Rithm Capital (RITM) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings available for distribution (EAD) was $0.52 per diluted share, representing an 8% year-over-year growth, marking the 22nd consecutive quarter where EAD exceeded common dividends paid [17] - GAAP net income was $36.5 million or $0.07 per diluted share, with a 2% return on equity [17] - Book value at the end of the quarter was $12.39, with the company trading at $10.40, indicating that equity is perceived as severely undervalued [19][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Genesis Capital produced nearly $1 billion in production, a 7% increase year-over-year, with 33 new sponsors added in the quarter [20][34] - Sculptor's asset management business reported $35 billion of assets under management (AUM) with $1.4 billion of gross inflows across the platform [21][37] - Newrez, as the third-largest servicer and fifth-largest originator, generated $270 million of pre-tax income with a funded volume of nearly $12 billion [23][43] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has over $80 billion of assets under management, with significant growth in the mortgage servicing and asset management sectors [15][16] - The servicing portfolio for Newrez is approximately $850 billion, which includes $509 billion of owned mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) [47] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow off-balance sheet capital and expand investment verticals, including energy transition and infrastructure funds [26][27] - There is a focus on building partnerships with limited partners (LPs) to enhance capital raising efforts and improve overall business performance [28][72] - The company is exploring various capital actions to unlock shareholder value, including potential public listings and restructuring [59][113] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating market volatility, emphasizing the importance of performance and risk management [6][7] - The outlook for the asset management business remains positive, with expectations for continued fundraising momentum despite market conditions [72][104] - Management is optimistic about the potential for acquisitions in both the mortgage and asset management sectors, particularly in light of lower valuations [68][70] Other Important Information - The company is rolling out MSR funds, which are expected to attract significant demand in the marketplace [12][85] - The SPAC initiative aims to generate asset management fees and create off-balance sheet investment opportunities [40][108] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the Cooper Rocket transaction and its impact on Newrez - Management indicated that it would be business as usual for Newrez, with potential opportunities for subservicing arising from the transaction [56] Question: Thoughts on potential acquisition opportunities - Management confirmed an active M&A pipeline, particularly in the mortgage and asset management spaces, with a focus on scaling the credit business [68][70] Question: Fundraising activity and LP appetite amid volatility - Management reported strong brand recognition and active fundraising efforts, emphasizing the importance of partnerships with LPs [72][74] Question: Performance and returns at Sculptor - Management highlighted strong performance across the credit and real estate businesses, with significant commitments in the real estate fund [80][82] Question: Insights on MSR funds and expected returns - Management noted that the MSR funds are still in development, with anticipated demand and returns to be determined [85] Question: Credit performance within the Genesis portfolio - Management reported steady performance with low delinquency rates, emphasizing disciplined underwriting practices [92] Question: Market conditions for securitization - Management indicated that the market remains open for deals, with opportunities arising from wider spreads [96][97] Question: Update on Sculptor's fundraising targets - Management stated that multiple funds are in the market, focusing on credit, real estate, and energy infrastructure [106] Question: Motivation behind the SPAC vehicle - Management explained that the SPAC provides a low-cost option for generating asset management fees and deploying capital [108] Question: Triggers for potential listing of Newrez - Management expressed hope for capital actions in 2025, driven by performance improvements and market conditions [114]