orc10q20140331.htm




UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q
 

þ           QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014

¨           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
 
 
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)

 


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 ý  No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).   Yes ý No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer ¨                                           Accelerated filer ¨                                           Non-accelerated filer ¨                                            Smaller Reporting Company ý
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes ¨  No ý
 
Number of shares outstanding at May 6, 2014: 9,091,665
 

 
 

 

ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
   
Page
 
       
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
       
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
    1  
Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2014 (unaudited) and December 31, 2013
    1  
Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
    2  
Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2014
    3  
Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
    4  
ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
    18  
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
    39  
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
    40  
         
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
         
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
    41  
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
    41  
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
    41  
ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
    41  
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
    41  
ITEM 5. Other Information
    41  
ITEM 6. Exhibits
    42  
SIGNATURES
    43  

 
 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.
 
BALANCE SHEETS
 
   
   
(Unaudited)
       
   
March 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
ASSETS:
           
Mortgage-backed securities, at fair value
           
Pledged to counterparties
  $ 689,163,695     $ 335,774,980  
Unpledged
    58,593,805       15,447,532  
Total mortgage-backed securities
    747,757,500       351,222,512  
Cash and cash equivalents
    43,567,673       8,169,402  
Restricted cash
    4,096,000       2,445,625  
Accrued interest receivable
    2,875,420       1,559,437  
Derivative asset, at fair value
    1,548,521       -  
Other assets
    292,315       179,071  
Total Assets
  $ 800,137,429     $ 363,576,047  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
                 
LIABILITIES:
               
Repurchase agreements
  $ 651,246,345     $ 318,557,054  
Payable for unsettled securities purchased
    39,502,694       -  
Accrued interest payable
    116,677       91,461  
Due to affiliates
    132,200       81,925  
Other liabilities
    1,729,799       80,260  
Total Liabilities
    692,727,715       318,810,700  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
               
                 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued
               
and outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013
    -       -  
Common Stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized, 8,611,665
               
shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and 3,341,665 shares issued
               
and outstanding as of December 31, 2013
    86,117       33,417  
Additional paid-in capital
    107,323,597       46,115,961  
Accumulated deficit
    -       (1,384,031 )
Total Stockholders' Equity
    107,409,714       44,765,347  
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
  $ 800,137,429     $ 363,576,047  
See Notes to Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
(Unaudited)
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
             
   
2014
   
2013
 
Interest income
  $ 3,782,622     $ 1,413,258  
Interest expense
    (410,843 )     (201,420 )
Net interest income
    3,371,779       1,211,838  
Realized gains on mortgage-backed securities
    911,318       99,925  
Unrealized gains (losses) on mortgage-backed securities
    1,539,988       (29,160 )
Losses on derivative instruments
    (1,693,292 )     (483,925 )
Net portfolio income
    4,129,793       798,678  
                 
Expenses:
               
Management fees
    302,800       125,100  
Directors' fees and liability insurance
    84,251       41,462  
Audit, legal and other professional fees
    73,011       144,150  
Direct REIT operating expenses
    44,820       64,384  
Other administrative
    29,647       23,224  
Total expenses
    534,529       398,320  
                 
Net income
  $ 3,595,264     $ 400,358  
                 
Basic and diluted net income per share
  $ 0.71     $ 0.20  
                 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
    5,093,554       2,004,332  
                 
Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.540     $ 0.135  
See Notes to Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.
 
STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
(Unaudited)
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
                         
         
Additional
             
   
Common
   
Paid-in
   
Accumulated
       
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Deficit
   
Total
 
Balances, January 1, 2014
  $ 33,417     $ 46,115,961     $ (1,384,031 )   $ 44,765,347  
Net income
    -       -       3,595,264       3,595,264  
Cash dividends declared, $0.54 per share
    -       (1,238,467 )     (2,211,233 )     (3,449,700 )
Issuance of common stock pursuant to public offerings
    52,700       62,446,103       -       62,498,803  
Balances, March 31, 2014
  $ 86,117     $ 107,323,597     $ -     $ 107,409,714  
See Notes to Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 
             
   
2014
   
2013
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income
  $ 3,595,264     $ 400,358  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Realized and unrealized gains on mortgage-backed securities
    (2,451,306 )     (70,765 )
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaption
    156,479       -  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accrued interest receivable
    (1,315,983 )     (999,530 )
Other assets
    (115,291 )     (236,305 )
Accrued interest payable
    25,216       9,965  
Other liabilities
    144,539       (2,132 )
Due to (from) affiliates
    50,275       (30,269 )
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    89,193       (928,678 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
From mortgage-backed securities investments:
               
Purchases
    (506,249,295 )     (308,658,763 )
Sales
    141,297,295       57,755,882  
Principal repayments
    10,373,059       6,092,947  
Increase in restricted cash
    (1,650,375 )     (1,582,250 )
Purchase of interest rate swaption, net of margin cash received
    (200,000 )     -  
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    (356,429,316 )     (246,392,184 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from repurchase agreements
    1,669,241,858       678,889,088  
Principal payments on repurchase agreements
    (1,336,552,567 )     (466,384,393 )
Cash dividends
    (3,449,700 )     (451,124 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    62,498,803       35,400,000  
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    391,738,394       247,453,571  
                 
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    35,398,271       132,709  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of the period
    8,169,402       2,537,257  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of the period
  $ 43,567,673     $ 2,669,966  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 385,627     $ 191,455  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITY:
               
Securities acquired settled in later period
  $ 39,502,694     $ -  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH FINANCING ACTIVITY:
               
Issuance of common shares to Bimini Capital Management, Inc. pursuant to stock dividend
  $ -     $ 8,276  
See Notes to Financial Statements
 

 
 

 

ORCHID ISLAND CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
MARCH 31, 2014 and 2013

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 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 February 20, 2013, Orchid completed the initial public offering (“IPO”) of its common stock in which it sold approximately 2.4 million shares of its common stock and raised gross proceeds of $35.4 million.

Orchid completed a secondary offering of 1,800,000 common shares on January 23, 2014.  The underwriters exercised their overallotment option in full for an additional 270,000 shares on January 29, 2014.  The aggregate net proceeds to Orchid were approximately $24.2 million which were invested in Agency RMBS securities on a leveraged basis.

