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0001518621 Orchid Island Capital, Inc. false --12-31 Q3 2023 4,515,127 3,512,640 36,382 95,076 0.01 0.01 20,000,000 20,000,000 0 0 0 0 0.01 0.01 100,000,000 100,000,000 52,332,306 52,332,306 36,764,983 36,764,983 0 2.83 2.83 1 Open equity represents the cumulative gains (losses) recorded on open futures positions from inception. Cost basis represents the forward price to be paid (received) for the underlying Agency RMBS. The number of shares of common stock issuable upon the vesting of the remaining outstanding PUs was reduced as a result of the book value impairment event that occurred pursuant to the terms of the long term equity incentive compensation plans (the "Plans") established under the Company's Incentive Plans. The 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 Plans provide that if such a book value impairment event occurs, then the number of outstanding Performance Units that are outstanding as of the last day of such two quarter period shall be reduced by 15%. Net proceeds are net of the underwriters' discount, if applicable, and other offering costs. 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. The Company has 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. 5-Year T-Note futures contracts were valued at a price of $105.4 at September 30, 2023 and $107.9 at December 31, 2022. The contract values of the short positions were $496.7 million and $810.0 million at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. 10-Year T-Note futures contracts were valued at a price of $108.1 at September 30, 2023. The contract values of the short positions were $426.8 million at September 30, 2023. Notional amount represents the par value (or principal balance) of the underlying Agency RMBS. Weighted average price received per share is after deducting the underwriters’ discount, if applicable, and other offering costs. On October 11, 2023, the Company declared a dividend of $0.12 per share to be paid on November 28, 2023. The effect of this dividend is included in the table above but is not reflected in the Company’s financial statements as of September 30, 2023. Market value represents the current market value of the TBA securities (or of the underlying Agency RMBS) as of period-end. 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Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

      

FORM 10-Q

 

         QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023

 

         TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from __________ to ___________

 

Commission File Number: 001-35236

 

https://cdn.kscope.io/92a50d088d236a7eaaaf0897968be1f4-orclogo.jpg

 

Orchid Island Capital, Inc.

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Maryland

27-3269228

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

3305 Flamingo Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32963

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(772) 231-1400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 


 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

Trading Symbol:

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value

ORC

New York Stock Exchange

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company", and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Check one:

 

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

  

Emerging growth company

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No ☒

 

Number of shares outstanding at October 27, 2023: 52,332,306

 

 

 

ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

1

 

Condensed Balance Sheets (unaudited)

1

 

Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)

2

 

Condensed Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited)

3

 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

4

 

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (unaudited)

5

ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

24

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

45

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

49

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

50

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

50

ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

50

ITEM 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

50

ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

50

ITEM 5. Other Information

50

ITEM 6. Exhibits

51

SIGNATURES

52

 

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

($ in thousands, except per share data)

 

  

(Unaudited)

     
  

September 30,

  

December 31,

 
  

2023

  

2022

 

ASSETS:

        

Mortgage-backed securities, at fair value (includes pledged assets of $4,515,127 and $3,512,640, respectively)

 $4,520,225  $3,540,002 

U.S. Treasury securities, at fair value (includes pledged assets of $36,382 at December 31, 2022)

  -   36,382 

U.S. Treasury securities, available-for-sale (includes pledged assets of $95,076 at September 30, 2023)

  98,326   - 

Cash and cash equivalents

  158,603   205,651 

Restricted cash

  119,614   31,568 

Accrued interest receivable

  17,316   11,519 

Derivative assets

  20,605   40,172 

Other assets

  2,204   442 

Total Assets

 $4,936,893  $3,865,736 
         

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

        
         

LIABILITIES:

        

Repurchase agreements

 $4,426,947  $3,378,445 

Dividends payable

  8,398   5,908 

Derivative liabilities

  2,731   7,161 

Accrued interest payable

  15,836   9,209 

Due to affiliates

  1,252   1,131 

Other liabilities

  14,888   25,119 

Total Liabilities

  4,470,052   3,426,973 
         

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

          
         

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

        

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022

  -   - 

Common Stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 52,332,306 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and 36,764,983 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022

  523   368 

Additional paid-in capital

  873,862   779,602 

Accumulated deficit

  (407,560)  (341,207)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

  16   - 

Total Stockholders' Equity

  466,841   438,763 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 $4,936,893  $3,865,736 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

 For the Nine and Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

($ in thousands, except per share data)

   

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

2023

   

2022

 

Interest income

  $ 128,030     $ 112,735     $ 50,107     $ 35,610  

Interest expense

    (149,593 )     (32,196 )     (58,705 )     (21,361 )

Net interest (expense) income

    (21,563 )     80,539       (8,598 )     14,249  

Realized losses on mortgage-backed securities

    -       (132,672 )     -       (66,143 )

Unrealized losses on mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury securities

    (224,576 )     (692,781 )     (208,932 )     (212,221 )

Gains on derivative and other hedging instruments

    194,253       464,796       142,042       183,931  

Net portfolio loss

    (51,886 )     (280,118 )     (75,488 )     (80,184 )
                                 

Expenses:

                               

Management fees

    8,216       7,881       2,870       2,616  

Allocated overhead

    1,772       1,482       557       522  

Incentive compensation

    1,110       763       322       212  

Directors' fees and liability insurance

    986       929       345       308  

Audit, legal and other professional fees

    1,200       899       301       293  

Direct REIT operating expenses

    531       683       193       175  

Other administrative

    652       624       56       203  

Total expenses

    14,467       13,261       4,644       4,329  
                                 

Net loss

  $ (66,353 )   $ (293,379 )   $ (80,132 )   $ (84,513 )

Unrealized gains on U.S. Treasury securities measured at fair value through other comprehensive net loss

    16       -       16       -  

Comprehensive net loss

  $ (66,337 )   $ (293,379 )   $ (80,116 )   $ (84,513 )
                                 

Basic and diluted net loss per share

  $ (1.58 )   $ (8.31 )   $ (1.68 )   $ (2.40 )
                                 

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

    42,103,532       35,336,702       47,773,409       35,205,888  
                                 

Dividends declared per common share

  $ 1.440     $ 1.995     $ 0.480     $ 0.545  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Unaudited)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands)

 

                                   

Accumulated

         
                   

Additional

   

Retained

   

Other

         
   

Common Stock

   

Paid-in

   

Earnings

   

Comprehensive

         
   

Shares

   

Par Value

   

Capital

   

(Deficit)

   

Income

   

Total

 
                                                 

Balances, January 1, 2023

    36,765     $ 368     $ 779,602     $ (341,207 )   $ -     $ 438,763  

Net income

    -       -       -       3,530       -       3,530  

Cash dividends declared

    -       -       (18,807 )     -       -       (18,807 )

Stock based awards and amortization

    4       -       181       -       -       181  

Issuance of common stock pursuant to public offerings, net

    2,690       26       31,631       -       -       31,657  

Shares repurchased and retired

    (373 )     (3 )     (3,960 )     -       -       (3,963 )

Balances, March 31, 2023

    39,086     $ 391     $ 788,647     $ (337,677 )   $ -     $ 451,361  

Net income

    -       -       -       10,249       -       10,249  

Cash dividends declared

    -       -       (19,671 )     -       -       (19,671 )

Stock based awards and amortization

    53       1       790       -       -       791  

Issuance of common stock pursuant to public offerings, net

    4,758       47       47,308       -       -       47,355  

Balances, June 30, 2023

    43,897     $ 439     $ 817,074     $ (327,428 )   $ -     $ 490,085  

Net loss

    -       -       -       (80,132 )     -       (80,132 )

Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities

    -       -       -       -       16       16  

Cash dividends declared

    -       -       (23,823 )     -       -       (23,823 )

Stock based awards and amortization

    3       -       269       -       -       269  

Issuance of common stock pursuant to public offerings, net

    8,432       84       80,342       -       -       80,426  

Balances, September 30, 2023

    52,332     $ 523     $ 873,862     $ (407,560 )   $ 16     $ 466,841  
                                                 

Balances, January 1, 2022

    35,399     $ 354     $ 850,497     $ (82,754 )   $ -     $ 768,097  

Net loss

    -       -       -       (148,727 )     -       (148,727 )

