Ellington Financial Announces Redemption of its Series E Preferred Stock

Rhea-AI Summary

Ellington Financial (NYSE: EFC) has announced the redemption of all 957,133 outstanding shares of its Series E Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. The redemption is scheduled for December 13, 2024, at $25.540558 per share, comprising the $25.00 liquidation preference plus $0.540558 in estimated accrued dividends. The Series E Preferred Stock will be suspended from NYSE trading before market open on the redemption date, and all shares will be redeemed through the Depository Trust Company (DTC).

Positive

• Complete redemption of preferred stock indicates strong financial position
• Elimination of preferred dividend obligations reduces future cash outflows

Negative

• Cash outlay of approximately $24.4 million required for redemption ($25.54 × 957,133 shares)

Insights

Financial Analyst

The redemption of all Series E Preferred Stock represents a significant capital structure decision for Ellington Financial. At $25.54 per share, the total redemption value amounts to approximately $24.4 million. This move will eliminate the preferred dividend obligation, potentially freeing up capital for other investments or operations.

The timing is strategic, as fixed-to-floating rate preferreds can become more expensive in rising rate environments. By redeeming these shares, EFC is likely aiming to optimize its capital structure and reduce future dividend obligations. However, the company will need to ensure sufficient liquidity for the redemption without straining its balance sheet.

OLD GREENWICH, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ellington Financial Inc. (NYSE: EFC) (the "Company") today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the redemption of all 957,133 outstanding shares of its Series E Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the "Series E Preferred Stock") (NYSE: EFC PRE).

The anticipated redemption date is December 13, 2024 (the “Redemption Date”). The Series E Preferred Stock redemption price is estimated to be $25.540558 per share of Series E Preferred Stock, which is equal to the liquidation preference of $25.00 per share plus $0.540558 per share representing estimated accrued and unpaid dividends to the Redemption Date. Once redeemed, the Series E Preferred Stock will no longer be deemed outstanding, dividends will cease to accumulate and all rights of the holders of the Series E Preferred Stock with respect to the Series E Preferred Stock will cease.

In conjunction with the planned redemption, the Series E Preferred Stock will be suspended from the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) before market open on the anticipated redemption date of December 13, 2024. A Form 25 will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission to effect the withdrawal of the listing of the Series E Preferred Stock from the NYSE.

All shares of the Series E Preferred Stock are held through the Depository Trust Company ("DTC") and shares will be redeemed in accordance with the procedures of DTC. Payment to DTC for the Series E Preferred Stock will be made by Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, as redemption agent (the "Redemption Agent") in the usual manner. The address for the Redemption Agent is as follows:

Equiniti Trust Company, LLC
Operations Center, Attn: Reorganization Department
55 Challenger Road, Suite 200
Ridgefield Park, New Jersey 07660

Any questions may be directed to the Redemption Agent toll-free at 718-921-8317.

This press release does not constitute a notice of redemption under the certificate of designation governing the Series E Preferred Stock.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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. The Company's actual results may differ from its 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 "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "plan," "continue," "intend," "should," "would," "could," "goal," "objective," "will," "may," "seek" or similar expressions or their negative forms, or by references to strategy, plans, or intentions. Forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future operations, business strategies, performance, financial condition, liquidity and prospects, taking into account information currently available to us. These beliefs, assumptions, and expectations are subject to risks and uncertainties and can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and strategies may vary materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. The following factors are examples of those that could cause actual results to vary from our forward-looking statements: changes in interest rates and the market value of the Company's investments, market volatility, changes in mortgage default rates and prepayment rates, the Company's ability to borrow to finance its assets, changes in government regulations affecting the Company's business, the Company's ability to maintain its exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Company's ability to maintain its qualification as a real estate investment trust, or "REIT," and other changes in market conditions and economic trends, such as changes to fiscal or monetary policy, heightened inflation, slower growth or recession, and currency fluctuations. Furthermore, forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, those described under Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, which can be accessed through the Company's website at www.ellingtonfinancial.com or at the SEC's website (www.sec.gov). Other risks, uncertainties, and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied may be described from time to time in reports the Company files with the SEC, including reports on Forms 10-Q, 10-K and 8-K. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

This release and the information contained herein do not constitute an offer of any securities or solicitation of an offer to purchase securities.

About Ellington Financial

Ellington Financial invests in a diverse array of financial assets, including residential and commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, reverse mortgage loans, mortgage servicing rights and related investments, consumer loans, asset-backed securities, collateralized loan obligations, non-mortgage and mortgage-related derivatives, debt and equity investments in loan origination companies, and other strategic investments. Ellington Financial is externally managed and advised by Ellington Financial Management LLC, an affiliate of Ellington Management Group, L.L.C.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241106221931/en/

Investors:

Ellington Financial

Investor Relations

(203) 409-3575

info@ellingtonfinancial.com

or

Media:

Amanda Shpiner/Grace Cartwright

Gasthalter & Co.

for Ellington Financial

(212) 257-4170

ellington@gasthalter.com

Source: Ellington Financial Inc.

FAQ

What is the redemption price for Ellington Financial's Series E Preferred Stock (EFC PRE)?

The redemption price is $25.540558 per share, consisting of the $25.00 liquidation preference plus $0.540558 in estimated accrued dividends.

When will Ellington Financial (EFC) redeem its Series E Preferred Stock?

The redemption is scheduled for December 13, 2024, at which point the Series E Preferred Stock will be suspended from NYSE trading.

How many shares of Series E Preferred Stock is Ellington Financial (EFC) redeeming?

Ellington Financial is redeeming all 957,133 outstanding shares of its Series E Preferred Stock.