New York Mortgage Trust Reports First Quarter 2011 Results

03 May 2011

NEW YORK, May 3, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. (Nasdaq:NYMT) ("NYMT" or the "Company") today reported results for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Summary of First Quarter 2011:

  First quarter 2011 earnings per common share of $0.27 as compared to $0.28 per common share for the first quarter of 2010.
   

  First quarter 2011 net income of $2.5 million as compared to net income of $2.7 million for the first quarter of 2010.
   

  Declared first quarter dividend of $0.18 per common share that was paid on April 26, 2011.
   

  Book value per common share increased to $7.54 as of March 31, 2011, as compared to $7.27 per common share as of December 31, 2010 and $6.89 per common share as of March 31, 2010.
   

  First quarter 2011 portfolio margin was 368 basis points, an increase of 15 basis points from the fourth quarter 2010 portfolio margin and a decrease of 57 basis points from the first quarter of 2010.
   

  Invested $24.5 million in our Midway Residential Mortgage Portfolio which is externally managed by The Midway Group, L.P.

Management Overview

Steven R. Mumma, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "the Company's first quarter 2011 results reflect, in part, the positive contributions from certain of our opportunistic investments in 2009 and 2010, including gains from the sale of certain CLO notes acquired in 2009 and our investment in a pool of distressed residential mortgage loans in 2010.  We intend to continue harvesting gains from these and other prior investments in the future and to redeploy the proceeds from such investments in assets that we believe will deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns. For example, during the latter part of the quarter, we used a portion of the proceeds from these investments to commence the funding of our Midway Residential Mortgage Portfolio. We engaged The Midway Group to manage this portfolio because of their expertise in managing targeted prepayment sensitive securities, which we believe will provide attractive risk-adjusted returns in the current interest rate environment. Moreover, we remain committed to pursuing opportunistic commercial mortgage investments, as evidenced by the formation of our relationship with RiverBanc LLC, which will focus on investments in credit sensitive commercial real estate assets. We expect to fund our initial investment under this commercial mortgage strategy during the second quarter. We are encouraged by our first quarter results and optimistic about our ability to continue to identify assets that meet our investment criteria."

Results from Operations

For the quarter ended March 31, 2011, the Company reported consolidated net income of $2.5 million, or $0.27 per common share, as compared to consolidated net income of $2.7 million, or $0.28 per common share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2010. Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 included a realized gain of $2.2 million from the sale of collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs") during the quarter. The decrease in net income of $0.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the same period in the previous year was due primarily to a $0.9 million decrease in net interest margin on the investment portfolio and loans held in securitization trusts, a $0.4 million increase in provision for loan loss for the loans held in securitization trusts, a $0.2 million increase in loan loss to fully write-off our investment in New Bridger Holdings LLC, a $0.3 million decrease in income from discontinued operations – net of tax, and a $0.4 million increase in general, administrative and other expenses, offset by an increase of $1.4 million in net realized gain on securities, a $0.2 million increase in income from our investment in the Midway Residential Mortgage Portfolio and an increase of $0.8 million in income from investment in limited partnership. The general, administrative and other expenses increase of $0.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010 was due primarily to a $0.6 million increase in management fees to Harvest Capital Strategies LLC ("HCS"), offset by a $0.2 million decrease in salaries and benefits and other expenses. The increase in management fees paid to HCS was primarily driven by an increase in incentive fees resulting from the improved performance of certain assets managed by HCS.

The decline in net interest income during the quarter ended March 31, 2011, as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2010, was primarily a result of a $114.9 million decrease in our average interest earning assets to approximately $310.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and a decline in net interest income spread, which was partially offset by a decline in debt and interest rates on debt. The decline in average interest earning assets during this time period is a function of the Company's previously disclosed portfolio repositioning, which has focused on transitioning from a portfolio almost exclusively centered on leveraged Agency RMBS and prime ARM loans held in securitization trusts to a more diversified portfolio that includes elements of credit risk with reduced leverage.

Book value per common share as of March 31, 2011 was $7.54, representing an increase of $0.27 per common share from the Company's book value at December 31, 2010. The book value included net unrealized gains of $2.07 per common share and are presented as accumulated other comprehensive income, including $2.16 per common share of net unrealized gains related to available for sale securities and $0.09 per common share of unrealized derivative losses related to cash flow hedges.