Cash dividends declared

    -       -       (27,492 )     -       -       (27,492 )

Stock based awards and amortization

    25       -       540       -       -       540  

Balances, March 31, 2022

    35,424     $ 354     $ 823,545     $ (231,481 )   $ -     $ 592,418  

Net loss

    -       -       -       (60,139 )     -       (60,139 )

Cash dividends declared

    -       -       (23,936 )     -       -       (23,936 )

Stock based awards and amortization

    2       -       237       -       -       237  

Shares repurchased and retired

    (175 )     (1 )     (2,217 )     -       -       (2,218 )

Balances, June 30, 2022

    35,251     $ 353     $ 797,629     $ (291,620 )   $ -     $ 506,362  

Net loss

    -       -       -       (84,513 )     -       (84,513 )

Cash dividends declared

    -       -       (19,231 )     -       -       (19,231 )

Stock based awards and amortization

    1       -       143       -       -       143  

Shares repurchased and retired

    (186 )     (2 )     (2,382 )     -       -       (2,384 )

Balances, September 30, 2022

    35,066     $ 351     $ 776,159     $ (376,133 )   $ -     $ 400,377  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

($ in thousands)

 

   

2023

   

2022

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

               

Net loss

  $ (66,353 )   $ (293,379 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

               

Stock based compensation

    939       552  

Discount accretion on U.S. Treasury Bills

    (521 )     -  

Realized losses on mortgage-backed securities

    -       132,672  

Unrealized losses on mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury securities

    224,576       692,781  

Realized and unrealized gains on derivative instruments

    (111,100 )     (261,364 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

               

Accrued interest receivable

    (5,797 )     8,332  

Other assets

    (108 )     (353 )

Accrued interest payable

    6,627       3,636  

Other liabilities

    441       7,770  

Due to affiliates

    121       13  

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    48,825       290,660  
                 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

               

From mortgage-backed securities investments:

               

Purchases

    (1,443,827 )     (622,535 )

Sales and maturities

    -       2,731,497  

Principal repayments

    237,904       376,169  

Purchases of U.S. Treasury securities, available-for-sale

    (97,789 )     -  

Proceeds from maturity of U.S. Treasury securities

    37,500       -  

Net proceeds from derivative instruments

    114,494       246,321  

NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    (1,151,718 )     2,731,452  
                 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

               

Proceeds from repurchase agreements

    27,780,008       32,427,448  

Principal payments on repurchase agreements

    (26,731,506 )     (35,537,693 )

Cash dividends

    (59,762 )     (76,527 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs

    159,438       -  

Common stock repurchases, including shares withheld from employee stock awards for payment of taxes

    (4,287 )     (4,830 )

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    1,143,891       (3,191,602 )
                 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH

    40,998       (169,490 )

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of the period

    237,219       450,442  

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of the period

  $ 278,217     $ 280,952  
                 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

               

Cash paid during the period for:

               

Interest

  $ 142,965     $ 28,560  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

September 30, 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 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. 

 

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 September 30, 2023, the Company issued a total of 13,190,039 shares under the March 2023 Equity Distribution Agreement for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $129.8 million, and net proceeds of approximately $127.8 million, after commissions and fees.

 

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

 

The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair statement of results for the interim period have been included. Operating results for the nine and three month periods ended September 30, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2023.

 

The balance sheet at  December 31, 2022 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

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 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 September 30, 2023.

 

Reclassification of Comparative Period Information

 

The Company previously reported $1.6 million and $0.9 million of commissions, fees and other expenses associated with its derivative holdings for the nine and three month periods ended September 30, 2022, respectively, in "Direct REIT operating expenses" in the statements of comprehensive income.  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.

 

5

 

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)

        
  

September 30, 2023

  

December 31, 2022

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 $158,603  $205,651 

Restricted cash

  119,614   31,568 

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 $278,217  $237,219 

 

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. The Company refers to 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, 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.

 

6

 

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. 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. 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.

 

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 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. 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 and Other Hedging 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”), 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”) and “to-be-announced” (“TBA”) securities transactions, but the Company may enter into other derivative and other hedging instruments in the future.

 

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.

 

Derivative and other hedging instruments are carried at fair value, and changes in fair value are recorded in statements of comprehensive income 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 and T-Note futures contracts, interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions 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.

 

7

 

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 the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized over each award’s respective service period using the graded vesting attribution method. The Company does not estimate forfeiture rates; but rather, adjusts for forfeitures in the periods in which they occur.

 

Income Taxes

 

Orchid has elected and is organized and operated 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”). REITs are generally not subject to 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.

 

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 2020-04Reference 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.

8

 

In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01Reference 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 September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

 

(in thousands)

        
  

September 30, 2023

  

December 31, 2022

 

Pass-Through RMBS Certificates:

        

Fixed-rate Mortgages

 $4,502,115  $3,519,906 

Total Pass-Through Certificates

  4,502,115   3,519,906 

Structured RMBS Certificates:

        

Interest-Only Securities

  17,833   19,669 

Inverse Interest-Only Securities

  277   427 

Total Structured RMBS Certificates

  18,110   20,096 

Total

 $4,520,225  $3,540,002 

 

As of December 31, 2022, the Company held U.S. Treasury securities with a fair value of $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.

 

The following table is a summary of the Company’s net gain (loss) from the sale of RMBS for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.

 

(in thousands)

        
  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

 

Proceeds from sales of RMBS

 $-  $2,731,497 

Carrying value of RMBS sold

  -   (2,864,169)

Net loss on sales of RMBS

 $-  $(132,672)
         

Gross gain on sales of RMBS

 $-  $2,705 

Gross loss on sales of RMBS

  -   (135,377)

Net loss on sales of RMBS

 $-  $(132,672)
 

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

 

As of September 30, 2023, the Company held U.S. Treasury securities with a fair value of approximately $98.3 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.

 

9

 

The amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains and losses, and fair value of available-for-sale investments as of September 30, 2023 are as follows:

 

(in thousands)

                
      

Gross

  

Gross

     
  

Amortized

  

Unrealized

  

Unrealized

  

Fair

 
  

Cost

  

Gains

  

Losses

  

Value

 

U.S. Treasury Bills maturing 1/2/2024 and 2/15/2024

 $98,310  $16  $-  $98,326 

 

The Company had no securities classified as available-for-sale that were in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. 

 

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 September 30, 2023, the Company had met all margin call requirements.

 

As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 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

 

September 30, 2023

                    

Fair market value of securities pledged, including accrued interest receivable

 $-  $2,346,245  $2,190,822  $-  $4,537,067 

Repurchase agreement liabilities associated with these securities

 $-  $2,287,107  $2,139,840  $-  $4,426,947 

Net weighted average borrowing rate

  -   5.47%  5.52%  -   5.49%

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%

 

Included in the table above are repurchase agreements with outstanding principal balances of approximately $52.5 million and $190.3 million as of  September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, with interest rates indexed to SOFR that reprice daily.

