Ready Capital (NYSE:RC) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 27, 2026 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsAndrew Ahlborn - CFOChris Muller - Director Equity ResearchChristopher Nolan - SVPDominick Scali - Chief Credit Officer and Co-PresidentJade Rahmani - Managing DirectorThomas Capasse - CEOConference Call ParticipantsDouglas Harter - Equity Research AnalystOperatorGreetings, and welcome to the Ready Capital Fourth Quarter 2025 Earnings Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. A question-and- ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a GAAP loss from continuing operations of $0.13 per common share and distributable earnings were a loss of $0.94 per common share, with $0.04 per common share excluding realized losses on asset sales [13] - Net interest income declined to $10.5 million due to a $1.4 billion reduction in the CRE portfolio and $40 million of negative credit migration [13] - Book value per share was $10.28 at quarter end, down $0.16 from June 30, primarily due to the dividend covered shortfall [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core portfolio totaled 1,120 loans with an unpaid principal balance of $5.4 billion, with delinquencies increasing to 5.9% of the total [5] - The small business lending platform originated $175 million of SBA 7(a) loans, 50% below the quarterly target, generating $11 million in net income [10] - The non-core portfolio had an $8 million drag on earnings, with $503 million liquidated in the quarter [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Portland mixed-use asset represented 14% of quarter-end equity, with a net operating loss of $330,000 and occupancy of 48% [8] - The office and retail space in the Portland asset is currently 28% leased and has hit break-even [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on returning to financial health and profitability through portfolio yield rehabilitation, growth in small business lending, and management of 2026 debt maturities [4] - The strategy includes reducing CRE loan exposure and accelerating sales of non-performing loans and REO positions [11] - The company plans to evaluate the dividend in December based on progress in the business plan and liquidity levels [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in refinancing pending debt maturities and emphasized a conservative approach to new investments and dividend policy [11][50] - The company expects to utilize unencumbered assets and additional senior and unsecured issuance to address liquidity needs [30] Other Important Information - The company completed two portfolio sales, netting $85 million and $24 million from the sales of loans [4][5] - The combined provision for loan loss and valuation allowance decreased by $140.2 million, with a net increase in provision for loan losses of $38 million [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the right level of leverage for the company going forward? - Management indicated that the current gross leverage is around $3.5 million, with a target of less than that on a pro forma basis [19] Question: What is the target mix of secured versus unsecured debt? - The expectation is that the majority of debt will be secured for the immediate future, with potential access to unsecured markets as they open [20][21] Question: Can you explain the rationale behind continuing to pay dividends while reducing leverage? - The company is adopting an aggressive approach to repositioning the balance sheet and will evaluate the dividend in December based on liquidity and business progress [30] Question: Will the other assets category be evaluated at year-end as part of the audit? - Management confirmed that deferred tax assets will be reevaluated at year-end, with expectations of profitability growth as origination volume increases [34] Question: Is the Portland property being carried at fair value or at cost? - The property is carried at fair value for the condos held for sale, while the other components are held at cost [36][40] Question: How does the recent sale of a large office building in Portland affect property valuations? - Management clarified that the Portland asset is a luxury hospitality asset, which is not directly comparable to older office properties experiencing valuation declines [45]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a GAAP loss from continuing operations of $0.13 per common share and distributable earnings were a loss of $0.94 per common share, with $0.04 per common share excluding realized losses on asset sales [13] - Net interest income declined to $10.5 million due to a $1.4 billion reduction in the CRE portfolio and $40 million of negative credit migration [13] - Book value per share was $10.28 at quarter end, down $0.16 from June 30, primarily due to the dividend covered shortfall [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core portfolio totaled 1,120 loans with an unpaid principal balance of $5.4 billion, with