Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation Announces Second Quarter 2023 Results

Conference Call and Webcast Scheduled for Tomorrow, August 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time/8:00 a.m. Pacific Time

PASADENA, Calif.--()--Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation (the “Company,” “we,” or “WMC”) (NYSE: WMC) today reported its results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023.

BUSINESS UPDATE

The Company continues to execute on its business strategy to take actions to strengthen its balance sheet:

  • For the three months ended June 30, 2023:
    • the Company received $28.4 million from the sale or repayment of Residential Whole Loans and Non-Agency RMBS;
    • the Company received $1.1 million from the repayment or paydown of Commercial Whole Loans, Non-Agency CMBS, and Other Securities; and
    • the Company received $8.7 million in proceeds from the sale of Other Securities.
  • Subsequent to quarter end, the Company replaced an existing short-term repurchase financing facility facing Credit Suisse AG (UBS) with a new two-year term, $65 million fixed rate, non-mark-to-market securitized funding vehicle. As a result, the Company no longer has any financing arrangements with Credit Suisse AG (UBS) as a counterparty.

SECOND QUARTER 2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS

The rising and volatile interest rate environment negatively impacted our second quarter GAAP financial results. Key measures for the quarter were as follows:

  • GAAP book value per share was $14.69 at June 30, 2023.
  • Economic book value(1) per share of $18.54 at June 30, 2023.
  • GAAP net loss attributable to common shareholders and participating securities of $8.6 million, or $1.44 per share.
  • Distributable Earnings(1) of $1.3 million, or $0.22 per basic and diluted share.
  • Economic return(1)(2) on book value was negative 8.6% for the quarter.
  • Economic return(1)(2) on economic book value was 7.7% for the quarter.
  • 1.2% annualized net interest margin(1)(3)(4) on our investment portfolio.
  • 2.6x recourse leverage as of June 30, 2023.
  • On June 21, 2023, we declared a second quarter common dividend of $0.35 per share.
 

(1)

 

Non-GAAP measure. Refer to pages 15 through 18 of this press release for reconciliations.

(2)

 

Economic return is calculated by taking the sum of: (i) the total dividends declared and (ii) the change in book value during the period, divided by beginning book value.

(3)

 

Includes interest-only securities accounted for as derivatives.

(4)

 

Excludes the consolidation of VIE trusts required under GAAP.

OPERATING RESULTS

 

The below table reflects a summary of our operating results:

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

June 30, 2023

 

March 31, 2023

GAAP Results

 

($ in thousands)

Net Interest Income

 

$

4,010

 

 

$

4,355

 

Other Income (Loss):

 

 

 

 

Realized gain (loss), net

 

 

(1,099

)

 

 

(82,818

)

Unrealized gain (loss), net

 

 

(6,854

)

 

 

90,316

 

Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net

 

 

1,014

 

 

 

(950

)

Other, net

 

 

186

 

 

 

57

 

Other Income (Loss)

 

 

(6,753

)

 

 

6,605

 

Total Expenses

 

 

5,899

 

 

 

4,380

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

 

(8,642

)

 

 

6,581

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

 

 

(12

)

 

 

12

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(8,630

)

 

$

6,569

 

Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest

 

 

3

 

 

 

1

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders and participating securities

 

$

(8,633

)

 

$

6,568

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per Common Share – Basic/Diluted

 

$

(1.44

)

 

$

1.07

 

Non-GAAP Results

 

 

 

 

Distributable Earnings(1)

 

$

1,328

 

 

$

2,018

 

Distributable Earnings per Common Share – Basic/Diluted

 

$

0.22

 

 

$

0.33

 

Weighted average yield(2)(3)

 

 

5.20

%

 

 

5.02

%

Effective cost of funds(3)

 

 

4.58

%

 

 

4.46

%

Annualized net interest margin(2)(3)

 

 

1.20

%

 

 

1.24

%

 

(1) For a reconciliation of GAAP Income to Distributable Earnings, refer to page 15 of this press release.

(2) Includes interest-only securities accounted for as derivatives.

(3) Excludes the consolidation of VIE trusts required under GAAP.

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY

“During the second quarter, we remained focused on strengthening our balance sheet and increasing our liquidity,” said Bonnie Wongtrakool, Chief Executive Officer of the Company. “Our second quarter results declined sequentially from the first quarter, driven by lower earnings and reduced prices across portions of our portfolio as rates rose. We also received approximately $38.1 million from the sale of, repayment or paydowns of investments and used the majority of these proceeds to further reduce recourse debt.

“For the second quarter, our GAAP book value per share decreased 10.8% from the prior quarter, while economic book value per share increased 5.7%. We generated lower net interest income during the quarter, driven by a lower net interest margin and lower income from our interest rate swap positions, while our operating expenses increased sequentially from the prior quarter, primarily due to one-time expenses related to our strategic review process. Consequently, our distributable earnings of $1.3 million, or $0.22 per share, in the second quarter, were down $846 thousand, or 38.9%, from the first quarter.”

