Core Insights - Ladder Capital achieved significant growth in loan originations, with nearly $950 million in new loans in the second half of the year, marking the best performance in over three years [1] - The company generated distributable earnings of $109.9 million for the full year, achieving a 7.1% return on equity and maintaining a stable book value [3][4] - Ladder Capital became the only investment-grade rated commercial mortgage REIT, enhancing its access to capital markets and reducing its cost of funds [3][12] Financial Performance - In the fourth quarter, Ladder generated distributable earnings of $21.4 million, or $0.17 per share, which adjusted for a loan loss, would be $0.21 per share [4][11] - The loan portfolio totaled $2.2 billion at year-end, representing 42% of total assets, with a weighted average yield of 7.8% [1][16] - The company maintained robust liquidity of $608 million, including $570 million of undrawn capacity on its unsecured revolving credit facility [8][13] Investment Strategy - Ladder's investment strategy focuses on stable income-producing collateral, primarily in multifamily and industrial properties, with a reduction in office loan exposure from 14% to 11% [1][5] - The company made strategic investments in office properties, including a $25.8 million equity investment for a 20% interest in a Manhattan office property [5] - Ladder's securities portfolio totaled $2.1 billion, with 99% rated investment-grade and 97% rated AAA, underscoring its high credit quality [18] Market Positioning - Ladder's capital structure is predominantly unsecured, allowing it to operate independently of repo and CLO markets, positioning the company to capitalize on future opportunities [2][7] - The company has seen its bonds tighten significantly, outperforming comparably rated equity REIT bonds, which enhances its competitive positioning [7] - Ladder's focus on lower leverage models and disciplined underwriting practices has allowed it to avoid significant losses compared to industry peers [49] Future Outlook - The company plans to drive growth in loan originations and earnings in 2026, with expectations to increase the loan portfolio to over $6 billion by year-end [30][32] - Ladder anticipates a continued focus on lending opportunities, particularly in the commercial real estate market, as acquisition activity improves [5][23] - The company aims to attract high-quality equity REIT shareholders and align its valuation with peers to further reduce its cost of capital [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ladder Capital generated distributable earnings of $21.4 million or $0.17 per share in Q4 2025, with adjusted earnings of $26.4 million or $0.21 per share after accounting for a $5 million realized loan loss [3][13] - For the full year 2025, distributable earnings totaled $109.9 million, achieving a 7.1% return on equity [3][4] - The adjusted leverage ratio was 2.0 times stable book value, with liquidity maintained at $608 million, including $570 million of undrawn capacity on the unsecured revolver [4][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, Ladder originated $1.4 billion in new loans, the highest annual volume since 2021, with nearly $950 million in the second half of the year [5][6] - The loan portfolio totaled $2.2 billion at year-end, representing 42% of total assets, with a weighted average yield of 7.8% [7][18] - The securities portfolio reached $2.1 billion, with 99% rated investment grade and 97% rated AAA, providing a strong liquidity source [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Office loan exposure decreased from 14% to 11% of total assets by year-end, while new investments in office properties were selectively pursued [7][18] - The real estate portfolio generated $14.8 million of net operating income in Q4 and $57.3 million for the full year, supported by active leasing and asset management [9][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ladder Capital aims to drive growth by increasing loan originations to enhance returns and support dividend growth while maintaining balance sheet discipline [12][22] - The company plans to capitalize on opportunities in the commercial real estate market, with a focus on stable income-producing properties [7][11] - The achievement of investment-grade status in 2025 has enhanced access to capital markets and reduced funding costs, positioning the company for future growth [4][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating potential market volatility, viewing it as an opportunity rather than a threat [30] - The company anticipates a return to growth in the loan portfolio, projecting an increase to over $6 billion by year-end 2026 [32] - Management highlighted a cautious approach to underwriting, particularly regarding bridge loans, to avoid past mistakes seen in the industry [51][60] Other Important Information - Ladder Capital issued its inaugural $500 million investment-grade unsecured bond at a fixed rate of 5.5%, which has performed well in the secondary market [9][15] - The company repurchased $10.2 million of common stock in 2025, with $90.6 million remaining under the stock repurchase program [17][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans in light of potential volatility in 2026 - Management does not plan to change strategies due to volatility, viewing it as an opportunity for stable dividends based on traditional real estate [27][30] Question: Achievable ROE and loan portfolio growth - Management targets