processes, procedures and controls to help mitigate these risks, but these measures, as well as our focus on mitigating the risk of a cyber-incident, do not guarantee that our business and results of operations will not be negatively impacted by such an incident.

 

We face possible risks associated with the effects of climate change and severe weather.

 

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

 

If we issue debt securities, our operations may be restricted and we will be exposed to additional risk.

 

If we decide to issue debt securities in the future, it is likely that such securities will be governed by an indenture or other instrument containing covenants restricting our operating flexibility. Additionally, any convertible or exchangeable securities that we issue in the future may have rights, preferences and privileges more favorable than those of our common stock. We, and indirectly our stockholders, will bear the cost of issuing and servicing such securities. Holders of debt securities may be granted specific rights, including but not limited to, the right to hold a perfected security interest in certain of our assets, the right to accelerate payments due under the indenture, rights to restrict dividend payments, and rights to approve the sale of assets. Such additional restrictive covenants and operating restrictions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

 

 

Future offerings of debt securities, which would be senior to our common stock upon liquidation, or equity securities, which would dilute our existing stockholders and may be senior to our common stock for the purposes of distributions, may harm the value of our common stock.

 

In the future, we may attempt to increase our capital resources by making additional offerings of debt or equity securities, including commercial paper, medium-term notes, senior or subordinated notes and classes of preferred stock or common stock, as well as warrants to purchase shares of common stock or convertible preferred stock or units consisting of any combination of the foregoing securities. Upon the liquidation of the Company, holders of our debt securities and shares of preferred stock and lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive a distribution of our available assets prior to the holders of our common stock. Additional equity offerings by us may dilute the holdings of our existing stockholders or reduce the market value of our common stock, or both. Our preferred stock, if issued, would have a preference on distributions that could limit our ability to make distributions to the holders of our common stock. Furthermore, our Board of Directors may, without stockholder approval, amend our charter to increase the aggregate number of shares or the number of shares of any class or series that we have the authority to issue, and to classify or reclassify any unissued shares of common stock or preferred stock. Because our decision to issue securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future securities offerings. Our stockholders are therefore subject to the risk of our future securities offerings reducing the market price of our common stock and diluting their common stock.

 

We are subject to risks related to corporate social responsibility.

 

Our business faces public scrutiny related to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) activities. We risk damage to our reputation if we or our Manager fail to act responsibly in a number of areas, such as diversity and inclusion, environmental stewardship, support for local communities, corporate governance and transparency and considering ESG factors in our investment processes. Adverse incidents with respect to ESG activities could impact the cost of our operations and relationships with investors, all of which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Additionally, new legislative or regulatory initiatives related to ESG could adversely affect our business.

 

We cannot predict the effect that government policies, laws and plans adopted in response to geopolitical events, a global pandemic, or the global recessionary economic conditions will have on us.

 

Governments have adopted, and may continue to adopt, policies, laws and plans intended to address geopolitical events such as war, including the current conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, terrorism, civil unrest, political instability, environmental or climatic factors, natural disasters, pandemic or epidemic outbreaks, public health crises and general economic conditions. We cannot assure you that these programs will be effective, sufficient or will otherwise have a positive impact on our business.

 

There can be no assurance as to how, in the long term, these and other actions by the U.S. government will affect the efficiency, liquidity and stability of the financial and mortgage markets or prepayments on Agency RMBS. To the extent the financial or mortgage markets do not respond favorably to any of these actions, such actions do not function as intended, or prepayments increase materially as a result of these actions, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.

 

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY

 

The Company has no employees and is externally managed by our Manager, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bimini. Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement, our Manager manages, operates and administers our day-to-day operations, business and affairs, subject to the direction and supervision of the Board. The Board plays an active role in overseeing management of our risks, and cybersecurity represents an important component of the Company’s overall approach to risk management and oversight.

 

As an externally managed company, the Company relies on our Manager’s information systems in connection with the Company’s day-to-day operations. Consequently, the Company also relies on our Manager’s processes for assessing, identifying, and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats undertaken by our Manager. All of the Company’s executive officers are executive officers, directors and employees of Bimini.

 

Our Manager’s cybersecurity processes and practices are integrated into the Company’s risk management and oversight program.  In general, the Company seeks to address cybersecurity risks through a comprehensive, cross-functional approach that is focused on preserving the confidentiality, security and availability of the information that the Company collects and stores by identifying, preventing and mitigating cybersecurity threats and effectively responding to cybersecurity incidents when they occur. The Company has adopted a cybersecurity incident response plan to enable rapid response, curtail further security breaches, mitigate and manage costs, and facilitate timely disclosure of material cyber incidents as required by the SEC.

 

Risk Management and Strategy

 

The Company, our Manager and our Board place a high priority on maintaining security over our financial information that can be accessed via the Internet and mitigating information security risks. The Company engages a third-party security firm to provide threat detection and reports, conduct annual testing of our Manager’s systems, train the Manager’s employees and generally advise on cybersecurity processes. At least annually, our Manager has its information technology team make a formal presentation to our Audit Committee and the Board to keep them apprised of the level of cybersecurity that exists to protect our financial information, training of the Company’s officers and the Manager’s employees, and the latest threats that have emerged, including a presentation from the third-party security firm.

 

The Company’s cybersecurity program is focused on the following key areas:

 

●

Governance: As discussed in more detail under “Item 1C. Cybersecurity—Governance,” the Audit Committee and the Board oversee cybersecurity risk management by regularly interacting with the Company’s management team, our Manager’s information technology team and a third-party security firm.

 

●

Collaborative Approach: The Company has implemented a comprehensive, cross-functional approach to identifying, preventing and mitigating cybersecurity threats and incidents, while also implementing controls and procedures that provide for the prompt escalation of certain cybersecurity incidents so that decisions regarding the public disclosure and reporting of such incidents can be made by management in a timely manner.

 

●

Technical Safeguards: The Company deploys technical safeguards that are designed to protect information systems from cybersecurity threats, including firewalls, intrusion prevention and detection systems, redundant data storage and retention methods, anti-malware functionality and access controls, which are evaluated and improved through vulnerability and exposure assessments and cybersecurity threat intelligence. With the help of the third-party security firm, the Company has implemented several layers of physical security, digital security and data backup.

 

●

Incident Response and Recovery Planning: The Company has established a comprehensive incident response and recovery plan that addresses the response to a cybersecurity incident and plans to test and evaluate that plan on a regular basis.

 

 

●

Third-Party Risk Management: The Company maintains a comprehensive, risk-based approach to identifying and overseeing cybersecurity risks presented by third parties, including counterparties, service providers or other external users of our Manager’s systems, as well as the systems of third parties that could adversely impact the Company’s business in the event of a cybersecurity incident affecting those third-party systems.

 

●

Education and Awareness: A third-party security firm provides training to our Manager’s employees, helping our Manager’s information technology team to maintain a state-of-the-art cybersecurity system and stay up to date on the latest threats and counter measures available. The third-party security firm places a high priority on employee threat education through automated internal phishing tests. Our Manager’s information technology team attends continuing education seminars and receives timely alerts to any new viruses or cyber threats as they occur as a means to equip personnel with effective tools to address cybersecurity threats, and to communicate evolving information security policies, standards, processes and practices.

 

Governance

 

The Company believes oversight of cybersecurity risk is the responsibility of the Audit Committee and the full Board. Accordingly, the Audit Committee and the Board oversee the Company’s cybersecurity risk management process. The Board considers the Company’s cybersecurity posture and risk exposure with management taking into consideration the Company’s operations and the types of data retained on its systems as part of its and the Audit Committee’s periodic review of the Company’s risk management. The Company’s primary business involves investments in Agency RMBS, which are securities backed primarily by single-family residential mortgage loans. The Company does not receive personal information on individual mortgage borrowers. The Board reviews the Company’s cybersecurity program and risk exposure with management on at least an annual basis and receives reports from management, the Manager’s information technology team, and the Company’s third-party security firm on these matters from time to time. The Board may also conduct additional cybersecurity reviews or receive additional updates or reports as it deems necessary.

 

As noted above, the Company relies on its Manager’s information systems in connection with the Company’s day-to-day operations. Consequently, the Company also relies on the processes for assessing, identifying, and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats undertaken by its Manager. Messrs. Cauley and Haas work collaboratively to implement a program designed to protect our Manager’s information systems from cybersecurity threats and to promptly respond to any cybersecurity incidents in accordance with the Company’s incident response and recovery plan. These members of the Company’s management team monitor the prevention, detection, mitigation and remediation of cybersecurity threats and incidents and report such threats and incidents to the Board when appropriate.

 

Messrs. Cauley and Haas each hold undergraduate and graduate degrees in their respective fields, and each have approximately twenty years of experience managing risks at the Company and at similar companies, including risks arising from cybersecurity threats.

 

Cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, have not materially affected and are not reasonably likely to affect the Company, including its business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. The Company is not aware of any material security breach to date. Accordingly, the Company has not incurred any expenses over the last three years on information security breaches. However, the Company faces certain ongoing risks from cybersecurity that, if realized, could materially affect the Company. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors - The occurrence of cyber-incidents, or a deficiency in our cybersecurity or in those of any of our third party service providers could negatively impact our business by causing a disruption to our operations, a compromise or corruption of our confidential information or damage to our business relationships or reputation, all of which could negatively impact our business and results of operations.” There can be no assurance that the Company's cybersecurity risk management program and processes, including its policies, controls or procedures, will be fully implemented, complied with or effective in protecting its systems and information.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

We do not own any real property. Our offices are owned by Bimini, the parent of our Manager, and are located at 3305 Flamingo Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32963. We consider this property to be adequate for our business as currently conducted. Our telephone number is (772) 231-1400.

 

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are not party to any material pending legal proceedings as described in Item 103 of Regulation S-K.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES ITEM 5.

 

Not Applicable.

 

PART II

 

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Market Information and Holders

 

Our common stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol “ORC.” As of February 23, 2024, we had 51,303,301 shares of common stock issued and outstanding which were held by 13 stockholders of record and approximately 57,500 beneficial owners whose shares were held in “street name” by brokers and depository institutions.

 

Dividend Distribution Policy

 

We intend to continue to make regular monthly cash distributions to our stockholders, as more fully described below. To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we must distribute annually to our stockholders an amount at least equal to 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deductions for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain. We will be subject to income tax on our taxable income that is not distributed and to an excise tax to the extent that certain percentages of our taxable income are not distributed by specified dates. Income as computed for purposes of the foregoing tax rules will not necessarily correspond to our income as determined for financial reporting purposes pursuant to GAAP.

 

Any additional distributions we make will be authorized by and at the discretion of our Board of Directors based upon a variety of factors deemed relevant by our directors, which may include:

 

●

actual results of operations;

●

our financial condition;

●

our level of retained cash flows;

●

our capital requirements;

●

any debt service requirements;

●

our taxable income;

●

the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code;

●

applicable provisions of Maryland law; and

●

other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant.

 

We have not established a minimum distribution payment level, and we cannot assure you of our ability to make distributions to our stockholders in the future.

 

Our charter authorizes us to issue preferred stock that could have a preference over our common stock with respect to distributions. If we issue any preferred stock, the distribution preference on the preferred stock could limit our ability to make distributions to the holders of our common stock.

 

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. To the extent that our cash available for distribution is less than the amount required to be distributed under the REIT provisions of the Code, we may consider various funding sources to cover any shortfall, including selling certain of our assets, borrowing funds or using a portion of the net proceeds we receive in future securities offerings (and thus all or a portion of such distributions may constitute a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes). We also may elect to pay all or a portion of any distribution in the form of a taxable distribution of our stock or debt securities. In addition, our Board of Directors may change our distribution policy in the future.

 

 

Performance Graph

 

Set forth below is a graph comparing the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total return on our common stock, with the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Total Return Index, the FTSE NAREIT Mortgage REIT Index and an index of selected issuers in our Agency REIT Peer Group (composed of AGNC Investment Corp., Annaly Capital Management, Inc., ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc., Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corporation and Dynex Capital, Inc.) for the period beginning December 31, 2018, and ending December 31, 2023, assuming the investment of $100 on December 31, 2018 and the reinvestment of dividends.

 

The information in the performance chart and the table below has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy nor its completeness can be guaranteed. The historical information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of future performance.

 

 

 

		12/31/2018				12/31/2019				12/31/2020				12/31/2021				12/31/2022				12/31/2023
Orchid Island Capital, Inc.			100.00				106.86				112.47				112.63				62.93				61.01
Agency REIT Peer Group			100.00				102.20				90.93				92.41				73.83				80.55
NAREIT Mortgage REIT TRR Index			100.00				121.33				98.56				113.97				83.64				96.48
S&P 500 Total Return Index			100.00				131.49				155.68				200.37				164.08				207.21

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

 

Information about securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans required for this Item 5 is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with our 2024 annual meeting of stockholders.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

 

The Company did not issue or sell equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act during the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

On July 29, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 400,000 shares of the Company's common stock. On February 8, 2018, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the stock repurchase program for up to an additional 904,564 shares of the Company's common stock. On December 9, 2021, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the number of shares of the Company’s common stock available in the stock repurchase program for up to an additional 3,372,399 shares. On October 12, 2022, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the stock repurchase program for up to an additional 4,300,000 shares of the Company's common stock, bringing the remaining authorization under the stock repurchase program to up to 6,183,601 shares, representing approximately 18% of the Company’s then outstanding shares of common stock. Unless modified or revoked by the Board, the authorization does not expire.

 

 

The table below presents the Company's share repurchase activity for the three months ended December 31, 2023.

 

														Maximum
														Number of
										Shares				Shares That
		Total				Weighted-				Purchased as				May Yet Be
		Number				Average				Part of Publicly				Repurchased
		of Shares				Price Paid				Announced				Under the
		Repurchased(1)				Per Share				Programs				Authorization
October 1, 2023 - October 31, 2023			-			$	-				-				4,928,350
November 1, 2023 - November 30, 2023			-			$	-				-				4,928,350
December 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023			700,691			$	7.81				699,748				4,228,602
Totals / Weighted Average			700,691			$	7.81				699,748				4,228,602

 

(1)

Includes 943 shares of the Company’s common stock acquired by the Company in connection with the satisfaction of tax withholding obligations on vested employment related awards under equity incentive plans. These repurchases do not reduce the number of shares available under the stock repurchase program authorization.

 

ITEM 6. RESERVED.

 

 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes to those statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The discussion may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are those that are not historical in nature. As a result of many factors, such as those set forth under “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-K, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements.

 

Common Stock Reverse Split

 

On August 30, 2022, the Company effected a 1-for-5 reverse stock split of its common stock and proportionately decreased the number of authorized shares of common stock.  All share and per share information has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the reverse split.

 

Overview

 

We are a specialty finance company that invests in residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) which are issued and guaranteed by a federally chartered corporation or agency (“Agency RMBS”). Our investment strategy focuses on, and our portfolio consists of, two categories of Agency RMBS: (i) traditional pass-through Agency RMBS, such as mortgage pass-through certificates issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae"), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac" and together with Fannie Mae, the "Enterprises") or the Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae" and, together with the Enterprises the “GSEs”) and collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) issued by the GSEs (“PT RMBS”) and (ii) structured Agency RMBS, such as interest-only securities (“IOs”), inverse interest-only securities (“IIOs”) and principal only securities (“POs”), among other types of structured Agency RMBS. We were formed by Bimini Capital Management, Inc. ("Bimini") in August 2010, commenced operations on November 24, 2010 and completed our initial public offering (“IPO”) on February 20, 2013. We are externally managed by Bimini Advisors, LLC ("Bimini Advisors," or our "Manager"), an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

Our business objective is to provide attractive risk-adjusted total returns over the long term through a combination of capital appreciation and the payment of regular monthly distributions. We intend to achieve this objective by investing in and strategically allocating capital between the two categories of Agency RMBS described above. We seek to generate income from (i) the net interest margin on our leveraged PT RMBS portfolio and the leveraged portion of our structured Agency RMBS portfolio, and (ii) the interest income we generate from the unleveraged portion of our structured Agency RMBS portfolio. We intend to fund our PT RMBS and certain of our structured Agency RMBS through short-term borrowings structured as repurchase agreements. PT RMBS and structured Agency RMBS typically exhibit materially different sensitivities to movements in interest rates. Declines in the value of one portfolio may be offset by appreciation in the other. The percentage of capital that we allocate to our two Agency RMBS asset categories will vary and will be actively managed in an effort to maintain the level of income generated by the combined portfolios, the stability of that income stream and the stability of the value of the combined portfolios. We believe that this strategy will enhance our liquidity, earnings, book value stability and asset selection opportunities in various interest rate environments.

 

We operate so as to qualify to be taxed as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). We generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent that we currently distribute all of our REIT taxable income (as defined in the Code) to our stockholders and maintain our REIT qualification.

 

The Company’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ORC”.

 

Capital Raising Activities

 

On August 4, 2020, we entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “August 2020 Equity Distribution Agreement”) with four sales agents pursuant to which we could offer and sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of $150,000,000 of shares of our common stock in transactions that were deemed to be “at the market” offerings and privately negotiated transactions. We issued a total of 5,498,730 shares under the August 2020 Equity Distribution Agreement for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $150.0 million, and net proceeds of approximately $147.4 million, after commissions and fees, prior to its termination in June 2021.

 

 

On January 20, 2021, we entered into an underwriting agreement (the “January 2021 Underwriting Agreement”) with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“J.P. Morgan”), relating to the offer and sale of 1,520,000 shares of our common stock. J.P. Morgan purchased the shares of our common stock from the Company pursuant to the January 2021 Underwriting Agreement at $26.00 per share. In addition, we granted J.P. Morgan a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 228,000 shares of our common stock on the same terms and conditions, which J.P. Morgan exercised in full on January 21, 2021. The closing of the offering of 1,748,000 shares of our common stock occurred on January 25, 2021, with proceeds to us of approximately $45.2 million, net of offering expenses.

 

On March 2, 2021, we entered into an underwriting agreement (the “March 2021 Underwriting Agreement”) with J.P. Morgan, relating to the offer and sale of 1,600,000 shares of our common stock. J.P. Morgan purchased the shares of our common stock from the Company pursuant to the March 2021 Underwriting Agreement at $27.25 per share. In addition, we granted J.P. Morgan a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 240,000 shares of our common stock on the same terms and conditions, which J.P. Morgan exercised in full on March 3, 2021. The closing of the offering of 1,840,000 shares of our common stock occurred on March 5, 2021, with proceeds to us of approximately $50.0 million, net of offering expenses.

 

On June 22, 2021, we entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “June 2021 Equity Distribution Agreement”) with four sales agents pursuant to which we could offer and sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of $250,000,000 of shares of our common stock in transactions that were deemed to be “at the market” offerings and privately negotiated transactions. We issued a total of 9,881,467 shares under the June 2021 Equity Distribution Agreement for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $250.0 million, and net proceeds of approximately $246.2 million, after commissions and fees, prior to its termination in October 2021.

 

On October 29, 2021, we entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “October 2021 Equity Distribution Agreement”) with four sales agents pursuant to which we could offer and sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of $250,000,000 of shares of our common stock in transactions that were deemed to be “at the market” offerings and privately negotiated transactions. We issued a total of 9,742,188 shares under the October 2021 Equity Distribution Agreement for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $151.8 million, and net proceeds of approximately $149.3 million, after commissions and fees, prior to its termination in March 2023. 

 

On March 7, 2023, we entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “March 2023 Equity Distribution Agreement”) with three sales agents pursuant to which we may offer and sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of $250,000,000 of shares of our common stock in transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” offerings and privately negotiated transactions. Through December 31, 2023, we issued a total of 13,190,039 shares under the March 2023 Equity Distribution Agreement for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $129.9 million, and net proceeds of approximately $127.8 million, after commissions and fees.

 

Stock Repurchase Program

 

On July 29, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 400,000 shares of our common stock. The timing, manner, price and amount of any repurchases is determined by the Company in its discretion and is subject to economic and market conditions, stock price, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The authorization does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock and the program may be suspended or discontinued at the Company’s discretion without prior notice. On February 8, 2018, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the stock repurchase program for up to an additional 904,564 shares of the Company’s common stock. Coupled with the 156,751 shares remaining from the original 400,000 share authorization, the increased authorization brought the total authorization to 1,061,315 shares, representing 10% of the then outstanding share count. 

 

On December 9, 2021, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the number of shares of the Company’s common stock available in the stock repurchase program for up to an additional 3,372,399 shares, bringing the remaining authorization under the stock repurchase program to 3,539,861 shares, representing approximately 10% of the Company’s then outstanding shares of common stock.

 

On October 12, 2022, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the number of shares of the Company’s common stock available in the stock repurchase program for up to an additional 4,300,000 shares, bringing the remaining authorization under the stock repurchase program to 6,183,601 shares, representing approximately 18% of the Company’s then outstanding shares of common stock. This stock repurchase program has no termination date.

 

 

From the inception of the stock repurchase program through December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased a total of 4,748,361 shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $74.2 million, including commissions and fees, for a weighted average price of $15.63 per share. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased a total of 1,072,789 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately $9.4 million, including commissions and fees, for a weighted average price of $8.79 per share. Subsequent to December 31, 2023, and through February 23, 2024, the Company repurchased a total of 332,773 shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $2.8 million, including commissions and fees, for a weighted average price of $8.35 per share.

 

Factors that Affect our Results of Operations and Financial Condition

 

A variety of industry and economic factors may impact our results of operations and financial condition. These factors include:

 

	●	interest rate trends;
	●	increases in our cost of funds resulting from increases in the Federal Funds rate that are controlled by the Federal Reserve (the "Fed") that occurred in 2022 and 2023;
	●	the difference between Agency RMBS yields and our funding and hedging costs;

●

competition for, and supply of, investments in Agency RMBS;

●

actions taken by the U.S. government, including the presidential administration, the Fed, the Federal Housing Financing Agency (the “FHFA”), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"), the Federal Housing Administration (the “FHA”), the Federal Open Market Committee (the “FOMC”) and the U.S. Treasury;

●

prepayment rates on mortgages underlying our Agency RMBS and credit trends insofar as they affect prepayment rates; and

●

other market developments, including bank failures.