Greg Handler, Chief Investment Officer of the Company, added, “We remained focused on maximizing the value of our portfolio and increasing our total liquidity. During the quarter, we received payoffs in our residential whole loan and exited some of our non-agency investments. A combination of higher interest rates and spread widening in commercial mortgages put pressure on the GAAP value of our residential whole loan portfolio and some of our commercial assets. We continue to focus on monetizing our commercial holdings in a disciplined manner with the goal of strengthening our balance sheet and improving our liquidity.”

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

Investment Activity

As of June 30, 2023, the Company owned an aggregate investment portfolio with a fair market value totaling $2.2 billion. The following table summarizes certain characteristics of our portfolio by investment category as of June 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands):

 

Balance at

 

Loan Modification/
Capitalized Interest

Principal Payments and Basis Recovery

Proceeds from

Sales

Transfers to REO

Realized Gain/(Loss)

Unrealized Gain/(loss)

Premium and discount amortization, net

Balance at

Investment Type

December 31, 2022

Purchases

June 30, 2023

Agency RMBS and Agency RMBS IOs

$

767

$

 

N/A

$

4

 

$

 

 

N/A

$

 

$

67

 

$

 

$

838

Non-Agency RMBS

 

23,687

 

 

N/A

 

(264

)

 

 

 

N/A

 

(48

)

 

128

 

 

(139

)

 

23,364

Non-Agency CMBS

 

85,435

 

 

N/A

 

(20,559

)

 

 

 

N/A

 

(1,239

)

 

(4,970

)

 

655

 

 

59,322

Other securities(1)

 

27,262

 

4,714

 

N/A

 

 

 

(15,324

)

 

N/A

 

(1,379

)

 

1,543

 

 

(201

)

 

16,615

Total MBS and other securities

 

137,151

 

4,714

 

N/A

 

(20,819

)

 

(15,324

)

 

N/A

 

(2,666

)

 

(3,232

)

 

315

 

 

100,139

Residential Whole Loans

 

1,091,145

 

 

41

 

(58,792

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,444

 

 

(1,457

)

 

1,037,381

Residential Bridge Loans

 

2,849

 

 

 

(75

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

2,782

Commercial Loans

 

90,002

 

 

 

(1,680

)

 

(8,776

)

 

 

(81,223

)

 

80,417

 

 

66

 

 

78,806

Securitized commercial loans

 

1,085,103

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(74,050

)

 

14,268

 

 

1,025,321

Real Estate Owned

 

2,255

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

28

 

 

 

(28

)

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

2,255

Total Investments

$

2,408,505

$

4,714

$

41

$

(81,366

)

$

(24,072

)

$

$

(83,917

)

$

9,587

 

$

13,192

 

$

2,246,684

 

(1) At June 30, 2023 other securities include GSE Credit Risk Transfer Securities with an estimated fair value of $15.4 million and Student Loan ABS with a fair value of $1.2 million.

Portfolio Characteristics

Residential Real Estate Investments

The Company's focus on residential real estate related investments includes but is not limited to non-qualified residential whole loans ("Non-QM Loans"), non-agency RMBS, and other related assets. The Company believes this focus allows it to address attractive market opportunities.

Residential Whole Loans

The Company's Residential Whole Loans have low LTV's and are comprised of 2,824 adjustable and fixed rate Non-QM and investor mortgages. The following table presents certain information about our Residential Whole Loans investment portfolio at June 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average

Current Coupon Rate

 

Number of Loans

 

Principal

Balance

 

Original LTV

 

Original

FICO Score(1)

 

Expected

Life (years)

 

Contractual

Maturity

(years)

 

Coupon

Rate

2.01% – 3.00%

 

39

 

$

22,018

 

66.3

%

 

758

 

8.9

 

27.8

 

2.9

%

3.01% – 4.00%

 

366

 

 

200,548

 

66.9

%

 

760

 

7.5

 

28.3

 

3.7

%

4.01% – 5.00%

 

1,236

 

 

417,820

 

64.5

%

 

750

 

5.7

 

25.7

 

4.6

%

5.01% – 6.00%

 

875

 

 

347,001

 

65.5

%

 

742

 

4.8

 

26.2

 

5.5

%

6.01% – 7.00%

 

282

 

 

110,986

 

68.1

%

 

742

 

3.6

 

27.2

 

6.4

%

7.01% - 8.00%

 

25

 

 

8,173

 

68.3

%

 

735

 

3.4

 

26.5

 

7.4

%

Total

 

2,824

 

 

1,106,551

 

65.7

%

 

749

 

5.5

 

26.5

 

4.9

%

 

(1) The original FICO score is not available for 219 loans with a principal balance of approximately $69.4 million at June 30, 2023. We have excluded these loans from the weighted average.