 

In addition, cash pledged to counterparties for repurchase agreements was approximately $113.3 million and $13.3 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

 

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 September 30, 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 $207.6 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 September 30, 2023 and December 31, 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 September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

 

(in thousands)

         

Derivative and Other Hedging Instruments

Balance Sheet Location

 

September 30, 2023

  

December 31, 2022

 

Assets

         

Interest rate swaps

Derivative assets, at fair value

 $5,286  $4,983 

Payer swaptions (long positions)

Derivative assets, at fair value

  1,418   33,398 

Interest rate caps

Derivative assets, at fair value

  704   1,119 

Interest rate floors (long positions)

Derivative assets, at fair value

  3,981   - 

TBA securities

Derivative assets, at fair value

  9,216   672 

Total derivative assets, at fair value

 $20,605  $40,172 
          

Liabilities

         

Payer swaptions (short positions)

Derivative liabilities, at fair value

 $-  $5,982 

Interest rate floors (short positions)

Derivative liabilities, at fair value

  2,500   - 

TBA securities

Derivative liabilities, at fair value

  231   1,179 

Total derivative liabilities, at fair value

 $2,731  $7,161 
          

Margin Balances Posted to (from) Counterparties

         

Futures contracts

Restricted cash

 $3,067  $16,493 

TBA securities

Restricted cash

  1,670   1,734 

TBA securities

Other liabilities

  (11,052)  (532)

Interest rate swaptions

Restricted cash

  1,530   - 

Interest rate swaptions

Other liabilities

  (1,520)  (12,489)

Total margin balances on derivative contracts

 $(6,305) $5,206 

 

Fed Funds and T-Note 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 futures positions at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

 

($ in thousands)

                
  

September 30, 2023

 
  

Average

  

Weighted

  

Weighted

     
  

Contract

  

Average

  

Average

     
  

Notional

  

Entry

  

Effective

  

Open

 

Expiration Year

 

Amount

  

Rate

  

Rate

  

Equity(1)

 

Treasury Note Futures Contracts (Short Positions)(2)

                

December 2023 5-year T-Note futures (Dec 2023 - Feb 2028 Hedge Period)

 $471,500   4.33%  4.78% $5,414 

December 2023 10-year T-Note futures (Dec 2023 - Aug 2030 Hedge Period)

 $395,000   4.24%  4.97% $9,069 

 

11

 

($ in thousands)

                
  

December 31, 2022

 
  

Average

  

Weighted

  

Weighted

     
  

Contract

  

Average

  

Average

     
  

Notional

  

Entry

  

Effective

  

Open

 

Expiration Year

 

Amount

  

Rate

  

Rate

  

Equity(1)

 

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 $105.4 at September 30, 2023 and $107.9 at December 31, 2022. The contract values of the short positions were $496.7 million and $810.0 million at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. 10-Year T-Note futures contracts were valued at a price of $108.1 at September 30, 2023. The contract values of the short positions were $426.8 million at September 30, 2023

 

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 September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

 

($ in thousands)

                
      

Average

         
      

Fixed

  

Average

  

Average

 
  

Notional

  

Pay

  

Receive

  

Maturity

 
  

Amount

  

Rate

  

Rate

  

(Years)

 

September 30, 2023

                

Expiration > 1 to ≤ 5 years

 $500,000   0.84%  5.31%  3.0 

Expiration > 5 years

  2,126,500   2.84%  5.31%  7.4 
  $2,626,500   2.46%  5.31%  6.6 

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  September 30, 2023, the table above includes swaps with aggregate notional amounts of $175.0 million that begin accruing interest October 23, 2023 with a weighted fixed pay rate of 3.53% and a receive rate indexed to overnight SOFR, and $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 have been 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.

 

12

 

The table below presents information related to the Company’s interest rate cap positions at September 30, 2023 and  December 31, 2022.

 

($ in thousands)

                 
          

Strike

     
  

Notional

      

Swap

 

Curve

 

Fair

 
  

Amount

  

Cost

  

Rate

 

Spread

 

Value

 

September 30, 2023

                 

February 8, 2024

 $200,000  $1,450   0.09%

2Y10Y

 $704 
              

December 31, 2022

                 

February 8, 2024

 $200,000  $1,450   0.09%

2Y10Y

 $1,119 

 

The table below presents information related to the Company’s interest rate floor positions at September 30, 2023.

 

($ in thousands)

                 
          

Strike

     
  

Notional

      

Swap

   

Fair

 
  

Amount

  

Cost

  

Rate

 

Terms

 

Value

 

September 30, 2023

                 

Long Position

 $1,000,000  $2,500   0.13%

2Y_2s30s

 $3,981 

Short Position

 $(1,000,000) $(1,358)  (0.37)%

2Y_2s30s

 $(2,500)

 

The table below presents information related to the Company’s interest rate swaption positions at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 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)

 

September 30, 2023

                         

Payer Swaptions (long positions)

                         

≤ 1 year

 $1,619  $1,418   8.0  $800,000   5.40%

SOFR

  1.0 
  $1,619  $1,418   8.0  $800,000   5.40%   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 

> 10 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%   10.0 

Payer Swaptions (short positions)

                         

≤ 1 year

 $(17,800) $(5,982)  3.6  $(917,000)  4.09%

SOFR

  10.0 

 

13

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s contracts to purchase and sell TBA securities as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

 

($ in thousands)

                
  

Notional

          

Net

 
  

Amount

  

Cost

  

Market

  

Carrying

 
  

Long (Short)(1)

  

Basis(2)

  

Value(3)

  

Value(4)

 

September 30, 2023

                

15-Year TBA securities:

                

5.0%

 $100,000  $97,617  $97,386  $(231)

30-Year TBA securities:

                

3.0%

  (350,000)  (297,154)  (290,116)  7,038 

6.0%

  (100,000)  (99,872)  (98,766)  1,106 

6.5%

  (152,500)  (154,382)  (153,310)  1,072 

Total

 $(502,500) $(453,791) $(444,806) $8,985 

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 for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.

 

(in thousands)

                
  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

T-Note futures contracts (short position)

 $66,642  $207,165  $42,640  $84,543 

Interest rate swaps

  101,257   170,987   78,317   65,247 

Payer swaptions (short positions)

  4,113   (80,183)  (718)  (35,239)

Payer swaptions (long positions)

  (7,389)  150,445   1,613   59,131 

Interest rate caps

  (415)  988   493   (499)

Interest rate floors (short positions)

  (1,143)  -   73   - 

Interest rate floors (long positions)

  2,666      137    

TBA securities (short positions)

  31,120   14,194   21,511   10,642 

TBA securities (long positions)

  (2,598)  1,200   (2,024)  106 

Total

 $194,253  $464,796  $142,042  $183,931 

 

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 derivative instruments are included in restricted cash on its balance sheets.

 

14

 

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 repurchase agreements and derivative agreements by type, including securities pledged related to securities sold but not yet settled, as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

 

(in thousands)

                        
  

September 30, 2023

  

December 31, 2022

 
  

Repurchase

  

Derivative

      

Repurchase

  

Derivative

     

Assets Pledged to Counterparties

 

Agreements

  

Agreements

  

Total

  

Agreements

  

Agreements

  

Total

 

PT RMBS - fair value

 $4,497,017  $-  $4,497,017  $3,492,544  $-  $3,492,544 

Structured RMBS - fair value

  18,110   -   18,110   20,096   -   20,096 

U.S. Treasury securities

  4,641   90,435   95,076   -   36,382   36,382 

Accrued interest on pledged securities

  17,299   -   17,299   11,419   16   11,435 

Restricted cash

  113,347   6,267   119,614   13,341   18,227   31,568 

Total

 $4,650,414  $96,702  $4,747,116  $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 September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

 

(in thousands)

                        
  

September 30, 2023

  

December 31, 2022

 
                         
  

Repurchase

  

Derivative

      

Repurchase

  

Derivative

     

Assets Pledged to Orchid

 

Agreements

  

Agreements

  

Total

  

Agreements

  

Agreements

  

Total

 

Cash

 $-  $12,572  $12,572  $3,075  $13,021  $16,096 

U.S. Treasury securities - fair value

  -   -  $-   197   -   197 

Total

 $-  $12,572  $12,572  $3,272  $13,021  $16,293 

 

Cash received as margin is recognized as 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.