an ROE of 9-10%, with plans to grow the loan portfolio to over $6 billion by year-end [34][32] Question: Impact of net interest income decline - Management noted that net interest income may dip due to timing of loan funding but expects recovery in subsequent quarters [40][42] Question: Underwriting discipline for bridge loans - Management acknowledged past mistakes in underwriting and emphasized a cautious approach moving forward, particularly in large cities and refinancing competitor loans [51][60] Question: Competitive landscape with banks returning to lending - Management noted that while banks are becoming more competitive, they are focusing on construction loans, leaving opportunities for Ladder in refinancing and bridge loans [67][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ladder Capital generated distributable earnings of $21.4 million or $0.17 per share in Q4 2025, with adjusted earnings of $26.4 million or $0.21 per share after accounting for a $5 million realized loan loss [3][13] - For the full year 2025, distributable earnings totaled $109.9 million, achieving a 7.1% return on equity [3][4] - The adjusted leverage ratio was 2.0 times stable book value, with liquidity maintained at $608 million, including $570 million of undrawn capacity on the unsecured revolver [4][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, Ladder originated $1.4 billion in new loans, the highest annual volume since 2021, with nearly $950 million in the second half of the year [5][6] - The loan portfolio totaled $2.2 billion at year-end, representing 42% of total assets, with a weighted average yield of 7.8% [7][18] - The securities portfolio reached $2.1 billion, with 99% rated investment grade and 97% rated AAA, representing 39% of total assets [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a decline in office loan exposure from 14% to 11% of total assets by year-end, while selectively pursuing new investments in the sector [7] - The real estate portfolio generated $14.8 million of net operating income in Q4 and $57.3 million for the full year, supported by active leasing and asset management [9][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ladder Capital aims to drive growth by increasing loan originations to enhance returns and support dividend growth while maintaining balance sheet discipline [12][22] - The company plans to capitalize on opportunities in the commercial real estate market, with a focus on stable income-producing properties [7][25] - Ladder's investment-grade status enhances access to capital markets, lowering the cost of funds and strengthening liquidity [4][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating potential market volatility, viewing it as an opportunity rather than a threat [30] - The company anticipates a loan portfolio growth to over $6 billion by year-end 2026, with a target return on equity of 9-10% [32][34] - Management highlighted a cautious approach to underwriting, particularly regarding bridge loans, to avoid past mistakes in the industry [59] Other Important Information - Ladder's CECL reserve level was maintained at $47 million, or $0.37 per share, deemed sufficient to cover potential losses in the loan portfolio [19][20] - The company repurchased $10.2 million of common stock in 2025, with $90.6 million remaining under the stock repurchase program [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans in light of potential volatility in 2026 - Management does not plan to change strategies due to volatility, viewing it as an opportunity for stable dividends based on traditional real estate [27][30] Question: Achievable ROE and loan portfolio growth - Management expects to grow the loan portfolio to over $6 billion by year-end and anticipates an ROE of 9-10% [32][34] Question: Impact of net interest income decline - Management noted that net interest income may dip due to timing of loan fundings but expects recovery in subsequent quarters [40][42] Question: Underwriting lessons from past bridge loans - Management acknowledged past mistakes in underwriting and emphasized a more cautious approach moving forward, particularly in large cities and refinancing competitor loans [59] Question: Competitive landscape with banks returning to lending - Management noted that while banks are becoming more competitive, they are focusing on construction loans, leaving opportunities for Ladder in refinancing and bridge loans [67][69]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, Ladder Capital generated distributable earnings of $21.4 million or $0.17 per share, which adjusted for a $5 million realized loan loss, resulted in earnings of $26.4 million or $0.21 per share [3][13] - For the full year 2025, distributable earnings totaled $109.9 million, achieving a return on equity of 7.1% [3][4] - The adjusted leverage ratio was 2.0 times stable book value, with liquidity maintained at $608 million, including $570 million of undrawn capacity on the unsecured revolver [4][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, Ladder originated $1.4 billion in new loans, the highest annual volume since 2021, with Q4 alone contributing over $870 million in new investments [5][6] - The loan portfolio totaled $2.2 billion at year-end, representing 42% of total assets, with a weighted average yield of 7.8% [18][20] - The securities portfolio reached $2.1 billion, with 99% rated investment grade and 97% rated AAA, indicating high credit quality [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a