Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported distributable earnings (DE) of $151 million or $0.43 per share, while GAAP net income was $130 million or $0.38 per share [4] - Capital deployment for the first six months of the year reached $5.5 billion, surpassing the total for all of 2024 [4] - The adjusted debt to undepreciated equity ratio ended the quarter at 2.5 times, slightly increasing from the previous quarter [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial and residential lending contributed DE of $174 million for the quarter, with a loan portfolio growth of $946 million, bringing the total to $15.5 billion [5] - The residential lending portfolio ended the quarter at $2.3 billion, with $60 million in repayments [9] - The infrastructure lending segment contributed DE of $21 million, with a record $700 million of loans committed [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company’s active servicing portfolio ended the quarter at $10.3 billion, with $1 billion of new transfers dominated by office properties [11] - The CMBS portfolio increased by $55 million due to new purchases [12] - The weighted average risk rating of the portfolio remained stable at 2.9 [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Fundamental Income Properties for $2.2 billion is expected to enhance the company’s capabilities in the net lease sector, with a focus on leveraging existing expertise [13][18] - The company aims to grow its diversified business model, reducing reliance on CRE loans, which now represent only 52% of total assets compared to 65% in 2022 [22] - The strategy includes optimizing the balance sheet by refinancing at lower spreads and maintaining a strong liquidity position [14][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for lower interest rates and a recovery in the real estate market, which could lead to increased transaction volumes [29][30] - The company is well-positioned to navigate challenges and is focused on becoming investment grade, with plans to grow earnings materially over time [41][36] - The management highlighted the importance of maintaining a fortress balance sheet and the benefits of diversification in sustaining dividends [35][36] Other Important Information - The company received recognition from rating agencies for its diversity, leverage profile, liquidity position, and stable earnings [14] - The company has maintained its dividend for 47 consecutive quarters, reflecting its commitment to shareholder returns [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for CRE loan growth and impact of Fed rate cuts - Management expects to end the year close to $10 billion in CRE loans, with lower rates likely accelerating loan growth and refinancing opportunities [46][48] Question: Ramp up of the net lease portfolio business - The company is optimistic about growing the net lease portfolio, with potential for larger acquisitions as the pipeline rebuilds [56][60] Question: Sustainability of spreads in the infrastructure business - Management indicated that while spreads have widened, they are maintaining margins through more direct deals and expect continued growth in infrastructure origination [62][71] Question: Credit portfolio stabilization and hotel exposure - Management believes credit in the portfolio has stabilized, with no significant losses in the hotel sector, which comprises 6% of the overall asset base [78][82]