Blackstone Mortgage Trust(BXMT) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company reported a GAAP net loss of effectively zero and distributable earnings (DE) of $0.17 per share, with DE prior to charge-offs at $0.42 per share [4][20] - The company paid a dividend of $0.47 per share for the first quarter [4] - The impaired loan balance decreased by 58% from its peak, now standing at $970 million or 5% of the portfolio [15][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved $1.8 billion in repayments, with 86% from office properties, and $1.6 billion in new investments, marking the highest quarterly originations in over two years [10] - The portfolio is now 95% performing, up from 88% at the trough, with US office exposure reduced from nearly 40% to 21% [12][22] - The company commenced a net lease investment strategy, acquiring 27 properties concentrated in defensive businesses with average lease terms of 18 years [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that real estate cash flows are expected to benefit from diminished supply, which is at historically low levels [7] - The overall cost of capital remains around 40% lower than peak levels, with banks and investors under-allocated to real estate, supporting continued lending demand [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on minimizing credit risk while leveraging its platform to generate target returns, with 90% of 2025 activity backed by multifamily properties or cross-collateralized industrial portfolios [11] - The strategy includes optimizing the balance sheet, with liquidity at $1.6 billion and a leverage ratio of 3.4 times, the lowest in three years [16][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the real estate sector's ability to outperform despite macroeconomic uncertainties, citing a recovery phase and a well-functioning capital market [6][7] - The company anticipates continued strong performance in multifamily and industrial sectors, while monitoring the hospitality sector closely [60][61] Other Important Information - The company has a robust balance sheet with nearly 70% of its structure being non-mark-to-market, providing stability in volatile market conditions [17][27] - The company executed a $1 billion CLO with a 30-month reinvestment feature, enhancing its capital structure [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the current status of the four-rated loans? - The company has around $500 million in non-modified four-rated office loans, down significantly from $1 billion a year ago, and is focused on modifications and resolutions [33][34] Question: How do you see the impact of the new CLO on originations? - The new CLO provides optionality for financing new originations, with strong relationships with lenders ensuring good liquidity [35][36] Question: How do you expect loan growth in the coming quarters? - The company aims to grow the portfolio towards the $20 billion mark, with a focus on credit quality [44] Question: What trends are observed in the repo market? - The company has maintained strong relationships with lenders, with banks eager to grow their credit facility exposure [50][53] Question: How is the performance of the hospitality sector? - Hospitality exposure is currently at 6.5% of the portfolio, and while it is being monitored closely, the overall performance has been resilient [57][60] Question: What is the outlook for international exposure? - The company has a strong presence in Europe, with no specific cap on international exposure, and is optimistic about the relative value of investments in that market [74][78] Question: Will there be another CLO issuance this year? - The company is monitoring the CLO market closely and sees potential for another issuance later in the year if market conditions remain favorable [80][82] Question: What is the pace of resolving remaining impaired loans? - The company is optimistic about continuing to resolve impaired assets, with a clear path for several resolutions already in progress [84][86]