 

In addition, a variety of factors relating to our business may also impact our results of operations and financial condition. These factors include:

 

	●	our degree of leverage;
	●	our access to funding and borrowing capacity;

●

our borrowing costs;

●

our hedging activities;

●

the market value of our investments; and

●

the requirements to maintain our qualification as a REIT and the requirements to qualify for a registration exemption under the Investment Company Act.

 

Results of Operations

 

Described below are the Company’s results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the Company’s results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

 

Net Loss Summary

 

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $39.2 million, or $0.89 per share. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $258.5 million, or $6.90 per share. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $64.8 million, or $2.67 per share. The components of net loss for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 are presented in the table below:

 

(in thousands)
		2023				2022				2021
Interest income		$	177,569			$	144,633			$	134,700
Interest expense			(201,918	)			(61,708	)			(7,090	)
Net interest income			(24,349	)			82,925				127,610
Gains (losses) on RMBS and derivative contracts			3,654				(323,929	)			(177,504	)
Net portfolio loss			(20,695	)			(241,004	)			(49,894	)
Expenses			(18,531	)			(17,449	)			(14,866	)
Net loss		$	(39,226	)		$	(258,453	)		$	(64,760	)

 

GAAP and Non-GAAP Reconciliations

 

In addition to the results presented in accordance with GAAP, our results of operations discussed below include certain non-GAAP financial information, including “Net Earnings Excluding Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses”, “Economic Interest Expense”, “Economic Net Interest Income,” “Interest Income – Inclusive of Premium Amortization/Discount Accretion” and “Yield on Average RMBS – Inclusive of Premium Amortization/Discount Accretion.”

 

Net Earnings Excluding Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses

 

We have elected to account for our Agency RMBS under the fair value option. Securities held under the fair value option are recorded at estimated fair value, with changes in the fair value recorded as unrealized gains or losses through the statements of comprehensive income (loss).

 

In addition, we have not designated our derivative financial instruments used for hedging purposes as hedges for accounting purposes, but rather hold them for economic hedging purposes. Changes in fair value of these instruments are presented in a separate line item in the Company’s statements of comprehensive income (loss) and are not included in interest expense. As such, for financial reporting purposes, interest expense and cost of funds are not impacted by the fluctuation in value of the derivative instruments.

 

Presenting net earnings excluding realized and unrealized gains and losses allows management to: (i) isolate the net interest income and other expenses of the Company over time, free of all fair value adjustments and (ii) assess the effectiveness of our funding and hedging strategies on our capital allocation decisions and our asset allocation performance. Our funding and hedging strategies, capital allocation and asset selection are integral to our risk management strategy, and therefore critical to the management of our portfolio. We believe that the presentation of our net earnings excluding realized and unrealized gains is useful to investors because it provides a means of comparing our results of operations to those of our peers who have not elected the same accounting treatment. Our presentation of net earnings excluding realized and unrealized gains and losses may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies, who may use different calculations. As a result, net earnings excluding realized and unrealized gains and losses should not be considered as a substitute for our GAAP net income (loss) as a measure of our financial performance or any measure of our liquidity under GAAP. The table below presents a reconciliation of our net income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP and net earnings excluding realized and unrealized gains and losses. Described below are the Company's results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

 

Net Earnings (Loss) Excluding Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses
(in thousands, except per share data)
														Per Share
										Net												Net
										Earnings												Earnings
										(Loss)												(Loss)
										Excluding												Excluding
		Net				Realized and				Realized and				Net				Realized and				Realized and
		Income				Unrealized				Unrealized				Income				Unrealized				Unrealized
		(Loss)				Gains and				Gains and				(Loss)				Gains and				Gains and
		(GAAP)				Losses(1)				Losses				(GAAP)				Losses(1)				Losses
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2023		$	27,127			$	33,977			$	(6,850	)		$	0.52			$	0.65			$	(0.13	)
September 30, 2023			(80,132	)			(66,890	)			(13,242	)			(1.68	)			(1.40	)			(0.28	)
June 30, 2023			10,249				23,828				(13,579	)			0.25				0.59				(0.34	)
March 31, 2023			3,530				12,739				(9,209	)			0.09				0.33				(0.24	)
December 31, 2022			34,926				36,727				(1,801	)			0.95				1.00				(0.05	)
September 30, 2022			(84,513	)			(94,433	)			9,920				(2.40	)			(2.68	)			0.28
June 30, 2022			(60,139	)			(82,673	)			22,534				(1.70	)			(2.33	)			0.63
March 31, 2022			(148,727	)			(183,550	)			34,823				(4.20	)			(5.19	)			0.99
December 31, 2021			(44,564	)			(82,709	)			38,145				(1.33	)			(2.46	)			1.13
September 30, 2021			26,038				(2,957	)			28,995				1.01				(0.11	)			1.12
June 30, 2021			(16,865	)			(40,926	)			24,061				(0.85	)			(2.06	)			1.21
March 31, 2021			(29,369	)			(50,912	)			21,543				(1.72	)			(2.98	)			1.26
Years Ended
December 31, 2023		$	(39,226	)		$	3,654			$	(42,880	)		$	(0.89	)		$	0.08			$	(0.97	)
December 31, 2022			(258,453	)			(323,929	)			65,476				(6.90	)			(8.65	)			1.75
December 31, 2021			(64,760	)			(177,504	)			112,744				(2.67	)			(7.33	)			4.66

 

(1)	Includes realized and unrealized gains (losses) on RMBS and derivative financial instruments, including net interest income or expense on interest rate swaps.

 

Prior to 2023, we included certain expenses related to our derivative instruments in "Direct REIT operating expenses" in the statements of comprehensive income (loss).  Beginning in 2023, we have included these expenses in "Gains (losses) on derivative and hedging instruments."  Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.  The table below presents the effect of this reclassification for each quarter in 2022 and 2021.

 

Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses - Reclassification of Derivative Transaction Expenses
(in thousands, except per share data)
														Net Earnings (Loss) Excluding
		Realized and Unrealized												Realized and Unrealized
		Gains and Losses												Gains and Losses
		Prior				Reclassified				Current				Prior				Reclassified				Current
		Presentation				Expenses				Presentation				Presentation				Expenses				Presentation
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2022		$	38,389			$	(1,662	)		$	36,727			$	(3,463	)		$	(1,662	)		$	(1,801	)
September 30, 2022			(93,544	)			(889	)			(94,433	)			9,031				(889	)			9,920
June 30, 2022			(82,282	)			(391	)			(82,673	)			22,143				(391	)			22,534
March 31, 2022			(183,232	)			(318	)			(183,550	)			34,505				(318	)			34,823
December 31, 2021			(82,597	)			(112	)			(82,709	)			38,033				(112	)			38,145
September 30, 2021			(2,887	)			(70	)			(2,957	)			28,925				(70	)			28,995
June 30, 2021			(40,844	)			(82	)			(40,926	)			23,979				(82	)			24,061
March 31, 2021			(50,791	)			(121	)			(50,912	)			21,422				(121	)			21,543
		Per Share
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2022		$	1.04			$	(0.04	)		$	1.00			$	(0.09	)		$	(0.04	)		$	(0.05	)
September 30, 2022			(2.66	)			(0.02	)			(2.68	)			0.26				(0.02	)			0.28
June 30, 2022			(2.32	)			(0.01	)			(2.33	)			0.62				(0.01	)			0.63
March 31, 2022			(5.18	)			(0.01	)			(5.19	)			0.98				(0.01	)			0.99
December 31, 2021			(2.46	)			-				(2.46	)			1.13				-				1.13
September 30, 2021			(0.11	)			-				(0.11	)			1.12				-				1.12
June 30, 2021			(2.05	)			(0.01	)			(2.06	)			1.20				(0.01	)			1.21
March 31, 2021			(2.98	)			-				(2.98	)			1.26				-				1.26

 

Economic Interest Expense and Economic Net Interest Income

 

We use derivative and other hedging instruments, specifically Fed Funds, SOFR and T-Note futures contracts, short positions in U.S. Treasury securities, interest rate caps, interest rate swaps and swaptions, to hedge a portion of the interest rate risk on repurchase agreements in a rising rate environment.

 

We have not elected to designate our derivative holdings for hedge accounting treatment. Changes in fair value of these instruments are presented in a separate line item in our statements of comprehensive income (loss) and not included in interest expense. As such, for financial reporting purposes, interest expense and cost of funds are not impacted by the fluctuation in value of the derivative instruments.

 

For the purpose of computing economic net interest income and ratios relating to cost of funds measures, GAAP interest expense has been adjusted to reflect the realized and unrealized gains or losses on certain derivative instruments the Company uses, specifically Fed Funds, SOFR and T-Note futures, and interest rate swaps and swaptions, that pertain to each period presented. We believe that adjusting our interest expense for the periods presented by the gains or losses on these derivative instruments would not accurately reflect our economic interest expense for these periods. The reason is that these derivative instruments may cover periods that extend into the future, not just the current period. Any realized or unrealized gains or losses on the instruments reflect the change in market value of the instrument caused by changes in underlying interest rates applicable to the term covered by the instrument, not just the current period. For each period presented, we have combined the effects of the derivative financial instruments in place for the respective period with the actual interest expense incurred on borrowings to reflect total economic interest expense for the applicable period. Interest expense, including the effect of derivative instruments for the period, is referred to as economic interest expense. Net interest income, when calculated to include the effect of derivative instruments for the period, is referred to as economic net interest income. This presentation includes gains or losses on all contracts in effect during the reporting period, covering the current period as well as periods in the future.

 

 

From time to time, we invest in TBAs, which are forward contracts for the purchase or sale of Agency RMBS at a predetermined price, face amount, issuer, coupon and stated maturity on an agreed-upon future date. The specific Agency RMBS to be delivered into the contract are not known until shortly before the settlement date. We may choose, prior to settlement, to move the settlement of these securities out to a later date by entering into a dollar roll transaction. The Agency RMBS purchased or sold for a forward settlement date are typically priced at a discount to equivalent securities settling in the current month. Consequently, forward purchases of Agency RMBS and dollar roll transactions represent a form of off-balance sheet financing. These TBAs are accounted for as derivatives and marked to market through the income statement. Gains or losses on TBAs are included with gains or losses on other derivative contracts and are not included in interest income for purposes of the discussions below.

 

We believe that economic interest expense and economic net interest income provide meaningful information to consider, in addition to the respective amounts prepared in accordance with GAAP. The non-GAAP measures help management to evaluate its financial position and performance without the effects of certain transactions and GAAP adjustments that are not necessarily indicative of our current investment portfolio or operations. The unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments presented in our statements of comprehensive income (loss) are not necessarily representative of the total interest rate expense that we will ultimately realize. This is because as interest rates move up or down in the future, the gains or losses we ultimately realize, and which will affect our total interest rate expense in future periods, may differ from the unrealized gains or losses recognized as of the reporting date.

 

Our presentation of the economic value of our hedging strategy has important limitations. First, other market participants may calculate economic interest expense and economic net interest income differently than the way we calculate them. Second, while we believe that the calculation of the economic value of our hedging strategy described above helps to present our financial position and performance, it may be of limited usefulness as an analytical tool. Therefore, the economic value of our investment strategy should not be viewed in isolation and is not a substitute for interest expense and net interest income computed in accordance with GAAP.

 

The tables below present a reconciliation of the adjustments to interest expense shown for each period relative to our derivative instruments, and the income statement line item, gains (losses) on derivative instruments, calculated in accordance with GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 and each quarter during 2023, 2022 and 2021.

 

Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments
(in thousands)
														Economic Hedges
		Recognized in												Attributed to				Attributed to
		Income				TBA Securities Gain (Loss)								Current				Future
		Statement				Short				Long				Period				Periods
		(GAAP)				Positions				Positions				(Non-GAAP)				(Non-GAAP)
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2023		$	(149,016	)		$	(29,750	)		$	(2,262	)		$	25,161			$	(142,165	)
September 30, 2023			142,042				21,511				(2,024	)			24,440				98,115
June 30, 2023			93,367				15,599				(574	)			23,482				54,860
March 31, 2023			(41,156	)			(5,990	)			-				19,211				(54,377	)
December 31, 2022			(12,319	)			(9,700	)			-				9,414				(12,033	)
September 30, 2022			183,930				10,642				106				4,154				169,028
June 30, 2022			103,367				1,013				1,067				1,605				99,682
March 31, 2022			177,498				2,539				27				(1,605	)			176,537
December 31, 2021			10,833				2,568				-				(8,061	)			16,326
September 30, 2021			5,305				(2,306	)			-				(1,318	)			8,929
June 30, 2021			(34,997	)			(5,963	)			-				(5,186	)			(23,848	)
March 31, 2021			45,351				9,133				(8,559	)			(4,165	)			48,942
Years Ended
December 31, 2023		$	45,237			$	1,370			$	(4,860	)		$	92,294			$	(43,567	)
December 31, 2022			452,476				4,494				1,200				13,568				433,214
December 31, 2021			26,492				3,432				(8,559	)			(18,730	)			50,349

 

 

The table below presents the effect of the reclassification of derivative expenses discussed above for each quarter in 2022 and 2021.

 

Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments - Reclassification of Derivative Transaction Expenses
(in thousands)
		Recognized in Income Statement												Attributed to Current Period
		Prior				Reclassified				Current				Prior				Reclassified				Current
		Presentation				Expenses				Presentation				Presentation				Expenses				Presentation
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2022		$	(10,657	)		$	1,662			$	(12,319	)		$	11,076			$	1,662			$	9,414
September 30, 2022			184,819				889				183,930				5,043				889				4,154
June 30, 2022			103,758				391				103,367				1,996				391				1,605
March 31, 2022			177,816				318				177,498				(1,287	)			318				(1,605	)
December 31, 2021			10,945				112				10,833				(7,949	)			112				(8,061	)
September 30, 2021			5,375				70				5,305				(1,248	)			70				(1,318	)
June 30, 2021			(34,915	)			82				(34,997	)			(5,104	)			82				(5,186	)
March 31, 2021			45,472				121				45,351				(4,044	)			121				(4,165	)

 

Economic Interest Expense and Economic Net Interest Income
(in thousands)
						Interest Expense on Borrowings
										Gains
										(Losses) on
										Derivative
										Instruments								Net Interest Income
						GAAP				Attributed				Economic				GAAP				Economic
		Interest				Interest				to Current				Interest				Net Interest				Net Interest
		Income				Expense				Period(1)				Expense(2)				Income				Income(3)
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2023		$	49,539			$	52,325			$	25,161			$	27,164			$	(2,786	)		$	22,375
September 30, 2023			50,107				58,705				24,440				34,265				(8,598	)			15,842
June 30, 2023			39,911				48,671				23,482				25,189				(8,760	)			14,722
March 31, 2023			38,012				42,217				19,211				23,006				(4,205	)			15,006
December 31, 2022			31,897				29,512				9,414				20,098				2,385				11,799
September 30, 2022			35,611				21,361				4,154				17,207				14,250				18,404
June 30, 2022			35,268				8,180				1,605				6,575				27,088				28,693
March 31, 2022			41,857				2,655				(1,605	)			4,260				39,202				37,597
December 31, 2021			44,421				2,023				(8,061	)			10,084				42,398				34,337
September 30, 2021			34,169				1,570				(1,318	)			2,888				32,599				31,281
June 30, 2021			29,254				1,556				(5,186	)			6,742				27,698				22,512
March 31, 2021			26,856				1,941				(4,165	)			6,106				24,915				20,750
Years Ended
December 31, 2023		$	177,569			$	201,918			$	92,294			$	109,624			$	(24,349	)		$	67,945
December 31, 2022			144,633				61,708				13,568				48,140				82,925				96,493
December 31, 2021			134,700				7,090				(18,730	)			25,820				127,610				108,880

 

(1)	Reflects the effect of derivative instrument hedges for only the period presented.

(2)	Calculated by adding the effect of derivative instrument hedges attributed to the period presented to GAAP interest expense.

(3)	Calculated by adding the effect of derivative instrument hedges attributed to the period presented to GAAP net interest income.

 

Net Interest Income

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we generated $24.4 million of net interest expense, consisting of $177.6 million of interest income from RMBS assets offset by $201.9 million of interest expense on borrowings. For the comparable period ended December 31, 2022, we generated $82.9 million of net interest income, consisting of $144.6 million of interest income from RMBS assets offset by $61.7 million of interest expense on borrowings. The $32.9 million increase in interest income was driven by an 83 basis points ("bps") increase in yield on average RMBS that was partially offset by a $34.3 million decrease in average RMBS. The $140.2 million increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 was driven by a 354 bps increase in the average cost of funds, offset by a $57.0 million decrease in average borrowings.

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2021, we generated $127.6 million of net interest income, consisting of $134.7 million of interest income from RMBS assets offset by $7.1 million of interest expense on borrowings. The $9.9 million increase in interest income for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, was due to a 72 bps increase in yield on average RMBS, that was partially offset by a $745.5 million decrease in average RMBS. The $54.6 million increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 was due to a 138 bps increase in the average cost of funds, partially offset by a $665.5 million decrease in average borrowings.

 

On an economic basis, our interest expense on borrowings for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $109.6 million, $48.1 million and $25.8 million, respectively, resulting in $68.0 million, $96.5 million and $108.9 million of economic net interest income, respectively.

 

The tables below provide information on our portfolio average balances, interest income, yield on assets, average borrowings, interest expense, cost of funds, net interest income and net interest spread for each quarter in 2023, 2022 and 2021 and for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 on both a GAAP and economic basis.

 

($ in thousands)
		Average								Yield on								Interest Expense								Average Cost of Funds
		RMBS				Interest				Average				Average				GAAP				Economic				GAAP				Economic
		Held(1)				Income				RMBS				Borrowings(1)				Basis				Basis(2)				Basis				Basis(3)
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2023		$	4,207,118			$	49,539				4.71	%		$	4,066,298			$	52,325			$	27,164				5.15	%			2.67	%
September 30, 2023			4,447,098				50,107				4.51	%			4,314,332				58,705				34,265				5.44	%			3.18	%
June 30, 2023			4,186,939				39,911				3.81	%			3,985,577				48,671				25,189				4.88	%			2.53	%
March 31, 2023			3,769,954				38,012				4.03	%			3,573,941				42,217				23,006				4.72	%			2.57	%
December 31, 2022			3,370,608				31,897				3.79	%			3,256,153				29,512				20,098				3.63	%			2.47	%
September 30, 2022			3,571,037				35,611				3.99	%			3,446,420				21,361				17,207				2.48	%			2.00	%
June 30, 2022			4,260,727				35,268				3.31	%			4,111,544				8,180				6,575				0.80	%			0.64	%
March 31, 2022			5,545,844				41,857				3.02	%			5,354,107				2,655				4,260				0.20	%			0.32	%
December 31, 2021			6,056,259				44,421				2.93	%			5,728,988				2,023				10,084				0.14	%			0.70	%
September 30, 2021			5,136,331				34,169				2.66	%			4,864,287				1,570				2,888				0.13	%			0.24	%
June 30, 2021			4,504,887				29,254				2.60	%			4,348,192				1,556				6,742				0.14	%			0.62	%
March 31, 2021			4,032,716				26,856				2.66	%			3,888,633				1,941				6,106				0.20	%			0.63	%
Years Ended
December 31, 2023		$	4,152,777			$	177,569				4.28	%		$	3,985,037			$	201,918			$	109,624				5.07	%			2.75	%
December 31, 2022			4,187,054				144,633				3.45	%			4,042,056				61,708				48,140				1.53	%			1.19	%
December 31, 2021			4,932,548				134,700				2.73	%			4,707,525				7,090				25,820				0.15	%			0.55	%

 

 

($ in thousands)
		Net Interest Income								Net Interest Spread
		GAAP				Economic				GAAP				Economic
		Basis				Basis(2)				Basis				Basis(4)
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2023		$	(2,786	)		$	22,375				(0.44	)%			2.04	%
September 30, 2023			(8,598	)			15,842				(0.93	)%			1.33	%
June 30, 2023			(8,760	)			14,722				(1.07	)%			1.28	%
March 31, 2023			(4,205	)			15,006				(0.69	)%			1.46	%
December 31, 2022			2,385				11,799				0.16	%			1.32	%
September 30, 2022			14,250				18,404				1.51	%			1.99	%
June 30, 2022			27,088				28,693				2.51	%			2.67	%
March 31, 2022			39,202				37,597				2.82	%			2.70	%
December 31, 2021			42,398				34,337				2.79	%			2.23	%
September 30, 2021			32,599				31,281				2.53	%			2.42	%
June 30, 2021			27,698				22,512				2.46	%			1.98	%
March 31, 2021			24,915				20,750				2.46	%			2.03	%
Years Ended
December 31, 2023		$	(24,349	)		$	67,945				(0.79	)%			1.53	%
December 31, 2022			82,925				96,493				1.92	%			2.26	%
December 31, 2021			127,610				108,880				2.58	%			2.18	%

 

(1)

Portfolio yields and costs of borrowings presented in the tables above and the tables on pages 51 and 52 are calculated based on the average balances of the underlying investment portfolio/borrowings balances and are annualized for the periods presented. Average balances for quarterly periods are calculated using two data points, the beginning and ending balances.

(2)	Economic interest expense and economic net interest income presented in the table above and the tables on page 52 includes the effect of our derivative instrument hedges for only the periods presented.

(3)	Represents interest cost of our borrowings and the effect of derivative instrument hedges attributed to the period divided by average RMBS.

(4)	Economic net interest spread is calculated by subtracting average economic cost of funds from realized yield on average RMBS.

 

Average Asset Yield

 

The table below presents the average portfolio size, income and yields of our respective sub-portfolios, consisting of structured RMBS and PT RMBS for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 and for each quarter during 2023, 2022 and 2021.

