Document
Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 
 
Form 10-Q
 
 
(Mark One)
 
ý      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016
 
Or
 
o         TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from      to      
 
Commission file number:
001-36299
 
 
Ladder Capital Corp
ladrlogoa02.jpg
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
80-0925494
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
 
345 Park Avenue, New York
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
10154
(Zip Code)
 
(212) 715-3170
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  ý  No  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes  ý  No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer ý
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act): 
Yes o  No ý
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
Class
 
Outstanding at October 31, 2016
Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value
 
65,200,330
Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value
 
44,388,184

 


Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL CORP
 
FORM 10-Q
September 30, 2016
 
Index
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Quarterly Report”) includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this Quarterly Report, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, strategy and plans, and our expectations for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “can have,” “likely,” “continue,” “design,” and other words and terms of similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
 
We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives and financial needs. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. Our future financial position and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements are subject to change and inherent risks and uncertainties. You should consider our forward-looking statements in light of a number of factors that may cause actual results to vary from our forward-looking statements including, but not limited to:
 
risks discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the “Annual Report”), as well as our combined consolidated financial statements, related notes, and the other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report and our other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”);
changes in general economic conditions, in our industry and in the commercial finance and the real estate markets;
changes to our business and investment strategy;
our ability to obtain and maintain financing arrangements;
the financing and advance rates for our assets;
our actual and expected leverage;
the adequacy of collateral securing our loan portfolio and a decline in the fair value of our assets;
interest rate mismatches between our assets and our borrowings used to fund such investments;
changes in interest rates and the market value of our assets;
changes in prepayment rates on our assets;
the effects of hedging instruments and the degree to which our hedging strategies may or may not protect us from interest rate and credit risk volatility;
the increased rate of default or decreased recovery rates on our assets;
the adequacy of our policies, procedures and systems for managing risk effectively;
a potential downgrade in the credit ratings assigned to our investments;
the impact of and changes in governmental regulations, tax laws and rates, accounting guidance and similar matters;
our ability to maintain our qualification as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes and our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to operate in compliance with REIT requirements;
our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to maintain our and their exemptions from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”);
potential liability relating to environmental matters that impact the value of properties we may acquire or the properties underlying our investments;
the inability of insurance covering real estate underlying our loans and investments to cover all losses;
the availability of investment opportunities in mortgage-related and real estate-related instruments and other securities;
fraud by potential borrowers;
the availability of qualified personnel;
the degree and nature of our competition;
the market trends in our industry, interest rates, real estate values, the debt securities markets or the general economy; and
the prepayment of the mortgages and other loans underlying our mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities.
 

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You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. In addition, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report are made as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements.

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REFERENCES TO LADDER CAPITAL CORP
 
Ladder Capital Corp is a holding company, and its primary assets are a controlling equity interest in Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP (“LCFH” or the “Operating Partnership”) and in each series thereof, directly or indirectly. Unless the context suggests otherwise, references in this report to “Ladder,” “Ladder Capital,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer (1) prior to the February 2014 initial public offering (“IPO”) of the Class A common stock of Ladder Capital Corp and related transactions, to LCFH (“Predecessor”) and its combined consolidated subsidiaries and (2) after our IPO and related transactions, to Ladder Capital Corp and its combined consolidated subsidiaries.


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Part I - Financial Information
 
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
The combined consolidated financial statements of Ladder Capital Corp and the notes related to the foregoing combined consolidated financial statements are included in this Item 1.
 
Index to Combined Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



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Table of Contents

Ladder Capital Corp
Combined Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
59,693

 
$
108,959

Cash collateral held by broker
37,497

 
30,811

Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, net, at amortized cost
1,643,035

 
1,738,645

Mortgage loan receivables held for sale
784,186

 
571,764

Real estate securities, available-for-sale
2,650,959

 
2,407,217

Real estate and related lease intangibles, net
825,593

 
834,779

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
33,860

 
33,797

FHLB stock
77,915

 
77,915

Derivative instruments
254

 
2,821

Accrued interest receivable
23,794

 
22,776

Other assets
79,030

 
65,728

Total assets
$
6,215,816

 
$
5,895,212

Liabilities and Equity
 

 
 

Liabilities
 

 
 

Debt obligations
$
4,601,011

 
$
4,274,723

Due to brokers
16,151

 

Derivative instruments
9,368

 
5,504

Amount payable pursuant to tax receivable agreement
1,910

 
1,910

Dividends payable
3,120

 
17,456

Accrued expenses
54,868

 
78,142

Other liabilities
28,690

 
26,069

Total liabilities
4,715,118

 
4,403,804

Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)

 

Equity
 

 
 

Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 600,000,000 shares authorized; 66,295,378 and 55,758,710 shares issued and 65,200,330 and 55,209,849 shares outstanding
66

 
55

Class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 44,388,184 and 44,055,987 shares issued and outstanding
44

 
44

Additional paid-in capital
900,661

 
776,866

Treasury stock, 1,095,048 and 548,861 shares, at cost
(11,244
)
 
(5,812
)
Retained Earnings/(Dividends in Excess of Earnings)
(31,440
)
 
60,618

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
27,893

 
(3,556
)
Total shareholders’ equity
885,980

 
828,215

Noncontrolling interest in operating partnership
609,650

 
657,380

Noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures
5,068

 
5,813

Total equity
1,500,698

 
1,491,408

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and equity
$
6,215,816

 
$
5,895,212

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined consolidated financial statements.

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Ladder Capital Corp
Combined Consolidated Statements of Income
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share and Dividend Data)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income
$
60,284

 
$
63,013

 
$
175,650

 
$
178,635

Interest expense
30,685

 
29,535

 
88,622

 
83,846

Net interest income
29,599

 
33,478

 
87,028

 
94,789

Provision for loan losses

 
150

 
300

 
450

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
29,599

 
33,328

 
86,728

 
94,339

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other income
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Operating lease income
19,466

 
20,671

 
57,845

 
60,207

Tenant recoveries
1,185

 
2,847

 
3,844

 
7,883

Sale of loans, net
19,640

 
15,165

 
30,265

 
59,717

Realized gain (loss) on securities
7,126

 
513

 
9,524

 
23,680

Unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities
(47
)
 
731

 
29

 
(639
)
Realized gain on sale of real estate, net
4,649

 
6,406

 
15,616

 
21,347

Fee and other income
8,101

 
3,483

 
17,258

 
10,857

Net result from derivative transactions
9,356

 
(42,242
)
 
(66,148
)
 
(54,594
)
Earnings (loss) from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures
(141
)
 
(25
)
 
485

 
580

Gain on extinguishment of debt

 

 
5,382

 

Total other income (loss)
69,335

 
7,549

 
74,100

 
129,038

Costs and expenses
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Salaries and employee benefits
17,296

 
17,628

 
43,343

 
47,333

Operating expenses
4,391

 
4,951

 
15,399

 
20,487

Real estate operating expenses
7,969

 
8,975

 
22,613

 
27,976

Real estate acquisition costs
423

 
470

 
631

 
1,524

Fee expense
803

 
675

 
2,407

 
3,260

Depreciation and amortization
9,733

 
9,561

 
28,789

 
29,238

Total costs and expenses
40,615

 
42,260

 
113,182

 
129,818

Income (loss) before taxes
58,319

 
(1,383
)
 
47,646

 
93,559

Income tax expense (benefit)
8,721

 
(4,181
)
 
5,547

 
4,101

Net income (loss)
49,598

 
2,798

 
42,099

 
89,458

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures
439

 
85

 
436

 
578

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in operating partnership
(22,429
)
 
430

 
(17,664
)
 
(43,338
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Class A common shareholders
$
27,608

 
$
3,313

 
$
24,871

 
$
46,698

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Table of Contents

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.44

 
$
0.06

 
$
0.41

 
$
0.91

Diluted
$
0.44

 
$
0.06

 
$
0.40

 
$
0.91

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
62,148,362

 
52,922,487

 
60,976,046

 
51,091,977

Diluted
63,347,690

 
53,348,858

 
61,875,010

 
51,388,851

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends per share of Class A common stock (Note 11)
$
0.275

 
$
0.275

 
$
0.825

 
$
0.775


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

Ladder Capital Corp
Combined Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
49,598

 
$
2,798

 
$
42,099

 
$
89,458

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of tax:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale (1)
(1,450
)
 
16,697

 
63,383

 
20,732

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) included in net income (2)
(7,126
)
 
(705
)
 
(10,108
)
 
(24,851
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
(8,576
)
 
15,992

 
53,275

 
(4,119
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
41,022

 
18,790

 
95,374

 
85,339

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures
439

 
85

 
436

 
578

Comprehensive income of combined Class A common shareholders and Operating Partnership unitholders
$
41,461

 
$
18,875

 
$
95,810

 
$
85,917

Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest in operating partnership
(18,978
)
 
(6,810
)
 
(40,768
)
 
(41,245
)
Comprehensive income attributable to Class A common shareholders
$
22,483

 
$
12,065

 
$
55,042

 
$
44,672

 
(1)
Amounts are net of provision for income taxes of $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

(2)
Amounts are net of (provision for) income taxes of $(0.5) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

Ladder Capital Corp
Combined Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(Dollars and Shares in Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Class A Common Stock 
  
Class B Common Stock 
  
Additional Paid-
in-Capital
 
  
Treasury Stock 
 
Retained Earnings/(Dividends in Excess of Earnings) 
  
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
  
Noncontrolling Interests 
  
Total Shareholders’
Equity/Partners
Capital
 
Shares 
  
Par 
  
Shares 
  
Par 
  
  
 
  
  
Operating
Partnership
 
  
Consolidated
Joint Ventures
 
  
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Balance, December 31, 2015
55,210

 
$
55

 
44,056

 
$
44

 
$
776,866

 
$
(5,812
)
 
$
60,618

 
$
(3,556
)
 
$
657,380

 
$
5,813

 
$
1,491,408

Contributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
250

 

 
250

Distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(39,040
)
 
(309
)
 
(39,349
)
Equity based compensation

 

 

 

 
383

 

 

 

 
12,311

 

 
12,694

Grants of restricted stock
794

 
1

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of treasury stock
(424
)
 

 

 

 

 
(4,652
)
 

 

 

 

 
(4,652
)
Shares acquired to satisfy minimum required federal and state tax withholding on vesting restricted stock and units
(73
)
 

 
(1
)
 

 

 
(780
)
 

 

 
(6
)
 

 
(786
)
Forfeitures
(48
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared

 

 

 

 

 

 
(52,829
)
 

 

 

 
(52,829
)
Stock dividends
5,606

 
6

 
4,469

 
4

 
64,090

 

 
(64,100
)
 

 

 

 

Exchange of noncontrolling interest for common stock
4,135

 
4

 
(4,135
)
 
(4
)
 
54,116

 

 

 
928

 
(56,456
)
 

 
(1,412
)
Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 
24,871

 

 
17,664

 
(436
)
 
42,099

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
30,171

 
23,104

 

 
53,275

Rebalancing of ownership percentage between Company and Operating Partnership

 

 

 

 
5,207

 

 

 
350

 
(5,557
)
 

 

Balance, September 30, 2016
65,200

 
$
66

 
44,389

 
$
44

 
$
900,661

 
$
(11,244
)
 
$
(31,440
)
 
$
27,893

 
$
609,650

 
$
5,068

 
$
1,500,698


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

Ladder Capital Corp
Combined Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(Dollars and Shares in Thousands)

 
Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Class A Common Stock 
  
Class B Common Stock 
  
Additional Paid-
in-Capital
 
  
Treasury Stock 
 
Retained
Earnings
 
  
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
  
Noncontrolling Interests 
  
Total Shareholders’
Equity/Partners
Capital
 
Shares 
  
Par 
  
Shares 
  
Par 
  
  
 
  
  
Operating
Partnership
 
  
Consolidated
Joint Ventures
 
  
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Balance, December 31, 2014
51,432

 
$
51

 
47,647

 
$

 
$
725,538

 
$

 
$
44,187

 
$
15,656

 
$
711,674

 
$
8,101

 
$
1,505,207

Contributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
74

 
74

Distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(68,673
)
 
(3,930
)
 
(72,603
)
Amendment of the par value of the Class B shares from no par value per share to $0.001 per share

 

 

 
47

 

 

 

 

 
(47
)
 

 

Equity based compensation

 

 

 

 
417

 

 

 

 
13,371

 

 
13,788

Grants of restricted stock
700

 
1

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of treasury stock
(84
)
 

 

 

 

 
(994
)
 

 

 

 

 
(994
)
Re-issuance of treasury stock
26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares acquired to satisfy minimum required federal and state tax withholding on vesting restricted stock and units
(262
)
 

 
(5
)
 

 

 
(4,818
)
 

 

 
(79
)
 

 
(4,897
)
Forfeitures
(188
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared

 

 

 

 

 

 
(57,390
)
 

 

 

 
(57,390
)
Exchange of noncontrolling interest for common stock
3,586

 
3

 
(3,586
)
 
(3
)
 
53,011

 

 

 
645

 
(53,656
)
 

 

Adjustment to the Tax Receivable Agreement as a result of the exchange of Class B shares

 

 

 

 
(1,366
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(1,366
)
Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 
73,821

 

 
70,745

 
1,568

 
146,134

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(20,046
)
 
(16,499
)
 

 
(36,545
)
Rebalancing of ownership percentage between Company and Operating Partnership

 

 

 

 
(733
)
 

 

 
189

 
544

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2015
55,210

 
$
55

 
44,056

 
$
44

 
$
776,866

 
$
(5,812
)
 
$
60,618

 
$
(3,556
)
 
$
657,380

 
$
5,813

 
$
1,491,408


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined consolidated financial statements.

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Ladder Capital Corp
Combined Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in Thousands)
 (Unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 

 
 

Net income (loss)
$
42,099

 
$
89,458

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
 
 

(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt
(5,382
)
 

Depreciation and amortization
28,789

 
29,238

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments
6,273

 
8,407

Unrealized (gain) loss on Agency interest-only securities
(29
)
 
639

Provision for loan losses
300

 
450

Amortization of equity based compensation
12,694

 
11,342

Amortization of deferred financing costs included in interest expense
5,935

 
4,167

Amortization of premium on mortgage loan financing
(660
)
 
(678
)
Amortization of above- and below-market lease intangibles
(115
)
 
(201
)
Amortization of premium/(accretion) of discount and other fees on loans
(6,515
)
 
(8,584
)
Amortization of premium/(accretion) of discount and other fees on securities
56,151

 
67,773

Realized gain on sale of mortgage loan receivables held for sale
(30,265
)
 
(59,717
)
Realized (gain) loss on real estate securities
(9,524
)
 
(23,680
)
Realized gain on sale of real estate, net
(15,616
)
 
(21,347
)
Realized gain on sale of derivative instruments
(24
)
 

Origination and purchases of mortgage loan receivables held for sale
(887,164
)
 
(1,781,355
)
Repayment of mortgage loan receivables held for sale
1,161

 
1,613

Proceeds from sales of mortgage loan receivables held for sale
703,846

 
1,923,883

Income from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures in excess of distributions received
(485
)
 
(580
)
Distributions from operations of investment in unconsolidated joint ventures
1,017

 
294

Deferred tax asset
(6,263
)
 
(1,588
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

Accrued interest receivable
(1,018
)
 
2,438

Other assets
(12,224
)
 
(4,278
)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
(21,718
)
 
(31,443
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
(138,737
)
 
206,251

Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Reduction (addition) of cash collateral held by broker for derivatives
(11,839
)
 
(4,877
)
Purchase of derivative instruments
(73
)
 

Sale of derivative instruments
49

 

Purchases of real estate securities
(837,190
)
 
(578,299
)
Repayment of real estate securities
307,847

 
142,680

Proceeds from sales of real estate securities
308,429

 
788,964

Purchase of FHLB stock

 
(7,984
)
Sale of FHLB stock

 
2,409

Origination and purchases of mortgage loan receivables held for investment
(480,622
)
 
(840,652
)

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Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Repayment of mortgage loan receivables held for investment
582,447

 
575,028

Reduction (addition) of cash collateral held by broker
5,153

 
(3,605
)
Addition (reduction) of deposits received for loan originations
518

 
1,226

Escrow cash and title deposits included in other assets
(4,242
)
 
(3,382
)
Capital contributions to investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

 
(31,085
)
Distributions received from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures in excess of income
49

 
3,747

Capitalization of interest on investment in unconsolidated joint ventures
(644
)
 
(128
)
Purchases of real estate
(50,252
)
 
(166,763
)
Capital improvements of real estate
(6,813
)
 
(2,006
)
Proceeds from sale of real estate
60,516

(1)
84,656

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(126,667
)
 
(40,071
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Deferred financing costs paid
(2,136
)
 
(1,924
)
Proceeds from borrowings under debt obligations
9,290,374

 
12,833,258

Repayment of borrowings under debt obligations
(8,960,397
)
 
(12,790,584
)
Cash dividends paid to Class A common shareholders
(67,166
)
 
(39,934
)
Capital contributed by noncontrolling interests in operating partnership
250

 

Capital distributed to noncontrolling interests in operating partnership
(39,040
)
 
(56,274
)
Capital contributed by noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures

 
74

Capital distributed to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures
(309
)
 
(589
)
Payment of liability assumed in exchange for shares for the minimum withholding taxes on vesting restricted stock
(786
)
 
(4,885
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(4,652
)
 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
216,138

 
(60,858
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
(49,266
)
 
105,322

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
108,959

 
76,218

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
59,693

 
$
181,540

 
 
 
 
Supplemental information:
 

 
 

Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized
$
93,732

 
$
90,565

Cash paid for income taxes
$
14,127

 
$
19,676

 
 
 
 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 

 
 

Securities and derivatives purchased, not settled
$
(16,151
)
 
$
(2,012
)
Origination of mortgage loans receivable held for investment
$
50,378

 
$

Repayment of mortgage loans receivable held for investment
$
(50,378
)
 
$

Net settlement of sale of real estate, subject to debt - debt obligations
$

 
$
11,310

Exchange of noncontrolling interest for common stock
$
56,461

 
$
51,072

Change in deferred tax asset related to change in tax receivable agreement
$
(1,413
)
 
$
1,615

Dividends declared, not paid
$
1,801

 
$

Stock dividends
$
64,100

 
$

(1)    Includes cash proceeds received in the current year that relate to prior year sales of real estate of $6.5 million.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined consolidated financial statements.

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Ladder Capital Corp
Notes to Combined Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
1. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS
 
Ladder Capital Corp is an internally-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that is a leader in commercial real estate finance. Ladder Capital Corp, as the general partner of Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP (“LCFH,” “Predecessor” or the “Operating Partnership”), operates the Ladder Capital business through LCFH and its subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2016, Ladder Capital Corp has a 59.5% economic interest in LCFH and controls the management of LCFH as a result of its ability to appoint its board members. Accordingly, Ladder Capital Corp consolidates the financial results of LCFH and records noncontrolling interest for the economic interest in LCFH held by the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners (as defined below). In addition, Ladder Capital Corp, through certain subsidiaries which are treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries (each a “TRS”), is indirectly subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes. Other than the noncontrolling interest in the Operating Partnership and such indirect U.S. federal, state and local income taxes, there are no material differences between Ladder Capital Corp’s combined consolidated financial statements and LCFH’s consolidated financial statements.

The IPO Transactions

Ladder Capital Corp was formed as a Delaware corporation on May 21, 2013. The Company conducted an initial public offering (“IPO”) which closed on February 11, 2014. The Company used the net proceeds from the IPO to purchase newly issued limited partnership units (“LP Units”) from LCFH. In connection with the IPO, Ladder Capital Corp also became a holding corporation and the general partner of, and obtained a controlling interest in, LCFH. Ladder Capital Corp’s only business is to act as the general partner of LCFH, and, as such, Ladder Capital Corp indirectly operates and controls all of the business and affairs of LCFH and its subsidiaries through its ability to appoint the LCFH board. The proceeds received by LCFH in connection with the sale of the LP Units have been and will be used for loan origination and related real estate business lines and for general corporate purposes.
 
Ladder Capital Corp consolidates the financial results of LCFH and its subsidiaries. The ownership interest of certain existing owners of LCFH, who owned LP Units and an equivalent number of shares of Ladder Capital Corp Class B common stock as of the completion of the IPO (the “Continuing LCFH Limited Partners”) and continue to hold equivalent units in the Series of LCFH (as described below) and Ladder Capital Corp Class B common stock, is reflected as a noncontrolling interest in Ladder Capital Corp’s combined consolidated financial statements.
 
Immediately prior to the closing of the IPO on February 11, 2014, LCFH effectuated certain transactions intended to simplify its capital structure (the “Reorganization Transactions”). Prior to the Reorganization Transactions, LCFH’s capital structure consisted of three different classes of membership interests (Series A and Series B Participating Preferred Units and Class A Common Units), each of which had different capital accounts. The net effect of the Reorganization Transactions was to convert the multiple-class structure into LP Units, a single new class of units in LCFH, and an equal number of shares of Class B common stock of Ladder Capital Corp. The conversion of all of the different classes of LCFH occurred in accordance with conversion ratios for each class of outstanding units based upon the liquidation value of LCFH, as if it had been liquidated upon the IPO, with such value determined by the $17.00 price per share of Class A common stock sold in the IPO. The distribution of LP Units per class of outstanding units was determined pursuant to the distribution provisions set forth in LCFH’s amended and restated Limited Liability Limited Partnership Agreement (the “Amended and Restated LLLP Agreement”). In addition, in connection with the IPO, certain of LCFH’s existing investors (the “Exchanging Existing Owners”) received 33,672,192 shares of Ladder Capital Corp Class A common stock in lieu of any or all LP Units and shares of Ladder Capital Corp Class B common stock that would otherwise have been issued to such existing investors in the Reorganization Transactions, which resulted in Ladder Capital Corp, or a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ladder Capital Corp, owning one LP Unit for each share of Class A Common Stock so issued to the Exchanging Existing Owners.
 
The IPO resulted in the issuance by Ladder Capital Corp of 15,237,500 shares of Class A common stock to the public, including 1,987,500 shares of Class A common stock offered as a result of the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option, and net proceeds to Ladder Capital Corp of $238.5 million (after deducting fees and expenses associated with the IPO). In addition, in connection with the IPO, the Company granted 1,687,513 shares of restricted Class A common stock to members of management, certain directors and certain employees. As a result, the equivalent number of LP Units were issued by LCFH to Ladder Capital Corp.
 

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Pursuant to the Amended and Restated LLLP Agreement, and subject to the applicable minimum retained ownership requirements and certain other restrictions, including notice requirements, from time to time, Continuing LCFH Limited Partners (or certain transferees thereof) had the right to exchange their LP Units for shares of Ladder Capital Corp’s Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis.
 
As a result of the Company’s acquisition of LP Units of LCFH and LCFH’s election under Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the Company expects to benefit from depreciation and other tax deductions reflecting LCFH’s tax basis for its assets. Those deductions will be allocated to the Company and will be taken into account in reporting the Company’s taxable income.
 
As a result of the transactions described above, at the time of the IPO:
 
Ladder Capital Corp became the general partner of LCFH and, through LCFH and its subsidiaries, operates the Ladder Capital business. Accordingly, Ladder Capital Corp had a 51.0% economic interest in LCFH (which has since increased), and Ladder Capital Corp has a majority voting interest and controls the management of LCFH;

50,597,205 shares of Ladder Capital Corp’s Class A common stock were outstanding (comprised of 15,237,500 shares issued to the investors in the IPO, 33,672,192 shares issued to the Exchanging Existing Owners and 1,687,513 shares issued to certain directors, officers, and employees in connection with the IPO), and 48,537,414 shares of Ladder Capital Corp’s Class B common stock were outstanding.  Class B common stock has no economic interest but rather voting interest in the Company. At the time of the IPO, 99,134,619 LP Units of LCFH were outstanding, of which 50,597,205 LP Units were held by Ladder Capital Corp and its subsidiaries and 48,537,414 units were held by the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners; and

LP Units became exchangeable on a one-for-one basis for shares of Ladder Capital Corp Class A common stock. In connection with an exchange, a corresponding number of shares of Ladder Capital Corp Class B common stock were required to be provided and canceled. LP units and Ladder Capital Corp Class B common stock could not be legally separated.  However, the exchange of LP Units for shares of Ladder Capital Corp Class A common stock would not affect the exchanging owners’ voting power since the votes represented by the canceled shares of Ladder Capital Corp Class B common stock would be replaced with the votes represented by the shares of Class A common stock for which such LP Units were exchanged.

The Company accounted for the Reorganization Transactions as an exchange between entities under common control and recorded the net assets and shareholders’ equity of the contributed entities at historical cost.

The Reorganization Transactions and the IPO are collectively referred to as the “IPO Transactions.”

The REIT Structuring Transactions

In anticipation of the Company’s election to be subject to tax as a REIT under the Code beginning with its 2015 taxable year (the “REIT Election”), we effected an internal realignment as of December 31, 2014 that we believe permits us to operate as a REIT, subject to the risk factors described in the Annual Report (see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Taxation as a REIT”). As part of this realignment, LCFH and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries were serialized in order to segregate our REIT-qualified assets and income from our non-REIT-qualified assets and income. Pursuant to such serialization, all assets and liabilities of LCFH and each such subsidiary were identified as TRS assets and liabilities (e.g., our conduit securitization and condominium sales businesses) and REIT assets and liabilities (e.g., balance sheet loans, real estate and most securities), and were allocated on our internal books and records into two pools within LCFH or such subsidiary, Series TRS and Series REIT (collectively, the “Series”), respectively.

In connection with this serialization, the Amended and Restated LLLP Agreement was amended and restated, effective as of December 5, 2014 and again as of December 31, 2014 (the “Third Amended and Restated LLLP Agreement”). Pursuant to the Third Amended and Restated LLLP Agreement, as of December 31, 2014:

all assets and liabilities of LCFH were allocated on LCFH’s internal books and records to either Series REIT or Series TRS of LCFH;

the Company serves as general partner of LCFH and of Series REIT of LCFH;


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LC TRS I LLC (“LC TRS I”), a Delaware limited liability company wholly-owned by Series REIT of LCFH, serves as the general partner of Series TRS of LCFH;

each outstanding LP Unit was exchanged for one Series REIT limited partnership unit (“Series REIT LP Unit”), which is entitled to receive profits and losses derived from REIT assets and liabilities, and one Series TRS limited partnership unit (“Series TRS LP Unit”), which is entitled to receive profits and losses derived from TRS assets and liabilities (Series REIT LP Units and Series TRS LP Units are collectively referred to as “Series Units”);

as a result, Ladder Capital Corp owned, directly and indirectly, an aggregate of 51.9% of Series REIT of LCFH, and, through such ownership, the right to receive 51.9% of the profits and distributions of Series TRS;

the limited partners of LCFH owned the remaining 48.1% of each of Series REIT and Series TRS of LCFH;

Series REIT of LCFH, in turn, owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of the REIT series of each of its serialized subsidiaries as well as certain wholly-owned REIT subsidiaries;

Series TRS of LCFH owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of the TRS series of each of its serialized subsidiaries, as well as certain wholly-owned TRSs;

Series TRS LP Units are exchangeable for an equal number of shares (“TRS Shares”) of LC TRS I (a “TRS Exchange”);

in order to effect the exchange of Series Units for shares of Class A common stock of the Company on a one-for-one basis (the “Class A Exchange”), holders are required to surrender (i) one share of the Company’s Class B common stock, (ii) one Series REIT LP Unit, and (iii) either one Series TRS LP Unit or one TRS Share; and

Series REIT and Series TRS have separate boards, officers, books and records, bank accounts, and tax identification numbers.

Each Series of LCFH also signed a separate joinder agreement, agreeing, effective as of 11:59:59 pm on December 31, 2014 (the “Effective Time”), to assume and pay when due (i) any and all liabilities of LCFH incurred or accrued by LCFH as of the Effective Time and (ii) any and all obligations of LCFH arising under contracts, bonds, notes, guarantees, leases or other agreements to which LCFH was a party as of the Effective Time (collectively, the “Agreements”), regardless of whether such obligations arise under the applicable Agreement at, prior to, or after the Effective Time, in each case, with the same force and effect as if each Series had been a signatory to such Agreements on the date thereof.

Also in connection with the planned REIT Election, the Company’s certificate of incorporation was amended and restated, effective as of February 27, 2015, following approval by our shareholders (the “Charter Amendment”), to, among other things, impose ownership limitations and transfer restrictions to facilitate our compliance with the REIT requirements. To qualify as a REIT under the Code, our stock must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made). Also, not more than 50% of the value of the outstanding shares of our capital stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer “individuals” (as defined to include certain entities such as private foundations) during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first taxable year for which an election to be a REIT has been made). Finally, a person actually or constructively owning 10% or more of the vote or value of the outstanding shares of our capital stock could lead to a level of affiliation between the Company and one or more of its tenants that could disqualify our revenues from the affiliated tenants and possibly jeopardize or otherwise adversely impact our qualification as a REIT.
 
To facilitate satisfaction of these requirements for qualification as a REIT, the Charter Amendment contains provisions restricting the ownership and transfer of shares of all classes or series of our capital stock. Including ownership limitations in a REIT’s charter is the most effective mechanism to monitor compliance with the above-described provisions of the Code. The Charter Amendment provides that, subject to certain exceptions and the constructive ownership rules, no person may own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the attribution provisions of the Code, in excess of (i) 9.8% in value of the outstanding shares of all classes or series of our capital stock or (ii) 9.8% in value or number (whichever is more restrictive) of the outstanding shares of any class of our common stock.

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In addition, our Tax Receivable Agreement with the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners (the “TRA Members”) was amended and restated in connection with our REIT Election, effective as of December 31, 2014 (the “TRA Amendment”), in order to preserve a portion of the potential tax benefits currently existing under the Tax Receivable Agreement that would otherwise be reduced in connection with our REIT Election. The TRA Amendment provides that, in lieu of the existing tax benefit payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for the 2015 taxable year and beyond, LC TRS I will pay to the TRA Members 85% of the amount of the benefits, if any, that LC TRS I realizes or under certain circumstances (such as a change of control) is deemed to realize as a result of (i) the increases in tax basis resulting from the TRS Exchanges by the TRA Members, (ii) any incremental tax basis adjustments attributable to payments made pursuant to the TRA Amendment, and (iii) any deemed interest deductions arising from payments made by LC TRS I under the TRA Amendment. Under the TRA Amendment, LC TRS I may benefit from the remaining 15% of cash savings in income tax that it realizes, which is in the same proportion realized by the Company under the existing Tax Receivable Agreement. The purpose of the TRA Amendment was to preserve the benefits of the Tax Receivable Agreement to the extent possible in a REIT, although, as a result, the amount of payments made to the TRA Members under the TRA Amendment is expected to be less than would be made under the prior Tax Receivable Agreement. The TRA Amendment continues to share such benefits in the same proportions and otherwise has substantially the same terms and provisions as the prior Tax Receivable Agreement. See Note 2 and Note 15 for further discussion of the Tax Receivable Agreement.

As of March 4, 2015, the Company made the necessary TRS and check-the-box elections and elected to be taxed as a REIT on its tax return for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed in September 2016.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Basis of Accounting and Principles of Combination and Consolidation
 
The accompanying combined consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). In the opinion of management, the unaudited financial information for the interim periods presented in this report reflects all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of results of operations, financial position and cash flows. The interim combined consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited combined consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, which are included in the Company’s Annual Report, as certain disclosures would substantially duplicate those contained in the audited combined consolidated financial statements have not been included in this interim report. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of operating results for an entire fiscal year. The interim combined consolidated financial statements have been prepared, without audit, and do not necessarily include all information and footnotes necessary for a fair statement of our combined consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows in accordance with GAAP.
 
The combined consolidated financial statements include the Company’s accounts and those of its subsidiaries which are majority-owned and/or controlled by the Company and variable interest entities for which the Company has determined itself to be the primary beneficiary, if any.  All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.  The combined consolidated financial statements of the Company are comprised of the consolidation of LCFH and its wholly-owned and majority owned subsidiaries, prior to the IPO Transactions, and the consolidated financial statements of Ladder Capital Corp, subsequent to the IPO Transactions.
 
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810 — Consolidation (“ASC 810”), provides guidance on the identification of entities for which control is achieved through means other than voting rights (“variable interest entities” or “VIEs”) and the determination of which business enterprise, if any, should consolidate the VIEs. Generally, the consideration of whether an entity is a VIE applies when either: (1) the equity investors (if any) lack one or more of the essential characteristics of a controlling financial interest; (2) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity’s activities without additional subordinated financial support; or (3) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportionate to their economic interests and the activities of the entity involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with a disproportionately small voting interest. The Company consolidates VIEs in which it is considered to be the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has both of the following characteristics: (1) the power to direct the activities that, when taken together, most significantly impact the VIE’s performance; and (2) the obligation to absorb losses and right to receive the returns from the VIE that would be significant to the VIE.


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Table of Contents

Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries are defined as “the portion of the equity (net assets) in the subsidiaries not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent.”  Noncontrolling interests are presented as a separate component of capital in the combined consolidated balance sheets.  In addition, the presentation of net income attributes earnings to shareholders/unitholders (controlling interest) and noncontrolling interests.

Emerging Growth Company Status

The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (“JOBS Act”), and is eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies,” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in the Company’s periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. However, the Company chose to “opt out” of such extended transition period, and as a result, it will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that the Company’s decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.

The Company could remain an “emerging growth company” for up to five years from the date of the IPO, or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which its annual gross revenues exceed $1 billion; (ii) the date that the Company becomes a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of its common stock that is held by nonaffiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of its most recently completed second fiscal quarter; or (iii) the date on which the Company has issued more than $1 billion in nonconvertible debt during the preceding three-year period.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of the combined consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the balance sheets and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of resulting changes are reflected in the combined consolidated financial statements in the period the changes are deemed to be necessary.  Significant estimates made in the accompanying combined consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to the following:
 
valuation of real estate securities;
allocation of purchase price for acquired real estate;
impairment, and useful lives, of real estate;
useful lives of intangible assets;
valuation of derivative instruments;
valuation of deferred tax asset;
amounts payable pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement;
determination of effective yield for recognition of interest income;
adequacy of provision for loan losses;
determination of other than temporary impairment of real estate securities and investments in unconsolidated joint ventures;
certain estimates and assumptions used in the accrual of incentive compensation and calculation of the fair value of equity compensation issued to employees;
determination of the effective tax rate for income tax provision; and
certain estimates and assumptions used in the allocation of revenue and expenses for our segment reporting.

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Table of Contents


Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all investments with original maturities of three months or less, at the time of acquisition, to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash accounts at several financial institutions, which are insured up to a maximum of $250,000 per account as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and at various times during the years, the balances exceeded the insured limits.
 
Cash Collateral Held by Broker
 
The Company maintains accounts with brokers to facilitate financial derivative and repurchase agreement transactions in support of its loan and securities investments and risk management activities. Based on the value of the positions in these accounts and the associated margin requirements, the Company may be required to deposit additional cash into these broker accounts.  The cash collateral held by broker is considered restricted cash.

Restricted Cash

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, included in other assets on the Company’s combined consolidated balance sheets are $0.4 million and $19.0 million, respectively, of tenant security deposits, deposits related to real estate sales and acquisitions and required escrow balances on credit facilities, which are considered restricted cash.

Out-of-Period Adjustment

During the first quarter of 2016, the Company had recorded the following out-of-period adjustments to correct errors from prior periods: (i) additional deferred financing cost amortization of $0.5 million relating to 2015; (ii) additional taxes of $1.2 million representing additional state taxes relating to 2015 and (iii) additional return on equity of $0.9 million from the Company’s investment in an unconsolidated joint venture predominately relating to prior years. The Company has concluded that these adjustments were not material to the financial position or results of operations for the current period or any prior periods; accordingly, the Company recorded the related adjustments in the three-month period ended March 31, 2016.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model requiring a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount reflecting the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In adopting ASU 2014-09, companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach. Additionally, this guidance requires improved disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In August 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Deferral of the Effective Date (“ASU 2015-14”), which amends ASU 2014-09. As a result, the effective date for the amendments contained in ASU 2014-09 will be the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, with early adoption permitted in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017. The adoption will use one of two retrospective application methods. The Company anticipates adopting this update in the quarter ending March 31, 2018 and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s combined consolidated financial statements.


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In March 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) (“ASU 2016-08”). This update provides clarifying guidance regarding the application of ASU 2014-09 when another party, along with the reporting entity, is involved in providing a good or a service to a customer. In these circumstances, an entity is required to determine whether the nature of its promise is to provide that good or service to the customer (that is, the entity is a principal) or to arrange for the good or service to be provided to the customer by the other party (that is, the entity is an agent). In April 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing (“ASU 2016-10”), which clarifies the identification of performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance. In May 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-11, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Meeting (SEC Update) (“ASU 2016-11”), which rescinds SEC paragraphs pursuant to SEC staff announcements. These rescissions include changes to topics pertaining to accounting for shipping and handling fees and costs and accounting for consideration given by a vendor to a customer. In May 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients (“ASU 2016-12”), which provides clarifying guidance in certain narrow areas and adds some practical expedients. The effective dates for these ASU’s are the same as the effective date for ASU No. 2014-09, for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is reviewing its policies and processes to ensure compliance with the requirements in this update with regard to its operations.

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) (“ASU 2014-12”). ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting of share-based payment awards and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the periods for which the requisite service has already been rendered. If the performance target becomes likely to be achieved before the end of the requisite service period, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. The total amount of compensation cost recognized during and after the requisite service period should reflect the number of awards that are expected to vest and should be adjusted to reflect those awards that ultimately vest. The requisite service period ends when the employee can cease rendering service and still be eligible to vest in the award if the performance target is achieved. ASU 2014-12 is effective for all entities for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. An entity may apply the amendments in ASU 2014-12 either (i) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (ii) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. The Company adopted this update in the quarter ended March 31, 2016 applying the amendment prospectively. The adoption has not had a material impact on the Company’s combined consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-13, Consolidation (Topic 810): Measuring the Financial Assets and the Financial Liabilities of a Consolidated Collateralized Financing Entity (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) (“ASU 2014-13”). For entities that consolidate a collateralized financing entity within the scope of this update, an option to elect to measure the financial assets and the financial liabilities of that collateralized financing entity using either the measurement alternative included in ASU 2014-13 or Topic 820 on fair value measurement is provided. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and the interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this update in the quarter ended March 31, 2016. The adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s combined consolidated financial statements.