decline in office loan exposure from 14% to 11% of total assets by year-end, while selectively pursuing new investments in the office sector [6][10] - The real estate portfolio generated $14.8 million of net operating income in Q4 and $57.3 million for the full year, supported by active leasing and asset management [9][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ladder Capital aims to drive growth by increasing loan originations to enhance returns and support dividend growth while maintaining balance sheet discipline [12][22] - The company plans to capitalize on opportunities in the commercial real estate market, with a focus on stable income-producing properties, primarily multifamily and industrial [6][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating potential market volatility, emphasizing that the current environment presents opportunities rather than challenges [28][30] - The company anticipates achieving a return on equity of 9-10% within the current capital structure, with plans to grow the loan portfolio to over $6 billion by year-end [31][34] Other Important Information - Ladder Capital's inaugural $500 million investment-grade unsecured bond was issued at a fixed rate of 5.5%, with pricing tightening significantly since issuance [9][14] - The company repurchased $10.2 million of common stock in 2025, reflecting confidence in its financial position and commitment to shareholder value [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is Ladder planning to address potential volatility in the market? - Management indicated no significant changes in strategy due to volatility, viewing it as an opportunity for stable dividend investments [28][30] Question: What is the achievable ROE and loan portfolio size by year-end? - Management expects an ROE of 9-10% and plans to grow the loan portfolio to over $6 billion by year-end [31][34] Question: How does Ladder view competition from regional banks? - Management noted that while banks are becoming more competitive, they are primarily focused on construction loans, leaving opportunities for Ladder in refinancing and bridge loans [66][69]

Core Viewpoint - The company experienced a significant increase in loan originations due to lower mortgage rates, but higher prepayment activity offset these gains, resulting in a modest decline in the loan portfolio [4][7][18]. Loan Originations and Prepayments - Loan originations rose to $42.1 million in the December 2025 quarter, a 42% increase from $29.6 million in the previous quarter [3][7]. - Prepayment activity also increased, with $46.7 million recorded, marking a 35% rise from $34.5 million in the September 2025 quarter [3][7]. - Loans held for investment decreased by approximately $4.1 million during the December quarter, influenced by declines in multifamily, commercial business, and commercial real estate loans [1][4]. Net Interest Margin (NIM) and Funding Costs - The net interest margin increased to 3.03%, reflecting a decrease in deposit and borrowing costs, although accelerated payoffs negatively impacted the margin by about 5 basis points [5][10][12]. - The average cost of deposits fell to 1.32%, while the cost of borrowings declined to 4.39% [11]. Asset Quality - Asset quality improved, with non-performing assets decreasing to approximately $999,000, representing about 8 basis points of total assets, down from $1.9 million in the previous quarter [6][8]. - The allowance for credit losses was 55 basis points at December 31, 2025, compared to 56 basis points at September 30, 2025 [9]. Capital Management and Expenses - The company reported operating expenses of $7.9 million in the December 2025 quarter, up from $7.6 million in the previous quarter, with expectations of a quarterly run rate of approximately $7.6 million to $7.7 million for the remainder of fiscal 2026 [17]. - The company repurchased approximately $96,000 of common stock in the December 2025 quarter and distributed $906,000 in cash dividends [21]. Future Outlook - Management anticipates that loan pipelines are "moderately higher" and expects origination volumes for the March 2026 quarter to fall within the range of $28 million to $42 million [1][22]. - Adjustable-rate loans are expected to reprice slightly lower in the March 2026 quarter, with about $112.2 million of loans repricing [14][15].

Core Insights - Sallie Mae (SLM) reported third-quarter 2025 earnings per share (EPS) of 63 cents, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 84 cents, but showing improvement from a loss of 23 cents per share in the prior-year quarter [1][8] - The company's GAAP net income was $136 million, compared to a net loss of $45 million in the prior-year quarter [2] Financial Performance - Third-quarter net interest income (NII) totaled $372.9 million, up 3.8% year over year, but missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.8%. The net interest margin was 5.18%, an increase of 18 basis points from the prior-year quarter [3] - Non-interest income reached $172.7 million, significantly up from $24.5 million in the year-ago quarter [3] - Non-interest expenses rose 4.9% year over year to $180.4 million [3] Credit Quality - Provision for credit losses was $179.4 million, down 33.8% from the prior-year quarter [4] - Net charge-offs for private education loans were $78 million, up 1.3% year over year, with a percentage of average private education loans held for investment in repayment at 1.95%, contracting 13 basis points year over year [4] Balance Sheet