Core Viewpoint - Ready Capital Corporation has successfully completed the acquisition of United Development Funding IV, which will enhance its portfolio and growth opportunities [1][2] Company Overview - Ready Capital Corporation (NYSE: RC) is a multi-strategy real estate finance company that focuses on originating, acquiring, financing, and servicing lower-to-middle-market commercial real estate loans [5] - The company specializes in loans backed by commercial real estate, including agency multifamily, investor, construction, bridge loans, and U.S. Small Business Administration loans under its Section 7(a) program [5] - Ready Capital is headquartered in New York and employs approximately 350 professionals nationwide [5] Merger Details - The merger was executed under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated November 29, 2024, and the combined entity will continue to operate under the name "Ready Capital Corporation" [1] - Each outstanding common share of UDF IV was converted into the right to receive 0.416 shares of Ready Capital's common stock and 0.416 contingent value rights (CVRs) [1] - The CVRs represent potential rights to receive additional shares of Ready Capital Common Stock based on cash proceeds from a portfolio of five UDF IV loans [1] Leadership Statement - Thomas Capasse, Chairman and CEO of Ready Capital, expressed optimism about scaling the portfolio and unlocking growth and value creation opportunities following the merger [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, the company reported net income of $0.43 per diluted share, down from $0.73 per diluted share in Q4 2023, primarily due to unrealized losses on common stock investments and changes in net assets on CMBS VIEs [10] - Interest income decreased by $15.4 million to $32.3 million in Q4 2024 from $47.7 million in Q4 2023 [10] - Earnings available for distribution were $0.83 per diluted common share in Q4, compared to $0.44 per diluted common share in the same period of 2023 [11] - Cash available for distribution was $0.47 per diluted common share in Q4, down from $0.51 per diluted common share in Q4 2023 [12] - For the full year 2024, net income was $1.02 per diluted share, up from $0.60 per diluted share in 2023 [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio consists of 83 investments with an outstanding balance of $1.1 billion, allocated across various sectors including 15.5% single-family rental, 49.7% multifamily, and 31% life sciences [16] - The collateral on the portfolio is 76.5% stabilized with a loan-to-value ratio of 59.2% and a weighted average debt service coverage ratio of 1.32 times [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Multifamily fundamentals are improving, with Q4 starts at 37,000 units, the lowest since Q4 2011, indicating a potential inflection point as supply wanes [21] - The company is actively underwriting $300 million of opportunities in life sciences, particularly in infrastructure and pharmaceutical manufacturing [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capitalize on growth opportunities in multifamily and life sciences sectors, with expectations for new lease growth to turn positive in the second half of the year [22][23] - The company is exploring multiple avenues for funding growth, including A-note warehouses and bond-rated deals [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2025, citing a strong credit profile and growth potential in the multifamily and life sciences sectors [20] - The company is confident in its ability to navigate challenges in the commercial real estate sector and is prepared to take advantage of favorable market conditions [25] Other Important Information - The company paid a regular dividend of $0.50 per share in Q4 and has declared a dividend of $0.50 per share for Q1 2025 [12] - The weighted average cost of debt is 6% with a weighted average maturity of 1.4 years [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the returns on new investments and how they compare to other opportunities? - Management indicated that Freddie K deals are expected to yield 8% to 9%, with potential returns in the low to mid-teens when leveraging [32] Question: Can you provide an update on life science investments and key metrics? - Management highlighted a $220 million commitment in Massachusetts, with a loan-to-cost attachment point of approximately 25% and a stabilized debt yield of over 30% [35] Question: What is the status of loan performance and any delinquent loans? - Management noted a few watch list loans but emphasized overall strong portfolio performance with minimal delinquency [40][60]