Orchid completed a secondary offering of 3,200,000 common shares on March 24, 2014.  The underwriters exercised their overallotment option in full for an additional 480,000 shares on April 11, 2014.  The aggregate net proceeds to Orchid were approximately $44.0 million which were invested in Agency RMBS securities on a leveraged basis.

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 presentation have been included.  Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2014.
 
 
The balance sheet at December 31, 2013 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, 2013.

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, Eurodollar futures contracts and the interest rate swaption.


 
 

 


 
Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification (“FASB ASC”) Topic 220, Comprehensive Income, a statement of comprehensive income has not been included as the Company has no items of other comprehensive income.  Comprehensive income is the same as net income for the periods presented.

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. Restricted cash, of approximately $3,513,000 and $2,446,000 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, represents cash held by a broker as margin on Eurodollar futures contracts. Restricted cash of $583,000 at March 31, 2014  represents cash held on deposit as collateral with a repurchase agreement counterparty.

The Company maintains cash balances at three banks, and, 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 up to $250,000 per depositor at each financial institution. At March 31, 2014, the Company’s cash deposits exceeded federally insured limits by approximately $43.2 million. Restricted cash balances are uninsured, but are held in separate customer accounts that are segregated from the general funds of the counterparty.   The Company uses only large, well-known bank and derivative counterparties and believes that it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents or restricted cash balances.

Mortgage-Backed Securities

The Company invests primarily in mortgage pass-through (“PT”) certificates, collateralized mortgage obligations, and interest only (“IO”) securities and inverse interest only (“IIO”) securities representing interest in or obligations backed by pools of mortgage-backed loans (collectively, “RMBS”). These investments meet the requirements to be classified as available for sale under ASC 320-10-25, Debt and Equity Securities (which requires the securities to be carried at fair value on the balance sheet with changes in fair value charged to other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity). However, the Company has elected to account for its investment in RMBS under the fair value option.  Electing the fair value option allows the Company to record changes in fair value in the statement of operations, which, in management’s view, more appropriately reflects the results of our operations for a particular reporting period and is consistent with the underlying economics and how the portfolio is managed.

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

The fair value of the Company’s investments in RMBS is governed by FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement.  The definition of fair value in FASB ASC 820 focuses on 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 the average of third-party broker quotes received and/or independent pricing sources when available.


 
 

 


 
Income on PT RMBS securities is based on the stated interest rate of the security. Premiums or discounts present at the date of purchase are not amortized. 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 from the reporting period 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 RMBS during each reporting period are recorded in earnings and reported as unrealized gains or losses on mortgage-backed securities in the accompanying statements of operations.

Derivative Financial Instruments
 
The Company uses derivative 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 Eurodollar futures contracts and options to enter in interest rate swaps (“interest rate swaptions”), but may enter into other transactions in the future.  The Company has elected to not treat any of its derivative financial instruments as hedges. FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, requires that all derivative instruments be carried at fair value.  Changes in fair value are recorded in earnings for each period.

Holding derivatives creates exposure to credit risk related to the potential for failure on the part of counterparties to honor their commitments.  In addition, the Company may be required to post collateral based on any declines in the market value of the derivatives.  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 derivative.  To mitigate this risk, the Company uses only well-established commercial banks as counterparties.

Financial Instruments

FASB ASC 825, Financial Instruments, requires disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value, either in the body of the financial statements or in the accompanying notes. RMBS, Eurodollar futures contracts and interest rate swaption are accounted for at fair value in the balance sheet. The methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value for these instruments are presented in Note 11 of the financial statements.

The estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accrued interest receivable, other assets, due from/to affiliates, repurchase agreements, payable for unsettled securities purchased, accrued interest payable and other liabilities generally approximates their carrying values as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments.

Repurchase Agreements

The Company finances the acquisition of the majority of its PT RMBS through the use of repurchase agreements under master repurchase agreements. Pursuant to ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing, the Company accounts for repurchase transactions 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 the 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 12 for the terms of the management agreement.


 
 

 


 
Earnings Per Share

The Company follows the provisions of FASB ASC 260, 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 or subscribed during the period. Diluted EPS is calculated using the “if converted” method for common stock equivalents, if any. However, the common stock equivalents are not included in computing diluted EPS if the result is anti-dilutive.

Income Taxes

Bimini has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).  Until the closing of its IPO on February 20, 2013, Orchid was a “qualified REIT subsidiary” of Bimini under the Code.   Beginning with its short tax period commencing on February 20, 2013 and ended December 31, 2013, Orchid will elect and intends to qualify to be taxed as a REIT.  REITs are generally not subject to federal income tax on their REIT taxable income provided that they distribute to their stockholders at least 90% of their REIT taxable income on an annual basis. In addition, a REIT must meet other provisions of the Code to retain its tax status.

Orchid measures, recognizes and presents its uncertain tax positions in accordance with FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes.  Under that guidance, Orchid assesses the likelihood, based on their technical merit, that 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 July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This new standard requires the netting of unrecognized tax benefits against a deferred tax asset for a loss or other carryforward that would apply in settlement of the uncertain tax positions. Under the new standard, unrecognized tax benefits will be netted against all available same-jurisdiction loss or other tax carryforwards that would be utilized, rather than only against carryforwards that are created by the unrecognized tax benefits. The ASU became effective beginning January 1, 2014 on either a prospective or retrospective basis.  The guidance represents a change in financial statement presentation only and the adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial results.

In June 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-08, Financial Services – Investment Companies (Topic 946): Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements. The amendments in this Update modify the guidance for determining whether an entity is an investment company, update the measurement requirements for noncontrolling interests in other investment companies and require additional disclosures for investment companies under US GAAP.  The amendments in the Update develop a two-tiered approach for the assessment of whether an entity is an investment company which requires an entity to possess certain fundamental characteristics while allowing judgment in assessing other typical characteristics.  The amendments in this Update also revise the measurement guidance in Topic 946 such that investment companies must measure noncontrolling ownership interests in other investment companies at fair value, rather than applying the equity method of accounting to such interests. The new guidance became effective beginning January 1, 2014.  The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.