Position - As of September 30, 2025, deposits were $20 billion, down 2.3% sequentially [5] - Private education loans held for investment were $21.6 billion, up 5.6% from the prior-year quarter, with loan originations increasing by 6% from the year-ago quarter [5] Share Repurchase - In the third quarter, SLM repurchased 5.6 million shares for $166 million under its 2024 share buyback program [6] 2025 Outlook - The company expects diluted EPS in the range of $3.20-$3.30 and anticipates total loan portfolio net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment of 2.0%-2.2% [7][9] - Private education loan originations are expected to grow 5%-6% year over year, with non-interest expenses projected to be in the range of $655-$675 million [9] Overall Assessment - Sallie Mae's financial performance appears decent, with robust loan origination, rising net interest income, and higher non-interest income being encouraging factors. However, rising expenses present a significant near-term challenge [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated distributable earnings of $32.1 million or $0.25 per share, achieving a return on equity of 8.3% with adjusted leverage of 1.7x [3][10] - The loan portfolio grew by approximately $354 million to $1.9 billion, representing 40% of total assets [4][15] - The securities portfolio totaled $1.9 billion, also representing 40% of total assets, with a weighted average yield of 5.7% [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan origination activity accelerated with $511 million of new loans across 17 transactions, marking the highest quarterly origination volume in over three years [3][4] - The real estate portfolio generated $15.1 million in net operating income during the third quarter, primarily consisting of net lease properties with long-term leases [6][16] - The company closed its inaugural $500 million investment-grade bond offering at a rate of 5.5%, which was the tightest new issuance spread in its history [7][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reduced office loan exposure to $652 million, or 14% of total assets, following the full payoff of its third-largest office loan [4][15] - Approximately 50% of the remaining office loan portfolio consists of two well-performing loans secured by prime properties in Miami [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capitalize on investment opportunities while maintaining prudent credit risk management, expecting fourth-quarter loan originations to exceed third-quarter production [8][20] - The management plans to position the company alongside high-quality peers, including equity REITs, rather than solely within the commercial mortgage REIT space [8][19] - The focus will be on organic growth of the loan portfolio, with expectations of adding $1 billion to $2 billion of assets net on the balance sheet [40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of credit performance and the potential for continued earnings growth [3][8] - The company anticipates favorable market conditions as it heads into 2026, with expectations of a steeper yield curve and more regular contributions to securitizations [20][21] - The management highlighted the importance of maintaining or improving investment-grade ratings to optimize capital management [18][19] Other Important Information - The company maintains $879 million in liquidity, including $49 million in cash and $830 million of undrawn capacity on its unsecured revolver [7][11] - The undepreciated book value per share was $13.71, net of a $0.41 per share CFO reserve [12] - The company declared a $0.23 per share dividend, with a current dividend yield of approximately 8.5% [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are there any changes in loan origination since obtaining the investment-grade rating? - Management noted a focus on slightly larger transactions and improved stability in financing, leading to more profitable lending opportunities [24] Question: Were there any construction loans or large CapEx projects in the recent origination? - Management clarified that they generally do not write construction loans and that the portfolio remains focused on industrial and multifamily assets [27][28] Question: What is the outlook for growth in the loan portfolio? - Management expects the loan portfolio to grow by approximately $1 billion, driven by a strong origination pipeline and favorable market conditions [34][35] Question: Is improving ROE part of the strategy for the next one to two years? - Management confirmed that the plan includes writing more loans and optimizing the cost of funds, which should positively impact ROE [38] Question: Will the company consider launching a securities fund? - Management indicated that while they have explored this option in the past, their current focus remains on the commercial mortgage business [58][59] Question: How is the New York office equity investment performing? - Management expressed satisfaction with the investment, noting significant leasing progress and plans for potential future involvement in the debt side of the project [61][63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ladder generated distributable earnings of $32.1 million or $0.25 per share, achieving a return on equity of 8.3% with adjusted leverage of 1.7 times [3][10] - The loan portfolio grew by approximately $354 million to $1.9 billion, representing 40% of total assets [4][14] - The company maintained $879 million in liquidity, including $49 million in cash