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Lument Finance Trust Reports First Quarter 2024 Results

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Lument Finance Trust Reports First Quarter 2024 Results

NEW YORK, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Lument Finance Trust, Inc. (NYSE: LFT) (“we”, “LFT” or “the Company”) today reported its first quarter results. Distributable earnings for the first quarter were $7.6 million, or $0.15 per share of common stock. GAAP net income attributable to common shareholders for the first quarter was $5.8 million, or $0.11 per share of common stock. The Company has also issued a detailed presentation of its results, which can be viewed at www.lumentfinancetrust.com.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

The Company will also host a conference call on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. ET to provide a business update and discuss the financial results for the first quarter of 2024. The conference call may be accessed by dialing 1-800-836-8184 (U.S.) or 1-646-357-8785 (international). Note: there is no passcode; please ask the operator to be joined into the Lument Finance Trust call. A live webcast, on a listen-only basis, is also available and can be accessed through the URL:

https://app.webinar.net/Mdk5ymjEwRV

For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, a recorded replay will be available for on-demand viewing approximately one hour after the end of the event through the Company’s website https://lumentfinancetrust.com/ and by telephone dial-in. The replay call-in number is 1-888-660-6345 (U.S.) or 1-646-517-4150 (international) with passcode 31313.

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In this release, the Company presents certain financial measures that are not calculated according to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). Specifically, the Company is presenting distributable earnings, which constitutes a non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K and is net income under GAAP. While we believe the non-GAAP information included in this press release provides supplemental information to assist investors in analyzing our results, and to assist investors in comparing our results with other peer issuers, these measures are not in accordance with GAAP, and they should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, our financial information calculated in accordance with GAAP. The methods of calculating non-GAAP financial measures may differ substantially from similarly titled measures used by other companies. Our GAAP financial results and the reconciliations from these results should be carefully evaluated.

Distributable Earnings

Distributable Earnings is a non-GAAP measure, which we define as GAAP net income (loss) attributable to holders of common stock computed in accordance with GAAP, including realized losses not otherwise included in GAAP net income (loss) and excluding (i) non-cash equity compensation, (ii) depreciation and amortization, (iii) any unrealized gains or losses or other similar non-cash items that are included in net income for that applicable reporting period, regardless of whether such items are included in other comprehensive income (loss) or net income (loss), and (iv) one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP and certain material non-cash income or expense items after discussions with the Company’s board of directors and approved by a majority of the Company’s independent directors.  Distributable Earnings mirrors how we calculate Core Earnings pursuant to the terms of our management agreement between our manager Lument Investment Management, LLC (“Manager”) and us, or our management agreement, for purposes of calculating the incentive fee payable to our Manager.

While Distributable Earnings excludes the impact of any unrealized provisions for credit losses, any loan losses are charged off and realized through Distributable Earnings when deemed non-recoverable.  Non-recoverability is determined (i) upon the resolution of a loan (i.e. when the loan is repaid, fully or partially, or in the case of foreclosures, when the underlying asset is sold), or (ii) with respect to any amount due under any loan, when such amount is determined to be non-collectible.

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We believe that Distributable Earnings provides meaningful information to consider in addition to our net income (loss) and cash flows from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP.  We believe Distributable Earnings is a useful financial metric for existing and potential future holders of our common stock as historically, over time, Distributable Earnings has been a strong indicator of our dividends per share of common stock.  As a REIT, we generally must distribute annually at least 90% of our taxable income, subject to certain adjustments, and therefore we believe our dividends are one of the principal reasons stockholders may invest in our common stock.  Furthermore, Distributable Earnings help us to evaluate our performance excluding the effects of certain transactions and GAAP adjustments that we believe are not necessarily indicative of our current loan portfolio and operations and is a performance metric we consider when declaring our dividends.

Distributable Earnings does not represent net income (loss) or cash generated from operating activities and should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP net income (loss), or an indication of GAAP cash flows from operations, a measure of our liquidity, or an indication of funds available for our cash needs.

GAAP to Distributable Earnings Reconciliation



Three Months Ended



March 31, 2024

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Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Information



Net Income attributable to common shareholders


$                    5,795,183

Adjustments for non-Distributable Earnings



  Unrealized loss (gain) on mortgage servicing rights

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Unrealized provision for credit losses


               (4,627)

1,776,873

Subtotal


1,772,246

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Other Adjustments



Adjustment for income taxes


10,892

Subtotal


10,892

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Distributable Earnings


$                    7,578,321




Weighted average shares outstanding – Basic and Diluted


52,249,299

Distributable Earnings per weighted share outstanding – Basic and Diluted

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$                             0.15

About LFT

LFT is a Maryland corporation focused on investing in, financing and managing a portfolio of commercial real estate debt investments.  The Company primarily invests in transitional floating rate commercial mortgage loans with an emphasis on middle-market multi-family assets.

LFT is externally managed and advised by Lument Investment Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

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Investors, security holders and other interested persons may find additional information regarding the Company at the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov/ or the Company website www.lumentfinancetrust.com or by directing requests to: Lument Finance Trust, 230 Park Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10169, Attention: Investor Relations. 

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. You can identify forward-looking statements by use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “plan,” “continue,” “intend,” “should,” “may,” “will,” “seek,” “would,” “could,” or similar expressions or other comparable terms, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s beliefs, assumptions and expectations of its future performance, taking into account all information currently available to the Company on the date of this press release or the date on which such statements are first made. Actual results may differ from expectations, estimates and projections. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this press release and should consider carefully the factors described in Part I, Item IA “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, and in other current or periodic filings with the SEC, when evaluating these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the Company’s control.  Except as required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Lument Finance Trust, Inc.