 
 

 


 
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date ("ASU 2013-04"). The objective of the amendments in this update is to provide guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed within existing GAAP. The amendments in ASU 2013-04 became effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, and should be retrospectively applied to all prior periods presented for those obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements within the ASU's scope that exist at the beginning of an entity's fiscal year of adoption. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

NOTE 2.   MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

The following table presents the Company’s RMBS portfolio as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

(in thousands)
           
   
March 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
Pass-Through RMBS Certificates:
           
Hybrid Adjustable-rate Mortgages
  $ 75,850     $ 76,118  
Adjustable-rate Mortgages
    4,698       5,334  
Fixed-rate Mortgages
    620,928       245,523  
Total Pass-Through Certificates
    701,476       326,975  
Structured RMBS Certificates:
               
Interest-Only Securities
    35,681       19,206  
Inverse Interest-Only Securities
    10,600       5,042  
Total Structured RMBS Certificates
    46,281       24,248  
Total
  $ 747,757     $ 351,223  

The following table summarizes the Company’s RMBS portfolio as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, according to the contractual maturities of the securities in the portfolio. Actual maturities of RMBS investments are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities and are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal, and prepayments of principal.

(in thousands)
           
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Greater than five years and less than ten years
  $ 1,330     $ 1,521  
Greater than or equal to ten years
    746,427       349,702  
Total
  $ 747,757     $ 351,223  

The Company generally pledges its RMBS assets as collateral under repurchase agreements.  At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had unpledged securities totaling $58.6 million and $15.4 million, respectively.  The unpledged balance at March 31, 2014 includes unsettled securities purchases with a fair value of approximately $26.0 million that will be pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements on their respective settlement dates in April 2014.

NOTE 3.   REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

As of March 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding repurchase obligations of approximately $651.2 million with a net weighted average borrowing rate of 0.35%.  These agreements were collateralized by RMBS with a fair value, including accrued interest, of approximately $691.7 million, and cash pledged to the counterparties of approximately $0.6 million.  As of December 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding repurchase obligations of approximately $318.6 million with a net weighted average borrowing rate of 0.39%.  These agreements were collateralized by RMBS with a fair value, including accrued interest, of approximately $337.0 million.

 
 

 
As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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
 
March 31, 2014
 
Fair market value of securities pledged, including
                             
accrued interest receivable
  $ -     $ 523,455     $ 146,233     $ 21,978     $ 691,666  
Repurchase agreement liabilities associated with
                                       
these securities
  $ -     $ 493,131     $ 137,677     $ 20,438     $ 651,246  
Net weighted average borrowing rate
    -       0.35 %     0.35 %     0.36 %     0.35 %
December 31, 2013
 
Fair market value of securities pledged, including
                                       
accrued interest receivable
  $ -     $ 326,348     $ 10,650     $ -     $ 336,998  
Repurchase agreement liabilities associated with
                                       
these securities
  $ -     $ 308,402     $ 10,155     $ -     $ 318,557  
Net weighted average borrowing rate
    -       0.39 %     0.37 %     -       0.39 %

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 March 31, 2014, the Company had a maximum amount at risk (the difference between the amount loaned to the Company, including interest payable, and the fair value of securities and cash pledged, including accrued interest on such securities) of approximately $40.9 million.  At March 31, 2014, the Company did not have an amount at risk with any repurchase agreement counterparty greater than 10% of the Company’s equity.  Summary information regarding the Company’s amounts at risk with individual counterparties greater than 10% of the Company’s equity at December 31, 2013 is as follows:

(in thousands)
     
   
% of
Weighted
   
Stockholders'
Average
 
Amount
Equity
Maturity
Repurchase Agreement Counterparties
at Risk
at Risk
(in Days)
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.
$5,487
12.3%
 11

NOTE 4. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In connection with its interest rate risk management strategy, the Company economically hedges a portion of the cost of its repurchase agreement funding by entering into derivatives, such as Eurodollar Futures contracts and an interest rate swaption.  The Company has not elected hedging treatment under GAAP, and as such all gains or losses (realized and unrealized) on these instruments are reflected in earnings for all periods presented.

As of December 31, 2013, such instruments were comprised entirely of Eurodollar futures contracts.  Eurodollar futures are cash settled futures contracts on an interest rate, with gains or losses credited or charged to the Company’s account on a daily basis and reflected in earnings as they occur.  A minimum balance, or “margin”, is required to be maintained in the account on a daily basis. This margin represents the collateral the Company has posted for its open positions and is recorded on the balance sheet as part of restricted cash. The Company is exposed to the changes in value of the futures by the amount of margin held by the broker.


 
 

 


 
During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company entered into an interest rate swaption agreement.  The Company’s swaption agreement grants the Company the right but not the obligation to enter into an underlying pay fixed interest rate swap (“payer swaption”).  The Company may also enter into swaption agreements that provide the Company the option to enter into receive fixed interest rate swap (“receiver swaption”).

Derivative Assets (Liability), at Fair Value

The table below summarizes fair value information about our derivative assets and liability as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

(in thousands)
             
Derivative Instruments and Related Accounts
Balance Sheet Location
 
March 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
Assets
             
Eurodollar futures - Margin posted to counterparty
Restricted cash
  $ 3,513     $ 2,446  
Payer swaption
Derivative assets, at fair value
    1,549       -  
      $ 5,062     $ 2,446  
Liability
                 
Payer swaption - Margin posted by counterparty
Other liabilities
  $ (1,505 )   $ -  

The tables below presents information related to the Company’s Eurodollar futures positions at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

   
March 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
         
Average
               
Average
       
   
Weighted
   
Contract
         
Weighted
   
Contract
       
   
Average
   
Notional
   
Open
   
Average
   
Notional
   
Open
 
Expiration Year
 
LIBOR Rate
   
Amount
   
Equity(1)
   
LIBOR Rate
   
Amount
   
Equity(1)
 
2014
    0.32 %   $ 400,000     $ (211 )     0.40 %   $ 262,500     $ (189 )
2015
    0.78 %     400,000       (264 )     0.80 %     275,000       (146 )
2016
    1.90 %     400,000       1,354       1.90 %     250,000       1,367  
2017
    2.85 %     400,000       1,777       3.03 %     250,000       2,291  
2018
    3.44 %     350,000       797       3.77 %     250,000       1,575  
Total / Weighted Average
    2.01 %   $ 390,625     $ 3,453       2.02 %   $ 257,353     $ 4,898  

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

The table below presents information related to the Company’s interest rate swaption position at March 31, 2014.

