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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company reported GAAP net income of $10 million or $0.12 per common share, with a book value per common share of $11.19 and distributable earnings of $0.24 per common share, aligning with the quarterly dividend [14][15] - The company maintained a 100% performing loan portfolio and an unchanged weighted average risk rating of 3.0, with no credit migration [15][18] - The general reserve increased to $67.2 million or 199 basis points from $64 million or 187 basis points, reflecting higher interest rates and potential economic recession risks [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company closed two multifamily loans totaling $131 million after the quarter end and executed term sheets on another $310 million of transactions [10][15] - The capital markets segment issued a new $1.1 billion CRE CLO, increasing the proportion of non mark-to-market non-recourse term match liabilities to 91% [15][19] - Share repurchases amounted to approximately $9 million, boosting book value per share by $0.05 [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that real estate credit is viewed as a safe haven compared to corporate credit and equity risk, with investor sentiment indicating a preference for real estate credit amid broader market disruptions [7][12] - The liquidity position was strong at $457.6 million, representing 11.6% of total assets, which supports the capital allocation strategy [20][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on the housing sector, particularly multifamily, while also exploring transactions across various property types and geographies [8][12] - The strategic goals include deploying excess liquidity, utilizing untapped financing capacity, recycling equity in REO, and creating additional liquidity via capital markets activity [11][12] - The company is positioned to take advantage of the attractive real estate credit market, with a significant investment pipeline due to competitors slowing their activity [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the current market, highlighting the importance of downside protection and tail risks amid a protracted global trade war [6][8] - The company is well-positioned to navigate market uncertainties and capture lending opportunities, with strong liquidity and a stable risk profile [21] Other Important Information - The company redeemed FL3 and issued FL6, generating net liquidity of $260 million for future deployment [12][19] - The total leverage slightly increased to 2.2 times from 2.1 times in the previous quarter, with $2 billion of financing capacity available [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insights on the risk profile of current originations compared to previous years? - Management noted that the entry point for loans is more favorable now, with borrowers being more disciplined about debt levels due to market uncertainties [24][27] Question: What is the expected levered return on equity for new bridge loans? - Management indicated that gross ROEs are generally in the low to mid-teens range, benefiting from favorable timing in locking in bond spreads [28][29] Question: Why were there no originations in the first quarter? - Management explained that a combination of tighter loan spreads and longer closing times due to market dislocation contributed to the lack of originations [34][35] Question: What is the outlook for the REO portfolio reduction? - Management confirmed plans to stick to the previously described cadence for REO sales, despite increased market uncertainty [37] Question: How do the transaction prices for the two REOs compare to carrying values? - Management refrained from disclosing specific transaction prices but indicated a history of selling REOs at prices exceeding carrying values [41]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - FBRT reported GAAP earnings of $23.7 million or $0.20 per diluted common share for Q1 2025, while distributable earnings were negative $6.2 million or negative $0.12 per fully converted share [15] - Distributable earnings before realized losses were $31.9 million or $0.31 per fully converted common share [15] - The book value per fully converted common share at the end of the quarter stood at $14.95, reflecting a decrease primarily due to dividend payouts exceeding earnings [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company originated $341 million in new loan commitments during Q1 2025, with multifamily loans accounting for 79% of total origination volume [18] - Loan repayments totaled $353 million, predominantly from loans originated in 2021 and 2022 [18] - The average cost of debt on the core portfolio was SOFR plus 2.18% [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core portfolio totaled $4.8 billion at quarter end, comprised of 152 loans, with multifamily securing 71% of the portfolio [23] - The average risk rating at quarter end was 2.2, with 146 of 152 positions risk-weighted at two or three [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The pending acquisition of NewPoint is expected to provide meaningful synergies and aligns with the strategic focus on the multifamily sector, enhancing earnings quality and consistency [13] - The company aims to recycle the bulk of its legacy book into current vintage loans, positioning itself for sustained growth [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed excitement about the NewPoint acquisition, viewing