 

15

 

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 September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

 

(in thousands)

                        

Offsetting of Assets

 
              

Gross Amount Not

     
          

Net Amount

  

Offset in the Balance Sheet

     
          

of Assets

  

Financial

         
  

Gross Amount

  

Gross Amount

  

Presented

  

Instruments

  

Cash

     
  

of Recognized

  

Offset in the

  

in the

  

Received as

  

Received as

  

Net

 
  

Assets

  

Balance Sheet

  

Balance Sheet

  

Collateral

  

Collateral

  

Amount

 

September 30, 2023

                        

Interest rate swaps

 $5,286  $-  $5,286  $-  $-  $5,286 

Interest rate swaptions

  1,418   -   1,418   -   (1,418)  - 

Interest rate caps

  704   -   704   -   -   704 

Interest rate floors

  3,981   -   3,981   -   -   3,981 

TBA securities

  9,216   -   9,216   -   (9,216)  - 
  $20,605  $-  $20,605  $-  $(10,634) $9,971 

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

 
              

Gross Amount Not

     
          

Net Amount

  

Offset in the Balance Sheet

     
          

of Liabilities

  

Financial

         
  

Gross Amount

  

Gross Amount

  

Presented

  

Instruments

         
  

of Recognized

  

Offset in the

  

in the

  

Posted as

  

Cash Posted

  

Net

 
  

Liabilities

  

Balance Sheet

  

Balance Sheet

  

Collateral

  

as Collateral

  

Amount

 

September 30, 2023

                        

Repurchase Agreements

 $4,426,947  $-  $4,426,947  $(4,313,600) $(113,347) $- 

Interest rate swaptions

  -   -   -   -   -   - 

Interest rate floors

  2,500   -   2,500   -   (1,530)  970 

TBA securities

  231   -   231   -   (231)  - 
  $4,429,678  $-  $4,429,678  $(4,313,600) $(115,108) $970 

December 31, 2022

                        

Repurchase Agreements

 $3,378,445  $-  $3,378,445  $(3,365,104) $(13,341) $- 

Interest rate swaps

  -   -   -   -   -   - 

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.

 

16

 

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 the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and the year ended  December 31, 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 
        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)

The Company has 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 1,061,316 shares, representing 10% of the Company’s 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.

 

17

 

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 September 30, 2023, the Company repurchased a total of 4,048,613 shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $68.8 million, including commissions and fees, for a weighted average price of $16.99 per share. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company repurchased a total of 373,041 shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $4.0 million, including commissions and fees, for a weighted average price of $10.62 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. The remaining authorization under the stock repurchase program as of October 27, 2023 was 4,928,350 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 - YTD(1)

  1.560   68,604 

Totals

 $66.210  $596,074 

 

(1)

On October 11, 2023, the Company declared a dividend of $0.12 per share to be paid on November 28, 2023. The effect of this dividend is included in the table above but is not reflected in the Company’s financial statements as of September 30, 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.

 

18

 

Performance Units

 

The Company has issued, and may in the future issue additional, PUs under the Incentive Plans 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 or the Manager. Compensation expense for the PUs, included in incentive compensation on the statements of comprehensive income, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.

 

($ in thousands, except per share data)

                
  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

 
      

Weighted

      

Weighted

 
      

Average

      

Average

 
      

Grant Date

      

Grant Date

 
  

Shares

  

Fair Value

  

Shares

  

Fair Value

 

Unvested, beginning of period

  36,921  $20.57   26,645  $29.40 

Granted

  76,696   10.82   35,114   16.55 

Forfeited(1)

  -   -   (8,464)  21.40 

Vested and issued

  (13,386)  22.09   (7,594)  29.40 

Unvested, end of period

  100,231  $12.91   45,701  $21.01 
                 

Compensation expense during period

     $430      $331 

Unrecognized compensation expense, end of period

     $757      $535 

Intrinsic value, end of period

     $853      $375 

Weighted-average remaining vesting term (in years)

      1.4       1.4 

 

(1

The number of shares of common stock issuable upon the vesting of the remaining outstanding PUs was reduced as a result of the book value impairment event that occurred pursuant to the terms of the long term equity incentive compensation plans (the “Plans”) established under the Company’s Incentive Plans. The 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 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. The following table presents information related to fully vested common stock issued during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. All of the fully vested shares of common stock issued during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, and the related compensation expense, were granted with respect to service performed during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. 

 

($ in thousands, except per share data)

        
  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

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

 $830  $581 

 

19

 

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. The DSUs contain dividend equivalent rights, which entitle the participant to receive distributions declared by the Company on common stock. These dividend equivalent rights are settled in 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 nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.

 

($ in thousands, except per share data)

                
  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

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

  29,091   10.50   14,227   16.52 

Outstanding, end of period

  83,288  $16.87   42,822  $23.46 
                 

Compensation expense during period

     $279      $239 

Intrinsic value, end of period

     $709      $351 
 

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 September 30, 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 which 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.

 

NOTE 12. EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

 

The Company had dividend eligible PUs and DSUs that were outstanding during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. 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.

 

20

 

The table below reconciles the numerator and denominator of EPS for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.

 

(in thousands, except per share information)

                
  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Basic and diluted EPS per common share:

                

Numerator for basic and diluted EPS per share of common stock:

                

Net loss - Basic and diluted

 $(66,353) $(293,379) $(80,132) $(84,513)

Weighted average shares of common stock:

                

Shares of common stock outstanding at the balance sheet date

  52,332   35,066   52,332   35,066 

Effect of weighting

  (10,228)  271   (4,559)  140 

Weighted average shares-basic and diluted

  42,104   35,337   47,773   35,206 

Net loss per common share:

                

Basic and diluted

 $(1.58) $(8.31) $(1.68) $(2.40)

Anti-dilutive incentive shares not included in calculation

  184   89   184   79 
 

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 currently are determined by the Company based on independent pricing sources and/or third party broker quotes. 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.

21

 

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 nine and three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. 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 as Level 2 assets under the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments.

 

The following table presents financial assets (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 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)

 

September 30, 2023

            

Mortgage-backed securities

 $-  $4,520,225  $- 

U.S. Treasury securities

  98,326   -   - 

Interest rate swaps

  -   5,286   - 

Payer swaptions

  -   1,418   - 

Interest rate caps

  -   704   - 

Interest rate floors

     1,481    

TBA securities

  -   8,985   - 

December 31, 2022

            

Mortgage-backed securities

 $-  $3,540,002  $- 

U.S. Treasury Notes

  36,382   -   - 

Interest rate swaps

  -   4,983   - 

Payer swaptions

  -   27,416   - 

Interest rate caps

  -   1,119   - 

TBA securities

  -   (507)  - 

 

During the nine and three months ended September 30, 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 Bimini Advisors, LLC (the “Manager”) pursuant to the terms of a management agreement. The management agreement has been renewed through February 20, 2024 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.

 

22

 

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 $10.5 million and $3.6 million for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, and $9.7 million and $3.3 million for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2022respectively. At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the net amount due to affiliates was approximately $1.3 million and $1.1 million, 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, IV, 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 September 30, 2023, Bimini owned 569,071 shares, or 1.1%, of the Company’s common stock.

 

23

 
 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS 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 1 of this Form 10-Q. 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 our most recent Annual Report on 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 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, 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 REIT under 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 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 September 30, 2023 , we issued a total of 13,190,039 shares under the March 2023 Equity Distribution Agreement for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $129.8 million, and net proceed of approximately $127.8 million, after commissions and fees.
 

Stock Repurchase Agreement

 

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 1,061,316 shares, representing 10% of the Company’s 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 September 30, 2023, the Company repurchased a total of 4,048,613 shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $68.8 million, including commissions and fees, for a weighted average price of $16.99 per share. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company repurchased a total of 373,041 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately $4.0 million, including commissions and fees, for a weighted average price of $10.62 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 the first three quarters of 2023, and may continue to occur;
 

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 ("FDIC"), 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 qualify 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 nine and three months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the Company’s results of operations for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2022.

