Ready Capital (US:RC)2025-11-07 14:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a GAAP loss from continuing operations of $0.13 per common share and distributable earnings were a loss of $0.94 per common share, with $0.04 per common share excluding realized losses on asset sales [13] - Net interest income declined to $10.5 million due to a $1.4 billion reduction in the CRE portfolio and $40 million of negative credit migration [13] - Book value per share was $10.28 at quarter end, down $0.16 from June 30, primarily due to the dividend covered shortfall [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core portfolio totaled 1,120 loans with an unpaid principal balance of $5.4 billion, with delinquencies increasing to 5.9% of the total [5] - The small business lending platform originated $175 million of SBA 7(a) loans, 50% below the quarterly target, generating $11 million in net income [10] - The non-core portfolio had an $8 million drag on earnings, with $503 million liquidated in the quarter [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Portland mixed-use asset represented 14% of quarter-end equity, with a net operating loss of $330,000 and occupancy of 48% [8] - The office and retail space in the Portland asset is currently 28% leased and has hit break-even [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on returning to financial health and profitability through portfolio yield rehabilitation, growth in small business lending, and management of 2026 debt maturities [4] - The strategy includes reducing CRE loan exposure and accelerating sales of non-performing loans and REO positions [11] - The company plans to evaluate the dividend in December based on progress in the business plan and liquidity levels [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in refinancing pending debt maturities and emphasized a conservative approach to new investments and dividend policy [11][50] - The company expects to utilize unencumbered assets and additional senior and unsecured issuance to address liquidity needs [30] Other Important Information - The company completed two portfolio sales, netting $85 million and $24 million from the sales of loans [4][5] - The combined provision for loan loss and valuation allowance decreased by $140.2 million, with a net increase in provision for loan losses of $38 million [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the right level of leverage for the company going forward? - Management indicated that the current gross leverage is around $3.5 million, with a target of less than that on a pro forma basis [19] Question: What is the target mix of secured versus unsecured debt? - The expectation is that the majority of debt will be secured for the immediate future, with potential access to unsecured markets as they open [20][21] Question: Can you explain the rationale behind continuing to pay dividends while reducing leverage? - The company is adopting an aggressive approach to repositioning the balance sheet and will evaluate the dividend in December based on liquidity and business progress [30] Question: Will the other assets category be evaluated at year-end as part of the audit? - Management confirmed that deferred tax assets will be reevaluated at year-end, with expectations of profitability growth as origination volume increases [34] Question: Is the Portland property being carried at fair value or at cost? - The property is carried at fair value for the condos held for sale, while the other components are held at cost [36][40] Question: How does the recent sale of a large office building in Portland affect property valuations? - Management clarified that the Portland asset is a luxury hospitality asset, which is not directly comparable to older office properties experiencing valuation declines [45]