 

($ in thousands)
		Average RMBS Held												Interest Income												Realized Yield on Average RMBS
		PT				Structured								PT				Structured								PT				Structured
		RMBS				RMBS				Total				RMBS				RMBS				Total				RMBS				RMBS				Total
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2023		$	4,189,599			$	17,519			$	4,207,118			$	49,135			$	404			$	49,539				4.69	%			9.21	%			4.71	%
September 30, 2023			4,429,159				17,939				4,447,098				49,661				446				50,107				4.48	%			9.96	%			4.51	%
June 30, 2023			4,168,333				18,606				4,186,939				39,495				416				39,911				3.79	%			8.95	%			3.81	%
March 31, 2023			3,750,184				19,770				3,769,954				37,594				418				38,012				4.01	%			8.44	%			4.03	%
December 31, 2022			3,335,154				35,454				3,370,608				31,204				693				31,897				3.74	%			7.83	%			3.79	%
September 30, 2022			3,458,277				112,760				3,571,037				32,298				3,313				35,611				3.74	%			11.75	%			3.99	%
June 30, 2022			4,069,334				191,393				4,260,727				31,894				3,374				35,268				3.14	%			7.05	%			3.31	%
March 31, 2022			5,335,353				210,491				5,545,844				40,066				1,791				41,857				3.00	%			3.40	%			3.02	%
December 31, 2021			5,878,376				177,883				6,056,259				42,673				1,748				44,421				2.90	%			3.93	%			2.93	%
September 30, 2021			5,016,550				119,781				5,136,331				33,111				1,058				34,169				2.64	%			3.53	%			2.66	%
June 30, 2021			4,436,135				68,752				4,504,887				29,286				(32	)			29,254				2.64	%			(0.18	)%			2.60	%
March 31, 2021			3,997,965				34,751				4,032,716				26,869				(13	)			26,856				2.69	%			(0.15	)%			2.66	%
Years Ended
December 31, 2023		$	4,134,319			$	18,459			$	4,152,778			$	175,885			$	1,684			$	177,569				4.25	%			9.12	%			4.28	%
December 31, 2022			4,049,530				137,524				4,187,054				135,462				9,171				144,633				3.35	%			6.67	%			3.45	%
December 31, 2021			4,832,257				100,291				4,932,548				131,939				2,761				134,700				2.73	%			2.75	%			2.73	%

 

 

Interest Expense and the Cost of Funds

 

We had average outstanding borrowings of $3,985.0 million and $4,042.1 million and total interest expense of $201.9 million and $61.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our average cost of funds was 5.07% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 1.53% for the comparable period in 2022. There was a $57.0 million decrease in average outstanding borrowings during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2021, we had average borrowings of $4,707.5 million and total interest expense of $7.1 million, resulting in an average cost of funds of 0.15%.  There was a 138 bps increase in the average cost of funds and an $665.5 million decrease in average outstanding borrowings during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

Our economic interest expense was $109.6 million, $48.1 million and $25.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. There was a 156 bps increase in the average economic cost of funds to 2.75% for the year ended December 31, 2023 from 1.19% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The reason for the increase in economic cost of funds is primarily due to the higher cost of our borrowings noted above, offset by the positive performance of our hedging activities during the period. There was a 64 bps increase in the average economic cost of funds to 1.19% for the year ended December 31, 2022 from 0.55% for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

Since all of our repurchase agreements are short-term, changes in market rates directly affect our interest expense. Our average cost of funds calculated on a GAAP basis was 2 bps below one-month average SOFR and 22 bps above six-month average SOFR for the year ended December 31, 2023. Our average economic cost of funds was 234 bps below one-month average SOFR and 210 bps below six-month average SOFR for the year ended December 31, 2023. The average term to maturity of the outstanding repurchase agreements was 26 days at December 31, 2023 and 27 days at December 31, 2022. 

 

The tables below present the average balance of borrowings outstanding, interest expense and average cost of funds, and one-month average and six-month average SOFR rates for each quarter in 2023, 2022 and 2021 and for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 on both a GAAP and economic basis.

 

($ in thousands)
		Average				Interest Expense								Average Cost of Funds
		Balance of				GAAP				Economic				GAAP				Economic
		Borrowings				Basis				Basis				Basis				Basis
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2023		$	4,066,298			$	52,325			$	27,164				5.15	%			2.67	%
September 30, 2023			4,314,332				58,705				34,265				5.44	%			3.18	%
June 30, 2023			3,985,577				48,671				25,189				4.88	%			2.53	%
March 31, 2023			3,573,941				42,217				23,006				4.72	%			2.57	%
December 31, 2022			3,256,153				29,512				20,098				3.63	%			2.47	%
September 30, 2022			3,446,420				21,361				17,207				2.48	%			2.00	%
June 30, 2022			4,111,544				8,180				6,575				0.80	%			0.64	%
March 31, 2022			5,354,107				2,655				4,260				0.20	%			0.32	%
December 31, 2021			5,728,988				2,023				10,084				0.14	%			0.70	%
September 30, 2021			4,864,287				1,570				2,888				0.13	%			0.24	%
June 30, 2021			4,348,192				1,556				6,742				0.14	%			0.62	%
March 31, 2021			3,888,633				1,941				6,106				0.20	%			0.63	%
Years Ended
December 31, 2023		$	3,985,037			$	201,918			$	109,624				5.07	%			2.75	%
December 31, 2022			4,042,056				61,708				48,140				1.53	%			1.19	%
December 31, 2021			4,707,525				7,090				25,820				0.15	%			0.55	%

 

 

										Average GAAP Cost of Funds								Average Economic Cost of Funds
										Relative to Average								Relative to Average
		Average SOFR								One-Month				Six-Month				One-Month				Six-Month
		One-Month				Six-Month				SOFR				SOFR				SOFR				SOFR
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2023			5.34	%			5.35	%			(0.19	)%			(0.20	)%			(2.67	)%			(2.68	)%
September 30, 2023			5.32	%			5.17	%			0.12	%			0.27	%			(2.14	)%			(1.99	)%
June 30, 2023			5.07	%			4.78	%			(0.19	)%			0.10	%			(2.54	)%			(2.25	)%
March 31, 2023			4.63	%			4.09	%			0.09	%			0.63	%			(2.06	)%			(1.52	)%
December 31, 2022			4.06	%			2.89	%			(0.43	)%			0.74	%			(1.59	)%			(0.42	)%
September 30, 2022			2.47	%			1.43	%			0.01	%			1.05	%			(0.47	)%			0.57	%
June 30, 2022			1.09	%			0.39	%			(0.29	)%			0.41	%			(0.45	)%			0.25	%
March 31, 2022			0.16	%			0.07	%			0.04	%			0.13	%			0.16	%			0.25	%
December 31, 2021			0.05	%			0.05	%			0.09	%			0.09	%			0.65	%			0.65	%
September 30, 2021			0.05	%			0.03	%			0.08	%			0.10	%			0.19	%			0.21	%
June 30, 2021			0.03	%			0.03	%			0.11	%			0.11	%			0.59	%			0.59	%
March 31, 2021			0.01	%			0.06	%			0.19	%			0.14	%			0.62	%			0.57	%
Years Ended
December 31, 2023			5.09	%			4.85	%			(0.02	)%			0.22	%			(2.34	)%			(2.10	)%
December 31, 2022			1.94	%			1.20	%			(0.41	)%			0.33	%			(0.75	)%			(0.01	)%
December 31, 2021			0.04	%			0.04	%			0.11	%			0.11	%			0.51	%			0.51	%

 

Gains or Losses

 

The table below presents our gains or losses for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

 

(in thousands)
		2023				2022				2021
Realized losses on sales of RMBS		$	(22,642	)		$	(133,695	)		$	(5,542	)
Unrealized losses on RMBS and U.S. Treasury Notes			(18,941	)			(642,710	)			(198,454	)
Total losses on RMBS and U.S. Treasury Notes			(41,583	)			(776,405	)			(203,996	)
Gains (losses) on interest rate futures			32,650				206,907				(1,026	)
Gains on interest rate swaps			19,657				167,641				23,398
Gains (losses) on payer swaptions (short positions)			4,113				(81,050	)			9,062
(Losses) gains on payer swaptions (long positions)			(8,734	)			152,365				(2,580	)
(Losses) gains on interest rate caps			(219	)			919				-
Gains on interest rate floors (long positions)			1,785				-				2,765
Losses on interest rate floors (short positions)			(525	)			-				-
Gains on TBA securities (short positions)			1,370				4,494				3,432
(Losses) gains on TBA securities (long positions)			(4,860	)			1,200				(8,559	)
Total		$	3,654			$	(323,929	)		$	(177,504	)

 

We invest in RMBS with the intent to earn net income from the realized yield on those assets over their related funding and hedging costs, and not for the purpose of making short term gains from sales. However, we have sold, and may continue to sell, existing assets to acquire new assets, which our management believes might have higher risk-adjusted returns in light of current or anticipated interest rates, federal government programs or general economic conditions or to manage our balance sheet as part of our asset/liability management strategy. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company received proceeds of $835.1 million, $2,759.9 million, and $2,851.7 million, respectively, from the sales and maturities of RMBS and U.S. Treasury securities. 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gains and losses on RMBS are driven in part by changes in yields and interest rates, the spreads that Agency RMBS trade relative to comparable duration U.S. Treasuries or swaps, as well as varying levels of demand for RMBS, which affect the pricing of the securities in our portfolio. The unrealized gains and losses on RMBS may also include the premium lost as a result of prepayments on the underlying mortgages, decreasing unrealized gains or increasing unrealized losses as prepayment speeds or premiums increase. To the extent RMBS are carried at a discount to par, unrealized gains or losses on RMBS would also include discount accreted as a result of prepayments on the underlying mortgages, increasing unrealized gains or decreasing unrealized losses as speeds on discounts increase. Gains and losses on interest rate futures contracts are affected by changes in implied forward rates during the reporting period. The table below presents historical interest rate data for each quarter end during 2023, 2022 and 2021.

 

		5 Year				10 Year				15 Year				30 Year
		U.S.				U.S				Fixed-Rate				Fixed-Rate				90 Day
		Treasury				Treasury				Mortgage				Mortgage				Average
		Rate(1)				Rate(1)				Rate(2)				Rate(2)				SOFR(3)
December 31, 2023			3.84	%			3.87	%			5.93	%			6.61	%			5.36	%
September 30, 2023			4.61	%			4.57	%			6.72	%			7.31	%			5.27	%
June 30, 2023			4.13	%			3.82	%			6.06	%			6.71	%			5.00	%
March 31, 2023			3.61	%			3.49	%			5.56	%			6.32	%			4.51	%
December 31, 2022			4.00	%			3.88	%			5.68	%			6.42	%			3.62	%
September 30, 2022			4.04	%			3.80	%			5.96	%			6.70	%			2.13	%
June 30, 2022			3.00	%			2.97	%			4.83	%			5.70	%			0.70	%
March 31, 2022			2.42	%			2.33	%			3.83	%			4.67	%			0.09	%
December 31, 2021			1.26	%			1.51	%			2.33	%			3.11	%			0.05	%
September 30, 2021			1.00	%			1.53	%			2.28	%			3.01	%			0.05	%
June 30, 2021			0.87	%			1.44	%			2.34	%			3.02	%			0.02	%
March 31, 2021			0.94	%			1.75	%			2.45	%			3.17	%			0.04	%

 

(1)	Historical 5 and 10 Year U.S. Treasury Rates are obtained from quoted end of day prices on the Chicago Board Options Exchange.

(2)	Historical 30 Year and 15 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Rates are obtained from Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

(3)	Historical SOFR is obtained from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The SOFR averages are compounded averages of the SOFR over rolling 30 and 180 calendar day periods.

 

Unrealized Gains and Losses on PT RMBS

 

For the purpose of recording income on the Company’s investments in PT RMBS, interest income is based on the stated interest rate of the security. Using the fair value accounting method, premiums or discounts to the face value of the PT RMBS present at the date of purchase are not amortized. Premium lost and discount accretion resulting from monthly principal repayments are reflected in unrealized gains (losses) on RMBS in the statements of comprehensive income (loss). The following table adjusts the Company’s interest income as reported on the Company’s statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated to show interest income adjusted for premium amortization and discount accretion on its mortgage-backed security investments. The purpose of presenting this non-GAAP measure of interest income is to provide management and investors with an alternative way of evaluating yield on RMBS that may be more comparable to some of its peers who amortize premiums and discounts on their PT RMBS investments.

 

 

($ in thousands)
														Unrealized Gains (Losses) on PT RMBS												Inclusive of
																						Price				Premium Amortization/
																		Premium				Only				Discount Accretion
		Average								Yield on								Amortization/				Unrealized								Yield on
		RMBS				Interest				Average				As				Discount				Gains				Interest				Average
		Held				Income				RMBS				Reported(1)				Accretion(2)				(Losses)				Income(3)				RMBS(3)
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2023		$	4,207,118			$	49,539				4.71	%		$	206,222			$	8,067			$	198,155			$	57,606				5.48	%
September 30, 2023			4,447,098				50,107				4.51	%			(210,159	)			7,252				(217,411	)			57,359				5.16	%
June 30, 2023			4,186,939				39,911				3.81	%			(68,898	)			4,886				(73,784	)			44,797				4.28	%
March 31, 2023			3,769,954				38,012				4.03	%			53,444				4,774				48,670				42,786				4.54	%
December 31, 2022			3,370,608				31,897				3.79	%			50,182				6,748				43,434				38,645				4.59	%
September 30, 2022			3,571,037				35,611				3.99	%			(211,727	)			4,647				(216,374	)			40,258				4.51	%
June 30, 2022			4,260,727				35,268				3.31	%			(176,042	)			726				(176,768	)			35,994				3.38	%
March 31, 2022			5,545,844				41,857				3.02	%			(326,212	)			(8,431	)			(317,781	)			33,426				2.41	%
December 31, 2021			6,056,259				44,421				2.93	%			(90,357	)			(11,492	)			(78,865	)			32,929				2.17	%
September 30, 2021			5,136,331				34,169				2.66	%			(15,219	)			(9,769	)			(5,450	)			24,400				1.90	%
June 30, 2021			4,504,887				29,254				2.60	%			2,973				(9,184	)			12,157				20,070				1.78	%
March 31, 2021			4,032,716				26,856				2.66	%			(98,885	)			(11,099	)			(87,786	)			15,757				1.56	%
Years Ended
December 31, 2023		$	4,152,777			$	177,569				4.28	%		$	(19,391	)		$	24,979			$	(44,370	)		$	202,548				4.88	%
December 31, 2022			4,187,054				144,633				3.45	%			(663,799	)			3,690				(667,489	)			148,323				3.54	%
December 31, 2021			4,932,548				134,700				2.73	%			(201,488	)			(41,544	)			(159,944	)			93,156				1.89	%

 

(1)	As reported in the Company’s statements of comprehensive income (loss) using the fair value accounting method.
(2)	Premium amortization/discount accretion for each period is calculated using the beginning of period market value of all securities. Amounts presented are intended to approximate amortization/accretion using the yield method over the life of the security based on premium/discount present at purchase date.
(3)	Interest Income – Inclusive of Premium Amortization/Discount Accretion and Yield on Average RMBS – Inclusive of Premium Amortization/Discount Accretion are non-GAAP measures. See “—GAAP and Non-GAAP Reconciliations,” for a description of our non-GAAP measures.

 

Expenses

 

Total operating expenses were $18.5 million, $17.5 million and $14.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The table below provides a breakdown of operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

 

(in thousands)
		2023				2022				2021
Management fees		$	10,491			$	10,447			$	8,156
Overhead allocation			2,389				2,042				1,632
Incentive compensation			1,419				957				1,132
Directors fees and liability insurance			1,322				1,251				1,169
Audit, legal and other professional fees			1,495				1,143				1,112
Direct REIT operating expenses			715				831				1,090
Other administrative			700				778				575
Total expenses		$	18,531			$	17,449			$	14,866

 

We are externally managed and advised by Bimini Advisors pursuant to the terms of a management agreement. The management agreement has been renewed through February 20, 2025 and provides for automatic one-year extension options thereafter and is subject to certain termination rights. Under the terms of the management agreement, the Manager is responsible for administering the business activities and day-to-day operations of the Company. The Manager receives a monthly management fee in the amount of:

 

●

One-twelfth of 1.5% of the first $250 million of the Company’s month end equity, as defined in the management agreement,

●

One-twelfth of 1.25% of the Company’s month end equity that is greater than $250 million and less than or equal to $500 million, and

●

One-twelfth of 1.00% of the Company’s month end equity that is greater than $500 million.

 

 

The Company is obligated to reimburse the Manager for any direct expenses incurred on its behalf and to pay the Manager the Company’s pro rata portion of certain overhead costs set forth in the management agreement.

 

On April 1, 2022, pursuant to the third amendment to the management agreement entered into on November 16, 2021, the Manager began providing certain repurchase agreement trading, clearing and administrative services to the Company that had been previously provided by AVM, L.P. under an agreement terminated on March 31, 2022.  In consideration for such services, the Company will pay the following fees to the Manager:

 

	●	a daily fee equal to the outstanding principal balance of repurchase agreement funding in place as of the end of such day multiplied by 1.5 basis points for the amount of aggregate outstanding principal balance less than or equal to $5 billion, and multiplied by 1.0 basis point for any amount of aggregate outstanding principal balance in excess of $5 billion, and
	●	a fee for the clearing and operational services provided by personnel of the Manager equal to $10,000 per month.

 

Should the Company terminate the management agreement without cause, it will pay the Manager a termination fee equal to three times the average annual management fee, as defined in the management agreement, before or on the last day of the term of the agreement.

 

The following table summarizes the management fee and overhead allocation expenses for each quarter in 2023, 2022 and 2021 and for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

 

($ in thousands)
		Average				Average				Advisory Services
		Orchid				Orchid				Management				Overhead
Three Months Ended		MBS				Equity				Fee				Allocation				Total
December 31, 2023		$	4,207,118			$	851,532			$	2,275			$	617			$	2,892
September 30, 2023			4,447,098				964,230				2,870				557				3,427
June 30, 2023			4,186,939				899,109				2,704				639				3,343
March 31, 2023			3,769,954				865,722				2,642				576				3,218
December 31, 2022			3,370,608				823,516				2,566				560				3,126
September 30, 2022			3,571,037				839,935				2,616				522				3,138
June 30, 2022			4,260,727				866,539				2,631				519				3,150
March 31, 2022			5,545,844				853,577				2,634				441				3,075
December 31, 2021			6,056,259				806,382				2,587				443				3,030
September 30, 2021			5,136,331				672,384				2,156				390				2,546
June 30, 2021			4,504,887				542,679				1,792				395				2,187
March 31, 2021			4,032,716				456,687				1,621				404				2,025
Years Ended
December 31, 2023		$	4,152,777			$	895,148			$	10,491			$	2,389			$	12,880
December 31, 2022			4,187,054				845,892				10,447				2,042				12,489
December 31, 2021			4,932,548				619,533				8,156				1,632				9,788

 

Financial Condition:

 

Mortgage-Backed Securities

 

As of December 31, 2023, our RMBS portfolio consisted of $3,894.0 million of Agency RMBS at fair value and had a weighted average coupon on assets of 4.30%. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we received principal repayments of $326.7 million compared to $440.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The average three month prepayment speeds for the quarters ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were 5.5% and 5.0%, respectively.

 

 

The following table presents the 3-month constant prepayment rate (“CPR”) experienced on our structured and PT RMBS sub-portfolios, on an annualized basis, for the quarterly periods presented. CPR is a method of expressing the prepayment rate for a mortgage pool that assumes that a constant fraction of the remaining principal is prepaid each month or year. Specifically, the CPR in the chart below represents the three month prepayment rate of the securities in the respective asset category.

 

						Structured
		PT RMBS				RMBS				Total
Three Months Ended		Portfolio (%)				Portfolio (%)				Portfolio (%)
December 31, 2023			5.4				7.9				5.5
September 30, 2023			6.1				5.7				6.0
June 30, 2023			5.6				7.0				5.6
March 31, 2023			3.9				5.7				4.0
December 31, 2022			4.9				6.0				5.0
September 30, 2022			6.1				10.4				6.5
June 30, 2022			8.3				13.7				9.4
March 31, 2022			8.1				19.5				10.7

 

The following tables summarize certain characteristics of the Company’s PT RMBS and structured RMBS as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

 

($ in thousands)
														Weighted
						Percentage								Average
						of				Weighted				Maturity
		Fair				Entire				Average				in			Longest
Asset Category		Value				Portfolio				Coupon				Months			Maturity
December 31, 2023
Fixed Rate RMBS		$	3,877,082				99.6	%			4.33	%			334		1-Nov-53
Interest-Only Securities			16,572				0.4	%			4.01	%			223		25-Jul-48
Inverse Interest-Only Securities			358				0.0	%			0.00	%			274		15-Jun-42
Total Mortgage Assets		$	3,894,012				100.0	%			4.30	%			331		1-Nov-53
December 31, 2022
Fixed Rate RMBS		$	3,519,906				99.4	%			3.47	%			339		1-Nov-52
Interest-Only Securities			19,669				0.6	%			4.01	%			234		25-Jul-48
Inverse Interest-Only Securities			427				0.0	%			0.00	%			286		15-Jun-42
Total Mortgage Assets		$	3,540,002				100.0	%			3.46	%			336		1-Nov-52

 

($ in thousands)
		December 31, 2023								December 31, 2022
						Percentage of								Percentage of
Agency		Fair Value				Entire Portfolio				Fair Value				Entire Portfolio
Fannie Mae		$	2,714,192				69.7	%		$	2,320,960				65.6	%
Freddie Mac			1,179,820				30.3	%			1,219,042				34.4	%
Total Portfolio		$	3,894,012				100.0	%		$	3,540,002				100.0	%

 

		December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
Weighted Average Pass-through Purchase Price		$	104.10			$	106.41
Weighted Average Structured Purchase Price		$	18.74			$	18.74
Weighted Average Pass-through Current Price		$	95.70			$	91.46
Weighted Average Structured Current Price		$	13.51			$	14.05
Effective Duration (1)			4.40				5.58

 

(1)

Effective duration is the approximate percentage change in price for a 100 bps change in rates. An effective duration of 4.40 indicates that an interest rate increase of 1.0% would be expected to cause a 4.40% decrease in the value of the RMBS in the Company’s investment portfolio at December 31, 2023. An effective duration of 5.58 indicates that an interest rate increase of 1.0% would be expected to cause a 5.58% decrease in the value of the RMBS in the Company’s investment portfolio at December 31, 2022. These figures include the structured securities in the portfolio, but do not include the effect of the Company’s funding cost hedges. Effective duration quotes for individual investments are obtained from The Yield Book, Inc.