(in thousands)
             
 
Option
Underlying Swap
         
Fixed
Receive
 
   
Fair
Months to
Notional
Pay
Rate
Term
Expiration
Cost
Value
Expiration
Amount
Rate
(LIBOR)
(Years)
≤ 1 year
$1,705 $1,549
12
$100,000
2.53%
3 Month
5


 
 

 


 
Gain (Loss) From Derivative Instruments, Net

The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

(in thousands)
           
   
2014
   
2013
 
Eurodollar futures contracts (short positions)
  $ (1,537 )   $ (484 )
Payer swaption
    (156 )     -  
    $ (1,693 )   $ (484 )

Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features

The use of derivatives 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. We minimize this risk by limiting our 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, we may be required to pledge assets as collateral for our 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, we may not receive payments provided for under the terms of our derivative agreements, and may have difficulty obtaining our assets pledged as collateral for our derivatives. The cash and cash equivalents pledged as collateral for our derivative instruments are included in restricted cash on our balance sheets.

NOTE 5. OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

The Company’s derivatives 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.

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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

(in thousands)
                                   
Offsetting of Assets
 
                   
Gross Amount Not Offset
       
                   
in the Balance Sheet
       
         
Net Amount
 
Financial
         
 
Gross Amount
 
Gross Amount
 
of Assets
 
Instruments
 
Cash
     
 
of Recognized
 
Offset in the
 
Presented in the
 
Received as
 
Received as
 
Net
 
 
Assets
 
Balance Sheet
 
Balance Sheet
 
Collateral
 
Collateral
 
Amount
 
March 31, 2014
                                   
Derivative assets - Payer swaption
  $ 1,549     $ -     $ 1,549     $ -     $ (1,505 )   $ 44  
December 31, 2013
                                               
Derivative assets
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  


 
 

 


 

(in thousands)
                                   
Offsetting of Liabilities
 
                   
Gross Amount Not Offset
       
                   
in the Balance Sheet
       
         
Net Amount
 
Financial
         
 
Gross Amount
 
Gross Amount
 
of Liabilities
 
Instruments
         
 
of Recognized
 
Offset in the
 
Presented in the
 
Posted as
 
Cash Posted
 
Net
 
 
Liabilities
 
Balance Sheet
 
Balance Sheet
 
Collateral
 
Collateral
 
Amount
 
March 31, 2014
                                   
Repurchase Agreements
  $ 651,246     $ -     $ 651,246     $ (650,663 )   $ (583 )   $ -  
December 31, 2013
                                               
Repurchase Agreements
  $ 318,557     $ -     $ 318,557     $ (318,557 )   $ -     $ -  

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 sheet.  The fair value of the actual collateral received by or posted to the same counterparty may exceed the amounts presented.

NOTE 6.  CAPITAL STOCK

At December 31, 2012, the Company had the authority to issue 1,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value common stock.  In connection with the Company’s IPO in February 2013, the Company’s charter was amended to increase the authorized capital stock to 600,000,000 shares, of which (i) 500,000,000 shares are designated as common stock and (ii) 100,000,000 shares are designated as preferred stock, each with a par value of $0.01 per share. Holders of shares of the common stock generally have no preference, conversion, exchange, sinking fund, redemption or appraisal rights and have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any securities of the Company. Subject to the provisions of our charter regarding restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, all holders of shares of the common stock will have equal liquidation and other rights.
 
 
Common Stock Issuances

During 2014 and 2013, the Company completed the following public offerings of shares of its common stock.

($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
                 
     
Price
             
     
Received
         
Net
 
Type of Offering
Month
 
Per Share(1)
   
Shares
   
Proceeds(2)
 
2014
                   
Secondary Offering
January 2014
  $ 12.50       2,070,000     $ 24,174  
Secondary Offering(3)
March 2014
    12.55       3,680,000       44,021  
                5,750,000     $ 68,195  
2013
                         
Initial Public Offering
February 2013
  $ 15.00       2,360,000     $ 35,400 (4)
                2,360,000     $ 35,400  

(1)  
Price received per share is gross of underwriters’ discount, if applicable, and other offering costs.
(2)  
Net proceeds are net of the underwriters’ discount, if applicable, and other offering costs.
(3)  
Includes net proceeds received of $5.7 million and 480,000 shares issued to the underwriters in April 2014 pursuant to the exercise of their overallotment option related to the March 2014 offering.  The net proceeds and shares issued under the exercise of this option are not reflected in the Company’s financial statements as of March 31, 2014.
(4)  
Bimini Advisors has paid, or has reimbursed the Company for all offering expenses in connection with the Company’s IPO.  The Company has no obligation or intent to reimburse Bimini Advisors, either directly or indirectly, for the offering costs; therefore they are not included in the Company's financial statements.
 

 
 
 

 
Stock Dividend

On February 14, 2013, Orchid’s Board of Directors declared a stock dividend whereby 5.37 shares of common stock were issued for each share of common stock outstanding. The 827,555 shares distributed pursuant to this dividend were issued to Bimini on February 20, 2013, immediately prior to the Company’s IPO.

Cash Dividends

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

Declaration Date
Record Date
Payment Date
 
Per Share Amount
   
Total
 
2014
               
April 8, 2014(1)
April 25, 2014
April 30, 2014
  $ 0.180     $ 1,636,500  
March 11, 2014
March 26, 2014
March 31, 2014
    0.180       1,550,100  
February 11, 2014
February 25, 2014
February 28, 2014
    0.180       974,100  
January 9, 2014
January 27, 2014
January 31, 2014
    0.180       925,500  
2013
                   
December 11, 2013
December 26, 2013
December 30, 2013
  $ 0.180     $ 601,500  
November 12, 2013
November 25, 2013
November 27, 2013
    0.135       451,125  
October 10, 2013
October 25, 2013
October 31, 2013
    0.135       451,125  
September 10, 2013
September 25, 2013
September 30, 2013
    0.135       451,125  
August 12, 2013
August 26, 2013
August 30, 2013
    0.135       451,125  
July 9, 2013
July 25, 2013
July 31, 2013
    0.135       451,125  
June 10, 2013
June 25, 2013
June 28, 2013
    0.135       451,125  
May 9, 2013
May 28, 2013
May 31, 2013
    0.135       451,125  
April 10, 2013
April 25, 2013
April 30, 2013
    0.135       451,125  
March 8, 2013
March 25, 2013
March 27, 2013
    0.135       451,125  

(1)  
The effect of the dividends declared in April 2014 is not reflected in the Company’s financial statements as of March 31, 2014.