The following table presents the aging of the Residential Whole Loans as of June 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Residential Whole Loans

 

 

No of Loans

 

Principal

 

Fair Value

Current

 

2,779

 

$

1,082,536

 

$

1,014,645

1-30 days

 

20

 

 

10,339

 

 

9,984

31-60 days

 

10

 

 

4,546

 

 

4,231

61-90 days

 

 

 

 

 

90+ days

 

15

 

 

9,130

 

 

8,521

Total

 

2,824

 

$

1,106,551

 

$

1,037,381

Non-Agency RMBS

The following table presents the fair value and weighted average purchase price for each of our Non-agency RMBS categories, including IOs accounted for as derivatives, together with certain of their respective underlying loan collateral attributes and current performance metrics as of June 30, 2023 (fair value dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average

Category

 

Fair Value

 

Purchase

Price

 

Life (Years)

 

Original LTV

 

Original

FICO

 

60+ Day

Delinquent

 

CPR

Prime

 

$

11,770

 

$

81.81

 

11.6

 

67.6

%

 

747

 

1.0

%

 

16.8

%

Alt-A

 

 

11,594

 

 

48.30

 

18.5

 

81.3

%

 

661

 

17.5

%

 

6.0

%

Total

 

$

23,364

 

$

65.18

 

15.0

 

74.4

%

 

704

 

9.2

%

 

11.4

%

Commercial Real Estate Investments

Non-Agency CMBS

The following table presents certain characteristics of our Non-Agency CMBS portfolio as of June 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Principal

 

 

 

Weighted Average

Type

 

Vintage

 

Balance

 

Fair Value

 

Life (Years)

 

Original LTV

Conduit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006-2009

 

$

68

 

$

66

 

0.6

 

88.7

%

 

 

2010-2020

 

 

14,982

 

 

10,085

 

5.6

 

62.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

15,050

 

 

10,151

 

5.5

 

62.8

%

Single Asset:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010-2020

 

 

73,609

 

 

49,171

 

1.6

 

66.1

%

Total

 

 

 

$

88,659

 

$

59,322

 

2.3

 

65.5

%

Commercial Loans

The following table presents our commercial loan investments as of June 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands):

Loan

Loan Type

Principal Balance

Fair Value

Original LTV

Interest Rate

Maturity Date

Extension Option

Collateral

Geographic Location

CRE 4

Interest-Only First Mortgage

22,204

22,053

63%

1-Month SOFR plus 3.38%

8/6/2025(1)

None

Retail

CT

CRE 5

Interest-Only First Mortgage

24,535

23,993

62%

1-Month SOFR plus 4.95%

11/6/2023(2)

One - 12 month extension

Hotel

NY

CRE 6

Interest-Only First Mortgage

13,207

12,914

62%

1-Month SOFR plus 4.95%

11/6/2023(2)

One - 12 month extension

Hotel

CA

CRE 7

Interest-Only First Mortgage

7,259

7,099

62%

1-Month SOFR plus 4.95%

11/6/2023(2)

One - 12 month extension

Hotel

IL, FL

SBC 3(3)

Interest-Only First Mortgage

12,750

12,747

49%

1-Month SOFR plus 5.50%

8/4/2023

One - 3 month extension

Nursing Facilities

CT

 

 

$ 79,955

$ 78,806

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) In August 2022, CRE 4 was extended three years through August 6, 2025, with a principal pay down of $16.2 million.

(2) In November 2022, CRE 5, 6, and 7 were each extended for one year through November 6, 2023.

(3) In January 2023, the SBC 3 loan was partially paid down by $862 thousand to bring the unpaid principal balance to $13.5 million, and the maturity date was extended through May 5, 2023 for a 50 bps extension fee and the margin was increased from 4.47% to 5.00%. In May 2023, the SBC 3 loan was partially paid down by $750 thousand to bring the unpaid principal to $12.8 million, the maturity date was extended through August 4, 2023, and the margin was increased from 5.00% to 5.50%. In July 2023, the SBC 3 loan was partially paid down by $250 thousand to bring the unpaid principal balance to $12.5 million, and extended the maturity date through October 4, 2023 for a 25 bps extension fee. The borrower under this loan may, at its option, extend the October 4, 2023 maturity date for an additional period of three months through December 31, 2023, with an additional required paydown of $250 thousand and a 25 bps extension fee.

PORTFOLIO FINANCING AND HEDGING

Financing

The following table sets forth additional information regarding the Company’s portfolio financing arrangements as of June 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands):

Securities Pledged

 

Repurchase Agreement Borrowings

 

Weighted Average Interest Rate on Borrowings Outstanding at end of period

 

Weighted Average Remaining Maturity (days)

Short-Term Borrowings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agency RMBS

 

$

274

 

5.84

%

 

32

Non-Agency RMBS(1)

 

 

35,105

 

8.24

%

 

25

Residential Whole Loans(2)

 

 

 

%

 

0

Residential Bridge Loans(2)

 

 

 

%

 

0

Commercial Loans(2)

 

 

 

%

 

0

Other Securities

 

 

 

%

 

0

Total short term borrowings

 

 

35,379

 

8.22

%

 

25

Long Term Borrowings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Agency CMBS and Non-Agency RMBS Facility

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Agency CMBS(1)

 

 

36,720

 

7.61

%

 

307

Non-Agency RMBS

 

 

14,467

 

7.60

%

 

307

Other Securities

 

 

8,861

 

7.94

%

 

307

Subtotal

 

 

60,048

 

7.65

%

 

307

Residential Whole Loan Facility

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential Whole Loans(2)

 

 

4,401

 

7.32

%

 

117

Commercial Whole Loan Facility

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial Loans

 

 

48,032

 

7.32

%

 

126

Total long term borrowings

 

 

112,481

 

7.50

%

 

222

Repurchase agreements borrowings

 

$

147,860

 

7.67

%

 

175

 

(1) Includes repurchase agreement borrowings on securities eliminated upon VIE consolidation.

