Core Viewpoint - Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance (ARI) plans to sell its loan portfolio to Athene, which is expected to be a transformational deal aimed at addressing the valuation gap between ARI's market price and the intrinsic value of its assets [4][10]. Financial Details - The transaction is expected to deliver approximately $1.4 billion of net cash to ARI [1][7]. - After the repayment of most financing facilities and transaction expenses, ARI anticipates a common equity book value per share of about $12.05 [2][7]. - The purchase price for the loan portfolio is set at 99.7% of total loan commitments, excluding two loans with a principal balance of $146 million [3][7]. Strategic Implications - The sale is designed to close a long-standing valuation gap, as ARI's stock has traded at an average of about 0.76 of net book value for several years [9][11]. - Management plans to evaluate commercial real estate-related strategies to unlock additional value, including potential M&A opportunities [12][13]. - If no new asset strategy is identified by year-end, ARI's board may explore all strategic alternatives, including dissolution [14]. Governance and Transaction Process - The transaction has been approved by ARI's board following a recommendation from a special committee of independent directors [15]. - A 25-day go-shop period will allow for additional interest in the portfolio before a stockholder vote [17][18]. - Apollo has agreed to a 50% reduction in ARI's annual management fee and will reimburse up to $10 million of transaction expenses [16].