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In August 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”). The guidance in ASU 2014-15 sets forth management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern as well as the related required disclosures. ASU 2014-15 indicates that, when preparing interim and annual financial statements, management should evaluate whether conditions or events, in the aggregate, raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for one year from the date the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. This evaluation should include consideration of conditions and events that are either known or are reasonably knowable at the date the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued, and, if applicable, whether it is probable that management’s plans to address the substantial doubt will be implemented and, if so, whether it is probable that the plans will alleviate the substantial doubt. ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods and annual periods thereafter. The Company anticipates adopting this update for the year ending December 31, 2016 and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s combined consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”). This ASU makes changes to the VIE model and voting interest (“VOE”) model consolidation guidance. The main provisions of the ASU include the following: (i) adding a requirement that limited partnerships and similar legal entities must provide partners with either substantive kick-out rights or substantive participating rights over the general partner to qualify as a VOE rather than a VIE; (ii) eliminating the presumption that the general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; (iii) eliminating certain conditions that need to be met when evaluating whether fees paid to a decision maker or service provider are considered a variable interest; (iv) excluding certain fees paid to decision makers or service providers when evaluating which party is the primary beneficiary of a VIE; and (v) revising how related parties are evaluated under the VIE guidance. Lastly, the ASU eliminates the indefinite deferral of ASU 810, which allowed reporting entities with interests in certain investment funds to follow previous guidance in FIN 46 (R). However, the ASU permanently exempts reporting entities from consolidating registered money market funds that operate in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act. The ASU is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Entities may apply this ASU either using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning period of adoption or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements.The Company adopted this update in the quarter ended March 31, 2016. Under this ASU, the Operating Partnership is now considered a VIE, however, since the Company was previously consolidating the Operating Partnership, the adoption of this ASU had no material impact on the Company’s combined consolidated financial statements. Substantially all of the Company’s assets, liabilities, operations and cash flows are those of the Operating Partnership.

In June 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-10, Technical Corrections and Improvements (“ASU 2015-10”). The amendments in this update cover a wide range of topics in the codification and are generally categorized as follows: amendments related to differences between original guidance and the codification; guidance clarification and reference corrections; simplification and minor improvements. The amendments are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. As the objectives of this standard are to clarify the codification, correct unintended application of guidance, eliminate inconsistencies and to improve the codification’s presentation of guidance, the adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost on most entities. The Company adopted this update in the quarter ended March 31, 2016. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s combined consolidated financial statements.

In September 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments (“ASU 2015-16”). This update requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. ASU 2015-16 applies to fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Entities must apply the new guidance prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date of ASU 2015-16, with earlier adoption permitted for financial statements that have not yet been made available for issuance. The Company adopted this update in the quarter ended March 31, 2016. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s combined consolidated financial statements.


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In January 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”). The update provides guidance to improve certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The standard is effective for a public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption by public companies for fiscal years or interim periods that have not yet been issued or, by all other entities, that have not yet been made available for issuance of this guidance are permitted as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, under certain restrictions. The Company is required to apply the guidance by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The guidance related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values should be applied prospectively to equity investments that exist at the date of adoption. The Company anticipates adopting this update in the quarter ending March 31, 2018 and is currently evaluating the impact on the Company’s combined consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). The guidance in ASU 2016-02 supersedes the lease recognition requirements in ASC Topic 840, Leases. ASU 2016-02 sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e., lessees and lessors). This update requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, respectively. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. This update requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. The standard is effective on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The ASU is expected to impact the Company’s combined consolidated financial statements as the Company has certain operating lease arrangements for which it is the lessee. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this new guidance.

In March 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). The guidance requires the recognition of the income tax effects of awards in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled, thus eliminating additional paid in capital pools. The guidance also allows the employer to repurchase more of an employee’s shares for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting. In addition, the guidance allows for a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur rather than on an estimated basis. For a public company, ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on its combined consolidated financial statements when adopted.

In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). The guidance changes the impairment model for most financial assets. The new model uses a forward-looking expected loss method, which will generally result in earlier recognition of allowances for losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on its combined consolidated financial statements when adopted.

In August 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 provides cash flow statement classification guidance for certain transactions, including how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. For a public company, ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on its combined consolidated financial statements when adopted.


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3. MORTGAGE LOAN RECEIVABLES
 
September 30, 2016 ($ in thousands)
 
 
Outstanding
Face Amount
 
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted
Average
Yield (1)
 
Remaining
Maturity
(years)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost
$
1,654,554

 
$
1,647,035

 
7.09
%
 
1.70
Provision for loan losses
N/A

 
(4,000
)
 
 
 
 
Total mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost
1,654,554

 
1,643,035

 
 
 
 
Mortgage loan receivables held for sale
783,441

 
784,186

 
4.40
%
 
7.54
Total
$
2,437,995

 
$
2,427,221

 
 

 
 
 
(1)         September 30, 2016 London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) rates are used to calculate weighted average yield for floating rate loans.

As of September 30, 2016, $207.6 million, or 12.6%, of the carrying value of our mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost, were at fixed interest rates and $1.4 billion, or 87.4%, of the carrying value of our mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost, were at variable interest rates, linked to LIBOR, some of which include interest rate floors. As of September 30, 2016, $784.2 million, or 100.0%, of the carrying value of our mortgage loan receivables held for sale were at fixed interest rates.
 
December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands)
 
 
Outstanding
Face Amount
 
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted
Average
Yield (1)
 
Remaining
Maturity
(years)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost
$
1,749,556

 
$
1,742,345

 
7.56
%
 
1.38
Provision for loan losses
N/A

 
(3,700
)
 
 
 
 
Total mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost
1,749,556

 
1,738,645

 
 
 
 
Mortgage loan receivables held for sale
571,638

 
571,764

 
4.56
%
 
6.20
Total
2,321,194

 
2,310,409

 
 

 
 
 
(1)         December 31, 2015 LIBOR rates are used to calculate weighted average yield for floating rate loans.
 
As of December 31, 2015, $343.2 million, or 19.7%, of the carrying value of our mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost, were at fixed interest rates and $1.4 billion, or 80.3%, of the carrying value of our mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost, were at variable interest rates, linked to LIBOR, some of which include interest rate floors. As of December 31, 2015, $571.8 million, or 100%, of the carrying value of our mortgage loan receivables held for sale were at fixed interest rates.

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Table of Contents


The following table summarizes mortgage loan receivables by loan type ($ in thousands):
 
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
Outstanding
Face Amount
 
Carrying
Value
 
Outstanding
Face Amount
 
Carrying
Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

First mortgage loans
$
1,484,063

 
$
1,477,440

 
$
1,462,228

 
$
1,456,212

Mezzanine loans
170,491

 
169,595

 
287,328

 
286,133

Total mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost
1,654,554

 
1,647,035

 
1,749,556

 
1,742,345

Mortgage loan receivables held for sale
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

First mortgage loans
783,441

 
784,186

 
571,638

 
571,764

Total mortgage loan receivables held for sale
783,441

 
784,186

 
571,638

 
571,764

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
N/A

 
(4,000
)
 
N/A

 
(3,700
)
Total
$
2,437,995

 
$
2,427,221

 
$
2,321,194

 
$
2,310,409

 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the activity in our loan portfolio was as follows ($ in thousands):

 
Mortgage loan
receivables held
for investment, at
amortized cost
 
Mortgage loan 
receivables held
for sale
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2015
$
1,738,645

 
$
571,764

Origination of mortgage loan receivables
531,000

(1)
887,164

Repayment of mortgage loan receivables
(632,825
)
(1)
(1,161
)
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loan receivables

 
(703,846
)
Realized gain on sale of mortgage loan receivables

 
30,265

Accretion/amortization of discount, premium and other fees
6,515

 

Loan loss provision
(300
)
 

Balance, September 30, 2016
$
1,643,035

 
$
784,186

 
(1)         Includes $50.4 million of non-cash originations and repayments.

 
Mortgage loan
receivables held
for investment, at
amortized cost
 
Mortgage loan
receivables held
for sale
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2014
$
1,521,054

 
$
417,955

Origination of mortgage loan receivables
840,652

 
1,781,355

Repayment of mortgage loan receivables
(575,028
)
 
(1,613
)
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loan receivables

 
(1,923,883
)
Realized gain on sale of mortgage loan receivables

 
59,717

Accretion/amortization of discount, premium and other fees
8,584

 

Loan loss provision
(450
)
 

Balance, September 30, 2015
$
1,794,812

 
$
333,531


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During the three months ended September 30, 2016, $324.4 million of financial assets (loans) have been treated as sales in accordance with ASC Topic 860 Transfers and Servicing, in connection with a securitization transaction. In addition, during the three months ended September 30, 2016, of the three assets (loans), with a combined principal balance of $137.6 million, $61.6 million, non-controlling, pari passu interests were also transferred as part of a securitization transaction. Since effective control continued to reside with the retained portions of the loans the transfers of any of these assets are considered nonrecourse secured borrowings in which the full loan assets remain on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets in mortgage loan receivables held for investment, net, at amortized cost and the sale proceeds of $63.2 million are recognized in debt obligations. The Company expects to sell the retained portions of the loans in a future securitization and relinquish control. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, the transfers of financial assets via sales of loans were treated as sales under ASC Topic 860 Transfers and Servicing.

At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there was $0.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively, of unamortized discounts included in our mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost, on our combined consolidated balance sheets. 

The Company evaluates each of its loans for potential losses at least quarterly. Its loans are typically collateralized by real estate directly or indirectly. As a result, the Company regularly evaluates the extent and impact of any credit deterioration associated with the performance and/or value of the underlying collateral property, as well as the financial and operating capability of the borrower. Specifically, a property’s operating results and any cash reserves are analyzed and used to assess (i) whether cash flow from operations is sufficient to cover the debt service requirements currently and into the future, (ii) the ability of the borrower to refinance the loan at maturity, and/or (iii) the property’s liquidation value. The Company also evaluates the financial wherewithal of any loan guarantors as well as the borrower’s competency in managing and operating the properties. In addition, the Company considers the overall economic environment, real estate sector, and geographic sub-market in which the collateral property is located. Such impairment analyses are completed and reviewed by asset management personnel, who utilize various data sources, including (i) periodic financial data such as property occupancy, tenant profile, rental rates, operating expenses, the borrowers’ business plan, and capitalization and discount rates, (ii) site inspections, and (iii) current credit spreads and other market data. As a result of this analysis, the Company has concluded that none of its loans are individually impaired as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

However, based on the inherent risks shared among the loans as a group, it is probable that the loans had incurred an impairment due to common characteristics and inherent risks in the portfolio. Therefore, the Company has recorded a reserve, based on a targeted percentage level which it seeks to maintain over the life of the portfolio, as disclosed in the tables below. Historically, the Company has not incurred losses on any originated loans.

As of September 30, 2016, two of the Company’s loans, which were originated simultaneously as part of a single transaction, and had a carrying value of $26.9 million, were in default. The Company determined that no impairment was necessary and continues to accrue interest on these loans because the loans’ collateral value was in excess of the outstanding balances. As of September 30, 2016, accrued but unpaid interest totaled $2.3 million, which includes $1.5 million of default interest.

At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 there were no loans on non-accrual status.
 
Provision for Loan Losses ($ in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses at beginning of period
$
4,000

 
$
3,400

 
$
3,700

 
$
3,100

Provision for loan losses

 
150

 
300

 
450

Provision for loan losses at end of period
$
4,000

 
$
3,550

 
$
4,000

 
$
3,550

 

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Table of Contents

4. REAL ESTATE SECURITIES
 
Commercial mortgage backed securities (“CMBS”), CMBS interest-only securities, Agency securities, Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) construction securities and GNMA permanent securities are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in the current period in other comprehensive income. GNMA and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp (“FHLMC”) securities (collectively, “Agency interest-only securities”) are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in current period earnings. The following is a summary of the Company’s securities at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands):

September 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average
Asset Type
 
Outstanding
Face Amount
 
Amortized
Cost Basis
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Carrying
Value
 
# of
Securities
 
Rating (1)
 
Coupon %
 
Yield %
 
Remaining
Duration
(years)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CMBS(2)
 
$
2,169,241

 
$
2,199,698

 
$
42,550

 
$
(855
)
 
$
2,241,393

 
142

 
AAA
 
3.24
%
 
2.79
%
 
3.06
CMBS interest-only(2)
 
8,626,247

(3)
343,218

 
4,589

 
(440
)
 
347,367

 
57

 
AAA
 
0.83
%
 
3.52
%
 
3.14
GNMA interest-only(4)
 
519,846

(3)
21,444

 
102

 
(2,190
)
 
19,356

 
18

 
AA+
 
0.74
%
 
4.02
%
 
4.66
Agency securities(2)
 
798

 
828

 
3

 
(1
)
 
830

 
2

 
AA+
 
2.93
%
 
1.29
%
 
3.43
GNMA permanent securities(2)
 
40,120

 
40,977

 
1,190

 
(154
)
 
42,013

 
11

 
AA+
 
4.16
%
 
3.85
%
 
10.11
Total
 
$
11,356,252

 
$
2,606,165

 
$
48,434

 
$
(3,640
)
 
$
2,650,959

 
230

 
 
 
1.30
%
 
2.91
%
 
3.20
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average
Asset Type
 
Outstanding
Face Amount
 
Amortized
Cost Basis
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Carrying
Value
 
# of
Securities
 
Rating (1)
 
Coupon %
 
Yield %
 
Remaining
Duration
(years)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CMBS(2)
 
$
1,972,492

 
$
1,994,928

 
$
4,643

 
$
(8,065
)
 
$
1,991,506

 
119

 
AAA
 
3.17
%
 
2.59
%
 
3.15
CMBS interest-only(2)
 
7,436,379

(3)
348,222

 
1,027

 
(4,826
)
 
344,423

 
48

 
AAA
 
1.02
%
 
3.81
%
 
3.34
GNMA interest-only(4)
 
632,175

(3)
28,311

 
44

 
(2,161
)
 
26,194

 
20

 
AA+
 
0.80
%
 
4.26
%
 
5.22
GNMA construction securities(2)
 
27,091

 
27,581

 
1,058

 

 
28,639

 
1

 
AA+
 
4.10
%
 
3.86
%
 
9.33
GNMA permanent securities(2)
 
16,249

 
16,685

 
164

 
(394
)
 
16,455

 
12

 
AA+
 
4.52
%
 
3.94
%
 
5.43
Total
 
$
10,084,386

 
$
2,415,727

 
$
6,936

 
$
(15,446
)
 
$
2,407,217

 
200

 
 
 
1.44
%
 
3.60
%
 
3.29
 
(1)
Represents the weighted average of the ratings of all securities in each asset type, expressed as an S&P equivalent rating.  For each security rated by multiple rating agencies, the highest rating is used.  Ratings provided were determined by third-party rating agencies as of a particular date, may not be current and are subject to change (including the assignment of a “negative outlook” or “credit watch”) at any time.
(2)
CMBS, CMBS interest-only securities, Agency securities, GNMA construction securities, and GNMA permanent securities are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in the current period in other comprehensive income.
(3)
The amounts presented represent the principal amount of the mortgage loans outstanding in the pool in which the interest-only securities participate.
(4)
Agency interest-only securities are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in current period earnings. The Company’s Agency interest-only securities are considered to be hybrid financial instruments that contain embedded derivatives. As a result, the Company accounts for them as hybrid instruments in their entirety at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities in the combined consolidated statements of income in accordance with ASC 815.
 

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Table of Contents

The following is a breakdown of the carrying value of the Company’s securities by remaining maturity based upon expected cash flows at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands):
 
September 30, 2016
 
Asset Type
 
Within 1 year
 
1-5 years
 
5-10 years
 
After 10 years
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CMBS(1)
 
$
508,575

 
$
1,262,248

 
$
470,570

 
$

 
$
2,241,393

CMBS interest-only(1)
 
5

 
347,362

 

 

 
347,367

GNMA interest-only(2)
 
5

 
18,072

 
1,099

 
180

 
19,356

Agency securities(1)
 

 
830

 

 

 
830

GNMA permanent securities(1)
 
691

 
5,485

 
28,110

 
7,727

 
42,013

Total
 
$
509,276

 
$
1,633,997

 
$
499,779

 
$
7,907

 
$
2,650,959

 
December 31, 2015
 
Asset Type
 
Within 1 year
 
1-5 years
 
5-10 years
 
After 10 years
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CMBS(1)
 
$
610,526

 
$
891,752

 
$
489,228

 
$

 
$
1,991,506

CMBS interest-only(1)
 

 
344,423

 

 

 
344,423

GNMA interest-only(2)
 
6

 
17,159

 
8,549

 
480

 
26,194

GNMA construction securities(1)
 

 
386

 
28,253

 

 
28,639

GNMA permanent securities(1)
 
2,220

 
6,661

 
7,574

 

 
16,455

Total
 
$
612,752

 
$
1,260,381

 
$
533,604

 
$
480

 
$
2,407,217

 
(1)
CMBS, CMBS interest-only securities, Agency securities, GNMA construction securities, and GNMA permanent securities are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in the current period in other comprehensive income.
(2)
Agency interest-only securities are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in current period earnings.

There were no unrealized losses on securities recorded as other than temporary impairments for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and $0.2 million in unrealized losses on securities recorded as other than temporary impairments for the three months ended September 30, 2015. There were $0.6 million and $1.6 million in unrealized losses on securities recorded as other than temporary impairments for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For cash flow statement purposes, all receipts of interest from interest-only real estate securities are treated as part of cash flows from operations.


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Table of Contents

5. REAL ESTATE AND RELATED LEASE INTANGIBLES, NET

The following tables present additional detail related to our real estate portfolio ($ in thousands):
 
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
Land
$
140,872

 
$
138,128

Building
646,183

 
640,206

In-place leases and other intangibles
149,204

 
139,501

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(110,666
)
 
(83,056
)
Real estate, net
$
825,593

 
$
834,779

 
 
 
 
Below market lease intangibles, net (other liabilities)
$
(16,549
)
 
$
(17,021
)
 
The following table presents depreciation and amortization expense on real estate recorded by the Company ($ in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation expense (1)
$
6,272

 
$
5,900

 
$
18,540

 
$
17,802

Amortization expense
3,433

 
3,633

 
10,164

 
11,356

Total real estate depreciation and amortization expense
$
9,705

 
$
9,533

 
$
28,704

 
$
29,158

 
 
(1)
Depreciation expense on the combined consolidated statements of income also includes $28,493 and $28,493 of depreciation on corporate fixed assets for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $85,416 and $79,904 of depreciation on corporate fixed assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company’s intangible assets are comprised of in-place leases, favorable leases compared to market leases and other intangibles. At September 30, 2016, gross intangible assets totaled $149.2 million with total accumulated amortization of $43.7 million, resulting in net intangible assets of $105.5 million, including $5.4 million of unamortized favorable lease intangibles which are included in real estate and related lease intangibles, net on the combined consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2015, gross intangible assets totaled $139.5 million with total accumulated amortization of $32.7 million, resulting in net intangible assets of $106.8 million, including $6.5 million of unamortized favorable lease intangibles which are included in real estate and related lease intangibles, net on the combined consolidated balance sheets. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded an offset against operating lease income of $0.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively, for favorable leases, compared to $0.4 million and $1.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.
 

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Table of Contents

The following table presents expected amortization expense during the next five years and thereafter related to the acquired in-place lease intangibles for property owned as of September 30, 2016 ($ in thousands):
 
Period Ending December 31,
 
Amount
 
 
 
2016 (last 3 months)
 
$
3,831

2017
 
7,662

2018
 
7,662

2019
 
7,662

2020
 
7,662

Thereafter
 
71,000

Total
 
$
105,479


There were $1.5 million and $5.0 million of unbilled rent receivables included in other assets on the combined consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

There was unencumbered real estate of $33.0 million and $47.8 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
 

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Table of Contents

The following is a schedule of non-cancellable, contractual, future minimum rent under leases (excluding property operating expenses paid directly by tenant under net leases or rent escalations under other leases from tenants) at September 30, 2016 ($ in thousands):
 
Period Ending December 31,
 
Amount
 
 
 
2016 (last 3 months)
 
$
18,630

2017
 
73,312

2018
 
70,101

2019
 
64,930

2020
 
55,231

Thereafter
 
532,118

Total
 
$
814,322


Acquisitions
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company acquired the following properties ($ in thousands):

Acquisition Date
 
Type
 
Primary Location(s)
 
Purchase Price
 
Ownership Interest (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
April 2016
 
Land
 
St. Paul, MN
 
$
200

 
100.0%
April 2016
 
Net Lease
 
Dimmitt, TX
 
1,319

 
100.0%
April 2016
 
Net Lease
 
Philo, IL
 
1,156

 
100.0%
April 2016
 
Net Lease
 
St.Charles, MN
 
1,198

 
100.0%
May 2016
 
Net Lease
 
San Antonio, TX
 
1,096

 
100.0%
May 2016
 
Net Lease
 
Borger, TX
 
978

 
100.0%
June 2016
 
Net Lease
 
Champaign, IL
 
1,324

 
100.0%
June 2016
 
Net Lease
 
Decatur, IL
 
1,181

 
100.0%
June 2016
 
Net Lease
 
Flora Vista, NM
 
1,305

 
100.0%
June 2016
 
Net Lease
 
Mountain Grove, MO
 
1,279

 
100.0%
June 2016
 
Net Lease
 
Rantoul, IL
 
1,204

 
100.0%
June 2016
 
Net Lease
 
Decatur, IL
 
1,365

 
100.0%
June 2016
 
Net Lease
 
Cape Girardeau, MO
 
1,281

 
100.0%
June 2016
 
Net Lease
 
Linn, MO
 
1,122

 
100.0%
July 2016
 
Net Lease
 
Union, IL
 
1,227

 
100.0%
July 2016
 
Net Lease
 
Pawnee, IL
 
1,201

 
100.0%
July 2016
 
Net Lease
 
Lamar, MO
 
1,176

 
100.0%
August 2016
 
Other
 
Ewing, NJ
 
30,640

 
100.0%
Total real estate acquisitions
 
 
 
$
50,252

 
 
 
(1) Properties were consolidated as of acquisition date.


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Table of Contents

The purchase prices were allocated to the net assets acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as follows ($ in thousands):
 
 
Purchase Price Allocation
 
 
 
Land
 
$
6,407

Building
 
34,396

Intangibles
 
11,364

Below Market Lease Intangibles
 
(1,915
)
Total purchase price
 
$
50,252


During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company acquired the following properties ($ in thousands):

Acquisition Date
 
Type
 
Primary Location(s)
 
Purchase Price
 
Ownership Interest (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Jacksonville, NC
 
$
7,877

 
100.0%
January 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Iberia, MO
 
1,328

 
100.0%
January 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Isle, MN
 
1,078

 
100.0%
January 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Pine Island, MN
 
1,142

 
100.0%
January 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Kings Mountain, NC
 
21,241

 
100.0%
February 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Village of Menomonee Falls, WI
 
17,050

 
100.0%
February 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Rockland, MA
 
7,316

 
100.0%
February 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Crawfordsville, IA
 
6,000

 
100.0%
February 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Boardman Township, OH
 
5,400

 
100.0%
March 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Hilliard, OH
 
6,384

 
100.0%
March 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Weathersfield Township, OH
 
5,200

 
100.0%
March 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Rotterdam, NY
 
12,000

 
100.0%
March 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Wheaton, MO
 
970

 
100.0%
March 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Paynesville, MN
 
1,254

 
100.0%
March 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Loveland, CO
 
5,600

 
100.0%
March 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Battle Lake, MN
 
1,098

 
100.0%
March 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Yorktown, TX
 
1,207

 
100.0%
March 2015
 
Net Lease
 
St. Francis, MN
 
1,117

 
100.0%
May 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Red Oak, IA
 
1,185

 
100.0%
May 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Zapata, TX
 
1,150

 
100.0%
June 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Aurora, MN
 
952

 
100.0%
June 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Canyon Lake, TX
 
1,377

 
100.0%
June 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Wheeler, TX
 
1,075

 
100.0%
June 2015
 
Other
 
Grand Rapids, MI
 
9,300

 
97.0%
June 2015
 
Other
 
Grand Rapids, MI
 
6,300

 
97.0%
June 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Bridgeport, IL
 
1,186

 
100.0%
June 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Peoria, IL
 
1,226

 
100.0%
June 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Pleasanton, TX
 
1,316

 
100.0%
June 2015
 
Other
 
Wayne, NJ
 
9,700

 
100.0%
June 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Warren, MN
 
1,055

 
100.0%
June 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Tremont, IL
 
1,150

 
100.0%

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Table of Contents

Acquisition Date
 
Type
 
Primary Location(s)
 
Purchase Price
 
Ownership Interest (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
August 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Ponce, Puerto Rico
 
8,900

 
100.0%
August 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Effingham County, IL
 
1,195

 
100.0%
August 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Lebanon, MI
 
1,200

 
100.0%
August 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Minot, ND
 
6,644

 
100.0%
August 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Floresville, TX
 
1,251

 
100.0%
August 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Kerrville, TX
 
1,174

 
97.0%
September 2015
 
Net Lease
 
De Soto, IL
 
1,066

 
97.0%
September 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Biscoe, NC
 
1,216

 
100.0%
September 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Moultrie, GA
 
1,305

 
100.0%
September 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Rose Hill, NC
 
1,420

 
100.0%
September 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Rockingham, NC
 
1,158

 
100.0%
Total real estate acquisitions
 
 
 
$
166,763

 
 
 
(1) Properties were consolidated as of acquisition date.

The purchase prices were allocated to the net assets acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, as follows ($ in thousands):

 
 
Purchase Price Allocation
 
 
 
Land
 
$
21,794

Building
 
129,032

Intangibles
 
23,728

Below Market Lease Intangibles
 
(7,791
)
Total purchase price
 
$
166,763


Sales

The Company sold the following properties during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 ($ in thousands):

Sales Date
 
Type
 
Primary Location(s)
 
Net Sales Proceeds
 
Net Book Value
 
Realized Gain/(Loss)
 
Properties
 
Units Sold
 
Units Remaining
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mar 2016
 
Net Lease
 
Rockland, MA
 
9,148

 
8,436

 
712

 
1

 

 

Sep 2016
 
Net Lease
 
Crawfordsville, IN
 
6,190

 
5,723

 
467

 
1

 

 

Various
 
Condominium
 
Las Vegas, NV
 
24,534

 
13,507

 
11,027

 

 
58

 
74

Various
 
Condominium
 
Miami, FL
 
14,162

 
10,752

 
3,410

 

 
49

 
104

Totals
 
 
 
 
 
$
54,034

 
$
38,418

 
$
15,616

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Table of Contents

The Company sold the following properties during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 ($ in thousands):

Sales Date
 
Type
 
Primary Location(s)
 
Net Sales Proceeds
 
Net Book Value
 
Realized Gain/(Loss)
 
Properties
 
Units Sold
 
Units Remaining
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Plattsmouth, NE
 
$
8,440

 
$
7,983

 
$
457

 
1

 

 

May 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Worthington, MN
 
8,793

 
8,321

 
472

 
1

 

 

May 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Loveland, CO
 
6,249

 
5,600

 
649

 
1

 

 

Sep 2015
 
Net Lease
 
Village of Menomonee Falls, WI
 
17,856

(1)
16,827

 
1,029

(2)
1

 

 

Various
 
Condominium
 
Las Vegas, NV
 
31,997

 
18,617

 
13,380

 

 
72

 
148

Various
 
Condominium
 
Miami, FL
 
22,301

 
17,271

 
5,030

 

 
74

 
178

Totals
 
 
 
 
 
$
95,636

 
$
74,619

 
$
21,017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes $11.3 million of mortgage debt assumed by the buyer, which is included in non-cash transactions on the Company’s combined consolidated statement of cash flows.
(2) Excludes $0.3 million of gain on mortgage debt assumed by the buyer, which is included in realized gain on sale of real estate, net on the Company’s combined consolidated statement of cash flows.

Real Estate Sold or Classified as Held for Sale

On January 1, 2014, the Company early adopted ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, and as the properties sold or classified as real estate held for sale in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 did not represent a strategic shift (as the Company is not entirely exiting markets or property types), they have not been reflected as part of discontinued operations.
 

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Table of Contents

Unaudited Pro Forma Information

The following unaudited pro forma information has been prepared based upon our historical combined consolidated financial statements and certain historical financial information of the acquired properties, which are accounted for as business combinations, and should be read in conjunction with the combined consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. The unaudited pro forma combined consolidated financial information reflects the 2016 acquisition adjustments made to present financial results as though the acquisition of such properties occurred on January 1, 2015 through the date of acquisition and the 2015 acquisition adjustments made to present financial results as though the acquisition of the properties occurred on January 1, 2014 through the date of acquisition. This unaudited pro forma information may not be indicative of the results that actually would have occurred if these transactions had been in effect on the dates indicated, nor do they purport to represent our future results of operations ($ in thousands):

 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Company
Historical
 
Acquisitions
 
Consolidated
Pro Forma
 
Company
Historical
 
Acquisitions
 
Consolidated
Pro Forma
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating lease income
$
19,466

 
$
195

 
$
19,661

 
$
57,845

 
$
2,475

 
$
60,320

Net income (loss)
49,598

 
113

 
49,711

 
42,099

 
1,514

 
43,613

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures
439

 

 
439

 
436

 

 
436

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in operating partnership
(22,429
)
 
(48
)
 
(22,477
)
 
(17,664
)
 
(642
)
 
(18,306
)
Net income attributable to Class A common shareholders
27,608

 
65

 
27,673

 
24,871

 
873

 
25,744


The Company recorded $0.6 million and $1.0 million in revenues from its 2016 acquisitions for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, which are included in operating lease income on the combined consolidated statements of income.

 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Company
Historical
 
Acquisitions
 
Consolidated
Pro Forma
 
Company
Historical
 
Acquisitions
 
Consolidated
Pro Forma
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating lease income
$
20,671

 
$
1,127

 
$
21,798

 
$
60,207

 
$
3,419

 
$
63,626

Net income
2,798

 
693

 
3,491

 
89,458

 
1,470

 
90,928

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures
85

 

 
85

 
578

 

 
578

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in operating partnership
430

 
(294
)
 
136

 
(43,338
)
 
(623
)
 
(43,961
)
Net income attributable to Class A common shareholders
3,313

 
399

 
3,712

 
46,698

 
847

 
47,545


The Company recorded $0.2 million and $6.4 million, respectively, in revenues from its 2015 acquisitions for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, which are included in operating lease income on the combined consolidated statements of income.
 
The most significant adjustments made in preparing the unaudited pro forma information were to: (i) include the incremental operating lease income, (ii) include the incremental depreciation, and (iii) adjust for transaction costs associated with the properties acquired in 2016 as if they were incurred on January 1, 2015 and the properties acquired in 2015 as if they were incurred on January 1, 2014.


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Table of Contents

6. INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
 
As of September 30, 2016, the Company had an aggregate investment of $33.9 million in its equity method joint ventures with unaffiliated third parties.

Included in the Company’s investments in unconsolidated joint ventures as of September 30, 2016 is one unconsolidated joint venture, which is a VIE for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. This joint venture is primarily established to develop real estate property for long-term investment and was deemed to be a VIE primarily based on the fact there are disproportionate voting and economic rights within the joint venture. The Company determined that it was not the primary beneficiary of this VIE based on the fact that the Company has shared control of this entity along with the entity’s partner and therefore does not have controlling financial interests in this VIE. The Company’s aggregate investment in this VIE was $30.4 million. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss is limited to its investment in the VIE. The Company has not provided financial support to this VIE that it was not previously contractually required to provide. In general, future costs of development not financed through a third party will be funded with capital contributions from the Company and its outside partner in accordance with their respective ownership percentages.
 
The following is a summary of the Company’s investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, which we account for using the equity method, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands):
 
Entity
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Ladder Capital Realty Income Partnership I LP
 
$

 
$
49

Grace Lake JV, LLC
 
3,456

 
2,891

24 Second Avenue Holdings LLC
 
30,404

 
30,857

Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures
 
$
33,860

 
$
33,797

 
The following is a summary of the Company’s allocated earnings (losses) based on its ownership interests from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 ($ in thousands):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Entity
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ladder Capital Realty Income Partnership I LP
 
$

 
$

 
$
892

 
$
116

Grace Lake JV, LLC
 
230

 
196

 
690

 
685

24 Second Avenue Holdings LLC
 
(371
)
 
(221
)
 
(1,097
)
 
(221
)
Earnings (loss) from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures
 
$
(141
)
 
$
(25
)
 
$
485

 
$
580

 

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Table of Contents

Ladder Capital Realty Income Partnership I LP

On April 15, 2011, the Company entered into a limited partnership agreement, becoming the general partner and acquiring a 10% limited partnership interest in Ladder Capital Realty Income Partnership I LP (“LCRIP I”) to invest in first mortgage loans held for investment and acted as general partner and manager to LCRIP I. The Company accounts for its interest in LCRIP I using the equity method of accounting, as it exerts significant influence but the unrelated limited partners have substantive participating rights, as well as kick-out rights. During the quarter ended June 30, 2015, the last loan held by LCRIP I was repaid. The term of the partnership expired on April 15, 2016. At that time, LCRIP I made distributions to the partners in the aggregate amounts determined by the general partner in accordance with the Limited Partnership Agreement. Simultaneously with the execution of the LCRIP I Partnership Agreement, the Company was engaged as the manager of LCRIP I and is entitled to a fee based upon the average net equity invested in LCRIP I, which is subject to a fee reduction in the event average net equity invested in LCRIP I exceeds $100.0 million. During the three months ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, the Company recorded no management fees. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, the Company recorded $6,905 and $77,447, respectively, in management fees, which is reflected in fee and other income in the combined consolidated statements of income.
 
Grace Lake JV, LLC
 
In connection with the origination of a loan in April 2012, the Company received a 25% equity kicker with the right to convert upon a capital event. On March 22, 2013, the loan was refinanced, and the Company converted its interest into a 25% limited liability company membership interest in Grace Lake JV, LLC (“Grace Lake JV”), which holds an investment in an office building complex. After taking into account the preferred return of 8.25% and the return of all equity remaining in the property to the Company’s operating partner, the Company is entitled to 25% of the distribution of all excess cash flows and all disposition proceeds upon any sale. The Company is not legally required to provide any future funding to Grace Lake JV. The Company accounts for its interest in Grace Lake JV using the equity method of accounting, as it has a 25% investment, compared to the 75% investment of its operating partner.

24 Second Avenue Holdings LLC

On August 7, 2015, the Company entered into a joint venture, 24 Second Avenue Holdings LLC (“24 Second Avenue”), with an operating partner to invest in a ground-up condominium construction and development project located at 24 Second Avenue, New York, NY. The Company accounts for its interest in 24 Second Avenue using the equity method of accounting as its joint venture partner is the managing member of 24 Second Avenue and has substantive participating rights. The Company contributed $31.1 million for a 73.8% interest, with the operating partner holding the remaining 26.2% interest. The Company is entitled to income allocations and distributions based upon its membership interest of 73.8% until the Company achieves a 1.70x profit multiple, after which, ultimately, income is allocated and distributed 50% to the Company and 50% to the operating partner. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded $0.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively, in expenses, which is recorded in earnings (loss) from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures in the combined consolidated statements of income. The Company capitalizes interest related to the cost of its investment, as 24 Second Avenue has activities in progress necessary to construct and ultimately sell condominium units. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company capitalized $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively, of interest expense, using a weighted average interest rate, which is recorded in investment in unconsolidated joint ventures in the combined consolidated balance sheets.

Combined Summary Financial Information for Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

The following is a summary of the combined financial position of the unconsolidated joint ventures in which the Company had investment interests as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands):
 
 
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
135,627

 
$
131,214

Total liabilities
 
92,743

 
88,973

Partners’/members’ capital
 
$
42,884

 
$
42,241



36

Table of Contents

The following is a summary of the combined results from operations of the unconsolidated joint ventures for the period in which the Company had investment interests during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 ($ in thousands):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
 
$
4,463

 
$
4,203

 
$
12,678

 
$
14,666

Total expenses
 
4,030

 
4,626

 
11,943

 
11,987

Net income (loss)
 
$
433

 
$
(423
)
 
$
735

 
$
2,679



37


7. DEBT OBLIGATIONS

The details of the Company’s debt obligations at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows ($ in thousands):
 
September 30, 2016
Debt Obligations
 
Committed Financing
 
Debt Obligations Outstanding
 
Committed but Unfunded
 
Interest Rate at September 30, 2016(1)
 
Current Term Maturity
 
Remaining Extension Options
 
Eligible Collateral
 
Carrying Amount of Collateral
 
Fair Value of Collateral
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Committed Loan Repurchase Facility
 
$
600,000

 
$
276,978

 
$
323,022

 
 2.27% - 3.03%
 
10/30/2017
 
(2)
 
(3)
 
$
442,221

 
$
447,038

 
Committed Loan Repurchase Facility
 
450,000

 
187,031

 
262,969

 
  2.77% - 3.52%
 
5/24/2017
 
(4)
 
(3)
 
271,091

 
290,496

(5)
Committed Loan Repurchase Facility
 
400,000

 
120,690

 
279,310

 
  2.77% - 3.77%
 
4/9/2017
 
(6)
 
(7)
 
281,269

 
303,158

(8)
Committed Loan Repurchase Facility
 
100,000

 

 
100,000

 
 
6/28/2019
 
 
(3)
 

 


Committed Loan Repurchase Facility
 
100,000

 
37,944

 
62,056

 
2.81% - 3.53%
 
8/2/2019
 
(9)
 
(3)
 
51,559

 
56,959

(10)
Total Committed Loan Repurchase Facilities
 
1,650,000

 
622,643

 
1,027,357

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,046,140

 
1,097,651

 
Committed Securities Repurchase Facility
 
400,000

 
380,319

 
19,681

 
  0.88% - 2.29%
 
7/1/2018
 
 N/A
 
(11)
 
442,288

 
442,288

 
Uncommitted Securities Repurchase Facility
 
 N/A (12)
 
455,365

 
 N/A (12)
 
  0.80% - 2.33%
 
10/2016 - 12/2016
 
 N/A
 
(11)
 
534,336

 
534,336

 
Total Repurchase Facilities
 
2,050,000

 
1,458,327

 
1,047,038

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,022,764

 
2,074,275

 
Revolving Credit Facility
 
143,000

 
100,000

 
43,000

 
3.02% - 3.69%
 
2/11/2017
 
(13)
 
 N/A (14)
 
 N/A (14)
 
 N/A (14)
 
Mortgage Loan Financing
 
575,533

 
575,533



 
 4.25% - 6.75%
 
2018 - 2026
 
 N/A
 
(15)
 
746,082

 
851,061

(16)
Mortgage Loan Receivable Financing
 
63,177

 
63,177

 

 
N/A
 
 N/A
 
 N/A
 
 N/A
 
 N/A

 
 N/A

 
Borrowings from the FHLB
 
2,251,046

 
1,844,700

 
406,346

 
  0.38% - 3.02%
 
2016 - 2024
 
 N/A
 
(17)
 
2,354,675

 
2,371,672

 
Senior Unsecured Notes
 
563,872

 
559,274

(18)

 
 5.875% - 7.375%
 
2017 -2021
 
 N/A
 
 N/A (19)
 
 N/A (19)

 
 N/A (19)

 
Total Debt Obligations
 
$
5,646,628

 
$
4,601,011

 
$
1,496,384

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
5,123,521

 
$
5,297,008

 
 
(1)
September 30, 2016 LIBOR rates are used to calculate interest rates for floating rate debt.
(2)
One additional 12-month period at Company’s option.
(3)
First mortgage commercial real estate loans. It does not include the real estate collateralizing such loans.
(4)
Three additional 12-month periods at Company’s option.
(5)
Includes $16.4 million of loans made to consolidated subsidiaries.
(6)
Two additional 364-day periods at Company’s option.
(7)
First mortgage and mezzanine commercial real estate loans. It does not include the real estate collateralizing such loans.
(8)
Includes $16.1 million of loans made to consolidated subsidiaries.
(9)
One additional 12-month extension period and two additional 6-month extension periods at Company’s option.
(10)
Includes $5.2 million of loans made to consolidated subsidiaries.
(11)
Commercial real estate securities. It does not include the real estate collateralizing such securities.
(12)
Represents uncommitted securities repurchase facilities for which there is no committed amount subject to future advances.
(13)
One additional 12-month period at Company’s option.
(14)
The obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are guaranteed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries and secured by equity pledges in certain Company subsidiaries.
(15)
Real estate.
(16)
Using undepreciated carrying value of commercial real estate to approximate fair value.
(17)
First mortgage commercial real estate loans and investment grade commercial real estate securities. It does not include the real estate collateralizing such loans and securities.
(18)
Presented net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $4.6 million at September 30, 2016.
(19)
The obligations under the senior unsecured notes are guaranteed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries.