(2) Repurchase agreement borrowings on loans owned are through trust certificates. The trust certificates are eliminated in consolidation.

Residential Whole Loan Facility

The facility finances non-securitized, Non-QM Residential Whole Loans. It matures on October 25, 2023 and bears interest at a rate of SOFR plus 2.25%, with a SOFR floor of 0.25%. As of June 30, 2023, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $4.4 million. The borrowings are secured by $3.4 million in non-QM loans and one REO property with a carrying value of $2.3 million as of June 30, 2023.

Non-Agency CMBS and Non-Agency RMBS Facility

The facility started on May 2, 2023 and matures in May 2024. It bears interest at a weighted average rate of SOFR plus 2.5%. As of June 30, 2023, the outstanding balance under this facility was $60.0 million. The borrowings are secured by investments with an estimated fair market value of $95.0 million as of June 30, 2023.

Commercial Whole Loan Facility

The facility matures on November 3, 2023 and bears interest at a rate of SOFR plus 2.25%. As of June 30, 2023, the outstanding balance under this facility was $48.0 million. The borrowings are secured by the performing commercial loans, with an estimated fair market value of $66.1 million as of June 30, 2023.

Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes

6.75% Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024 (the “2024 Notes”)

As of June 30, 2023, the Company had $86.3 million aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Notes outstanding. The 2024 Notes mature on September 15, 2024, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased by the holders pursuant to their terms, and are not redeemable by us except during the final three months prior to maturity.

Residential Mortgage-Backed Notes

As of June 30, 2023, the Company has completed four Residential Whole Loan securitizations. The mortgage-backed notes issued are non-recourse to the Company and effectively finance $1.0 billion of Residential Whole Loans as of June 30, 2023.

Arroyo 2019-2

The following table summarizes the residential mortgage-backed notes issued by the Company's Arroyo 2019-2 securitization trust at June 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands):

Classes

Principal Balance

Coupon

Carrying Value

Contractual Maturity

Offered Notes:

 

 

 

 

Class A-1

$

152,658

3.3

%

$

152,658

4/25/2049

Class A-2

 

8,187

3.5

%

 

8,187

4/25/2049

Class A-3

 

12,971

3.8

%

 

12,971

4/25/2049

Class M-1

 

25,055

4.8

%

 

25,055

4/25/2049

 

 

198,871

 

 

198,871

 

Less: Unamortized Deferred Financing Cost

 

N/A

 

 

2,159

 

Total

$

198,871

 

$

196,712

 

The Company retained the subordinate bonds and these bonds had a fair market value of $40.9 million at June 30, 2023. The retained Arroyo 2019-2 subordinate bonds are eliminated in consolidation.

Arroyo 2020-1

The following table summarizes the residential mortgage-backed notes issued by the Company's Arroyo 2020-1 securitization trust at June 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands):

Classes

Principal Balance

Coupon

Carrying Value

Contractual Maturity

Offered Notes:

 

 

 

 

Class A-1A

$

68,514

1.7

%

$

68,514

3/25/2055

Class A-1B

 

8,130

2.1

%

 

8,130

3/25/2055

Class A-2

 

13,518

2.9

%

 

13,518

3/25/2055

Class A-3

 

17,963

3.3

%

 

17,963

3/25/2055

Class M-1

 

11,739

4.3

%

 

11,739

3/25/2055

Subtotal

 

119,864

 

 

119,864

 

Less: Unamortized Deferred Financing Costs

 

N/A

 

 

1,299

 

Total

$

119,864

 

$

118,565

 

The Company retained the subordinate bonds and these bonds had a fair market value of $26.9 million at June 30, 2023. The retained Arroyo 2020-1 subordinate bonds are eliminated in consolidation.

Arroyo 2022-1

The following table summarizes the residential mortgage-backed notes issued by the Company's Arroyo 2022-1 securitization trust at June 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands):

Classes

Principal Balance

Coupon

Fair Value

Contractual Maturity

Offered Notes:

 

 

 

 

Class A-1A

$

202,556

2.5

%

$

182,262

12/25/2056

Class A-1B

 

82,942

3.3

%

 

73,725

12/25/2056

Class A-2

 

21,168

3.6

%

 

17,292

12/25/2056

Class A-3

 

28,079

3.7

%

 

22,186

12/25/2056

Class M-1

 

17,928

3.7

%

 

12,780

12/25/2056

Total

$

352,673

 

$

308,245

 

The Company retained the subordinate bonds and these bonds had a fair market value of $36.3 million at June 30, 2023. The retained Arroyo 2022-1 subordinate bonds are eliminated in consolidation.

