ARI Q1 Deep Dive: Loan Portfolio Expansion and Asset Resolution in Volatile Market

Commercial real estate REIT Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance (NYSE:ARI) reported Q1 CY2025 results exceeding the market’s revenue expectations, but sales fell by 18.3% year on year to $65.82 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.24 per share was 8.8% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Is now the time to buy ARI? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

StockStory’s Take

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance's first quarter reflected a year of transition for the commercial real estate market. Despite an 18.3% decline in sales compared to the prior year, the company surpassed Wall Street’s revenue and non-GAAP profit expectations. Management attributed the quarter’s performance to robust loan origination activity, with $650 million in new loans primarily focused on U.S. residential properties and data centers, while emphasizing the importance of proactive asset management and asset resolutions to drive portfolio returns. CEO Stuart Rothstein noted, “the recent volatility has led to modest spread widening and a more cautious tone in the market.”

Looking ahead, management framed the outlook as dependent on both market recovery and successful redeployment of capital from resolved assets. The company expects distributable earnings to improve as capital is recycled into higher-yielding loans, and highlighted strong secular demand for residential and data center properties. CFO Anastasia Mironova stated that “Q1 results represent a trough,” with expectations that future earnings will meet or exceed the current quarterly dividend run rate. Management emphasized continued caution around macroeconomic headwinds, particularly the risk of a recession and construction cost inflation due to tariffs.

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Management pointed to new loan originations, asset sales progress, and a balanced U.S.-Europe portfolio as central to first quarter results and ongoing strategy.

• Loan origination momentum: The company closed $650 million in new loans during the quarter, mostly secured by residential properties and a data center, reflecting continued demand in these segments despite market caution.
• Active asset management: ARI reported progress on resolving focus assets, including notable sales at 111 West 57th Street, which helped reduce exposure and is expected to further free up capital for reinvestment as more units close.
• Portfolio growth and mix: The loan portfolio grew to $7.7 billion, with a stable risk profile. Management highlighted a diverse mix across U.S. and European markets, allowing flexibility to shift capital in response to regional market dynamics.
• Secured borrowing expansion: The company increased its secured borrowing capacity, extending and upsizing facilities with key lenders and adding new counterparties, which management views as critical for maintaining liquidity and supporting future loan growth.
• Focus on yield and risk: The weighted average yield remained at 7.9%, with management reiterating disciplined underwriting and a cautious approach to new investments, especially as macroeconomic risks remain elevated.

Drivers of Future Performance

Looking forward, ARI’s performance will hinge on successful asset resolutions, capital redeployment, and managing macroeconomic headwinds such as recession risk and construction cost inflation.

• Capital recycling and asset sales: Management expects repayment and resolution of focus assets, notably 111 West 57th Street and Liberty Center, to provide capital for new higher-yielding investments. Timely asset sales are key to supporting loan growth and earnings.
• Macro and market volatility: The outlook is tempered by uncertainty around potential recession impacts, particularly on hospitality and office assets, and higher construction costs due to tariffs. Management is monitoring these risks and adjusting asset allocation accordingly.
• Loan origination pipeline: The forward pipeline includes both U.S. and European deals, with management emphasizing flexibility to shift focus depending on where opportunities arise and credit conditions remain favorable. The company aims to sustain strong origination momentum while maintaining portfolio quality.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In the quarters ahead, our analysts will focus on (1) progress in asset resolutions and repayments, especially at 111 West 57th Street and Liberty Center; (2) the pace and mix of new loan originations across the U.S. and Europe; and (3) the company’s ability to maintain portfolio quality and yields amidst ongoing macro volatility. Managing construction cost inflation and securing favorable borrowing terms will also be important signposts for ARI’s execution.

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance currently trades at $9.92, up from $9.08 just before the earnings. In the wake of this quarter, is it a buy or sell? See for yourself in our full research report (it’s free).

Stocks That Trumped Tariffs

The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025.

While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we’re homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver’s seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.