38


December 31, 2015
Debt Obligations
 
Committed Financing
 
Debt Obligations Outstanding
 
Committed but Unfunded
 
Interest Rate at December 31, 2015(1)
 
Current Term Maturity
 
Remaining Extension Options
 
Eligible Collateral
 
Carrying Amount of Collateral
 
Fair Value of Collateral
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Committed Loan Repurchase Facility
 
$
600,000

 
$
229,533

 
$
370,467

 
 2.08% - 2.93%
 
10/30/2016
 
(2)
 
(3)
 
$
364,978

 
$
366,676

 
Committed Loan Repurchase Facility
 
400,000

 
204,262

 
195,738

 
  2.44% - 4.33%
 
4/10/2016
 
(4)
 
(5)
 
299,714

 
342,307

(6)
Committed Loan Repurchase Facility
 
450,000

 
269,779

 
180,221

 
  2.58% - 4.33%
 
5/24/2016
 
(2)
 
(3)
 
436,901

 
466,640

(7)
Committed Loan Repurchase Facility
 
35,000

 
575

 
34,425

 
3.02%
 
10/24/2016
 
(8)
 
(9)
 

 
794

(10)
Total Committed Loan Repurchase Facilities
 
1,485,000

 
704,149

 
780,851

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,101,593

 
1,176,417

 
Committed Securities Repurchase Facility
 
300,000

 
161,887

 
138,113

 
  0.88% - 1.34%
 
10/31/2016
 
 N/A
 
(11)
 
193,530

 
193,530

 
Uncommitted Securities Repurchase Facility
 
 N/A (12)
 
394,719

 
 N/A (6)
 
  0.73% - 2.02%
 
1/2016
 
 N/A
 
(11)
 
458,615

 
458,615

 
Total Repurchase Facilities
 
1,785,000

 
1,260,755

 
918,964

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,753,738

 
1,828,562

 
Borrowings Under Credit Agreement
 
50,000

 

 
50,000

 

 
1/24/2016
 
 N/A
 
(13)
 

 

 
Revolving Credit Facility
 
75,000

 

 
75,000

 

 
2/11/2017
 
(2)
 
 N/A (14)
 
 N/A (14)
 
 N/A (14)
 
Mortgage Loan Financing
 
544,663

 
544,663

 

 
  4.25% - 6.75%
 
2018 - 2025
 
 N/A
 
(15)
 
711,090

 
788,369

 
Borrowings from the FHLB
 
2,237,113

 
1,856,700

 
380,413

 
  0.28% - 2.74%
 
2016 - 2024
 
 N/A
 
(13)
 
2,317,534

 
2,323,765

 
Senior Unsecured Notes
 
619,555

 
612,605

(16)

 
 5.875% - 7.375%
 
2017 -2021
 
 N/A
 
 N/A (17)
 
 N/A (17)

 
 N/A (17)

 
Total Debt Obligations
 
$
5,311,331

 
$
4,274,723

 
$
1,424,377

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
4,782,362

 
$
4,940,696

 
 
(1)
December 31, 2015 LIBOR rates are used to calculate interest rates for floating rate debt.
(2)
Two additional 12-month periods at Company’s option.
(3)
First mortgage commercial real estate loans. It does not include the real estate collateralizing such loans.
(4)
Two additional 364-day periods at Company’s option.
(5)
First mortgage and mezzanine commercial real estate loans. It does not include the real estate collateralizing such loans.
(6)
Includes $36.5 million of loans made to consolidated subsidiaries.
(7)
Includes $28.2 million of loans made to consolidated subsidiaries.
(8)
Two 6-month extension periods.
(9)
First mortgage commercial real estate loans held for sale. It does not include the real estate collateralizing such loans.
(10)
Includes $0.8 million of loans made to consolidated subsidiaries.
(11)
Investment grade commercial real estate securities. It does not include the real estate collateralizing such securities.
(12)
Represents uncommitted securities repurchase facilities for which there is no committed amount subject to future advances.
(13)
First mortgage and mezzanine commercial real estate loans and investment grade commercial real estate securities. It does not include the real estate collateralizing such loans and securities.
(14)
The obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are guaranteed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries and secured by equity pledges in certain Company subsidiaries.
(15)
Using undepreciated carrying value of commercial real estate to approximate fair value.
(16)
Presented net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $6.9 million at December 31, 2015.
(17)
The obligations under the senior unsecured notes are guaranteed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries.


39


Committed Loan and Securities Repurchase Facilities
 
The Company has entered into multiple committed master repurchase agreements in order to finance its lending activities. The Company has entered into five committed master repurchase agreements, as outlined in the September 30, 2016 table above, totaling $1.7 billion of credit capacity. Assets pledged as collateral under these facilities are limited to whole mortgage loans or participation interests in mortgage loans collateralized by first liens on commercial properties and mezzanine debt. The Company also has a term master repurchase agreement with a major U.S. bank to finance CMBS totaling $400.0 million. The Company’s repurchase facilities include covenants covering net worth requirements, minimum liquidity levels, and maximum leverage ratios. The Company believes it was in compliance with all covenants as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
 
The Company has the option to extend some of the current facilities subject to a number of conditions, including satisfaction of certain notice requirements, no event of default exists, and no margin deficit exists, all as defined in the repurchase facility agreements. The lenders have sole discretion with respect to the inclusion of collateral in these facilities, to determine the market value of the collateral on a daily basis, to be exercised on a good faith basis, and have the right to require additional collateral, a full and/or partial repayment of the facilities (margin call), or a reduction in unused availability under the facilities, sufficient to rebalance the facilities if the estimated market value of the included collateral declines.

On February 19, 2015, the Company executed an amendment and extension of one of its credit facilities with a major banking institution, providing for, among other things, extending the maximum term of the facility to May 24, 2018, limiting the recourse exposure to the Company and modifying the pricing terms of the facility.

On April 10, 2015, the Company executed an amendment and extension of one of its credit facilities with a major banking institution, providing for, among other things, the extension of the maximum term of the facility to April 10, 2019 and increasing the maximum funding capacity of the facility to $400.0 million.

On August 14, 2015, the Company executed an amendment of one of its credit facilities with a major banking institution, providing for, among other things, an increase in the maximum funding capacity to $600.0 million.

On October 25, 2015, the Company entered into a committed loan repurchase facility with a major banking institution with total capacity of $35.0 million and an initial maturity date of October 24, 2016, with two six-month extension periods.

On December 15, 2015, the Company executed an amendment of one of its credit facilities with a major banking institution, providing for, among other thing, changes to our financial covenants and an increase in the maximum advance rate on certain assets, subject to the buyer’s discretion.

On April 19, 2016, the Company entered into an amendment to its committed loan repurchase facility with one of its multiple major banking institutions, adding two one-year extension options and extending the maximum term of such facility to May 24, 2020.

On June 27, 2016, the Company executed an amendment and extension of one of its credit facilities with a major banking institution, with an effective date of July 1, 2016, providing for, among other things, the extension of the maximum term of the facility to July 1, 2018 and increasing the maximum funding capacity to $400.0 million.

On June 28, 2016, the Company entered into a committed loan repurchase facility with a major banking institution with total capacity of $100.0 million and a final maturity date of June 28, 2019.

On August 3, 2016, the Company executed a committed loan repurchase facility with a major banking institution with total capacity of $100.0 million and an initial maturity date of August 2, 2019, with one twelve-month extension period, followed by two six-month extension periods. In connection with the execution of this new facility, the Company terminated its existing committed loan repurchase facility with total capacity of $35.0 million.


40


As of September 30, 2016, we had repurchase agreements with nine counterparties, with total debt obligations outstanding of $1.5 billion. As of September 30, 2016, three counterparties, Deutsche Bank, J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo, held collateral that exceeded the amounts borrowed under the related repurchase agreements by more than $75.0 million, or 5% of our total equity. As of September 30, 2016, the weighted average haircut, or the percent of collateral value in excess of the loan amount, under our repurchase agreements was 29.7%. There have been no significant fluctuations in haircuts across asset classes on our repurchase facilities.

Borrowings under Credit Agreement
 
On January 24, 2013, the Company entered into a $50.0 million credit agreement with one of its multiple committed financing counterparties in order to finance its securities and lending activities (the “Credit Agreement”). LCFH is subject to customary affirmative covenants and negative covenants, including limitations on the assumption or incurrence of additional liens or debt, restrictions on certain payments or transfers of assets, and restrictions on the amendment of contracts or documents related to the assets under pledge. Under the Credit Agreement, LCFH is subject to customary financial covenants relating to maximum leverage, minimum tangible net worth, and minimum liquidity consistent with our other credit facilities. The Company’s ability to borrow under the Credit Agreement is dependent on, among other things, LCFH’s compliance with the financial covenants. The Company believes it was in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2015. The Credit Agreement matured on June 23, 2016 with no further extension options.
 
Borrowings under Credit and Security Agreement
 
On October 31, 2014, the Company entered into a credit and security agreement (the “Credit and Security Agreement”) with a major banking institution to finance one of its assets in the amount of $46.8 million and an interest rate of LIBOR plus 185 basis points. On September 21, 2015, the debt was repaid, and the Credit and Security Agreement was terminated.
 
Revolving Credit Facility
 
On February 11, 2014, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), which was subsequently amended on February 26, 2016 to increase its maximum funding capacity. The Revolving Credit Facility provides for an aggregate maximum borrowing amount of $143.0 million, including a $25.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit. The Revolving Credit Facility is available on a revolving basis to finance the Company’s working capital needs and for general corporate purposes. The Revolving Credit Facility has a three-year maturity, which may be extended by two 12-month periods subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including the absence of default. Interest on the Revolving Credit Facility is one-month LIBOR plus 3.50% per annum payable monthly in arrears.
 
The obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are guaranteed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a pledge of the shares of (or other ownership or equity interests in) certain subsidiaries to the extent the pledge is not restricted under existing regulations, law or contractual obligations.
 
LCFH is subject to customary affirmative covenants and negative covenants, including limitations on the incurrence of additional debt, liens, restricted payments, sales of assets and affiliate transactions. In addition, under the Revolving Credit Facility, LCFH is required to comply with financial covenants relating to minimum net worth, maximum leverage, minimum liquidity, and minimum fixed charge coverage, consistent with our other credit facilities. The Company’s ability to borrow under the Revolving Credit Facility is dependent on, among other things, LCFH’s compliance with the financial covenants. The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including non-payment of principal or interest, fees or other amounts, failure to perform or observe covenants, cross-default to other indebtedness, the rendering of judgments against the Company or certain of our subsidiaries to pay certain amounts of money and certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency.


41


Debt Issuance Costs

As discussed in Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies in the Annual Report, the Company considers its committed loan master repurchase facilities, borrowings under the Credit Agreement and Revolving Credit Facility to be revolving debt arrangements. As such, the Company continues to defer and present costs associated with these facilities as an asset, subsequently amortizing those costs ratably over the term of each revolving debt arrangement. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the amount of unamortized costs relating to such facilities are $1.9 million and $3.4 million, respectively, and are included in other assets in the combined consolidated balance sheets.

Uncommitted Securities Repurchase Facilities
 
The Company has also entered into multiple master repurchase agreements with several counterparties collateralized by real estate securities. The borrowings under these agreements have typical advance rates between 65% and 95% of the fair value of collateral.

Mortgage Loan Financing
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company executed 10 and 36 term debt agreements, respectively, to finance properties in its real estate portfolio. These nonrecourse debt agreements provide for fixed rate financing at rates, ranging from 4.25% to 6.75%, maturing between 2018 - 2026 as of September 30, 2016. These loans have carrying amounts of $575.5 million and $544.7 million, net of unamortized premiums of $5.6 million and $6.1 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, representing proceeds received upon financing greater than the contractual amounts due under these agreements. The premiums are being amortized over the remaining life of the respective debt instruments using the effective interest method. The Company recorded $0.2 million and $0.7 million of premium amortization, which decreased interest expense, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. The Company recorded $0.2 million and $0.7 million of premium amortization, which decreased interest expense, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. The loans are collateralized by real estate and related lease intangibles, net, of $746.1 million and $711.1 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Mortgage Loan Receivable Financing (Nonrecourse)

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, financial assets (loans), with a combined principal balance of $324.4 million, have been treated as sales in accordance with ASC Topic 860 Transfers and Servicing, in connection with a securitization transaction. In addition, during the three months ended September 30, 2016, of the three assets (loans), with a combined principal balance of $137.6 million, $61.6 million, non-controlling, pari passu interests were also transferred as part of a securitization transaction. Since effective control continued to reside with the retained portions of the loans, the transfers are considered nonrecourse secured borrowings in which the full loan assets remain on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets in mortgage loan receivables held for investment, net, at amortized cost and the sale proceeds of $63.2 million are recognized in debt obligations. The Company expects to sell the retained portions of the loans in a future securitization and relinquish control. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the transfers of financial assets via sales of loans were treated as sales under ASC Topic 860 Transfers and Servicing.

Borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”)
 
On July 11, 2012, Tuebor Captive Insurance Company LLC (“Tuebor”), a consolidated subsidiary of the Company, became a member of the FHLB and subsequently drew its first secured funding advances from the FHLB. On March 21, 2016, Tuebor’s advance limit was updated to the lowest of $2.9 billion, 40% of Tuebor’s total assets or 150% of the Company’s total equity.

As of September 30, 2016, Tuebor had $1.8 billion of borrowings outstanding (with an additional $406.3 million of committed term financing available from the FHLB), with terms of overnight to eight years (with a weighted average of 2.4 years), interest rates of 0.38% to 3.02% (with a weighted average of 1.05%), and advance rates of 61.0% to 95.2% of the collateral. As of September 30, 2016, collateral for the borrowings was comprised of $1.6 billion of CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities and $770.6 million of first mortgage commercial real estate loans.


42


As of December 31, 2015, Tuebor had $1.9 billion of borrowings outstanding (with an additional $380.4 million of committed term financing available from the FHLB), with terms of overnight to eight years (with a weighted average of 1.4 years), interest rates of 0.28% to 2.74% (with a weighted average of 0.84%), and advance rates of 58.7% to 95.2% of the collateral. As of December 31, 2015, collateral for the borrowings was comprised of $1.7 billion of CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities and $568.2 million of first mortgage commercial real estate loans.
 
Tuebor is subject to state regulations which require that dividends (including dividends to the Company as its parent) may only be made with regulatory approval. However, there can be no assurance that we would obtain such approval if sought. Largely as a result of this restriction, approximately $591.5 million of the member’s capital was restricted from transfer to Tuebor’s parent without prior approval of state insurance regulators at September 30, 2016.

Effective February 19, 2016, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (the “FHFA’’), regulator of the FHLB, adopted a final rule amending its regulation regarding the eligibility of captive insurance companies for FHLB membership. According to the final rule, Ladder’s captive insurance company subsidiary, Tuebor may remain as a member of the FHLB through February 19, 2021 (the “Transition Period”). During the Transition Period, Tuebor is eligible to continue to draw new additional advances, extend the maturities of existing advances, and pay off outstanding advances on the same terms as non-captive insurance company FHLB members with the following two exceptions:

1.
New advances (including any existing advances that are extended during the Transition Period) will have maturity dates on or before February 19, 2021; and
2.
The FHLB will make new advances to Tuebor subject to a requirement that Tuebor’s total outstanding advances do not exceed 40% of Tuebor’s total assets.
    
Tuebor has executed new advances since the effective date of the new rule in the ordinary course of business.

FHLB advances amounted to 40.1% of the Company’s outstanding debt obligations as of September 30, 2016. The Company does not anticipate that the FHFA’s final regulation will materially impact its operations as it will continue to access FHLB advances during the five-year Transition Period.

There is no assurance that the FHFA or the FHLB will not take actions that could adversely impact Tuebor’s membership in the FHLB and continuing access to new or existing advances prior to February 19, 2021.

Senior Unsecured Notes
On September 19, 2012, LCFH issued $325.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.375% senior notes due October 1, 2017 (the “2017 Notes”). The 2017 Notes require interest payments semi-annually in cash in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on September 19, 2012. The 2017 Notes are unsecured and are subject to incurrence-based covenants, including limitations on the incurrence of additional debt, restricted payments, liens, sales of assets, affiliate transactions and other covenants typical for financings of this type. On November 5, 2014, the board of directors authorized the Company to make up to $325.0 million in repurchases of the 2017 Notes from time to time without further approval.

On December 17, 2014, the Company retired $5.4 million of principal of the 2017 Notes for a repurchase price of $5.6 million recognizing a $0.2 million loss on extinguishment of debt. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company retired $21.9 million of principal of the 2017 Notes for a repurchase price of $21.4 million, recognizing a $0.3 million net gain on extinguishment of debt after recognizing $(0.2) million of unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the retired debt. The remaining $297.7 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2017 Notes is due October 2, 2017.

On August 1, 2014, LCFH issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior notes due August 1, 2021 (the “2021 Notes”). The 2021 Notes require interest payments semi-annually in cash in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year, beginning on February 1, 2015. The 2021 Notes will mature on August 1, 2021. The 2021 Notes are unsecured and are subject to incurrence-based covenants, including limitations on the incurrence of additional debt, restricted payments, liens, sales of assets, affiliate transactions and other covenants typical for financings of this type. On February 24, 2016, the board of directors authorized the Company to make up to $100.0 million in repurchases of the 2021 Notes from time to time without further approval.


43


During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company retired $33.8 million of principal of the 2021 Notes for a repurchase price of $28.2 million, recognizing a $5.1 million net gain on extinguishment of debt after recognizing $(0.4) million of unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the retired debt. The remaining $266.2 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes is due August 1, 2021.

LCFH issued the 2021 Notes and the 2017 Notes (collectively, the “Notes”) with Ladder Capital Finance Corporation (“LCFC”), as co-issuers on a joint and several basis. LCFC is a 100% owned finance subsidiary of Series TRS of LCFH with no assets, operations, revenues or cash flows other than those related to the issuance, administration and repayment of the Notes. The Company and certain subsidiaries of LCFH currently guarantee the obligations under the Notes and the indenture. The Company is the general partner of LCFH and, through LCFH and its subsidiaries, operates the Ladder Capital business. As of September 30, 2016, the Company has a 59.5% economic and voting interest in LCFH and controls the management of LCFH as a result of its ability to appoint board members. Accordingly, the Company consolidates the financial results of LCFH and records noncontrolling interest for the economic interest in LCFH held by the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners. In addition, the Company, through certain subsidiaries which are treated as TRSs, is indirectly subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes. Other than the noncontrolling interest in the Operating Partnership and federal, state and local income taxes, there are no material differences between the Company’s combined consolidated financial statements and LCFH’s consolidated financial statements.
 
In April 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-03, which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Beginning April 1, 2015, the Company elected to early adopt ASU 2015-03 and appropriately retrospectively applied the guidance to its senior unsecured notes, to all periods presented. Unamortized debt issuance costs of $4.6 million are included in senior unsecured notes as of September 30, 2016 and unamortized debt issuance costs of $6.9 million are included in senior unsecured notes as of December 31, 2015 (previously included in other assets on the combined consolidated balance sheets).

Combined Maturity of Debt Obligations

The following schedule reflects the Company’s contractual payments under all borrowings by maturity ($ in thousands):
 
Period ending December 31,
 
Borrowings by
Maturity (1)
 
 
 

2016 (last 3 months)
 
$
1,444,838

2017
 
1,266,239

2018
 
403,295

2019
 
71,046

2020
 
113,802

Thereafter
 
1,300,309

Subtotal
 
$
4,599,529

Debt issuance costs included in senior unsecured notes
 
(4,598
)
Premiums included in mortgage loan financing
 
6,080

Total
 
4,601,011

 
(1) Contractual payments under current maturities, some of which are subject to extensions.

The Company’s debt facilities are subject to covenants which require the Company to maintain a minimum level of total equity. Largely as a result of this restriction, approximately $899.4 million of the total equity is restricted from payment as a dividend by the Company at September 30, 2016.


44

Table of Contents

8. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
Fair value is based upon market quotations, broker quotations, counterparty quotations or pricing services quotations, which provide valuation estimates based upon reasonable market order indications and are subject to significant variability based on market conditions, such as interest rates, credit spreads and market liquidity.  The fair value of the mortgage loan receivables held for sale is based upon a securitization model utilizing market data from recent securitization spreads and pricing.
 
Fair Value Summary Table
 
The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, which are both reported at fair value on a recurring basis (as indicated) or amortized cost/par, at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows ($ in thousands):
 
September 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average
 
Outstanding
Face Amount
 
Amortized
Cost Basis
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value Method
 
Yield
%
 
Remaining
Maturity/Duration (years)
Assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
CMBS(1)
$
2,169,241

 
$
2,199,698

 
$
2,241,393

 
Internal model, third-party inputs
 
2.79
%
 
3.06
CMBS interest-only(1)
8,626,247

(2)
343,218

 
347,367

 
Internal model, third-party inputs
 
3.52
%
 
3.14
GNMA interest-only(3)
519,846

(2)
21,444

 
19,356

 
Internal model, third-party inputs
 
4.02
%
 
4.66
Agency securities(1)
798

 
828

 
830

 
Internal model, third-party inputs
 
1.29
%
 
3.43
GNMA permanent securities(1)
40,120

 
40,977

 
42,013

 
Internal model, third-party inputs
 
3.85
%
 
10.11
Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost
1,654,554

 
1,643,035

 
1,664,661

 
Discounted Cash Flow(4)
 
7.09
%
 
1.70
Mortgage loan receivables held for sale
783,441

 
784,186

 
812,655

 
Internal model, third-party inputs(5)
 
4.40
%
 
7.54
FHLB stock(6)
77,915

 
77,915

 
77,915

 
(6)
 
4.25
%
 
 N/A
Nonhedge derivatives(1)(7)
241,011

 
 N/A

 
254

 
Counterparty quotations
 
N/A

 
1.81
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Repurchase agreements - short-term
1,320,470

 
1,320,470

 
1,320,470

 
Discounted Cash Flow(8)
 
1.18
%
 
0.18
Repurchase agreements - long-term
137,857

 
137,857

 
137,857

 
Discounted Cash Flow(9)
 
1.73
%
 
1.96
Revolving credit facility
100,000

 
100,000

 
100,000

 
Discounted Cash Flow(10)
 
3.69
%
 
0.37
Mortgage loan financing
573,435

 
575,533

 
610,789

 
Discounted Cash Flow(9)
 
4.84
%
 
7.33
Mortgage loan receivable financing
63,177

 
63,177

 
63,177

 
Sales Proceeds
 
N/A

 
N/A
Borrowings from the FHLB
1,844,700

 
1,844,700

 
1,857,780

 
Discounted Cash Flow
 
1.05
%
 
2.39
Senior unsecured notes
563,872

 
559,274

 
552,794

 
Broker quotations, pricing services
 
6.67
%
 
2.81
Nonhedge derivatives(1)(7)
1,035,500

 
 N/A

 
9,368

 
Counterparty quotations
 
N/A

 
2.12
 
(1)
Measured at fair value on a recurring basis with the net unrealized gains or losses recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) in equity.
(2)
Represents notional outstanding balance of underlying collateral.
(3)
Measured at fair value on a recurring basis with the net unrealized gains or losses recorded in current period earnings.
(4)
Fair value for floating rate mortgage loan receivables, held for investment is estimated to approximate the outstanding face amount given the short interest rate reset risk (30 days) and no significant change in credit risk. Fair value for fixed rate mortgage loan receivables, held for investment is measured using a hypothetical securitization model utilizing market data from recent securitization spreads and pricing.
(5)
Fair value for mortgage loan receivables, held for sale is measured using a hypothetical securitization model utilizing market data from recent securitization spreads and pricing.
(6)
Fair value of the FHLB stock approximates outstanding face amount as the Company’s captive insurance subsidiary is restricted from trading the stock and can only put the stock back to the FHLB, at the FHLB’s discretion, at par.
(7)
The outstanding face amount of the nonhedge derivatives represents the notional amount of the underlying contracts.
(8)
Fair value for repurchase agreement liabilities is estimated to approximate carrying amount primarily due to the short interest rate reset risk (30 days) of the financings and the high credit quality of the assets collateralizing these positions. If the collateral is determined to be impaired, the related financing would be revalued accordingly. There are no impairments on any positions.
(9)
For the mortgage loan financing, the carrying value approximates the fair value discounting the expected cash flows at current market rates.  If the collateral is determined to be impaired, the related financing would be revalued accordingly. There are no impairments on any positions.
(10)
Fair value for borrowings under the revolving credit facility is estimated to approximate carrying amount primarily due to the short interest rate reset risk (30 days) of the financings and the high credit quality of the assets collateralizing these positions. 


45

Table of Contents

December 31, 2015  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average
 
Outstanding
Face Amount
 
Amortized
Cost Basis
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value Method
 
Yield
%
 
Remaining
Maturity/Duration (years)
Assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
CMBS(1)
$
1,972,492

 
$
1,994,928

 
$
1,991,506

 
Internal model, third-party inputs
 
2.59
%
 
3.15
CMBS interest-only(1)
7,436,379

(2)
348,222

 
344,423

 
Internal model, third-party inputs
 
3.81
%
 
3.34
GNMA interest-only(3)
632,175

(2)
28,311

 
26,194

 
Internal model, third-party inputs
 
4.26
%
 
5.22
GNMA construction securities(1)
27,091

 
27,581

 
28,639

 
Internal model, third-party inputs
 
3.86
%
 
9.33
GNMA permanent securities(1)
16,249

 
16,685

 
16,455

 
Internal model, third-party inputs
 
3.94
%
 
5.43
Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost
1,749,556

 
1,738,645

 
1,756,774

 
Discounted Cash Flow(4)
 
7.56
%
 
1.38
Mortgage loan receivables held for sale
571,638

 
571,764

 
582,277

 
Internal model, third-party inputs(5)
 
4.56
%
 
6.20
FHLB stock(6)
77,915

 
77,915

 
77,915

 
(6)
 
3.50
%
 
 N/A
Nonhedge derivatives(1)(7)
868,700

 
 N/A

 
2,821

 
Counterparty quotations
 
N/A

 
0.69
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Repurchase agreements - short-term
1,224,942

 
1,224,942

 
1,224,942

 
Discounted Cash Flow(8)
 
1.67
%
 
0.43
Repurchase agreements - long-term
35,813

 
35,813

 
35,813

 
Discounted Cash Flow(9)
 
1.87
%
 
1.40
Mortgage loan financing
540,764

 
544,663

 
557,841

 
Discounted Cash Flow(9)
 
4.86
%
 
7.93
Borrowings from the FHLB
1,856,700

 
1,856,700

 
1,861,584

 
Discounted Cash Flow
 
0.84
%
 
1.42
Senior unsecured notes
619,555

 
612,605

 
591,357

 
Broker quotations, pricing services
 
6.65
%
 
3.61
Nonhedge derivatives(1)(7)
374,200

 
 N/A

 
5,504

 
Counterparty quotations
 
N/A

 
3.42
 
(1)
Measured at fair value on a recurring basis with the net unrealized gains or losses recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) in equity.
(2)
Represents notional outstanding balance of underlying collateral.
(3)
Measured at fair value on a recurring basis with the net unrealized gains or losses recorded in current period earnings.
(4)
Fair value for floating rate mortgage loan receivables, held for investment is estimated to approximate the outstanding face amount given the short interest rate reset risk (30 days) and no significant change in credit risk. Fair value for fixed rate mortgage loan receivables, held for investment is measured using a hypothetical securitization model utilizing market data from recent securitization spreads and pricing.
(5)
Fair value for mortgage loan receivables, held for sale is measured using a hypothetical securitization model utilizing market data from recent securitization spreads and pricing.
(6)
Fair value of the FHLB stock approximates outstanding face amount as the Company’s captive insurance subsidiary is restricted from trading the stock and can only put the stock back to the FHLB, at the FHLB’s discretion, at par.
(7)
The outstanding face amount of the nonhedge derivatives represents the notional amount of the underlying contracts.
(8)
Fair value for repurchase agreement liabilities is estimated to approximate carrying amount primarily due to the short interest rate reset risk (30 days) of the financings and the high credit quality of the assets collateralizing these positions. If the collateral is determined to be impaired, the related financing would be revalued accordingly.  There are no impairments on any positions.
(9)
For the mortgage loan financing, the carrying value approximates the fair value discounting the expected cash flows at current market rates.  If the collateral is determined to be impaired, the related financing would be revalued accordingly.  There are no impairments on any positions.
 

46

Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, which are both reported at fair value on a recurring basis (as indicated) or amortized cost/par, at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands):
 
September 30, 2016
 
Financial Instruments Reported at Fair Value on Combined Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
 
Outstanding Face
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

CMBS(1)
 
$
2,169,241

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,241,393

 
$
2,241,393

CMBS interest-only(1)
 
8,626,247

(2)

 

 
347,367

 
347,367

GNMA interest-only(3)
 
519,846

(2)

 

 
19,356

 
19,356

Agency securities(1)
 
798

 

 

 
830

 
830

GNMA permanent securities(1)
 
40,120

 

 

 
42,013

 
42,013

Nonhedge derivatives(4)
 
241,011

 

 
254

 

 
254

 
 
 
 
$

 
$
254

 
$
2,650,959

 
$
2,651,213

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonhedge derivatives(4)
 
1,035,500

 
$

 
$
9,368

 
$

 
$
9,368

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value on Combined Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
 
Outstanding Face
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loan receivable held for investment
 
$
1,654,554

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,664,661

 
$
1,664,661

Mortgage loan receivable held for sale
 
783,441

 

 

 
812,655

 
812,655

FHLB stock
 
77,915

 

 

 
77,915

 
77,915

 
 
 
 
$

 
$

 
$
2,555,231

 
$
2,555,231

Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
0

Repurchase agreements - short-term
 
1,320,470

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,320,470

 
$
1,320,470

Repurchase agreements - long-term
 
137,857

 

 

 
137,857

 
137,857

Revolving credit facility
 
100,000

 

 

 
100,000

 
100,000

Mortgage loan financing
 
573,435

 

 

 
610,789

 
610,789

Mortgage loan receivable financing
 
63,177

 

 

 
63,177

 
63,177

Borrowings from the FHLB
 
1,844,700

 

 

 
1,857,780

 
1,857,780

Senior unsecured notes
 
563,872

 

 

 
552,794

 
552,794

 
 
 
 
$

 
$

 
$
4,642,867

 
$
4,642,867

 
(1)
Measured at fair value on a recurring basis with the net unrealized gains or losses recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) in equity. 
(2) 
Represents notional outstanding balance of underlying collateral. 
(3)
Measured at fair value on a recurring basis with the net unrealized gains or losses recorded in current period earnings. 
(4) 
Measured at fair value on a recurring basis with the net unrealized gains or losses recorded in current period earnings.  The outstanding face amount of the nonhedge derivatives represents the notional amount of the underlying contracts.




47

Table of Contents

December 31, 2015
 
Financial Instruments Reported at Fair Value on Combined Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
 
Outstanding Face
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

CMBS(1)
 
$
1,972,492

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,991,506

 
$
1,991,506

CMBS interest-only(1)
 
7,436,379

(3)

 

 
344,423

 
344,423

GNMA interest-only(2)
 
632,175

(3)

 

 
26,194

 
26,194

GNMA construction securities(1)
 
27,091

 

 

 
28,639

 
28,639

GNMA permanent securities(1)
 
16,249

 

 

 
16,455

 
16,455

Nonhedge derivatives(4)
 
868,700

 

 
2,821

 

 
2,821

 
 
 
 
$

 
$
2,821

 
$
2,407,217

 
$
2,410,038

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonhedge derivatives(4)
 
374,200

 

 
5,504

 

 
5,504

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value on Combined Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
 
Outstanding Face
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loan receivable held for investment
 
1,749,556

 

 

 
1,756,774

 
1,756,774

Mortgage loan receivable held for sale
 
571,638

 

 

 
582,277

 
582,277

FHLB stock
 
77,915

 

 

 
77,915

 
77,915

 
 
 
 
$

 
$

 
$
2,416,966

 
$
2,416,966

Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
0

Repurchase agreements - short-term
 
1,224,942

 

 


 
1,224,942

 
1,224,942

Repurchase agreements - long-term
 
35,813

 

 

 
35,813

 
35,813

Mortgage loan financing
 
540,764

 

 

 
557,841

 
557,841

Borrowings from the FHLB
 
1,856,700

 

 

 
1,861,584

 
1,861,584

Senior unsecured notes
 
619,555

 

 

 
591,357

 
591,357

 
 
 
 
$

 
$

 
$
4,271,537

 
$
4,271,537

 
 
(1)
Measured at fair value on a recurring basis with the net unrealized gains or losses recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) in equity. 
(2) 
Represents notional outstanding balance of underlying collateral. 
(3)
Measured at fair value on a recurring basis with the net unrealized gains or losses recorded in current period earnings. 
(4) 
Measured at fair value on a recurring basis with the net unrealized gains or losses recorded in current period earnings.  The outstanding face amount of the nonhedge derivatives represents the notional amount of the underlying contracts.



48

Table of Contents

The following table summarizes changes in Level 3 financial instruments reported at fair value on the combined consolidated statements of financial condition for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 ($ in thousands):

Level 3
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1,
 
$
2,407,217

 
$
2,683,744

Transfer from level 2
 

 
86,577

Purchases
 
853,341

 
574,433

Sales
 
(308,429
)
 
(783,189
)
Paydowns/maturities
 
(307,847
)
 
(116,390
)
Amortization of premium/discount
 
(56,151
)
 
(50,630
)
Unrealized gain/(loss)
 
53,304

 
(3,575
)
Realized gain/(loss) on sale
 
9,524

 
24,412

Balance at September 30,
 
$
2,650,959

 
$
2,415,382


The following is quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs in our Level 3 measurements for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis ($ in thousands):

September 30, 2016
Financial Instrument
 
Carrying Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Minimum
 
Weighted Average
 
Maximum
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CMBS (1)
 
$
2,241,393

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Yield (4)
 
(0.11
)%
 
2.59
%
 
19.14
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Duration (years)(5)
 
0.00

 
3.76

 
9.15

CMBS interest-only (1)
 
347,367

(2)
Discounted cash flow
 
Yield (4)
 
2.35
 %
 
3.4
%
 
4.11
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Duration (years)(5)
 
0.97

 
3.12

 
4.51

 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepayment speed (CPY)(5)
 
100.00

 
100.00

 
100.00

GNMA interest-only (3)
 
19,356

(2)
Discounted cash flow
 
Yield (4)
 
(8.39
)%
 
6.28
%
 
45.01
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Duration (years)(5)
 
0.13

 
2.37

 
6.67

 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepayment speed (CPJ)(5)
 
5.00

 
13.88

 
35.00

Agency securities (1)
 
830

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Yield (4)
 
1.4
 %
 
1.72
%
 
1.92
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Duration (years)(5)
 
0.00

 
3.59

 
5.83

GNMA permanent securities (1)
 
42,013

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Yield (4)
 
2.68
 %
 
3.63
%
 
6.76
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Duration (years)(5)
 
1.35

 
8.61

 
10.16

Total
 
$
2,650,959

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
CMBS, CMBS interest-only securities, Agency securities, GNMA construction securities, and GNMA permanent securities are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in the current period in other comprehensive income.
(2)
Agency interest-only securities are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in current period earnings.
(3)
The amounts presented represent the principal amount of the mortgage loans outstanding in the pool in which the interest-only securities participate.

Sensitivity of the Fair Value to Changes in the Unobservable Inputs
        
(4)
Significant increase (decrease) in the unobservable input in isolation would result in significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
(5)
Significant increase (decrease) in the unobservable input in isolation would result in either a significantly lower or higher (lower or higher) fair value measurement depending on the structural features of the security in question.


49

Table of Contents

December 31, 2015
Financial Instrument
 
Carrying Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Minimum
 
Weighted Average
 
Maximum
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CMBS (1)
 
$
1,991,506

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Yield (3)
 
%
 
2.19
%
 
9.21
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Duration (years)(4)
 
0.00

 
4.06

 
7.91

CMBS interest-only (1)
 
344,423

(2)
Discounted cash flow
 
Yield (3)
 
0.09
%
 
4.13
%
 
4.51
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Duration (years)(4)
 
1.90

 
3.30

 
4.24

 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepayment speed (CPY)(4)
 
100.00

 
100.00

 
100.00

GNMA interest-only (3)
 
26,194

(2)
Discounted cash flow
 
Yield (4)
 
%
 
9.21
%
 
10
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Duration (years)(5)
 
0.32

 
2.41

 
5.18

 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepayment speed (CPJ)(5)
 
5.00

 
14.57

 
35.00

Agency securities (1)
 
28,639

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Yield (4)
 
0.58
%
 
3.47
%
 
3.51
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Duration (years)(5)
 
0.00

 
10.34

 
10.48

GNMA permanent securities (1)
 
16,455

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Yield (4)
 
%
 
3.25
%
 
6.62
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Duration (years)(5)
 
1.66

 
5.72

 
7.21

Total
 
$
2,407,217

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
CMBS, CMBS interest-only securities, GNMA construction securities, and GNMA permanent securities are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in the current period in other comprehensive income.
(2)
Agency interest-only securities are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in current period earnings.

