Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, the company reported a GAAP net loss of $1 million or $0.02 per diluted common share, and a distributable earnings loss of $7 million or $0.12 per diluted common share [14] - In Q4 2025, the company reported a GAAP net loss of approximately $4 million or $0.07 per diluted common share, while distributable earnings were approximately $8 million or $0.15 per diluted common share [14][15] - The net debt-to-equity ratio at the end of Q4 was 1.6 times, reflecting moderate leverage [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reduced office loans by 30% since year-end 2024 to $447 million, representing a 10% decrease quarter-over-quarter [7][17] - New loan commitments in Q4 totaled $393 million, contributing to a total loan portfolio of $1.6 billion, an increase of 24% from Q3 2025 [16] - New loans closed in the second half of 2025 now comprise about 29% of the total loan portfolio [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Ares Real Estate debt platform originated over $9 billion globally in new commitments in 2025, nearly double the amount from 2024 [12] - The company anticipates that the trajectory of earnings may be uneven depending on the resolution of asset issues, but remains confident in earnings potential [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to address risk-rated 4 and 5 loans while reducing office exposure, which is seen as crucial for future growth [23] - A focus on co-investment opportunities is intended to enhance diversification and efficiently deploy capital [11] - The board declared a regular cash dividend of $0.15 per common share for Q1 2026, reflecting confidence in the execution of the business plan [12][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management noted that macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties affected valuations and transaction activity early in 2025, but conditions improved in the second half of the year [5] - The company is optimistic about the market for assets like residential and industrial properties, while remaining cautious about office properties [38] - Management expressed confidence in the ability to resolve remaining risk-rated loans and achieve portfolio growth [12][23] Other Important Information - The total CECL reserve at year-end 2025 was $127 million, with 92% related to risk-rated 4 and 5 loans [20] - The company has increased its borrowing capacity by $250 million and reduced borrowing costs through various actions [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: When will Brooklyn start receiving repayments for the condo project? - Management hopes to see a smooth sales process in the second half of 2026, with proceeds expected to start coming back into the company after debt repayment [25][26] Question: What is the current debt yield for the Chicago office asset? - Management indicated that while they have not provided a specific yield, the asset's occupancy and lease duration provide some patience for resolution [28] Question: Where do you see office exposure balanced by the end of 2026? - The focus remains on resolving risk-rated 4 and 5 loans, with expectations for a more regular cadence of asset repayments moving forward [32] Question: Where are the most attractive risk-adjusted returns currently? - Management sees opportunities across various sectors, particularly in logistics, industrial, and multifamily, while continuing to avoid the office sector [36][38] Question: What is the target portfolio size? - The target is to achieve a 3.0 debt-to-equity ratio, which would support a loan portfolio size of approximately $2 billion [59]