Arroyo 2022-2

The following table summarizes the residential mortgage-backed notes issued by the Company's Arroyo 2022-2 securitization trust at June 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands):

Classes

Principal Balance

Coupon

Fair Value

Contractual Maturity

Offered Notes:

 

 

 

 

Class A-1

$

250,394

5.0

%

$

242,542

7/25/2057

Class A-2

 

21,314

5.0

%

 

20,239

7/25/2057

Class A-3

 

25,972

5.0

%

 

24,613

7/25/2057

Class M-1

 

17,694

5.0

%

 

14,680

7/25/2057

Subtotal

 

315,374

 

 

302,074

 

Less: Unamortized Deferred Financing Costs

 

N/A

 

 

 

Total

$

315,374

 

$

302,074

 

The Company retained the subordinate bonds and these bonds had a fair market value of $35.5 million at June 30, 2023. The retained Arroyo 2022-2 subordinate bonds are eliminated in consolidation.

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Notes

CSMC 2014 USA

The following table summarizes CSMC 2014 USA's commercial mortgage pass-through certificates at June 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands), which is non-recourse to the Company:

Classes

Principal Balance

Coupon

Fair Value

Contractual Maturity

Class A-1

$

120,391

3.3

%

$

101,120

9/11/2025

Class A-2

 

531,700

4.0

%

 

458,329

9/11/2025

Class B

 

136,400

4.2

%

 

109,843

9/11/2025

Class C

 

94,500

4.3

%

 

72,535

9/11/2025

Class D

 

153,950

4.4

%

 

111,258

9/11/2025

Class E

 

180,150

4.4

%

 

97,328

9/11/2025

Class F

 

153,600

4.4

%

 

61,965

9/11/2025

Class X-1(1)

 

n/a

0.5

%

 

5,717

9/11/2025

Class X-2(1)

 

n/a

%

 

1,215

9/11/2025

 

$

1,370,691

 

$

1,019,310

 

 

(1) Class X-1 and X-2 are interest-only classes with notional balances of $652.1 million and $733.5 million as of June 30, 2023, respectively.

The above table does not reflect the portion of the Class F bond held by the Company because the bond is eliminated in consolidation. The Company's ownership interest in the Class F bonds represents a controlling financial interest, which resulted in consolidation of the trust. The bond had a fair market value of $6.0 million at June 30, 2023. The securitized debt of the CSMC USA can only be settled with the commercial loan with an outstanding principal balance of approximately $1.4 billion at June 30, 2023, that serves as collateral for the securitized debt and is non-recourse to the Company.

Derivatives Activity

The following table summarizes the Company’s derivative instruments at June 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands):

Other Derivative Instruments

 

Notional Amount

 

Fair Value

Interest rate swaps, asset

 

$

 

$

 

Credit default swaps, asset

 

$

 

$

 

TBA securities, asset

 

 

 

 

 

Other derivative instruments, assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swaps, liability

 

$

82,000

 

$

(68

)

Credit default swaps, liability

 

 

 

 

 

TBA securities, liability

 

 

 

 

 

Total other derivative instruments, liabilities

 

 

 

 

(68

)

Total other derivative instruments, net

 

 

 

$

(68

)

DIVIDEND

For the quarter ended June 30, 2023, the Company declared a $0.35 dividend per share, generating a dividend yield of approximately 15.8% based on the closing price of the Company's common stock of $8.87 on June 30, 2023.

CONFERENCE CALL

The Company will host a conference call with a live webcast tomorrow, August 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time/8:00 a.m. Pacific Time, to discuss financial results for the second quarter 2023.

Individuals interested in listening to the conference call may do so by dialing (866) 235-9914 from the United States, or (412) 902-4115 from outside the United States and referencing “Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation.” Those interested in listening to the conference call live via the Internet may do so by visiting the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.westernassetmcc.com.

The Company is enabling investors to pre-register for the earnings conference call so that they can expedite their entry into the call and avoid the need to wait for a live operator. In order to pre-register for the call, investors can visit https://dpregister.com/sreg/10181420/fa0f39cc68 and enter in their contact information. Investors will then be issued a personalized phone number and pin to dial into the live conference call. Individuals can pre-register any time prior to the start of the conference call tomorrow.

A telephone replay will be available through August 14, 2023 by dialing (877) 344-7529 from the United States, or (412) 317-0088 from outside the United States, and entering conference ID 5150535. A webcast replay will be available for 90 days.

ABOUT WESTERN ASSET MORTGAGE CAPITAL CORPORATION

Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation is a real estate investment trust that invests in, acquires and manages a diverse portfolio of assets consisting of Residential Whole Loans, Non-Agency RMBS and to a lesser extent GSE Risk Transfer Securities, Commercial Loans, Non-Agency CMBS, Agency RMBS, Agency CMBS and ABS. The Company’s investment strategy may change, subject to the Company’s stated investment guidelines, and is based on its manager Western Asset Management Company, LLC's perspective of which mix of portfolio assets it believes provide the Company with the best risk-reward opportunities at any given time. The Company is externally managed and advised by Western Asset Management Company, LLC, an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. Please visit the Company’s website at www.westernassetmcc.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” For these statements, the Company claims the protections of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in such sections. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the Company’s control.