 

 

The following table presents a summary of portfolio assets acquired during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

($ in thousands)
		2023												2022
		Total Cost				Average Price				Weighted Average Yield				Total Cost				Average Price				Weighted Average Yield
Pass-through RMBS		$	1,521,070			$	100.27				5.40	%		$	1,004,526			$	100.03				4.59	%

 

Borrowings

 

As of December 31, 2023, we had established borrowing facilities in the repurchase agreement market with a number of commercial banks and other financial institutions and had borrowings in place with 21 of these counterparties. None of these lenders are affiliated with the Company. These borrowings are secured by the Company’s RMBS and cash, and bear interest at prevailing market rates. We believe our established repurchase agreement borrowing facilities provide borrowing capacity in excess of our needs.

 

As of December 31, 2023, we had obligations outstanding under the repurchase agreements of approximately $3,705.6 million with a net weighted average borrowing cost of 5.55%. The remaining maturity of our outstanding repurchase agreement obligations ranged from 4 to 113 days, with a weighted average remaining maturity of 26 days. Securing the repurchase agreement obligations as of December 31, 2023 are RMBS with an estimated fair value, including accrued interest, of approximately $3,900.5 million. Through February 23, 2024, we have been able to maintain our repurchase facilities with comparable terms to those that existed at December 31, 2023 with maturities extending to various dates through July 15, 2024.

 

The table below presents information about our period end, maximum and average balances of borrowings for each quarter in 2023 and 2022.

 

($ in thousands)
														Difference Between Ending
		Ending				Maximum				Average				Borrowings and
		Balance of				Balance of				Balance of				Average Borrowings
Three Months Ended		Borrowings				Borrowings				Borrowings				Amount				Percent
December 31, 2023		$	3,705,649			$	4,426,947			$	4,066,298			$	(360,649	)			(8.87	)%
September 30, 2023			4,426,947				4,494,858				4,314,332				112,615				2.61	%
June 30, 2023			4,201,717				4,201,717				3,985,577				216,140				5.42	%
March 31, 2023			3,769,437				3,849,137				3,573,941				195,496				5.47	%
December 31, 2022			3,378,445				3,414,950				3,256,153				122,292				3.76	%
September 30, 2022			3,133,861				4,047,606				3,446,420				(312,559	)			(9.07	)%
June 30, 2022			3,758,980				4,464,544				4,111,544				(352,564	)			(8.57	)%
March 31, 2022			4,464,109				6,244,106				5,354,107				(889,998	)			(16.62	)%	(1)

 

(1)

The lower ending balance relative to the average balance during the quarter ended March 31, 2022 reflects the disposal of RMBS pledged as collateral. During the quarter ended March 31, 2022, the Company’s investment in RMBS decreased $510.4 million.

 

 

Leverage

 

We use two primary measures of leverage. Economic leverage is calculated by dividing the sum of total liabilities and our net notional TBA position, divided by stockholders' equity. Adjusted leverage is calculated by dividing our repurchase agreements by stockholders' equity. Our economic leverage at December 31, 2023 was 6.7 to 1, compared to 6.3 to 1 as of December 31, 2022.  Our adjusted leverage at December 31, 2023 was 7.9 to 1, compared to 7.7 to 1 as of December 31, 2022.  The following table presents information related to our historical leverage.

 

($ in thousands)
		Ending				Ending				Ending				Ending
		Repurchase				Total				Net TBA				Stockholders'			Adjusted	Economic
		Agreements				Liabilities				Positions				Equity			Leverage	Leverage
December 31, 2023		$	3,705,649			$	3,795,002			$	(645,700	)		$	469,944		7.9:1	6.7:1
September 30, 2023			4,426,947				4,470,052				(502,500	)			466,841		9.5:1	8.5:1
June 30, 2023			4,201,717				4,240,845				(250,000	)			490,086		8.6:1	8.1:1
March 31, 2023			3,769,437				3,814,651				(875,000	)			451,361		8.4:1	6.5:1
December 31, 2022			3,378,445				3,426,973				(675,000	)			438,762		7.7:1	6.3:1
September 30, 2022			3,133,861				3,405,463				(475,000	)			400,377		7.8:1	7.3:1
June 30, 2022			3,758,980				3,968,007				-				506,362		7.4:1	7.8:1
March 31, 2022			4,464,109				4,595,014				-				592,418		7.5:1	7.8:1

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity is our ability to turn non-cash assets into cash, purchase additional investments, repay principal and interest on borrowings, fund overhead, fulfill margin calls and pay dividends. We have both internal and external sources of liquidity. However, our material unused sources of liquidity include cash balances, unencumbered assets and our ability to sell encumbered assets to raise cash. Our balance sheet also generates liquidity on an on-going basis through payments of principal and interest we receive on our RMBS portfolio. Management believes that we currently have sufficient liquidity and capital resources available for (a) the acquisition of additional investments consistent with the size and nature of our existing RMBS portfolio, (b) the repayments on borrowings and (c) the payment of dividends to the extent required for our continued qualification as a REIT. We may also generate liquidity from time to time by selling our equity or debt securities in public offerings or private placements.

 

Internal Sources of Liquidity

 

Our internal sources of liquidity include our cash balances, unencumbered assets and our ability to liquidate our encumbered security holdings. Our balance sheet also generates liquidity on an on-going basis through payments of principal and interest we receive on our RMBS portfolio. Because our PT RMBS portfolio consists entirely of government and agency securities, we do not anticipate having difficulty converting our assets to cash should our liquidity needs ever exceed our immediately available sources of cash. Our structured RMBS portfolio also consists entirely of governmental agency securities, although they typically do not trade with comparable bid / ask spreads as PT RMBS. However, we anticipate that we would be able to liquidate such securities readily, even in distressed markets, although we would likely do so at prices below where such securities could be sold in a more stable market. To enhance our liquidity even further, we may pledge a portion of our structured RMBS as part of a repurchase agreement funding, but retain the cash in lieu of acquiring additional assets. In this way we can, at a modest cost, retain higher levels of cash on hand and decrease the likelihood we will have to sell assets in a distressed market in order to raise cash.

 

Our strategy for hedging our funding costs typically involves taking short positions in interest rate futures, treasury futures, interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions or other instruments. When the market causes these short positions to decline in value we are required to meet margin calls with cash. This can reduce our liquidity position to the extent other securities in our portfolio move in price in such a way that we do not receive enough cash via margin calls to offset the derivative related margin calls. If this were to occur in sufficient magnitude, the loss of liquidity might force us to reduce the size of the levered portfolio, pledge additional structured securities to raise funds or risk operating the portfolio with less liquidity.

 

 

External Sources of Liquidity

 

Our primary external sources of liquidity are our ability to (i) borrow under master repurchase agreements, (ii) use the TBA security market and (iii) sell our equity or debt securities in public offerings or private placements. Our borrowing capacity will vary over time as the market value of our interest earning assets varies. Our master repurchase agreements have no stated expiration, but can be terminated at any time at our option or at the option of the counterparty. However, once a definitive repurchase agreement under a master repurchase agreement has been entered into, it generally may not be terminated by either party. A negotiated termination can occur, but may involve a fee to be paid by the party seeking to terminate the repurchase agreement transaction.

 

Under our repurchase agreement funding arrangements, we are required to post margin at the initiation of the borrowing. The margin posted represents the haircut, which is a percentage of the market value of the collateral pledged. To the extent the market value of the asset collateralizing the financing transaction declines, the market value of our posted margin will be insufficient and we will be required to post additional collateral. Conversely, if the market value of the asset pledged increases in value, we would be over collateralized and we would be entitled to have excess margin returned to us by the counterparty. Our lenders typically value our pledged securities daily to ensure the adequacy of our margin and make margin calls as needed, as do we. Typically, but not always, the parties agree to a minimum threshold amount for margin calls so as to avoid the need for nuisance margin calls on a daily basis. Our master repurchase agreements do not specify the haircut; rather haircuts are determined on an individual repo transaction basis. Throughout the year ended December 31, 2023, haircuts on our pledged collateral remained stable and as of December 31, 2023, our weighted average haircut was approximately 4.5% of the value of our collateral.

 

TBAs represent a form of off-balance sheet financing and are accounted for as derivative instruments. (See Note 5 to our Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for additional details on of our TBAs). Under certain market conditions, it may be uneconomical for us to roll our TBAs into future months and we may need to take or make physical delivery of the underlying securities. If we were required to take physical delivery to settle a long TBA, we would have to fund our total purchase commitment with cash or other financing sources and our liquidity position could be negatively impacted.

 

Our TBAs are also subject to margin requirements governed by the Mortgage-Backed Securities Division ("MBSD") of the FICC and by our Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements ("MSFTAs"), which may establish margin levels in excess of the MBSD. Such provisions require that we establish an initial margin based on the notional value of the TBA, which is subject to increase if the estimated fair value of our TBAs or the estimated fair value of our pledged collateral declines. The MBSD has the sole discretion to determine the value of our TBAs and of the pledged collateral securing such contracts. In the event of a margin call, we must generally provide additional collateral on the same business day.

 

Settlement of our TBA obligations by taking delivery of the underlying securities as well as satisfying margin requirements could negatively impact our liquidity position. However, since we do not use TBA dollar roll transactions as our primary source of financing, we believe that we will have adequate sources of liquidity to meet such obligations.

 

We invest a portion of our capital in structured Agency RMBS. We generally do not apply leverage to this portion of our portfolio. The leverage inherent in structured securities replaces the leverage obtained by acquiring PT securities and funding them in the repo market. This structured RMBS strategy has been a core element of the Company’s overall investment strategy since inception. However, we have and may continue to pledge a portion of our structured RMBS in order to raise our cash levels, but generally will not pledge these securities in order to acquire additional assets.

 

In future periods, we expect to continue to finance our activities in a manner that is consistent with our current operations through repurchase agreements. As of December 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $171.9 million. We generated cash flows of $490.0 million from principal and interest payments on our RMBS and had average repurchase agreements outstanding of $3,985.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

As described more fully below, we may also access liquidity by selling our equity or debt securities in public offerings or private placements.

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity

 

On August 4, 2020, we entered into the August 2020 Equity Distribution Agreement with four sales agents pursuant to which we could offer and sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of $150,000,000 of shares of our common stock in transactions that were deemed to be “at the market” offerings and privately negotiated transactions. We issued a total of 5,498,730 shares under the August 2020 Equity Distribution Agreement for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $150.0 million, and net proceeds of approximately $147.4 million, after commissions and fees, prior to its termination in June 2021.

 

On January 20, 2021, we entered into the January 2021 Underwriting Agreement with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“J.P. Morgan”), relating to the offer and sale of 1,520,000 shares of our common stock. J.P. Morgan purchased the shares of our common stock from the Company pursuant to the January 2021 Underwriting Agreement at $26.00 per share. In addition, we granted J.P. Morgan a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 228,000 shares of our common stock on the same terms and conditions, which J.P. Morgan exercised in full on January 21, 2021. The closing of the offering of 1,748,000 shares of our common stock occurred on January 25, 2021, with proceeds to us of approximately $45.2 million, net of offering expenses.

 

On March 2, 2021, we entered into the March 2021 Underwriting Agreement with J.P. Morgan, relating to the offer and sale of 1,600,000 shares of our common stock. J.P. Morgan purchased the shares of our common stock from the Company pursuant to the March 2021 Underwriting Agreement at $27.25 per share. In addition, we granted J.P. Morgan a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 240,000 shares of our common stock on the same terms and conditions, which J.P. Morgan exercised in full on March 3, 2021. The closing of the offering of 1,840.000 shares of our common stock occurred on March 5, 2021, with proceeds to us of approximately $50.0 million, net of offering expenses.

 

On June 22, 2021, we entered into the June 2021 Equity Distribution Agreement with four sales agents pursuant to which we could offer and sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of $250,000,000 of shares of our common stock in transactions that were deemed to be “at the market” offerings and privately negotiated transactions. We issued a total of 9,881,467 shares under the June 2021 Equity Distribution Agreement for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $250.0 million, and net proceeds of approximately $246.2 million, after commissions and fees, prior to its termination in October 2021.

 

On October 29, 2021, we entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “October 2021 Equity Distribution Agreement”) with four sales agents pursuant to which we could offer and sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of $250,000,000 of shares of our common stock in transactions that were deemed to be “at the market” offerings and privately negotiated transactions. We issued a total of 9,742,188 shares under the October 2021 Equity Distribution Agreement for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $151.8 million, and net proceeds of approximately $149.3 million, after commissions and fees, prior to its termination in March 2023. 

 

On March 7, 2023, we entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “March 2023 Equity Distribution Agreement”) with three sales agents pursuant to which we may offer and sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of $250,000,000 of shares of our common stock in transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” offerings and privately negotiated transactions. Through December 31, 2023, we issued a total of 13,190,039 shares under the March 2023 Equity Distribution Agreement for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $129.9 million, and net proceeds of approximately $127.8 million, after commissions and fees.

 

Outlook

 

Economic Summary

 

The fourth quarter of 2023 may prove to be the pivotal quarter in the current interest rate cycle.  As the third quarter came to a close and we moved into October the trajectory of economic growth, interest rates and expectations for monetary policy were all heading higher.  In addition to the usual stimulants for higher interest rates – persistent levels of elevated inflation and economic growth – surging budget deficits drove rate expectations even higher.  Indeed, over the course of October incoming economic data related to the labor market and inflation exceeded market expectations.  Gross domestic product for the third quarter of 2023 was 4.9%, well above levels deemed consistent with price stability and the demand/supply balance sought by the Fed. The quarterly refunding announcement for the U.S. Treasury’s planned borrowing needs in the fourth quarter significantly exceeded expectations.  Risk assets were impacted as sentiment eroded and the markets contemplated the impact of still higher levels of interest rates and the potential duration that rates might remain elevated.

 

 

The market pivoted sharply in the fourth quarter of 2023, followed shortly thereafter by the Fed. The primary impetus for the change in the market’s outlook was the trend in inflation data.  While incoming data often exceeded expectations on a relative basis – the trend in inflation was nonetheless downward.  While service inflation remained elevated, goods inflation was trending negative, and the net effect was persistently lower levels of both headline and core inflation.  The annualized 3- and 6-month trends were below 3% and appeared headed towards the Fed’s 2% target.  FOMC member Christopher Waller stated that if the trend in inflation data continued, the FOMC would likely ease monetary policy soon.  Coincidentally the incoming economic data began to come in below expectations and the U.S. Treasury revised their upcoming borrowing needs downward.  The reversal in the market's outlook was cemented when, at the conclusion of the FOMC’s December meeting, Chairman Powell strongly hinted that the Fed was finished with their tightening cycle and the focus of discussions had turned to a removal of restrictive monetary policy in 2024.  The interest rate market and all risk assets responded strongly to the reversal and rallied strongly into year-end.

 

Interest Rates

 

Starting at the end of the second quarter of 2023 interest rates began to move steadily higher, driven by the factors discussed above.  In late October, rates across the curve appeared headed sustainably above 5% and the market anticipated the Fed would keep the Fed funds rate above 5% through the end of 2024.  The yield on the 2-year U.S. Treasury came within 9 basis points of the level of Fed funds on October 18, 2023, implying the market was pricing Fed funds to remain essentially unchanged for the next two years. Frequent comments by Fed officials supported this thinking, as they continually pushed back against market pricing of rate cuts in early 2024. The message was consistent – rates will need to be higher for longer until the Fed was assured inflation was headed sustainably lower towards their 2% target.

 

The market’s apparent anxiousness for the Fed to ease monetary policy became particularly acute when the data turned in the fourth quarter of 2023, and inflation appeared headed towards the Fed’s target.  When Governor Waller made his comments about the possibility of easing in the near future, which were reinforced by Chairman Powell’s comments at the Fed meeting in December, interest rates moved decisively lower. By year end, market pricing reflected six 25 basis point rate cuts by the end of 2024.  As we move into 2024 the inflation data has maintained the trend in place described above.  However, the labor market data remains strong, and most measures of economic growth have not softened.  In fact, gross domestic product for the fourth quarter of 2023 was 3.3% on an annualized basis.  Comments by Fed officials have consistently pushed back on market pricing of the timing and extent of interest rate cuts for 2024.  Financial conditions have also eased since early fourth quarter and the federal government is still running stimulative deficits with little to no evidence that policy will change in the near term.  The risk that inflation could re-accelerate has been mentioned by many Fed officials.  To date in 2024 the market has reversed yet again, and rates have retraced some of the decline seen in November and December.

 

The Agency RMBS Market 

 

As with interest rates across the curve, Agency RMBS spreads to comparable duration U.S. Treasuries or swaps continued widening into October as the outlook continued to deteriorate.  By late October the spread of the current coupon 30-year Agency RMBS to a comparable duration U.S. Treasury security reached its cycle wide for the cycle.   As the market reversed and risk appetite rapidly recovered the spread contracted quickly – declining by over 50 basis points by year-end.  Since year end, the sector, as reflected by the spread of the current coupon Agency RMBS, has reversed yet again, albeit modestly.  The recovery in risk sentiment, coupled with the decline in interest rates, appears to have stimulated bank demand for the Agency RMBS sector.  The regional banking crisis of March of 2023, a result of the severe decline in valuations of Agency RMBS acquired by banks prior to the Fed rate hiking cycle and subsequent increase in rates across the curve, may not be fully over.  A funding program put in place in March of 2023 that allows such institutions to cheaply fund RMBS positions at par and avoid having to sell them and realize significant losses, expires in March of 2024.  However, the partial recovery in Agency RMBS prices that occurred in November and December has erased some of their unrealized losses. The attractiveness of the asset class, coupled with softening loan demand, appears to have enticed banks to resume purchases. It may be that the recovery of demand for the sector by these banks is supporting pricing of Agency RMBS year-to-date.

 

Based on ICE Bank of America data for the fixed income indices, for the fourth quarter of 2023 Agency RMBS generated a return of 7.4% and 1.7% versus comparable duration swaps, respectively. The 30-year fixed rate sector generated returns of 7.8% and 1.8% versus comparable duration swaps, respectively. With respect to individual sectors of the Agency RMBS index, longer duration sectors and coupons outperformed owing to the significant rally of interest rates.  Across the 30-year fixed rate coupon stack returns varied from 8.5% for 2.0% coupons to 3.0% for 7.0% coupons. Excess returns for the same coupons were 2.1% and 0.4%, respectively, and the distribution of returns followed the durations of the various coupons in a consistent fashion.

 

 

The Agency RMBS sector outperformed investment grade corporates on an absolute basis but trailed sub-investment grade corporates, again on an absolute basis.  Relative to comparable duration swaps for the fourth quarter, Agency RMBS trailed investment grade corporates by 120 basis points but outperformed sub-investment grades corporates by 20 basis points. Note prior to the sharp reversal in the markets at the end of October total returns for all three sectors were negative year to date, and all three sectors – Agency RMBS, investment grade and sub-investment grade corporates – generated positive absolute and excess returns for the year.

 

In response to the significant increase in interest rates and volatility, with the corresponding weakness in Agency RMBS assets early in the fourth quarter, we reduced our leverage and increased hedges. Specifically, we reduced our holding of 30-year fixed rate 3.0% coupons by approximately 40% - given their long duration - and modestly added a 30-year 7.0% coupon position.

 

Recent Legislative and Regulatory Developments

 

In response to the deterioration in the markets for U.S. Treasuries, Agency RMBS and other mortgage and fixed income markets resulting from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fed implemented a program of quantitative easing. Through November of 2021, the Fed was committed to purchasing $80 billion of U.S. Treasuries and $40 billion of Agency RMBS each month. In November of 2021, it began tapering its net asset purchases each month, ended net asset purchases by early March of 2022, and ended asset purchases entirely in September of 2022. On May 4, 2022, the FOMC announced a plan for reducing the Fed’s balance sheet. In June of 2022, in accordance with this plan, the Fed began reducing its balance sheet by a maximum of $30 billion of U.S. Treasuries and $17.5 billion of Agency RMBS each month. On September 21, 2022, the FOMC announced the Fed’s decision to continue reducing the balance sheet by a maximum of $60 billion of U.S. Treasuries and $35 billion of Agency RMBS per month. As interest rates have increased and prepayment speeds have slowed, the actual balance sheet reduction of Agency RMBS has trended well below the cap during 2023. Recently the Fed has indicated they may taper their quantitative tightening by slowing the rate of run-off of their portfolio, although it is likely they will allow their holdings of Agency RMBS to continue at the current pace and slow the run-off of U.S. Treasuries in a way that achieves their desired rate of portfolio run-off. 