delinquencies increasing to 5.9% of the total [5] - In the small business lending operations, $175 million of SBA 7(a) loans were originated, which was 50% below the quarterly target [9] - The small business lending platform generated $11 million in net income, adding 280 basis points return on equity before realized losses [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Portland mixed-use asset represented 14% of quarter-end equity, with a net operating loss of $330,000 and occupancy of 48% [8] - The office and retail space in the Portland asset is currently 28% leased and has hit break-even [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on returning to financial health and profitability through rehabilitation of the portfolio yield, growth of small business lending operations, and management of 2026 debt maturities [4] - The strategy includes reducing CRE loan exposure and accelerating sales of non-performing loans and REO positions [11] - The company plans to evaluate the dividend in December based on progress in the business plan and liquidity levels [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in refinancing pending debt maturities and emphasized a conservative posture regarding new investments and dividend policy [11][50] - The company expects to utilize unencumbered assets and additional senior and unsecured issuance to address liquidity needs [30] Other Important Information - The company liquidated $503 million in the non-core portfolio during the quarter, which had an $8 million drag on earnings [7] - The company has $830 million of unencumbered assets, including $150 million of unrestricted cash [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the right level of leverage for the company going forward? - Management indicated that the current gross leverage is around $3.5 million and they are looking for a pro forma basis of less than that [19] Question: What is the target mix of secured versus unsecured debt? - The expectation is that the majority of debt will be secured for the immediate future, with potential access to unsecured markets as they open [20][21] Question: Can you explain the rationale behind continuing to pay dividends while reducing leverage? - Management stated that they are adopting an aggressive approach to reposition the balance sheet and will evaluate the dividend in December based on liquidity and business progress [30] Question: Will the other assets category be evaluated at year-end as part of the audit? - Management confirmed that deferred tax assets are reevaluated regularly, including at year-end audits, and they expect profitability to grow as origination volume increases [34] Question: Is the Portland property being carried at fair value or at cost? - The property is carried at fair value with the current appraised value of $425 million, with condos held for sale at fair value and other components held at cost [36][40]

Core Insights - FHA loans are a popular mortgage option, accounting for nearly 20% of all mortgage applications, due to their government backing and easier qualification criteria [1][2][3] Group 1: FHA Loan Overview - FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, which protects lenders against borrower defaults [2] - These loans have been available since 1934 and are particularly favored by first-time home buyers [3] Group 2: Advantages of FHA Loans - FHA loans typically offer lower interest rates compared to conventional loans; for example, on September 15, 2025, the average FHA loan rate was 5.96% compared to 6.40% for conventional loans, potentially saving borrowers nearly $36,000 over the life of a $350,000 mortgage [6] - FHA loans allow for lower credit scores, with minimums ranging from 500 to 580 depending on the down payment, making them accessible for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit [8][10] - The down payment requirement for FHA loans is as low as 3.5% for borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher, translating to approximately $10,500 on a $300,000 loan [10] Group 3: Disadvantages of FHA Loans - FHA loans impose stricter debt-to-income (DTI) ratio limits, requiring a front-end DTI of 31% and a back-end DTI of 43%, which may disqualify some borrowers with high debt levels [13][14] - Loan amounts for FHA loans are capped, with limits set at $524,225 for most areas and up to $1,209,750 in high-cost markets, which may not suit buyers looking for luxury properties [16][17] - Borrowers with delinquent federal debts, including student loans, are ineligible for FHA loans, which could limit access for many potential buyers [18] Group 4: Alternatives to FHA Loans - Other mortgage options include conventional loans, VA loans for military personnel, USDA loans for rural properties, and jumbo loans for high-priced homes, each with distinct eligibility criteria and benefits [19][23]