Operating results are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, without limitation changes in interest rates, changes in the yield curve, changes in prepayment rates, the availability and terms of financing, general economic conditions, market conditions, conditions in the market for mortgage related investments, and legislative and regulatory changes that could adversely affect the business of the Company.

Other factors are described in Risk Factors section of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION

In addition to the results presented in accordance with GAAP, this release includes certain non-GAAP financial information, including Distributable Earnings, Distributable Earnings per share, Economic return on book/economic value, and certain financial metrics derived from non-GAAP information, such as weighted average yield, including IO securities; weighted average effective cost of financing, including swaps; weighted average net interest margin, including IO securities and swaps, which constitute non-GAAP financial measures within the meaning of Regulation G promulgated by the SEC. We believe that these measures presented in this release, when considered together with GAAP financial measures, provide information that is useful to investors in understanding our borrowing costs and net interest income, as viewed by us. An analysis of any non-GAAP financial measure should be made in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP.

Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands—except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

June 30, 2023

 

March 31, 2023

Assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

17,375

 

 

$

16,149

 

Restricted cash

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agency mortgage-backed securities, at fair value ($278 and $249 pledged as collateral, at fair value, respectively)

 

 

838

 

 

 

837

 

Non-Agency mortgage-backed securities, at fair value ($73,572 and $100,115 pledged as collateral, at fair value, respectively)

 

 

82,686

 

 

 

87,133

 

Other securities, at fair value ($15,375 and $27,262 pledged as collateral, at fair value, respectively)

 

 

16,615

 

 

 

24,857

 

Residential Whole Loans, at fair value ($1,036,385 and $1,089,914 pledged as collateral, at fair value, respectively)

 

 

1,037,381

 

 

 

1,074,417

 

Residential Bridge Loans, at fair value (None and none pledged as collateral, at fair value, respectively)

 

 

2,782

 

 

 

2,782

 

Securitized commercial loans, at fair value

 

 

1,025,321

 

 

 

1,088,224

 

Commercial Loans, at fair value ($66,059 and $66,864 pledged as collateral, at fair value, respectively)

 

 

78,806

 

 

 

79,182

 

Investment related receivable

 

 

8,806

 

 

 

8,980

 

Interest receivable

 

 

10,895

 

 

 

11,185

 

Due from counterparties

 

 

1,302

 

 

 

17,283

 

Derivative assets, at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets

 

 

4,542

 

 

 

3,366

 

Total Assets (1)

 

$

2,287,349

 

 

$

2,414,395

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Repurchase agreements, net

 

$

147,860

 

 

$

171,290

 

Convertible senior unsecured notes, net

 

 

84,341

 

 

 

83,932

 

Securitized debt, net ($1,629,629 and $1,719,865 at fair value and $115,793 and $128,217 held by affiliates, respectively)

 

 

1,944,906

 

 

 

2,039,353

 

Interest payable (includes $635 and $655 on securitized debt held by affiliates, respectively)

 

 

10,216

 

 

 

12,139

 

Due to counterparties

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative liability, at fair value

 

 

68

 

 

 

121

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

5,246

 

 

 

3,140

 

Payable to affiliate

 

 

3,878

 

 

 

2,920

 

Dividend payable

 

 

2,113

 

 

 

2,113

 

Other liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

22

 

Total Liabilities (2)

 

 

2,198,628

 

 

 

2,315,030

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

Common stock: $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 6,038,012 and 6,038,012 outstanding, respectively

 

 

60

 

 

 

60

 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized and no shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury stock, at cost, 57,981 and 57,981 shares held, respectively

 

 

(1,665

)

 

 

(1,665

)

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

919,511

 

 

 

919,368

 

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

 

 

(829,193

)

 

 

(818,405

)

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

88,713

 

 

 

99,358

 

Non-controlling interest

 

 

8

 

 

 

7

 

Total Equity

 

 

88,721

 

 

 

99,365

 

Total Liabilities and Equity

 

$

2,287,349

 

 

$

2,414,395

 

Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)

(in thousands—except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

June 30, 2023

 

March 31, 2023

(1) Assets of consolidated VIEs included in the total assets above:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 

$

Restricted Cash

 

 

 

 

Residential Whole Loans, at fair value ($1,036,385 and $1,089,914 pledged as collateral, at fair value, respectively)

 

 

1,037,381

 

 

1,074,417

Residential Bridge Loans, at fair value ($0 and $0 pledged as collateral, at fair value, respectively)

 

 

2,782

 

 

2,782

Securitized commercial loans, at fair value

 

 

1,025,321

 

 

1,088,224

Commercial Loans, at fair value (None and none pledged as collateral, at fair value, respectively)