 

Net Loss Summary

 

Net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $66.4 million or $1.58 per share. Net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was $293.4 million, or $8.31 per share. Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was  $80.1 million, or $1.68 per share. Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2022 was $84.5 million, or $2.40 per share. The components of net income (loss) for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, along with the changes in those components are presented in the table below:

 

(in thousands)

                                               
   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

 

Interest income

  $ 128,030     $ 112,735     $ 15,295     $ 50,107     $ 35,610     $ 14,497  

Interest expense

    (149,593 )     (32,196 )     (117,397 )     (58,705 )     (21,361 )     (37,344 )

Net interest (expense) income

    (21,563 )     80,539       (102,102 )     (8,598 )     14,249       (22,847 )

Losses on RMBS and derivative contracts

    (30,323 )     (360,657 )     330,334       (66,890 )     (94,433 )     27,543  

Net portfolio loss

    (51,886 )     (280,118 )     228,232       (75,488 )     (80,184 )     4,696  

Expenses

    (14,467 )     (13,261 )     (1,206 )     (4,644 )     (4,329 )     (315 )

Net loss

  $ (66,353 )   $ (293,379 )   $ 227,026     $ (80,132 )   $ (84,513 )   $ 4,381  

 

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” and “Economic Net Interest Income.”

 

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.

 

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 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 nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, and for each quarter in 2023 to date and 2022.

 

Net Earnings Excluding Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

                                               
                           

Per Share

 
                   

Net Earnings

                   

Net Earnings

 
                   

Excluding

                   

Excluding

 
           

Realized and

   

Realized and

           

Realized and

   

Realized and

 
   

Net

   

Unrealized

   

Unrealized

   

Net

   

Unrealized

   

Unrealized

 
   

Income

   

Gains and

   

Gains and

   

Income

   

Gains and

   

Gains and

 
   

(GAAP)

   

Losses(1)

   

Losses

   

(GAAP)

   

Losses

   

Losses

 

Three Months Ended

                                               

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  

Nine Months Ended

                                               

September 30, 2023

  $ (66,353 )   $ (30,323 )   $ (36,030 )   $ (1.58 )   $ (0.72 )   $ (0.86 )

September 30, 2022

    (293,379 )     (360,656 )     67,277       (8.31 )     (10.21 )     1.90  

 

(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.  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.

 

Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses - Reclassification of Derivative Transaction Expenses

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

                                               
                           

Net Earnings 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  
   

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  

 

Economic Interest Expense and Economic Net Interest Income

 

We use derivative and other hedging instruments, specifically Fed Funds and T-Note futures contracts, short positions in U.S. Treasury securities, 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 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 Eurodollar, Fed Funds and U.S. Treasury 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 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 nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, and for each quarter of 2023 to date and 2022.

 

 

Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments

 

(in thousands)

                                       
                           

Funding Hedges

 
   

Recognized in

   

TBA Securities

   

Attributed to

   

Attributed to

 
   

Income

   

Gain (Loss)

   

Current

   

Future

 
    Statement     (Short     (Long     Period     Periods  
   

(GAAP)

   

Positions)

   

Positions)

   

(Non-GAAP)

   

(Non-GAAP)

 

Three Months Ended

                                       

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  

Nine Months Ended

                                       

September 30, 2023

  $ 194,253     $ 31,120     $ (2,598 )   $ 67,133     $ 98,598  

September 30, 2022

    464,795       14,194       1,200       4,154       445,247  

 

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

 

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 )

 

Economic Interest Expense and Economic Net Interest Income

 

(in thousands)

                                               
           

Interest Expense on Borrowings

                 
                   

Gains

                         
                   

(Losses) on

                         
                   

Derivative

                         
                   

Instruments

           

Net Interest Income

 
    GAAP     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

                                               

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  

Nine Months Ended

                                               

September 30, 2023

  $ 128,030     $ 149,593     $ 67,133     $ 82,460     $ (21,563 )   $ 45,570  

September 30, 2022

    112,736       32,196       4,154       28,042       80,540       84,694  

 

(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 (Expense)

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we incurred net interest expense of $21.6 million consisting of $128.0 million of interest income from RMBS assets offset by $149.6 million of interest expense on borrowings. For the comparable period ended September 30, 2022, we generated $80.5 million of net interest income, consisting of $112.7 million of interest income from RMBS assets offset by $32.2 million of interest expense on borrowings. The $15.3 million increase in interest income was due to a 76 basis point ("bps") increase in the yield on average RMBS, partially offset by a $324.5 million decrease in average RMBS. The $117.4 million increase in interest expense was due to a 404 bps increase in the average cost of funds, partially offset by a $346.0 million decrease in average outstanding borrowings.

 

On an economic basis, our interest expense on borrowings for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was $82.5 million and $28.0 million, respectively, resulting in $45.6 million and $84.7 million of economic net interest income, respectively.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2023, we incurred net interest expense of $8.6 million consisting of $50.1 million of interest income from RMBS assets offset by $58.7 million of interest expense on borrowings. For the comparable period ended September 30, 2022, we generated $14.3 million of net interest income, consisting of $35.6 million of interest income from RMBS assets offset by $21.4 million of interest expense on borrowings. The $14.5 million increase in interest income was due to a 52 bps increase in the yield on average RMBS, combined with an $876.1 million increase in average RMBS. The $37.3 million increase in interest expense was due to a 296 bps increase in the average cost of funds, combined with an $867.9 million increase in average outstanding borrowings.

 

On an economic basis, our interest expense on borrowings for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was $34.3 million and $17.2 million, respectively, resulting in $15.8 million and $18.4 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 the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, and each quarter of 2023 to date and 2022 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

                                                               

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 %

Nine Months Ended

                                                               

September 30, 2023

  $ 4,134,664     $ 128,030       4.13 %   $ 3,957,950     $ 149,593     $ 82,460       5.04 %     2.78 %

September 30, 2022

    4,459,203       112,736       3.37 %     4,304,024       32,196       28,042       1.00 %     0.87 %

 

 

($ in thousands)

                               
   

Net Interest Income

   

Net Interest Spread

 
   

GAAP

   

Economic

   

GAAP

   

Economic

 
   

Basis

   

Basis(2)

   

Basis

   

Basis(4)

 

Three Months Ended

                               

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 %

Nine Months Ended

                               

September 30, 2023

  $ (21,563 )   $ 45,570       (0.91 )%     1.35 %

September 30, 2022

    80,540       84,694       2.37 %     2.50 %

 

(1)

Portfolio yields and costs of borrowings presented in the tables above and the tables on pages 31-32 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 32 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 nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, and for each quarter of 2023 to date and 2022.

 

($ 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

                                                                       

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       32,297       3,314       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 %

Nine Months Ended

                                                                       

September 30, 2023

  $ 4,115,892     $ 18,772     $ 4,134,664     $ 126,750     $ 1,280     $ 128,030       4.11 %     9.09 %     4.13 %

September 30, 2022

    4,287,655       171,548       4,459,203       108,293       1,527       109,820       3.24 %     6.59 %     3.37 %

 

Interest Expense and the Cost of Funds

 

We had average outstanding borrowings of $3,958.0 million and $4,304.0 million and total interest expense of $149.6 million and $32.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our average cost of funds was 5.04% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to 1.00% for the comparable period in 2022. The $117.4 million increase in interest expense was due to the 404 bps increase in the average cost of funds, partially offset by the $346.0 million decrease in average outstanding borrowings during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

 

Our economic interest expense was $82.5 million and $28.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. There was a 191 bps increase in the average economic cost of funds to 2.78% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, from 0.87% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

 

 

We had average outstanding borrowings of $4,314.3 million and $3,446.4 million and total interest expense of $58.7 million and $21.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our average cost of funds was 5.44% for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to 2.48% for the comparable period in 2022. The $37.3 million increase in interest expense was due to the 296 bps increase in the average cost of funds, combined with an $867.9 million increase in average outstanding borrowings during the three months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the comparable period in 2022.

 

Our economic interest expense was $34.3 million and $17.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. There was a 118 bps increase in the average economic cost of funds to 3.18% for the three months ended September 30, 2023, from 2.00% for the three months ended June 30, 2022.