 

On September 30, 2019, the FHFA announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were allowed to increase their capital buffers to $25 billion and $20 billion, respectively, from the prior limit of $3 billion each. This step could ultimately lead to the Enterprises being privatized and represents the first concrete step on the road to Enterprise reform.  In December 2020, the FHFA released a final rule on a new regulatory framework for the Enterprises which seeks to implement both a risk-based capital framework and minimum leverage capital requirements. On January 14, 2021, the U.S. Treasury and the FHFA executed letter agreements allowing the Enterprises to continue to retain capital up to their regulatory minimums, including buffers, as prescribed in the December rule.  These letter agreements provide, in part, (i) there will be no exit from conservatorship until all material litigation is settled and the Enterprise has common equity Tier 1 capital of at least 3% of its assets, (ii) the Enterprises will comply with the FHFA’s regulatory capital framework, (iii) higher-risk single-family mortgage acquisitions will be restricted to then current levels, and (iv) the U.S. Treasury and the FHFA will establish a timeline and process for future Enterprise reform. However, no definitive proposals or legislation have been released or enacted with respect to ending the conservatorship, unwinding the Enterprises, or materially reducing the roles of the Enterprises in the U.S. mortgage market. On September 14, 2021, the U.S. Treasury and the FHFA suspended certain policy provisions in the January agreement, including limits on loans acquired for cash consideration, multifamily loans, loans with higher risk characteristics and second homes and investment properties.  On February 25, 2022, the FHFA published a final rule, effective as of April 26, 2022, amending the Enterprise capital framework established in December 2020 by, among other things, replacing the fixed leverage buffer equal to 1.5% of an Enterprise’s adjusted total assets with a dynamic leverage buffer equal to 50% of an Enterprise’s stability capital buffer, reducing the risk weight floor from 10% to 5%, and removing the requirement that the Enterprises must apply an overall effectiveness adjustment to their credit risk transfer exposures. On June 14, 2022, the Enterprises announced that they would each charge a 50 bps fee for commingled securities issued on or after July 1, 2022 to cover the additional capital required for such securities under the Enterprise capital framework, which was subsequently reduced on January 19, 2023 to 9.375 bps for commingled securities issued on or after April 1, 2023 to address industry concern that the fee posed a risk to the fungibility of the Uniform Mortgage-Backed Security (“UMBS”) and negatively impacted liquidity and pricing in the market for TBA securities. On November 30, 2023, the FHFA published a final rule, to become effective April 1, 2024, which will, among other things, reduce the risk weight and credit conversion factor for guarantees on commingled securities to 5% and 50%, respectively; replace the current exposure methodology with the standardized approach for counterparty credit risk as the method for computing exposure and risk-weighted asset amounts for derivatives and cleared transactions; update the credit score assumption to 680 for single-family mortgage exposures originated without a representative credit score; and introduce a risk weight of 20% for guarantee assets.

 

 

The scope and nature of the actions the U.S. government or the Fed will ultimately undertake are unknown and will continue to evolve.

 

Effect on Us

 

Regulatory developments, movements in interest rates and prepayment rates affect us in many ways, including the following:

 

Effects on our Assets

 

A change in or elimination of the guarantee structure of Agency RMBS may increase our costs (if, for example, guarantee fees increase) or require us to change our investment strategy altogether. For example, the elimination of the guarantee structure of Agency RMBS may cause us to change our investment strategy to focus on non-Agency RMBS, which in turn would require us to significantly increase our monitoring of the credit risks of our investments in addition to interest rate and prepayment risks.

 

If prepayment rates are relatively low (due, in part, to the refinancing problems described above), lower long-term interest rates can increase the value of our Agency RMBS. This is because investors typically place a premium on assets with coupon/yields that are higher than coupon/yields available in the market. To the extent such securities pre-pay slower than would otherwise be the case, we benefit from an above market coupon/yield for longer, enhancing the return from the security. Although lower long-term interest rates may increase asset values in our portfolio, we may not be able to invest new funds in similarly yielding assets.

 

If prepayment levels increase, the value of any of our Agency RMBS that are carried at a premium to par that are affected by such prepayments may decline. This is because a principal prepayment accelerates the effective term of an Agency RMBS, which would shorten the period during which an investor would receive above-market returns (assuming the yield on the prepaid asset is higher than market yields). Also, prepayment proceeds may not be able to be reinvested in similar-yielding assets. Agency RMBS backed by mortgages with high interest rates are more susceptible to prepayment risk because holders of those mortgages are most likely to refinance to a lower rate. If prepayment levels decrease, the value of any of our Agency RMBS that are carried at a discount to par that are affected by such prepayments may increase. This is because a principal prepayment accelerates the effective term of an Agency RMBS, which would shorten the timeframe over which an investor would receive the principal of the underlying loans. Agency RMBS backed by mortgages with low interest rates are less susceptible to prepayment risk because holders of those mortgages are less likely to refinance to a higher rate. IOs and IIOs, however, may be the types of Agency RMBS most sensitive to increased prepayment rates. Because the holder of an IO or IIO receives no principal payments, the values of IOs and IIOs are entirely dependent on the existence of a principal balance on the underlying mortgages. If the principal balance is eliminated due to prepayment, IOs and IIOs essentially become worthless. Although increased prepayment rates can negatively affect the value of our IOs and IIOs, they have the opposite effect on POs. Because POs act like zero-coupon bonds, meaning they are purchased at a discount to their par value and have an effective interest rate based on the discount and the term of the underlying loan, an increase in prepayment rates would reduce the effective term of our POs and accelerate the yields earned on those assets, which would increase our net income.

 

Higher long-term rates can also affect the value of our Agency RMBS.  As long-term rates rise, rates available to borrowers also rise.  This tends to cause prepayment activity to slow and extend the expected average life of mortgage cash flows.  As the expected average life of the mortgage cash flows increases, coupled with higher discount rates, the value of Agency RMBS declines.  Some of the instruments we use to hedge our Agency RMBS assets, such as interest rate futures, swaps and swaptions, are stable average life instruments.  This means that to the extent we use such instruments to hedge our Agency RMBS assets, our hedges may not adequately protect us from price declines, and therefore may negatively impact our book value.  It is for this reason we use interest only securities in our portfolio. As interest rates rise, the expected average life of these securities increases, causing generally positive price movements as the number and size of the cash flows increase the longer the underlying mortgages remain outstanding. This makes interest only securities desirable hedge instruments for pass-through Agency RMBS. 

 

The Agency RMBS market began to experience severe dislocations in mid-March 2020 as a result of the economic, health and market turmoil brought about by COVID-19. On March 23, 2020, the Fed announced that it would purchase Agency RMBS and U.S. Treasuries in the amounts needed to support smooth market functioning, which largely stabilized the Agency RMBS market, but ended these purchases in March 2022 and announced plans to reduce its balance sheet. The Fed’s continued reduction of its balance sheet could negatively impact our investment portfolio.

 

 

Because we base our investment decisions on risk management principles rather than anticipated movements in interest rates, in a volatile interest rate environment we may allocate more capital to structured Agency RMBS with shorter durations. We believe these securities have a lower sensitivity to changes in long-term interest rates than other asset classes. We may attempt to mitigate our exposure to changes in long-term interest rates by investing in IOs and IIOs, which typically have different sensitivities to changes in long-term interest rates than PT RMBS, particularly PT RMBS backed by fixed-rate mortgages.

 

Effects on our borrowing costs

 

We leverage our PT RMBS portfolio and a portion of our structured Agency RMBS with principal balances through the use of short-term repurchase agreement transactions. The interest rates on our debt are determined by the short term interest rate markets. Increases in the Fed Funds rate or SOFR typically increase our borrowing costs, which could affect our interest rate spread if there is no corresponding increase in the interest we earn on our assets. The impact of these increases would be most prevalent with respect to our Agency RMBS backed by fixed rate mortgage loans because the interest rate on a fixed-rate mortgage loan does not change even though market rates may change. 

 

In order to protect our net interest margin against increases in short-term interest rates, we may enter into interest rate swaps, which economically convert our floating-rate repurchase agreement debt to fixed-rate debt or utilize other hedging instruments such as Fed Funds, SOFR and T-Note futures contracts or interest rate swaptions.

 

Summary

 

The second half of 2023 was a very challenging period for the financial markets, especially the fixed income markets in the U.S. The U.S. economy proved incredibly resilient in the face of continued rate increases by the Fed since March of 2022 of 500 basis points. Growth for the third quarter was a surprising 4.9%, as measured by GDP.  The preliminary growth rate for the fourth quarter was 3.3%, still above what is deemed to be a sustainable rate. Fiscal deficits in the U.S. continue to grow and are expected to remain at elevated levels for the next few years. The combination of these factors, among others, drove U.S. Treasury rates higher as the market expected the Fed, while at or near the end of their tightening cycle, was not going to lower rates well into 2024.

 

A series of events in November and December triggered a violent reversal in the market outlook, the level of interest rates, the performance of risk assets and the outlook for monetary policy.  The primary development was incoming inflation data.  While the inflation data was at times above consensus expectations by economists, it was nonetheless steadily declining.  Most measures of inflation now exhibit a clear downward trend towards the Fed’s 2% target. While there were some instances of labor market and/or growth data that was soft released during the fourth quarter, generally the data remains firm, and the labor market has yet to materially weaken.  Yet, it appeared the Fed was willing to contemplate reducing rates if the inflation trend continued.  Comments by various Fed officials, including Chairman Powell, hinted at a pending shift in the outlook for monetary policy.  The market quickly responded to this development. Interest rates declined by over 100 basis points in the case of the 10-year U.S. Treasury note, from late October to late December.  Fed funds futures pricing implied the market expected the Fed to lower rates by over 150 basis points in 2024.  Risk assets of every type performed strongly over the last two months of the year, in many cases reversing year-to-date negative returns as of November 1, 2023, into strong positive returns for the year.

 

In response to the significant increase in interest rates and volatility early in the fourth quarter, with the corresponding weakness in Agency RMBS assets, Orchid reduced its leverage and increased hedges. Specifically, holdings of 30-year fixed rate 3.0% coupons were reduced by approximately 40% - given their long duration - and a modest 30-year 7.0% coupon position was added. As the market recovered in November and December Agency RMBS had very strong absolute returns – nearly 8% for the fixed rate Agency RMBS sub-sector – and 1.7% above comparable duration U.S. Treasuries.  However, public comments by Fed officials since late December have consistently pushed back against market expectations of the extent and timing of interest rate cuts.  The incoming data remains quite strong – particularly labor market and growth data.  Since year-end interest rates have partially reversed their declines late in the year, although the market still appears to expect significant rate cuts throughout the year – still over 80 basis points by the end of 2024.  Given the suddenness of the reversal in the market – with the resulting material decline in interest rates and volatility – coupled with still strong data and persistent signaling by Fed officials that the markets are overestimating their pending policy adjustments, Orchid’s Agency RMBS portfolio has not grown since early November and the hedges have remained very high relative to the level of funding.  To the extent the Fed does lower the Fed funds rate, we expect Orchid’s earnings stand to benefit as we believe current hedge positions are sufficient to off-set increased funding levels such that the net-interest margin of the portfolio is consistent with the current dividend rate.  Agency RMBS securities are still very attractively priced so the portfolio could be expanded, even without additional equity capital, as the current leverage ratio is at the low end of its historical range. 

 

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. GAAP requires our management to make some complex and subjective decisions and assessments. Our most critical accounting policies involve decisions and assessments which could significantly affect reported assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Management has identified its most critical accounting estimates:

 

Mortgage-Backed Securities

 

Our investments in Agency RMBS are accounted for at fair value. We acquire our Agency RMBS for the purpose of generating long-term returns, and not for the short-term investment of idle capital.

 

As discussed in Note 13 to the financial statements, our Agency RMBS are valued using Level 2 valuations, and such valuations currently are determined by our manager based on independent pricing sources and/or third party broker quotes, when available. Because the price estimates may vary, our Manager must make certain judgments and assumptions about the appropriate price to use to calculate the fair values. Alternatively, our Manager could opt to have the value of all of our positions in Agency RMBS determined by either an independent third-party or do so internally.

 

In managing our portfolio, Bimini Advisors employs the following four-step process at each valuation date to determine the fair value of our Agency RMBS:

 

•         First, our Manager obtains fair values from subscription-based independent pricing sources. These prices are used by both our Manager as well as many of our repurchase agreement counterparty on a daily basis to establish margin requirements for our borrowings.

•         Second, our Manager requests non-binding quotes from one to four broker-dealers for certain Agency RMBS in order to validate the values obtained by the pricing service. Our Manager requests these quotes from broker-dealers that actively trade and make markets in the respective asset class for which the quote is requested.

•         Third, our Manager reviews the values obtained by the pricing source and the broker-dealers for consistency across similar assets.

•         Finally, if the data from the pricing services and broker-dealers is not homogenous or if the data obtained is inconsistent with our Manager’s market observations, our Manager makes a judgment to determine which price appears the most consistent with observed prices from similar assets and selects that price. To the extent our Manager believes that none of the prices are consistent with observed prices for similar assets, which is typically the case for only an immaterial portion of our portfolio each quarter, our Manager may use a third price that is consistent with observed prices for identical or similar assets. In the case of assets that have quoted prices such as Agency RMBS backed by fixed-rate mortgages, our Manager generally uses the quoted or observed market price. For assets such as Agency RMBS backed by ARMs or structured Agency RMBS, our Manager may determine the price based on the yield or spread that is identical to an observed transaction or a similar asset for which a dealer mark or subscription-based price has been obtained.

 

Management believes its pricing methodology to be consistent with the definition of fair value described in Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

We use derivative instruments to manage interest rate risk, facilitate asset/liability strategies and manage other exposures, and we may continue to do so in the future. The principal instruments that we have used to date are Fed Funds, SOFR, T-Note and Eurodollar futures contracts, interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions, interest rate caps and TBA securities, but we may enter into other derivatives in the future.

 

We account for TBA securities as derivative instruments. Gains and losses associated with TBA securities transactions are reported in gain (loss) on derivative instruments in the accompanying statements of comprehensive income (loss).

 

 

We have elected not to treat any of our derivative financial instruments as hedges in order to align the accounting treatment of its derivative instruments with the treatment of our portfolio assets under the fair value option election. All derivative instruments are carried at fair value, and changes in fair value are recorded in earnings for each period. Our futures contracts are Level 1 valuations, as they are exchange-traded instruments and quoted market prices are readily available. Our interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions and TBA securities are Level 2 valuations. The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined using a discounted cash flow approach using forward market interest rates and discount rates, which are observable inputs. The fair value of interest rate swaptions is determined using an option pricing model. The fair value of our TBA securities are determined by the Company based on independent pricing sources and/or third party broker quotes, similar to how the fair value of our Agency RMBS is derived, as discussed above.

 

Income Recognition

 

Since we commenced operations, we have elected to account for all of our Agency RMBS under the fair value option.

 

All of our Agency RMBS are either pass-through securities or structured Agency RMBS, including CMOs, IOs, IIOs or POs. Income on pass-through securities, POs and CMOs that contain principal balances is based on the stated interest rate of the security. As a result of accounting for our RMBS under the fair value option, premium or discount present at the date of purchase is not amortized. For IOs, IIOs and CMOs that do not contain principal balances, income is accrued based on the carrying value and the effective yield. The difference between income accrued and the interest received on the security is characterized as a return of investment and serves to reduce the asset’s carrying value. At each reporting date, the effective yield is adjusted prospectively for future reporting periods based on the new estimate of prepayments, current interest rates and current asset prices. The new effective yield is calculated based on the carrying value at the end of the previous reporting period, the new prepayment estimates and the contractual terms of the security. Changes in fair value of all of our Agency RMBS during the period are recorded in earnings and reported as unrealized gains (losses) on mortgage-backed securities in the accompanying statements of comprehensive income (loss). For IIO securities, effective yield and income recognition calculations also take into account the index value applicable to the security.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

At December 31, 2023, we had no material commitments for capital expenditures.

 

Dividends

 

In addition to other requirements that must be satisfied to continue to qualify as a REIT, we must pay annual dividends to our stockholders of at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deductions for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gains. REIT taxable income (loss) is computed in accordance with the Code, and can be greater than or less than our financial statement net income (loss) computed in accordance with GAAP. These book to tax differences primarily relate to the recognition of interest income on RMBS, unrealized gains and losses on RMBS, and the amortization of losses on derivative instruments that are treated as funding hedges for tax purposes.

 

We intend to pay regular monthly dividends to our stockholders and have declared the following dividends since the completion of our IPO.

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Year		Per Share Amount				Total
2013		$	6.975			$	4,662
2014			10.800				22,643
2015			9.600				38,748
2016			8.400				41,388
2017			8.400				70,717
2018			5.350				55,814
2019			4.800				54,421
2020			3.950				53,570
2021			3.900				97,601
2022			2.475				87,906
2023			1.800				81,127
2024 YTD(1)			0.240				12,362
Totals		$	66.690			$	620,959

 

(1)

On January 10, 2024, the Company declared a dividend of $0.12 per share to be paid on February 27, 2024. On February 14, 2024, the Company declared a dividend of $0.12 per share to be paid on March 26, 2024.  The effects of these dividends are included in the table above but are not reflected in the Company’s financial statements as of December 31, 2023.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Market risk is the exposure to loss resulting from changes in market factors such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. The primary market risks that we are exposed to are interest rate risk, prepayment risk, spread risk, liquidity risk, extension risk and counterparty credit risk.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Interest rate risk is highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations and other factors beyond our control.

 

Changes in the general level of interest rates can affect our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on interest-earning assets and the interest expense incurred in connection with our interest-bearing liabilities, by affecting the spread between our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Changes in the level of interest rates can also affect the rate of prepayments of our securities and the value of the RMBS that constitute our investment portfolio, which affects our net income, ability to realize gains from the sale of these assets and ability to borrow, and the amount that we can borrow against, these securities.

 

We may utilize a variety of financial instruments in order to limit the effects of changes in interest rates on our operations. The principal instruments that we use are futures contracts, interest rate swaps and swaptions, and interest rate caps. These instruments are intended to serve as an economic hedge against future interest rate increases on our repurchase agreement borrowings. Hedging techniques are partly based on assumed levels of prepayments of our Agency RMBS. If prepayments are slower or faster than assumed, the life of the Agency RMBS will be longer or shorter, which would reduce the effectiveness of any hedging strategies we may use and may cause losses on such transactions. Hedging strategies involving the use of derivative securities are highly complex and may produce volatile returns. Hedging techniques are also limited by the rules relating to REIT qualification. In order to preserve our REIT status, we may be forced to terminate a hedging transaction at a time when the transaction is most needed.

 

Our profitability and the value of our investment portfolio (including derivatives used for hedging purposes) may be adversely affected during any period as a result of changing interest rates, including changes in the forward yield curve.

 

Our portfolio of PT RMBS is typically comprised of adjustable-rate RMBS (“ARMs”), fixed-rate RMBS and hybrid adjustable-rate RMBS. We generally seek to acquire low duration assets that offer high levels of protection from mortgage prepayments provided they are reasonably priced by the market. Although the duration of an individual asset can change as a result of changes in interest rates, we strive to maintain a hedged PT RMBS portfolio with an effective duration of less than 2.0. The stated contractual final maturity of the mortgage loans underlying our portfolio of PT RMBS generally ranges up to 30 years. However, the effect of prepayments of the underlying mortgage loans tends to shorten the resulting cash flows from our investments substantially. Prepayments occur for various reasons, including refinancing of underlying mortgages, loan payoffs in connection with home sales, and borrowers paying more than their scheduled loan payments, which accelerates the amortization of the loans.

 

The duration of our IO and IIO portfolios will vary greatly depending on the structural features of the securities. While prepayment activity will always affect the cash flows associated with the securities, the interest only nature of IOs may cause their durations to become extremely negative when prepayments are high, and less negative when prepayments are low. Prepayments affect the durations of IIOs similarly, but the floating rate nature of the coupon of IIOs (which is inversely related to the level of one month SOFR) causes their price movements, and model duration, to be affected by changes in both prepayments and one month SOFR, both current and anticipated levels. As a result, the duration of IIO securities will also vary greatly.

 

Prepayments on the loans underlying our RMBS can alter the timing of the cash flows from the underlying loans to us. As a result, we gauge the interest rate sensitivity of our assets by measuring their effective duration. While modified duration measures the price sensitivity of a bond to movements in interest rates, effective duration captures both the movement in interest rates and the fact that cash flows to a mortgage related security are altered when interest rates move. Accordingly, when the contract interest rate on a mortgage loan is substantially above prevailing interest rates in the market, the effective duration of securities collateralized by such loans can be quite low because of expected prepayments.

 

 

We face the risk that the market value of our PT RMBS assets will increase or decrease at different rates than that of our structured RMBS or liabilities, including our hedging instruments. Accordingly, we assess our interest rate risk by estimating the duration of our assets and the duration of our liabilities. We generally calculate duration using various third party models. However, empirical results and various third party models may produce different duration numbers for the same securities.

 

The following sensitivity analysis shows the estimated impact on the fair value of our interest rate-sensitive investments and hedge positions as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, assuming rates instantaneously fall 200 bps, fall 100 bps, fall 50 bps, rise 50 bps, rise 100 bps and rise 200 bps, adjusted to reflect the impact of convexity, which is the measure of the sensitivity of our hedge positions and Agency RMBS’ effective duration to movements in interest rates. We have a negatively convex asset profile and a linear to slightly positively convex hedge portfolio (short positions). It is not uncommon for us to have losses in both directions.

 

All changes in value in the table below are measured as percentage changes from the investment portfolio value and net asset value at the base interest rate scenario. The base interest rate scenario assumes interest rates and prepayment projections as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

Actual results could differ materially from estimates, especially in the current market environment. To the extent that these estimates or other assumptions do not hold true, which is likely in a period of high price volatility, actual results will likely differ materially from projections and could be larger or smaller than the estimates in the table below. Moreover, if different models were employed in the analysis, materially different projections could result. Lastly, while the table below reflects the estimated impact of interest rate increases and decreases on a static portfolio, we may from time to time sell any of our agency securities as a part of our overall management of our investment portfolio.

 

Interest Rate Sensitivity(1)
		Portfolio
		Market				Book
Change in Interest Rate		Value(2)(3)				Value(2)(4)
As of December 31, 2023
-200 Basis Points			(2.03	)%			(16.78	)%
-100 Basis Points			(0.54	)%			(4.48	)%
-50 Basis Points			(0.17	)%			(1.40	)%
+50 Basis Points			0.00	%			0.02	%
+100 Basis Points			(0.15	)%			(1.23	)%
+200 Basis Points			(0.81	)%			(6.70	)%
As of December 31, 2022
-200 Basis Points			0.52	%			4.18	%
-100 Basis Points			0.61	%			4.92	%
-50 Basis Points			0.40	%			3.25	%
+50 Basis Points			(0.43	)%			(3.47	)%
+100 Basis Points			(1.04	)%			(8.38	)%
+200 Basis Points			(2.51	)%			(20.27	)%

 

(1)	Interest rate sensitivity is derived from models that are dependent on inputs and assumptions provided by third parties as well as by our Manager, and assumes there are no changes in mortgage spreads and assumes a static portfolio. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.

(2)	Includes the effect of derivatives and other securities used for hedging purposes.

(3)	Estimated dollar change in investment portfolio value expressed as a percent of the total fair value of our investment portfolio as of such date.

(4)	Estimated dollar change in portfolio value expressed as a percent of stockholders' equity as of such date.