it as a catalyst for long-term value creation [13] - The company anticipates challenges in dividend coverage in the near term due to REO and non-performing loan portfolios, but believes in its long-term earning power [17] Other Important Information - The company has a liquidity position of $913 million, including $215 million in unrestricted cash [12] - The REO portfolio stood at 12 positions at quarter end, with plans to liquidate assets for optimal recovery [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans for loan portfolio and REO proceeds - Management indicated that any new capital from REO sales would be proactively reinvested into new originations as soon as possible [35] Question: Impact of NewPoint acquisition on expenses - Expenses in Q1 included transaction costs related to NewPoint and REO expenses, which elevated overall costs [36] Question: Dividend sustainability and REO impact - Management is monitoring how quickly REO assets can be turned over and the potential impact of market volatility on dividend coverage [46][47] Question: Originations and deal flow - Management noted that while originations were paused for cash gathering for NewPoint, they expect to resume soon with a consistent deal flow available [55][58] Question: Changes at Fannie, Freddie, and HUD - Management expressed uncertainty about government actions but highlighted the unique opportunity presented by the NewPoint acquisition to build a competitive multifamily lending platform [62] Question: Agency business revenue contribution - Management did not disclose specific percentages for agency business revenue at close but indicated more details would be provided in the future [79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - FBRT reported GAAP earnings of $23.7 million or $0.20 per diluted common share for Q1 2025, while distributable earnings were negative $6.2 million or negative $0.12 per fully converted share [16] - Distributable earnings before realized losses were $31.9 million or $0.31 per fully converted common share [16] - The book value per fully converted common share at the end of the quarter stood at $14.95, reflecting a decrease primarily due to dividend payouts exceeding earnings [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company originated $341 million in new loan commitments during Q1 2025, with multifamily loans accounting for 79% of total origination volume [20] - Loan repayments totaled $353 million, predominantly from loans originated in 2021 and 2022, with multifamily loans making up the majority of pay downs [20] - The average cost of debt on the core portfolio was SOFR plus 2.18%, with 81% of financing through CLOs [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company’s liquidity stood at $913 million at quarter end, including $215 million in unrestricted cash [13] - The average risk rating at quarter end was 2.2, with 146 of 152 positions risk-weighted at two or three [13] - Watch list loans represented 4% of the total portfolio, comprising six names at the end of the quarter [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The pending acquisition of NewPoint is expected to provide meaningful synergies and aligns with the strategic focus on the multifamily sector, enhancing earnings quality and consistency [14] - The company aims to recycle the bulk of its legacy book into current vintage loans, positioning itself for sustained growth and potential premium trading to book value [14] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that the REO portfolio has created a near-term drag on earnings but emphasized a proactive approach to recover invested capital [10] - The company anticipates potential shortfalls in dividend coverage in the near term due to REO and non-performing loan portfolios [12] - Management expressed confidence in the long-term earning power of the company to cover dividends, contingent on the pace of REO sales and market conditions [19] Other Important Information - The company has moved four loans to watch list status, bringing the total to six, with ongoing discussions regarding loan modifications [26] - The foreclosure REO portfolio stood at 12 positions at quarter end, with plans to liquidate assets for the best possible outcome [29] - The integration of NewPoint is expected to create book value growth and enhanced earning powers over time [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans for loan portfolio and REO proceeds - Management indicated that any new capital from REO sales would be proactively reinvested into new originations, although cash is being held for the NewPoint acquisition [35] Question: Impact of NewPoint acquisition on expenses - Expenses in Q1 were elevated due to transaction costs related to NewPoint and ongoing REO expenses, which are expected to normalize post-acquisition [38] Question: Balancing REO asset sales versus holding for potential gains - Management stated that each asset is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, prioritizing the liquidation of REO to redeploy capital into earning loans [43] Question: Dividend sustainability and potential adjustments - Management noted that the ability to cover dividends will be monitored closely, particularly in relation to the pace of REO turnover and market volatility [48] Question: Changes in originations and market conditions - Management confirmed that originations have been consistent, with a temporary pause for cash gathering for the NewPoint acquisition, but expect to resume soon [57] Question: Insights on agency lending and regulatory changes - Management expressed uncertainty regarding future government actions but highlighted the unique opportunity presented by the NewPoint acquisition to enhance their multifamily lending platform [64]