 

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 12 bps above the one-month average SOFR and 27 bps above the six-month average SOFR for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. Our average economic cost of funds was 214 bps below the average one-month SOFR and 199 bps below the average six-month SOFR for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The average term to maturity of the outstanding repurchase agreements was 32 days at September 30, 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 average one-month and six-month SOFR rates for the six months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, and for each quarter in 2023 to date and 2022, 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

                                       

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 %

Nine Months Ended

                                       

September 30, 2023

  $ 3,957,950     $ 149,593     $ 82,460       5.04 %     2.78 %

September 30, 2022

    4,304,024       32,196       28,042       1.00 %     0.87 %

 

                   

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

                                               

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 %

Nine Months Ended

                                               

September 30, 2023

    5.00 %     4.68 %     0.04 %     0.36 %     (2.22 )%     (1.90 )%

September 30, 2022

    1.24 %     0.63 %     (0.24 )%     0.37 %     (0.37 )%     0.24 %

 

 

Gains or Losses

 

The table below presents our gains or losses for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.

 

(in thousands)

                                               
   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

 

Realized losses on sales of RMBS

  $ -     $ (132,672 )   $ 132,672     $ -     $ (66,143 )   $ 66,143  

Unrealized losses on RMBS and U.S. Treasury securities

    (224,576 )     (692,781 )     468,205       (208,932 )     (212,221 )     3,289  

Total losses on RMBS and U.S. Treasury securities

    (224,576 )     (825,453 )     600,877       (208,932 )     (278,364 )     69,432  

Gains on T-Note futures

    66,642       207,165       (140,523 )     42,640       84,543       (41,903 )

Gains on interest rate swaps

    101,257       170,987       (69,730 )     78,317       65,247       13,070  

Gains (losses) on payer swaptions (short positions)

    4,113       (80,183 )     84,296       (718 )     (35,239 )     34,521  

(Losses) gains on payer swaptions (long positions)

    (7,389 )     150,445       (157,834 )     1,613       59,131       (57,518 )

(Losses) gains on interest rate caps

    (415 )     988       (1,403 )     493       (499 )     992  

(Losses) gains on interest rate floors (short positions)

    (1,143 )     -       (1,143 )     73       -       73  

Gains on interest rate floors (long positions)

    2,666       -       2,666       137       -       137  

Gains on TBA securities (short positions)

    31,120       14,194       16,926       21,511       10,642       10,869  

(Losses) gains on TBA securities (long positions)

    (2,598 )     1,200       (3,798 )     (2,024 )     106       (2,130 )

Total gains from derivative instruments

  $ 194,253     $ 464,796     $ (270,543 )   $ 142,042     $ 183,931     $ (41,889 )

 

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 nine and three months ended September 30, 2022, we received proceeds of $2,731.5 million and $796.9 million, respectively, from the sales of RMBS.  We did not sell any RMBS during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2023. 

 

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 to date and 2022.

 

   

5 Year

   

10 Year

   

15 Year

   

30 Year

   

90 Day

 
   

U.S. Treasury

   

U.S. Treasury

   

Fixed-Rate

   

Fixed-Rate

   

Average

 
   

Rate(1)

   

Rate(1)

   

Mortgage Rate(2)

   

Mortgage Rate(2)

   

SOFR(3)

 

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 %     5.35 %     6.11 %     3.45 %

June 30, 2022

    3.00 %     2.97 %     4.65 %     5.52 %     1.97 %

March 31, 2022

    2.42 %     2.33 %     3.39 %     4.17 %     0.84 %

 

(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.

 

 

Expenses

 

For the nine and three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company’s total operating expenses were approximately $14.5 million and $4.6 million, compared to approximately $13.3 million and $4.3 million for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2022. The table below presents a breakdown of operating expenses for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.

 

(in thousands)

                                               
   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

   

2023

   

2022

   

Change

 

Management fees

  $ 8,216     $ 7,881     $ 335     $ 2,870     $ 2,616     $ 254  

Overhead allocation

    1,772       1,482       290       557       522       35  

Accrued incentive compensation

    1,110       763       347       322       212       110  

Directors fees and liability insurance

    986       929       57       345       308       37  

Audit, legal and other professional fees

    1,200       899       301       301       293       8  

Direct REIT operating expenses

    531       683       (152 )     193       175       18  

Other administrative

    652       624       28       56       203       (147 )

Total expenses

  $ 14,467     $ 13,261     $ 1,206     $ 4,644     $ 4,329     $ 315  

 

We are externally managed and advised by Bimini Advisors, LLC (the “Manager”) pursuant to the terms of a management agreement. The management agreement has been renewed through February 20, 2024 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 the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 and for each quarter in 2023 to date and 2022.

 

($ in thousands)

                                       
   

Average

   

Average

   

Advisory Services

 
   

Orchid

   

Orchid

   

Management

   

Overhead

         

Three Months Ended

 

MBS

   

Equity

   

Fee

   

Allocation

   

Total

 

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       853,576       2,634       441       3,075  

Nine Months Ended

                                       

September 30, 2023

  $ 4,134,664     $ 909,687     $ 8,216     $ 1,772     $ 9,988  

September 30, 2022

    4,459,203       853,350       7,881       1,482       9,363  

 

Financial Condition:

 

Mortgage-Backed Securities

 

As of September 30, 2023, our RMBS portfolio consisted of $4,520.2 million of Agency RMBS at fair value and had a weighted average coupon on assets of 4.01%. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we received principal repayments of $237.9 million compared to $376.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The average three month prepayment speeds for the quarters ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were 6.0% and 6.5%, 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 (%)

 

September 30, 2022

  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 September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

 

($ in thousands)

                                 
                           

Weighted

   
           

Percentage

           

Average

   
           

of

   

Weighted

   

Maturity

   
   

Fair

   

Entire

   

Average

   

in

 

Longest

Asset Category

 

Value

   

Portfolio

   

Coupon

   

Months

 

Maturity

September 30, 2023

                                 

Fixed Rate RMBS

  $ 4,502,115       99.6 %     4.03 %     335  

1-Sep-53

Interest-Only Securities

    17,833       0.4 %     4.01 %     225  

25-Jul-48

Inverse Interest-Only Securities

    277       0.0 %     0.00 %     277  

15-Jun-42

Total Mortgage Assets

  $ 4,520,225       100.0 %     4.01 %     333  

1-Sep-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)

                               
   

September 30, 2023

   

December 31, 2022

 
           

Percentage of

           

Percentage of

 

Agency

 

Fair Value

   

Entire Portfolio

   

Fair Value

   

Entire Portfolio

 

Fannie Mae

  $ 2,989,840       66.1 %   $ 2,320,960       65.6 %

Freddie Mac

    1,530,385       33.9 %     1,219,042       34.4 %

Total Portfolio

  $ 4,520,225       100.0 %   $ 3,540,002       100.0 %

 

   

September 30, 2023

   

December 31, 2022

 

Weighted Average Pass-through Purchase Price

  $ 104.87     $ 106.41  

Weighted Average Structured Purchase Price

  $ 18.74     $ 18.74  

Weighted Average Pass-through Current Price

  $ 89.08     $ 91.46  

Weighted Average Structured Current Price

  $ 13.92     $ 14.05  

Effective Duration (1)

    5.460       5.580  

 

(1)

Effective duration is the approximate percentage change in price for a 100 bps change in rates. An effective duration of 5.460 indicates that an interest rate increase of 1.0% would be expected to cause a 5.460% decrease in the value of the RMBS in the Company’s investment portfolio at September 30, 2023. An effective duration of 5.580 indicates that an interest rate increase of 1.0% would be expected to cause a 5.580% 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 nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, including securities purchased during the period that settled after the end of the period, if any.

 

($ in thousands)

                                               
   

2023

   

2022

 
   

Total Cost

   

Average Price

   

Weighted Average Yield

   

Total Cost

   

Average Price

   

Weighted Average Yield

 

Pass-through RMBS

  $ 1,443,827     $ 100.16       5.34 %   $ 622,535     $ 100.66       4.24 %

Structured RMBS

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

 

Borrowings

 

As of September 30, 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 20 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 September 30, 2023, we had obligations outstanding under the repurchase agreements of approximately $4,427.0 million with a net weighted average borrowing cost of 5.49%. The remaining maturity of our outstanding repurchase agreement obligations ranged from 2 to 83 days, with a weighted average remaining maturity of 32 days. Securing the repurchase agreement obligations as of September 30, 2023 are RMBS and U.S. Treasury securities with an estimated fair value, including accrued interest, of approximately $4,537.1 million, and cash pledged to counterparties of approximately $113.4 million. Through October 27, 2023, we have been able to maintain our repurchase facilities with comparable terms to those that existed at September 30, 2023, with maturities through December 22, 2023.

