Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a GAAP net loss of $10.6 million or negative $0.22 per basic common share for Q1 2025, which includes a provision for credit losses of $3.8 million or negative $0.08 per basic common share [23] - The book value at March 31 was $8.24 per common share, a decline of about $0.23 per share from Q4, primarily due to the GAAP net loss [24] - The aggregate CECL reserve at March 31 was approximately $180 million or $3.72 per common share, down from $201 million or $4.12 per common share in the previous quarter [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total loan portfolio commitments at the end of Q1 were $2 billion, with an outstanding principal balance of $1.9 billion and about $93 million of future fundings [14] - The realized loan portfolio yield for Q1 was 6.8%, up from 6.6% in the prior quarter, while excluding nonaccrual loans, the yield was 8.5% [15][16] - The company resolved two non-accrual loans totaling about $97 million during Q1, reducing the risk-rated five loan count from seven at year-end to three remaining [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial real estate market showed improved sentiment at the beginning of 2025, with credit spreads tightening and enhanced liquidity, although recent tariff announcements have introduced renewed uncertainty [9] - The company noted that commercial real estate is better positioned today compared to previous years, with a lower reset basis across most property types and markets [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to maintain higher liquidity, extend debt maturities, and engage in value-enhancing activities while navigating market volatility [12] - The management anticipates returning to new originations in the latter part of the year, which is expected to improve run rate profitability and earnings over time [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the commercial real estate market, noting that while there are headwinds, the debt markets remain open and functioning [11] - The company is focused on resolving non-accrual loans and expects to further pay down remaining expensive debt, which should enhance profitability [25] Other Important Information - The company repurchased about 900,000 common shares during Q1, believing that the current market price does not reflect the business's value [12] - The company has about $86 million of unrestricted cash and total leverage remained unchanged at 2.2 times relative to the prior quarter [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Potentially starting originations back up in the second half of the year - Management indicated a balance between preserving liquidity and stock buybacks, with flexibility to continue buybacks while considering new originations later in the year [28][29] Question: Progress on working down risk-rated loans - Management noted that the majority of the portfolio is performing well, with no negative credit migration in Q1 and only one rating change overall [30][32] Question: Clarification on write-offs and realized losses - Management confirmed that the $37 million write-off includes $22 million related to one resolution and $15 million related to another [40][42] Question: Remaining term to maturity of the portfolio - Management clarified that there are loans maturing in 2025, 2026, and some extending into 2027, with over 20% of the portfolio expected to mature in 2025 [46][50] Question: Reserve on risk-rated loans - The reserve on risk-rated four loans is approximately $13.1 million, relating to a balance of $174 million [54][56] Question: Income generation from REO assets - Management indicated that the REO properties are expected to generate positive NOI, with ongoing leasing discussions [59][65]