Overview - The article discusses the differences between USDA loans and conventional loans, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each type of mortgage [1][2][5]. Loan Types - USDA loans are government-backed, zero-down-payment home loans aimed at low-to-moderate-income individuals in rural areas [2][5]. - Conventional loans are not insured by any government agency, making them riskier for lenders and typically subject to stricter requirements [3][5]. Application Process - The application and underwriting process for conventional loans usually takes 30 to 60 days, depending on individual circumstances [6]. - USDA loans may take longer due to potential manual underwriting for applicants with credit scores below 640 [7]. Income and Credit Requirements - USDA loans have strict income limits based on household size and location, while conventional loans do not impose income caps [8][26]. - Conventional loans generally require a minimum credit score of 620, whereas USDA lenders often prefer scores of at least 640, with some accepting scores as low as 580 [9][10]. Down Payment and Lending Limits - Conventional loans may require down payments as low as 3%, while USDA loans do not require any down payment [11]. - The conforming loan limit for conventional loans in 2025 is set at $806,500, with higher limits in expensive areas [12]. USDA loan limits are generally $419,300 but can vary by location [13]. Appraisal and Insurance - Both loan types require a home appraisal, but USDA appraisers must ensure properties meet specific USDA standards [14]. - Conventional loans typically require private mortgage insurance (PMI) if the down payment is less than 20%, while USDA loans have a guarantee fee structure that includes an upfront fee and an annual fee [15][16]. Pros and Cons - USDA loans offer low interest rates, low insurance costs, and no down payment requirement, making them attractive for eligible borrowers [18]. - However, USDA loans are limited to primary residences, have income restrictions, and require properties to be in rural areas [25]. - Conventional loans provide flexibility in terms of loan amounts and types, but they come with stricter eligibility requirements and potential PMI costs [26]. Conclusion - The choice between USDA and conventional loans depends on individual circumstances, including credit score, income level, and property location [23].

Core Insights - Non-conforming loans are defined as mortgage loans that do not meet the criteria set for conforming loans, which are capped by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) [2][12] - Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as government-sponsored enterprises, only purchase conforming loans, making non-conforming loans riskier for lenders [4][12] Types of Non-Conforming Loans - Common types of non-conforming loans include government-backed loans such as FHA, VA, and USDA loans, as well as jumbo loans that exceed FHFA limits [5][7] - FHA loans require a minimum credit score of 580 with a 3.5% down payment or a score of 500 with a 10% down payment [6] - VA loans have no minimum down payment requirements for qualifying military-affiliated borrowers [6] - USDA loans are designed for lower-income buyers in rural areas [6] Loan Limits and Requirements - The conforming loan limit for 2025 is set at $806,500, with a high-cost area limit of $1,209,750, increasing to $832,750 and $1,249,125 respectively in 2026 [5] - To qualify for a conforming loan, borrowers generally need a FICO credit score of at least 620 and a maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50% [5] Advantages of Non-Conforming Loans - Non-conforming loans can offer more flexible eligibility requirements, making them suitable for borrowers with lower credit scores or higher debt levels [9][10] - They provide options beyond the FHFA loan limits, allowing for potentially larger borrowing amounts [9] Disadvantages of Non-Conforming Loans - Fewer lenders offer non-conforming loans due to their higher risk, which can lead to higher interest rates compared to conforming loans [11][15] - Certain non-conforming loans may have stricter requirements, particularly jumbo loans [10][11] Interest Rates - Interest rates for non-conforming loans can vary; FHA, VA, and USDA loans typically have lower rates due to federal insurance, while jumbo loans may have rates similar to conforming loans [15]