NOTE 7.  STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

In October 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted and Bimini, then the Company’s sole stockholder, approved, the Orchid Island Capital, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”) to recruit and retain employees, directors and other service providers, including employees of the Manager and other affiliates. The Incentive Plan provides for the award of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock award, performance units, other equity-based awards (and dividend equivalents with respect to awards of performance units and other equity-based awards) and incentive awards.  The 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 Incentive Plan provides for awards of up to an aggregate of 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock (on a fully diluted basis) at the time of the awards, subject to a maximum aggregate 4,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock that may be issued under the Incentive Plan.

On April 25, 2014, our Compensation Committee granted each of our non-employee directors 6,000 shares of restricted common stock subject to a three year vesting schedule whereby 2,000 shares of the award vest on the first, second and third anniversaries of the award date.  Directors will have all of the rights of a stockholder with respect to the awards, including the right to receive dividends and vote the shares.  The awards are subject to forfeiture should the director no longer be a member of the Board of Directors of the Company prior to the respective vesting dates.  The effect of this grant is not reflected in the Company’s financial statements as of March 31, 2014.

 
 

 
NOTE 8.  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 March 31, 2014.

NOTE 9. INCOME TAXES

The Company will generally not be subject to 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 to its stockholders, of which 85% generally 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 10.   EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

The table below reconciles the numerator and denominator of EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

(in thousands, except per-share information)
           
   
2014
   
2013
 
Basic and diluted EPS per common share:
           
Numerator for basic and diluted EPS per common share:
           
Net income - Basic and diluted
  $ 3,595     $ 400  
Weighted average common shares:
               
Common shares outstanding at the balance sheet date
    8,612       3,342  
Effect of weighting
    (3,518 )     (1,338 )
Weighted average shares-basic and diluted
    5,094       2,004  
Income per common share:
               
Basic and diluted
  $ 0.71     $ 0.20  

On February 14, 2013, Orchid’s Board of Directors declared a stock dividend whereby 5.37 shares of common stock were issued for each share of common stock outstanding. The 827,555 shares distributed as the dividend were issued to Bimini on February 20, 2013, immediately prior to Orchid’s IPO.  For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the 827,555 shares distributed as a stock dividend were treated as if outstanding for the entire period, as Bimini was the sole stockholder during the entire period prior to Orchid’s IPO.

NOTE 11.   FAIR VALUE

Authoritative accounting literature establishes a framework for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities and defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) as opposed to the price that would be paid to acquire the asset or received to assume the liability (an entry 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 interest rate swaptions are valued using Level 2 valuations, and such valuations currently are determined by the Company based on the average of third-party broker quotes and/or by independent pricing sources when available. Because the price estimates may vary, the Company must make certain judgments and assumptions about the appropriate price to use to calculate the fair values. Alternatively, the Company could opt to have the value of all of our positions in RMBS and interest rate swaptions determined by either an independent third-party or do so internally.

RMBS, interest rate swaptions and Eurodollar futures contracts were recorded at fair value on a recurring basis during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. 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 following table presents financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

(in thousands)
                       
         
Quoted Prices
             
         
in Active
   
Significant
       
         
Markets for
   
Other
   
Significant
 
         
Identical
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
   
Fair Value
   
Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
   
Measurements
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
March 31, 2014
                       
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ 747,758     $ -     $ 747,758     $ -  
Eurodollar futures contracts
    3,513       3,513       -       -  
Payer swaption
    1,549       -       1,549       -  
December 31, 2013
                               
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ 351,223     $ -     $ 351,223     $ -  
Eurodollar futures contracts
    2,446       2,446       -       -  

During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no transfers of financial assets or liabilities between levels 1, 2 or 3.

NOTE 12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Management Agreement

The Company entered into a management agreement with Bimini, which provided for an initial term through December 31, 2011 with automatic one-year extension options. The agreement was extended under the option to December 31, 2013, but was terminated at the completion of the Company’s IPO on February 20, 2013.  At the completion of the IPO, the Company entered into a management agreement with Bimini Advisors (the “Manager”), which provides for an initial term through February 20, 2016 with automatic one-year extensions and is subject to certain termination rights.  Under the terms of the management agreement, Bimini Advisors is responsible for administering the business activities and day-to-day operations of the Company.  Bimini Advisors receives a monthly management fee in the amount of:

·  
One-twelfth of 1.5% of the first $250 million of the Company’s equity, as defined in the management agreement,
·  
One-twelfth of 1.25% of the Company’s 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 equity that is greater than $500 million.

The Company is obligated to reimburse Bimini Advisors for any direct expenses incurred on its behalf.  In addition, Bimini Advisors will begin allocating to the Company it’s pro rata portion of certain overhead costs as defined in the management agreement commencing with the calendar quarter beginning July 1, 2014.  Should the Company terminate the management agreement without cause, it shall pay to Bimini Advisors 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 initial term or automatic renewal term.

The Company was obligated to reimburse Bimini for its costs incurred under the original management agreement. In addition, the Company was required to pay Bimini a monthly fee of $7,200, which represents an allocation of overhead expenses for items that include, but are not limited to, occupancy costs, insurance and administrative expenses. These expenses were allocated based on the ratio of the Company’s assets and Bimini’s consolidated assets. Total expenses recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 for the management fee and costs incurred was approximately $303,000 and $140,000, respectively.

At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the net amount due to affiliates was approximately $132,000 and $82,000, respectively.

Payment of Certain Offering Expenses

Bimini Advisors has paid, or has reimbursed Orchid, for all offering expenses in connection with the Company’s IPO.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013, Bimini Advisors paid expenses related to this offering of approximately $3.0 million. The Company has no obligation or intent to reimburse Bimini Advisors, either directly or indirectly, for the offering costs; therefore, they are not included in the Company's financial statements.