Core Insights - Banc of California reported Q1 2025 net income of $43.6 million or $0.26 per share, indicating strong core earnings despite economic uncertainties [5] - The company achieved a loan production of $2.6 billion, reflecting a 6% annualized growth rate, with a new loan yield of 7.20% [10][14] - Management has adopted a conservative approach to risk ratings, resulting in an increase in classified loans, with 84% of new classified loans remaining current [12][14] Financial Performance - Net interest margin expanded by 4 basis points to 3.08% in Q1 2025, driven by a decline in the cost of funds [14] - Total noninterest income was $33.7 million, consistent with the normalized run rate [15] - The adjusted loan growth outlook for 2025 has been revised to mid-single digits due to economic uncertainties [6] Shareholder Returns - The company completed a $150 million share repurchase in Q1 2025, repurchasing 6.8% of shares, and announced an additional $150 million buyback authorization, bringing the total to $300 million [10][6] - The buyback program is intended to be executed opportunistically, reflecting the company's commitment to enhancing shareholder value [9][10] Risk Management - The allowance for credit losses (ACL) ratio stands at 1.1% of total loans, with an economic coverage ratio of 1.66% [3][12] - The company has adopted a conservative posture on risk ratings, leading to additional credit downgrades, but maintains that the majority of classified loans are current and well-collateralized [12][14] - The company is monitoring economic conditions closely and remains cautious in loan production [19][20] Market Positioning - Banc of California is capitalizing on its strong market position in Southern California, filling the void left by banks that exited the market [17][18] - The company is focused on attracting new business relationships and expanding its loan portfolio, particularly in lower-risk categories [16][18] - Management believes that the current economic environment presents opportunities for growth despite uncertainties [34][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, the company reported a net loss of $123.3 million or $6.54 per share, compared to a net loss of $7.3 million or $0.39 per share in Q3 2024 [4] - On a core basis, the net loss was $5.1 million or $0.27 per share, an improvement from a net loss of $6 million or $0.32 per share in Q3 2024 [4][5] - The net interest income increased by $1 million from Q3 2024, with a net interest margin rising from 1.33% to 1.38% [6][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest income decreased in Q4 2024 primarily due to an $88.8 million loss on the sale of multifamily loans [9] - Non-interest expenses were reduced by $5.2 million in Q4 2024, attributed to a decrease in compensation benefits and general administrative expenses [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The ratio of non-performing assets to total assets was 71 basis points as of December 31, 2024, with total loans delinquent over 30 days at 106 basis points [9] - The company experienced a $15 million increase in non-accrual loans during Q4, mainly related to a syndicated commercial loan [9][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Following the termination of a merger, the company adopted a new strategic plan, including the sale of $990 million in multifamily loans to improve liquidity and reduce commercial real estate concentrations [12][13] - The company anticipates returning to profitability in the first half of the year, driven by loan repricing and effective management of non-interest expenses [13][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about returning to profitability early in the year, contingent on stable interest rates and effective credit management [19][20] - The company noted that its deposits have shown resilience despite external pressures, maintaining a low level of uninsured deposits at 9% of total deposits [14][15] Other Important Information - The tangible book value per share decreased to $20.67 as of year-end, influenced by the loss on the loan sale and tax impacts [15][16] - The company has significant exposure to commercial real estate, particularly in areas affected by wildfires, but has current insurance coverage for impacted properties [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the expected trajectory for NIM and breakeven levels? - Management does not have a specific targeted number but expects a positive impact on earnings from the loan sale and debt retirement [22][24] Question: Are there any other strategic initiatives needed for profitability? - The strategy is straightforward, focusing on working with commercial real estate borrowers to improve yields [25] Question: What is the current spot rate on deposits? - As of December 31, the spot rate for all deposits was 2.65%, with plans to reduce broker deposits further [30][31] Question: What is the appetite for more originate-to-sale business? - The appetite is large but tempered by current market conditions and borrower activity [45] Question: Can more be done to lower non-interest expenses? - Management believes they are close to the limit of what can be done, with some potential for slight decreases in certain areas [47][50]