Portfolio Results

The following table summarizes the Company's investment securities portfolio and mortgage loans held in securitization trusts (net) at March 31, 2011, classified by relevant categories:

(dollar amounts in thousands)                                                                                   
                                            Current Par
    Value     Carrying
    Value          Coupon *          Yield *
                                    RMBS                $ 324,249              $ 84,067             4.45%            6.17%
                                    CLOs                     40,950                  30,262             3.62%           36.42%
                U.S. Treasury Securities                      5,000                   4,993             2.88%            2.88%
     Loans Held in Securitization Trusts                    224,436                 223,271             2.59%            2.51%

* Coupons and yields based on first quarter 2011 average balances.

As of March 31, 2011, the Company had $119.3 million of investment securities available for sale, $77.3 million of which were Agency RMBS. As of March 31, 2011, the Agency RMBS portfolio was financed with $46.6 million of repurchase agreement borrowings with an average interest rate of 0.48%.

As of March 31, 2011, the Company had $223.3 million of loans held in securitization trusts (net) permanently financed with $215.3 million of collateralized debt obligations. As of March 31, 2011, delinquencies greater than 60 days on loans held in securitization trusts represented 10.47% of the loan portfolio, as compared to 9.79% at December 31, 2010. As of March 31, 2011, the Company had reserves totaling $2.6 million for loan losses on these loans. In addition, as of March 31, 2011, the Company's balance sheet included two real estate owned properties totaling $0.6 million.

Formed RB Commercial Mortgage LLC Managed by RiverBanc LLC

On April 5, 2011, we entered into a multi-year investment management agreement with RiverBanc LLC ("RiverBanc"), a privately owned investment management and specialty finance company focused on high-yielding investments in the commercial real estate arena. Under the investment management agreement, RiverBanc will source, structure and manage investments secured by commercial real estate that will be funded by a subsidiary of NYMT ("RBCM") on a flow basis. As part of the transaction, NYMT is also eligible to receive a minority ownership interest in RiverBanc of up to 17.5%, alongside RiverBanc's management team and Harvest Capital Strategies LLC, which also serves as an external advisor to NYMT.

The investment program is expected to provide both mezzanine loans and preferred equity for all commercial property types on a nationwide basis. RiverBanc will focus on middle market opportunities and pursue on behalf of RBCM transactions in amounts as low as $2 million secured by properties valued at $10 million or greater. RBCM will also participate in structured investments such as the acquisition of seasoned or distressed loan portfolios, net leased properties or subordinate commercial mortgage-backed securities.

Conference Call

On Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, New York Mortgage Trust's executive management is scheduled to host a conference call and audio webcast to discuss the Company's financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The conference call dial-in number is (877) 312-8806. The replay will be available until Wednesday, May 11, 2011 and can be accessed by dialing (800) 642-1687 and entering passcode 63476823. A live audio webcast of the conference call can be accessed via the Internet, on a listen-only basis, at the Company's website at http://www.nymtrust.com. Please allow extra time, prior to the call, to visit the site and download the necessary software to listen to the Internet broadcast.

First quarter 2011 financial and operating data can be viewed on the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about May 6, 2011. A copy of the Form 10-Q will be posted at the Company's website as soon as reasonably practicable following its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About New York Mortgage Trust

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. is a real estate investment trust ("REIT") in the business of acquiring, investing in, financing and managing primarily mortgage-related assets. As a REIT, the Company is not subject to federal income tax, provided that it distributes at least 90% of its REIT income to stockholders.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ from our beliefs, expectations, estimates, and projections and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements are not historical in nature and can be identified by words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "will," "should," "expect," "believe," "intend," "seek," "plan" and similar expressions or their negative forms, or by references to strategy, plans, or intentions. The Company's results can fluctuate from month to month and from quarter to quarter depending on a variety of factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control and/or are difficult to predict, including, without limitation, changes in interest rates, changes in mortgage default rates and prepayment rates, and other changes in market conditions and economic trends. Furthermore, forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, those described under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, which can be accessed at the SEC's website (www.sec.gov). Other risks, uncertainties, and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected may be described from time to time in reports we file with the SEC, including reports on Forms 10-Q, 10-K and 8-K. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW

