Ready Capital Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Results and Declares First Quarter 2025 Dividends

Core Insights - Ready Capital Corporation reported a GAAP loss per common share from continuing operations of $(1.80) for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, and a distributable loss per common share of $(0.03) [1][26] - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.125 per share for the quarter ending March 31, 2025, to align with anticipated cash earnings and preserve capital for reinvestment [1][12] - The company experienced mixed results in 2024, with strong performance in the Small Business Lending segment but challenges in the multi-family lending sector due to higher rates and inflation [2][6] Financial Performance - For the fourth quarter, the company reported LMM commercial real estate originations of $436 million and Small Business Lending loan originations of $348 million, including $315 million of SBA 7(a) loans [6] - The total originations for the year amounted to $2.4 billion, with $1.1 billion from SBA 7(a) loans [6] - The book value per share was reported at $10.61 as of December 31, 2024 [6] Strategic Actions - The company has taken decisive actions to stabilize its balance sheet by fully reserving for all non-performing loans in its commercial real estate portfolio, which is expected to improve net interest margins over time [2] - A new stock repurchase program was approved, authorizing the repurchase of up to $150 million of the company's common stock [5] - The company entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire United Development Funding IV, enhancing its capital solutions for residential real estate developers [6] Dividend Information - The quarterly cash dividend of $0.125 per share is payable on April 30, 2025, to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2025 [12] - Additional dividends were declared for the Series C and Series E Preferred Stocks, payable on April 15 and April 30, 2025, respectively [12] Subsequent Events - On February 21, 2025, the company closed a private placement of $220 million in Senior Secured Notes due 2028, intended for debt repayment and general corporate purposes [7]