and $830 million of undrawn capacity on its unsecured revolver [8][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan origination activity accelerated with $511 million of new loans across 17 transactions, marking the highest quarterly origination volume in over three years [3][4] - The securities portfolio totaled $1.9 billion, with a weighted average yield of 5.7%, of which 99% was investment-grade and 96% was AAA-rated [15] - The real estate portfolio generated $15.1 million in net operating income during the third quarter, primarily consisting of net lease properties with long-term leases [5][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company successfully closed its inaugural $500 million investment-grade bond offering at a rate of 5.5%, representing the tightest new issuance spread in Ladder's history [6][10] - As of quarter end, 75% of Ladder's debt consisted of unsecured corporate bonds, with a weighted average remaining term of four years [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ladder aims to capitalize on investment opportunities while maintaining prudent credit risk management, expecting fourth quarter loan originations to exceed third quarter production [8][9] - The company plans to position itself alongside high-quality peers, including equity REITs, rather than solely within the commercial mortgage REIT space [8][9] - The focus will be on organic growth of the loan portfolio, with expectations of adding $1 billion to $2 billion of assets net on the balance sheet [32][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of credit performance and the quality of assets being originated, indicating a favorable lending environment [40] - The company anticipates that the yield curve will steepen next year, which could lead to more regular contributions to securitizations [19] - Management noted that the stock price has been affected by broader market concerns around private credit, but they believe the dividend remains stable and the asset base continues to improve [13][19] Other Important Information - Ladder's undepreciated book value per share was $13.71, net of a $0.41 per share CFO reserve [12] - The company repurchased $1.9 million of common stock in the third quarter, with $91.5 million remaining outstanding on its stock repurchase program [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are there any changes in origination strategy post investment-grade rating? - Management indicated they are looking at slightly larger transactions and noted improved stability in financing, leading to more profitable outcomes [22][23] Question: Is there growth expected in the $1.9 billion loan portfolio? - Management expects the loan portfolio to grow by approximately $1 billion, with a strong origination quarter leading to increased borrower interest [30][32] Question: Will improving ROE be part of the strategy in the next one to two years? - Management confirmed that the plan includes writing more loans and optimizing the capital structure to improve ROE [35][36] Question: Are there plans to launch a securities fund? - Management acknowledged past considerations for launching a securities fund but emphasized a focus on the commercial mortgage business over residential [57][59] Question: How is the New York office equity investment performing? - Management reported positive developments in the investment, with the building now over 90% leased and plans for further similar investments [61][63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ellington Financial reported GAAP net income of $0.45 per share, with an annualized economic return of nearly 14% and book value per share increasing to $13.49 [4][15] - Adjusted distributable earnings (ADE) per share increased by $0.08 to $0.47, significantly exceeding the $0.39 dividends per share [4][10] - The total economic return for the second quarter was 3.3% non-annualized [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Longbridge segment contributed $0.13 to ADE, driven by strong performance in origination profits and servicing income [7][12] - The credit portfolio saw net interest income grow sequentially, with positive results from equity investments and loan originators [11] - The adjusted long credit portfolio increased by 1% to $3.32 billion, with growth in commercial mortgage bridge loans and non-QM loans [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The agency portfolio experienced a modest loss due to volatile yield spreads, while the Longbridge portfolio decreased by 1% sequentially [11][14] - The weighted average borrowing rate on recourse borrowings decreased by two basis points to 6.07% [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on vertical integration and expanding partnerships with mortgage originators to secure a steady pipeline of high-quality loans [18][19] - Ellington Financial aims to strengthen its liability structure through additional securitizations and increasing unsecured borrowings over time [29][68] - The company is exploring opportunities in new loan sectors as GSEs potentially shrink their footprint [22][79] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the third quarter, citing strong performance across investment portfolios and origination platforms [27] - There is a cautious outlook on home price appreciation, with expectations for muted growth nationally [42][43] - The company is monitoring economic indicators closely and adjusting lending guidelines in response to market conditions [25] Other Important