Core Insights - The American dream of homeownership is increasingly difficult to achieve due to rising home prices, particularly for those with low incomes or poor credit scores [1] - Government-backed mortgages like FHA and USDA loans provide more accessible options for aspiring homeowners [1] Overview of FHA and USDA Loans - FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and are known for lenient credit score and low down payment requirements, making them popular among first-time buyers [2] - USDA loans are designed for low-to-moderate income borrowers looking to purchase homes in rural areas, with no down payment required but a minimum credit score of 640 often needed [3] Application Process and Underwriting - The application and underwriting process for FHA loans typically takes 30 to 45 days, depending on documentation speed [4] - USDA loans also close within 30 to 45 days, but the process may take longer due to potential manual underwriting for lower credit scores [5] Income Limits - USDA loans have strict income limits based on property location and household size, while FHA loans do not impose income limits but require proof of income [6] Credit Score Requirements - FHA loans require a minimum credit score of 500 with a 10% down payment or 580 with a 3.5% down payment [7] - USDA loans do not set a minimum credit score but lenders typically prefer a score of at least 640 [7][8] Interest Rates - Both FHA and USDA loans generally offer lower interest rates compared to conventional loans due to government backing [9] Down Payment Requirements - FHA loans require a down payment of 3.5% for scores of 580 or higher, and 10% for scores between 500 and 579 [10] - USDA loans do not require any down payment, which is a significant advantage [10] Mortgage Insurance - FHA loans require mortgage insurance premiums for the life of the loan, with specific conditions for removal [11] - USDA loans have a guarantee fee instead of traditional mortgage insurance, with costs structured differently [12] Maximum Lending Amounts - The 2025 FHA loan limit for a one-unit property ranges from $524,225 in low-cost areas to $1,209,750 in high-cost areas [13] - The 2025 USDA loan limit is $419,300 in most areas, with variations based on location [14] Appraisal Requirements - Both FHA and USDA loans require home appraisals to ensure property value and compliance with health and safety standards [15] Pros and Cons of FHA and USDA Loans - FHA loans offer low down payment and lenient eligibility but come with mortgage insurance and owner-occupancy requirements [16][17][19][25] - USDA loans provide no down payment and low insurance costs but have income restrictions and location requirements [20][26][27] Choosing Between FHA and USDA Loans - FHA loans may be preferable for those with some savings for a down payment but lower credit scores, while USDA loans are better suited for lower-income buyers without down payment savings looking in rural areas [23]

Core Insights - The article provides a comprehensive guide for first-time home buyers, detailing the steps involved in purchasing a home and the various loan options available to them. Group 1: Understanding First-Time Home Buyers - First-time home buyers are defined as individuals who have never purchased a single-family home, have not owned a home in the last three years, or are displaced homemakers/single parents who have not owned a home in the last three years [8][26]. Group 2: Steps to Buying a Home - Step 1 involves determining how much house can be afforded, with a recommendation that housing costs should total around 28% of gross pay, which is calculated using the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) [3][2]. - Closing costs, which typically range from 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price, must be factored into the overall budget [4]. - Step 2 emphasizes the importance of shopping around for mortgage lenders, with over 60% of home buyers comparing multiple lenders to secure the best rates and fees [6][20]. - Step 3 involves actively searching for a home, making a list of desired features, and attending open houses [10]. - Step 4 is about selecting a mortgage lender after receiving offers, allowing for a comparison of loan terms [11]. - Step 5 prepares buyers for closing, which includes receiving a Closing Disclosure form detailing mortgage interest and fees [12]. Group 3: First-Time Home Buyer Benefits - First-time home buyers can benefit from lower down payment requirements, with some lenders allowing as little as 3% down, and government programs offering assistance for closing costs and down payments [14][15]. - The Department of Housing and Urban Development provides resources for first-time home buyers to find assistance programs [16]. - Employers may also offer homeownership assistance programs for employees [17]. Group 4: Mortgage Options for First-Time Buyers - FHA loans are highlighted as a favorable option for first-time buyers due to lower credit score requirements and down payment options [22][27]. - VA loans are available for military personnel and their families, requiring no down payment [23]. - USDA loans cater to low-to-moderate-income buyers in rural areas, also requiring no down payment [24]. - HomeReady and Home Possible loans allow for a 3% down payment and may not require a minimum credit score [25]. Group 5: Challenges Faced by First-Time Home Buyers - Current mortgage rates, while historically average, are a concern for first-time buyers, contributing to a housing supply shortage of 3.8 million units [20][21]. - Rising home prices and inflation have made saving for a down payment increasingly difficult for potential buyers [21].