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When should kids start learning about money? Advice from local financial advisor

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When should kids start learning about money? Advice from local financial advisor

When should kids start learning about money, and preparing for adult expenses like rent, car payments, and insurance?

It’s a question asked recently by an ARC Seattle viewer.

We took the question to Adam Powell, Financial Advisor at Private Advisory Group in Redmond. Powell talked with ARC Seattle co-anchor Steve McCarron to share insights on the right age to form money habits, common financial mistakes parents unknowingly pass down to their children, and practical tips to set kids up for long-term financial success.

Find more ARC Seattle stories on our YouTube page.

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Soft-saving era? Gen-Z embraces new financial trend that puts experiences over long-term planning

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Soft-saving era? Gen-Z embraces new financial trend that puts experiences over long-term planning

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Many Gen-Zers are adopting a financial approach that prioritizes quality of life in the present, a trend that’s being called “soft saving.”

Bob Wheeler, a CPA, described the mindset as a shift in how young adults balance their current lifestyle with longterm planning.

“It’s really a financial approach of ‘I want to make sure I have a good quality of life, and I’m thinking about the future,’ but not as much as the present,” Wheeler said.

For many Gen Z consumers, that can mean spending more on experiences – like vacations or concerts – rather than saving for major purchases like a car or home.

Wheeler said the approach can offer emotional benefits.

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“I think there are definitely benefits, I mean, less anxiety, feeling like life is what you want it to be, fulfillment, versus saving for later on,” he said.

Still, financial experts caution against ignoring longterm stability. Wheeler encouraged young workers to take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement plans.

“They’re not going to do the max. They’re going to do enough to make sure they’re getting the match from your employer, so maybe they’re doing 3% or 5%. Maybe they’re not maxing out their IRAs. Maybe they’re doing $2,500,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of building an emergency fund, typically enough to cover six months of expenses.

“I want people to enjoy their life now because tomorrow is not promised,” Wheeler said. “I also just really reiterate to them ‘and you need to have some money set aside because we don’t know.’”

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But saving for a home may not be practical for everyone. In some places, renting can be cheaper, and tenants avoid maintenance costs.

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Local M&A advisory firm Matrix acquired by banking giant Citizens Financial – Richmond BizSense

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Local M&A advisory firm Matrix acquired by banking giant Citizens Financial – Richmond BizSense

Matri x Capital Markets Group is now a division of Citizens Financial Group. (Image Courtesy Citizens Financial Group)

Matrix Capital Markets Group is used to helping businesses line up mergers and acquisitions.

For its latest transaction, the Richmond-based M&A advisory and investment banking firm was itself the subject of the deal.

Matrix was acquired last week by Rhode Island-based banking giant Citizens Financial Group.

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Matrix, along with its nearly three dozen employees, including 20 in Richmond, are now operating as a division of Citizens, within the $226 billion bank’s investment banking arm, Citizens JMP Securities.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. It involved an asset purchase that bought out Matrix’s 15 shareholders.

The deal ends Matrix’s 38-year run as an independent firm, a notable streak in an industry where consolidation of smaller firms into larger ones is common.

Matrix was founded in Richmond in 1988 by Scott Frayser and Jeff Moore and has since hit its stride by building a niche in handling deals for companies in the downstream energy and convenience retail sector.

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The firm has been run in recent years by president Spencer Cavalier and Cedric Fortemps, co-head of the firm’s largest investment banking team.

Fortemps said Matrix began to search for a larger acquirer last year.

Cedric Fortemps

Cedric Fortemps

“The board decided to see if we could find a partner and a transaction that could build on what we’ve built thus far,” Fortemps said.

Matrix enlisted investment banking firm Houlihan Lokey to help in the search and negotiate on its behalf, along with the law firm Calfee as its legal advisor.

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Fortemps said Citizen rose to the top of the pack of suitors in part due to JMP Securities’ track record of acquiring smaller firms like Matrix.

“They have acquired four other firms very similar to ours. Seeing the successes they had with those groups… the playbook is really to let the firms continue to operate the way they had,” Fortemps said.

Matrix’s Richmond office in the Gateway Plaza building downtown will continue to operate, as will its second office in Baltimore.

The Matrix brand will continue to be used for the time being but will eventually be phased out.

Fortemps said the firm’s success and particularly its growth in recent years has been fueled by its expertise in working deals for downstream energy clients – such as wholesale fuels distributors, propane and heating oil distributors – and convenience store and gas station chains.

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Matrix’s rise in that sector began in 1997, when it hired Tom Kelso, who lived in Baltimore and owned a heating oil fuels distribution business. Kelso, who would eventually serve as the firm’s president prior to Cavalier, had a vision to launch an M&A firm for that industry.

“It took seven to eight years to grow it but eventually we were able to get a reputation of really high quality work and those successes on smaller transactions resulted in us being considered for larger deals,” Fortemps said.

Today, 21of the firm’s 26 investment bankers work on the team that handles deals for those industries. It controls about 40% market share for the M&A market for those sectors, Fortemps said.

The firm closes nearly two dozen transactions a year over the last five years and has closed 500 deals since its inception.

The typical value of its deals is more than $20 million, though the transactions it has closed over the last three years in the energy and convenience retail sectors have grown to $140 million per deal, Matrix said.

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Its largest deal to date was closed last year, involving the $1.6 billion acquisition of convenience store chain Giant Eagle.

Matrix also works deals in other industries such as lubricants distribution, automotive after-market suppliers and car washes, as well as outdoor recreation and the marine industry.

After decades of representing buyers and sellers in M&A, Fortemps said the Citizens deal was a new experience for the Matrix team: being the target of the transaction, rather than the ones facilitating it.

“It certainly made me appreciate everything our clients have to go through on the other side of the table,” he said.

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