Annaly Capital Management (NYSE: NLY) reported Q2 EPS of $0.41, $0.14 better than the analyst estimate of $0.27.

Core earnings improved during the quarter ended June 30, 2015 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2015 due to lower amortization expense on Investment Securities, a result of higher interest rates and slower prepayment expectations. Core earnings increased during the quarter ended June 30, 2015 compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2014 due to lower amortization expense on Investment Securities and a decline in interest expense on swaps due to a shift in the Company’s hedging strategy. "Core earnings" represents a non-GAAP measure and is defined as net income (loss) excluding gains or losses on disposals of investments and termination of interest rate swaps, unrealized gains or losses on interest rate swaps and financial instruments measured at fair value through earnings, net gains and losses on trading assets, impairment losses, net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, and certain other non-recurring gains or losses, and inclusive of dollar roll income (a component of Net gains (losses) on trading assets).

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Annaly Capital Management (NLY) click here.