Other Relationships with Bimini

John B. Van Heuvelen, one of our independent director nominees, owns shares of common stock of Bimini. Robert Cauley, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our Board of Directors, also serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bimini and owns shares of common stock of Bimini. Hunter Haas, our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Investment Officer, Secretary and a member of our 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.


 
 

 


 
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes to those statements included in Item 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 and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements.

Overview

We are a specialty finance company that invests in Agency RMBS. Our investment strategy focuses on, and our portfolio consists of, two categories of Agency RMBS: (i) traditional pass-through Agency RMBS and (ii) structured Agency RMBS, such as CMOs, IOs, IIOs and POs, among other types of structured Agency RMBS. From inception through the closing of the initial public offering of our common stock, we were managed by Bimini. Upon completion of that offering, we became externally managed by Bimini Advisors, a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

We were formed by Bimini in August 2010 and commenced operations on November 24, 2010. At December 31, 2012, Bimini was our sole stockholder. We completed our initial public offering on February 20, 2013.  In that offering we raised gross proceeds of $35.4 million from the sale of 2,360,000 shares of our common stock. We completed secondary offerings in January and March 2014, raising aggregate net proceeds of approximately $68.2 million from the sale of 5,750,000 shares of our common stock inclusive of the $5.7 million of net proceeds received from the exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option, which was closed in April 2014.

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 pass-through Agency RMBS portfolio and the leveraged portion of our structured Agency RMBS portfolio, and (ii) the interest income we generate from the unleveraged portion of our structured Agency RMBS portfolio. We intend to fund our pass-through Agency RMBS and certain of our structured Agency RMBS through short-term borrowings structured as repurchase agreements. Pass-through Agency 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 intend to qualify and will elect to be taxed as a REIT under the Code commencing with our short taxable year ended December 31, 2013 upon the filing of our federal income tax return for the year.  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 to our stockholders and maintain our REIT qualification.

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;
·  
the difference between Agency RMBS yields and our funding and hedging costs;
·  
competition for investments in Agency RMBS;
·  
recent actions taken by the Federal Reserve 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.
 
 

 
 
 

 
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 three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Net Income Summary

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $3.6 million, or $0.71 per share. Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $0.4 million, or $0.20 per share. The components of net income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, along with the changes in those components are presented in the table below:

(in thousands)
                 
   
2014
   
2013
   
Change
 
Interest income
  $ 3,783     $ 1,413     $ 2,370  
Interest expense
    (411 )     (201 )     (210 )
Net interest income
    3,372       1,212       2,160  
Gains (losses) on RMBS and derivative contracts
    758       (414 )     1,172  
Net portfolio income
    4,130       798       3,332  
Expenses
    (535 )     (398 )     (137 )
Net income
  $ 3,595     $ 400     $ 3,195  

GAAP and Non-GAAP Reconciliation

To date, the Company has used derivatives, specifically Eurodollar futures contracts and an interest rate swaption, to hedge the interest rate risk on repurchase agreements in a rising rate environment. Each Eurodollar contract covers a specific three month period, but the Company typically has many contracts in place at any point in time — usually covering several years in the aggregate.   We currently have one interest rate swaption agreement in place, giving us the option to enter into a swap covering future periods.

The Company has not elected to designate its derivative holdings for hedge accounting treatment under the Financial Accounting Standards Board, (the “FASB”), Accounting Standards Codification, (“ASC”), Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. Changes in fair value of these instruments are presented in a separate line item in the Company’s statements of operations 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. In the future, the Company may use other derivative instruments to hedge its interest expense and/or elect to designate its derivative holdings for hedge accounting treatment.

 
 

 
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 gains or losses on specific derivative instruments that pertain to each period presented. As of March 31, 2014, the Company had Eurodollar futures contracts in place through 2018. Since the Company has taken short positions on these contracts, when interest rates move higher the value of our short position may increase in value. The opposite would be true if interest rates were to decrease. Adjusting our interest expense for the periods presented by the gains on all Eurodollar futures would not accurately reflect our economic interest expense for these periods. As of March 31, 2014, we currently have one interest rate swaption agreement in place, covering periods beginning in 2015 through 2020.  As such, the loss reported in the 2014 statement of operations on the interest rate swaption relates to future periods.

For each period presented, the Company has combined the effects of the derivative financial instruments in place for the respective period with the actual interest expense incurred on repurchase agreements to reflect total 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.
However, under ASC 815, because the Company has not elected hedging treatment, the gains or losses on all of the Company’s derivative instruments held during the period are reflected in our statements of operations. 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.

The Company believes that economic interest expense and economic net interest income provides meaningful information to consider, in addition to the respective amounts prepared in accordance with GAAP. The non-GAAP measures help the Company to evaluate its financial position and performance without the effects of certain transactions and GAAP adjustments that are not necessarily indicative of its current investment portfolio or operations. The realized and unrealized gains or losses presented in the Company’s statements of operations are not necessarily representative of the total interest rate expense that the Company will ultimately realize. This is because as interest rates move up or down in the future, the gains or losses the Company ultimately realizes, and which will affect the Company’s total interest rate expense in future periods, may differ from the unrealized gains or losses recognized as of the reporting date.

The Company’s presentation of the economic value of its hedging strategy has important limitations. First, other market participants may calculate economic interest expense and economic net interest income differently than the Company calculates them. Second, while the Company believes 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 the Company’s 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 each quarter during 2014 and 2013.

Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments
 
(in thousands)
                 
   
Recognized in
   
Attributed to
   
Attributed to
 
   
Income
   
Current
   
Future
 
   
Statement
   
Period
   
Periods
 
   
(GAAP)
   
(Non-GAAP)
   
(Non-GAAP)
 
Three Months Ended
                 
March 31, 2014
  $ (1,693 )   $ (30 )   $ (1,663 )
December 31, 2013
    733       (42 )     775  
September 30, 2013
    (2,272 )     (28 )     (2,244 )
June 30, 2013
    6,852       (4 )     6,856  
March 31, 2013
    (484 )     (65 )     (419 )
 
 
 
 

 

 
Economic Interest Expense and Economic Net Interest Income
 
(in thousands)
                                   
         
Interest Expense on Repurchase Agreements
             
               
Gains (Losses)
         
Net Interest Income
 
         
GAAP
   
on Derivative
   
Economic
   
GAAP
   
Economic
 
   
Interest
   
Interest
   
Instruments Attributed
   
Interest
   
Net Interest
   
Net Interest
 
   
Income
   
Expense
   
to Current Period(1)
   
Expense(2)
   
Income
   
Income(3)
 
Three Months Ended
                                   
March 31, 2014
  $ 3,783     $ 411     $ (30 )   $ 441     $ 3,372     $ 3,342  
December 31, 2013
    2,806       309       (42 )     351       2,497       2,455  
September 30, 2013
    2,551       294       (28 )     322       2,257       2,229  
June 30, 2013
    2,429       322       (4 )     326       2,107       2,103  
March 31, 2013
    1,413       201       (65 )     266       1,212       1,147  

(1)  
Reflects the effect of derivative instrument hedges for only the period presented.
 