 

In addition to changes in interest rates, other factors impact the fair value of our interest rate-sensitive investments, such as the shape of the yield curve, market expectations as to future interest rate changes and other market conditions. Accordingly, in the event of changes in actual interest rates, the change in the fair value of our assets would likely differ from that shown above and such difference might be material and adverse to our stockholders.

 

 

Prepayment Risk

 

Because residential borrowers have the option to prepay their mortgage loans at par at any time, we face the risk that we will experience a return of principal on our investments faster than anticipated. Various factors affect the rate at which mortgage prepayments occur, including changes in the level of and directional trends in housing prices, interest rates, general economic conditions, loan age and size, loan-to-value ratio, the location of the property and social and demographic conditions. Additionally, changes to GSE underwriting practices or other governmental programs could also significantly impact prepayment rates or expectations. Generally, prepayments on Agency RMBS increase during periods of falling mortgage interest rates and decrease during periods of rising mortgage interest rates. However, this may not always be the case. We may reinvest principal repayments at a yield that is lower or higher than the yield on the repaid investment, thus affecting our net interest income by altering the average yield on our assets.

 

Spread Risk

 

When the market spread widens between the yield on our Agency RMBS and benchmark interest rates, our net book value could decline if the value of our Agency RMBS falls by more than the offsetting fair value increases on our hedging instruments tied to the underlying benchmark interest rates. We refer to this as "spread risk" or "basis risk." The spread risk associated with our mortgage assets and the resulting fluctuations in fair value of these securities can occur independent of changes in benchmark interest rates and may relate to other factors impacting the mortgage and fixed income markets, such as actual or anticipated monetary policy actions by the Fed, market liquidity, or changes in required rates of return on different assets. Consequently, while we use futures contracts and interest rate swaps and swaptions to attempt to protect against moves in interest rates, such instruments typically will not protect our net book value against spread risk.

 

Liquidity Risk

 

The primary liquidity risk for us arises from financing long-term assets with shorter-term borrowings through repurchase agreements. Our assets that are pledged to secure repurchase agreements are Agency RMBS and cash. As of December 31, 2023, we had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $171.9 million and unpledged securities of approximately $28.5 million (not including unsettled securities purchases or securities pledged to us) available to meet margin calls on our repurchase agreements and derivative contracts, and for other corporate purposes. However, should the value of our Agency RMBS pledged as collateral or the value of our derivative instruments suddenly decrease, margin calls relating to our repurchase and derivative agreements could increase, causing an adverse change in our liquidity position. Further, there is no assurance that we will always be able to renew (or roll) our repurchase agreements. In addition, our counterparties have the option to increase our haircuts (margin requirements) on the assets we pledge against repurchase agreements, thereby reducing the amount that can be borrowed against an asset even if they agree to renew or roll the repurchase agreement. Significantly higher haircuts can reduce our ability to leverage our portfolio or even force us to sell assets, especially if correlated with asset price declines or faster prepayment rates on our assets.

 

Extension Risk

 

The projected weighted average life and the duration (or interest rate sensitivity) of our investments is based on our Manager's assumptions regarding the rate at which the borrowers will prepay the underlying mortgage loans. In general, we use futures contracts and interest rate swaps and swaptions to help manage our funding cost on our investments in the event that interest rates rise. These hedging instruments allow us to reduce our funding exposure on the notional amount of the instrument for a specified period of time.

 

However, if prepayment rates decrease in a rising interest rate environment, the average life or duration of our fixed-rate assets or the fixed-rate portion of the ARMs or other assets generally extends. This could have a negative impact on our results from operations, as our hedging instrument expirations are fixed and will, therefore, cover a smaller percentage of our funding exposure on our mortgage assets to the extent that their average lives increase due to slower prepayments. This situation may also cause the market value of our Agency RMBS and CMOs collateralized by fixed rate mortgages or hybrid ARMs to decline by more than otherwise would be the case, while most of our hedging instruments would not receive any incremental offsetting gains. In extreme situations, we may be forced to sell assets to maintain adequate liquidity, which could cause us to incur realized losses.

 

 

Counterparty Credit Risk

 

We are exposed to counterparty credit risk relating to potential losses that could be recognized in the event that the counterparties to our repurchase agreements and derivative contracts fail to perform their obligations under such agreements. The amount of assets we pledge as collateral in accordance with our agreements varies over time based on the market value and notional amount of such assets as well as the value of our derivative contracts. In the event of a default by a counterparty, we may not receive payments provided for under the terms of our agreements and may have difficulty obtaining our assets pledged as collateral under such agreements. Our credit risk related to certain derivative transactions is largely mitigated through daily adjustments to collateral pledged based on changes in market value, and we limit our counterparties to registered central clearing exchanges and major financial institutions with acceptable credit ratings, monitoring positions with individual counterparties and adjusting collateral posted as required. However, there is no guarantee our efforts to manage counterparty credit risk will be successful, and we could suffer significant losses if unsuccessful.

 

 

 

ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.

BALANCE SHEETS

($ in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.

STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

($ in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.

STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

(in thousands)

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

($ in thousands)

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2023

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Organization and Business Description

 

Orchid Island Capital, Inc. (“Orchid” or the “Company”), was incorporated in Maryland on August 17, 2010 for the purpose of creating and managing a leveraged investment portfolio consisting of residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”). From incorporation to the completion of Orchid's initial public offering of its common stock on February 20, 2013 Orchid was a wholly owned subsidiary of Bimini Capital Management, Inc. (“Bimini”). Orchid began operations on November 24, 2010 (the date of commencement of operations). From incorporation through November 24, 2010, Orchid’s only activity was the issuance of common stock to Bimini.

 

On August 4, 2020, Orchid entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “August 2020 Equity Distribution Agreement”) with four sales agents pursuant to which the Company could offer and sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of $150,000,000 of shares of the Company’s common stock in transactions that were deemed to be “at the market” offerings and privately negotiated transactions. The Company issued a total of 5,498,730 shares under the August 2020 Equity Distribution Agreement for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $150.0 million, and net proceeds of approximately $147.4 million, after commissions and fees, prior to its termination in June 2021.

 

On January 20, 2021, Orchid entered into an underwriting agreement (the “January 2021 Underwriting Agreement”) with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“J.P. Morgan”), relating to the offer and sale of 1,520,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. J.P. Morgan purchased the shares of the Company’s common stock from the Company pursuant to the January 2021 Underwriting Agreement at $26.00 per share. In addition, the Company granted J.P. Morgan a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 228,000 shares of the Company’s common stock on the same terms and conditions, which J.P. Morgan exercised in full on January 21, 2021. The closing of the offering of 1,748,000 shares of the Company’s common stock occurred on January 25, 2021, with proceeds to the Company of approximately $45.2 million, after deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses.

 

On March 2, 2021, Orchid entered into an underwriting agreement (the “March 2021 Underwriting Agreement”) with J.P. Morgan, relating to the offer and sale of 1,600,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. J.P. Morgan purchased the shares of the Company’s common stock from the Company pursuant to the March 2021 Underwriting Agreement at $27.25 per share. In addition, the Company granted J.P. Morgan a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 240,000 shares of the Company’s common stock on the same terms and conditions, which J.P. Morgan exercised in full on March 3, 2021. The closing of the offering of 1,840,000 shares of the Company’s common stock occurred on March 5, 2021, with proceeds to the Company of approximately $50.0 million, after deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses.

 

On June 22, 2021, Orchid entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “June 2021 Equity Distribution Agreement”) with four sales agents pursuant to which the Company could offer and sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of $250,000,000 of shares of the Company’s common stock in transactions that were deemed to be “at the market” offerings and privately negotiated transactions. The Company issued a total of 9,881,467 shares under the June 2021 Equity Distribution Agreement for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $250.0 million, and net proceeds of approximately $246.0 million, after commissions and fees, prior to its termination in October 2021.

 

On October 29, 2021, Orchid entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “October 2021 Equity Distribution Agreement”) with four sales agents pursuant to which the Company could offer and sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of $250,000,000 of shares of the Company’s common stock in transactions that were deemed to be “at the market” offerings and privately negotiated transactions. The Company issued a total of 9,742,188 shares under the October 2021 Equity Distribution Agreement for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $151.8 million, and net proceeds of approximately $149.3 million, after commissions and fees, prior to its termination in March 2023. 

 

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On March 7, 2023, Orchid entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “March 2023 Equity Distribution Agreement”) with three sales agents pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of $250,000,000 of shares of the Company’s common stock in transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” offerings and privately negotiated transactions. Through  December 31, 2023, the Company issued a total of 13,190,039 shares under the March 2023 Equity Distribution Agreement for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $129.9 million, and net proceeds of approximately $127.8 million, after commissions and fees.

 

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could significantly differ from those estimates. The significant estimates affecting the accompanying financial statements are the fair values of RMBS and derivatives. Management believes the estimates and assumptions underlying the financial statements are reasonable based on the information available as of December 31, 2023.

 

Reclassification of Comparative Period Information

 

The Company previously reported $3.3 million and $0.4 million of commissions, fees and other expenses associated with its derivative holdings for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, in "Direct REIT operating expenses" in the statements of comprehensive income (loss).  These expenses have been reclassified as part of "Gains (losses) on derivative and other hedging instruments" to conform with the presentation in the current period.

 

Common Stock Reverse Split

 

On August 30, 2022, the Company effected a 1-for-5 reverse stock split of its common stock and proportionately decreased the number of authorized shares of common stock. All share, per share, deferred stock unit ("DSU") and performance unit ("PU") information has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the reverse split. The shares of common stock retain a par value of $0.01 per share.

 

Variable Interest Entities (VIEs)

 

The Company obtains interests in VIEs through its investments in mortgage-backed securities. The Company's interests in these VIEs are passive in nature and are not expected to result in the Company obtaining a controlling financial interest in these VIEs in the future. As a result, the Company does not consolidate these VIEs and accounts for these interests in these VIEs as mortgage-backed securities. See Note 2 for additional information regarding the Company's investments in mortgage-backed securities. The maximum exposure to loss for these VIEs is the carrying value of the mortgage-backed securities.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on deposit with financial institutions and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase. Restricted cash includes cash pledged as collateral for repurchase agreements and other borrowings, and interest rate swaps and other derivative instruments.

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the statement of financial position that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statement of cash flows.

 

(in thousands)
		December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
Cash and cash equivalents		$	171,893			$	205,651
Restricted cash			28,396				31,568
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		$	200,289			$	237,219

 

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The Company maintains cash balances at three banks, a government securities backed overnight sweep fund, and excess margin on account with three exchange clearing members. At times, balances may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses related to these balances. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insures eligible accounts up to $250,000 per depositor at each financial institution. Restricted cash balances are uninsured, but are held in separate customer accounts that are segregated from the general funds of the counterparty. The Company limits uninsured balances to only large, well-known banks and exchange clearing members and believes that it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents or restricted cash balances.

 

Mortgage-Backed Securities and U.S. Treasury Securities

 

The Company invests primarily in mortgage pass-through (“PT”) residential mortgage backed securities (“RMBS”) and collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) issued by Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae or Ginnie Mae, interest-only (“IO”) securities and inverse interest-only (“IIO”) securities representing interest in or obligations backed by pools of RMBS. The Company refers to RMBS and CMOs as PT RMBS and IO and IIO securities as structured RMBS. The Company also invests in U.S. Treasury Notes and U.S. Treasury Bills, primarily to satisfy collateral requirements of derivative counterparties. The Company has elected to account for its investment in RMBS and U.S. Treasury Notes under the fair value option. Electing the fair value option requires the Company to record changes in fair value in the statements of comprehensive income (loss), which, in management’s view, more appropriately reflects the results of the Company's operations for a particular reporting period and is consistent with the underlying economics and how the portfolio is managed. The Company has designated its U.S. Treasury Bills as available-for-sale. 

 

The Company records securities transactions on the trade date. Security purchases that have not settled as of the balance sheet date are included in the portfolio balance with an offsetting liability recorded, whereas securities sold that have not settled as of the balance sheet date are removed from the portfolio balance with an offsetting receivable recorded.

 

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell the asset or paid to transfer the liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability either occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability, or in the absence of a principal market, occurs in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Estimated fair values for RMBS are based on independent pricing sources and/or third party broker quotes, when available. Estimated fair values for U.S. Treasury securities are based on quoted prices for identical assets in active markets.

 

Income on PT RMBS and U.S. Treasury Notes is based on the stated interest rate of the security. Premiums or discounts present at the date of purchase are not amortized. Premium lost and discount accretion resulting from monthly principal repayments are reflected in unrealized gains (losses) on RMBS in the statements of comprehensive income (loss). For IO securities, the income is accrued based on the carrying value and the effective yield. The difference between income accrued and the interest received on the security is characterized as a return of investment and serves to reduce the asset’s carrying value. At each reporting date, the effective yield is adjusted prospectively for future reporting periods based on the new estimate of prepayments and the contractual terms of the security. For IIO securities, effective yield and income recognition calculations also take into account the index value applicable to the security. Changes in fair value of investments for which the fair value option is elected are recorded in earnings and reported as unrealized gains or losses on mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury securities in the accompanying statements of comprehensive income (loss). Realized gains and losses on sales of investments for which the fair value option has been elected, using the specific identification method, are reported as a separate component of net portfolio income on the statements of comprehensive income (loss).

 

U.S. Treasury Bills are zero-coupon bonds that are purchased at a discount to the par amount. This discount is accreted into income over the life of the investment and reported in the statements of comprehensive income (loss) as interest income. Changes in fair value of U.S. Treasury Bills that are classified as available-for-sale are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income ("OCI"). Upon the sale of a security designated as available-for-sale, we determine the cost of the security and the amount of unrealized gain or loss to reclassify out of accumulated OCI into earnings based on the specific identification method. The Company evaluated securities for allowance for credit losses and since all of the Company's available-for-sale securities designated investments consist of U.S. Treasury securities, which are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, the Company does not record an allowance for credit losses.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company uses derivative and other hedging instruments to manage interest rate risk, facilitate asset/liability strategies and manage other exposures, and it may continue to do so in the future. The principal instruments that the Company has used to date are Treasury Note (“T-Note”), SOFR, federal funds ("Fed Funds") and Eurodollar futures contracts, short positions in U.S. Treasury securities, interest rate swaps, options to enter in interest rate swaps (“interest rate swaptions”) , interest rate caps and TBA securities transactions, but the Company may enter into other derivative and other hedging instruments in the future.

 

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The Company accounts for TBA securities as derivative instruments. Gains and losses associated with TBA securities transactions are reported in gain (loss) on derivative instruments in the accompanying statements of comprehensive income (loss).

 

Derivative and other hedging instruments are carried at fair value, and changes in fair value are recorded in statements of comprehensive income (loss) as gains or losses on derivative and other hedging instruments for each period. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are not designated as hedge accounting relationships, but rather are used as economic hedges of its portfolio assets and liabilities. Gains and losses on derivatives, except those that result in cash receipts or payments, are included in operating activities on the statements of cash flows. Cash payments and cash receipts from settlements of derivatives, including current period net cash settlements on interest rates swaps, are classified as an investing activity on the statements of cash flows.

 

Holding derivatives creates exposure to credit risk related to the potential for failure on the part of counterparties and exchanges to honor their commitments. In the event of default by a counterparty, the Company may have difficulty recovering its collateral and may not receive payments provided for under the terms of the agreement. The Company’s derivative agreements require it to post or receive collateral to mitigate such risk. In addition, the Company uses only registered central clearing exchanges and well-established commercial banks as counterparties, monitors positions with individual counterparties and adjusts posted collateral as required.

 

Financial Instruments

 

The fair value of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value is disclosed, either in the body of the financial statements or in the accompanying notes. RMBS, Fed Funds, SOFR and T-Note futures contracts, interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions, interest rate caps and TBA securities are accounted for at fair value in the balance sheets. The methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value for these instruments are presented in Note 13 of the financial statements.

 

Repurchase Agreements

 

The Company finances the acquisition of the majority of its RMBS through the use of repurchase agreements under master repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions, which are carried at their contractual amounts, including accrued interest, as specified in the respective agreements.

 

Manager Compensation

 

The Company is externally managed by Bimini Advisors, LLC (the “Manager” or “Bimini Advisors”), a Maryland limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Bimini. The Company’s management agreement with the Manager provides for payment to the Manager of a management fee and reimbursement of certain operating expenses, which are accrued and expensed during the period for which they are earned or incurred. Refer to Note 14 for the terms of the management agreement.

 

Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated as net income or loss attributable to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is calculated using the treasury stock or two-class method, as applicable, for common stock equivalents, if any. However, the common stock equivalents are not included in computing diluted EPS if the result is anti-dilutive.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company may grant equity-based compensation to non-employee members of its board of directors and to the executive officers and employees of the Manager. Stock-based awards issued include Performance Units ("PUs"), Deferred Stock Units ("DSUs") and immediately vested common stock awards. Compensation expense is measured and recognized for all stock-based payment awards made to employees and non-employee directors based on the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized over each award’s respective service period using the graded vesting attribution method. We do not estimate forfeiture rates; rather, we adjust for forfeitures in the periods in which they occur.

 

Income Taxes

 

Orchid elected and is organized and operated so as to qualify to be taxed as a REIT under the Code. REITs are generally not subject to U.S. federal income tax on their REIT taxable income provided that they distribute to their stockholders all of their REIT taxable income on an annual basis. A REIT must distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deductions for dividends paid and excluding net capital gain, and meet other requirements of the Code to retain its tax status.

 

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Orchid assesses the likelihood, based on their technical merit, that uncertain tax positions will be sustained upon examination based on the facts, circumstances and information available at the end of each period. All of Orchid’s tax positions are categorized as highly certain. There is no accrual for any tax, interest or penalties related to Orchid’s tax position assessment. The measurement of uncertain tax positions is adjusted when new information is available, or when an event occurs that requires a change.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04 “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions to GAAP requirements for modifications on debt instruments, leases, derivatives, and other contracts, related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), and certain other floating rate benchmark indices, or collectively, IBORs, to alternative reference rates. ASU 2020-04 generally considers contract modifications related to reference rate reform to be an event that does not require contract remeasurement at the modification date nor a reassessment of a previous accounting determination. The guidance in ASU 2020-04 is optional and may be elected over time, through December 31, 2022, as reference rate reform activities occur. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06 "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)," deferring the sunset date provided in ASU 2020-04 from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024. The Company adopted this ASU during the second quarter of 2023 as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") replaced LIBOR for certain derivative positions. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

 

In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01 “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848).” ASU 2021-01 expands the scope of ASC 848 to include all affected derivatives and give market participants the ability to apply certain aspects of the contract modification and hedge accounting expedients to derivative contracts affected by the discounting transition. In addition, ASU 2021-01 adds implementation guidance to permit a company to apply certain optional expedients to modifications of interest rate indexes used for margining, discounting or contract price alignment of certain derivatives as a result of reference rate reform initiatives and extends optional expedients to account for a derivative contract modified as a continuation of the existing contract and to continue hedge accounting when certain critical terms of a hedging relationship change to modifications made as part of the discounting transition. The guidance in ASU 2021-01 is effective immediately and available generally through December 31, 2024, as reference rate reform activities occur. The Company adopted this ASU during the second quarter of 2023 as SOFR replaced LIBOR for certain derivative positions. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

NOTE 2. MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES AND U.S. TREASURY SECURITIES, AT FAIR VALUE

 

The following table presents the Company’s RMBS portfolio that are remeasured at fair value through earnings as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

 

(in thousands)
		December 31, 2023												December 31, 2022
		Par Value				Cost (1)				Fair Value				Par Value				Cost (1)				Fair Value
Pass-Through RMBS Certificates:
Fixed-rate Mortgages		$	4,051,145			$	4,198,424			$	3,877,082			$	3,848,367			$	4,088,165			$	3,519,906
Total Pass-Through Certificates			4,051,145				4,198,424				3,877,082				3,848,367				4,088,165				3,519,906
Structured RMBS Certificates:
Interest-Only Securities (2)			n/a				19,839				16,572				n/a				22,395				19,669
Inverse Interest-Only Securities (3)			n/a				1,825				358				n/a				2,147				427
Total Structured RMBS Certificates			-				21,664				16,930				-				24,542				20,096
Total		$	4,051,145			$	4,220,088			$	3,894,012			$	3,848,367			$	4,112,707			$	3,540,002

 

(1)	The cost information in the table above represents the aggregate current par value, multiplied by the purchase price of each security in the portfolio.
(2)	The notional balance for the interest-only securities portfolio was $98.6 million and $111.5 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(3)	The notional balance for the inverse interest-only securities portfolio was $26.8 million and $31.5 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2022, the Company held U.S. Treasury securities with a fair value of approximately $36.4 million, that were accounted for under the fair value option. U.S. Treasury securities are held primarily to satisfy collateral requirements of its repurchase and derivative counterparties.

 

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The following table is a summary of the Company's net gain (loss) from the sale of mortgage-backed securities for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

 

(in thousands)
		2023				2022				2021
Proceeds from sales of RMBS		$	797,633			$	2,759,919			$	2,851,708
Carrying value of RMBS sold			(820,275	)			(2,893,614	)			(2,857,250	)
Net loss on sales of RMBS		$	(22,642	)		$	(133,695	)		$	(5,542	)
Gross gain on sales of RMBS		$	-			$	2,705			$	7,930
Gross loss on sales of RMBS			(22,642	)			(136,400	)			(13,472	)
Net loss on sales of RMBS		$	(22,642	)		$	(133,695	)		$	(5,542	)

NOTE 3. U.S. TREASURY SECURITIES, AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE

 

As of December 31, 2023, the Company held U.S. Treasury securities with a fair value of approximately $148.8 million that were classified as available-for-sale. U.S. Treasury securities are held primarily to satisfy collateral requirements of its repurchase and derivative counterparties.

 

The amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains and losses, and fair value of available-for-sale investments as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

(in thousands)
						Gross				Gross
		Amortized				Unrealized				Unrealized				Fair
		Cost				Gains				Losses				Value
U.S. Treasury Bill, 1/2/2024 Maturity		$	49,671			$	9			$	-			$	49,680
U.S. Treasury Bill, 2/15/2024 Maturity			49,992				8				-				50,000
U.S. Treasury Bill, 4/30/2024 Maturity			49,140				-				-				49,140
		$	148,803			$	17			$	-			$	148,820

 

The Company had no securities classified as available-for-sale that were in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. 

