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Ready Capital (RC) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
Ready Capital Ready Capital (US:RC)2025-05-09 13:30

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter GAAP earnings per common share were $0.47 while distributable earnings were a loss of $0.09 per common share [13] - Net interest income declined to $14.6 million in the quarter, primarily due to non-core assets moving to nonaccrual status [13] - Book value per share remained flat at $10.61, with total leverage declining to 3.5 times [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total CRE loan portfolio was bifurcated into $5.9 billion core loans and $1.2 billion non-core loans, with a 5% decline in the core portfolio [6] - The core portfolio generated a levered yield of 10.2%, resulting in $43.4 million of net interest income [8] - Non-core portfolio liquidations surpassed targets by close to 2x, generating $28 million of liquidity [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The multifamily sector showed resilience with a 1% increase in rents in Q1 2025, despite macroeconomic pressures [4] - The twelve-month default rate for the company was 3.2%, slightly better than the industry average of 3.4% [10] - The SBA business experienced high volumes at $343 million, although moderation is anticipated [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company initiated a balance sheet repositioning plan in Q4 2024, focusing on liquidating non-core assets to reinvest in the core portfolio [12] - The strategy aims to restore net interest margin (NIM) to peer group levels by the end of 2025, with accretion expected in 2026 [12] - The company remains committed to supporting the Portland mixed-use asset project, aiming for stabilization and eventual exit [9][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the macro environment remains challenging, but the multifamily sector is benefiting from excess demand [4][25] - The company expects to maintain its current dividend level until the earnings profile warrants an increase [12] - Future earnings trajectory is expected to improve post-liquidation of non-core assets and reinvestment into the core portfolio [31] Other Important Information - The company completed the UDF merger, resulting in a bargain purchase gain of $102.5 million, adding $167.1 million of equity to the balance sheet [16] - Liquidity remains healthy with unrestricted cash over $200 million and $1 billion of total unencumbered assets [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of April's volatility on non-core book expectations - Management indicated that ongoing conversations with various parties are progressing well and do not expect significant impact from April's volatility [22][24] Question: Near-term expectations for distributable earnings trajectory - Management expects the second quarter earnings profile to be similar to Q1, with improvements anticipated post-reinvestment of equity [28][31] Question: Current views on share repurchases - Management is evaluating share repurchases against liquidity needs and upcoming debt maturities, indicating confidence in accessing capital markets [32][35] Question: Catalyst for CLO interest coverage issues - Management noted that elevated rates are impacting NOIs, leading to increased modifications in the portfolio [40] Question: Status of the Portland asset and future plans - The asset will remain levered, with plans to stabilize and sequentially exit components as they improve [43][44] Question: Expected moderation in SBA volumes - Management anticipates SBA volumes to be below $1.5 billion for the next few quarters due to policy changes and staffing issues at the SBA [52][54]