 

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

   

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 September 30, 2023 was 8.5 to 1, compared to 6.3 to 1 as of December 31, 2022.  Our adjusted leverage at September 30, 2023 was 9.5 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

 

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 )     438,763    

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 nine months ended September 30, 2023, haircuts on our pledged collateral remained stable and as of September 30, 2023, our weighted average haircut was approximately 4.6% of the value of our collateral compared to 4.5% as of December 31, 2022.

 

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-Q for additional details on 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 repurchase 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 September 30, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $158.6 million. We generated cash flows of $353.4 million from principal and interest payments on our RMBS and had average repurchase agreements outstanding of $3,958.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 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 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 September 30, 2023 ,we issued a total of 13,190,039 shares under the March 2023 Equity Distribution Agreement for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately  $129.8 million, and net proceeds of approximately $127.8 million, after commissions and fees.

Outlook

 

Economic Summary

 

The third quarter of 2023 did not play out as market participants expected.  As the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) and central banks across the globe have continued with their tightening campaigns, the economy in the U.S. has remained remarkably resilient.  In fact, the advanced reading on gross domestic product (“GDP”) for the third quarter of 2023, released on October 26 was 4.9%.  Conversely the inflation data has continued to slowly trend down towards the Fed’s 2% target. The Fed is monitoring this trend with respect to potential future actions, and it may not have to increase short-term interest rates much more, if at all. However, the unknown is just how long the Fed will have to keep monetary policy at the current restrictive levels to ensure inflation appears likely to decline to its target level. The Fed continues to be concerned about the jobs market, which has remained very strong and seems likely to support continued services inflation at elevated levels, as wage levels are the biggest driver of services inflation.

 

Consumer spending in the U.S. remains quite strong, driven by a robust labor market, as evidenced by initial unemployment claims at very low levels, and residual savings from the pandemic related government stimulus payments distributed since 2020. While there are clear signs that the tightening conducted by the Fed since their campaign began in March of 2022 has slowed the economy, they are not pervasive and signs of strength in economic growth remain. To the extent these conditions persist, monetary policy is likely to remain restrictive.

 

Interest Rates

 

Interest rate movements during the third quarter of 2023 were driven by two significant developments. The first may have implications for the economy for the foreseeable future, not just near-term monetary policy.  At the end of July Fitch Ratings downgraded the credit rating of the United States and Moody’s Investor Services announced the credit rating of the U.S. was under review for a potential down-grade later in the quarter.  At approximately the same time as Fitch announced its downgrade, the U.S. Treasury announced a revision to its debt issuance levels for the balance of the third quarter of 2023.  The revision amounted to an approximate 35% increase compared to previous estimates. The Congressional budget office estimates the fiscal 2023 deficit may reach $2 trillion dollars. Fitch and Moody’s cited the rapidly expanding deficits as the primary cause of the downgrades but also cited the continued government dysfunction owing to rampant partisanship, which may impair the government's ability to effectively manage deficits going forward. Evidence of the latter was on display when the government narrowly avoided a shut-down at the end of September, closely followed by the majority party in the House ousting their speaker.  Since the agreement reached on September 30 only funds the government through November 17, 2023, the next attempt to fund the government for the balance of fiscal year 2024 could prove challenging. The rates market reacted to this development as longer maturity rates increased throughout the balance of the third quarter, implying the market is increasing the term premium associated with longer-term U.S. Treasury notes and bonds. From mid-July through early October, the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note increased by approximately 100 basis points. Actions abroad also affected longer-term rates in the U.S., namely the Bank of Japan taking steps to relax its yield curve control regime by allowing yields on longer-term maturity Japanese Government Bonds (“JGBs”) to increase. By doing so, it increased the attractiveness of JGBs to Japanese investors over U.S. Treasury securities, thereby lessening demand for U.S. Treasury securities, leading to potentially higher U.S. yields.  The increases in longer-term U.S. Treasury yields tighten financial conditions in the U.S. and support the restrictive monetary policy of the Fed, likely reducing the need of the Fed to increase short-term rates or keep their policy restrictive for as long as might be needed absent this development.  However, to the extent the U.S. continues to generate historically high budget deficits – as is expected - and U.S. Treasury issuance remains elevated, it is possible longer-term rates may remain elevated for much longer than the current economic cycle and have negative implications for the U.S. economy in the future.

 

A second development during the quarter occurred at the Fed’s September Federal Open Market Committee ("FOMC") meeting when the Fed released their “dot” plot, a summary of FOMC members' anticipated level of the Fed Funds rate for the next several years. The dot plot released reflected a funds rate 50 basis points higher at the end of 2024 than the last dot plot issued at the conclusion of the FOMC meeting in June 2023. The increase reflected expectations for a minimal reduction in the funds rate prior to the end of 2024. The Fed cited the persistently strong economy, particularly the labor market as referenced above, as reasons for keeping monetary policy restrictive for so long. The following morning initial unemployment claims for the prior week were released and were barely above 200,000, a level consistent with a very strong labor market. This triggered a second round of significant movement in long-term U.S. Treasury rates as the U.S. Treasury yield curve steepened even further.  On July 3, 2023, the spread between the 2-year U.S. Treasury note and the 10-year U.S. Treasury note reached a peak for the current cycle at -108.04 basis points.  At the end of the third quarter, the inversion was only -47.35 basis points and is currently -16.46 basis points. The impact of this development was felt across all markets as risk sentiment collapsed and all financial markets suffered heavy losses. 

 

 

 

The developments above also increased volatility across both the fixed income and equity markets, with both realizing levels of volatility and market pricing assumptions of volatility going forward.

 

The Agency RMBS Market 

 

The regional banking crisis that occurred in March of 2023 led to the liquidation of the holdings of the institutions taken over by the FDIC.  The liquidation auctions of over $60 billion of Agency RMBS concluded during the third quarter and did not have the outsized negative impact on the market most feared.  However, the developments in the rates market described above did have an impact on the Agency RMBS market, especially the Fed meeting in September.  As risk sentiment across markets collapsed and volatility across the equity and rates markets increased market participants largely remained on the sidelines as the events unfolded and most asset classes performed very poorly.  This was the case with the Agency RMBS market as well.  Spreads on Agency RMBS to comparable duration U.S. Treasuries or swaps increased markedly, and in the case of the current coupon 30-year conventional security with a coupon of approximately 6.5%, the spread to the 5-year U.S. Treasury increased by approximately 30 basis points from September 15, 2023 through October 3, 2023.  This spread peaked at just over 186 basis points on October 3, 2023.  By comparison, the same spread was 143.4 basis points in mid-June of 2023.

 

Based on ICE Bank of America data for the fixed income indices, for the third quarter of 2023 Agency RMBS generated a return of -4.1% and -1.6% versus comparable duration swaps, respectively. With respect to individual sectors of the Agency RMBS index, longer duration sectors and coupons underperformed owing to the significant steepening of the interest rate curve.  The 30-year fixed rate sector generated returns of -4.6% and -1.9% versus swaps, respectively.  The 15-year sector and Ginnie Mae sectors generated absolute returns of -1.7% and -3.7% respectively.  Returns versus swaps for the 15-year fixed rate and Ginnie Mae sectors were -0.5% and -1.3%, respectively.  Across the 30-year fixed rate coupon stack returns varied from -5.7% for 2.0% coupons to -1.7% for 5.5% coupons. Excess returns for the same coupons were -2.4% and -1.2%, respectively, and the distribution of returns followed the durations of the various coupons in a consistent fashion.

