Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings available for distribution improved by 11% and book value increased by 7.4% with an economic return of 9.2% for the quarter [6] - GAAP net income for the first quarter was $145.9 million or $1.77 per share, while GAAP book value at the end of the quarter was $21.17 per share [13] - Economic net interest income for the first quarter was $72.3 million with a yield on average interest-earning assets of 5.9% and an average cost of funds of 4.4%, resulting in a net interest spread of 1.5% [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third-party loans under management by Palisades Advisory Services increased by 43% year over year, reaching nearly $24 billion [7] - The company executed impactful balance sheet moves, including cash-out refinancing that unlocked $187 million [8] - The company settled $100 million in residential transition loans during the quarter, expecting mid-teen levered returns [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - National home price growth was 3.9% year over year, with varying performance across regions [22] - Existing home sales declined to a 4 million unit annualized pace, marking the slowest first quarter since 2009 [22] - Delinquency rates remained stable at 8.9% for the re-performing loan portfolio, with prepayments at 5.5% [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build a hybrid mortgage REIT that is resilient and diversified, focusing on diversifying the portfolio and growing recurring fee income [11][32] - The strategy includes adding Agency RMBS assets and evaluating MSR opportunities to generate attractive returns [31] - The company is focused on disciplined risk management and thoughtful portfolio construction to support attractive risk-adjusted returns [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that despite market volatility, the company is holding steady and expects to continue growing third-party loans under management [10] - The current book value is estimated to be flat to slightly down, with a focus on building liquidity [10][36] - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding the growth potential of the third-party business, depending on the mortgage market [42] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $697 million in total cash and unencumbered assets, enhancing liquidity [14] - The company refinanced two structured repo lines, extending maturities and lowering costs, which unlocked additional cash for investment [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on book value performance - Management indicated that book value was down about 40 basis points as of the latest update [35] Question: Timing for deploying freed-up investment capital - Approximately 33% to 40% of the $187 million has been deployed, with a focus on building liquidity [36][37] Question: Outlook for third-party business growth - Management is bullish on growth potential, depending on the mortgage market and client acquisition [42] Question: Sensitivity to higher delinquency rates - Management noted that delinquencies in the re-performing loan portfolio are stable and not considered high for that product type [58][62] Question: Details on new loan facilities and advance rates - Management did not disclose specific advance rates but confirmed that the facilities are structured repo facilities with limited mark-to-market features [63][65]