Sensitivity of the Fair Value to Changes in the Unobservable Inputs
        
(3)
Significant increase (decrease) in the unobservable input in isolation would result in significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
(4)
Significant increase (decrease) in the unobservable input in isolation would result in either a significantly lower or higher (lower or higher) fair value measurement depending on the structural features of the security in question.


50

Table of Contents

9. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
 
The Company uses derivative instruments primarily to economically manage the fair value variability of fixed rate assets caused by interest rate fluctuations and overall portfolio market risk.  The following is a breakdown of the derivatives outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands):
 
September 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
Remaining
Maturity
(years)
Contract Type
 
Notional
 
Asset(1)
 
Liability(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Futures
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
5-year Swap
 
$
643,200

 
$
99

 
$
1,607

 
0.25
10-year Swap
 
517,500

 
58

 
2,816

 
0.25
5-year U.S. Treasury Note
 
21,200

 
5

 
2

 
0.25
10-year U.S. Treasury Note Ultra
 
1,100

 
2

 

 
0.25
Total futures
 
1,183,000

 
164

 
4,425

 
 
Swaps
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
3 Month LIBOR
 
50,000

 

 
4,474

 
3.97
Credit derivatives
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
CMBX
 
10,000

 
79

 

 
5.32
CDX
 
33,500

 

 
469

 
2.18
S&P 500 PUT OPTION 12/16/16
 
11

 
11

 

 
0.21
Total credit derivatives
 
43,511

 
90

 
469

 
 
Total derivatives
 
$
1,276,511

 
$
254

 
$
9,368

 
 
 
(1)  Shown as derivative instruments, at fair value, in the accompanying combined consolidated balance sheets.

December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
Remaining
Maturity
(years)
Contract Type
 
Notional
 
Asset(1)
 
Liability(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Futures
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
5-year Swap
 
670,100

 
2,122

 

 
0.25
10-year Swap
 
477,900

 
463

 
1,451

 
0.25
5-year U.S. Treasury Note
 
800

 
3

 

 
0.25
10-year U.S. Treasury Note
 
600

 
3

 

 
0.25
Total futures
 
1,149,400

 
2,591

 
1,451

 
 
Swaps
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
3 Month LIBOR
 
50,000

 

 
3,686

 
4.72
Credit Derivatives
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
CMBX
 
10,000

 
230

 

 
5.59
CDX
 
33,500

 

 
367

 
2.92
Total credit derivatives
 
43,500

 
230

 
367

 
 
Total derivatives
 
$
1,242,900

 
$
2,821

 
$
5,504

 
 
 
(1)  Shown as derivative instruments, at fair value, in the accompanying combined consolidated balance sheets.
 

51

Table of Contents

The following table indicates the net realized gains (losses) and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivatives, by primary underlying risk exposure, as included in net result from derivatives transactions in the combined consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 ($ in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
 
Realized
Gain/(Loss)
 
Net Result
from
Derivative
Transactions
 
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
 
Realized
Gain/(Loss)
 
Net Result
from
Derivative
Transactions
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Contract Type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Futures
$
16,876

 
$
(7,617
)
 
$
9,259

 
$
(5,401
)
 
$
(58,634
)
 
$
(64,035
)
Swaps
683

 
(311
)
 
372

 
(582
)
 
(972
)
 
(1,554
)
Credit Derivatives
(176
)
 
(99
)
 
(275
)
 
(290
)
 
(269
)
 
(559
)
Total
$
17,383

 
$
(8,027
)
 
$
9,356

 
$
(6,273
)
 
$
(59,875
)
 
$
(66,148
)
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
 
Realized
Gain/(Loss)
 
Net Result
from
Derivative
Transactions
 
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
 
Realized
Gain/(Loss)
 
Net Result
from
Derivative
Transactions
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Contract Type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Futures
$
(13,281
)
 
$
(27,990
)
 
$
(41,271
)
 
$
(8,468
)
 
$
(44,400
)
 
$
(52,868
)
Swaps
(768
)
 
(476
)
 
(1,244
)
 
(306
)
 
(1,574
)
 
(1,880
)
Credit Derivatives
291

 
(18
)
 
273

 
367

 
(213
)
 
154

Total
$
(13,758
)
 
$
(28,484
)
 
$
(42,242
)
 
$
(8,407
)
 
$
(46,187
)
 
$
(54,594
)

The Company’s counterparties held $30.7 million and $18.9 million of cash margin as collateral for derivatives as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which is included in cash collateral held by broker in the combined consolidated balance sheets.
 
Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features
 
The Company has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision whereby, if the Company defaults on certain of its indebtedness, the Company could also be declared in default on its derivatives, resulting in an acceleration of payment under the derivatives.  As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with these requirements and not in default on its indebtedness.  As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there was $6.2 million and $5.9 million of cash collateral held by the derivative counterparties for these derivatives, respectively, included in cash collateral held by brokers in the combined consolidated statements of financial condition.  No additional cash would be required to be posted if the acceleration of payment under the derivatives was triggered.


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10. OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
 
The following tables present both gross information and net information about derivatives and other instruments eligible for offset in the statement of financial position as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The Company’s accounting policy is to record derivative asset and liability positions on a gross basis, therefore, the following tables present the gross derivative asset and liability positions recorded on the balance sheets, while also disclosing the eligible amounts of financial instruments and cash collateral to the extent those amounts could offset the gross amount of derivative asset and liability positions. The actual amounts of collateral posted by or received from counterparties may be in excess than the amounts disclosed in the following tables as the following only disclose amounts eligible to be offset to the extent of the recorded gross derivative positions.
 
As of September 30, 2016
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets
($ in thousands)
 
Description
 
Gross amounts of
recognized assets
 
Gross amounts
offset in the
balance sheet
 
Net amounts of
assets presented
in the balance
sheet
 
Gross amounts not offset in the
balance sheet
 
Net amount
 
 
 
 
Financial
instruments
 
Cash collateral
received/(posted)(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
254

 
$

 
$
254

 
$

 
$

 
$
254

Total
 
$
254

 
$

 
$
254

 
$

 
$

 
$
254

 
(1) Included in cash collateral held by broker on combined consolidated balance sheets.
 
As of September 30, 2016
Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities
($ in thousands)
 
Description
 
Gross amounts of
recognized
liabilities
 
Gross amounts
offset in the
balance sheet
 
Net amounts of
liabilities
presented in the
balance sheet
 
Gross amounts not offset in the
balance sheet
 
Net amount
 
 
 
 
Financial
instruments
collateral
 
Cash collateral
posted/(received)(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
9,368

 
$

 
$
9,368

 
$

 
$
9,368

 

Repurchase agreements
 
1,458,327

 

 
1,458,327

 
1,458,327

 

 

Total
 
$
1,467,695

 
$

 
$
1,467,695

 
$
1,458,327

 
$
9,368

 
$

 
 
(1) Included in cash collateral held by broker on combined consolidated balance sheets.

As of December 31, 2015
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets
($ in thousands)
 
Description
 
Gross amounts of
recognized assets
 
Gross amounts
offset in the
balance sheet
 
Net amounts of
assets presented
in the balance
sheet
 
Gross amounts not offset in the
balance sheet
 
Net amount
 
 
 
 
Financial
instruments
 
Cash collateral
received/(posted)(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
2,821

 
$

 
$
2,821

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,821

Total
 
$
2,821

 
$

 
$
2,821

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,821

 
 
(1) Included in cash collateral held by broker on combined consolidated balance sheets.


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As of December 31, 2015
Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities
($ in thousands)
 
Description
 
Gross amounts of
recognized
liabilities
 
Gross amounts
offset in the
balance sheet
 
Net amounts of
liabilities
presented in the
balance sheet
 
Gross amounts not offset in the
balance sheet
 
Net amount
 
 
 
 
Financial
instruments
collateral
 
Cash collateral
posted/(received)(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
5,504

 
$

 
$
5,504

 
$

 
$
5,504

 
$

Repurchase agreements
 
1,260,755

 

 
1,260,755

 
1,260,755

 

 

Total
 
$
1,266,259

 
$

 
$
1,266,259

 
$
1,260,755

 
$
5,504

 
$

 
(1) Included in cash collateral held by broker on combined consolidated balance sheets.
 
Master netting agreements that the Company has entered into with its derivative and repurchase agreement counterparties allow for netting of the same transaction, in the same currency, on the same date.  Assets, liabilities, and collateral subject to master netting agreements as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are disclosed in the tables above. The Company does not present its derivative and repurchase agreements net on the combined consolidated financial statements as it has elected gross presentation.
 
11. EQUITY STRUCTURE AND ACCOUNTS
 
A description of the IPO Transactions is included in Note 1. In addition, a description of the distribution policies of, and accounting for, the predecessor capital structure is included later in this Note.
 
Subsequent to the IPO Transactions, the Company has two classes of common stock, Class A and Class B, which are described as follows:

Class A Common Stock
 
Voting Rights
 
Holders of shares of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the shareholders. The holders of Class A common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.
 
Dividend Rights
 
Subject to the rights of the holders of any preferred stock that may be outstanding and any contractual or statutory restrictions, holders of Class A common stock are entitled to receive equally and ratably, share for share, dividends as may be declared by the board of directors out of funds legally available to pay dividends. Dividends upon Class A common stock may be declared by the board of directors at any regular or special meeting and may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of capital stock. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds available for dividends, such sums as the board of directors deems proper as reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any of the Company’s property, or for any proper purpose, and the board of directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.
 
Liquidation Rights
 
Upon liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or other winding up, the holders of Class A common stock are entitled to receive ratably the assets available for distribution to the shareholders after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preference of any outstanding shares of preferred stock.
 

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Other Matters
 
The shares of Class A common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights and are not subject to further calls or assessment by the Company. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class A common stock. All outstanding shares of Class A common stock are fully paid and non-assessable.
 
Allocation of Income and Loss
 
Income and losses are allocated among the shareholders based upon the number of shares outstanding.
 
Class B Common Stock
 
Voting Rights
 
Holders of shares of Class B common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record by such holder and all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Holders of shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock vote together as a single class on all matters presented to our shareholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
 
No Dividend or Liquidation Rights
 
Holders of Class B common stock do not have any right to receive dividends or to receive a distribution upon a liquidation or winding up of Ladder Capital Corp.
 
Exchange for Class A Common Stock
 
As part of the REIT Structuring Transactions described in Note 1, and pursuant to the Third Amended and Restated LLLP Agreement of LCFH, the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners may from time to time, subject to certain conditions, receive one share of the Company’s Class A common stock in exchange for (i) one share of the Company’s Class B common stock, (ii) one Series REIT LP Unit and (iii) either one Series TRS LP Unit or one TRS Share, subject to equitable adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, 4,135,309 Series REIT LP Units and 4,135,309 Series TRS LP Units were collectively exchanged for 4,135,309 shares of Class A common stock and 4,135,309 shares of Class B common stock were canceled. We received no other consideration in connection with these exchanges.

Stock Repurchases

On October 30, 2014, the board of directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $50.0 million of the Company’s Class A common stock from time to time without further approval. Stock repurchases by the Company are generally made for cash in open market transactions at prevailing market prices but may also be made in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing and amount of purchases are determined based upon prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company repurchased 424,317 shares of Class A common stock at an average of $10.96 per share for a total aggregate purchase price of $4.7 million. All repurchased shares are recorded in treasury stock at cost. As of September 30, 2016, the Company has a remaining amount available for repurchase of $44.4 million, which represents 5.1% in the aggregate of its outstanding Class A common stock, based on the closing price of 13.24 per share on such date.


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Table of Contents

The following table is a summary of the Company’s repurchase activity of its Class A common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 ($ in thousands):

 
 
Shares
 
Amount(1)
 
 
 
 
 
Authorizations remaining as of December 31, 2015
 
 
 
$
49,006

Additional authorizations
 
 
 

Repurchases paid
 
424,317

 
(4,653
)
Repurchases unsettled
 
 
 

Authorizations remaining as of September 30, 2016
 
 
 
$
44,353

 
(1)         Amount excludes commissions paid associated with share repurchases.

Dividends

In order for the Company to maintain its qualification as a REIT under the Code, it must annually distribute at least 90% of its taxable income and, for 2015, must distribute its undistributed accumulated earnings and profits attributable to taxable periods prior to January 1, 2015 (the “E&P Distribution”). The Company made the E&P Distribution on January 21, 2016 and has paid and in the future intends to declare regular quarterly distributions to its shareholders in an amount approximating our net taxable income.

Consistent with the Company’s Private Letter Ruling, it may, subject to a cash/stock election by its shareholders, pay a portion of its dividends in stock, to provide for meaningful capital retention; however, the REIT distribution requirements limit its ability to retain earnings and thereby replenish or increase capital for operations. The timing and amount of future distributions is based on a number of factors, including, among other things, the Company’s future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition and contractual restrictions. All dividend declarations are subject to the approval of the Company’s board of directors. Generally, the Company expects its distributions to be taxable as ordinary dividends to its shareholders, whether paid in cash or a combination of cash and common stock, and not as a tax-free return of capital or a capital gain. The Company believes that its significant capital resources and access to financing will provide the financial flexibility at levels sufficient to meet current and anticipated capital requirements, including funding new investment opportunities, paying distributions to its shareholders and servicing our debt obligations.
 
The following table presents dividends declared (on a per share basis) of Class A common stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

Declaration Date
 
Dividend per Share
 
 
 
March 1, 2016
 
$
0.275

June 1, 2016
 
0.275

September 1, 2016
 
0.275

Total
 
$
0.825

 
 
 
March 12, 2015
 
$
0.250

June 8, 2015
 
0.250

September 1, 2015
 
0.275

Total
 
$
0.775



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Table of Contents

Stock Dividend and Distribution of Accumulated Earnings and Profits

On January 21, 2016, the Company paid an aggregate of $15.5 million in cash to its Class A shareholders, accrued for dividends payable on unvested restricted stock of $0.5 million and issued 5,607,762 shares of its Class A common stock, equivalent to $64.1 million, in connection with both the E&P Distribution and fourth quarter 2015 dividend totaling$1.45 per share. The total number of shares of Class A common stock distributed pursuant to the E&P Distribution and fourth quarter 2015 dividend was determined based on shareholder elections and the volume weighted average price of $11.43 per share of Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange for the three trading days after January 8, 2016, the date that election forms were due. The Company also issued 4,468,031 shares of its Class B common stock and each of Series REIT and Series TRS of LCFH issued 10,075,793 of their respective Series LP units corresponding to the aggregate number of Class A and Class B shares issued by the Company. The Company believes that the total value of its 2015 dividends was sufficient to fully distribute its 2015 taxable income and its accumulated earnings and profits.

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income related to the cumulative difference between the fair market value and the amortized cost basis of securities classified as available for sale for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 ($ in thousands):
 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income of Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
$
(3,556
)
 
$
(2,839
)
 
$
(6,395
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
30,171

 
23,104

 
53,275

Exchange of noncontrolling interest for common stock
 
928

 
(928
)
 

Rebalancing of ownership percentage between Company and Operating Partnership
 
350

 
(350
)
 

September 30, 2016
 
$
27,893

 
$
18,987

 
$
46,880


Capitalized Offering Costs

As described in Note 1, the Company completed an IPO of its Class A Common Stock on February 11, 2014. Costs directly attributable to the Company’s IPO of $20.5 million were capitalized and charged against the proceeds of the IPO once completed.

Predecessor Capital Structure
 
The capital structure discussed below is reflective of LCFH’s structure as it existed at February 11, 2014, immediately prior to the Reorganization Transactions described in Note 1.  Immediately following the Reorganization Transactions, with the exception of the discussions regarding quarterly tax distributions, the provisions set forth below no longer apply.
  

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Table of Contents

Cash Distributions to Predecessor Partners
 
Distributions (other than tax distributions which are described below) will be made in the priorities described below at such times and in such amounts as determined by the Company’s board of directors.  All capitalized items used in this section but not defined shall have the respective meanings given to such capitalized terms in the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Limited Partnership Agreement of LCFH dated as of August 9, 2011, as amended (the “LLLP Agreement”):

First, to the holders of Series A and Series B participating preferred units pro rata based on the capital account of each such holder’s interests, until the Series A and Series B participating preferred unit holders have each received an amount equivalent to their respective capital accounts; then 

Second, 20% to the common unit holders, and 80% to the holders of Series A participating preferred units, until the Series A participating preferred unit holders have each received an amount equivalent to $124 per unit; and 

Thereafter, 20% to common unit holders, and 80% to the holders of Series A and Series B participating preferred units, pro rata based on the units held by each holder.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to available liquidity as determined by Company’s board of directors, the Company intends to make quarterly tax distributions equal to a partner’s “Quarterly Estimated Tax Amount,” which shall be computed (as more fully described in the LLLP Agreement) for each partner as the product of (x) the U.S. federal taxable income (or alternative minimum taxable income, as the case may be) allocated by the Company to such partner in respect of the partnership interests of the Company held by such partner and (y) the highest marginal blended U.S. federal, state and local income tax rate applicable to an individual residing in New York, NY, taking into account for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the deductibility of state and local taxes.
 
Allocation of Income and Loss
 
Income and losses and comprehensive income are allocated among the partners in a manner to reflect as closely as possible the amount each partner would be distributed under the LLLP Agreement upon liquidation of the Operating Partnership’s assets.
 
12. NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

Pursuant to ASC 810, Consolidation, on the accounting and reporting for noncontrolling interests and changes in ownership interests of a subsidiary, changes in a parent’s ownership interest (and transactions with noncontrolling interest unitholders in the subsidiary), while the parent retains its controlling interest in its subsidiary, should be accounted for as equity transactions. The carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest shall be adjusted to reflect the change in its ownership interest in the subsidiary, with the offset to equity attributable to the parent. Accordingly, as a result of reorganization transactions which caused changes in ownership percentages between the Company’s Class A shareholders and the noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership that occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company has decreased noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership and increased additional paid-in capital and accumulated other comprehensive income in the Company’s shareholders’ equity by $5.6 million as of September 30, 2016. Upon the adoption of ASU 2015-02, which amended ASC 810, Consolidation, in the quarter ended March 31, 2016, the Operating Partnership is now determined to be a VIE, however, since the Company was previously consolidating the Operating Partnership, the adoption of ASU 2015-02 had no material impact on the Company’s combined consolidated financial statements.

There are two main types of noncontrolling interest reflected in the Company’s combined consolidated financial statements (i) noncontrolling interest in the operating partnership and (ii) noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures.


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Table of Contents

Noncontrolling Interest in the Operating Partnership

As more fully described in Note 1, certain of the predecessor equity owners continue to own interests in the operating partnership as modified by the IPO Transactions. These interests were subsequently further modified by the REIT Structuring Transactions (also described in Note 1). These interests, along with the Class B shares held by these investors, are exchangeable for Class A shares of the Company. The roll-forward of the Operating Partnership’s LP Units follow the Class B common stock of the Company as disclosed in the combined consolidated statements of changes in equity.

Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest in the Operating Partnership

Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to any restrictions in applicable debt financing agreements and available liquidity as determined by the board of directors of each of Series REIT of LCFH and Series TRS of LCFH, each Series must use commercially reasonable efforts to make quarterly distributions to each of its partners (including the Company) at least equal to such partner’s “Quarterly Estimated Tax Amount,” which shall be computed (as more fully described in LCFH’s Third Amended and Restated LLLP Agreement) for each partner as the product of (x) the U.S. federal taxable income (or alternative minimum taxable income, if higher) allocated by such Series to such partner in respect of the Series REIT LP Units and Series TRS LP Units held by such partner and (y) the highest marginal blended U.S. federal, state and local income tax rate (or alternative minimum taxable rate, as applicable) applicable to an individual residing in New York, NY, taking into account, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the deductibility of state and local taxes; provided that Series TRS of LCFH may take into account, in determining the amount of tax distributions to holders of Series TRS LP Units, the amount of any distributions each such holder received from Series REIT of LCFH in excess of tax distributions. In addition, to the extent the Company requires an additional distribution from the Series of LCFH in excess of its quarterly tax distribution in order to pay its quarterly cash dividend, the Series of LCFH will be required to make a corresponding distribution of cash to each of their partners (other than the Company) on a pro-rata basis.
 
Allocation of Income and Loss
 
Income and losses and comprehensive income are allocated among the partners in a manner to reflect as closely as possible the amount each partner would be distributed under the Third Amended and Restated LLLP Agreement upon liquidation of the Operating Partnership’s assets.

Noncontrolling Interest in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

The Company consolidates seven ventures in which there are other noncontrolling investors, which own between 1.2% - 22.5% of such ventures. These ventures hold investments in seven office buildings, one warehouse, one shopping center and a condominium project. The Company makes distributions and allocates income from these ventures to the noncontrolling interests in accordance with the terms of the respective governing agreements.


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Table of Contents

13. EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
The Company’s net income (loss) and weighted average shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 consist of the following:
 
($ in thousands except share amounts)
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic Net income (loss) available for Class A common shareholders
 
$
27,608

 
$
3,313

 
$
24,871

 
$
46,698

Diluted Net income (loss) available for Class A common shareholders
 
$
27,608

 
$
3,313

 
$
24,871

 
$
46,698

Weighted average shares outstanding
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
 
62,148,362

 
52,922,487

 
60,976,046

 
51,091,977

Diluted
 
63,347,690

 
53,348,858

 
61,875,010

 
51,388,851

 
The calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share amounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are described and presented below.

Basic Net Income (Loss) per Share
 
Numerator: utilizes net income (loss) available for Class A common shareholders for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
Denominator: utilizes the weighted average shares of Class A common stock for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Share
 
Numerator: utilizes net income (loss) available for Class A common shareholders for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, for the basic net income (loss) per share calculation described above, adding net income (loss) amounts attributable to the noncontrolling interest in the Operating Partnership using the as-if converted method for the Class B common shareholders while adjusting for additional corporate income tax expense (benefit) for the described net income (loss) add-back.
 
Denominator: utilizes the weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, for the basic net income (loss) per share calculation described above adding the dilutive effect of shares issuable relating to Operating Partnership exchangeable interests and the incremental shares of unvested Class A restricted stock using the treasury method.
 

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Table of Contents

(In thousands except share amounts)
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Class A Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Net income (loss) attributable to Class A common shareholders
 
$
27,608

 
$
3,313

 
$
24,871

 
$
46,698

Denominator:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding
 
62,148,362

 
52,922,487

 
60,976,046

 
51,091,977

Basic net income (loss) per share of Class A common stock
 
$
0.44

 
$
0.06

 
$
0.41

 
$
0.91

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Class A Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Net income (loss) attributable to Class A common shareholders
 
$
27,608

 
$
3,313

 
$
24,871

 
$
46,698

Diluted net income (loss) attributable to Class A common shareholders
 
$
27,608

 
$
3,313

 
$
24,871

 
$
46,698

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Basic weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding
 
62,148,362

 
52,922,487

 
60,976,046

 
51,091,977

Add - dilutive effect of:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Incremental shares of unvested Class A restricted stock
 
1,199,328

 
426,371

 
898,964

 
296,874

Diluted weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding
 
63,347,690

 
53,348,858

 
61,875,010

 
51,388,851

Diluted net income (loss) per share of Class A common stock
 
$
0.44

 
$
0.06

 
$
0.40

 
$
0.91


For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, shares issuable relating to converted Class B common shareholders and incremental shares of unvested Class A restricted stock are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS as the Company incurred a loss during such periods, and therefore, inclusion of such potential common shares in the calculation would be anti-dilutive.
 
The shares of Class B common stock do not share in the earnings of Ladder Capital Corp and are, therefore, not participating securities. Accordingly, basic and diluted net income (loss) per share of Class B common stock has not been presented, although the assumed conversion of Class B common stock has been included in the presented diluted net income (loss) per share of Class A common stock.
 

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14. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
 
2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan
 
In connection with the IPO Transactions, the 2014 Ladder Capital Corp Omnibus Incentive Equity Plan (the “2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan”) was adopted by the board of directors on February 11, 2014, and provides certain members of management, employees and directors of the Company or its affiliates with additional incentives including grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, other stock-based awards and other cash-based awards.

2014 Restricted Stock Awards in Connection with the IPO Transactions
 
In connection with the IPO Transactions, restricted stock awards were granted to members of management and certain employees (the “Grantees”) with an aggregate value of $27.5 million which represents 1,619,865 shares of restricted Class A common stock (the “IPO Restricted Stock Awards”). Fifty percent of each IPO Restricted Stock Award was made subject to time-based vesting criteria, and the remaining 50% of each IPO Restricted Stock Award was made, subject to specified performance-based vesting criteria. The time-vesting restricted stock granted to Brian Harris is scheduled to vest in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant, subject to his continued employment on the applicable vesting dates. Twenty-five percent of the time-vesting restricted stock granted to the other Grantees was scheduled to vest in full on the 18-month anniversary of the date of grant, and the remaining 75% is scheduled to vest in full on the three-year anniversary of the date of grant, subject to continued employment on the applicable vesting date. The performance-vesting restricted stock is scheduled to vest in three equal installments on December 31 of each of 2014, 2015 and 2016, if the Company achieves a return on equity, based on Core Earnings divided by the Company’s average book value of equity, equal to or greater than 8% for such year (the “Performance Target”).  If the Company misses the Performance Target during either the first or second calendar year but meets the Performance Target for a subsequent year during the three-year performance period and the Company’s return on equity for such subsequent year and any years for which it missed its Performance Target equals or exceeds the compounded return on equity of 8%, based on Core Earnings divided by the Company’s average book value of equity, the performance-vesting restricted stock which failed to vest because the Company previously missed its Performance Target will vest on the last day of such subsequent year. If the term “Core Earnings” is no longer used in the Company’s SEC filings and approved by the compensation committee, then the Performance Target will be calculated using such other pre-tax performance measurement defined in the Company’s SEC filings, as determined by the compensation committee.
 
The Company has elected to recognize the compensation expense related to the time-based vesting criteria for the entire award on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We feel that this aligns the compensation expense with the obligation of the Company.  As such, the compensation expense related to the upfront grants to directors, officers and certain employees in connection with the IPO shall be recognized as follows:
 
1.
Compensation expense for restricted stock subject to time-based vesting criteria granted to Brian Harris will be expensed 1/3 each year, for three years, on an annual basis following such grant
2.
Compensation expense for restricted stock subject to time-based vesting criteria granted to directors (as described below) will be expensed 1/3 each year, for three years on an annual basis following such grant
3.
Compensation expense for restricted stock subject to time-based vesting criteria granted to officers other than Mr. Harris, and to certain employees will be expensed 1/3 each year, for three years on an annual basis following such grant.
 
Accruals of compensation cost for an award with a performance condition shall be based on the probable outcome of that performance condition. Therefore, compensation cost shall be accrued if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved and shall not be accrued if it is not probable that the performance condition will be achieved.
 
Upon termination of a Grantee’s employment of service due to death or disability, and, in the case of Mr. Harris, by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Harris for Good Reason (each, as defined in the Harris Employment Agreement), the Grantee’s time-vesting restricted stock will accelerate and vest in full, and the Grantee’s unvested performance-vesting restricted stock will remain outstanding for the performance period and will vest to the extent the Company meets the Performance Target, including via the catch up provision described above. Upon a change in control (as defined in the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan) all restricted stock will become fully vested, if (1) the Grantee continues to be employed through the closing of the change in control or (2) after the signing of definitive documentation related to the change in control but prior to its closing, Grantee’s employment is terminated without cause or due to death or disability or Grantee resigns for good reason. The compensation committee retains the right, in its sole discretion, to provide for the accelerated vesting (in whole or in part) of the restricted stock awards granted in connection with the IPO Transactions.

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In connection with the IPO Transactions, Alan Fishman and each of Joel C. Peterson and Douglas Durst, who were appointed to the board of directors in connection with such transactions, received an initial restricted stock award with a grant date fair value of $1.0 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, which represents an aggregate of 67,648 shares of restricted Class A common stock. The grants were scheduled to vest in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of such grants, and each will receive an annual restricted stock award with a grant date fair value of $50,000, which will vest in full on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant, with both such awards subject to continued service on the board of directors. Messrs. Peterson and Durst, or their successors, will also receive a $75,000 annual cash payment for their service on the board of directors. Additionally, certain directors may receive $15,000 annually for service as a chairperson of the audit committee or compensation committee and $10,000 for service as a chairperson of the nominating and corporate governance committee, with all or a portion of such fee payable to an applicable director in cash or restricted stock (with a grant date fair value equal to such amount payable) at the election of such director.

Reallocation Awards
 
On February 3, 2015, restricted stock awards were granted to certain Grantees, with an aggregate value of $0.5 million, representing 25,742 shares of restricted Class A common stock. These restricted stock awards were allocated to the Grantees from employee forfeitures of the IPO Restricted Stock Awards and vest on the same schedule, subject to the same terms and conditions as the IPO Restricted Stock Awards described above.
 
The compensation expense related to the February 3, 2015 grants will be recognized and accrued for in the same manner as the IPO Restricted Stock Awards described above.

2015 Annual Restricted Stock Awards and Annual Option Awards

Members of management are eligible to receive annual restricted stock awards (the “Annual Restricted Stock Awards”) and annual option awards (the “Annual Option Awards”) based on the performance of the Company. On February 18, 2015, Annual Restricted Stock Awards were granted to our executive officers (each, a “Management Grantee”) with an aggregate value of $12.6 million which represents 688,400 shares of restricted Class A common stock in connection with 2014 compensation. Fifty percent of each restricted stock award granted is subject to time-based vesting criteria, and the remaining 50% of each restricted stock award is subject to specified performance-based vesting criteria. The time-vesting restricted stock granted to Brian Harris and the other Management Grantees will vest in three installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant, subject to continued employment on the applicable vesting dates. The performance-vesting restricted stock will vest in three equal installments on December 31 of each of 2015, 2016 and 2017 if the Company achieves the Performance Target for those years. If the Company misses the Performance Target during either the first or second calendar year but meets the Performance Target for a subsequent year during the three-year performance period and the Company’s return on equity for such subsequent year and any years for which it missed its Performance Target equals or exceeds the compounded return on equity of 8%, based on Core Earnings divided by the Company’s average book value of equity, the performance-vesting restricted stock which failed to vest because the Company previously missed its Performance Target will vest on the last day of such subsequent year. If the term “Core Earnings” is no longer used in the Company’s SEC filings and approved by the compensation committee, then the Performance Target will be calculated using such other pre-tax performance measurement defined in the Company’s SEC filings, as determined by the compensation committee.
 
The Company has elected to recognize the compensation expense related to the time-based vesting criteria of the Annual Restricted Stock Awards for the entire award on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.  We feel that this aligns the compensation expense with the obligation of the Company.  As such, the compensation expense related to the February 18, 2015 Annual Restricted Stock Awards to Management Grantees shall be recognized as follows:
 
1.
Compensation expense for restricted stock subject to time-based vesting criteria granted to Brian Harris will be expensed 1/2 each year, for two years, on an annual basis in advance of the Harris Retirement Eligibility Date, as defined below.

2.
Compensation expense for restricted stock subject to time-based vesting criteria granted to the Management Grantees other than Mr. Harris, will be expensed 1/3 each year, for three years on an annual basis following such grant.
 

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Accruals of compensation cost for an award with a performance condition shall be based on the probable outcome of that performance condition.  Therefore, compensation cost shall be accrued if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved and shall not be accrued if it is not probable that the performance condition will be achieved.

On February 18, 2015, Annual Stock Option Awards were granted to Management Grantees with an aggregate grant date fair value of $1.4 million, which represents 670,256 shares of Class A common stock subject to the Annual Stock Option Awards. The stock option awards are subject to time-based vesting criteria only and vest in three equal installments on February 18 of each of 2016, 2017 and 2018, subject to continued employment until the applicable vesting date. Upon termination of a Management Grantee’s employment or service due to death, disability, termination by the Company without Cause or termination by the Management Grantee for Good Reason (each, as defined in the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan), the respective Management Grantee’s option awards will accelerate and vest in full. The actual grant date fair values of the Annual Option Awards granted to our Management Grantees were computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 using the Black Scholes model based on the following assumptions: (1) risk-free rate of 1.79%; (2) dividend yield of 5.3%; (3) expected life of six years; and (4) volatility of 24.0%.

On February 18, 2015, members of the board of directors each received Annual Restricted Stock Awards with a grant date fair value of $0.1 million, representing 7,962 shares of restricted Class A common stock, which will vest in full on the first anniversary of the date of grant, subject to continued service on the board of directors. Compensation expense for restricted stock subject to time-based vesting criteria granted to directors will be expensed in full on an annual basis following such grant.

Upon a change in control (as defined in the respective award agreements), all restricted stock and option awards will become fully vested, if (1) the Management Grantee continues to be employed through the closing of the change in control or (2) after the signing of definitive documentation related to the change in control, but prior to its closing, the Management Grantee’s employment is terminated without Cause or due to death or disability or the Management Grantee resigns for Good Reason. The compensation committee retains the right, in its sole discretion, to provide for the accelerated vesting (in whole or in part) of the restricted stock and option awards granted.

On February 11, 2017 (the “Harris Retirement Eligibility Date”), all outstanding Annual Restricted Stock Awards, including the time-vesting portion and the performance-vesting portion, and all outstanding Annual Option Awards granted to Mr. Harris will become fully vested, and any Annual Restricted Stock Awards and Annual Option Awards granted after the Harris Retirement Eligibility Date will be fully vested at grant. For other Management Grantees, upon the first date that is on or after February 11, 2019, where the sum of the individual’s age and the individual’s number of full, completed years of employment with us or our subsidiaries is equal to or greater than 60 (the “Executive Retirement Eligibility Date”), the time-vesting portion of the Annual Restricted Stock Awards and the Annual Option Awards will become fully vested, and the time-vesting portion of any Annual Restricted Stock Awards and Annual Option Awards granted after the Executive Retirement Eligibility Date will be fully vested at grant. Upon the occurrence of the Executive Retirement Eligibility Date, the performance-vesting portion of such Management Grantee’s Annual Restricted Stock Awards will remain outstanding for the performance period and will vest to the extent we meet the Performance Target, including via the catch up provision described above, regardless of continued employment with us our subsidiaries following the Executive Retirement Eligibility Date.

On June 10, 2015, a new member of the board of directors received an Annual Restricted Stock Award with a grant date fair value of $0.1 million, representing 4,223 shares of restricted Class A common stock, which will vest in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant, subject to continued service on the board of directors. Compensation expense for restricted stock subject to time-based vesting criteria granted to the director will be expensed 1/3 each year, for three years on an annual basis following such grant.

2016 Annual Restricted Stock Awards and Annual Option Awards

On February 18, 2016, Annual Restricted Stock Awards were granted to Management Grantees with an aggregate value of $9.1 million which represents 793,598 shares of restricted Class A common stock in connection with 2015 compensation. These awards are subject to the same terms and conditions as the 2015 Annual Restricted Stock Awards, except that the relevant vesting periods begin in 2016, rather than in 2015.
 

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The Company has elected to recognize the compensation expense related to the time-based vesting criteria of the Annual Restricted Stock Awards for the entire award on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.  We feel that this aligns the compensation expense with the obligation of the Company.  As such, the compensation expense related to the February 18, 2016 Annual Restricted Stock Awards to Management Grantees shall be recognized as follows:
 
1.
Compensation expense for restricted stock subject to time-based vesting criteria granted to Brian Harris will be expensed in full on February 11, 2017, the Harris Retirement Eligibility Date.

2.
Compensation expense for restricted stock subject to time-based vesting criteria granted to the Management Grantees other than Mr. Harris, will be expensed 1/3 each year, for three years on an annual basis following such grant.
 
Accruals of compensation cost for an award with a performance condition shall be based on the probable outcome of that performance condition. Therefore, compensation cost shall be accrued if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved and shall not be accrued if it is not probable that the performance condition will be achieved.

On February 18, 2016, Annual Stock Option Awards were granted to Management Grantees with an aggregate grant date fair value of $1.0 million, which represents 289,326 shares of Class A common stock subject to the Annual Stock Option Awards. The stock option awards are subject to the same terms and conditions as those granted in 2015 except that the vesting period commenced in 2016. The actual grant date fair values of the Annual Option Awards granted to our Management Grantees were computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 using the Black Scholes model based on the following assumptions: (1) risk-free rate of 1.5%; (2) dividend yield of 9.8%; (3) expected life of six years; and (4) volatility of 48.0%.

On February 18, 2016, members of the board of directors each received Annual Restricted Stock Awards with a grant date fair value of $0.1 million, representing 12,636 shares of restricted Class A common stock, which will vest in full on the first anniversary of the date of grant, subject to continued service on the board of directors. Compensation expense for restricted stock subject to time-based vesting criteria granted to directors will be expensed in full on an annual basis following such grant. These grants are subject to the same terms and conditions as those made in 2015 except that the vesting period commenced in 2016.

The 2016 awards are subject to the same change in control and retirement provisions that are described above.

The Company recognized equity-based compensation expense of $4.6 million and $12.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and $4.1 million and $11.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

A summary of the grants is presented below ($ in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
Number
of Shares/Options
 
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
 
Number
of Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
 
Number
of Shares/Options
 
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
 
Number
of Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grants - Class A Common Stock (restricted)

 
$

 

 
$

 
793,598

 
$
9,118

 
726,327

 
$
13,353

Grants - Class A Common Stock (restricted) dividends

 

 

 

 
166,934

 
1,908

 

 

Stock Options

 

 

 

 
380,949

 
1,356

 
670,256

 
1,441

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Amortization to compensation expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LP Units compensation expense
 

 

 
 

 
(25
)
 
 

 

 
 

 
(99
)
Ladder compensation expense
 

 
(4,577
)
 
 

 
(4,103
)
 
 

 
(12,694
)
 
 

 
(11,243
)
Total amortization to compensation expense
 

 
$
(4,577
)
 
 

 
$
(4,128
)
 
 

 
$
(12,694
)
 
 

 
$
(11,342
)


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The table below presents the number of unvested shares and outstanding stock options at September 30, 2016 and changes during 2016 of the (i) Class A Common stock and Stock Options of Ladder Capital Corp granted under the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan and (ii) Series B Participating Preferred Units of LCFH granted under the 2008 Plan, which were subsequently converted to LP Units of LCFH in connection with the IPO.