(2)  
Calculated by subtracting the effect of derivative instrument hedges attributed to the period presented from GAAP interest expense.
 
(3)  
Calculated by adding the effect of derivative instrument hedges attributed to the period presented to GAAP net interest income.
 
Net Interest Income

During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we generated $3.4 million of net interest income, consisting of $3.8 million of interest income from RMBS assets offset by $0.4 million of interest expense on repurchase liabilities.  For the comparable period ended March 31, 2013, we generated $1.2 million of net interest income, consisting of $1.4 million of interest income from RMBS assets offset by $0.2 million of interest expense on repurchase liabilities.   The $2.4 million increase in interest income and $0.2 million increase in interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 primarily reflects the deployment of the proceeds from our January and March 2014 common stock offerings into the RMBS portfolio on a leveraged basis.

On an economic basis, our interest expense on repurchase liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively, resulting in $3.3 million and $1.1 million of economic net interest income, respectively.

The tables below provide information on our portfolio average balances, interest income, yield on assets, average repurchase agreement balances, interest expense, cost of funds, net interest income and net interest spread for each quarter in 2014 and 2013 on both a GAAP and economic basis.

($ in thousands)
                                               
   
Average
         
Yield on
                               
   
RMBS
         
Average
   
Average
   
Interest Expense
   
Average Cost of Funds
 
   
Securities
   
Interest
   
RMBS
   
Repurchase
   
GAAP
   
Economic
   
GAAP
   
Economic
 
   
Held(1)
   
Income
   
Securities
   
Agreements(1)
   
Basis
   
Basis(2)
   
Basis
   
Basis(3)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31, 2014
  $ 549,490     $ 3,783       2.75 %   $ 484,902     $ 411     $ 441       0.34 %     0.36 %
December 31, 2013
    341,505       2,806       3.29 %     310,107       309       351       0.40 %     0.45 %
September 30, 2013
    335,467       2,551       3.04 %     305,196       294       322       0.39 %     0.42 %
June 30, 2013
    349,704       2,429       2.78 %     312,591       322       326       0.41 %     0.42 %
March 31, 2013
    237,820       1,413       2.38 %     210,194       201       266       0.38 %     0.51 %


 
 

 


 

($ in thousands)
                       
   
Net Interest Income
   
Net Interest Spread
 
   
GAAP
   
Economic
   
GAAP
   
Economic
 
   
Basis
   
Basis(2)
   
Basis
   
Basis(4)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31, 2014
  $ 3,372     $ 3,341       2.41 %     2.39 %
December 31, 2013
    2,497       2,455       2.89 %     2.84 %
September 30, 2013
    2,257       2,229       2.65 %     2.62 %
June 30, 2013
    2,107       2,103       2.37 %     2.36 %
March 31, 2013
    1,212       1,147       2.00 %     1.87 %

(1)  
Portfolio yields and costs of borrowings presented in the tables above and the tables on page 23 are calculated based on the average balances of the underlying investment portfolio/repurchase agreement balances and are annualized for the quarterly 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 24 includes the effect of our derivative instrument hedges for only the periods presented.
 
(3)
Represents interest cost of our borrowings and effect of derivative instruments hedges attributed to the period divided by Average RMBS Held.
 
(4)
Economic Net Interest Spread is calculated by subtracting Average Economic Cost of Funds from Yield on Average RMBS Securities.

Interest Income and Average Asset Yield

Our interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $3.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively.  We had average RMBS holdings of $549.5 million and $237.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The yield on our portfolio was 2.75% and 2.38% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2013, there was a $2.4 million increase in interest income due to a $311.7 million increase in average RMBS, combined with a 37 basis point increase in the yield on average RMBS.  The increase in average RMBS during the three months ended March 31, 2014 reflects the deployment of the proceeds of our two common stock offerings during 2014.

The table below presents the average portfolio size, income and yields of our respective sub-portfolios, consisting of structured RMBS and pass-through RMBS (“PT RMBS”).

($ 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
 
March 31, 2014
  $ 514,226     $ 35,264     $ 549,490     $ 4,402     $ (619 )   $ 3,783       3.42 %     (7.02 )%     2.75 %
December 31, 2013
    318,996       22,509       341,505       2,726       80       2,806       3.42 %     1.42 %     3.29 %
September 30, 2013
    314,096       21,371       335,467       2,412       139       2,551       3.07 %     2.60 %     3.04 %
June 30, 2013
    326,977       22,727       349,704       2,514       (85 )     2,429       3.08 %     (1.51 )%     2.78 %
March 31, 2013
    223,191       14,629       237,820       1,416       (3 )     1,413       2.54 %     (0.06 )%     2.38 %

Interest Expense and the Cost of Funds

We had average outstanding repurchase agreements of $484.9 million and $210.2 million and total interest expense of $0.4 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Our average cost of funds was 0.34% and 0.38% for three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  There was a 4 basis point decrease in the average cost of funds and a $274.7 million increase in average outstanding repurchase agreements during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2013.  The increase in average outstanding repurchase agreements reflects the leveraging of the proceeds of our two common stock offerings in 2014.

 
 

 
Our economic interest expense was $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. There was a 15 basis point decrease in the average economic cost of funds to 0.36% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 from 0.51% for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Because 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 18 basis points above the average one-month LIBOR and equal to the average six-month LIBOR for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.  Our average economic cost of funds was 20 basis points above the average one-month LIBOR and 2 basis points above the average six-month LIBOR for the quarter ended March 31, 2014. The average term to maturity of the outstanding repurchase agreements increased to 25 days at March 31, 2014 from 15 days at December 31, 2013.

