Ellington Financial LLC ((EFC)) has held its Q4 earnings call. Read on for the main highlights of the call.
Ellington Financial’s recent earnings call highlighted a generally positive sentiment, with the company showcasing strong performance in Q4 and throughout 2024. The firm reported significant growth in its loan and securitization portfolios, improved financing costs, and notable success in the Longbridge segment. Despite these achievements, challenges in the commercial mortgage sector and rising non-QM delinquencies were noted as areas of concern. Overall, the positive developments slightly outweighed the negative issues, reflecting a cautiously optimistic outlook.
Strong Q4 and 2024 Performance
Ellington Financial reported a net income of $0.25 per share and adjusted distributable earnings of $0.45 per share in the fourth quarter, comfortably covering quarterly dividends. The year concluded with a 25% growth in the credit portfolio, bolstered by strong performance from the Longbridge segment.
Loan Portfolio and Securitization Growth
The company’s credit portfolio expanded by 39% in the fourth quarter, with significant contributions from proprietary reverse mortgages and commercial mortgage bridge loans. Four securitizations were completed in Q4, marking a new high in activity for the company.
Improved Financing and Cost Management
Ellington Financial strengthened its liability side by executing securitizations, improving warehouse lines, and redeeming high-cost debt. The total weighted average borrowing rate on recourse borrowings decreased by 56 basis points to 6.21%.
Longbridge Segment Success
The Longbridge segment saw a significant increase in originations, with volumes up 18% sequentially, contributing to a strong financial performance.
Commercial Mortgage Challenges
Ellington Financial is addressing three significant loans in default, with ongoing challenges in the commercial mortgage sector.
Rising Non-QM Delinquencies
There was an uptick in residential loan delinquencies, particularly in the non-QM portfolio, attributed to larger loan sizes and higher mortgage rates.
Agency Strategy Underperformance
The agency strategy experienced a modest loss due to rising interest rates and volatility, impacting the overall financial results.
Forward-Looking Guidance
During the earnings call, Ellington Financial reported robust financial performance, with net income at $0.25 per share and adjusted distributable earnings rising by $0.05 sequentially to $0.45 per share, covering the quarterly dividend of $0.39 per share. The company’s credit portfolio grew by 39%, driven by expansions in their HELOC, proprietary reverse, and commercial mortgage bridge loans. They completed four securitizations, including two non-QM deals and their first closed-end second lien loan securitization, capitalizing on tight securitization spreads. Ellington also reduced its borrowing costs, with a 56 basis point decrease in the weighted average borrowing rate and an unchanged recourse debt-to-equity ratio of 1.8 to 1. Book value per share stood at $13.52, and the total economic return for the quarter was 1.8%. The company emphasized its strategic use of securitizations and diversification across asset types and credit hedges as core competitive advantages.
In summary, Ellington Financial’s earnings call reflected a positive sentiment with strong performance in Q4 and 2024. The company achieved significant growth in its loan and securitization portfolios, improved financing costs, and success in the Longbridge segment. Despite challenges in the commercial mortgage sector and rising non-QM delinquencies, the overall outlook remains cautiously optimistic, with strategic initiatives in place to maintain growth and stability.