Core Insights - Douglas Elliman Real Estate has launched Elliman Capital, an in-house mortgage platform aimed at simplifying the home financing process for both traditional and non-traditional borrowers [1][2] - The platform will initially be available in Florida, with plans for expansion to all states where Douglas Elliman operates [1][3] Company Overview - Douglas Elliman Inc. is one of the largest residential brokerage companies in the United States, with operations in multiple states including New York, Florida, California, and Texas [5] - The company is also involved in early-stage property technology solutions and offers various real estate services [5] Product Offering - Elliman Capital provides a wide range of loan products, including conventional loans, jumbo loans, construction loans, investment property financing, bridge loans, commercial lending, second home mortgages, FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans [2][4] - The platform is designed to cater to diverse borrower needs, including self-employed individuals, investors, and foreign nationals [2][3] Technology and Process - The new mortgage platform incorporates advanced technology to streamline the mortgage application and approval process, allowing agents to track loan progress and receive real-time updates [4][6] - This integration aims to enhance the overall client experience from property search to closing [4] Competitive Advantage - Douglas Elliman's established reputation for luxury service and market expertise positions Elliman Capital to become a significant player in the residential lending market [4] - The company leverages strong lender relationships to offer competitive rates and optimal terms for clients [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth quarter GAAP losses per common share were $1.90, while distributable earnings showed a loss of $0.03. Excluding realized losses on asset sales, distributable earnings were $0.23 per common share, representing a 7.1% return on average stockholders' equity [32] - Book value per share decreased to $10.61 from $12.59 in the previous quarter, primarily due to an increase in combined CECL and valuation allowance [40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core portfolio contracted by $1.3 billion, with new production limited to $485 million, resulting in an 840 basis points contribution to distributable ROE before realized losses [15] - Small business lending operations experienced significant origination growth of 1.7%, with fourth quarter originations of $350 million, capping a record year of $1.2 billion [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The CRE loan portfolio totaled $7.2 billion, split into 83% core and 17% non-core assets. The core portfolio has a contractual yield of 8% with a 93% pay rate [13] - 60-day plus delinquencies in the core portfolio were only 2%, with an average risk rating of 2.2% [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has undertaken aggressive actions to reset the balance sheet, including a $284 million combined CECL and valuation allowances, marking 100% of non-performing loans to current values [9] - The strategy involves bifurcating the CRE portfolio into core and non-core assets to enhance transparency and track asset management strategies [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects recovery in net interest margin and ROE over the succeeding year, with a focus on aggressive liquidation of the non-core portfolio [10][29] - The company anticipates originating between $1 billion and $1.5 billion of new production in lower middle market CRE loans in 2025 [15] Other Important Information - The company has a strong liquidity position with $185 million of unrestricted cash and has raised $350 million of corporate financing across two transactions [41] - The company plans to execute a $150 million share repurchase program to enhance shareholder returns [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will cash earnings cover the new dividend level? - Management expects to cover the dividend approximately 1.5 times over the course of the year, with earnings ramping up as the year progresses [46] Question: What is the rationale behind the UDF acquisition? - The acquisition is viewed as highly accretive on an EPS basis, with a strong historical performance of the loans involved [78] Question: How does the company plan to address 2026 maturities? - The company plans to access markets for refinancing and has already started addressing some maturities with recent senior secured notes [72] Question: What are the credit trends in the SBA business? - The company has seen strong credit trends in its SBA portfolio, with 60-plus delinquencies remaining at a moderate level of 2.8% [89]