 
Restricted Stock
 
Stock Options
 
LP Units(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonvested/Outstanding at December 31, 2015
1,334,369

 
601,186

 
504

Granted
960,532

 
380,949

 

Exercised
 
 

 
 
Vested
(274,842
)
 
 
 
(504
)
Forfeited
(48,467
)
 

 

Expired
 
 

 
 
Nonvested/Outstanding at September 30, 2016
1,971,592

 
982,135

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable at September 30, 2016
 
 
230,936

 
 
 
(1)
Converted to LP Units of LCFH on February 11, 2014 in connection with IPO and then converted to an equal number of Series REIT LP Units and Series TRS LP Units on December 31, 2014.  LCFH LP Unitholders also received an equal number of shares of Class B Common stock of the Company in connection with the conversion.  Refer to Note 1, Organization and Operations for further discussion of IPO and the Reorganization Transactions.
 
At September 30, 2016 there was $10.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to certain share-based compensation awards that is expected to be recognized over a period of up to 29 months, with a weighted-average remaining vesting period of 20.2 months.
 
Phantom Equity Investment Plan
 
LCFH maintains a Phantom Equity Investment Plan, effective on June 30, 2011 (the “Phantom Equity Plan”) in which certain eligible employees of LCFH, LCF and their subsidiaries participate. On July 3, 2014, the Board of Directors froze the Phantom Equity Plan, as further described below. The Phantom Equity Plan is an annual deferred compensation plan pursuant to which participants could elect, or in some cases, non-management participants could be required, depending upon the participant’s specific level of compensation, to defer all or a portion of their annual cash performance-based bonuses as elective or mandatory contributions. Generally, if a participant’s total compensation was in excess of a certain threshold, a portion of such participant’s annual bonus, was required to be deferred into the Phantom Equity Plan. Otherwise, amounts could be deferred into the Phantom Equity Plan at the election of the participant, so long as such election was timely made in accordance with the terms and procedures of the Phantom Equity Plan.
In the event that a participant elected to (or was required to) defer a portion of his or her compensation pursuant to the Phantom Equity Plan, such amount was not paid to the participant and was instead credited to such participant’s notional account under the Phantom Equity Plan. Prior to the closing of our IPO, such amounts were invested, on a phantom basis, in the Series B Participating Preferred Units issued by LCFH until such amounts were eventually paid to the participant pursuant to the Phantom Equity Plan. Following our IPO, as described below, such amounts were invested on a phantom basis in shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. Mandatory contributions are subject to one-third vesting over a three year period following the applicable Phantom Equity Plan year in which the related compensation was earned. Elective contributions were immediately vested upon contribution. Unvested amounts are generally forfeited upon the participant’s involuntary termination for cause, a voluntary termination for which the participant’s employer would have grounds to terminate the participant for cause or a voluntary termination within one year of which the participant obtains employment with a financial services organization.

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The date that the amounts deferred into the Phantom Equity Plan are paid to a participant depends upon whether such deferral is a mandatory deferral or an elective deferral. Elective deferrals are paid upon the earliest to occur of (1) a change in control (as defined in the Phantom Equity Plan), (2) the end of the participant’s employment, or (3) December 31, 2017. The vested amounts of the mandatory contributions are paid upon the first to occur of (A) a change in control and (B) the first to occur of (x) December 31, 2017 or (y) the date of payment of the annual bonus payments following December 31 of the third calendar year following the applicable plan year to which the underlying deferred annual bonus relates. The Company could elect to make, and did make, payments pursuant to the Phantom Equity Plan in the form of cash in an amount equal to the then fair market value of such shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (or, prior to our IPO, the Series B Participating Preferred Units), and on May 14, 2014, the Compensation Committee made a global election to make all payments pursuant to the Phantom Equity Plan in the form of cash. Mandatory contributions that were paid at the time specified in 2(B) above were made in cash.
Upon the closing of our IPO, each participant in the Phantom Equity Plan had his or her notional interest in LCFH’s Series B Participating Preferred Units converted into a notional interest in the Company’s Class A common stock, which notional conversion was based on the issuance price of our Class A common stock at the time of the IPO. On July 3, 2014, the board of directors froze the Phantom Equity Plan, effective as of such date, so that there will neither be future participants in the Phantom Equity Plan nor additional amounts contributed to any accounts outstanding under the Phantom Equity Plan. Amounts previously outstanding under the Phantom Equity Plan will be paid in accordance with their original payment terms, including limiting payment to the dates and events specified above. In connection with freezing the Phantom Equity Plan, the board of directors also updated the definition of fair market value for purposes of measuring the value of its Class A Common Stock, to provide that, generally, such value would be the closing price of such stock on the principal national securities exchange on which it is then traded.
As of September 30, 2016, there are 356,615 phantom units outstanding, of which 33,072 are unvested, resulting in a liability of $6.5 million, which is included in accrued expenses on the combined consolidated balance sheets.
 
Ladder Capital Corp Deferred Compensation Plan
 
On July 3, 2014, the Company adopted a new, nonqualified deferred compensation plan, which was amended and restated on March 17, 2015 (the “2014 Deferred Compensation Plan”), in which certain eligible employees participate.  Pursuant to the 2014 Deferred Compensation Plan, participants may elect, or in some cases non-management participants may be required, to defer all or a portion of their annual cash performance-based bonuses into the 2014 Deferred Compensation Plan.  Generally, if a participant’s total compensation is in excess of a certain threshold, a portion of a participant’s performance-based annual bonus is required to be deferred into the 2014 Deferred Compensation Plan. Otherwise, a portion of the participant’s annual bonus may be deferred into the 2014 Deferred Compensation Plan at the election of the participant, so long as such elections are timely made in accordance with the terms and procedures of the 2014 Deferred Compensation Plan. 

In the event that a participant elects to (or is required to) defer a portion of his or her compensation pursuant to the 2014 Deferred Compensation Plan, such amount is not paid to the participant and is instead credited to such participant’s notional account under the 2014 Deferred Compensation Plan. Such amounts are then invested on a phantom basis in Class A common stock of the Company, or the phantom units, and a participant’s account is credited with any dividends or other distributions received by holders of Class A common stock of the Company, which are subject to the same vesting and payment conditions as the applicable contributions. Elective contributions are immediately vested upon contribution. Mandatory contributions are subject to one-third vesting over a three-year period on a straight-line basis following the applicable year in which the related compensation was earned.

If a participant’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company other than for cause and such termination is within six months following a change in control (each, as defined in the 2014 Deferred Compensation Plan), then the participant will fully vest in his or her unvested account balances. Furthermore, the unvested account balances will fully vest in the event of the participant’s death, disability, retirement (as defined in the 2014 Deferred Compensation Plan) or in the event of certain hostile takeovers of the board of directors of the Company.  In the event that a participant’s employment is terminated by the Company other than for cause, the participant will vest in the portion of the participant’s account that would have vested had the participant remained employed through the end of the year in which such termination occurs, subject to, in such case or in the case of retirement, the participant’s timely execution of a general release of claims in favor of the Company. Unvested amounts are otherwise generally forfeited upon the participant’s resignation or termination of employment, and vested mandatory contributions are generally forfeited upon the participant’s termination for cause.


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Amounts deferred into the 2014 Deferred Compensation Plan are paid upon the earliest to occur of (1) a change in control, (2) within sixty (60) days following the end of the participant’s employment with the Company, or (3) the date of payment of the annual bonus payments following December 31 of the third calendar year following the applicable year to which the underlying deferred annual compensation relates.  Payment is made in cash equal to the fair market value of the number of phantom units credited to a participant’s account, provided that, if the participant’s termination was by the Company for cause or was a voluntary resignation other than on account of such participant’s retirement, the amount paid is based on the lowest fair market value of a share of Class A common stock during the forty-five day period following such termination of employment. The amount of the final cash payment may be more or less than the amount initially deferred into the 2014 Deferred Compensation Plan, depending upon the change in the value of the Class A common stock of the Company during such period.
 
In February 2015, Company employees contributed $3.4 million to the Plan. As of September 30, 2016, there are 259,639 phantom units outstanding, of which 208,603 are unvested, resulting in a liability of $3.6 million, which is included in accrued expenses on the combined consolidated balance sheets.
 
Bonus Payments
 
On February 10, 2016, the compensation committee of the board of directors of Ladder Capital Corp approved 2016 bonus payments to employees, including officers, totaling $46.8 million, which included $10.3 million of equity based compensation. The bonuses were accrued for as of December 31, 2015 and paid to employees in full on February 17, 2016. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded compensation expense of $8.3 million and $17.6 million, respectively, related to 2016 bonuses. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded compensation expense of $9.1 million and $27.1 million, respectively, related to 2015 bonuses.
 
15. INCOME TAXES
 
Prior to February 11, 2014, the Company had not been subject to U.S. federal income taxes as the predecessor entity was a Limited Liability Limited Partnership (“LLLP”), but had been subject to the New York City Unincorporated Business Tax (“NYC UBT”). As a result of the IPO, a portion of the Company’s income was subject to U.S. federal, state and local corporate income taxes and taxed at the prevailing corporate tax rates in addition to being subject to NYC UBT. Because the Company is operating as a REIT effective January 1, 2015, the Company’s income will generally no longer be subject to U.S. federal, state and local corporate income taxes other than as described below.

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have elected to be treated as TRSs. TRSs permit the Company to participate in certain activities from which REITs are generally precluded, as long as these activities meet specific criteria, are conducted within the parameters of certain limitations established by the Code, and are conducted in entities which elect to be treated as taxable subsidiaries under the Code. To the extent these criteria are met, the Company will continue to maintain its qualification as a REIT. The Company’s TRSs are not consolidated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but are instead taxed as corporations. For financial reporting purposes, a provision for current and deferred taxes is established for the portion of earnings recognized by the Company with respect to its interest in TRSs. Current income tax expense (benefit) was $8.3 million and $11.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. Current income tax expense (benefit) was $(3.3) million and $5.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company’s net deferred tax assets were $9.8 million and $5.0 million, respectively, and are included in other assets in the Company’s combined consolidated balance sheets. Deferred income tax expense (benefit) included within the provision for income taxes was $0.4 million and $(6.3) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. Deferred income tax expense (benefit) included within the provision for income taxes was $(0.8) million and $(1.6) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. The Company believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will be realized in the future. Realization of the net deferred tax assets is dependent upon our generation of sufficient taxable income in future years in appropriate tax jurisdictions to obtain benefit from the reversal of temporary differences. The amount of net deferred tax assets considered realizable is subject to adjustment in future periods if estimates of future taxable income change.
 

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As of September 30, 2016, the Company has a deferred tax asset of $17.4 million relating to capital losses which it may only use to offset capital gains. These tax attributes will expire if unused in 2020. As the realization of these assets are not more likely than not before their expiration, the Company has provided a full valuation allowance against this deferred tax asset.

The Company’s tax returns are subject to audit by taxing authorities. Generally, as of September 30, 2016, the tax years 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions in which the Company is subject to taxes. The Company acquired certain corporate entities in the IPO Reorganization Transactions. The related acquisition agreements provided an indemnification to the Company by the transferor of any amounts due for any potential tax liabilities owed by these entities for tax years prior to their acquisition. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, management proposed a settlement pertaining to a New York State tax audit for these corporate entities (which are now wholly owned). As a result of the proposed settlement, management recorded income tax expense in the amount of $3.2 million and a corresponding payable to the State of New York. Management expects to recover such amounts paid pursuant to the indemnification and, accordingly, recorded fee and other income in the amount of $3.2 million as well as a corresponding receivable from the indemnity counterparty. The IRS has recently begun a routine audit of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax return for tax year 2014. The Company does not expect the audit to result in any material changes to the Company’s financial position.
 
Under U.S. GAAP, a tax benefit related to an income tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities based on the technical merits of the position. A position that meets this standard is measured at the largest amount of benefit that will more likely than not be realized upon settlement. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefit is a liability for $0.8 million and is included in the accrued expenses in the Company’s combined consolidated balance sheets. This unrecognized tax benefit, if recognized, would have a favorable impact on our effective income tax rate in future periods. As of September 30, 2016, the Company has not recognized any interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions. In addition, the Company does not believe that it has any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that it will be required to record a significant liability for unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.

Tax Receivable Agreement
 
Upon consummation of the IPO, the Company entered into a Tax Receivable Agreement with the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners. Under the Tax Receivable Agreement the Company generally is required to pay to those Continuing LCFH Limited Partners that exchange their interests in LCFH and Class B shares of the Company for Class A shares of the Company, 85% of the applicable cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax that the Company realizes (or is deemed to realize in certain circumstances) as a result of (i) the increase in tax basis in its proportionate share of LCFH’s assets that is attributable to the Company as a result of the exchanges and (ii) payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement, including any tax benefits related to imputed interest deemed to be paid by the Company as a result of such agreement. The Company may make future payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement if the tax benefits are realized.  We would then benefit from the remaining 15% of cash savings in income tax that we realize. For purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreement, cash savings in income tax will be computed by comparing our actual income tax liability to the amount of such taxes that we would have been required to pay had there been no increase to the tax basis of the assets of LCFH as a result of the exchanges and had we not entered into the Tax Receivable Agreement.
 
Payments to a Continuing LCFH Limited Partner under the Tax Receivable Agreement are triggered by each exchange and are payable annually commencing following the Company’s filing of its income tax return for the year of such exchange.  The timing of the payments may be subject to certain contingencies, including the Company having sufficient taxable income to utilize all of the tax benefits defined in the Tax Receivable Agreement.
 
As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement, the Company recorded a liability of $1.9 million, included in amount payable pursuant to tax receivable agreement in the combined consolidated balance sheets for Continuing LCFH Limited Partners. The amount and timing of any payments may vary based on a number of factors, including the absence of any material change in the relevant tax law, the Company continuing to earn sufficient taxable income to realize all tax benefits, and assuming no additional exchanges that are subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement. Depending upon the outcome of these factors, the Company may be obligated to make substantial payments pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement. The actual payment amounts may differ from these estimated amounts, as the liability will reflect changes in prevailing tax rates, the actual benefit the Company realizes on its annual income tax returns, and any additional exchanges.
 

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To determine the current amount of the payments due, the Company estimates the amount of the Tax Receivable Agreement payments that will be made within twelve months of the balance sheet date. As described in Note 1 above, the Tax Receivable Agreement was amended and restated in connection with our REIT Election, effective as of December 31, 2014, in order to preserve a portion of the potential tax benefits currently existing under the Tax Receivable Agreement that would otherwise be reduced in connection with our REIT Election. The purpose of the TRA Amendment was to preserve the benefits of the Tax Receivable Agreement to the extent possible in a REIT, although, as a result, the amount of payments made to the TRA Members under the TRA Amendment is expected to be less than the amount that would have been paid under the original Tax Receivable Agreement. The TRA Amendment continues to share such benefits in the same proportions and otherwise has substantially the same terms and provisions as the prior Tax Receivable Agreement.
 
16. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
Commercial Real Estate Loans

From time to time, the Company may provide commercial real estate loans to entities affiliated with certain of our directors, officers or large shareholders who are, as part of their ordinary course of business, commercial real estate investors. These loans are made in the ordinary course of the Company’s business on the same terms and conditions as would be offered to any other borrower of similar type and standing on a similar property.

On May 20, 2015, the Company provided a $25.0 million, 9.0% fixed rate, interest-only mezzanine loan, which matured on and was repaid in full as of June 3, 2016, to Halletts Investors LLC (“Borrower”), an entity affiliated with Douglas Durst, one of the Company’s directors and chairman of The Durst Organization. The loan, which was approved by the Audit Committee and Risk and Underwriting Committee in accordance with the Company’s policies regarding related party transactions, was secured by Borrower’s ownership interest in Durst Halletts Member LLC (“Guarantor”). Borrower and Guarantor indirectly own a controlling interest in the three entities that collectively own approximately 9.66 acres of undeveloped land located along the East River waterfront on Hallets Point Peninsula in Astoria Queens, New York. Douglas Durst and members of his family, including trusts for which Douglas Durst is a trustee, have a controlling interest in Borrower and Guarantor. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company earned $1.0 million in interest income related to this loan. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company earned $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in interest income related to this loan.

Loan Referral Agreement

The Company entered into a loan referral agreement with Meridian, which, at the time, was an affiliate of a member of the Company’s board of directors and an investor in the Company. The agreement provided for the payment of referral fees for loans originated pursuant to a formula based on the Company’s net profit on a referred loan, as defined in the agreement, payable annually in arrears. While the arrangement gave rise to a potential conflict of interest, full disclosure was given to the borrower who, in each case, waived the conflict in writing. This agreement was cancellable by the Company based on the occurrence of certain events, or by Meridian for nonpayment of amounts due under the agreement. The Company terminated the loan referral agreement on April 2, 2014, as a result of the IPO on February 11, 2014.
 
The Company incurred no fees for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, for loans originated in accordance with this agreement. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively, was payable to Meridian pursuant to this agreement and included in accrued expenses in the combined consolidated statements of financial condition.


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17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Leases
 
The Company entered into an operating lease for its previous primary office space, which commenced on January 5, 2009 and expired on May 30, 2015. Subsequent to entering into this leasing arrangement, the office space was subleased to a third party. Income received on the subleased office space was recorded in other income on the combined consolidated statements of income. In 2011, the Company entered into a lease for its primary office space, which commenced on October 1, 2011 and expires on January 31, 2022 with no extension option. In 2012, the Company entered into a lease for secondary office space. The lease commenced on May 15, 2012 and would have expired on May 14, 2015 with no extension option. This lease was amended, however, on October 2, 2014, extending the expiration date from May 14, 2015 to May 14, 2018. The Company recorded $0.3 million and $0.9 million of rental expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, which is included in operating expenses in the combined consolidated statements of income. The Company recorded $0.3 million and $1.2 million of rental expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, which is included in operating expenses in the combined consolidated statements of income.
 
The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments required under the above operating leases ($ in thousands):
 
Period Ending December 31,
 
Amount
 
 
 

2016 (last three months)
 
$
295

2017
 
1,249

2018
 
1,206

2019
 
1,180

2020
 
1,180

Thereafter
 
1,279

Total
 
$
6,389


GNMA Construction Loan Securities
 
The Company commits to purchase GNMA construction loan securities over a typical period of six to twelve months. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had no commitment to purchase these securities. As of December 31, 2015, the Company’s commitment to purchase these securities at a fixed price of $102.0 was $28.8 million, of which $26.7 million was funded, with $2.1 million remaining to be funded. The fair value of those commitments at December 31, 2015 was $54,273, as determined by market activity and third-party market quotes and as adjusted for estimated liquidity discounts. The fair value of these commitments is included in real estate securities, available-for-sale on the combined consolidated balance sheets.
 
Unfunded Loan Commitments
 
As of September 30, 2016, the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements consisted of $88.0 million of unfunded commitments on mortgage loan receivables held for investment to provide additional first mortgage loan financing, at rates to be determined at the time of funding, which consisted of $86.6 million to provide additional first mortgage loan financing and $1.4 million to provide additional mezzanine loan financing. As of December 31, 2015, the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements consisted of $112.8 million of unfunded commitments of mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at rates to be determined at the time of funding, which was composed of $111.4 million to provide additional first mortgage loan financing and $1.4 million to provide additional mezzanine loan financing. Such commitments are subject to our loan borrowers’ satisfaction of certain financial and nonfinancial covenants and may or may not be funded depending on a variety of circumstances including timing, credit metric hurdles, and other nonfinancial events occurring. These commitments are not reflected on the combined consolidated balance sheets. 

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18. SEGMENT REPORTING
 
The Company has determined that it has three reportable segments based on how the chief operating decision maker reviews and manages the business. These reportable segments include loans, securities, and real estate. The loans segment includes mortgage loan receivables held for investment (balance sheet loans) and mortgage loan receivables held for sale (conduit loans). The securities segment is composed of all of the Company’s activities related to commercial real estate securities, which include investments in CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities. The real estate segment includes net leased properties, office buildings, a warehouse and condominium units. Corporate/other includes the Company’s investments in joint ventures, other asset management activities and operating expenses.

The Company evaluates performance based on the following financial measures for each segment ($ in thousands):
 
Loans
 
Securities
 
Real
Estate(1)
 
Corporate/Other(2)
 
Company
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2016
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income
$
40,639

 
$
19,630

 
$
4

 
$
11

 
$
60,284

Interest expense
(6,281
)
 
(2,902
)
 
(6,276
)
 
(15,226
)
 
(30,685
)
Net interest income (expense)
34,358

 
16,728

 
(6,272
)
 
(15,215
)
 
29,599

Provision for loan losses

 

 

 

 

Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses
34,358

 
16,728

 
(6,272
)
 
(15,215
)
 
29,599

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating lease income

 

 
19,466

 

 
19,466

Tenant recoveries

 

 
1,185

 

 
1,185

Sale of loans, net
19,640

 

 

 

 
19,640

Realized gain on securities

 
7,126

 

 

 
7,126

Unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities

 
(47
)
 

 

 
(47
)
Realized gain (loss) on sale of real estate, net

 

 
4,649

 

 
4,649

Fee income
2,230

 

 
1,867

 
4,004

 
8,101

Net result from derivative transactions
4,656

 
4,700

 

 

 
9,356

Earnings (loss) from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

 

 
(141
)
 

 
(141
)
Total other income (expense)
26,526

 
11,779

 
27,026

 
4,004

 
69,335

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
(3,300
)
 

 

 
(13,996
)
 
(17,296
)
Operating expenses

 

 

 
(4,391
)
 
(4,391
)
Real estate operating expenses

 

 
(7,969
)
 

 
(7,969
)
Real estate acquisition costs

 

 
(423
)
 

 
(423
)
Fee expense
(1,077
)
 
(15
)
 
(151
)
 
440

 
(803
)
Depreciation and amortization

 

 
(9,705
)
 
(28
)
 
(9,733
)
Total costs and expenses
(4,377
)
 
(15
)
 
(18,248
)
 
(17,975
)
 
(40,615
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax (expense) benefit

 

 

 
(8,721
)
 
(8,721
)
Segment profit (loss)
$
56,507

 
$
28,492

 
$
2,506

 
$
(37,907
)
 
$
49,598

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets as of September 30, 2016
$
2,427,221

 
$
2,650,959

 
$
859,453

 
$
278,183

 
$
6,215,816


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Loans
 
Securities
 
Real
Estate(1)
 
Corporate/Other(2)
 
Company
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2015
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income
$
45,195

 
$
17,811

 
$

 
$
7

 
$
63,013

Interest expense
(6,749
)
 
(1,753
)
 
(6,365
)
 
(14,668
)
 
(29,535
)
Net interest income (expense)
38,446

 
16,058

 
(6,365
)
 
(14,661
)
 
33,478

Provision for loan losses
(150
)
 

 

 

 
(150
)
Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses
38,296

 
16,058

 
(6,365
)
 
(14,661
)
 
33,328

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating lease income

 

 
20,671

 

 
20,671

Tenant recoveries

 

 
2,847

 

 
2,847

Sale of loans, net
15,165

 

 

 

 
15,165

Realized gain on securities

 
513

 

 

 
513

Unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities

 
731

 

 

 
731

Realized gain on sale of real estate, net
519

 

 
5,887

 

 
6,406

Fee income
905

 
230

 
6

 
2,342

 
3,483

Net result from derivative transactions
(13,159
)
 
(29,083
)
 

 

 
(42,242
)
Earnings from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

 

 
(25
)
 

 
(25
)
Total other income
3,430

 
(27,609
)
 
29,386

 
2,342

 
7,549

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
(4,525
)
 

 

 
(13,103
)
 
(17,628
)
Operating expenses
132

 

 
(17
)
 
(5,066
)
 
(4,951
)
Real estate operating expenses

 

 
(8,975
)
 

 
(8,975
)
Real estate acquisition costs

 

 
(470
)
 

 
(470
)
Fee expense
156

 
(10
)
 
(123
)
 
(698
)
 
(675
)
Depreciation and amortization

 

 
(9,533
)
 
(28
)
 
(9,561
)
Total costs and expenses
(4,237
)
 
(10
)
 
(19,118
)
 
(18,895
)
 
(42,260
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax expense

 

 

 
4,181

 
4,181

Segment profit (loss)
$
37,489

 
$
(11,561
)
 
$
3,903

 
$
(27,033
)
 
$
2,798

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets as of December 31, 2015
$
2,310,409

 
$
2,407,217

 
$
868,528

 
$
309,058

 
$
5,895,212


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Loans
 
Securities
 
Real
Estate(1)
 
Corporate/Other(2)
 
Company
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income
$
117,516

 
$
58,088

 
$
5

 
$
41

 
$
175,650

Interest expense
(17,560
)
 
(7,039
)
 
(18,675
)
 
(45,348
)
 
(88,622
)
Net interest income (expense)
99,956

 
51,049

 
(18,670
)
 
(45,307
)
 
87,028

Provision for loan losses
(300
)
 

 

 

 
(300
)
Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses
99,656

 
51,049

 
(18,670
)
 
(45,307
)
 
86,728

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating lease income

 

 
57,845

 

 
57,845

Tenant recoveries

 

 
3,844

 

 
3,844

Sale of loans, net
30,265

 

 

 

 
30,265

Realized gain on securities

 
9,524

 

 

 
9,524

Unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities

 
29

 

 

 
29

Realized gain (loss) on sale of real estate, net

 

 
15,616

 

 
15,616

Fee and other income
6,473

 

 
5,129

 
5,656

 
17,258

Net result from derivative transactions
(21,139
)
 
(45,009
)
 

 

 
(66,148
)
Earnings from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

 

 
(407
)
 
892

 
485

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 
5,382

 
5,382

Total other income (expense)
15,599

 
(35,456
)
 
82,027

 
11,930

 
74,100

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
(6,300
)
 

 

 
(37,043
)
 
(43,343
)
Operating expenses

 

 
(1
)
 
(15,398
)
 
(15,399
)
Real estate operating expenses

 

 
(22,613
)
 

 
(22,613
)
Real estate acquisition costs

 

 
(631
)
 

 
(631
)
Fee expense
(1,501
)
 
(33
)
 
(389
)
 
(484
)
 
(2,407
)
Depreciation and amortization

 

 
(28,704
)
 
(85
)
 
(28,789
)
Total costs and expenses
(7,801
)
 
(33
)
 
(52,338
)
 
(53,010
)
 
(113,182
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax (expense) benefit

 

 

 
(5,547
)
 
(5,547
)
Segment profit (loss)
$
107,454

 
$
15,560

 
$
11,019

 
$
(91,934
)
 
$
42,099

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets as of September 30, 2016
$
2,427,221

 
$
2,650,959

 
$
859,453

 
$
278,183

 
$
6,215,816


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Loans
 
Securities
 
Real
Estate(1)
 
Corporate/Other(2)
 
Company
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2015
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income
$
120,932

 
$
57,659

 
$

 
$
44

 
$
178,635

Interest expense
(17,509
)
 
(5,512
)
 
(17,670
)
 
(43,155
)
 
(83,846
)
Net interest income (expense)
103,423

 
52,147

 
(17,670
)
 
(43,111
)
 
94,789

Provision for loan losses
(450
)
 

 

 

 
(450
)
Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses
102,973

 
52,147

 
(17,670
)
 
(43,111
)
 
94,339

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating lease income

 

 
60,207

 

 
60,207

Tenant recoveries

 

 
7,883

 

 
7,883

Sale of loans, net
59,717

 

 

 

 
59,717

Realized gain on securities

 
23,680

 

 

 
23,680

Unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities

 
(639
)
 

 

 
(639
)
Realized gain on sale of real estate, net
1,771

 

 
19,576

 

 
21,347

Fee income
3,990

 
230

 
33

 
6,604

 
10,857

Net result from derivative transactions
(18,335
)
 
(36,259
)
 

 

 
(54,594
)
Earnings from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

 

 
464

 
116

 
580

Total other income
47,143

 
(12,988
)
 
88,163

 
6,720

 
129,038

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
(11,436
)
 

 

 
(35,897
)
 
(47,333
)
Operating expenses
301

 

 
(16
)
 
(20,772
)
 
(20,487
)
Real estate operating expenses

 

 
(27,976
)
 

 
(27,976
)
Real estate acquisition costs

 

 
(1,524
)
 

 
(1,524
)
Fee expense
(1,642
)
 
(31
)
 
(230
)
 
(1,357
)
 
(3,260
)
Depreciation and amortization

 

 
(29,158
)
 
(80
)
 
(29,238
)
Total costs and expenses
(12,777
)
 
(31
)
 
(58,904
)
 
(58,106
)
 
(129,818
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax expense

 

 

 
(4,101
)
 
(4,101
)
Segment profit (loss)
$
137,339

 
$
39,128

 
$
11,589

 
$
(98,598
)
 
$
89,458

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets as of December 31, 2015
$
2,310,409

 
$
2,407,217

 
$
868,528

 
$
309,058

 
$
5,895,212

 
(1)
Includes the Company’s investment in unconsolidated joint ventures that held real estate of $33.9 million and $33.7 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively
(2)
Corporate/Other represents all corporate level and unallocated items including any intercompany eliminations necessary to reconcile to combined consolidated Company totals. This caption also includes the Company’s investment in unconsolidated joint ventures and strategic investments that are not related to the other reportable segments above, including the Company’s investment in unconsolidated joint ventures of $48,771 as of December 31, 2015, the Company’s investment in FHLB stock of $77.9 million and $77.9 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, the Company’s deferred tax asset of $9.8 million and $5.0 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively and the Company’s senior unsecured notes of $559.3 million and $612.6 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.


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19. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the issuance date of the financial statements and determined that the following disclosure is necessary:

Ladder Select Bond Fund

On October 18, 2016, Ladder Capital Asset Management LLC (“LCAM”), a subsidiary of the Company and a registered investment adviser, launched the Ladder Select Bond Fund (the “Fund”), a mutual fund. In addition, on October 18, 2016, the Company made a $10.0 million investment in the Fund. Members of senior management have also invested $1.6 million in aggregate in the Fund since inception. LCAM earns a 0.75% fee on assets under management, which may be reduced for expenses incurred in excess of the Fund’s expense cap of 0.95%.


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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the combined consolidated financial statements and the related notes of Ladder Capital Corp included within this Quarterly Report and the Annual Report. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” within this Quarterly Report and “Risk Factors” within the Annual Report for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including but not limited to, those in “Risk Factors” set forth within the Annual Report.
 
References to “Ladder,” the “Company,” “Successor” and “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Ladder Capital Corp, a Delaware corporation incorporated in 2013, and its combined consolidated subsidiaries subsequent to the IPO and related transactions described below. These references (other than “Successor”) in periods prior to the IPO and related transactions are to Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP and subsidiaries (“LCFH” or “Predecessor”).
 
Ladder Capital Corp was incorporated on May 21, 2013 as a holding company for the purpose of facilitating an IPO of common equity. On February 5, 2014, a registration statement relating to shares of Class A common stock of Ladder Capital Corp was declared effective and the price of such shares was set at $17.00 per share. The IPO closed on February 11, 2014.
 
As a result of the IPO and certain other recapitalization transactions (collectively, the “IPO Transactions”), Ladder Capital Corp became the sole general partner of LCFH and, as a result of the serialization of LCFH on December 31, 2014, became the sole general partner of Series REIT of LCFH. LC TRS I LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Series REIT of LCFH, is the general partner of Series TRS of LCFH. Ladder Capital Corp has a controlling interest in Series REIT of LCFH, and through such controlling interest, also has a controlling interest in Series TRS of LCFH. Ladder Capital Corp’s only business is to act as the sole general partner of LCFH and Series REIT of LCFH, and, as a result of the foregoing, Ladder Capital Corp directly and indirectly operates and controls all of the business and affairs of LCFH, and each Series thereof, and consolidates the financial results of LCFH, and each Series thereof, into Ladder Capital Corp’s combined consolidated financial statements.
 
Results since inception consist of LCFH’s operations from October 2008 to February 10, 2014 and Ladder Capital Corp’s operations from February 11, 2014 to September 30, 2016.
 
Overview
 
We are a leading commercial real estate finance company structured as an internally-managed REIT. We conduct our business through three commercial real estate-related business lines: loans, securities, and real estate investments. We believe that our in-house origination platform, ability to flexibly allocate capital among complementary product lines, credit-centric underwriting approach, access to diversified financing sources, and experienced management team position us well to deliver attractive returns on equity to our shareholders through economic and credit cycles.
 
Our businesses, including conduit lending, balance sheet lending, securities investments, and real estate investments, provide for a stable base of net interest and rental income. We have originated $16.7 billion of commercial real estate loans from our inception through September 30, 2016. During this timeframe, we also acquired $9.5 billion of investment grade-rated securities secured by first mortgage loans on commercial real estate and $1.3 billion of selected net leased and other real estate assets.

As part of our commercial mortgage lending operations, we originate conduit loans, which are first mortgage loans on stabilized, income producing commercial real estate properties that we intend to make available for sale in commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) securitizations. From our inception in October 2008 through September 30, 2016, we originated $12.7 billion of conduit loans, $11.9 billion of which were sold into 40 CMBS securitizations, making us, by volume, the second largest non-bank contributor of loans to CMBS securitizations in the United States in such period. Our sales of loans into securitizations are generally accounted for as true sales, not financings, and we generally retain no ongoing interest in loans which we securitize. The securitization of conduit loans enables us to reinvest our equity capital into new loan originations or allocate it to other investments.

As of September 30, 2016, we had $6.2 billion in total assets and $1.5 billion of total equity. As of that date, our assets included $2.4 billion of loans, $2.7 billion of securities, and $825.6 million of real estate.


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We have a diversified and flexible financing strategy supporting our business operations, including significant committed term financing from leading financial institutions. As of September 30, 2016, we had $4.6 billion of debt financing outstanding. This financing comprised $1.8 billion of financing from the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”), $1.0 billion committed secured term repurchase agreement financing, $455.4 million of other securities financing, $575.5 million of third-party, non-recourse mortgage debt, $297.7 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.375% senior notes due October 1, 2017 (the “2017 Notes”) and $266.2 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior notes due 2021 (the “2021 Notes” and, collectively with the 2017 Notes, the “Notes”). There were $100.0 million of borrowings outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility. In addition, as of September 30, 2016, we had $1.5 billion of committed, undrawn funding capacity available, consisting of $43.0 million of availability under our $143.0 million Revolving Credit Facility, $406.3 million of undrawn committed FHLB financing and $1.0 billion of other undrawn committed financings. As of September 30, 2016, our debt-to-equity ratio was 3.1:1.0, as we employ leverage prudently to maximize financial flexibility.
 
Ladder was founded in October 2008. As of September 30, 2016, we were capitalized by public investors, our management team and a group of leading global institutional investors, including affiliates of Alberta Investment Management Corp., GI Partners, Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System and TowerBrook Capital Partners. We have built our business to include 65 full-time industry professionals.

We are led by a disciplined and highly aligned management team. As of September 30, 2016, our management team and directors held interests in our Company comprising 11.9% of our total equity. On average, our management team members have 28 years of experience in the industry. Our management team includes Brian Harris, Chief Executive Officer; Michael Mazzei, President; Pamela McCormack, Chief Operating Officer; Marc Fox, Chief Financial Officer; Thomas Harney, Head of Merchant Banking & Capital Markets; and Robert Perelman, Head of Asset Management. Additional officers of Ladder include Kelly Porcella, General Counsel and Secretary, and Kevin Moclair, Chief Accounting Officer.

We are organized and conduct our operations to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As such, we will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on that portion of our net income that is distributed to shareholders if we distribute at least 90% of our taxable income and comply with certain other requirements.

Recent Developments

Ladder Select Bond Fund

On October 18, 2016, Ladder Capital Asset Management LLC (“LCAM”), a subsidiary of the Company and a registered investment adviser, launched the Ladder Select Bond Fund (the “Fund”), a mutual fund. In addition, on October 18, 2016, the Company made a $10.0 million investment in the Fund. Members of senior management have also invested $1.6 million in aggregate in the Fund since inception. LCAM earns a 0.75% fee on assets under management, which may be reduced for expenses incurred in excess of the Fund’s expense cap of 0.95%.


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Our Businesses

We invest primarily in loans, securities and other interests in U.S. commercial real estate, with a focus on senior secured assets. Our complementary business segments are designed to provide us with the flexibility to opportunistically allocate capital in order to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns under varying market conditions. The following table summarizes the value of our investment portfolio as reported in our combined consolidated financial statements as of the dates indicated below ($ in thousands):
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Loans
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Conduit first mortgage loans
$
784,186

 
12.6
%
 
$
571,764

 
9.7
%
Balance sheet first mortgage loans
1,473,852

 
23.7
%
 
1,453,120

 
24.6
%
Other commercial real estate-related loans
169,183

 
2.7
%
 
285,525

 
4.8
%
Total loans
2,427,221

 
39.0
%
 
2,310,409

 
39.1
%
Securities
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

CMBS investments
2,588,760

 
41.6
%
 
2,335,930

 
39.7
%
U.S. Agency Securities investments
62,199

 
1.0
%
 
71,287

 
1.2
%
Total securities
2,650,959

 
42.6
%
 
2,407,217

 
40.9
%
Real Estate
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Real estate and related lease intangibles, net
825,593

 
13.3
%
 
834,779

 
14.2
%
Total real estate
825,593

 
13.3
%
 
834,779

 
14.2
%
Other Investments
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
33,860

 
0.5
%
 
33,797

 
0.6
%
FHLB stock
77,915

 
1.3
%
 
77,915

 
1.3
%
Total other investments
111,775

 
1.8
%
 
111,712

 
1.9
%
Total investments
6,015,548

 
96.7
%
 
5,664,117

 
96.1
%
Cash, cash equivalents and cash collateral held by broker
97,190

 
1.6
%
 
139,770

 
2.4
%
Other assets
103,078

 
1.7
%
 
91,325

 
1.5
%
Total assets
$
6,215,816

 
100.0
%
 
$
5,895,212

 
100.0
%

We invest in the following types of assets:
 
Loans
 
Conduit First Mortgage Loans.  We originate conduit loans, which are first mortgage loans that are secured by cash-flowing commercial real estate and are available for sale to securitizations. These first mortgage loans are typically structured with fixed interest rates and generally have five- to ten-year terms. Our loans are directly originated by an internal team that has longstanding and strong relationships with borrowers and mortgage brokers throughout the United States. We follow a rigorous investment process, which begins with an initial due diligence review; continues through a comprehensive legal and underwriting process incorporating multiple internal and external checks and balances; and culminates in approval or disapproval of each prospective investment by our Investment Committee. Conduit first mortgage loans in excess of $50.0 million also require approval of our board of directors’ Risk and Underwriting Committee.