 

The Agency RMBS sector underperformed investment grade and sub-investment grade corporates both on an absolute and relative basis (to comparable duration swaps) for the third quarter. In response to the significant increase in interest rates and volatility, with the corresponding weakness in Agency RMBS assets continuing since the end of the third quarter, we have reduced our leverage and increased hedges. Since September 30, 2023, we have reduced our holding of 30-year fixed rate 3.0% coupons by approximately 40%, added to shorts in the same coupon and eliminated our 15-year TBA long position. Finally, we eliminated our short TBA positions in higher coupons.

 

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.

 

 

On September 30, 2019, the FHFA announced that the Enterprises 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 March 15, 2022, the Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act (the “LIBOR Act”) was signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. 2471). The LIBOR Act provides for a statutory replacement benchmark rate for contracts that use LIBOR as a benchmark and do not contain any fallback mechanism independent of LIBOR. Pursuant to the LIBOR Act, SOFR becomes the new benchmark rate by operation of law for any such contract. The LIBOR Act establishes a safe harbor from litigation for claims arising out of or related to the use of SOFR as the recommended benchmark replacement. The LIBOR Act makes clear that it should not be construed to disfavor the use of any benchmark on a prospective basis.

 

On July 28, 2022, the Fed published a proposed rule to implement the LIBOR Act, which was adopted on December 16, 2022.  The final rule, which went into effect on February 27, 2023, sets benchmark SOFR rates to replace overnight, one-month, three-month, six-month and 12-month LIBOR contracts and provides mechanisms for converting most existing LIBOR contracts, including Agency RMBS, to SOFR no later than June 30, 2023. The last remaining LIBOR bank panel ended June 30, 2023.  Overnight and 12-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings have permanently ceased, and 1-, 3- and 6-month U.S. dollar LIBOR will continue to be calculated using a synthetic methodology through September 2024.

 

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, SOFR or LIBOR 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. This 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 and T-Note futures contracts or interest rate swaptions.

 

 

Summary

 

The third quarter 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 of Fed policy tightening in the aggregate. Growth for the third quarter was a surprising 4.9%, as measured by GDP.  The Fed recognizes its goal of bringing inflation back to its 2% target is likely going to require tight monetary policy for an extended period, likely well into 2024.  Fiscal deficits in the U.S. continue to grow and are expected to remain at elevated levels for the next few years.  The deficits, coupled with the dysfunction in Washington, led Fitch to downgrade the debt of the U.S. and Moody’s has indicated it may do the same.  The combination of these factors, among others, drove long-term U.S. Treasury rates much higher and steepened the yield curve, as short-term rates remained fairly steady as the market expects the Fed is at or near the end of their tightening cycle.

 

The Agency RMBS market was meaningfully impacted by these developments, particularly late in the third quarter.  From mid-July through early October, the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note increased by approximately 100 basis points. At the conclusion of the September Fed meeting the dot plot released by the FOMC indicated it anticipated the Fed Funds rate would be 50 basis points higher at the end of 2024 than its last release in June.  These developments drove investors away from risk assets, and they had an outsized impact of the Agency RMBS market. One of the primary causes lies in the fact that there are few marginal buyers of the asset class at the moment.  The Fed is proceeding with its quantitative tightening program, so its holdings of Agency RMBS and U.S. Treasuries are running off.  The other very large traditional buyer of MBS, banks, are not active in the space given the inverted curve, and multi-sector asset managers are already heavily invested in the sector.  This leaves only the dealer community and the hedge funds that are typically active in the space to support the sector.  Hedge funds are typically very levered and unable to stay engaged in the sector for any length of time during periods of high volatility. As a result, the sector performed very poorly during the third quarter, particularly from late September and into early October.  The returns for the MBS index for the third quarter of 2023 and the month of September were -4.1% and -3.1%, respectively.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

Our condensed 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 estimates involve decisions and assessments which could significantly affect reported assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. There have been no changes to our critical accounting estimates as discussed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

At September 30, 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 deduction 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 - YTD(1)

    1.560       68,604  

Totals

  $ 66.210     $ 596,074  

 

(1)

On October 11, 2023, the Company declared a dividend of $0.12 per share to be paid on November 28, 2023. The effect of this dividend is included in the table above but is not reflected in the Company’s financial statements as of September 30, 2023.

 

ITEM 3. 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. 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 that 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 and 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 LIBOR) causes their price movements, and model duration, to be affected by changes in both prepayments and one month LIBOR, 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 2023 and December 31, 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 the 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 September 30, 2023

               

-200 Basis Points

    0.09 %     0.84 %

-100 Basis Points

    0.47 %     4.58 %

-50 Basis Points

    0.32 %     3.10 %

+50 Basis Points

    (0.46 )%     (4.46 )%

+100 Basis Points

    (1.04 )%     (10.06 )%

+200 Basis Points

    (2.43 )%     (23.51 )%

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 government sponsored entity 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 September 30, 2023, we had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $158.6 million and unpledged securities of approximately $5.1 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.

 

 

ITEM 4. 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.

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

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

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

A description of certain factors that may affect our future results and risk factors is set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. As of September 30, 2023, there have been no material changes in our risk factors from those set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

The Company did not have any unregistered sales of its equity securities during the three months ended September 30, 2023.

 

The table below presents the Company’s share repurchase activity for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

 

                   

Shares Purchased

   

Maximum Number

 
   

Total Number

   

Weighted-Average

   

as Part of Publicly

   

of Shares That May Yet

 
   

of Shares

   

Price Paid

   

Announced

   

Be Repurchased Under

 
   

Repurchased(1)

   

Per Share

   

Programs

   

the Authorization

 

July 1, 2023 - July 31, 2023

    -     $ -       -       4,928,350  

August 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023

    -       -       -       4,928,350  

September 1, 2023 - September 30, 2023

    948       8.99       -       4,928,350  

Totals / Weighted Average

    948     $ 8.99       -       4,928,350  

 

 

(1)

Includes 948 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 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.

 

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 to the Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed 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).

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 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.

 

 

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:          October 27, 2023

 

By:

/s/ Robert E. Cauley

 
     

Robert E. Cauley

Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board

(Principal Executive Officer)

         

Date:           October 27, 2023

 

By:

/s/ George H. Haas, IV

 
     

George H. Haas, IV

Secretary, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Investment Officer and

Director (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

52
ex_566818.htm

Exhibit 31.1

 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Robert E. Cauley, certify that:

 

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Orchid Island Capital, Inc. (the "registrant");

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

 

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

 

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

 

b)

designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

 

 

c)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

d)

disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

 

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

a)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date: October 27, 2023

/s/ Robert E. Cauley

 

 

Robert E. Cauley

 

 

Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and

President

 

 

 
ex_566819.htm

Exhibit 31.2

 

CERTIFICATIONS

I, George H. Haas, certify that:

 

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Orchid Island Capital, Inc. (the "registrant");

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

 

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

 

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

 

b)

designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

 

 

c)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

d)

disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

 

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

a)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

 Date: October 27, 2023

/s/ George H. Haas, IV

 

 

George H. Haas, IV

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 
ex_566820.htm

Exhibit 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION

PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002, 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

 

In connection with the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Orchid Island Capital, Inc. (the “Company”) for the period ended September 30, 2023 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about the date hereof (the ”Report”), I, Robert E. Cauley, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

 

1.

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

2.

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company at the dates of, and for the periods covered by, the Report.

 

It is not intended that this statement be deemed to be filed for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

 

October 27, 2023

/s/ Robert E. Cauley

 

 

Robert E. Cauley,

 

 

Chairman of the Board and

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 
ex_566821.htm

Exhibit 32.2

 

 

CERTIFICATION

PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002, 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

 

In connection with the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Orchid Island Capital, Inc. (the “Company”) for the period ended September 30, 2023 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about the date hereof (the ”Report”), I, George H. Haas, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

 

1.

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

2.

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company at the dates of, and for the periods covered by, the Report.

 

It is not intended that this statement be deemed to be filed for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

 

October 27, 2023

/s/ George H. Haas, IV

 

 

George H. Haas, IV

 

 

Chief Financial Officer