NOTE 4. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

 

The Company pledges certain of its RMBS as collateral under repurchase agreements with financial institutions. Interest rates are generally fixed based on prevailing rates corresponding to the terms of the borrowings, and interest is generally paid at the termination of a borrowing. If the fair value of the pledged securities declines, lenders will typically require the Company to post additional collateral or pay down borrowings to re-establish agreed upon collateral requirements, referred to as "margin calls." Similarly, if the fair value of the pledged securities increases, lenders may release collateral back to the Company. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had met all margin call requirements.

 

---

 

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s repurchase agreements had remaining maturities as summarized below:

 

($ in thousands)
		OVERNIGHT				BETWEEN 2				BETWEEN 31				GREATER
		(1 DAY OR				AND				AND				THAN
		LESS)				30 DAYS				90 DAYS				90 DAYS				TOTAL
December 31, 2023
Fair market value of securities pledged, including accrued interest receivable		$	-			$	3,125,315			$	710,055			$	65,106			$	3,900,476
Repurchase agreement liabilities associated with these securities		$	-			$	2,966,650			$	674,696			$	64,303			$	3,705,649
Net weighted average borrowing rate			-				5.55	%			5.54	%			5.46	%			5.55	%
December 31, 2022
Fair market value of securities pledged, including accrued interest receivable		$	-			$	2,496,769			$	884,632			$	142,658			$	3,524,059
Repurchase agreement liabilities associated with these securities		$	-			$	2,404,329			$	837,299			$	136,817			$	3,378,445
Net weighted average borrowing rate			-				4.43	%			4.51	%			4.15	%			4.44	%

 

In addition, cash pledged to counterparties as collateral for repurchase agreements was approximately $13.3 million as of December 31, 2022.

 

If, during the term of a repurchase agreement, a lender files for bankruptcy, the Company might experience difficulty recovering its pledged assets, which could result in an unsecured claim against the lender for the difference between the amount loaned to the Company plus interest due to the counterparty and the fair value of the collateral pledged to such lender, including the accrued interest receivable and cash posted by the Company as collateral. At December 31, 2023, the Company had an aggregate amount at risk (the difference between the amount loaned to the Company, including interest payable and securities posted by the counterparty (if any), and the fair value of securities and cash pledged (if any), including accrued interest on such securities) with all counterparties of approximately $176.5 million. The Company did not have an amount at risk with any individual counterparty that was greater than 10% of the Company’s equity at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

NOTE 5. DERIVATIVE AND OTHER HEDGING INSTRUMENTS

 

The table below summarizes fair value information about the Company's derivative and other hedging instruments assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

(in thousands)
Derivative and Other Hedging Instruments	Balance Sheet Location		December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
Assets
Interest rate swaps	Derivative assets, at fair value		$	6,348			$	4,983
Payer swaptions (long positions)	Derivative assets, at fair value			72				33,398
Interest rate caps	Derivative assets, at fair value			-				1,119
TBA securities	Derivative assets, at fair value			-				672
Total derivative assets, at fair value			$	6,420			$	40,172
Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities, at fair value		$	-			$	-
Payer swaptions (short positions)	Derivative liabilities, at fair value			-				5,982
TBA securities	Derivative liabilities, at fair value			12,694				1,179
Total derivative liabilities, at fair value			$	12,694			$	7,161
Margin Balances Posted to (from) Counterparties
Futures contracts	Restricted cash		$	4,096			$	16,493
TBA securities	Restricted cash			23,720				1,734
Interest rate swaption contracts	Restricted cash			580				-
TBA securities	Other liabilities			-				(532	)
Interest rate swaption contracts	Other liabilities			-				(12,489	)
Total margin balances on derivative contracts			$	28,396			$	5,206

 

---

 

T-Note and SOFR futures are cash settled futures contracts on an interest rate, with gains and losses credited or charged to the Company’s cash accounts on a daily basis. A minimum balance, or “margin”, is required to be maintained in the account on a daily basis. The tables below present information related to the Company’s T-Note and SOFR futures positions at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

($ in thousands)
		December 31, 2023
		Average				Weighted				Weighted
		Contract				Average				Average
		Notional				Entry				Effective				Open
Expiration Year		Amount				Rate				Rate				Equity(1)
U.S. Treasury Note Futures Contracts (Short Positions)(2)
March 2024 5-year T-Note futures (Mar 2024 - Mar 2029 Hedge Period)		$	421,500				4.36	%			4.04	%		$	(9,936	)
March 2024 10-year Ultra futures (Mar 2024 - Mar 2034 Hedge Period)			320,000				4.38	%			4.39	%		$	(11,393	)
SOFR Futures Contracts (Short Positions)
June 2024 3-Month SOFR futures (Mar 2024 - Jun 2024 Hedge Period)		$	25,000				5.08	%			4.99	%		$	(24	)
September 2024 3-Month SOFR futures (Jun 2024 - Sep 2024 Hedge Period)			25,000				4.67	%			4.52	%		$	(39	)
December 2024 3-Month SOFR futures (Sep 2024 - Dec 2024 Hedge Period)			25,000				4.27	%			4.10	%		$	(44	)
March 2025 3-Month SOFR futures (Dec 2024 - Mar 2025 Hedge Period)			25,000				3.90	%			3.73	%		$	(43	)
June 2025 3-Month SOFR futures (Mar 2025 - Jun 2025 Hedge Period)			25,000				3.58	%			3.42	%		$	(41	)
September 2025 3-Month SOFR futures (Jun 2025 - Sep 2025 Hedge Period)			25,000				3.37	%			3.21	%		$	(39	)
December 2025 3-Month SOFR futures (Sep 2025 - Dec 2025 Hedge Period)			25,000				3.25	%			3.10	%		$	(37	)
March 2026 3-Month SOFR futures (Dec 2025 - Mar 2026 Hedge Period)			25,000				3.21	%			3.07	%		$	(35	)

 

($ in thousands)
		December 31, 2022
		Average				Weighted				Weighted
		Contract				Average				Average
		Notional				Entry				Effective				Open
Expiration Year		Amount				Rate				Rate				Equity(1)
U.S. Treasury Note Futures Contracts (Short Position)(2)
March 2023 5-year T-Note futures (Mar 2023 - Mar 2028 Hedge Period)		$	750,500				4.20	%			4.22	%		$	(100	)
March 2023 10-year Ultra futures (Mar 2023 - Mar 2033 Hedge Period)			174,500				3.66	%			3.79	%		$	965

 

(1)	Open equity represents the cumulative gains (losses) recorded on open futures positions from inception.

(2)

5-Year T-Note futures contracts were valued at a price of $108.77 at December 31, 2023 and $107.93 at December 31, 2022. The contract values of the short positions were $458.5 million and $810.0 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. 10-Year Ultra futures contracts were valued at price of $112.89 at December 31, 2023 and $118.28 at December 31, 2022.  The contract value of the short positions was $361.3 million and $206.4 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

---

 

Under its interest rate swap agreements, the Company typically pays a fixed rate and receives a floating rate ("payer swaps") based on an index, such as SOFR. The floating rate the Company receives under its swap agreements has the effect of offsetting the repricing characteristics of its repurchase agreements and cash flows on such liabilities. The Company is typically required to post margin on its interest rate swap agreements. The table below presents information related to the Company’s interest rate swap positions at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

($ in thousands)
						Average
						Fixed				Average				Average
		Notional				Pay				Receive				Maturity
		Amount				Rate				Rate				(Years)
December 31, 2023
Expiration > 1 to ≤ 5 years		$	500,000				0.84	%			5.64	%			2.7
Expiration > 5 years			1,826,500				2.62	%			5.40	%			6.8
		$	2,326,500				2.24	%			5.45	%			5.9
December 31, 2022
Expiration > 1 to ≤ 5 years		$	500,000				0.84	%			4.75	%			3.7
Expiration > 5 years			900,000				1.70	%			4.23	%			6.6
		$	1,400,000				1.39	%			4.41	%			5.6

 

As of  December 31, 2023, the table above includes swaps with aggregate notional amounts of $274.0 million that begin accruing interest February 24, 2024 with a weighted fixed pay rate of 3.43% and a receive rate indexed to overnight SOFR. In accordance with procedures prescribed by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange ("CME"), all of the Company’s remaining LIBOR interest rate swaps cleared through the CME were converted into SOFR interest rate swaps, effective September 10, 2023. 

 

Our interest rate swaps are centrally cleared through two registered commodities exchanges, the CME and the London Clearing House (“LCH”). The clearing exchanges require that we post an "initial margin" amount determined by the exchanges. The initial margin amount is intended to be set at a level sufficient to protect the exchange from the interest rate swap's maximum estimated single-day price movement and is subject to adjustment based on changes in market volatility and other factors. We also exchange daily settlements of "variation margin" based upon changes in fair value, as measured by the exchanges.

 

The table below presents information related to the Company's interest rate cap positions at  December 31, 2022. The Company had no interest rate cap positions in place at December 31, 2023.

 

($ in thousands)

Net

Strike

Estimated

Notional

Swap

Curve

Fair

Expiration

Amount

Cost

Rate

Spread

Value

February 8, 2024

$

200,000

$

1,450

0.09

%

2Y10Y

$

1,119

 

The table below presents information related to the Company’s interest rate swaption positions at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

($ in thousands)
		Option												Underlying Swap
										Weighted													Weighted
										Average								Average			Average		Average
						Fair				Months to				Notional				Fixed			Adjustable		Term
Expiration		Cost				Value				Expiration				Amount				Rate			Rate		(Years)
December 31, 2023
Payer Swaptions (long positions)
≤ 1 year		$	1,619			$	72				5.0				800,000				5.40	%	SOFR			1.0
December 31, 2022
Payer Swaptions (long positions)
≤ 1 year		$	36,685			$	21,253				9.6				1,250,000				4.09	%	SOFR			10.0
> 1 year ≤ 2 years			11,021				12,145				239.5				120,000				2.05	%	SOFR			10.0
		$	47,706			$	33,398				29.8			$	1,370,000				3.91	%	SOFR			10.0
Payer Swaptions (short positions)
≤ 1 year		$	(17,800	)		$	(5,982	)			3.6			$	(917,000	)			4.09	%	SOFR			10.0

---

 

The following table summarizes the Company's contracts to purchase and sell TBA securities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

($ in thousands)
		Notional												Net
		Amount				Cost				Market				Carrying
		Long (Short)(1)				Basis(2)				Value(3)				Value(4)
December 31, 2023
30-Year TBA securities:
3.0%		$	(70,700	)		$	(59,278	)		$	(62,647	)		$	(3,369	)
5.0%			(250,000	)			(242,725	)			(247,657	)			(4,932	)
5.5%			(325,000	)			(322,410	)			(326,803	)			(4,393	)
Total		$	(645,700	)		$	(624,413	)		$	(637,107	)		$	(12,694	)
December 31, 2022
30-Year TBA securities:
2.0%		$	(175,000	)		$	(142,268	)		$	(143,145	)		$	(877	)
3.0%			(500,000	)			(440,644	)			(440,274	)			370
Total		$	(675,000	)		$	(582,912	)		$	(583,419	)		$	(507	)

 

(1)	Notional amount represents the par value (or principal balance) of the underlying Agency RMBS.

(2)	Cost basis represents the forward price to be paid (received) for the underlying Agency RMBS.

(3)	Market value represents the current market value of the TBA securities (or of the underlying Agency RMBS) as of period-end.

(4)	Net carrying value represents the difference between the market value and the cost basis of the TBA securities as of period-end and is reported in derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value in the balance sheets.

 

Gain (Loss) From Derivative and Other Hedging Instruments, Net

 

The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative and other hedging instruments on the statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

 

(in thousands)
		2023				2022				2021
Futures contracts (short positions)		$	32,650				206,907				(1,026	)
Interest rate swaps			19,657				167,641				23,398
Payer swaptions (long positions)			(8,734	)			152,365				(2,580	)
Payer swaptions (short positions)			4,113				(81,050	)			9,062
Interest rate caps			(219	)			919				-
Interest rate floors (long positions)			1,785				-				2,765
Interest rate floors (short positions)			(525	)			-				-
TBA securities (short positions)			1,370				4,494				3,432
TBA securities (long positions)			(4,860	)			1,200				(8,559	)
Total		$	45,237			$	452,476			$	26,492

 

Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features

 

The use of derivatives and other hedging instruments creates exposure to credit risk relating to potential losses that could be recognized in the event that the counterparties to these instruments fail to perform their obligations under the contracts. The Company attempts to minimize this risk by limiting its counterparties for instruments which are not centrally cleared on a registered exchange to major financial institutions with acceptable credit ratings and monitoring positions with individual counterparties. In addition, the Company may be required to pledge assets as collateral for its derivatives, whose amounts vary over time based on the market value, notional amount and remaining term of the derivative contract. In the event of a default by a counterparty, the Company  may not receive payments provided for under the terms of its derivative agreements, and may have difficulty obtaining its assets pledged as collateral for its derivatives. The cash and cash equivalents pledged as collateral for the Company's derivative instruments are included in restricted cash on its balance sheets.

 

It is the Company's policy not to offset assets and liabilities associated with open derivative contracts. However, CME and LCH rules characterize variation margin transfers as settlement payments, as opposed to adjustments to collateral. As a result, derivative assets and liabilities associated with centrally cleared derivatives for which the CME or LCH serves as the central clearing party are presented as if these derivatives had been settled as of the reporting date.

 

---

 

NOTE 6. PLEDGED ASSETS

 

Assets Pledged to Counterparties

 

The table below summarizes the Company's assets pledged as collateral under our repurchase agreements and derivative agreements by type, including securities pledged related to securities sold but not yet settled, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

(in thousands)
		December 31, 2023												December 31, 2022
		Repurchase				Derivative								Repurchase				Derivative
Assets Pledged to Counterparties		Agreements				Agreements				Total				Agreements				Agreements				Total
PT RMBS - fair value		$	3,868,624			$	-			$	3,868,624			$	3,492,544			$	-			$	3,492,544
Structured RMBS - fair value			16,930				-				16,930				20,096				-				20,096
U.S. Treasury securities - fair value			-				79,680				79,680				-				36,382				36,382
Accrued interest on pledged securities			14,922				-				14,922				11,419				16				11,435
Restricted cash			-				28,396				28,396				13,341				18,227				31,568
Total		$	3,900,476			$	108,076			$	4,008,552			$	3,537,400			$	54,625			$	3,592,025

 

Assets Pledged from Counterparties

 

The table below summarizes assets pledged to the Company from counterparties under repurchase agreements and derivative agreements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

(in thousands)
		December 31, 2023												December 31, 2022
		Repurchase				Derivative								Repurchase				Derivative
Assets Pledged to Orchid		Agreements				Agreements				Total				Agreements				Agreements				Total
Cash		$	42,179			$	-			$	42,179			$	3,075			$	13,021			$	16,096
U.S. Treasury securities - fair value			10,429				-				10,429				197				-				197
Total		$	52,608			$	-			$	52,608			$	3,272			$	13,021			$	16,293

 

U.S. Treasury securities received as margin under the Company's repurchase agreements are not recorded in the balance sheets because the counterparty retains ownership of the security. Cash received as margin is recognized in cash and cash equivalents with a corresponding amount recognized as an increase in repurchase agreements or other liabilities in the balance sheets.

NOTE 7. OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

The Company’s derivative agreements and repurchase agreements are subject to underlying agreements with master netting or similar arrangements, which provide for the right of offset in the event of default or in the event of bankruptcy of either party to the transactions. The Company reports its assets and liabilities subject to these arrangements on a gross basis in the case of repurchase agreements and for certain derivative agreements. CME and LCH rules characterize variation margin transfers as settlement payments, as opposed to adjustments to collateral. As a result, derivative assets and liabilities associated with centrally cleared derivatives for which the CME or LCH serves as the central clearing party are presented as if these derivatives had been settled as of the reporting date.

 

---

 

The following table presents information regarding those assets and liabilities subject to such arrangements as if the Company had presented them on a net basis as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

(in thousands)
Offsetting of Assets
										Net Amount				Gross Amount Not
		Gross				Gross				of Assets				Offset in the Balance Sheet
		Amount				Amount				Presented				Financial
		of				Offset in the				in the				Instruments				Cash
		Recognized				Balance				Balance				Received as				Received as				Net
		Assets				Sheet				Sheet				Collateral				Collateral				Amount
December 31, 2023
Interest rate swaps		$	6,348			$	-			$	6,348			$	-			$	-			$	6,348
Interest rate swaptions			72				-				72				-				-				72
		$	6,420			$	-			$	6,420			$	-			$	-			$	6,420
December 31, 2022
Interest rate swaps		$	4,983			$	-			$	4,983			$	-			$	-			$	4,983
Interest rate swaptions			33,398				-				33,398				-				(12,489	)			20,909
Interest rate caps			1,119				-				1,119				-				-				1,119
TBA securities			672				-				672				-				(532	)			140
		$	40,172			$	-			$	40,172			$	-			$	(13,021	)		$	27,151

 

(in thousands)
Offsetting of Liabilities
										Net Amount				Gross Amount Not
		Gross				Gross				of Liabilities				Offset in the Balance Sheet
		Amount				Amount				Presented				Financial
		of				Offset in the				in the				Instruments
		Recognized				Balance				Balance				Posted as				Cash Posted				Net
		Liabilities				Sheet				Sheet				Collateral				Collateral				Amount
December 31, 2023
Repurchase Agreements		$	3,705,649			$	-			$	3,705,649			$	(3,705,649	)		$	-			$	-
TBA securities			12,694				-				12,694				-				(12,694	)			-
		$	3,718,343			$	-			$	3,718,343			$	(3,705,649	)		$	(12,694	)		$	-
December 31, 2022
Repurchase Agreements		$	3,378,445			$	-			$	3,378,445			$	(3,365,104	)		$	(13,341	)		$	-
Interest rate swaptions			5,982				-				5,982				-				-				5,982
TBA securities			1,179				-				1,179				-				(1,179	)			-
		$	3,385,606			$	-			$	3,385,606			$	(3,365,104	)		$	(14,520	)		$	5,982

 

The amounts disclosed for collateral received by or posted to the same counterparty up to and not exceeding the net amount of the asset or liability presented in the balance sheets. The fair value of the actual collateral received by or posted to the same counterparty typically exceeds the amounts presented. See Note 6 for a discussion of collateral posted or received against or for repurchase obligations and derivative and other hedging instruments.

NOTE 8. CAPITAL STOCK

 

Reverse Stock Split

 

On August 30, 2022, the Company effected a 1-for-5 reverse stock split of its common stock and proportionately decreased the number of authorized shares of common stock.  All share, per share, DSU and PU information has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the reverse split.  The shares of common stock retain a par value of $0.01 per share.

 

---

 

Common Stock Issuances

 

During 2023 and 2022, the Company completed the following public offerings of shares of its common stock.

 

($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
			Weighted
			Average
			Price
			Received								Net
Type of Offering	Period		Per Share(1)				Shares				Proceeds(2)
2023
At the Market Offering Program(3)	First Quarter		$	11.77				2,690,000			$	31,657
At the Market Offering Program(3)	Second Quarter			9.95				4,757,953				47,355
At the Market Offering Program(3)	Third Quarter			9.54				8,432,086				80,426
At the Market Offering Program(3)	Fourth Quarter			-				-				-
								15,880,039			$	159,438
2022
At the Market Offering Program(3)	First Quarter		$	-				-			$	-
At the Market Offering Program(3)	Second Quarter			-				-				-
At the Market Offering Program(3)	Third Quarter			-				-				-
At the Market Offering Program(3)	Fourth Quarter			10.45				3,885,048				40,580
								3,885,048			$	40,580

 

(1)	Weighted average price received per share is after deducting the underwriters’ discount, if applicable, and other offering costs.

(2)	Net proceeds are net of the underwriters’ discount, if applicable, and other offering costs.

(3)	As of December 31, 2023, the Company had entered into eleven equity distribution agreements, ten of which have either been terminated because all shares were sold or were replaced with a subsequent agreement.

 

Stock Repurchase Program

 

On July 29, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 400,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. On February 8, 2018, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the stock repurchase program for up to an additional 904,564 shares of the Company's common stock. Coupled with the 156,751 shares remaining from the original 400,000 share authorization, the increased authorization brought the total authorization to 1,061,315 shares, representing 10% of the then outstanding share count.

 

On December 9, 2021, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the number of shares of the Company’s common stock available in the stock repurchase program for up to an additional 3,372,399 shares, bringing the remaining authorization under the stock repurchase program to 3,539,861 shares, representing approximately 10% of the Company’s then outstanding shares of common stock.

 

On October 12, 2022, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the number of shares of the Company’s common stock available in the stock repurchase program for up to an additional 4,300,000 shares, bringing the remaining authorization under the stock repurchase program to 6,183,601 shares, representing approximately 18% of the Company’s then outstanding shares of common stock.

 

As part of the stock repurchase program, shares may be purchased in open market transactions, block purchases, through privately negotiated transactions, or pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Open market repurchases will be made in accordance with Exchange Act Rule 10b-18, which sets certain restrictions on the method, timing, price and volume of open market stock repurchases. The timing, manner, price and amount of any repurchases will be determined by the Company in its discretion and will be subject to economic and market conditions, stock price, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The authorization does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock and the program may be suspended or discontinued at the Company’s discretion without prior notice. The stock repurchase program has no termination date.

 

---

 

From the inception of the stock repurchase program through December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased a total of 4,748,361 shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $74.2 million, including commissions and fees, for a weighted average price of $15.63 per share. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased a total of 1,072,789 shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $9.4 million, including commissions and fees, for a weighted average price of $8.79 per share. During the year ended  December 31, 2022, the Company repurchased a total of 2,538,470 shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $24.5 million, including commissions and fees, for a weighted average price of $9.63 per share. Subsequent to  December 31, 2023, and through  February 23, 2024, the Company repurchased a total of 332,773 shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $2.8 million, including commissions and fees, for a weighted average price of $8.35 per share. The remaining authorization under the stock repurchase program as of  February 23, 2024 was 3,895,829 shares.

