Company: AOMN
Filing Date: 2025-03-24
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0001766478-25-000019
Chunk: 54

Company: Angel Oak Mortgage REIT, Inc.
Filing Date: 2025-03-24
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 1A
Chunk 54
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, estimates of future cash flows associated with MSRs based upon assumptions involving interest rates as well as the prepayment rates, delinquencies, and foreclosure rates of the underlying serviced mortgage loans. The ultimate realization of the fair value of MSRs may be materially different than the values of such MSRs estimated by us. The use of different estimates or assumptions in connection with the valuation of these assets could produce materially different fair values for such assets, which could have a material adverse effect on us.

Changes in interest rates are a key driver of the performance of MSRs. Historically, the fair value of MSRs has increased when interest rates rise and decreased when interest rates decline due to the effect those changes in interest rates have on prepayment estimates. To the extent we do not hedge against changes in the value of MSRs, our investments in MSRs would be more susceptible to volatility due to changes in the value of, or cash flows from, the MSRs as interest rates change.

Prepayment speeds significantly affect MSRs. Prepayment speed is the measurement of how quickly borrowers pay down the unpaid principal balance of their loans or how quickly loans are otherwise brought current, modified, liquidated, or charged off. We may base the price we pay for MSRs and the rate of amortization of those assets on, among other things, projections of the cash flows from the related pool of mortgage loans. Our Manager’s expectation of prepayment speeds is a significant assumption underlying those cash flow projections. If prepayment speed expectations increase significantly, the value of the MSRs could decline. Furthermore, a significant increase in prepayment speeds could materially reduce the ultimate cash flows we receive from MSRs, and we could ultimately receive substantially less return on such assets. Moreover, delinquency rates have a significant impact on the valuation of any MSRs. An increase in delinquencies generally results in lower revenue because typically we would only collect servicing fees for performing loans. Our Manager’s expectation of delinquencies is also a significant assumption underlying projections of potential returns. If delinquencies are significantly greater than expected, the estimated value of the MSRs could be diminished. If the estimated value of MSRs is reduced, we could suffer a loss.

Furthermore, MSRs and the related servicing activities are subject to numerous U.S. federal, state, and local laws and regulations and may be subject to various judicial and administrative decisions imposing various requirements and restrictions on the holders of such investments. Our failure to comply, or the failure of the servicer to comply, with the laws,