 

 

12,747

 

 

13,490

Investment related receivable

 

 

8,760

 

 

8,934

Interest receivable

 

 

9,798

 

 

10,099

Other assets

 

 

 

 

Total assets of consolidated VIEs

 

$

2,096,789

 

$

2,197,946

 

 

 

 

 

(2) Liabilities of consolidated VIEs included in the total liabilities above:

 

 

 

 

Securitized debt, net ($1,629,629 and $1,719,865 at fair value and $115,793 and $128,217 held by affiliates, respectively)

 

$

1,944,906

 

$

2,039,353

Interest payable (includes $635 and $655 on securitized debt held by affiliates, respectively)

 

 

7,971

 

 

8,227

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

60

 

 

60

Other liabilities

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities of consolidated VIEs

 

$

1,952,937

 

$

2,047,640

Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands—except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three months ended

(dollars in thousands)

 

June 30, 2023

 

March 31, 2023

Net Interest Income

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

$

40,222

 

 

$

40,857

 

Interest expense

 

 

36,212

 

 

 

36,502

 

Net Interest Income

 

 

4,010

 

 

 

4,355

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

Realized gain (loss), net

 

 

(1,099

)

 

 

(82,818

)

Unrealized gain (loss), net

 

 

(6,854

)

 

 

90,316

 

Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net

 

 

1,014

 

 

 

(950

)

Other, net

 

 

186

 

 

 

57

 

Other Income (Loss)

 

 

(6,753

)

 

 

6,605

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

Management fee to affiliate

 

 

958

 

 

 

976

 

Other operating expenses

 

 

293

 

 

 

286

 

Transaction costs

 

 

1,989

 

 

 

643

 

General and administrative expenses:

 

 

 

 

Compensation expense

 

 

504

 

 

 

511

 

Professional fees

 

 

1,550

 

 

 

1,415

 

Other general and administrative expenses

 

 

605

 

 

 

549

 

Total general and administrative expenses

 

 

2,659

 

 

 

2,475

 

Total Expenses

 

 

5,899

 

 

 

4,380

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

 

(8,642

)

 

 

6,580

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

 

 

(12

)

 

 

12

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

(8,630

)

 

 

6,568

 

Net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

 

3

 

 

 

1

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders and participating securities

 

$

(8,633

)

 

$

6,567

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per Common Share – Basic

 

$

(1.44

)

 

$

1.07

 

Net income (loss) per Common Share – Diluted

 

$

(1.44

)

 

$

1.07

 

Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income (Loss) to Non-GAAP Distributable Earnings

(in thousands—except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

The table below reconciles Net Income (Loss) to Distributable Earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2023, and March 31, 2023:

 

 

 

Three months ended

(dollars in thousands)

 

June 30, 2023

 

March 31, 2023

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders and participating securities

 

$

(8,633

)

 

$

6,567

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

 

 

(12

)

 

 

12

 

Net income (loss) before income taxes

 

 

(8,645

)

 

 

6,579

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

Unrealized (gain) loss on investments, securitized debt and other liabilities

 

 

6,854

 

 

 

(90,316

)

Realized (gain) loss on sale of investments

 

 

1,099

 

 

 

82,818

 

One-time transaction costs

 

 

1,987

 

 

 

640

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative Instruments:

 

 

 

 

Net realized (gain) loss on derivatives

 

 

(184

)

 

 

2,184

 

Net unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives

 

 

(54

)

 

 

(3

)

 

 

 

 

 

Other:

 

 

 

 

Realized (gain) loss on extinguishment of convertible senior unsecured notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of discount on convertible senior unsecured notes

 

 

171

 

 

 

172

 

Non-cash stock-based compensation

 

 

100

 

 

 

100

 

Total adjustments

 

 

9,973

 

 

 

(4,405

)

Distributable earnings

 

$

1,328

 

 

$

2,174

 

Basic and diluted distributable earnings per common share and participating securities

 

$

0.22

 

 

$

0.36

 

Basic weighted average common shares and participating securities

 

 

6,038,012

 

 

 

6,038,012

 

Diluted weighted average common shares and participating securities

 

 

6,038,012

 

 

 

6,038,012

 

Alternatively, our Distributable Earnings can also be derived as presented in the table below by starting net interest income adding interest income on Interest-Only Strips accounted for as derivatives and other derivatives, and net interest expense incurred on interest rate swaps and foreign currency swaps and forwards (a Non-GAAP financial measure) to arrive at adjusted net interest income. Then subtracting total expenses, adding non-cash stock based compensation, adding one-time transaction costs, adding amortization of discount on convertible senior notes and adding interest income on cash balances and other income (loss), net:

 

 

 

Three months ended

(dollars in thousands)

 

June 30, 2023

 

March 31, 2023

Net interest income

 

$

4,010

 

 

$

4,355

 

Interest income from IOs and IIOs accounted for as derivatives

 

 

10

 

 

 

11

 

Net interest income from interest rate swaps

 

 

766

 

 

 

1,220

 

Adjusted net interest income

 

