Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter GAAP earnings per common share were $0.47, while distributable earnings were a loss of $0.09 per common share [15] - Net interest income declined to $14.6 million, primarily due to non-core assets moving to nonaccrual status, generating a cash yield of 1.3% [15] - Book value per share remained flat at $10.61, with total leverage declining to 3.5 times [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total CRE loan portfolio was bifurcated into $5.9 billion core loans and $1.2 billion non-core loans, with a 5% decline in the core portfolio due to payoffs [7][8] - The core portfolio generated a levered yield of 10.2%, resulting in $43.4 million of net interest income, with 80% being current pay [10] - The non-core portfolio was reduced by 6% to $740 million, with expectations to further reduce it to approximately $270 million in the second quarter [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The multifamily sector showed resilience, with a 1% increase in rents in Q1 2025 despite macroeconomic pressures [5] - The twelve-month default rate for the SBA business was 3.2%, slightly better than the industry average of 3.4% [12] - The company anticipates SBA volume to be below $1.5 billion in 2025 due to current capital constraints and policy changes [13][52] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company initiated a balance sheet repositioning plan in Q4 2024, focusing on liquidating non-core assets to reinvest in the core portfolio [14] - The strategy aims to restore net interest margin (NIM) to peer group levels by 2026, assuming stable macroeconomic conditions [14] - The company remains committed to supporting the Portland mixed-use asset project, which is expected to stabilize over time [11][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the recovery in the commercial real estate (CRE) market has been affected by tariffs and recession risks, but the multifamily sector remains strong [5] - The company expects to maintain its current dividend level until the earnings profile warrants an increase [14] - Management expressed confidence in navigating the shifting policy landscape in the SBA business, despite potential short-term volume declines [12][50] Other Important Information - The company completed the UDF merger, resulting in a bargain purchase gain of $102.5 million, which added $167.1 million of equity to the balance sheet [17] - Liquidity remains healthy with unrestricted cash exceeding $200 million and $1 billion of total unencumbered assets [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of April's volatility on non-core book expectations - Management indicated that ongoing conversations with various parties regarding liquidations are progressing well, and they do not expect significant impact from April's volatility [23][24] Question: Near-term expectations for distributable earnings trajectory - Management expects the second quarter earnings profile to be similar to Q1, with upward movement anticipated post-reinvestment of equity [30] Question: Current views on share repurchases - Management is balancing the benefits of share repurchases with upcoming debt maturities and the need to reestablish net interest income [31] Question: Catalyst for CLO interest coverage issues - Management noted that elevated rates are impacting NOIs, leading to increased modifications in the portfolio [38] Question: Status of the Portland asset and stabilization timeline - The Portland asset is currently levered, and management plans to stabilize and sequentially exit its components over the next few years [42][45] Question: Expected moderation in SBA volumes - Management anticipates SBA volumes to be below $1.5 billion for at least a couple of quarters due to policy changes and administrative delays [52] Question: Freddie Mac business outlook - Management reported a decrease in Freddie Mac volume due to tightened processes and competition from banks and credit unions [56]