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Table of Contents

Although our primary intent is to sell our conduit first mortgage loans to CMBS trusts, we generally seek to maintain the flexibility to keep them on our balance sheet or otherwise sell them as whole loans to third-party institutional investors. From our inception in 2008 through September 30, 2016, we have originated and funded $12.7 billion of conduit first mortgage loans and securitized $11.9 billion of such mortgage loans in 40 separate transactions, including two securitizations in 2010, three securitizations in 2011, six securitizations in 2012, six securitizations in 2013, 10 securitizations in 2014, 10 securitizations in 2015 and three securitizations in 2016. We generally securitize our loans together with certain financial institutions, which to date have included affiliates of Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, and we have also completed two single-asset securitizations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, conduit first mortgage loans remained on our balance sheet for a weighted average of 127 and 62 days prior to securitization, respectively. As of September 30, 2016, we held 33 first mortgage loans that were substantially available for contribution into a securitization with an aggregate book value of $784.2 million. Based on the loan balances and the “as-is” third-party Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (“FIRREA”) appraised values at origination, the weighted average loan- to-value ratio of this portfolio was 65.6% at September 30, 2016. The Company holds these conduit loans in its TRS.
 
Balance Sheet First Mortgage Loans.  We also originate and invest in balance sheet first mortgage loans secured by commercial real estate properties that are undergoing transition, including lease-up, sell-out, and renovation or repositioning. These mortgage loans are structured to fit the needs and business plans of the property owners, and generally have LIBOR based floating rates and terms (including extension options) ranging from one to five years. Balance sheet first mortgage loans are originated, underwritten, approved and funded using the same comprehensive legal and underwriting approach, process and personnel used to originate our conduit first mortgage loans. Balance sheet first mortgage loans in excess of $20.0 million also require the approval of our board of directors’ Risk and Underwriting Committee.

We generally seek to hold our balance sheet first mortgage loans for investment. These investments have been typically repaid at or prior to maturity (including by being refinanced by us into a new conduit first mortgage loan upon property stabilization). As of September 30, 2016, we held a portfolio of 69 balance sheet first mortgage loans with an aggregate book value of $1.5 billion. Based on the loan balances and the “as-is” third-party FIRREA appraised values at origination, the weighted average loan-to-value ratio of this portfolio was 66.6% at September 30, 2016.
 
Other Commercial Real Estate-Related Loans.  We selectively invest in note purchase financings, subordinated debt, mezzanine debt and other structured finance products related to commercial real estate that are generally held for investment. As of September 30, 2016, we held a portfolio of 36 other commercial real estate-related loans with an aggregate book value of $169.2 million. Based on the loan balance and the “as-is” third-party FIRREA appraised values at origination, the weighted average loan-to-value ratio of the portfolio was 74.2% at September 30, 2016.

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Table of Contents

 
The following charts set forth our total outstanding conduit first mortgage loans, balance sheet first mortgage loans and other commercial real estate-related loans as of September 30, 2016 and a breakdown of our loan portfolio by loan size and geographic location and asset type of the underlying real estate.

loanpiecharts09302016.jpg 

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Table of Contents

Securities
 
CMBS Investments.  We invest in CMBS secured by first mortgage loans on commercial real estate and own predominantly AAA-rated securities. These investments provide a stable and attractive base of net interest income and help us manage our liquidity. We have significant in-house expertise in the evaluation and trading of CMBS, due in part to our experience in originating and underwriting mortgage loans that comprise assets within CMBS trusts, as well as our experience in structuring CMBS transactions. AAA-rated CMBS investments in excess of $50 million and all other securities positions in excess of $26.0 million require the approval of our board of directors’ Risk and Underwriting Committee. As of September 30, 2016, the estimated fair value of our portfolio of CMBS investments totaled $2.6 billion in 199 CUSIPs ($13.0 million average investment per CUSIP). As of that date, 97.7% of our CMBS investments were rated investment grade by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch Ratings Inc., consisting of 84.1% AAA/Aaa-rated securities and 13.6% of other investment grade-rated securities, including 11.6% rated AA/Aa, 1.2% rated A/A and 0.7% rated BBB/Baa. In the future, we may invest in CMBS securities or other securities that are unrated. As of September 30, 2016, our CMBS investments had a weighted average duration of 3.1 years. The commercial real estate collateral underlying our CMBS investment portfolio is located throughout the United States. As of September 30, 2016, by property count and market value, respectively, 49.8% and 68.3% of the collateral underlying our CMBS investment portfolio was distributed throughout the top 25 metropolitan statistical areas (“MSAs”) in the United States, with 4.1% and 31.2% of the collateral located in the New York-Newark-Edison MSA, and the concentrations in each of the remaining top 24 MSAs ranging from 0.3% to 8.2% by property count and 0.1% to 10.5% by market value.
 
U.S. Agency Securities Investments.  Our U.S. Agency Securities portfolio consists of securities for which the principal and interest payments are guaranteed by a U.S. government agency, such as GNMA, or by a government-sponsored enterprise (“GSE”), such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“ Freddie Mac”). In addition, these securities are secured by first mortgage loans on commercial real estate. As of September 30, 2016, the estimated fair value of our portfolio of U.S. Agency Securities was $62.2 million in 31 CUSIPs ($2.0 million average investment per CUSIP), with a weighted average duration of 8.0 years. The commercial real estate collateral underlying our U.S. Agency Securities portfolio is located throughout the United States. As of September 30, 2016, by market value 67.2%, 15.7%, and 5.2% of the collateral underlying our U.S. Agency Securities, excluding the collateral underlying our Agency interest-only securities, was located in New York, California, and Georgia, respectively, with no other state having a concentration greater than 10.0%. By property count, California represented 59.5%, Georgia represented 13.5% and New York represented 5.4% of such collateral. While the specific geographic concentration of our Agency interest-only securities portfolio as of September 30, 2016 is not obtainable, risk relating to any such possible concentration is mitigated by the interest payments of these securities being guaranteed by a U.S. government agency or a GSE.
 
Real Estate
 
Commercial Real Estate Properties.  As of September 30, 2016, we owned 112 single tenant net leased properties with an aggregate book value of $538.8 million. These properties are fully leased on a net basis where the tenant is generally responsible for payment of real estate taxes, property, building and general liability insurance and property and building maintenance expenses. As of September 30, 2016, our net leased properties comprised a total of 4.1 million square feet and had a 100% occupancy rate, an average age since construction of 8.5 years and a weighted average remaining lease term of 14.4 years.
 
In addition, as of September 30, 2016, we owned 30 other properties with an aggregate book value of $241.1 million. Through separate joint ventures, we owned a portfolio of 13 office buildings in Richmond, VA with a book value of $94.6 million, a portfolio of four office buildings in St. Paul, MN with a book value of $55.3 million, an office building in Ewing, NJ with a book value of $31.1 million, a portfolio of seven office buildings in Richmond, VA with a book value of $17.6 million, a 13-story office building in Oakland County, MI with a book value of $11.4 million, a two-story office building in Grand Rapids, MI with a book value of $9.2 million and a warehouse in Grand Rapids, MI with a book value of $5.9 million. We also own a two-story office building in Wayne, NJ with a book value of $9.2 million and a shopping center in Carmel, NY with a book value of $6.9 million.

Residential Real Estate.  We sold 58 condominium units at Veer Towers in Las Vegas, NV, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, generating aggregate gains on sale of $11.0 million. As of September 30, 2016, we owned 74 residential condominium units at Veer Towers in Las Vegas, NV with a book value of $19.7 million through a joint venture, and we intend to sell these remaining units over time. As of September 30, 2016, 15 condominium units were under contract for sale with a book value of $3.3 million. As of September 30, 2016, the remaining condominium units we hold were 30.6% rented and occupied. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively, of rental income from the condominium units.

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Table of Contents

 
We sold 49 condominium units at Terrazas River Park Village in Miami, FL, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, generating aggregate gains on sale of $3.4 million. As of September 30, 2016, we owned 104 residential condominium units at Terrazas River Park Village in Miami, FL with a book value of $25.9 million, and we intend to sell these remaining units over time. As of September 30, 2016, 17 condominium units were under contract for sale with a book value of $6.0 million. As of September 30, 2016, the remaining condominium units we hold were 73.7% rented and occupied. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded $0.5 million and $1.7 million, respectively, of rental income from the condominium units.

The Company holds these residential condominium units in its TRS.

The following table, organized by tenant type and acquisition date, summarizes our owned properties as of September 30, 2016 ($ amounts in thousands):

Location
 
Acquisition date
 
Acquisition price/basis
 
Year built/reno.
 
Lease expiration (1)
 
Approx. square footage
 
Carrying value of asset
 
Mortgage loan outstanding (2)
 
Asset net of mortgage loan outstanding
 
Annual rental income (3)
 
Ownership Percentage (4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Lease
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lamar, MO
 
07/22/16
 
$
1,175

 
2016
 
5/31/31
 
9,100

 
$
1,231

 
$

 
$
1,231

 
$
86

 
100.0
%
 
Union, MO
 
07/01/16
 
1,227

 
2016
 
5/31/31
 
9,100

 
1,332

 

 
1,332

 
90

 
100.0
%
 
Pawnee, IL
 
07/01/16
 
1,201

 
2016
 
5/31/31
 
9,002

 
1,222

 

 
1,222

 
88

 
100.0
%
 
Decatur, IL
 
06/30/16
 
1,365

 
2016
 
5/31/31
 
9,002

 
1,465

 

 
1,465

 
$
100

 
100.0
%
 
Cape Girardeau, MO
 
06/30/16
 
1,281

 
2016
 
5/31/31
 
9,100

 
1,365

 

 
1,365

 
94

 
100.0
%
 
Linn, MO
 
06/30/16
 
1,122

 
2016
 
5/31/31
 
9,002

 
1,183

 

 
1,183

 
82

 
100.0
%
 
Rantoul, IL
 
06/21/16
 
1,204

 
2016
 
4/30/31
 
9,100

 
1,291

 

 
1,291

 
88

 
100.0
%
 
Flora Vista, NM
 
06/06/16
 
1,305

 
2016
 
4/30/31
 
9,002

 
1,322

 

 
1,322

 
95

 
100.0
%
 
Champaign, IL
 
06/03/16
 
1,324

 
2016
 
4/30/31
 
9,002

 
1,419

 

 
1,419

 
97

 
100.0
%
 
Mountain Grove, MO
 
06/03/16
 
1,279

 
2016
 
4/30/31
 
10,566

 
1,389

 

 
1,389

 
93

 
100.0
%
 
Decatur, IL
 
06/03/16
 
1,181

 
2016
 
4/30/31
 
9,002

 
1,266

 

 
1,266

 
86

 
100.0
%
 
San Antonio, TX
 
05/06/16
 
1,096

 
2015
 
3/31/31
 
9,100

 
1,139

 

 
1,139

 
80

 
100.0
%
 
Borger, TX
 
05/06/16
 
978

 
2016
 
3/31/31
 
9,100

 
1,036

 

 
1,036

 
71

 
100.0
%
 
St.Charles, MN
 
04/26/16
 
1,198

 
2016
 
3/31/31
 
9,026

 
1,252

 

 
1,252

 
87

 
100.0
%
 
Philo, IL
 
04/26/16
 
1,156

 
2016
 
3/31/31
 
9,026

 
1,225

 

 
1,225

 
84

 
100.0
%
 
Dimmitt, TX
 
04/26/16
 
1,319

 
2016
 
3/31/31
 
10,566

 
1,382

 

 
1,382

 
96

 
100.0
%
 
Radford, VA
 
12/23/15
 
1,564

 
2015
 
9/30/30
 
8,360

 
1,532

 
1,140

 
392

 
104

 
100.0
%
 
Albion, PA
 
12/23/15
 
1,525

 
2015
 
9/30/30
 
8,184

 
1,478

 
1,139

 
339

 
101

 
100.0
%
 
Rural Retreat, VA
 
12/23/15
 
1,399

 
2015
 
9/30/30
 
8,305

 
1,371

 
1,051

 
320

 
93

 
100.0
%
 
Mount Vernon, AL
 
12/23/15
 
1,224

 
2015
 
6/30/30
 
8,323

 
1,210

 
955

 
255

 
84

 
100.0
%
 
Malone, NY
 
12/16/15
 
1,466

 
2015
 
6/30/30
 
8,320

 
1,442

 
1,090

 
352

 
99

 
100.0
%
 
Mercedes, TX
 
12/16/15
 
1,204

 
2015
 
11/30/30
 
9,100

 
1,240

 
840

 
400

 
86

 
100.0
%
 
Gordonville, MO
 
11/10/15
 
1,125

 
2015
 
9/30/30
 
9,026

 
1,181

 
775

 
406

 
80

 
100.0
%
 
Rice, MN
 
10/28/15
 
1,201

 
2015
 
9/30/30
 
9,002

 
1,204

 
821

 
383

 
85

 
100.0
%
 
Bixby, OK
 
10/27/15
 
10,979

 
2012
 
12/31/32
 
75,996

 
11,881

 
7,995

 
3,886

 
769

 
100.0
%
 
Farmington, IL
 
10/23/15
 
1,303

 
2015
 
8/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,373

 
900

 
473

 
93

 
100.0
%
 
Grove, OK
 
10/20/15
 
5,030

 
2012
 
8/31/32
 
31,500

 
5,421

 
3,644

 
1,777

 
364

 
100.0
%
 
Jenks, OK
 
10/19/15
 
12,160

 
2009
 
9/24/33
 
80,932

 
13,092

 
8,847

 
4,245

 
912

 
100.0
%
 
Bloomington, IL
 
10/14/15
 
1,193

 
2015
 
8/31/30
 
9,026

 
1,263

 
821

 
442

 
85

 
100.0
%
 
Montrose, MN
 
10/14/15
 
1,167

 
2015
 
8/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,153

 
790

 
363

 
83

 
100.0
%
 
Lincoln County , MO
 
10/14/15
 
1,072

 
2015
 
8/31/30
 
9,002

 
1,109

 
742

 
367

 
76

 
100.0
%
 
Wilmington, IL
 
10/07/15
 
1,309

 
2015
 
8/31/30
 
9,002

 
1,363

 
907

 
456

 
93

 
100.0
%
 
Danville, IL
 
10/07/15
 
1,074

 
2015
 
8/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,133

 
743

 
390

 
76

 
100.0
%
 
Moultrie, GA
 
09/22/15
 
1,305

 
2014
 
6/30/29
 
8,225

 
1,260

 
934

 
326

 
85

 
100.0
%
 
Rose Hill, NC
 
09/22/15
 
1,420

 
2014
 
6/30/29
 
8,320

 
1,376

 
1,005

 
371

 
93

 
100.0
%
 
Rockingham, NC
 
09/22/15
 
1,158

 
2014
 
6/30/29
 
8,320

 
1,118

 
825

 
293

 
76

 
100.0
%
 
Biscoe, NC
 
09/22/15
 
1,216

 
2014
 
6/30/29
 
8,320

 
1,176

 
864

 
312

 
80

 
100.0
%
 
De Soto, IL
 
09/08/15
 
1,066

 
2015
 
7/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,078

 
707

 
371

 
76

 
100.0
%
 
Kerrville, TX
 
08/28/15
 
1,174

 
2015
 
7/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,194

 
769

 
425

 
84

 
100.0
%
 

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Table of Contents

Location
 
Acquisition date
 
Acquisition price/basis
 
Year built/reno.
 
Lease expiration (1)
 
Approx. square footage
 
Carrying value of asset
 
Mortgage loan outstanding (2)
 
Asset net of mortgage loan outstanding
 
Annual rental income (3)
 
Ownership Percentage (4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Floresville, TX
 
08/28/15
 
1,251

 
2015
 
7/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,270

 
815

 
455

 
89

 
100.0
%
 
Minot, ND
 
08/19/15
 
6,644

 
2012
 
1/31/34
 
55,440

 
6,777

 
4,703

 
2,074

 
419

 
100.0
%
 
Lebanon, MI
 
08/14/15
 
1,200

 
2015
 
7/31/30
 
9,050

 
1,230

 
821

 
409

 
85

 
100.0
%
 
Effingham County, IL
 
08/10/15
 
1,195

 
2015
 
6/30/30
 
9,002

 
1,216

 
821

 
395

 
85

 
100.0
%
 
Ponce, PR
 
08/03/15
 
8,900

 
2012
 
8/31/37
 
15,660

 
9,080

 
6,529

 
2,551

 
560

 
100.0
%
 
Tremont, IL
 
06/25/15
 
1,150

 
2015
 
5/31/30
 
9,026

 
1,151

 
793

 
358

 
82

 
100.0
%
 
Pleasanton, TX
 
06/24/15
 
1,316

 
2015
 
5/31/30
 
9,026

 
1,329

 
869

 
460

 
93

 
100.0
%
 
Peoria, IL
 
06/24/15
 
1,226

 
2015
 
5/31/30
 
9,002

 
1,248

 
859

 
389

 
87

 
100.0
%
 
Bridgeport, IL
 
06/24/15
 
1,186

 
2015
 
5/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,199

 
826

 
373

 
84

 
100.0
%
 
Warren, MN
 
06/24/15
 
1,055

 
2015
 
4/30/30
 
9,100

 
1,042

 
697

 
345

 
75

 
100.0
%
 
Canyon Lake, TX
 
06/18/15
 
1,377

 
2015
 
3/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,393

 
912

 
481

 
98

 
100.0
%
 
Wheeler, TX
 
06/18/15
 
1,075

 
2015
 
3/31/30
 
9,002

 
1,080

 
720

 
360

 
76

 
100.0
%
 
Aurora, MN
 
06/18/15
 
953

 
2015
 
3/31/30
 
9,100

 
958

 
632

 
326

 
68

 
100.0
%
 
Red Oak, IA
 
05/07/15
 
1,184

 
2014
 
10/31/29
 
9,026

 
1,155

 
778

 
377

 
84

 
100.0
%
 
Zapata, TX
 
05/07/15
 
1,150

 
2015
 
3/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,138

 
746

 
392

 
82

 
100.0
%
 
St. Francis, MN
 
03/26/15
 
1,117

 
2014
 
1/31/30
 
9,002

 
1,111

 
732

 
379

 
79

 
100.0
%
 
Yorktown, TX
 
03/25/15
 
1,208

 
2015
 
2/28/30
 
10,566

 
1,226

 
784

 
442

 
86

 
100.0
%
 
Battle Lake, MN
 
03/25/15
 
1,098

 
2014
 
2/28/30
 
9,100

 
1,096

 
719

 
377

 
78

 
100.0
%
 
Paynesville, MN
 
03/05/15
 
1,254

 
2015
 
11/30/26
 
9,100

 
1,192

 
803

 
389

 
89

 
100.0
%
 
Wheaton, MO
 
03/05/15
 
970

 
2015
 
11/30/29
 
9,100

 
918

 
654

 
264

 
69

 
100.0
%
 
Rotterdam, NY
 
03/03/15
 
12,619

 
1996
 
8/31/32
 
115,660

 
11,618

 

 
11,618

 
940

 
100.0
%
 
Hilliard, OH
 
03/02/15
 
6,384

 
2007
 
8/31/32
 
14,820

 
6,098

 
4,597

 
1,501

 
399

 
100.0
%
 
Niles, OH
 
03/02/15
 
5,200

 
2007
 
11/30/32
 
14,820

 
4,962

 
3,735

 
1,227

 
325

 
100.0
%
 
Youngstown, OH
 
02/20/15
 
5,400

 
2005
 
9/30/30
 
14,820

 
5,136

 
3,846

 
1,290

 
336

 
100.0
%
 
Kings Mountain, NC
 
01/29/15
 
21,241

 
1995
 
9/30/30
 
467,781

 
27,361

 
18,745

 
8,616

 
1,475

 
100.0
%
 
Iberia, MO
 
01/23/15
 
1,328

 
2015
 
12/31/29
 
10,542

 
1,255

 
900

 
355

 
94

 
100.0
%
 
Pine Island, MN
 
01/23/15
 
1,142

 
2014
 
4/30/27
 
9,100

 
1,072

 
774

 
298

 
81

 
100.0
%
 
Isle, MN
 
01/23/15
 
1,077

 
2014
 
1/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,010

 
727

 
283

 
77

 
100.0
%
 
Jacksonville, NC
 
01/22/15
 
8,632

 
2014
 
12/31/29
 
55,000

 
8,246

 
5,710

 
2,536

 
517

 
100.0
%
 
Evansville, IN
 
11/26/14
 
9,000

 
2014
 
12/31/35
 
71,680

 
8,518

 
6,461

 
2,057

 
540

 
100.0
%
 
Woodland Park, CO
 
11/14/14
 
3,969

 
2014
 
8/31/29
 
22,141

 
3,709

 
2,811

 
898

 
258

 
100.0
%
 
Bellport, NY
 
11/13/14
 
18,100

 
2014
 
8/16/34
 
87,788

 
17,083

 
12,880

 
4,203

 
1,119

 
100.0
%
 
Ankeny, IA
 
11/04/14
 
16,510

 
2013
 
10/30/34
 
94,872

 
15,632

 
11,749

 
3,883

 
991

 
100.0
%
 
Springfield, MO
 
11/04/14
 
11,675

 
2011
 
10/30/34
 
88,793

 
11,233

 
8,398

 
2,835

 
701

 
100.0
%
 
Cedar Rapids, IA
 
11/04/14
 
11,000

 
2012
 
10/30/34
 
79,389

 
10,237

 
7,828

 
2,409

 
660

 
100.0
%
 
Fairfield, IA
 
11/04/14
 
10,695

 
2011
 
10/30/34
 
69,280

 
10,052

 
7,614

 
2,438

 
642

 
100.0
%
 
Owatonna, MN
 
11/04/14
 
9,970

 
2010
 
10/30/34
 
70,825

 
9,456

 
7,157

 
2,299

 
598

 
100.0
%
 
Muscatine, IA
 
11/04/14
 
7,150

 
2013
 
10/30/34
 
78,218

 
8,376

 
5,132

 
3,244

 
429

 
100.0
%
 
Sheldon, IA
 
11/04/14
 
4,300

 
2011
 
10/30/34
 
35,385

 
4,124

 
3,087

 
1,037

 
258

 
100.0
%
 
Memphis, TN
 
10/24/14
 
5,310

 
1962
 
12/31/29
 
68,761

 
5,043

 
3,932

 
1,111

 
358

 
100.0
%
 
Bennett, CO
 
10/02/14
 
3,522

 
2014
 
8/31/29
 
21,930

 
3,275

 
2,495

 
780

 
229

 
100.0
%
 
Conyers, Georgia
 
08/28/14
 
32,530

 
2014
 
4/30/29
 
499,668

 
30,436

 
22,850

 
7,586

 
1,937

 
100.0
%
 
O'Fallon, IL
 
08/08/14
 
8,000

 
1984
 
1/31/28
 
141,436

 
7,848

 
5,690

 
2,158

 
460

 
100.0
%
 
El Centro, CA
 
08/08/14
 
4,277

 
2014
 
6/30/29
 
19,168

 
4,014

 
2,985

 
1,029

 
278

 
100.0
%
 
Durant, OK
 
01/28/13
 
4,991

 
2007
 
2/28/33
 
14,550

 
4,510

 
3,228

 
1,282

 
323

 
100.0
%
 
Gallatin, TN
 
12/28/12
 
5,062

 
2007
 
6/30/82
 
14,820

 
4,626

 
3,300

 
1,326

 
329

 
100.0
%
 
Mt. Airy, NC
 
12/27/12
 
4,492

 
2007
 
6/30/82
 
14,820

 
4,205

 
2,931

 
1,274

 
292

 
100.0
%
 
Aiken, SC
 
12/21/12
 
5,926

 
2008
 
2/28/83
 
14,550

 
5,394

 
3,859

 
1,535

 
384

 
100.0
%
 
Johnson City, TN
 
12/21/12
 
5,262

 
2007
 
9/30/82
 
14,550

 
4,727

 
3,430

 
1,297

 
341

 
100.0
%
 
Palmview, TX
 
12/19/12
 
6,820

 
2012
 
8/31/87
 
14,820

 
6,205

 
4,587

 
1,618

 
437

 
100.0
%
 
Ooltewah, TN
 
12/18/12
 
5,703

 
2008
 
1/31/83
 
14,550

 
5,129

 
3,841

 
1,288

 
365

 
100.0
%
 
Abingdon, VA
 
12/18/12
 
4,688

 
2006
 
6/30/81
 
15,371

 
4,534

 
3,084

 
1,450

 
300

 
100.0
%
 
Wichita, KS
 
12/14/12
 
7,200

 
2012
 
10/15/62
 
73,322

 
6,274

 
4,806

 
1,468

 
536

 
100.0
%
 
North Dartsmouth, MA
 
09/21/12
 
29,965

 
1989
 
7/31/57
 
103,680

 
25,044

 
19,071

 
5,973

 
2,152

 
100.0
%
 

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Table of Contents

Location
 
Acquisition date
 
Acquisition price/basis
 
Year built/reno.
 
Lease expiration (1)
 
Approx. square footage
 
Carrying value of asset
 
Mortgage loan outstanding (2)
 
Asset net of mortgage loan outstanding
 
Annual rental income (3)
 
Ownership Percentage (4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vineland, NJ
 
09/21/12
 
22,507

 
2003
 
7/31/57
 
115,368

 
19,065

 
13,986

 
5,079

 
1,616

 
100.0
%
 
Saratoga Springs, NY
 
09/21/12
 
20,222

 
1994
 
7/31/57
 
116,620

 
16,989

 
12,567

 
4,422

 
1,452

 
100.0
%
 
Waldorf, MD
 
09/21/12
 
18,803

 
1999
 
7/31/57
 
115,660

 
16,739

 
11,685

 
5,054

 
1,350

 
100.0
%
 
Mooresville, NC
 
09/21/12
 
17,644

 
2000
 
7/31/57
 
108,528

 
14,750

 
10,964

 
3,786

 
1,267

 
100.0
%
 
Sennett, NY
 
09/21/12
 
7,476

 
1996
 
7/31/57
 
68,160

 
6,195

 
4,758

 
1,437

 
611

 
100.0
%
 
DeLeon Springs, FL
 
08/13/12
 
1,242

 
2011
 
1/31/27
 
9,100

 
1,038

 
822

 
216

 
98

 
100.0
%
 
Orange City, FL
 
05/23/12
 
1,317

 
2011
 
3/31/27
 
9,026

 
1,099

 
797

 
302

 
103

 
100.0
%
 
Satsuma, FL
 
04/19/12
 
1,092

 
2011
 
11/30/26
 
9,026

 
880

 
717

 
163

 
86

 
100.0
%
 
Greenwood, AR
 
04/12/12
 
5,147

 
2009
 
7/31/84
 
13,650

 
4,569

 
3,427

 
1,142

 
332

 
100.0
%
 
Snellville, GA
 
04/04/12
 
8,000

 
2011
 
4/30/32
 
67,375

 
6,829

 
5,324

 
1,505

 
596

 
100.0
%
 
Columbia, SC
 
04/04/12
 
7,800

 
2001
 
4/30/32
 
71,744

 
6,811

 
5,178

 
1,633

 
581

 
100.0
%
 
Millbrook, AL
 
03/28/12
 
6,941

 
2008
 
1/31/83
 
14,820

 
6,093

 
4,621

 
1,472

 
448

 
100.0
%
 
Pittsfield, MA
 
02/17/12
 
14,700

 
2011
 
10/31/61
 
85,188

 
12,678

 
11,142

 
1,536

 
1,065

 
100.0
%
 
Spartanburg, SC
 
01/14/11
 
3,870

 
2007
 
8/31/82
 
14,820

 
3,511

 
2,713

 
798

 
291

 
100.0
%
 
Tupelo, MS
 
08/13/10
 
5,128

 
2007
 
11/30/92
 
14,691

 
4,353

 
3,090

 
1,263

 
400

 
100.0
%
 
Lilburn, GA
 
08/12/10
 
5,791

 
2007
 
4/30/82
 
14,752

 
4,896

 
3,474

 
1,422

 
443

 
100.0
%
 
Douglasville, GA
 
08/12/10
 
5,409

 
2008
 
10/31/83
 
13,434

 
4,702

 
3,264

 
1,438

 
417

 
100.0
%
 
Elkton, MD
 
07/27/10
 
4,872

 
2008
 
9/30/82
 
13,706

 
4,122

 
2,928

 
1,194

 
380

 
100.0
%
 
Lexington, SC
 
06/28/10
 
4,732

 
2009
 
9/30/83
 
14,820

 
4,091

 
2,898

 
1,193

 
362

 
100.0
%
 
Total Net Lease
 
571,087

 
 
 
 
 
4,092,759

 
538,828

 
370,112

 
168,716

 
38,721

 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ewing, NJ
 
08/04/16
 
30,640

 
2009
 
7/31/30
 
110,765

 
31,076

 
21,866

 
9,210

 
3,217

 
100.0
%
 
Carmel, NY
 
10/14/15
 
6,700

 
1985
 
1/31/39
 
50,121

 
6,899

 

 
6,899

 
619

 
100.0
%
 
Wayne, NJ
 
06/24/15
 
9,700

 
1980
 
7/31/27
 
56,387

 
9,167

 
6,673

 
2,494

 
1,100

 
100.0
%
 
Grand Rapids, MI
 
06/18/15
 
9,300

 
1963
 
6/30/24
 
97,167

 
9,241

 
7,242

 
1,999

 
825

 
97.0
%
(5)
Grand Rapids, MI
 
06/18/15
 
6,300

 
1992
 
6/30/24
 
160,000

 
5,869

 
4,930

 
939

 
539

 
97.0
%
(5)
St. Paul, MN
 
09/22/14
 
62,540

 
1900
 
10/1/21
 
760,318

 
55,350

 
48,648

 
6,702

 
12,236

 
97.0
%
(5)(6)
Richmond, VA
 
08/14/14
 
19,850

 
1986
 
4/30/21
 
195,881

 
17,578

 
15,804

 
1,774

 
2,729

 
77.5
%
(5)
Richmond, VA
 
06/07/13
 
118,405

 
1984
 
4/30/21
 
994,040

 
94,565

 
88,435

 
6,130

 
11,099

 
77.5
%
(5)
Oakland County, MI
 
02/01/13
 
18,000

 
1989
 
12/31/21
 
240,900

 
11,390

 
11,823

 
(433
)
 
3,143

 
90.0
%
(5)
Total Other
 
281,435

 
 
 
 
 
2,665,579

 
241,135

 
205,421

 
35,714

 
35,507

 
 
 
Condominium
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Miami, FL
 
11/21/13
 
80,000

 
2010
 
 
 
116,195

 
25,919

 

 
25,919

 
2,321

 
100.0
%
(7)
Las Vegas, NV
 
12/20/12
 
119,000

 
2006
 
 
 
68,905

 
19,711

 

 
19,711

 
880

 
98.8
%
(5)(8)
Total Condominium
 
199,000

 
 
 
 
 
185,100

 
45,630

 

 
45,630

 
3,201

 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
$
1,051,522

 
 
 
 
 
6,943,438

 
$
825,593

 
$
575,533

 
$
250,060

 
$
77,429

 
 
 
 
(1)
Lease expirations reflect the earliest date the lease is cancellable without penalty, although actual terms are longer.
(2)
Non-recourse.
(3)
Annual rental income represents twelve months of contractual rental income due under leases outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2016. Operating lease income on the combined consolidated statements of income represents rental income earned and recorded on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.
(4)
Properties were consolidated as of acquisition date.
(5)
See Note 12 for further information regarding noncontrolling interests.
(6)
Includes real estate acquired for parking purposes on April 21, 2016 with an acquisition price of $0.2 million and a carrying value of $0.4 million as of September 30, 2016.
(7)
We own a portfolio of residential condominium units, some of which are subject to residential leases. We intend to sell these units. The residential leases are generally short term in nature and are not included in the table above given our intention to sell the units.
(8)
We own, through a majority-owned joint venture with an operating partner, a portfolio of residential condominium units, some of which are subject to residential leases. The joint venture intends to sell these units. The residential leases are generally short term in nature and are not included in the table above given the joint venture’s intention to sell the units.


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Table of Contents

Other Investments
 
Institutional Bridge Loan Partnership.  In 2011, we established LCRIP I, an institutional partnership, with a Canadian sovereign pension fund to invest in first mortgage bridge loans that meet predefined criteria. Our partner owns 90% of the limited partnership interest, and we own the remaining 10% on a pari passu basis and act as general partner. We retain discretion over which loans to present to LCRIP I, and our partner retains the discretion to accept or reject individual loans. As the general partner, we have engaged our advisory entity to manage the assets of LCRIP I and earn management fees and incentive fees from LCRIP I. In addition, we are entitled to retain origination fees of up to 1% on loans that we sell to LCRIP I and on a case-by-case basis as approved by our partner, may retain certain exit fees. During the quarter ended June 30, 2015, the last loan held by LCRIP I was repaid. The term of the partnership expired on April 15, 2016. At that time, LCRIP I made distributions to the partners in the aggregate amounts determined by the general partner in accordance with the Limited Partnership Agreement.
 
Unconsolidated Joint Venture.  In connection with the origination of a loan in April 2012, we received a 25% equity kicker with the right to convert upon a capital event. On March 22, 2013, we refinanced the loan, and we converted our equity kicker interest into a 25% limited liability company membership interest in Grace Lake LLC. As of September 30, 2016, Grace Lake LLC owned an office building campus with a carrying value of $63.1 million, which is net of accumulated depreciation of $18.7 million, that is financed by $72.0 million of long-term debt. Debt of Grace Lake LLC is nonrecourse to the limited liability company members, except for customary nonrecourse carve-outs for certain actions and environmental liability. As of September 30, 2016, the book value of our investment in Grace Lake LLC was $3.5 million.
 
Unconsolidated Joint Venture.  On August 7, 2015, the Company entered into a joint venture, 24 Second Avenue, with an operating partner to invest in a ground-up condominium construction and development project located at 24 Second Avenue, New York, NY. The Company contributed $31.1 million for a 73.8% interest, with the operating partner holding the remaining 26.2% interest. The Company is entitled to income allocations and distributions based upon its membership interest of 73.8% until the Company achieves a 1.70x profit multiple, after which, ultimately, income is allocated and distributed 50% to the Company and 50% to the operating partner. As of September 30, 2016, the book value of our investment in 24 Second Avenue was $30.4 million.

FHLB Stock. Tuebor is a member of the FHLB. Each member of the FHLB must purchase and hold FHLB stock as a condition of initial and continuing membership, in proportion to their borrowings from the FHLB and levels of certain assets. Members may need to purchase additional stock to comply with these capital requirements from time to time. FHLB stock is redeemable by Tuebor upon five years’ prior written notice, subject to certain restrictions and limitations. Under certain conditions, the FHLB may also, at its sole discretion, repurchase FHLB stock from its members.

Our Financing Strategies
 
Our financing strategies are critical to the success and growth of our business. We manage our financing to complement our asset composition and to diversify our exposure across multiple capital markets and counterparties.
 
We fund our investments in commercial real estate loans and securities through multiple sources, including the $611.6 million of gross cash proceeds we raised in our initial equity private placement beginning in October 2008, the $257.4 million of gross cash proceeds we raised in our follow-on equity private placement in the third quarter of 2011, proceeds from the issuance of $325.0 million of 2017 Notes in 2012, the $238.5 million of net proceeds from the issuance of Class A common stock in 2014, proceeds from the issuance of $300.0 million of 2021 Notes in 2014, current and future earnings and cash flow from operations, existing debt facilities, and other borrowing programs in which we participate.
 
We finance our portfolio of commercial real estate loans using committed term facilities provided by multiple financial institutions, with total commitments of $1.7 billion at September 30, 2016, a $143.0 million Revolving Credit Facility and through our FHLB membership. As of September 30, 2016, there was $622.6 million outstanding under the committed term facilities. We finance our securities portfolio, including CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities, through our FHLB membership, a $400.0 million committed term master repurchase agreement from a leading domestic financial institution and uncommitted master repurchase agreements with numerous counterparties. As of September 30, 2016, we had total outstanding balances of $835.7 million under all securities master repurchase agreements. We finance our real estate investments with nonrecourse first mortgage loans. As of September 30, 2016, we had outstanding balances of $575.5 million on these nonrecourse mortgage loans.


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In addition to the amounts outstanding on our other facilities, we had $1.8 billion of borrowings from the FHLB outstanding at September 30, 2016.  As of September 30, 2016, we also had a $143.0 million Revolving Credit Facility, with $100.0 million borrowings outstanding, and $563.9 million of Notes issued and outstanding. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources” and Note 7, Debt Obligations in our combined consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for more information about our financing arrangements.
 
We enter into interest rate and credit spread derivative contracts to mitigate our exposure to changes in interest rates and credit spreads. We generally seek to hedge the interest rate risk on the financing of assets that have a duration longer than five years, including newly-originated conduit first mortgage loans, securities in our CMBS portfolio if long enough in duration, and most of our U.S. Agency Securities portfolio. We monitor our asset profile and our hedge positions to manage our interest rate and credit spread exposures, and we seek to match fund our assets according to the liquidity characteristics and expected holding periods of our assets.
 
We generally seek to maintain a debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 3.0:1.0 or below. We expect this ratio to fluctuate during the course of a fiscal year due to the normal course of business in our conduit lending operations, in which we generally securitize our inventory of conduit loans at intervals, and also because of changes in our asset mix, due in part to such securitizations. As of September 30, 2016, our debt-to-equity ratio was 3.1:1.0. We believe that our predominantly senior secured assets and our moderate leverage provide financial flexibility to be able to capitalize on attractive market opportunities as they arise.
 
From time to time, we may add financing counterparties that we believe will complement our business, although the agreements governing our indebtedness may limit our ability and the ability of our present and future subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness. Our amended and restated charter and by-laws do not impose any threshold limits on our ability to use leverage.
 
Business Outlook
 
We believe the commercial real estate finance market is currently characterized by relatively stable property values, large volumes of maturing loans and a low interest rate environment. According to Trepp, more than $1.7 trillion of commercial real estate debt is scheduled to mature over the next five years. In contrast to these positive factors, certain areas of the CMBS markets saw rapid spread widening versus Treasury swaps in the third and fourth quarters of 2015 and into the first quarter of 2016. We believe the market disruptions experienced earlier this year were caused by domestic and international macro-market factors rather than underlying fundamental issues within the commercial real estate sector. The overall tone of the CMBS market turned more positive in the third quarter of 2016 and the market experienced corresponding credit-spread tightening. However, new Dodd-Frank regulations are set to go into effect in December of 2016, which may affect CMBS pricing and liquidity conditions. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Portfolio—Our participation in the market for mortgage loan securitizations may expose us to risks that could result in losses to us” in the Annual Report.
 
For the first nine months of 2016, new CMBS issuance totaled $49.0 billion, a 36.9% decrease versus the same period in 2015. For the year ended December 31, 2015, new CMBS issuance totaled $101.0 billion, a 7.4% increase over the same period in 2014. Although increased competition from non-CMBS lenders, such as life insurance companies and banks, has been evident over the past few quarters and CMBS volumes have been affected by market volatility and uncertainty related to the effects of the pending regulatory changes, we believe the CMBS market will continue to play an important role in the financing of commercial real estate in the U.S.
 