The tables below presents the average balance of repurchase agreements outstanding, interest expense and average cost of funds, and average one-month and six-month LIBOR rates for each quarter in 2014 and 2013 on both a GAAP and economic basis.

($ in thousands)
                             
   
Average
                         
   
Balance of
   
Interest Expense
   
Average Cost of Funds
 
   
Repurchase
   
GAAP
   
Economic
   
GAAP
   
Economic
 
   
Agreements
   
Basis
   
Basis
   
Basis
   
Basis
 
Three Months Ended
                             
March 31, 2014
  $ 484,902     $ 411     $ 441       0.34 %     0.36 %
December 31, 2013
    310,107       309       351       0.40 %     0.45 %
September 30, 2013
    305,196       294       322       0.39 %     0.42 %
June 30, 2013
    312,591       322       326       0.41 %     0.42 %
March 31, 2013
    210,194       201       266       0.38 %     0.51 %

               
Average GAAP Cost of Funds
   
Average Economic Cost of Funds
 
               
Relative to Average
   
Relative to Average
 
   
Average LIBOR
   
One-Month
   
Six-Month
   
One-Month
   
Six-Month
 
   
One-Month
   
Six-Month
   
LIBOR
   
LIBOR
   
LIBOR
   
LIBOR
 
Three Months Ended
                                   
March 31, 2014
    0.16 %     0.34 %     0.18 %     0.00 %     0.20 %     0.02 %
December 31, 2013
    0.17 %     0.36 %     0.23 %     0.04 %     0.28 %     0.09 %
September 30, 2013
    0.19 %     0.40 %     0.20 %     (0.01 )%     0.23 %     0.02 %
June 30, 2013
    0.20 %     0.43 %     0.21 %     (0.02 )%     0.22 %     (0.01 )%
March 31, 2013
    0.21 %     0.48 %     0.17 %     (0.10 )%     0.30 %     0.03 %

Gains or Losses

The table below presents our gains or losses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

(in thousands)
           
   
2014
 
2013
 
Change
Realized gains on sales of RMBS
$
 911
$
 100
$
 811
Unrealized gains (losses) on RMBS
 
 1,540
 
 (29)
 
 1,569
Total gains on RMBS
 
 2,451
 
 71
 
 2,380
Losses on Eurodollar futures
 
 (1,537)
 
 (484)
 
 (1,053)
Loss on payer swaption
 
 (156)
 
 -
 
 (156)


 
 

 


 
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 purposes 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 three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we received proceeds of $141.3 million and $57.8 million, respectively, from the sales of RMBS.  The increase in sales volume reflects the repositioning of our portfolio following our two equity offerings in the first quarter of 2014.   The net realized and unrealized gains on RMBS for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were the result of sales executed to replace securities which no longer offered attractive risk adjusted returns with those that did.  Losses on Eurodollar futures contracts are a result of the declining LIBOR during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The table below presents historical interest rate data for each quarter end during 2014 and 2013.

         
15 Year
   
30 Year
   
Three
 
   
10 Year
   
Fixed-Rate
   
Fixed-Rate
   
Month
 
   
Treasury Rate(1)
   
Mortgage Rate(2)
   
Mortgage Rate(2)
   
LIBOR(3)
 
March 31, 2014
    2.72 %     3.36 %     4.34 %     0.23 %
December 31, 2013
    3.03 %     3.48 %     4.46 %     0.24 %
September 30, 2013
    2.62 %     3.52 %     4.49 %     0.25 %
June 30, 2013
    2.48 %     3.17 %     4.07 %     0.27 %
March 31, 2013
    1.85 %     2.76 %     3.57 %     0.28 %

(1)  
Historical 10 Year Treasury Rates are obtained from quoted end of day prices on the CBOE.
(2)  
Historical 30 Year and 15 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Rates are obtained from Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey.
(3)  
Historical LIBOR are obtained from the Intercontinental Exchange Benchmark Administration Ltd.

Expenses

Total operating expenses were $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The table below provides a breakdown of operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

(in thousands)
                 
   
2014
   
2013
   
Change
 
Management fees
  $ 303     $ 125     $ 178  
Directors fees and liability insurance
    84       41       43  
Legal fees
    13       14       (1 )
Other professional fees
    60       130       (70 )
Other direct REIT operating expenses
    45       64       (19 )
Other expenses
    30       24       6  
Total expenses
  $ 535     $ 398     $ 137  


 
 

 


 
Under the terms of a management agreement that was in effect until the completion of our initial public offering, we paid Bimini a monthly management fee equal to 1/12 of 1.50% per annum of our Stockholders’ Equity (as defined in the management agreement).  In addition, we paid Bimini a monthly fee of $7,200, which represented an allocation of overhead expenses for items that included, but were not limited to, occupancy costs, insurance and administrative expenses. These expenses were allocated based on the ratio of our assets and Bimini’s consolidated assets.  At the completion of the IPO, we entered into a management agreement with Bimini Advisors, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bimini, which provides for an initial term through February 20, 2016 with automatic one-year extensions and is subject to certain termination rights. Under the terms of the management agreement, Bimini Advisors is responsible for administering the business activities and day-to-day operations of the Company.  Bimini Advisors receives a monthly management fee in the amount of:

·  
One-twelfth of 1.5% of the first $250 million of the Company’s equity, as defined in the management agreement,
·  
One-twelfth of 1.25% of the Company’s 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 equity that is greater than $500 million.

 The Company is obligated to reimburse Bimini Advisors for any direct expenses incurred on its behalf.  In addition, Bimini Advisors will begin allocating to the Company it’s pro rata portion of certain overhead costs as defined in the management agreement commencing with the calendar quarter beginning on July 1, 2014.

Financial Condition:

Mortgage-Backed Securities

As of March 31, 2014, our RMBS portfolio consisted of $747.8 million of Agency RMBS at fair value and had a weighted average coupon on assets of 4.13%.  During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we received principal repayments of $10.4 million compared to $6.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.  The average prepayment speeds for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were 9.1% and 20.0%, respectively.

The following table presents the 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.  Assets that were not owned for the entire quarter have been excluded from the calculation.  The exclusion of certain assets during periods of high trading activity can create a very high, and often volatile, reliance on a small sample of underlying loans.