 
                                                                                                           
                                                              NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                                             CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                                          (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) 
                                                                                                 (unaudited)
                                                                                                         
                                                                                                         
                                                                                                         
                                                                 For the Three Months
    Ended March 31, 
                                                                                  2011                 2010
                                                                                                         
                                                                                                         
                                                   INTEREST INCOME               $3,694$6,221
                                                                                                         
                                                 INTEREST EXPENSE:                                        
     Investment securities and loans held in securitization trusts                  718                1,392
                                           Subordinated debentures                  466                  759
                                  Convertible preferred debentures                   --                  662
                                            Total interest expense                1,184                2,813
                                                                                                         
                                               NET INTEREST INCOME                2,510                3,408
                                                                                                         
                                           OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):                                        
                                         Provision for loan losses                (633)                  (2)
                     Income from investment in limited partnership                  784                   --
         Realized gain on investment securities and related hedges                2,191                  807
       Unrealized loss on investment securities and related hedges                 (40)                   --
                                      Total other income (expense)                2,302                  805
                                                                                                         
                        General, administrative and other expenses                2,293                1,856
                                                                                                         
                                 INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS                2,519                2,357
            (Loss) income from discontinued operation - net of tax                  (5)                  311
                                                        NET INCOME               $2,514$2,668
                                                                                                         
                                     Basic income per common share                $0.27$0.28
                                   Diluted income per common share                $0.27$0.28
                               Dividends declared per common share                $0.18$0.25
                         Weighted average shares outstanding-basic                9,433                9,418
                       Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted                9,433               11,918

 
                                                                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                     NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                                                                                                                              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                                                                                                         (amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
                                                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                    March 31,
    2011     December 31,
    2010
                                                                                                                          ASSETS             (unaudited)                          
                                                                                                                                                                                
     Investment securities available for sale, at fair value (including pledged securities of $55,772 and $38,475, respectively)                $119,322$86,040
                                                                              Mortgage loans held in securitization trusts (net)                 223,271                    228,185
                                                                                              Mortgage loans held for investment                   2,590                      7,460
                                                                                               Investment in limited partnership                  16,649                     18,665
                                                                                                       Cash and cash equivalents                   8,436                     19,375
                                                                                                                 Restricted cash                  10,264                         --
                                                                                  Receivable under reverse repurchase agreements                  40,252                         --
                                                                                                  Receivable for securities sold                  45,750                      5,653
                                                                                                                Derivative asset                   5,902                         --
                                                                                                    Receivables and other assets                   9,781                      8,916
                                                                                                                    Total Assets                $482,217$374,294
                                                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                            LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                 
                                                                                                                    Liabilities:                                                 
                                                                                   Financing arrangements, portfolio investments                 $46,563$35,632
                                                                                            Securities sold short, at fair value                  81,918                         --
                                                                                                 Collateralized debt obligations                 215,260                    219,993
                                                                                                          Derivative liabilities                     827                      1,087
                                                                                                Payable for securities purchased                  17,450                         --
                                                                                          Accrued expenses and other liabilities                   3,988                      4,095
                                                                                                   Subordinated debentures (net)                  45,000                     45,000
                                                                                                               Total Liabilities                 411,006                    305,807
                                                                                                   Commitments and Contingencies                                                 
                                                                                                           Stockholders' Equity:                                                 
      Common stock, $0.01 par value, 400,000,000 authorized, 9,442,537 and 9,425,442 shares issued and outstanding, respectively                      94                         94
                                                                                                      Additional paid-in capital                 133,668                    135,300
                                                                                          Accumulated other comprehensive income                  19,574                     17,732
                                                                                                             Accumulated deficit                (82,125)                   (84,639)
                                                                                                      Total stockholders' equity                  71,211                     68,487
                                                                                      Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity                $482,217$374,294

CONTACT: AT THE COMPANY
         Steven R. Mumma
         CEO, President
         Phone: 212-792-0109
         Email: [email protected]

Source: New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.