 

4,786

 

 

 

5,586

 

Total expenses

 

 

(5,899

)

 

 

(4,380

)

Non-cash stock-based compensation

 

 

100

 

 

 

100

 

One-time transaction costs

 

 

1,987

 

 

 

640

 

Amortization of discount on convertible unsecured senior notes

 

 

171

 

 

 

172

 

Interest income on cash balances and other income (loss), net

 

 

186

 

 

 

57

 

Income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

 

(3

)

 

 

(1

)

Distributable Earnings

 

$

1,328

 

 

$

2,174

 

Reconciliation of GAAP Book Value to Non-GAAP Economic Book Value

(in thousands—except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

(dollars in thousands)

$ Amount

Per Share

GAAP Book Value at March 31, 2023

$

99,358

 

$

16.46

 

Common dividend

 

 

 

(0.35

)

 

 

99,358

 

 

16.11

 

Portfolio Income (Loss)

 

 

Net Interest Margin

 

4,973

 

 

0.82

 

Realized gain (loss), net

 

(916

)

 

(0.15

)

Unrealized gain (loss), net

 

(6,803

)

 

(1.13

)

Net portfolio income (loss)

 

(2,746

)

 

(0.46

)

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

(3,239

)

 

(0.54

)

Transaction costs

 

 

 

 

General and administrative expenses, excluding equity based compensation

 

(2,559

)

 

(0.42

)

Provision for taxes

 

12

 

 

 

GAAP Book Value at June 30, 2023

$

88,713

 

$

14.69

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to deconsolidate VIEs and reflect the Company's interest in the securities owned

 

 

Arroyo 2019-2

 

10,244

 

 

1.70

 

Arroyo 2020-1

 

13,358

 

 

2.20

 

Arroyo 2022-1

 

(188

)

 

(0.03

)

Arroyo 2022-2

 

(146

)

 

(0.02

)

Economic Book Value at June 30, 2023

$

111,981

 

$

18.54

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to deconsolidate VIEs and reflect the Company's interest in the securities owned

 

 

Deconsolidation of VIEs assets

 

(2,075,179

)

 

(343.68

)

Deconsolidation VIEs liabilities

 

1,952,893

 

 

323.43

 

Interest in securities of VIEs owned, at fair value

 

145,554

 

 

24.11

 

Economic Book Value at June 30, 2023

$

111,981

 

$

18.54

 

 

"Economic Book value" is a non-GAAP financial measure of our financial position on an unconsolidated basis. The Company owns certain securities that represent a controlling variable interest, which under GAAP requires consolidation, however, the Company's economic exposure to these variable interests is limited to the fair value of the individual investments. Economic book value is calculated by adjusting the GAAP book value by 1) adding the fair value of the retained interest or acquired security of the VIEs (CSMC USA, Arroyo 2019-2, Arroyo 2020-1, Arroyo 2022-1, and Arroyo 2022-2) held by the Company, which were priced by independent third party pricing services and 2) removing the asset and liabilities associated with each of consolidated trusts (CSMC USA, Arroyo 2019-2, Arroyo 2020-1, Arroyo 2022-1, and Arroyo 2022-2). Management believes that economic book value provides investors with a useful supplemental measure to evaluate our financial position as it reflects the actual financial interest of these investments irrespective of the variable interest consolidation model applied for GAAP reporting purposes. Economic book value does not represent and should not be considered as a substitute for Stockholders' Equity, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and our calculation of this measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Reconciliation of Effective Cost of Funds

(in thousands—except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

The following table reconciles the Effective Cost of Funds (Non-GAAP financial measure) with interest expense for three months ended June 30, 2023, and March 31, 2023:

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

June 30, 2023

 

March 31, 2023

(dollars in thousands)

 

Reconciliation

 

Cost of Funds/Effective Borrowing Costs

 

Reconciliation

 

Cost of Funds/Effective Borrowing Costs

Interest expense

 

$

36,212

 

 

5.80

%

 

$

36,502

 

 

5.73

%

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense on Securitized debt from consolidated VIEs(1)

 

 

(21,601

)

 

(6.72

)%

 

 

(21,436

)

 

(6.78

)%

Net interest (received) paid - interest rate swaps

 

 

(766

)

 

(0.12

)%

 

 

(1,220

)

 

(0.19

)%

Effective Cost of Funds

 

$

13,845

 

 

4.58

%

 

$

13,846

 

 

4.31

%

Weighted average borrowings

 

$

1,213,384

 

 

 

 

$

1,302,345

 

 

 

 

Contacts

Investor Relations Contact:
Larry Clark
Financial Profiles, Inc.
(310) 622-8223
lclark@finprofiles.com

Media Contact:
Tricia Ross
Financial Profiles, Inc.
(310) 622-8226
tross@finprofiles.com

Contacts

Investor Relations Contact:
Larry Clark
Financial Profiles, Inc.
(310) 622-8223
lclark@finprofiles.com

Media Contact:
Tricia Ross
Financial Profiles, Inc.
(310) 622-8226
tross@finprofiles.com