Franklin BSP Realty Trust Completes Sale of Largest REO Asset in Raleigh

FBRT
April 02, 2026

Franklin BSP Realty Trust (FBRT) closed the sale of its largest foreclosure‑owned multifamily property in Raleigh, North Carolina, on April 1, 2026. The asset was sold at a discount to its carrying value, and FBRT provided financing to the buyer, turning the former non‑performing asset into an income‑generating investment.

The transaction marks a key milestone in FBRT’s capital‑recycling strategy. President Brian Buffone said the disposition “represents a meaningful milestone in unlocking value across our portfolio,” while CEO Michael Comparato noted the deal “underscores our ability to transform a non‑performing asset into a performing one in a single step, with an immediate positive impact on earnings.” The sale also brings the company closer to resolving the legacy challenges from its 2021‑2022 origination period.

As of December 31, 2025, FBRT reported approximately $6.1 billion in assets and is externally managed by Benefit Street Partners L.L.C., a subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. The company recently cut its quarterly dividend from $0.355 to $0.20 per share in February 2026, and it faces a securities‑fraud class action lawsuit with a deadline of April 27, 2026. Its portfolio remains heavily weighted toward multifamily properties, comprising roughly 71‑77% of total holdings.

Looking ahead, FBRT plans to acquire NewPoint Holdings JV LLC, a commercial real‑estate finance company, with the transaction expected to be accretive in the second half of 2026. Management remains confident that the company’s capital‑recycling initiatives will strengthen its balance sheet and support future growth.

The sale of the Raleigh property is a positive development amid broader market concerns about dividend coverage and earnings volatility. By converting a large REO asset into a performing investment, FBRT demonstrates progress in its strategy to redeploy capital into higher‑yielding opportunities, even as it navigates ongoing legal and financial challenges.

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