We believe our ability to quickly and efficiently rotate our focus between lending, investing in securities, and making real estate equity investments allows us to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities under a variety of market conditions. When the conduit lending and securitization market conditions are favorable, we are capable of shifting our focus and equity allocation toward that market. At other times, especially when conduit lending and securitization market conditions are disrupted, investment in securities and our other products can be more attractive and we are able to shift our focus and investment allocation accordingly.

Factors impacting operating results
 
There are a number of factors that influence our operating results in a meaningful way. The most significant factors include: (1) our competition; (2) market and economic conditions; (3) loan origination volume; (4) profitability of securitizations; (5) avoidance of credit losses; (6) availability of debt and equity funding and the costs of that funding; (7) the net interest margin on our investments; and (8) effectiveness of our hedging and other risk management practices.
 

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Table of Contents

Results of Operations
 
Three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2015
 
Investment overview
 
Investment activity in the three months ended September 30, 2016 focused on loan originations and securities activity. We originated and funded $845.5 million in principal value of commercial mortgage loans in the three months ended September 30, 2016. We acquired $322.8 million of new securities, which was offset by $178.8 million of sales and $172.2 million of amortization in the portfolio, which partially contributed to a net decrease in our securities portfolio of $49.3 million. We also invested $34.2 million in real estate and received proceeds from the sale of real estate of $16.4 million.
 
Investment activity in the three months ended September 30, 2015 focused on loan originations and securities activity. We originated and funded $836.1 million in principal value of commercial mortgage loans in the three months ended September 30, 2015. We acquired $208.6 million of new securities, which was offset by $62.0 million of sales and $27.8 million of amortization in the portfolio, which partially contributed to a net increase in our securities portfolio of $116.0 million. We also invested $26.5 million in real estate.

Operating overview

Net income attributable to Class A common shareholders totaled $27.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The most significant drivers of the $24.3 million increase are as follows:

an increase in total other income of $61.8 million, primarily as a result of a $51.6 million increase in net results from derivative transactions, an increase of $6.6 million in gain (loss) on securities and an increase of $4.4 million in sale of loans;

a decrease in total costs and expenses of $1.6 million compared to the prior year, primarily as a result of a $1.0 million decrease in real estate operating expenses and a $0.6 million decrease in operating expenses;

a decrease in net interest income of $3.9 million, primarily as a result of an increase of lower yielding mortgage loans receivable, available for sale, a decrease in higher yielding subordinated debt and mezzanine debt and a decrease in the weighted average coupon on mortgage loans receivable, available for sale portfolio year-over-year; and

an increase in income tax expense (benefit) of $12.9 million compared to the prior year, primarily as a result of increased income in our TRSs and certain other one-time adjustments.
 
Core Earnings, a non-GAAP financial measure, totaled $44.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $41.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The significant components of the $3.3 million increase in Core Earnings are an increase in profits on gain (loss) on securities of $6.6 million, an increase in profits on sales of loans, net of $4.8 million, partially offset by the decrease in net results from derivative transactions of $5.2 million, a decrease in net interest income of $3.9 million and the decrease of total costs and expenses discussed in the preceding paragraph. See “—Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Net interest income
 
Interest income totaled $60.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $63.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The $2.7 million decrease in interest income was primarily attributable to the lower weighted average yield on new loans originated compared to the higher weighted average yield on loans that were securitized or paid off.

Interest expense totaled $30.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $29.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The $1.2 million increase in interest expense was primarily attributable to the increase in average mortgage loan financing balance required to finance the expanded real estate portfolio. Our interest expense also includes interest expense related to mortgage loan financing against our real estate investments. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, our mortgage loan financing balance averaged $551.3 million versus an average mortgage loan financing balance of $517.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015.
 

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Net interest income after provision for loan losses totaled $29.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $33.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The $3.7 million decrease in net interest income after provision for loan losses was primarily attributable to the decrease in net interest income and increase in interest expense discussed above and the increase in debt obligations.
 
Cost of funds, a non-GAAP financial measure, totaled $39.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $36.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The $3.3 million increase in cost of funds was primarily attributable to the extension of FHLB borrowings at higher interest rates and an increase in hedging losses.
 
We present cost of funds, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as a supplemental measure of the Company’s cost of debt financing. We define cost of funds as interest expense as reported on our combined consolidated statements of income adjusted to include the net interest expense component resulting from our hedging activities, which is currently included in net results from derivative transactions on our combined consolidated statements of income. See “—Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for our definition of cost of funds and a reconciliation to interest expense.
 
Interest spreads
 
As of September 30, 2016, the weighted average yield on our mortgage loan receivables was 6.2%, compared to 7.1% as of September 30, 2015 as the weighted average yield on new loans originated was lower than the weighted average yield on loans that were securitized or paid off. As of September 30, 2016, the weighted average interest rate on borrowings against our mortgage loan receivables was 2.1%, compared to 2.3% as of September 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2016, we had outstanding borrowings secured by our mortgage loan receivables equal to 46.0% of the carrying value of our mortgage loan receivables, compared to 45.4% as of September 30, 2015.

As of September 30, 2016, the weighted average yield on our real estate securities was 2.9%, compared to 2.8% as of September 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2016, the weighted average interest rate on borrowings against our real estate securities was 1.2%, compared to 0.9% as of September 30, 2015. The increase in the rate on borrowings against our real estate securities from September 30, 2015 to September 30, 2016 was primarily due to higher prevailing market borrowing rates as of September 30, 2016 versus September 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2016, we had outstanding borrowings secured by our real estate securities equal to 82.5% of the carrying value of our real estate securities, compared to 84.1% as of September 30, 2015.
 
Our real estate is comprised of non-interest bearing assets; however, interest incurred on mortgage financing collateralized by such real estate is included in interest expense. As of September 30, 2016, the weighted average interest rate on mortgage borrowings against our real estate was 4.8%, compared to 4.9% as of September 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2016, we had outstanding borrowings secured by our real estate equal to 69.7% of the carrying value of our real estate, compared to 66.1% as of September 30, 2015.
 
Provision for loan losses
 
We had no provision for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. We originate and invest primarily in loans with high credit quality, and we sell our conduit loans in the ordinary course of business. We estimate our loan loss provision based on our historical loss experience and our expectation of losses inherent in the investment portfolio but not yet realized. To ensure that the risk exposures are properly measured and the appropriate reserves are taken, the Company assesses a loan loss provision balance that will grow over time with its portfolio and the related risk as the assets approach maturity and ultimate refinancing where applicable. As a result, we determined that no provision for loan losses was required for the three months ended September 30, 2016. As of September 30, 2016, two of the Company’s loans, which were originated simultaneously as part of a single transaction, with a carrying value of $26.9 million were in default. The Company determined that no impairment was necessary due to the property’s liquidation value and continues to accrue interest on these loans.
 
Operating lease income and tenant recoveries
 
Operating lease income totaled $19.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $20.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease of $1.2 million was attributable to sales, which decreased real estate to $825.6 million at September 30, 2016 versus $840.6 million at September 30, 2015.


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Tenant recoveries totaled $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $2.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease of $1.6 million reflects the sales of office and residential real estate in 2015 and 2016.
 
Sales of loans, net
 
Income from sales of loans, net, which includes all loan sales, whether by securitization, whole loan sales or other means, totaled $19.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $15.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $4.4 million. In the three months ended September 30, 2016, we participated in one securitization transaction selling 34 loans with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $414.9 million. In the three months ended September 30, 2015, we participated in three securitization transactions, selling 63 loans with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $860.1 million. Income from sales of loans, net is subject to market conditions impacting timing, size and pricing and as such may vary significantly quarter to quarter. The increase in income from sales of securitized loans, net of hedging from $11.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 to $16.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was due to a tightening of lending credit spreads between origination and securitization of loans during the three months ended September 30, 2016.
 
Income from sale of loans, net, represents gross proceeds received from the sale of loans, less the book value of those loans at the time they were sold, less any costs, such as legal and closing costs, associated with the sale. Income from sales of securitized loans, net, a non-GAAP financial measure, represents the portion of income from sales of loans, net related to the sale of loans into securitization trusts. See “—Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for our definition of income from sale of securitized loans, net of hedging and a reconciliation to income from sale of loans, net.
 
Realized gain (loss) on securities
 
Realized gain (loss) on securities totaled $7.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $6.6 million. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, we sold $178.8 million of securities, which comprised of $178.8 million of CMBS and no U.S. Agency Securities. For the three months ended September 30, 2015, we sold $62.0 million of securities, comprised of $51.5 million of CMBS and $10.5 million of U.S. Agency Securities. The increase reflects higher transaction volume in 2016 as compared to 2015.
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities represented a loss of $47,444 for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to a gain of $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The negative change of $0.7 million in unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities was due to amortization of the portfolio during the three months ended September 30, 2016.
 
Income from sales of real estate, net
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, income from sales of real estate, net totaled $4.6 million compared to $6.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease of $1.8 million was a result of the commercial real estate and residential condominium sales discussed below.

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we sold one single-tenant retail property resulting in a net gain on sale of $0.5 million. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, we sold one single-tenant retail property resulting in a net gain on sale of $1.0 million.

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, income from sales of residential condominiums totaled $4.2 million. We sold 18 residential condominium units from Veer Towers in Las Vegas, NV, resulting in a net gain on sale of $3.3 million, and 11 residential condominium units from Terrazas River Park Village in Miami, FL, resulting in a net gain on sale of $0.8 million. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, income from sales of residential condominiums totaled $5.0 million. We sold 22 residential condominium units from Veer Towers in Las Vegas, NV, resulting in a net gain on sale of $4.0 million, and 17 residential condominium units from Terrazas River Park Village in Miami, FL, resulting in a net gain on sale of $1.0 million.
 

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Fee and other income
 
Fee and other income totaled $8.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $3.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. We generated fee income from origination fees, exit fees and other fees on the loans we originate and in which we invest, Homeowner’s Association (“HOA”) fees, dividend income on our investment in FHLB stock and the management of our institutional partnership and our managed account, which were terminated during 2016 and 2015, respectively. The $4.6 million increase in fee and other income year-over-year was primarily due to a $3.2 million receivable from an indemnity counterparty, which is more fully discussed in Note 15, Income Taxes, an increase in exit fees, HOA fee income and dividend income on our investment in FHLB stock, partially offset by a decrease in management fees from our institutional partnership and our managed account and lower origination fees due to lower origination volume in 2016.

Net result from derivative transactions
 
Net result from derivative transactions represented a gain of $9.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, which was comprised of an unrealized gain of $17.4 million and a realized loss of $8.0 million, compared to a loss of $42.2 million which was comprised of an unrealized loss of $13.7 million and a realized loss of $28.5 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2015, a positive change of $51.6 million. The derivative positions that generated these results were a combination of interest rate swaps, caps, and futures that we employed in an effort to hedge the interest rate risk on the financing of our fixed rate assets and the net interest income we earn against the impact of changes in interest rates. The gain in 2016 was primarily related to movement in interest rates during the three months ended September 30, 2016. The total net result from derivative transactions is comprised of hedging interest expense, realized gains/losses related to hedge terminations and unrealized gains/losses related to changes in the fair value of asset hedges. The hedge positions were related to fixed rate conduit loans and securities investments.
 
Earnings (loss) from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures
 
Total earnings (loss) from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures totaled $(0.1) million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $(25,206) for the three months ended September 30, 2015. There were no earnings from our investment in LCRIP I for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 as the last loan held by LCRIP I was repaid during the quarter ended June 30, 2015. The term of LCRIP I expired on April 15, 2016. At that time, LCRIP I made distributions to the partners in the aggregate amounts determined by the general partner in accordance with the Limited Partnership Agreement. Earnings from our investment in Grace Lake JV totaled $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. Earnings (loss) from our investment in 24 Second Avenue totaled $(0.4) million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $(0.2) million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. We made our investment in 24 Second Avenue on August 7, 2015 and incurred $0.4 million and $0.2 million in upfront development costs for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Salaries and employee benefits
 
Salaries and employee benefits totaled $17.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $17.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. Salaries and employee benefits are comprised primarily of salaries, bonuses, originator bonuses related to loan profitability, equity based compensation and other employee benefits. The decrease of $0.3 million in compensation expense was attributable to the decrease in incentive compensation expense in the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared the the three months ended September 30, 2015 due to a decrease in the number of employees in 2016 compared to 2015.
 
Operating expenses
 
Operating expenses totaled $4.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $5.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. Operating expenses are primarily comprised of professional fees, lease expense, and technology expenses. The decrease of $0.6 million represents REIT transaction costs incurred in 2015 and cost cutting initiatives in 2016.
 

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Real estate operating expenses
 
Real estate operating expenses totaled $8.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $9.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease of $1.0 million in real estate operating expense was in part due to the sales of office and residential real estate in 2015 and 2016.

Real estate acquisition costs
 
Real estate acquisition costs totaled $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease of $0.1 million in real estate acquisition costs was due to the decrease in the number of purchases of real estate in the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2015.
 
Fee expense
 
Fee expense totaled $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. Fee expense is comprised primarily of custodian fees, financing costs and servicing fees related to loans. The increase of $0.1 million in fee expense was primarily attributable to the increase in the balance of our mortgage loan receivables held for investment, net, at amortized cost and mortgage loan receivables held for sale at September 30, 2016, as compared to at September 30, 2015.
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
Depreciation and amortization totaled $9.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $9.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The $0.1 million increase in depreciation and amortization is attributable to the partial period of depreciation on 2016 acquisitions and a full period of depreciation on acquisitions made in 2015.
 
Income tax (benefit) expense
 
Most of our consolidated income tax provision relates to the business units held in our TRSs. Income tax (benefit) expense totaled $8.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $(4.2) million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The increase of $12.9 million is primarily attributable to the increase in income (loss) before taxes and certain other one-time adjustments, which is more fully discussed in Note 15, Income Taxes.

Nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
Investment overview
 
Investment activity in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 focused on loan and security activities. We originated and funded $1.4 billion in principal value of commercial mortgage loans, which was offset by $703.8 million of sales and $583.6 million of principal repayments in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. We acquired $853.3 million of new securities, which was offset by $308.4 million of sales and $307.8 million of amortization in the portfolio, which partially contributed to a net increase in our securities portfolio of $243.7 million. We also invested $50.3 million in real estate and received proceeds from the sale of real estate of $54.0 million.
 
Investment activity in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 focused on loan originations and securities investments. We originated and funded $2.6 billion in principal value of commercial mortgage loans in the nine months ended September 30, 2015. We acquired $580.3 million of new securities, which was offset by $789.0 million of sales and $142.7 million of amortization in the portfolio, which partially contributed to a net decrease in our securities portfolio of $400.2 million. We also invested $166.8 million in real estate and received proceeds from the sale of real estate of $84.7 million.


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Operating overview

Net income (loss) attributable to Class A common shareholders totaled $24.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $46.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The most significant drivers of the $21.8 million decrease are as follows:

a decrease in total other income (loss) of $54.9 million, primarily as a result of a decrease of $29.4 million in sales of loans, net, a decrease of $14.2 million in realized gains on securities, a $11.5 million decrease in net results from derivative transactions and a $5.7 million decrease in profits on sale of real estate, partially offset by an increase of $5.4 million in gain on extinguishment of debt and a $6.4 million increase in fee income; and

a decrease in total costs and expenses of $16.6 million compared to the prior year, primarily as a result of reduced incentive compensation expense due to reduced total net interest income after provision for loan losses and total other income (“Net Revenues”) and loan/investment production. See “—Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a definition of Net Revenues and a reconciliation to total net interest income after provision for loan losses and total other income.
 
Core Earnings, a non-GAAP financial measure, totaled $113.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $141.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The significant components of the $27.7 million decrease in Core Earnings are a decrease in total other income (loss) of $40.5 million, primarily as a result of a decrease of $31.2 million in sale of loans, net, a decrease of $14.2 million in gain (loss) on securities, partially offset by an increase of $8.5 million in net results from derivative transactions and a decrease in total costs and expenses of $20.5 million primarily as a result of reduced incentive compensation expense due to reduced total Net Revenues and loan/investment production discussed in the preceding paragraph. See “—Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for our definition of Core Earnings and a reconciliation to income (loss) before taxes.

Net interest income
 
Interest income totaled $175.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $178.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The $2.9 million decrease in interest income was primarily attributable to the lower weighted average yield on new loans originated compared to the higher weighted average yield on loans that were securitized or paid off.

Interest expense totaled $88.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $83.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The $4.8 million increase in interest expense was primarily attributable to the increase in average mortgage loan financing balance that is required to finance the expanded real estate portfolio. Our interest expense also includes interest expense related to mortgage loan financing against our real estate investments. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, our mortgage loan financing balance averaged $544.9 million versus an average mortgage loan financing balance of $502.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses totaled $86.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $94.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The $7.6 million decrease in net interest income after provision for loan losses was primarily attributable to the decrease in net interest income, increase in interest expense discussed above and increase in debt obligations.
 
Cost of funds, a non-GAAP financial measure, totaled $111.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $104.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The $7.7 million increase in cost of funds was primarily attributable to higher prevailing market borrowing costs. See “—Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for our definition of cost of funds and a reconciliation to interest expense.
 
Interest spreads
 
As of September 30, 2016, the weighted average yield on our mortgage loan receivables was 6.2%, compared to 7.1% as of September 30, 2015 as the weighted average yield on new loans originated was lower than the weighted average yield on loans that were securitized or paid off. As of September 30, 2016, the weighted average interest rate on borrowings against our mortgage loan receivables was 2.1%, compared to 2.3% as of September 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2016, we had outstanding borrowings secured by our mortgage loan receivables equal to 46.0% of the carrying value of our mortgage loan receivables, compared to 45.4% as of September 30, 2015.


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As of September 30, 2016, the weighted average yield on our real estate securities was 2.9%, compared to 2.8% as of September 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2016, the weighted average interest rate on borrowings against our real estate securities was 1.2%, compared to 0.9% as of September 30, 2015. The increase in the rate on borrowings against our real estate securities from September 30, 2015 to September 30, 2016 was primarily due to higher prevailing market borrowing rates as of September 30, 2016 versus September 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2016, we had outstanding borrowings secured by our real estate securities equal to 82.5% of the carrying value of our real estate securities, compared to 84.1% as of September 30, 2015.
 
Our real estate is comprised of non-interest bearing assets; however, interest incurred on mortgage financing collateralized by such real estate is included in interest expense. As of September 30, 2016, the weighted average interest rate on mortgage borrowings against our real estate was 4.8%, compared to 4.9% as of September 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2016, we had outstanding borrowings secured by our real estate equal to 69.7% of the carrying value of our real estate, compared to 66.1% as of September 30, 2015.

 Provision for loan losses
 
We had a $0.3 million and $0.5 million provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We invest primarily in loans with high credit quality, and we sell our conduit loans in the ordinary course of business. We estimate our loan loss provision based on our historical loss experience and our expectation of losses inherent in the investment portfolio but not yet realized. To ensure that the risk exposures are properly measured and the appropriate reserves are taken, the Company assesses a loan loss provision balance that will grow over time with its portfolio and the related risk as the assets approach maturity and ultimate refinancing where applicable. As of September 30, 2016, two of the Company’s loans, which were originated simultaneously as part of a single transaction, with a carrying value of $26.9 million were in default. The Company determined that no impairment was necessary due to the property’s liquidation value and continues to accrue interest on these loans.
 
Operating lease income and tenant recoveries
 
Operating lease income totaled $57.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $60.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease of $2.4 million was attributable to sales, which decreased real estate to $825.6 million at September 30, 2016 versus $840.6 million at September 30, 2015.

Tenant recoveries totaled $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $7.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease of $4.1 million reflects the sale of office properties in 2015.
 
Sale of loans, net
 
Income from sale of loans, net, which includes all loan sales, whether by securitization, whole loan sales or other means, totaled $30.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $59.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $29.4 million. In the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we participated in three separate securitization transactions, selling 60 loans with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $664.1 million. In the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we participated in seven separate securitization transactions, selling 153 loans with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $2.0 billion. Income from sales of loans, net is subject to market conditions impacting timing, size and pricing and as such may vary significantly quarter to quarter. The increase in income from sales of securitized loans, net of hedging of $20.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $51.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was due to a decline in the aggregate outstanding principal balance of loans sold, period over period, as well as increasing competition in the market and lower prevailing lending credit spreads for conduit loans.
 
Income from sale of loans, net, represents gross proceeds received from the sale of loans, less the book value of those loans at the time they were sold, less any costs, such as legal and closing costs, associated with the sale. Income from sales of securitized loans, net of hedging, a non-GAAP financial measure, represents the portion of income from sale of loans, net related to the sale of loans into securitization trusts. See “—Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for our definition of income from sales of securitized loans, net of hedging and a reconciliation to income from sale of loans, net.
 

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Realized gain (loss) on securities
 
Realized gain (loss) on securities totaled $9.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $23.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $14.2 million. Other than temporary impairment on U.S. Agency Securities, which is included in realized gain (loss) on securities totaled $(0.6) million of that decrease. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we sold $308.4 million of securities, comprised of $307.2 million of CMBS and $1.2 million U.S. Agency Securities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we sold $789.0 million of securities, comprised of $772.8 million of CMBS and $16.2 million U.S. Agency Securities. The decrease in sales of securities reflects lower transaction volume and lower profit margins in 2016 as compared to 2015.
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities represented a gain of $28,780 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to a loss of $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The positive change of $0.6 million in unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities was due to an increase in interest rates and amortization and sales of the portfolio during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
 
Income from sales of real estate, net
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, income from sales of real estate, net totaled $15.6 million, compared to $21.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease of $5.7 million was a result of the commercial real estate and residential condominium sales discussed below.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we sold two single-tenant retail property resulting in a net gain on sale of $1.2 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we sold four single-tenant retail properties resulting in a net gain on sale of $2.6 million.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, income from sales of residential condominiums totaled $14.4 million. We sold 58 residential condominium units from Veer Towers in Las Vegas, NV, resulting in a net gain on sale of $11.0 million, and 49 residential condominium units from Terrazas River Park Village in Miami, FL, resulting in a net gain on sale of $3.4 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, income from sales of residential condominiums totaled $18.4 million. We sold 72 residential condominium units from Veer Towers in Las Vegas, NV, resulting in a net gain on sale of $13.4 million, and 74 residential condominium units from Terrazas River Park Village in Miami, FL, resulting in a net gain on sale of $5.0 million.
 
Fee and other income
 
Fee and other income totaled $17.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $10.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. We generated fee income from origination fees, exit fees and other fees on the loans we originate and in which we invest, HOA fees, dividend income on our investment in FHLB stock and the management of our institutional partnership and our managed account, both of which were terminated during 2015. The $6.4 million increase in fee and other income year-over-year was primarily due to a $3.2 million receivable from an indemnity counterparty, which is more fully discussed in Note 15, Income Taxes, an increase in exit fees, HOA fee income and dividend income on our investment in FHLB stock, partially offset by a decrease in management fees from our institutional partnership and our managed account and lower origination fees due to lower origination volume in 2016.

Net result from derivative transactions
 
Net result from derivative transactions represented a loss of $66.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, which was comprised of an unrealized loss of $6.2 million and a realized loss of $59.9 million, compared to a loss of $54.6 million which was comprised of an unrealized loss of $8.4 million and a realized loss of $46.2 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, a negative change of $11.5 million. The derivative positions that generated these results were a combination of interest rate swaps, caps, and futures that we employed in an effort to hedge the interest rate risk on the financing of our fixed rate assets and the net interest income we earn against the impact of changes in interest rates. The loss in 2016 was primarily related to movement in interest rates during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The total net result from derivative transactions is comprised of hedging interest expense, realized gains/losses related to hedge terminations and unrealized gains/losses related to changes in the fair value of asset hedges. The hedge positions were related to fixed rate conduit loans and securities investments.
 

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Earnings (loss) from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures
 
Total earnings (loss) from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures totaled $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Earnings from our investment in LCRIP I totaled $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increase of $0.8 million reflects recognition of final incentive fee earned from our investment in LCRIP I in 2016. LCRIP I held no loans as of September 30, 2016, as the last loan held by LCRIP I was repaid during the quarter ended June 30, 2015. The term of LCRIP I expired on April 15, 2016. At that time, LCRIP I made distributions to the partners in the aggregate amounts determined by the general partner in accordance with the Limited Partnership Agreement. Earnings from our investment in Grace Lake JV totaled $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Earnings (loss) from our investment in 24 Second Avenue totaled $(1.1) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $(0.2) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. We made our investment in 24 Second Avenue on August 7, 2015 and incurred $1.1 million and $0.2 million in upfront development costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt totaled $5.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to none for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company retired $21.9 million of principal of the 2017 Notes for a repurchase price of $21.4 million, recognizing a $0.3 million net gain on extinguishment of debt after recognizing $(0.2) million of unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the retired debt, and the Company retired $33.8 million of principal of the 2021 Notes for a repurchase price of $28.2 million, recognizing a $5.1 million net gain on extinguishment of debt after recognizing $(0.4) million of unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the retired debt.

Salaries and employee benefits

Salaries and employee benefits totaled $43.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $47.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Salaries and employee benefits are comprised primarily of salaries, bonuses, originator bonuses related to loan profitability, equity based compensation and other employee benefits. The decrease of $4.0 million in compensation expense was attributable to the decrease in incentive compensation expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015 due to reduced actual Net Revenues and loan/investment production in the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses totaled $15.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $20.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Operating expenses are primarily composed of professional fees, lease expense, and technology expenses. The decrease of $5.1 million represents REIT transaction costs incurred in 2015 and cost cutting initiatives in 2016.

Real estate operating expenses

Real estate operating expenses totaled $22.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $28.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease of $5.4 million in real estate operating expense was in part due to the sale of office and residential real estate in 2015 and 2016.

Real estate acquisition costs
 
There were $0.6 million of real estate acquisition costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease of $0.9 million in real estate acquisition costs was due to $50.3 million of real estate acquisitions during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $166.8 million of real estate acquisitions during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
 

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Fee expense
 
Fee expense totaled $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $3.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Fee expense is comprised primarily of custodian fees, financing costs and servicing fees related to loans. The decrease of $0.9 million in fee expense was primarily attributable to the decrease in the balance of our mortgage loan receivables held for investment, net, at amortized cost at September 30, 2016, as compared to at September 30, 2015.
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
Depreciation and amortization totaled $28.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $29.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The $0.4 million decrease in depreciation and amortization is attributable to the sale of an office property in 2015, partially offset by a partial period of depreciation on 2016 acquisitions and a full period of depreciation on acquisitions made in 2015.
 
Income tax (benefit) expense
 
Most of our consolidated income tax provision relates to the business units held in our TRSs. Income tax (benefit) expense totaled $5.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increase of $1.4 million is primarily attributable to increased income in our TRSs.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Our financing strategies are critical to the success and growth of our business. We manage our financing to complement our asset composition and to diversify our exposure across multiple capital markets and counterparties.
 
We require substantial amounts of capital to support our business. The management team, in consultation with our board of directors, establishes our overall liquidity and capital allocation strategies. A key objective of those strategies is to support the execution of our business strategy while maintaining sufficient ongoing liquidity throughout the business cycle to service our financial obligations as they become due. When making funding and capital allocation decisions, members of our senior management consider business performance; the availability of, and costs and benefits associated with, different funding sources; current and expected capital markets and general economic conditions; our balance sheet and capital structure; and our targeted liquidity profile and risks relating to our funding needs.

Our primary uses of liquidity are for (1) the funding of loan and real estate-related investments, (2) the repayment of short-term and long-term borrowings and related interest, (3) the funding of our operating expenses and (4) distributions to our equity investors to comply with the REIT distribution requirements and the terms of LCFH’s LLLP Agreement. We require short-term liquidity to fund loans that we originate and hold on our combined consolidated balance sheet pending sale, including through whole loan sale, participation, or securitization. We generally require longer-term funding to finance the loans and real estate-related investments that we hold for investment.
 
Our primary sources of liquidity have been (1) cash and cash equivalents, (2) cash generated from operations, (3) borrowings under repurchase agreements, (4) principal repayments on investments including mortgage loans and securities, (5) borrowings under our credit agreement, (6) borrowings under our revolving credit facility, (7) proceeds from securitizations and sales of loans, (8) proceeds from the sale of securities, (9) proceeds from the sale of real estate, (10) proceeds from the issuance of the Notes, and (11) proceeds from the issuance of equity capital. As a REIT, we will also be required to make sufficient dividend payments to our shareholders (and equivalent distributions to the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners) in amounts at least sufficient to maintain out REIT status. We have obtained the Private Letter Ruling, pursuant to which we may elect to pay a portion of our dividends in stock, subject to a cash/stock election by our shareholders, to optimize our level of capital retention.
 
We generally seek to maintain a debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 3.0:1.0 or below. This ratio typically fluctuates during the course of a fiscal year due to the normal course of business in our conduit lending operations, in which we generally securitize our inventory of loans at intervals, and also because of changes in our asset mix, due in part to such securitizations. We generally seek to match fund our assets according to their liquidity characteristics and expected hold period. We believe that the defensive positioning of our predominantly senior secured assets and our financing strategy has allowed us to maintain financial flexibility to capitalize on an attractive range of market opportunities as they have arisen.
 

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We and our subsidiaries may incur substantial additional debt in the future. However, we are subject to certain restrictions on our ability to incur additional debt in the indentures governing the Notes (the “Indentures”) and our other debt agreements. Under the Indentures, we may not incur certain types of indebtedness unless our consolidated debt to equity ratio (as defined in the Indentures) is less than or equal to 4.00 to 1.00 and our consolidated non-funding debt to equity ratio (as defined in the Indentures) is less than or equal to 1.75 to 1.00, although our subsidiaries are permitted to incur indebtedness where recourse is limited to the assets and/or the general credit of such subsidiary. Our borrowings under certain financing agreements and our committed loan facilities are subject to maximum consolidated leverage ratio limits (currently ranging from 3.50 to 1.00 to 4.00 to 1.00), including maximum consolidated leverage ratio limits weighted by asset composition that change based on our asset base at the time of determination, and, in the case of one provider, a minimum interest coverage ratio requirement of 1.50 to 1.00 if certain liquidity thresholds are not satisfied. These restrictions, which would permit us to incur substantial additional debt, are subject to significant qualifications and exceptions.
 
Our principal debt financing sources include: (1) committed secured funding provided by banks, (2) uncommitted secured funding sources, including asset repurchase agreements with a number of banks, (3) long term nonrecourse mortgage financing, (4) long term senior unsecured notes in the form of corporate bonds and (5) borrowings on both a short- and long-term committed basis, made by Tuebor from the FHLB.
 
As of September 30, 2016, we had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $59.7 million, unencumbered loans of $552.9 million and unencumbered securities of $90.3 million.
 
To maintain our qualification as a REIT under the Code, we must annually distribute at least 90% of our taxable income. Consistent with the terms of the Private Letter Ruling, we paid our fourth quarter 2015 dividend in a combination of cash and stock and may pay future distributions in such a manner; however, the REIT distribution requirements limit our ability to retain earnings and thereby replenish or increase capital for operations. We believe that our significant capital resources and access to financing will provide us with financial flexibility at levels sufficient to meet current and anticipated capital requirements, including funding new investment opportunities, paying distributions to our shareholders and servicing our debt obligations.

Our captive insurance company subsidiary, Tuebor, is subject to state regulations which require that dividends may only be made with regulatory approval. Largely as a result of this restriction, $591.5 million of Tuebor’s member’s capital was restricted from transfer to Tuebor’s parent without prior approval of state insurance regulators at September 30, 2016.

The Company established a broker-dealer subsidiary, LCS, which was initially licensed and capitalized to do business in July 2010. LCS is required to be compliant with FINRA and SEC regulations, which require that dividends may only be made with regulatory approval. Largely as a result of this restriction, $1.2 million of LCS’s member’s capital was restricted from transfer to LCS’s parent without prior approval of regulators at September 30, 2016.
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
We held unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $59.7 million and $109.0 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
 
Cash generated from (used in) operations
 
Our operating activities were a net provider (user) of cash of $(138.7) million and $206.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Cash from operations includes the origination of loans held for sale, net of the proceeds from sale of loans and gains from sales of loans.


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Borrowings under various financing arrangements
 
Our financing strategies are critical to the success and growth of our business. We manage our leverage policies to complement our asset composition and to diversify our exposure across multiple counterparties. Our borrowings under various financing arrangements as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are set forth in the table below ($ in thousands):

 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
Committed loan facilities
$
622,643

 
$
704,149

Committed securities facility
380,319

 
161,887

Uncommitted securities facilities
455,365

 
394,719

Total repurchase agreements
1,458,327

 
1,260,755

Revolving credit facility
100,000

 

Mortgage loan financing
575,533

 
544,663

Mortgage loan receivable financing
63,177

 

Borrowings from the FHLB
1,844,700

 
1,856,700

Senior unsecured notes
559,274

 
612,605

Total debt obligations
$
4,601,011

 
$
4,274,723

 
The Company’s repurchase facilities include covenants covering minimum net worth requirements (ranging from $100.0 million to $899.4 million), maximum reductions in net worth over stated time periods, minimum liquidity levels (typically $30.0 million of cash or a higher standard that often allows for the inclusion of different percentages of liquid securities in the determination of compliance with the requirement), maximum leverage ratios (calculated in various ways based on specified definitions of indebtedness and net worth) and a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25x, and, in the instance of one provider, an interest coverage ratio of 1.50x, in each case, if certain liquidity thresholds are not satisfied. We believe we were in compliance with all covenants as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Further, certain of our financing arrangements and loans on our real property are secured by the assets of the Company, including pledges of the equity of certain subsidiaries or the assets of certain subsidiaries. From time to time, certain of these financing arrangements and loans may prohibit certain of our subsidiaries from paying dividends to the Company, from making distributions on such subsidiary’s capital stock, from repaying to the Company any loans or advances to such subsidiary from the Company or from transferring any of such subsidiary’s property or other assets to the Company or other subsidiaries of the Company.
 
Committed loan facilities
 
We are parties to multiple committed loan repurchase agreement facilities, totaling $1.7 billion of credit capacity. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had $622.6 million of borrowings outstanding, with an additional $1.0 billion of committed financing available. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had $704.1 million of borrowings outstanding, with an additional $780.9 million of committed financing available. Assets pledged as collateral under these facilities are generally limited to whole mortgage loans collateralized by first liens on commercial real estate. Our repurchase facilities include covenants covering net worth requirements, minimum liquidity levels, and maximum debt/equity ratios. We believe we were in compliance with all covenants as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
 
We have the option to extend some of our existing facilities subject to a number of customary conditions. The lenders have sole discretion with respect to the inclusion of collateral in these facilities, to determine the market value of the collateral on a daily basis, and, if the estimated market value of the included collateral declines, the lenders have the right to require additional collateral or a full and/or partial repayment of the facilities (margin call), sufficient to rebalance the facilities. Typically, the facilities are established with stated guidelines regarding the maximum percentage of the collateral asset’s market value that can be borrowed. We often borrow at a lower percentage of the collateral asset’s value than the maximum leaving us with excess borrowing capacity that can be drawn upon at a later date and/or applied against future margin calls so that they can be satisfied on a cashless basis.
 

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Committed securities facility
 
We are a party to a term master repurchase agreement with a major U.S. banking institution for CMBS, totaling $400.0 million of credit capacity. As we do in the case of borrowings under committed loan facilities, we often borrow at a lower percentage of the collateral asset’s value than the maximum leaving us with excess borrowing capacity that can be drawn upon a later date and/or applied against future margin calls so that they can be satisfied on a cashless basis. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had $380.3 million of borrowings outstanding, with an additional $19.7 million of committed financing available. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had $161.9 million of borrowings outstanding, with an additional $138.1 million of committed financing available.
 
Uncommitted securities facilities
 
We are party to multiple master repurchase agreements with several counterparties to finance our investments in CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities. The securities that served as collateral for these borrowings are highly liquid and marketable assets that are typically of relatively short duration. As we do in the case of other secured borrowings, we often borrow at a lower percentage of the collateral asset’s value than the maximum leaving us with excess borrowing capacity that can be drawn upon a later date and/or applied against future margin calls so that they can be satisfied on a cashless basis.

Collateralized borrowings under repurchase agreement
 
The following table presents the amount of collateralized borrowings outstanding as of the end of each quarter, the average amount of collateralized borrowings outstanding during the quarter and the monthly maximum amount of collateralized borrowings outstanding during the quarter ($ in thousands):

 
 
Total
 
Collateralized Borrowings Under Repurchase Agreements (1)
 
Other Collateralized Borrowings (2)
Quarter Ended
 
Quarter-end balance
 
Average quarterly balance
 
Maximum balance of any month-end
 
Quarter-end balance
 
Average quarterly balance
 
Maximum balance of any month-end
 
Quarter-end balance
 
Average quarterly balance
 
Maximum balance of any month-end
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2013
 
6,151

 
112,060

 
317,646

 
6,151

 
112,060

 
317,646

 

 

 

December 31, 2013
 
609,835

 
307,437

 
609,835

 
609,835

 
307,437

 
609,835

 

 

 

March 31, 2014
 
370,970

 
549,085

 
782,147

 
370,970

 
549,085

 
782,147

 

 

 

June 30, 2014
 
685,693

 
1,056,118

 
1,258,258

 
685,693

 
1,056,118

 
1,258,258

 

 

 

September 30, 2014
 
761,627

 
836,330

 
895,904

 
761,627

 
831,330

 
880,904

 

 
5,000

 
15,000

December 31, 2014
 
1,489,416

 
1,394,674

 
1,603,206

 
1,431,666

 
1,340,924

 
1,545,456

 
57,750

 
53,750

 
57,750

March 31, 2015
 
1,456,163

 
1,481,913

 
1,506,723

 
1,409,413

 
1,427,496

 
1,447,973

 
46,750

 
54,417

 
58,750

June 30, 2015
 
1,178,130

 
1,308,066

 
1,492,066

 
1,056,380

 
1,216,316

 
1,370,316

 
121,750

 
91,750

 
121,750

September 30, 2015
 
1,241,326

 
1,420,356

 
1,653,179

 
1,191,326

 
1,347,523

 
1,556,429

 
50,000

 
72,833

 
96,750

December 31, 2015
 
1,260,755

 
1,296,608

 
1,344,330

 
1,260,755

 
1,283,008

 
1,323,930

 

 
13,600

 
20,400

March 31, 2016
 
1,104,339

 
1,162,008

 
1,240,778

 
1,104,339

 
1,162,008

 
1,240,778

 

 

 

June 30, 2016
 
1,139,615

 
1,108,263

 
1,139,615

 
1,139,615

 
1,108,263

 
1,139,615

 

 

 

September 30, 2016
 
1,458,327

 
1,393,122

 
1,468,013

 
1,458,327

 
1,393,122

 
1,468,013

 

 

 


(1)  
Collateralized borrowings under repurchase agreements include all securities and loan financing under repurchase agreements.
(2)  
Other collateralized borrowings include borrowings under credit agreement and borrowings under credit and security agreement.
 
