Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported distributable earnings of $73 million or $0.35 per share for the third quarter [21] - The investment portfolio grew to $11.67 billion at September 30, with an all-in yield of 7.27% [31] - The average yield in core assets decreased to 6.95% from 7.95% in the previous quarter [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The agency business originated $2 billion in loans during the third quarter, marking the second highest production quarter in the company's history [16] - The single-family rental business originated approximately $150 million in the third quarter, totaling $1.2 billion for the year [17] - The construction lending business closed $145 million in deals during the third quarter, with a strong pipeline of $900 million in applications [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company closed about $400 million in bridge lending in the third quarter, with a total of $850 million for the first nine months of the year [13] - The securitization market remains constructive, allowing the company to access liquidity effectively [4] - The company expects to originate between $8.5 and $9 billion in volume for the year, despite a challenging environment [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to resolve legacy assets aggressively, targeting a significant reduction in troubled assets by the second quarter of next year [9] - The strategy includes modifying loans, taking back assets as REOs, and bringing in new sponsors to stabilize income streams [11] - The company is optimistic about future origination volumes due to recent interest rate cuts [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes the third and fourth quarters of the year will represent the bottom of the cycle, with expectations for improved market conditions [9] - The company is focused on creating efficiencies and generating strong returns on capital despite a competitive landscape [14] - Management expressed optimism about the interest rate environment improving, which could lead to increased origination volumes [20] Other Important Information - The company recorded a $48 million gain from the sale of a portion of the Lexford portfolio, contributing to a total of $55 million in income from legacy investments [6][8] - Delinquencies rose to $750 million as of September 30, reflecting the current cycle's stress [26] - The company expects fluctuations in quarterly earnings as it resolves legacy issues [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you estimate the stability of performing loans in the portfolio? - Management indicated that the stability of performing loans varies by market and emphasized the importance of capital and management in stabilizing assets [37][38] Question: What is the expected run rate of interest income? - Management clarified that the $18 million accrued interest reversal was a one-time adjustment, with a projected ongoing reduction in interest income of about $16 million [48][50] Question: Can you provide details on the Homewood sale? - The company expects a $1 million realized loss on the Homewood sale, with a reserve reversal of $9 million due to selling above the written-down value [59][60] Question: What is the outlook for REO properties? - Management noted that while property income fell, they are actively working to improve occupancy and stabilize REO assets for future sales [64][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported distributable earnings of $57.3 million or $0.28 per share, and $0.31 per share excluding one-time realized losses from the sale of two REO assets [19][12] - The return on equity (ROE) for the first quarter was approximately 10% [19] - The company anticipates distributable earnings guidance of $0.30 to $0.35 per quarter for 2025 [19][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The balance sheet lending platform originated $370 million in new bridge loans during the first quarter, with a target of $1.5 billion to $2 billion for 2025 [13][14] - The agency business had a slow first quarter, producing $6 million in originations and $731 million in loan sales, maintaining strong margins of 1.75% [25] - The investment portfolio grew to $11.5 billion at March 31, with an all-in yield of 7.85% [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a significant backup in long-term rates, creating headwinds for originations [7][8] - The delinquency rate decreased by 20% to $654 million as of March 31, compared to $819 million at December 31 [22] - The average cost of debt decreased to approximately 6.82% at March 31 from 6.88% at December 31 [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on resolving REO assets and delinquencies, viewing 2025 as a transitional year [18][12] - The strategy includes leveraging efficiencies in the securitization market and maintaining strong banking relationships to drive future earnings [5][7] - The company aims to reposition underperforming assets to increase occupancy and net operating income (NOI) over the next 12 to 24 months [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the current economic environment is characterized by volatility and uncertainty, particularly regarding interest rates [8][9] - There is optimism about potential rate reductions, which could positively impact agency volumes and earnings [9][12] - The management believes that the company is well-positioned to grow earnings and dividends again in 2026 if current challenges are addressed [12][18] Other Important Information - The company has successfully modified $38 million of loans and brought $39 million of loans back to performing status [10] - The company expects REO assets to increase to between $400 million and $500 million, with plans to aggressively manage and reposition these assets [52][54] - The book value at the end of the quarter was reported at $11.98 [77] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the Bridge portfolio growth in 2025? - Management expects net growth in the Bridge portfolio, targeting $1.5 billion to $2 billion in new business, with runoff projected between $1.5 billion to $3 billion depending on interest rates [32][33] Question: What were the primary weaknesses in the 2022 and 2023 vintages? - Management indicated that the multifamily sector experienced a long period of growth without corrections, leading to poor performance due to rising rates, economic vacancy issues, and increased competition from inexperienced entrants [39][41] Question: What is the current liquidity situation and expectations for NPLs and REO? - The company has $325 million in cash and liquidity, with expectations for REO to rise to between $400 million and $500 million, while NPLs are projected to decrease as assets are repositioned [48][54] Question: How much of the reported income was non-cash? - The company reported $15.3 million of PIK (payment-in-kind) interest during the quarter, which is a moving number based on loan modifications and performance [66] Question: What is the company's stance on stock buybacks? - Management emphasized the importance of liquidity and will evaluate stock buybacks based on market conditions and opportunities for capital growth [78]