Information - The company completed six securitizations in the second quarter, a record for Ellington Financial, enhancing the stability of its balance sheet [20] - The Longbridge HELOC for Seniors program was launched, which management believes could become a meaningful contributor to earnings [28][64] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for Longbridge and impact of declining rates - Management indicated that declining rates would increase the attractiveness of reverse mortgages, leading to higher origination volumes [33][34] Question: Impact of increased volumes in other mortgage asset types - Management noted that originators are primarily focused on non-QM and residential transition lending, with potential shifts depending on market conditions [38] Question: Outlook on home prices and credit spreads - Management observed a broadening weakness in home prices and is pricing for risk accordingly, with expectations for muted home price appreciation [42][43] Question: Opportunities in mortgage originator space - Management is focused on making equity investments in platforms they know well, securing volume with smaller investments [48][49] Question: Credit quality and workouts - Management reported one significant workout remaining, with overall resolutions moving through the pipeline quickly and minimal drag on earnings [54][57] Question: Long-term run rate earnings contribution from Longbridge - Management expressed optimism about Longbridge's contributions exceeding previous expectations, particularly with the new HELOC product [63][64] Question: Thoughts on dividend trajectory - Management is confident that earnings will continue to cover the dividend, with potential for an increase in the future [100][102]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - FBRT reported GAAP earnings of $24.4 million or $0.21 per fully converted common share for Q2 2025, with distributable earnings of $29 million or $0.27 per fully converted share [16] - The average risk rating at quarter end was 2.3, with 137 of 145 positions rated two or three, and watch list loans represented only 5% of the total portfolio [9][12] - The company's liquidity position was $5.1 billion, including $77 million in unrestricted cash [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company originated $61 million in new loan commitments, primarily in multifamily assets, which was a deliberate reduction to maintain a higher cash balance ahead of the NewPoint acquisition [6][7] - FBRT sold three multifamily assets totaling $56 million, which was above the principal basis at the time of foreclosure [10] - The core portfolio ended the quarter at $4.5 billion across 145 loans, with multifamily making up 74% of the portfolio [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The multifamily fundamentals are improving, with new supply slowing and rent growth reemerging in certain markets [28] - The company noted that credit markets are flush with liquidity, indicating a strong demand for shorter duration credit [26] - The average cost of debt on the core portfolio is SOFR plus 2.3%, with 77% of financing coming from CLOs [19][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of NewPoint is seen as a significant milestone, expanding FBRT's platform within multifamily lending and enhancing income stability [12] - The company aims to grow distributable earnings through calling CLOs, reinvesting equity from the REO portfolio, and contributions from NewPoint [17][18] - FBRT's stock is trading at a discount to book value, attributed to concerns over dividend coverage and asset quality [13][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the legacy portfolio, stating that losses near the implied $450 million level are highly unlikely [38] - The company anticipates a period of acceptance in the market, where investors will recognize the need to mark loans appropriately [78] - Management expects NewPoint's earnings contribution to grow significantly over time, correlating with agency and FHA origination volume [22][23] Other Important Information - The company has made significant progress on its REO portfolio, with 10 out of 19 properties sold above the principal balance at the time of foreclosure [33] - The migration of servicing for FBRT's loans to NewPoint is expected to yield savings and additional servicing revenue [81] Q&A Session Summary Question: Have you resumed originations and at what pace since the closing of NewPoint? - Management confirmed that originations have resumed and are expected to grow quarter over quarter, targeting a portfolio size of around $5 billion to maximize dividend coverage [41][44] Question: What are you seeing in terms of spreads compared to a year ago? - Management noted that spreads are tighter by 100 to 125 basis points compared to a year ago and 25 to 50 basis points tighter than 60 to 90 days ago [46] Question: Do the CLOs need to be replaced with other debt? - Management indicated that calling the CLOs would allow for leveraging back up to optimal levels, freeing up cash for more originations [50][52] Question: What is needed for NewPoint to ramp origination activity? - Management stated that expanding the net spread across the country and increasing the origination staff would drive volume growth [75] Question: Is there a savings related to migrating FBRT's loans over to NewPoint's servicer? - Yes, management confirmed that there would be savings from cutting out markups and benefiting from float on cash reserves [81][84]