 

Cash Dividends

 

The table below presents the cash dividends declared on the Company’s common stock.

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Year		Per Share Amount				Total
2013		$	6.975			$	4,662
2014			10.800				22,643
2015			9.600				38,748
2016			8.400				41,388
2017			8.400				70,717
2018			5.350				55,814
2019			4.800				54,421
2020			3.950				53,570
2021			3.900				97,601
2022			2.475				87,906
2023			1.800				81,127
2024 YTD(1)			0.240				12,362
Totals		$	66.690			$	620,959

 

(1)

On January 10, 2024, the Company declared a dividend of $0.12 per share to be paid on February 27, 2024. On February 14, 2024, the Company declared a dividend of $0.12 per share to be paid on March 26, 2024. The effect of these dividends are included in the table above, but are not reflected in the Company’s financial statements as of December 31, 2023.

NOTE 9. STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

 

In 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted, and the stockholders approved, the Orchid Island Capital, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Incentive Plan”) to replace the Orchid Island Capital, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2012 Incentive Plan” and together with the 2021 Incentive Plan, the “Incentive Plans”). The 2021 Incentive Plan provides for the award of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, PUs, other equity-based awards (and dividend equivalents with respect to awards of PUs and other equity-based awards) and incentive awards. The 2021 Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors except that the Company’s full Board of Directors will administer awards made to directors who are not employees of the Company or its affiliates. The 2021 Incentive Plan provides for awards of up to an aggregate of 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company's common stock (on a fully diluted basis) at the time of the awards, subject to a maximum aggregate 1,473,324 shares of the Company’s common stock that may be issued under the 2021 Incentive Plan. The 2021 Incentive Plan replaces the 2012 Incentive Plan, and no further grants will be made under the 2012 Incentive Plan. However, any outstanding awards under the 2012 Incentive Plan will continue in accordance with the terms of the 2012 Incentive Plan and any award agreement executed in connection with such outstanding awards.

 

---

Performance Units

 

The Company has issued, and may in the future issue additional PUs under the Incentive Plan to certain executive officers and employees of its Manager. PUs vest after the end of a defined performance period, based on satisfaction of the performance conditions set forth in the PU agreement. When earned, each PU will be settled by the issuance of one share of the Company’s common stock, at which time the PU will be cancelled. The PUs contain dividend equivalent rights, which entitle the Participants to receive distributions declared by the Company on common stock, but do not include the right to vote the underlying shares of common stock. PUs are subject to forfeiture should the participant no longer serve as an executive officer or employee of the Company. Compensation expense for the PUs, included in incentive compensation on the statements of comprehensive income (loss), is recognized over the remaining vesting period once it becomes probable that the performance conditions will be achieved.

 

The following table presents information related to PUs outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

($ in thousands, except per share data)
		2023								2022
						Weighted								Weighted
						Average								Average
						Grant Date								Grant Date
		Shares				Fair Value				Shares				Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period			36,920			$	20.57				26,645			$	29.40
Granted			76,696				10.82				35,114				16.55
Forfeited			-				-				(14,980	)			21.04
Vested and issued			(17,848	)			22.09				(9,859	)			29.40
Unvested, end of period			95,768			$	12.48				36,920			$	20.57
Compensation expense during period						$	590							$	376
Unrecognized compensation expense, end of period						$	597							$	357
Intrinsic value, end of period						$	807							$	388
Weighted-average remaining vesting term (in years)							1.2								1.2

 

The number of shares of common stock issuable upon the vesting of the remaining outstanding PUs was reduced as a result of three book value impairment events that occurred pursuant to the terms of the long term equity incentive compensation plans (the “Plans”) established under the Company’s 2012 Equity Incentive Plan and 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. The first book value impairment event occurred when the Company's book value per share declined by more than 15% during the quarter ended March 31, 2022 and the Company’s book value per share decline from January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022 was more than 10%. The second book value impairment event occurred when the Company's book value per share declined by more than 15% during the quarter ended September 30, 2022 and the Company’s book value per share decline from July 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 was more than 10%. The third book value impairment event occurred when the Company's book value per share declined by more than 15% during the quarter ended September 30, 2023 and the Company’s book value per share decline from July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 was more than 10%. The Plans provide that if such a book value impairment event occurs, then the number of outstanding PUs that are outstanding as of the last day of such two quarter period shall be reduced by 15%.

 

Stock Awards

 

The Company has issued, and may in the future issue additional, immediately vested common stock under the Incentive Plans to certain executive officers and employees of its Manager. Compensation expense for the stock awards is based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date and is included in incentive compensation in the statements of comprehensive income (loss). The following table presents information related to fully vested common stock issued during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. All of the fully vested shares of common stock issued during the years ended  December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related compensation expense, were granted with respect to service performed during the previous fiscal years.

 

($ in thousands, except per share data)
		2023				2022
Fully vested shares granted			76,696				35,114
Weighted average grant date price per share		$	10.82			$	16.55
Compensation expense related to fully vested shares of common stock awards(1)		$	830			$	581

 

(1)

The awards issued during the year ended December 31, 2023 were granted with respect to service performed in 2022. Approximately $600,000 of compensation expense related to the 2023 awards was accrued and recognized in 2022. The awards issued during the year ended  December 31, 2022 were granted with respect to service performed in 2021. Approximately $600,000 of compensation expense related to the 2022 awards was accrued and recognized in 2021.

---

 

Deferred Stock Units

 

Non-employee directors receive a portion of their compensation in the form of DSU awards pursuant to the Incentive Plans. Each DSU represents a right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock. Beginning in 2022, each non-employee director could elect to receive all of his or her compensation in the form of DSUs. The DSUs are immediately vested and are settled at a future date based on the election of the individual participant. Compensation expense for the DSUs is included in directors’ fees and liability insurance in the statements of comprehensive income (loss). The DSUs contain dividend equivalent rights, which entitle the participant to receive distributions declared by the Company on common stock. These distributions will be made in the form of cash or additional DSUs at the participant’s election. The DSUs do not include the right to vote the underlying shares of common stock.

 

The following table presents information related to the DSUs outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

($ in thousands, except per share data)
		2023								2022
						Weighted								Weighted
						Average								Average
						Grant Date								Grant Date
		Shares				Fair Value				Shares				Fair Value
Outstanding, beginning of period			54,197			$	20.29				28,595			$	26.92
Granted and vested			42,507				9.81				25,602				12.89
Outstanding, end of period			96,704			$	15.69				54,197			$	20.29
Compensation expense during period						$	378							$	328
Intrinsic value, end of period						$	815							$	569

NOTE 10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

From time to time, the Company may become involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. Management is not aware of any reported or unreported contingencies at December 31, 2023.

NOTE 11. INCOME TAXES

 

The Company will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its REIT taxable income to the extent that it distributes its REIT taxable income to its stockholders and satisfies the ongoing REIT requirements, including meeting certain asset, income and stock ownership tests. A REIT must generally distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deductions for dividends paid and excluding net capital gain, to its stockholders, annually to maintain REIT status. An amount equal to the sum of 85% of its REIT ordinary income and 95% of its REIT capital gain net income, plus certain undistributed income from prior taxable years, must be distributed within the taxable year in order to avoid the imposition of an excise tax. The remaining balance may be distributed up to the end of the following taxable year, provided the REIT elects to treat such amount as a prior year distribution and meets certain other requirements.

 

REIT taxable income (loss) is computed in accordance with the Code, which is different than the Company’s financial statement net income (loss) computed in accordance with GAAP. Book to tax differences primarily relate to the recognition of interest income on RMBS, unrealized gains and losses on RMBS, and the amortization of losses on derivative instruments that are treated as hedges for tax purposes.

 

As of December 31, 2023, we had distributed all of our estimated REIT taxable income through fiscal year 2023. Accordingly, no income tax provision was recorded for 2023, 2022 and 2021.

 

---

 

NOTE 12. EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

 

The Company had dividend eligible PUs and DSUs that were outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. The basic and diluted per share computations include these unvested PUs and DSUs if there is income available to common stock, as they have dividend participation rights. The unvested PUs and DSUs have no contractual obligation to share in losses. Because there is no such obligation, the unvested PUs and DSUs are not included in the basic and diluted EPS computations when no income is available to common stock even though they are considered participating securities.

 

The table below reconciles the numerator and denominator of EPS for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

 

(in thousands, except per-share information)
		2023				2022				2021
Numerator for basic and diluted EPS per share of common stock:
Net loss - Basic and diluted		$	(39,226	)		$	(258,453	)		$	(64,760	)
Weighted average shares of common stock:
Shares of common stock outstanding at the balance sheet date			51,636				36,765				35,399
Effect of weighting			(6,987	)			700				(11,170	)
Weighted average shares-basic and diluted			44,649				37,465				24,229
Net loss per common share:
Basic and diluted		$	(0.89	)		$	(6.90	)		$	(2.67	)
Anti-dilutive incentive shares not included in calculation.			192				91				55

NOTE 13. FAIR VALUE

 

The framework for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price). A fair value measure should reflect the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including the assumptions about the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique, the effect of a restriction on the sale or use of an asset and the risk of non-performance. Required disclosures include stratification of balance sheet amounts measured at fair value based on inputs the Company uses to derive fair value measurements. These stratifications are:

 

	●	Level 1 valuations, where the valuation is based on quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets (which include exchanges and over-the-counter markets with sufficient volume),
	●	Level 2 valuations, where the valuation is based on quoted market prices for similar instruments traded in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market, and
	●	Level 3 valuations, where the valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market, but observable based on Company-specific data. These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s own estimates for assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques typically include option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, but may also include the use of market prices of assets or liabilities that are not directly comparable to the subject asset or liability.

 

The Company's RMBS and TBA securities are Level 2 valuations, and such valuations are determined by the Company based on independent pricing sources and/or third party broker quotes, when available. Because the price estimates may vary, the Company must make certain judgments and assumptions about the appropriate price to use to calculate the fair values. The Company and the independent pricing sources use various valuation techniques to determine the price of the Company’s securities. These techniques include observing the most recent market for like or identical assets (including security coupon, maturity, yield, and prepayment speeds), spread pricing techniques to determine market credit spreads (option adjusted spread, zero volatility spread, spread to the U.S. Treasury curve or spread to a benchmark such as a TBA), and model driven approaches (the discounted cash flow method, Black Scholes and SABR models which rely upon observable market rates such as the term structure of interest rates and volatility). The appropriate spread pricing method used is based on market convention. The pricing source determines the spread of recently observed trade activity or observable markets for assets similar to those being priced. The spread is then adjusted based on variances in certain characteristics between the market observation and the asset being priced. Those characteristics include: type of asset, the expected life of the asset, the stability and predictability of the expected future cash flows of the asset, whether the coupon of the asset is fixed or adjustable, the guarantor of the security if applicable, the coupon, the maturity, the issuer, size of the underlying loans, year in which the underlying loans were originated, loan to value ratio, state in which the underlying loans reside, credit score of the underlying borrowers and other variables if appropriate. The fair value of the security is determined by using the adjusted spread.

 

---

 

The Company’s U.S. Treasury securities are based on quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets and are classified as Level 1 assets.

 

The Company’s futures contracts are Level 1 valuations, as they are exchange-traded instruments and quoted market prices are readily available. Futures contracts are settled daily. The Company’s interest rate swaps and interest rate swaptions are Level 2 valuations. The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined using a discounted cash flow approach using forward market interest rates and discount rates, which are observable inputs. The fair value of interest rate swaptions is determined using an option pricing model.

 

RMBS (based on the fair value option), derivatives and TBA securities were recorded at fair value on a recurring basis during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. When determining fair value measurements, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset. When possible, the Company looks to active and observable markets to price identical assets. When identical assets are not traded in active markets, the Company looks to market observable data for similar assets.

 

The estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accrued interest receivable, receivable for securities sold, other assets, due to affiliates, repurchase agreements, payable for unsettled securities purchased, accrued interest payable and other liabilities generally approximates their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments as of  December 31, 2023 and 2022. The Company estimates the fair value of the cash and cash equivalents using Level 1 inputs, and the accrued interest receivable, receivable for securities sold, other assets, due to affiliates, repurchase agreements, payable for unsettled securities purchased, accrued interest payable and other liabilities using Level 2 inputs.

 

The following table presents financial assets (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. Derivative contracts are reported as a net position by contract type, and not based on master netting arrangements.

 

(in thousands)
		Quoted Prices
		in Active				Significant
		Markets for				Other				Significant
		Identical				Observable				Unobservable
		Assets				Inputs				Inputs
		(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
December 31, 2023
Mortgage-backed securities		$	-			$	3,894,012			$	-
U.S. Treasury securities			148,820				-				-
Interest rate swaps			-				6,348				-
Interest rate swaptions			-				72				-
TBA securities			-				(12,694	)			-
December 31, 2022
Mortgage-backed securities		$	-			$	3,540,002			$	-
U.S. Treasury securities			36,382				-				-
Interest rate swaps			-				4,983				-
Interest rate swaptions			-				27,416				-
Interest rate caps			-				1,119				-
TBA securities			-				(507	)			-

 

During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no transfers of financial assets or liabilities between levels 1, 2 or 3.

 

---

 

NOTE 14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Management Agreement

 

The Company is externally managed and advised by the Manager pursuant to the terms of a management agreement. The management agreement has been renewed through February 20, 2025 and provides for automatic one-year extension options thereafter and is subject to certain termination rights. Under the terms of the management agreement, the Manager is responsible for administering the business activities and day-to-day operations of the Company. The Manager receives a monthly management fee in the amount of:

 

●

One-twelfth of 1.5% of the first $250 million of the Company’s month-end equity, as defined in the management agreement,

●

One-twelfth of 1.25% of the Company’s month-end equity that is greater than $250 million and less than or equal to $500 million, and

●

One-twelfth of 1.00% of the Company’s month-end equity that is greater than $500 million.

 

On April 1, 2022, pursuant to the third amendment to the management agreement entered into on November 16, 2021, the Manager began providing certain repurchase agreement trading, clearing and administrative services to the Company that had been previously provided by AVM, L.P. under an agreement terminated on March 31, 2022.  In consideration for such services, the Company will pay the following fees to the Manager:

 

●

A daily fee equal to the outstanding principal balance of repurchase agreement funding in place as of the end of such day multiplied by 1.5 basis points for the amount of aggregate outstanding principal balance less than or equal to $5 billion, and multiplied by 1.0 basis point for any amount of aggregate outstanding principal balance in excess of $5 billion, and

●

A fee for the clearing and operational services provided by personnel of the Manager equal to $10,000 per month.

 

The Company is obligated to reimburse the Manager for any direct expenses incurred on its behalf and to pay the Manager the Company’s pro rata portion of certain overhead costs set forth in the management agreement. Should the Company terminate the management agreement without cause, it will pay the Manager a termination fee equal to three times the average annual management fee, as defined in the management agreement, before or on the last day of the term of the agreement.

 

Total expenses recorded for the management fee, allocated overhead and repurchase agreement trading, clearing and administrative services were approximately $13.6 million, $13.0 million and $9.8 million, for the years ended  December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

Other Relationships with Bimini

 

Robert Cauley, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, also serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bimini and owns shares of common stock of Bimini. George H. Haas, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, Chief Investment Officer, Secretary and a member of the Board of Directors, also serves as the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Investment Officer and Treasurer of Bimini and owns shares of common stock of Bimini. In addition, as of December 31, 2023, Bimini owned 569,071 shares, or 1.1%, of the Company’s common stock.

 

---

 

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

We had no disagreements with our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on any matter of accounting principles or practices or financial statement disclosure.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report (the “evaluation date”), we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded our disclosure controls and procedures, as designed and implemented, were effective as of the evaluation date (1) in ensuring that information regarding the Company is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, by our Manager's employees, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and (2) in providing reasonable assurance that information we must disclose in our periodic reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods prescribed by the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no significant changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Management’s Report of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Company’s board of directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

●

pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

●

provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

●

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. As a result, even systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance regarding the preparation and presentation of financial statements. Moreover, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. In making this assessment, the Company’s management used criteria set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

Based on management’s assessment, the Company’s management believes that, as of December 31, 2023, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, BDO USA, P.C., has issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein.

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Stockholders and Board of Directors

Orchid Island Capital, Inc.

Vero Beach, Florida

 

 

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

We have audited Orchid Island Capital, Inc.’s (the “Company’s”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO criteria”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 based on the COSO criteria.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related statements of comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and our report dated February 23, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Item 9A, Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

/s/ BDO USA, P.C.

 

Certified Public Accountants

West Palm Beach, Florida

February 23, 2024

 

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, no director or officer of the Company adopted, modified or terminated any Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement, each as defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K.

ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS ITEM 10.

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

PART III

 

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

The information required by this Item 10 and not otherwise set forth below is incorporated herein by reference to the Company's definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Company’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”), which the Company expects to file with the SEC, pursuant to Regulation 14A, not later than 120 days after December 31, 2023.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The information required by this Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The information required by this Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement and to Part II, Item 5 of this Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

The information required by this Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The information required by this Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.

 

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

a.	Financial Statements. The financial statements of the Company, together with the report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon, are set forth in Part II-Item 8 of this Form 10-K and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

The following information is filed as part of this Form 10-K:

 

	Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	73
Balance Sheets	75
Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	76
Statements of Stockholders’ Equity	77
Statements of Cash Flows	78
Notes to Financial Statements	79

 

b.	Financial Statement Schedules.

 

Not applicable.

 

c.

Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.		Description
3.1		Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Orchid Island Capital, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Amendment No. 1 to Form S-11 (File No.333-184538) filed on November 28, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference)
3.2		Certificate of Correction of Orchid Island Capital, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 22, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference)
3.3		Articles of Amendment of Orchid Island Capital, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 30, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference)
3.4		Amended and Restated Bylaws of Orchid Island Capital, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 13, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference)
4.1		Specimen Certificate of common stock of Orchid Island Capital, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Amendment No. 1 to Form S-11 (File No.333-184538) filed on November 28, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference)
4.2		Description of Securities (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 21, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.1		Management Agreement between Orchid Island Capital, Inc. and Bimini Advisors, LLC, dated as of February 20, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8 K filed on April 3, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference)†
10.2		First Amendment to Management Agreement, effective as of April 1, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8‑K filed on April 3, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference)†

 

 

10.3		Second Amendment to Management Agreement, effective as of June 30, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8‑K filed on July 3, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference)†
10.4		Third Amendment to Management Agreement, effective as of November 17, 2021 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8‑K filed on November 17, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference)†
10.5		Form of Investment Allocation Agreement by and among Orchid Island Capital, Inc., Bimini Advisors, LLC and Bimini Capital Management, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Amendment No. 1 to Form S-11 (File No.333-184538) filed on November 28, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference)†
10.6		2012 Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Amendment No. 1 to Form S-11 (File No.333-184538) filed on November 28, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference)†
10.7		2021 Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 15, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference)†
10.8		Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between Orchid Island Capital, Inc. and Indemnitee (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Amendment No. 1 to Form S-11 (File No.333-184538) filed on November 28, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference)†
10.9		Form of Master Repurchase Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Amendment No. 1 to Form S-11 (File No.333-184538) filed on November 28, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.10		Performance Unit Award Agreement by Orchid Island Capital, Inc. to Robert E. Cauley dated January 21, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 99.2 to Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference)†
10.11		Performance Unit Award Agreement by Orchid Island Capital, Inc. to George H. Haas, IV dated January 21, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 99.4 to Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference)†
10.12		2016 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q filed on April 28, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference)†
10.13		2017 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q filed on April 28, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference)†
10.14		2018 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-Q filed on April 27, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference)†
10.15		2019 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q filed on April 26, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference)†
10.16		2020 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference)†
10.17		2021 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference)†
10.18		2022 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q filed on April 29, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference)†
10.19		2023 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.20 to Form 10-K filed on March 3, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference)†
10.20		2024 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan†*
10.21		Form of Deferred Stock Unit Grant Notice and Agreement under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan  (filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference)†
10.22		Form of Director Cash Compensation Deferral Election Form (filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference)†
21.1		Subsidiaries of the Company (filed as Exhibit 21.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference)
23.1		Consent of BDO USA, P.C.*
31.1		Certification of Robert E. Cauley, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Registrant, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
31.2		Certification of George H. Haas, IV, Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.1		Certification of Robert E. Cauley, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Registrant, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
32.2		Certification of George H. Haas, IV, Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**

 

 

Exhibit 97		Incentive Compensation Recoupment Policy†*
Exhibit 101.INS		Inline XBRL Instance Document (the Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document) ***
Exhibit 101.SCH		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document ***
Exhibit 101.CAL		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document***
Exhibit 101.DEF		Inline XBRL Additional Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document Created***
Exhibit 101.LAB		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document ***
Exhibit 101.PRE		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document ***
Exhibit 104		Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

 

*	Filed herewith.

**	Furnished herewith.

***	Submitted electronically herewith.

†	Management contract or compensatory plan.

 

ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

 

The Company has elected not to provide summary information.

 

 

Signatures

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

			Orchid Island Capital, Inc.
			Registrant
Date:          February 23, 2024		By:	/s/ Robert E. Cauley
			Robert E. Cauley Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board
Date:          February 23, 2024		By:	/s/ George H. Haas, IV
			George H. Haas, IV Secretary, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Investment Officer and Director (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

/s/ Robert E. Cauley		Chairman of the Board, Director, Chief		February 23, 2024
Robert E. Cauley		Executive Officer, and President
		(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ George H. Haas, IV		Chief Financial Officer, Chief		February 23, 2024
George H. Haas, IV		Investment Officer, and Director
		(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ W Coleman Bitting		Independent Director		February 23, 2024
W Coleman Bitting
/s/ Frank P. Filipps		Independent Director		February 23, 2024
Frank P. Filipps
/s/ Paula Morabito		Independent Director		February 23, 2024
Paula Morabito
/s/ Ava L. Parker		Independent Director		February 23, 2024
Ava L. Parker