Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record quarterly net income increase of 76% and new loan production up 72% compared to Q2 2024 [5] - Revenue grew by $31 million, with pretax income increasing by $14 million, resulting in a core pretax return on equity of 24% [5][6] - The net interest margin (NIM) for the quarter increased to 3.82%, up 47 basis points from the previous quarter [9][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total loan portfolio grew by 30.8% year over year, reaching $5.9 billion in UPB [16] - Record loan production in Q2 was just over $725 million, a 13.3% increase from Q1 [14] - The weighted average coupon on new held-for-investment originations was strong at 10.5% [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a significant increase in transactions, particularly in commercial and residential properties, with a portfolio increase of approximately $1.4 billion [6] - Nonperforming loans slightly decreased to 10.3%, reflecting effective asset management and resolution efforts [9][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its unique business structure as a C Corp to retain earnings and grow book value [11][12] - There is a focus on technology improvements to enhance operational efficiency over the next 12 to 18 months [35][36] - The company is exploring opportunities for alternative financing sources, including private capital, to support portfolio growth [43][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing healthy market conditions and a strong pipeline for new loans [22] - The target NIM is set at 3.5%, with expectations for sustainable growth in loan production [26][30] - The company believes it has not reached peak performance and sees room for improvement in efficiency [35][36] Other Important Information - The company completed four securitizations in Q2, issuing nearly $1 billion in securities, which provided significant liquidity [7][21] - Total liquidity at the end of Q2 was $139.2 million, with ample warehouse capacity to support growth [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss NIM expectations going into Q3 and loan growth for H2? - Management targets a consistent NIM of 3.5% and expects continued loan growth, although it may not be linear [26][30] Question: Are there opportunities for improvement or is this optimal performance? - Management believes there is room for improvement, particularly through technology enhancements to increase productivity [35][36] Question: How broad is the company's origination platform geographically? - The company operates in 48 states, with a strong presence in major MSAs, including a high-performing office in Miami [38][39] Question: Will the company consider incorporating loan sales into its financing strategy? - Management is open to exploring private credit sources and alternative financing structures to support growth [43][44] Question: What is driving the increase in prepayment rates? - Prepayment activity is driven by property sales and refinancing, with the company indifferent to the reasons due to prepayment penalty fees [45][46]