RPT(RPT) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first quarter, GAAP income was $1.1 million or $0.02 per diluted share, while earnings available for distribution were $5 million or $0.02 per diluted share [9][10] - The first quarter dividend paid was $0.06, with expectations for future growth [10] - The company has approximately $295 million in total equity and a GAAP book value of $5.4, while the stock trades at about $2.85, indicating significant undervaluation [10][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the first quarter, the company deployed $65 million in various commercial real estate (CRE) debt, including $47 million in AAC CMBS bonds with an approximate 11% yield [11] - A $35 million loan was split between Rhythm Capital and Rhythm Property Trust, yielding a 12% to 13% unlevered return [11] - The company sold $21 million of legacy residential assets during the quarter [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has no legacy commercial real estate exposure, positioning it favorably in the current market environment [6][15] - The market has seen wider spreads across various asset classes, indicating increased volatility and potential opportunities [21][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow earnings and shareholder value by focusing on opportunistic investments and diversifying across different asset classes [15][16] - The management is looking for strategic transactions or acquisitions to enhance earnings growth [12][13] - The company plans to maintain a clean balance sheet while gradually moving away from legacy assets [41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to create shareholder value despite market volatility [10][21] - The company is focused on deploying capital at attractive returns while being patient in the current market [12][15] - There is a robust pipeline of opportunities, and management believes that the current valuation presents a significant growth opportunity [13][15] Other Important Information - The company raised $52 million in capital during the quarter [11] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a diversified portfolio to mitigate risks [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Has market volatility changed sellers' motivations? - Management noted wider spreads across the board and observed stability in the market, indicating more opportunities for deal flow [21] Question: Are there shifts in thoughts on platform or transformative acquisitions? - Management clarified that they are still looking at platforms and origination businesses, focusing on how to leverage origination engines [23] Question: What is the status of the $17.5 million subordinate mortgage investment? - Management described it as an opportunistic investment and emphasized a diversified portfolio strategy [29] Question: When will the company start paying down higher coupon corporate debt? - Management indicated that the corporate debt at 9.5% will likely remain until the company scales further [31] Question: How is the dividend coverage progressing? - Management stated that growing earnings and reducing lower coupon assets are key to improving dividend coverage [34] Question: What is the outlook for selling legacy assets? - Management indicated that the ability to sell legacy assets is limited, with only about $25 million remaining that could potentially be sold [42] Question: What percentage of the balance sheet is core long-term home versus commercial real estate? - Management stated that the goal is to deploy capital primarily in commercial real estate assets, with a focus on opportunistic investments [52] Question: What is the experience of the team focusing on CRE? - Management highlighted a robust team with extensive experience in commercial real estate, including partnerships with affiliates [54] Question: What are the banks' current lending activities? - Management noted that banks are still lending on the senior side and are looking for partners, while also being cautious with non-performing loans [57]