As of September 30, 2016, we had repurchase agreements with nine counterparties, with total debt obligations outstanding of $1.5 billion. As of September 30, 2016, three counterparties, Deutsche Bank, J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo, held collateral that exceeded the amounts borrowed under the related repurchase agreements by more than $75.0 million, or 5% of our total equity. As of September 30, 2016, the weighted average haircut, or the percent of collateral value in excess of the loan amount, under our repurchase agreements was 29.7%. There have been no significant fluctuations in haircuts across asset classes on our repurchase facilities.

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Borrowings under Credit Agreement
 
On January 24, 2013, we entered into a $50.0 million credit agreement with one of our committed financing counterparties in order to finance our securities and lending activities. As of December 31, 2015, there were no borrowings outstanding under this facility. The Credit Agreement matured on June 23, 2016 with no further extension options.

LCFH is subject to customary affirmative covenants and negative covenants, including limitations on the assumption or incurrence of additional liens or debt, restrictions on certain payments or transfers of assets, and restrictions on the amendment of contracts or documents related to the assets under pledge. Under the credit agreement, LCFH is subject to customary financial covenants relating to maximum leverage, minimum tangible net worth, and minimum liquidity consistent with our other credit facilities. Our ability to borrow under this credit agreement will be dependent on, among other things, LCFH’s compliance with the financial covenants.

Borrowings under Credit and Security Agreement
 
On October 31, 2014, we entered into a credit and security agreement with a major banking institution to finance one of our assets in the amount of $46.8 million and an interest rate of LIBOR plus 185 basis points. On September 21, 2015, the debt was repaid, and the credit and security agreement was terminated.

Revolving Credit Facility
 
On February 11, 2014, we entered into a revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), which was subsequently amended on February 26, 2016 to increase its maximum funding capacity. The Revolving Credit Facility provides for an aggregate maximum borrowing amount of $143.0 million, including a $25.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had $100.0 million borrowings outstanding under this facility. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under this facility. The Revolving Credit Facility is available on a revolving basis to finance the Company’s working capital needs and for general corporate purposes. The Revolving Credit Facility has a three-year maturity, which may be extended by two 12-month periods subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including the absence of default. Interest is incurred on the Revolving Credit Facility at a rate of one-month LIBOR plus 3.50% per annum payable monthly in arrears.
 
The obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are guaranteed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a pledge of the shares of (or other ownership or equity interests in) certain subsidiaries to the extent the pledge is not restricted under existing regulations, law or contractual obligations.
 
LCFH is subject to customary affirmative covenants and negative covenants, including limitations on the incurrence of additional debt, liens, restricted payments, sales of assets and affiliate transactions under the Revolving Credit Facility. In addition, under the Revolving Credit Facility, LCFH is required to comply with financial covenants relating to minimum net worth, maximum leverage, minimum liquidity, and minimum fixed charge coverage, consistent with our other credit facilities. Our ability to borrow under the Revolving Credit Facility will be dependent on, among other things, LCFH’s compliance with the financial covenants. The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including non-payment of principal or interest, fees or other amounts, failure to perform or observe covenants, cross-default to other indebtedness, the rendering of judgments against the Company or certain of our subsidiaries to pay certain amounts of money and certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency.
 
Mortgage loan financing
 
We generally finance our real estate using long-term nonrecourse mortgage financing. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we executed ten term debt agreements to finance real estate. These nonrecourse debt agreements are fixed rate financing at rates ranging from 4.25% to 6.75%, maturing between 2018 - 2026 and totaling $575.5 million at September 30, 2016 and $544.7 million at December 31, 2015. These long-term nonrecourse mortgages include net unamortized premiums of $5.6 million and $6.1 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, representing proceeds received upon financing greater than the contractual amounts due under the agreements. The premiums are being amortized over the remaining life of the respective debt instruments using the effective interest method. We recorded $0.7 million and $0.7 million of premium amortization, which decreased interest expense, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The loans are collateralized by real estate and related lease intangibles, net, of $746.1 million and $711.1 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.


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Mortgage Loan Receivable Financing (Nonrecourse)

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, financial assets (loans), with a combined principal balance of $324.4 million, have been treated as sales in accordance with ASC Topic 860 Transfers and Servicing, in connection with a securitization transaction. In addition, during the three months ended September 30, 2016, of the three assets (loans), with a combined principal balance of $137.6 million, $61.6 million, non-controlling, pari passu interests were also transferred as part of a securitization transaction. Since effective control continued to reside with the retained portions of the loans, the transfers are considered nonrecourse secured borrowings in which the full loan assets remain on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets in mortgage loan receivables held for investment, net, at amortized cost and the sale proceeds of $63.2 million are recognized in debt obligations. The Company expects to sell the retained portions of the loans in a future securitization and relinquish control. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the transfers of financial assets via sales of loans were treated as sales under ASC Topic 860 Transfers and Servicing.

FHLB financing
 
On July 11, 2012, Tuebor Captive Insurance Company LLC (“Tuebor”) became a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”). As of September 30, 2016, Tuebor had $1.8 billion of borrowings outstanding (with an additional $406.3 million of committed term financing available from the FHLB), with terms of overnight to 8 years, interest rates of 0.38% to 3.02%, and advance rates of 61.0% to 95.2% of the collateral. As of September 30, 2016, collateral for the borrowings was comprised of $1.6 billion of CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities and $770.6 million of first mortgage commercial real estate loans. On March 21, 2016, Tuebor’s advance limit was updated to the lowest of $2.9 billion, 40% of Tuebor’s total assets or 150% of Ladder Capital Corp’s total equity. As of December 31, 2015, Tuebor had $1.9 billion of borrowings outstanding (with an additional $380.4 million of committed term financing available from the FHLB), with terms of overnight to 8 years, interest rates of 0.28% to 2.74%, and advance rates of 58.7% to 95.2% of the collateral. As of December 31, 2015, collateral for the borrowings was comprised of $1.7 billion of CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities and $568.2 million of first mortgage commercial real estate loans.

Effective February 19, 2016, the FHFA, regulator of the FHLB, adopted a final rule amending its regulation regarding the eligibility of captive insurance companies for FHLB membership.
Pursuant to the final rule, Tuebor may remain a member of the FHLB through February 19, 2021 (the “Transition Period”). During the Transition Period, Tuebor is eligible to continue to draw new additional advances, extend the maturities of existing advances, and pay off outstanding advances on the same terms as non-captive insurance company FHLB members with the following two exceptions:
1)
New advances (including any existing advances that are extended during the Transition Period) will have maturity dates on or before February 19, 2021; and
2)
The FHLB will make new advances to Tuebor subject to a requirement that Tuebor’s total outstanding advances do not exceed 40% of Tuebor’s total assets.

Tuebor has executed new advances since the effective date of the new rule in the ordinary course of business.

FHLB advances amounted to 40.1% of the Company’s outstanding debt obligations as of September 30, 2016. The Company does not anticipate that the FHFA’s final regulation will materially impact its operations as it will continue to access FHLB advances during the five-year Transition Period and it has multiple, diverse funding sources for financing its portfolio in the future. In the latter stages of the five-year Transition Period, the Company expects to adjust its financing activities by gradually making greater use of alternative sources of funding of types currently used by the Company including secured and unsecured borrowings from banks and other counterparties, the issuance of corporate bonds and equity, and the securitization or sale of assets. Future moves to alternative funding sources could result in higher or lower advance rates from secured funding sources but also the incurrence of higher funding and operating costs than would have been incurred had FHLB funding continued to be available. In addition, the Company may find it more difficult to obtain committed secured funding for multiple year terms as it has been able to obtain from the FHLB.

The Transition Period allows time for events to occur that may impact Tuebor’s long-term membership in the FHLB, including further regulatory changes, the enactment of legislation, or the filing of litigation challenging the validity of the final rule. During this period, a combination of these external events and/or Tuebor’s own actions could result in the emergence of feasible alternative approaches for it to retain its FHLB membership.
 

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There is no assurance that the FHFA or the FHLB will not take actions that could adversely impact Tuebor’s membership in the FHLB and continuing access to new or existing advances prior to February 19, 2021.

Tuebor is subject to state regulations which require that dividends (including dividends to the Company as its parent) may only be made with regulatory approval. However, there can be no assurance that we would obtain such approval if sought. Largely as a result of this restriction, $591.5 million of the member’s capital was restricted from transfer to Tuebor’s parent without prior approval of state insurance regulators at September 30, 2016.

Senior Unsecured Notes
 
On September 19, 2012, LCFH issued $325.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.375% Senior Notes due October 1, 2017 (the “2017 Notes”). The 2017 Notes require interest payments semi-annually in cash in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on September 19, 2012. The 2017 Notes are unsecured and are subject to incurrence-based covenants, including limitations on the incurrence of additional debt, restricted payments, liens, sales of assets, affiliate transactions and other covenants typical for financings of this type. On November 5, 2014, the board of directors authorized the Company to make up to $325.0 million in repurchases of the 2017 Notes from time to time without further approval.

On December 17, 2014, the Company retired $5.4 million of principal of the 2017 Notes for a repurchase price of $5.6 million recognizing a $0.2 million loss on extinguishment of debt. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company retired $21.9 million of principal of the 2017 Notes for a repurchase price of $21.4 million recognizing a $0.3 million net gain on extinguishment of debt after recognizing $(0.2) million of unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the retired debt. The remaining $297.7 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2017 Notes is due October 2, 2017.

On August 1, 2014, LCFH issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior notes due August 1, 2021 (the “2021 Notes”). The 2021 Notes require interest payments semi-annually in cash in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year, beginning on February 1, 2015. The 2021 Notes will mature on August 1, 2021. The 2021 Notes are unsecured and are subject to incurrence-based covenants, including limitations on the incurrence of additional debt, restricted payments, liens, sales of assets, affiliate transactions and other covenants typical for financings of this type. On February 24, 2016, the board of director authorized the Company to make up to $100.0 million in repurchases of the 2021 Notes from time to time without further approval.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company retired $33.8 million of principal of the 2021 Notes for a repurchase price of $28.2 million, recognizing a $5.1 million net gain on extinguishment of debt after recognizing $(0.4) million of unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the retired debt. The remaining $266.2 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes is due August 1, 2021.

LCFH issued the 2021 Notes and the 2017 Notes (collectively, the “Notes”) with Ladder Capital Finance Corporation (“LCFC”), as co-issuers on a joint and several basis. LCFC is a 100% owned finance subsidiary of LCFH with no assets, operations, revenues or cash flows other than those related to the issuance, administration and repayment of the Notes. The Company and certain subsidiaries of LCFH currently guarantee the obligations under the Notes and the indenture. The Company is the general partner of LCFH and, through LCFH and its subsidiaries, operates the Ladder Capital business. As of September 30, 2016, the Company has a 59.5% economic and voting interest in LCFH and controls the management of LCFH as a result of its ability to appoint board members. Accordingly, the Company consolidates the financial results of LCFH and records noncontrolling interest for the economic interest in LCFH held by the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners. In addition, the Company, through certain subsidiaries that are treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries (each a “TRS”), is indirectly subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes. Other than the noncontrolling interest in the Operating Partnership and federal, state and local income taxes, there are no material differences between the Company’s combined consolidated financial statements and LCFH’s consolidated financial statements.
 
In April 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-03, which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Beginning April 1, 2015, the Company elected to early adopt ASU 2015-03 and appropriately retrospectively applied the guidance to its senior unsecured notes, to all periods presented. Unamortized debt issuance costs of $4.6 million, were included in senior unsecured notes as of September 30, 2016 and unamortized debt issuance costs of $6.9 million, were included in senior unsecured notes as of December 31, 2015 (previously included in other assets on the combined consolidated balance sheets).


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Stock Repurchases

On October 30, 2014, the board of directors authorized the Company to make up to $50.0 million in repurchases of the Company’s Class A common stock from time to time without further approval. Stock repurchases by the Company are generally made for cash in open market transactions at prevailing market prices but may also be made in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing and amount of purchases are determined based upon prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. As of September 30, 2016, the Company has a remaining amount available for repurchase of $44.4 million, which represents 5.1% in the aggregate of its outstanding Class A common stock, based on the closing price of $13.24 per share on such date.

The following table is a summary of our repurchase activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 ($ in thousands):

 
 
Shares
 
Amount(1)
 
 
 
 
 
Authorizations remaining as of December 31, 2015
 
 
 
$
49,006

Additional authorizations
 
 
 

Repurchases paid
 
424,317

 
(4,653
)
Repurchases unsettled
 
 
 

Authorizations remaining as of September 30, 2016
 
 
 
$
44,353

 
(1)         Amount excludes commissions paid associated with share repurchases.

Dividends

To maintain our qualification as a REIT under the Code, we must annually distribute at least 90% of our taxable income and, for 2015, we must distribute our undistributed accumulated earnings and profits attributable to taxable periods prior to January 1, 2015 (the “E&P Distribution”). The Company made the E&P Distribution on January 21, 2016 and has paid and in the future intend to declare regular quarterly distributions to our shareholders in an amount approximating our net taxable income.

Consistent with the Private Letter Ruling we may, subject to a cash/stock election by our shareholders, pay a portion of our dividends in stock, to provide for meaningful capital retention; however, the REIT distribution requirements limit our ability to retain earnings and thereby replenish or increase capital for operations. The timing and amount of future distributions is based on a number of factors, including, among other things, our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition and contractual restrictions. All dividend declarations are subject to the approval of our board of directors. Generally, we expect the distributions to be taxable as ordinary dividends to our shareholders, whether paid in cash or a combination of cash and common stock, and not as a tax-free return of capital or a capital gain. We believe that our significant capital resources and access to financing will provide the financial flexibility at levels sufficient to meet current and anticipated capital requirements, including funding new investment opportunities, paying distributions to our shareholders and servicing our debt obligations.


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The following table presents dividends declared (on a per share basis) of Class A common stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

Declaration Date
 
Dividend per Share
 
 
 
March 1, 2016
 
$
0.275

June 1, 2016
 
0.275

September 1, 2016
 
0.275

Total
 
$
0.825

 
 
 
March 12, 2015
 
$
0.250

June 8, 2015
 
0.250

September 1, 2015
 
0.275

Total
 
$
0.775


Principal repayments on investments
 
We receive principal amortization on our loans and securities as part of the normal course of our business. Repayment of mortgage loan receivables provided net cash of $583.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and $576.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Repayment of real estate securities provided net cash of $307.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and $142.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
 
Proceeds from securitizations and sales of loans
 
We sell our conduit mortgage loans to securitization trusts and to other third parties as part of our normal course of business. Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans provided net cash of $703.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and $1.9 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
 
Proceeds from the sale of securities
 
We invest in CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities. Proceeds from sales of securities provided net cash of $308.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and $789.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
 
Proceeds from the sale of real estate
 
We own a portfolio of commercial real estate properties as well as residential condominium units. Proceeds from sales of real estate provided net cash of $54.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and $84.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
 
Proceeds from the issuance of equity
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, there were no proceeds realized in connection with the issuance of equity. We may issue additional equity in the future.
 
Other potential sources of financing
 
In the future, we may also use other sources of financing to fund the acquisition of our assets, including credit facilities, warehouse facilities, repurchase facilities and other secured and unsecured forms of borrowing. These financings may be collateralized or non-collateralized, may involve one or more lenders and may accrue interest at either fixed or floating rates. We may also seek to raise further equity capital or issue debt securities in order to fund our future investments.
 

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Contractual obligations
 
Contractual obligations as of September 30, 2016 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Less than 1 Year
 
1-3 Years
 
3-5 Years
 
More than 5 Years
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Secured financings
$
1,560,898

 
$
1,761,575

 
$
24,483

 
$
588,701

 
$
3,935,657

Unsecured revolving credit facility

 
100,000

 

 

 
100,000

Senior unsecured notes

 
297,671

 
266,201

 

 
563,872

Interest payable(1)
58,410

 
114,199

 
88,091

 
66,042

 
326,742

Other funding obligations(2)
88,045

 

 

 

 
88,045

Payments pursuant to tax receivable agreement

 
1,910

 

 

 
1,910

Operating lease obligations
295

 
2,455

 
2,360

 
1,279

 
6,389

Total
$
1,707,648

 
$
2,277,810

 
$
381,135

 
$
656,022

 
$
5,022,615

 
(1)          Composed of interest on secured financings and on senior unsecured notes. For borrowings with variable interest rates, we used the rates in effect as of September 30, 2016 to determine the future interest payment obligations.
(2)          Comprised of our off-balance sheet unfunded commitment to provide additional first mortgage loan financing as of September 30, 2016.

The tables above do not include amounts due under our derivative agreements as those contracts do not have fixed and determinable payments.  Our contractual obligations will be refinanced and/or repaid from earnings as well as amortization and sales of our liquid collateral.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have made investments in various unconsolidated joint ventures. See Note 6, Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures for further details of our unconsolidated investments. Our maximum exposure to loss from these investments is limited to the carrying value of our investments.

Unfunded Loan Commitments
 
We may be a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financial needs of our borrowers. As of September 30, 2016, our off-balance sheet arrangements consisted of $88.0 million of unfunded commitments of mortgage loan receivables held for investment, which was composed of $86.6 million to provide additional first mortgage loan financing and $1.4 million to provide additional mezzanine loan financing. As of December 31, 2015, our off-balance sheet arrangements consisted of $112.8 million of unfunded commitments of mortgage loan receivables held for investment, which was comprised of $111.4 million to provide additional first mortgage loan financing and $1.4 million to provide additional mezzanine loan financing. Such commitments are subject to our borrowers’ satisfaction of certain financial and nonfinancial covenants and involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the combined consolidated balance sheets and are not reflected on our combined consolidated balance sheets.
 

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Critical Accounting Policies

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates” within the Annual Report for a full discussion of our critical accounting policies. Other than disclosed in Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, our critical accounting policies have not materially changed since December 31, 2015.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
Core Earnings
 
We present Core Earnings, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as a supplemental measure of our performance. We believe Core Earnings assists investors in comparing our performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding non-cash expenses and unrecognized results from derivatives and Agency interest-only securities, which we believe makes comparisons across reporting periods more relevant by eliminating timing differences related to changes in the values of assets and derivatives. In addition, we use Core Earnings: (i) to evaluate our earnings from operations and (ii) because management believes that it may be a useful performance measure for us. Core Earnings is also used as a factor in determining the annual incentive compensation of our senior managers and other employees.

We consider the Class A common shareholders of the Company and Continuing LCFH Limited Partners to have fundamentally equivalent interests in our pre-tax earnings. Accordingly, for purposes of computing Core Earnings we start with pre-tax earnings and adjust for other noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures but we do not adjust for amounts attributable to noncontrolling interest held by Continuing LCFH Limited Partners.
 
We define Core Earnings as income before taxes adjusted to exclude: (i) real estate depreciation and amortization; (ii) the impact of derivative gains and losses related to the hedging of assets on our balance sheet as of the end of the specified accounting period; (iii) unrealized gains/(losses) related to our investments in Agency interest-only securities; (iv) the premium (discount) on mortgage loan financing and the related amortization of premium (discount) on mortgage loan financing recorded during the period; (v) non-cash stock-based compensation; and (vi) certain one-time transactional items.
 
As discussed in Note 2 to the combined consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, we do not designate derivatives as hedges to qualify for hedge accounting and therefore any net payments under, or fluctuations in the fair value of, our derivatives are recognized currently in our income statement. However, fluctuations in the fair value of the related assets are not included in our income statement. We consider the gain or loss on our hedging positions related to assets that we still own as of the reporting date to be “open hedging positions.” While recognized for GAAP purposes, we exclude the results on the hedges from Core Earnings until the related asset is sold and the hedge position is considered “closed,” whereupon they would then be included in Core Earnings in that period. These are reflected as “Adjustments for unrecognized derivative results” for purposes of computing Core Earnings for the period.
 
As more fully discussed in Note 2 to the combined consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, our investments in Agency interest-only securities are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in current period earnings. We believe that excluding these specifically identified gains and losses associated with the open hedging positions adjusts for timing differences between when we recognize changes in the fair values of our assets and derivatives which we use to hedge asset values.
 

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Set forth below is an unaudited reconciliation of income (loss) before taxes to Core Earnings ($ in thousands):

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before taxes
$
58,319

 
$
(1,383
)
 
$
47,646

 
$
93,559

 
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures and operating partnership (GAAP) (1)
431

 
85

 
415

 
578

 
Our share of real estate depreciation, amortization and gain adjustments (2)
8,295

 
7,996

 
24,620

 
24,799

 
Adjustments for unrecognized derivative results (3)
(24,919
)
 
31,901

 
30,553

 
10,503

 
Unrealized (gain) loss on Agency IO securities
48

 
(731
)
 
(30
)
 
639

 
Premium (discount) on mortgage loan financing, net of amortization
282

 
(92
)
 
27

 
1,784

 
Non-cash stock-based compensation
5,218

 
3,385

 
13,527

 
7,939

 
One-time transactional adjustments
(3,181
)
(4)

 
(3,181
)
(4)
1,509

(5)
Core Earnings
$
44,493

 
$
41,161

 
$
113,577

 
$
141,310

 
 
(1)
Includes $7,986 and $21,397 of net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures which are included in net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in operating partnership on the combined consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.
(2)
The following is a reconciliation of GAAP depreciation and amortization to our share of real estate depreciation, amortization and gain adjustments amounts presented in the computation of Core Earnings in the preceding table ($ in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total GAAP depreciation and amortization
$
9,733

 
$
9,561

 
$
28,789

 
$
29,238

 
Less: Depreciation and amortization related to non-rental property fixed assets
(28
)
 
(28
)
 
(85
)
 
(80
)
 
Less: Non-controlling interest in consolidated joint ventures’ share of consolidated depreciation and amortization
(590
)
 
(676
)
 
(1,794
)
 
(2,155
)
 
Our share of real estate depreciation and amortization
9,115

 
8,857

 
26,910

 
27,003

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized gain from accumulated depreciation and amortization on real estate sold (see below)
(825
)
 
(865
)
 
(2,306
)
 
(2,217
)
 
Less: Non-controlling interests in consolidated joint ventures’ share of accumulated depreciation and amortization on real estate sold
5

 
4

 
16

 
13

 
Our share of accumulated depreciation and amortization on real estate sold
(820
)
 
(861
)
 
(2,290
)
 
(2,204
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our share of real estate depreciation and amortization and gain adjustments
$
8,295

 
$
7,996

 
$
24,620

 
$
24,799

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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GAAP gains/losses on sales of real estate include the effects of previously recognized real estate depreciation and amortization. For purposes of Core Earnings, our share of real estate depreciation and amortization is eliminated and, accordingly, the resultant gain/losses must also be adjusted. Following is a reconciliation of the related consolidated GAAP amounts to the amounts reflected in Core Earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP realized gain on sale of real estate, net
$
4,649

 
$
6,406

 
$
15,616

 
$
21,347

 
Less: Our share of accumulated depreciation and amortization on real estate sold
(820
)
 
(861
)
 
(2,290
)
 
(2,204
)
 
Adjusted gain/loss on sale of real estate for purposes of Core Earnings
$
3,829

 
$
5,545

 
$
13,326

 
$
19,143

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3)
The following is a reconciliation of GAAP net results from derivative transactions to our hedging unrecognized result presented in the computation of Core Earnings in the preceding table ($ in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net results from derivative transactions
$
9,356

 
$
(42,242
)
 
$
(66,148
)
 
$
(54,594
)
 
Less: Hedging interest expense
8,661

 
6,471

 
23,244

 
20,330

 
Less: Hedging realized result
6,903

 
3,870

 
12,351

 
23,761

 
Hedging unrecognized result
$
24,920

 
$
(31,901
)
 
$
(30,553
)
 
$
(10,503
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4)
As more fully discussed in Note 15, Income Taxes, to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company recorded an additional $3.2 million income tax expense for a proposed tax settlement for pre-acquisition liabilities on certain corporate entities acquired in the IPO Reorganization Transactions. The Company also recorded other income of $3.2 million relating to the expected recovery of these amounts pursuant to indemnification. While these items are presented on a gross basis, there was no impact to either net income or Core Earnings. Accordingly, since pre-tax income excludes the tax effect but includes the recovery of $3.2 million pursuant to the indemnification, the recovery amount has been excluded from Core Earnings.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(5)
One-time transactional adjustment for costs related to restructuring the Company for REIT related operations. All costs were expensed and accrued for in the period incurred.

Core Earnings has limitations as an analytical tool. Some of these limitations are:
 
Core Earnings does not reflect the impact of certain cash charges resulting from matters we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations and is not necessarily indicative of cash necessary to fund cash needs; and
 
other companies in our industry may calculate Core Earnings differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.
 
Because of these limitations, Core Earnings should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income (loss) attributable to shareholders or any other performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, or as an alternative to cash flows from operations as a measure of our liquidity.
 
In the future we may incur gains and losses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation. Our presentation of Core Earnings should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.
 

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Income from sales of securitized loans, net of hedging
 
We present income from sales of securitized loans, net of hedging, a non-GAAP financial measure, as a supplemental measure of the performance of our loan securitization business. Income from sales of securitized loans, net is a key component of our results. Since our loans sold into securitizations to date are comprised of long-term fixed-rate loans, the result of hedging those exposures prior to securitization represents a substantial portion of our interest rate hedging. Therefore, we view these two components of our profitability together when assessing the performance of this business activity and find it a meaningful measure of the Company’s performance as a whole. When evaluating the performance of our sale of loans into securitization business, we generally consider the income from sales of securitized loans, net, in conjunction with other income statement items that are directly related to such securitization transactions, including portions of the realized net result from derivative transactions that are specifically related to hedges on the securitized or sold loans, which we reflect as hedge gain/(loss) related to loans securitized, a non-GAAP financial measure, in the table below.
 
Set forth below is an unaudited reconciliation of income from sale of securitized loans, net to income from sale of loans, net as reported in our combined consolidated financial statements included herein and an unaudited reconciliation of hedge gain/(loss) relating to loans securitized to net results from derivative transactions as reported in our combined consolidated financial statements included herein ($ in thousands except for number of loans and securitizations):

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of loans
34

 
63

 
60

 
153

Face amount of loans sold into securitizations
$
414,902

 
$
860,062

 
$
664,058

 
$
1,981,383

Number of securitizations
1

 
3

 
3

 
7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from sales of securitized loans, net (1)
$
19,640

 
$
15,165

 
$
27,186

 
$
59,717

Hedge gain/(loss) related to loans securitized (2)
(3,007
)
 
(3,405
)
 
(6,815
)
 
(8,080
)
Income from sales of securitized loans, net of hedging
$
16,633

 
$
11,760

 
$
20,371

 
$
51,637

 

(1)                                The following is a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure of income from sales of securitized loans, net to income from sale of loans, net, which is the closest GAAP measure, as reported in our combined consolidated financial statements included herein ($ in thousands):

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from sales of loans (non-securitized), net
$

 
$

 
$
3,079

 
$

Income from sales of securitized loans, net
19,640

 
15,165

 
27,186

 
59,717

Income from sales of loans, net
$
19,640

 
$
15,165

 
$
30,265

 
$
59,717

   

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(2)                                The following is a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure of hedge gain/(loss) related to loans securitized to net results from derivative transactions, which is the closest GAAP measure, as reported in our combined consolidated financial statements included herein ($ in thousands):

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hedge gain/(loss) related to lending and securities positions
$
12,363

 
$
(38,837
)
 
$
(58,278
)
 
$
(46,514
)
Hedge gain/(loss) related to loans (non-securitized)

 

 
(1,055
)
 

Hedge gain/(loss) related to loans securitized
(3,007
)
 
(3,405
)
 
(6,815
)
 
(8,080
)
Net results from derivative transactions
$
9,356

 
$
(42,242
)
 
$
(66,148
)
 
$
(54,594
)

Cost of funds
 
We present cost of funds, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as a supplemental measure of the Company’s cost of debt financing. We define cost of funds as interest expense as reported on our combined consolidated statements of income adjusted to include the net interest expense component resulting from our hedging activities, which is currently included in net results from derivative transactions on our combined consolidated statements of income. Interest income, net of cost of funds, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as interest income, less cost of funds.
 
Set forth below is an unaudited reconciliation of interest expense to cost of funds ($ in thousands):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
$
(30,685
)
 
$
(29,535
)
 
$
(88,622
)
 
$
(83,846
)
Net interest expense component of hedging activities (1)
(8,661
)
 
(6,471
)
 
(23,244
)
 
(20,330
)
Cost of funds
$
(39,346
)
 
$
(36,006
)
 
$
(111,866
)
 
$
(104,176
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
60,284

 
$
63,013

 
$
175,650

 
$
178,635

Cost of funds
(39,346
)
 
(36,006
)
 
(111,866
)
 
(104,176
)
Interest income, net of cost of funds
$
20,938

 
$
27,007

 
$
63,784

 
$
74,459

 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Net result from derivative transactions
$
9,356

 
$
(42,242
)
 
$
(66,148
)
 
$
(54,594
)
 
Less: Hedging realized result
6,903

 
3,870

 
12,351

 
23,761

 
Less: Hedging unrecognized result
(24,920
)
 
31,901

 
30,553

 
10,503

 
Net interest expense component of hedging activities
$
(8,661
)
 
$
(6,471
)
 
$
(23,244
)
 
$
(20,330
)

 

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Table of Contents

Net Revenues
 
We present Net Revenues, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as a supplemental measure of the Company’s performance, excluding operating expenses. We define Net Revenues as net interest income after provision for loan losses and total other income, which are both disclosed on the Company’s combined consolidated statements of income. We present interest income on investments, net and income from sales of loans, net as a percent of Net Revenues to determine the impact of the net interest from our investments and the securitization activity on our Net Revenues ($ in thousands).

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
$
29,599

 
$
33,328

 
$
86,728

 
$
94,339

Total other income (expense)
69,335

 
7,549

 
74,100

 
129,038

Net Revenues
$
98,934

 
$
40,877

 
$
160,828

 
$
223,377



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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
The nature of the Company’s business exposes it to market risk arising from changes in interest rates. Changes, both increases and decreases, in the rates the Company is able to charge its borrowers, the yields the Company is able to achieve in its securities investments, and the Company’s cost of borrowing directly impacts its net income. The Company’s interest income stream from loans and securities is generally fixed over the life of its assets, whereas it uses floating-rate debt to finance a significant portion of its investments. Another component of interest rate risk is the effect changes in interest rates will have on the market value of the assets the Company acquires. The Company faces the risk that the market value of its assets will increase or decrease at different rates than that of its liabilities, including its hedging instruments. The Company mitigates interest rate risk through utilization of hedging instruments, primarily interest rate swap and futures agreements. Interest rate swap and futures agreements are utilized to hedge against future interest rate increases on the Company’s borrowings and potential adverse changes in the value of certain assets that result from interest rate changes. The Company generally seeks to hedge assets that have a duration longer than five years, including newly originated conduit first mortgage loans, securities in the Company’s CMBS portfolio if long enough in duration, and most of its U.S. Agency Securities portfolio.

The following table summarizes the change in net income for a 12-month period commencing September 30, 2016 and the change in fair value of our investments and indebtedness assuming an increase or decrease of 100 basis points in the LIBOR interest rate on September 30, 2016, both adjusted for the effects of our interest rate hedging activities ($ in thousands):
 
 
Projected change
in net income(1)
 
Projected change
in portfolio
value
 
 
 
 
Change in interest rate:
 

 
 

Decrease by 1.00%
$
1,546

 
$
51,045

Increase by 1.00%
2,445

 
(51,154
)
 
(1)
Subject to limits for floors on our floating rate investments and indebtedness.
 
Market Value Risk
 
The Company’s securities investments are reflected at their estimated fair value. The change in estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income. The change in estimated fair value of Agency interest-only securities is recorded in current period earnings. The estimated fair value of these securities fluctuates primarily due to changes in interest rates and other factors. Generally, in a rising interest rate environment, the estimated fair value of these securities would be expected to decrease; conversely, in a decreasing interest rate environment, the estimated fair value of these securities would be expected to increase. As market volatility increases or liquidity decreases, the market value of the Company’s assets may be adversely impacted. The Company’s fixed rate mortgage loan portfolio is subject to the same risks. However, to the extent those loans are classified as held for sale, they are reflected at the lower of cost or market. Otherwise, held for investment mortgage loans are reflected at values equal to the unpaid principal balances net of certain fees, costs and loan loss allowances.
 

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Liquidity Risk
 
Market disruptions may lead to a significant decline in transaction activity in all or a significant portion of the asset classes in which the Company invests and may at the same time lead to a significant contraction in short-term and long-term debt and equity funding sources. A decline in liquidity of real estate and real estate-related investments, as well as a lack of availability of observable transaction data and inputs, may make it more difficult to sell the Company’s investments or determine their fair values. As a result, the Company may be unable to sell its investments, or only be able to sell its investments at a price that may be materially different from the fair values presented. Also, in such conditions, there is no guarantee that the Company’s borrowing arrangements or other arrangements for obtaining leverage will continue to be available or, if available, will be available on terms and conditions acceptable to the Company. In addition, a decline in market value of the Company’s assets may have particular adverse consequences in instances where it borrowed money based on the fair value of its assets. A decrease in the market value of the Company’s assets may result in the lender requiring it to post additional collateral or otherwise sell assets at a time when it may not be in the Company’s best interest to do so. The Company’s captive insurance company subsidiary, Tuebor, is subject to state regulations which require that dividends may only be made with regulatory approval. The Company’s broker-dealer subsidiary, LCS, is also required to be compliant with FINRA and SEC regulations which require that dividends may only be made with regulatory approval.
 
Credit Risk
 
The Company is subject to varying degrees of credit risk in connection with its investments. The Company seeks to manage credit risk by performing deep credit fundamental analyses of potential assets and through ongoing asset management. The Company’s investment guidelines do not limit the amount of its equity that may be invested in any type of its assets; however, investments greater than a certain size are subject to approval by the Risk and Underwriting Committee of the board of directors.
 
Credit Spread Risk
 
Credit spread risk is the risk that interest rate spreads between two different financial instruments will change. In general, fixed-rate commercial mortgages and CMBS are priced based on a spread to Treasury or interest rate swaps. The Company generally benefits if credit spreads narrow during the time that it holds a portfolio of mortgage loans or CMBS investments, and the Company may experience losses if credit spreads widen during the time that it holds a portfolio of mortgage loans or CMBS investments. The Company actively monitors its exposure to changes in credit spreads and the Company may enter into credit total return swaps or take positions in other credit related derivative instruments to moderate its exposure against losses associated with a widening of credit spreads.
 
Risks Related to Real Estate
 
Real estate and real estate-related assets, including loans and commercial real estate-related securities, are subject to volatility and may be affected adversely by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, national, regional and local economic conditions (which may be adversely affected by industry slowdowns and other factors); local real estate conditions; changes or continued weakness in specific industry segments; construction quality, age and design; demographic factors; environmental conditions; competition from comparable property types or properties; changes in tenant mix or performance and retroactive changes to building or similar codes. In addition, decreases in property values reduce the value of the collateral and the potential proceeds available to a borrower to repay the underlying loans, which could also cause the Company to suffer losses.
 
Covenant Risk
 
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into loan and securities repurchase agreements and credit facilities with certain lenders to finance its real estate investment transactions. These agreements contain, among other conditions, events of default and various covenants and representations. If such events are not cured by the Company or waived by the lenders, the lenders may decide to curtail or limit extension of credit, and the Company may be forced to repay its advances or loans. In addition, the Company’s Notes are subject to covenants, including limitations on the incurrence of additional debt, restricted payments, liens, sales of assets, affiliate transactions and other covenants typical for financings of this type. The Company’s failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default, which could result in the Company being required to repay these borrowings before their due date. As of September 30, 2016, the Company believes it was in compliance with all covenants.
 

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Diversification Risk
 
The assets of the Company are concentrated in the real estate sector. Accordingly, the investment portfolio of the Company may be subject to more rapid change in value than would be the case if the Company were to maintain a wide diversification among investments or industry sectors. Furthermore, even within the real estate sector, the investment portfolio may be relatively concentrated in terms of geography and type of real estate investment. This lack of diversification may subject the investments of the Company to more rapid change in value than would be the case if the assets of the Company were more widely diversified.
 
Concentrations of Market Risk
 
Concentrations of market risk may exist with respect to the Company’s investments. Market risk is a potential loss the Company may incur as a result of change in the fair values of its investments. The Company may also be subject to risk associated with concentrations of investments in geographic regions and industries.
 
Regulatory Risk
 
The Company established a broker-dealer subsidiary, Ladder Capital Securities LLC, which was initially licensed and capitalized to do business in July 2010. LCS is required to be compliant with FINRA and SEC requirements on an ongoing basis and is subject to multiple operating and reporting requirements to which all broker-dealer entities are subject. Additionally, Ladder Capital Asset Management LLC (formerly Ladder Capital Adviser LLC) (the “Adviser”) is a registered investment adviser. The Adviser is required to be compliant with SEC requirements on an ongoing basis and is subject to multiple operating and reporting requirements to which all registered investment advisers are subject. In addition, Tuebor is subject to state regulation as a captive insurance company. If LCS, the Adviser or Tuebor fail to comply with regulatory requirements, they could be subject to loss of their licenses and registration and/or economic penalties.
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as required by Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act as of September 30, 2016. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of September 30, 2016, to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the applicable rules and forms, and that it is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Due to the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended September 30, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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Part II - Other Information
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
From time to time, we may be involved in litigation and claims incidental to the conduct of our business in the ordinary course. Further, certain of our subsidiaries, including our registered broker-dealer, registered investment advisers and captive insurance company, are subject to scrutiny by government regulators, which could result in enforcement proceedings or litigation related to regulatory compliance matters. We are not presently a party to any material enforcement proceedings, litigation related to regulatory compliance matters or any other type of material litigation matters. We maintain insurance policies in amounts and with the coverage and deductibles we believe are adequate, based on the nature and risks of our business, historical experience and industry standards.
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes during the three months ended September 30, 2016 to the risk factors in Item 1A in our Annual Report.

Item 2. Unregistered Sale of Securities

None.

Stock Repurchases

On October 30, 2014, our board of directors authorized the Company to make up to $50.0 million in repurchases of the Company’s Class A common stock from time to time without further approval. Stock repurchases by the Company are generally made in open market transactions at prevailing market prices but may also be made in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing and amount of purchases are determined based upon prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, there were no repurchases of Class A common stock by the Company.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Not applicable.
 
Item 5. Other Information
 
None.


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Item 6. Exhibits
 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
EXHIBIT
NO.
 
DESCRIPTION
31.1
 
Certification of Brian Harris pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
 
Certification of Marc Fox pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*
 
Certification of Brian Harris pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*
 
Certification of Marc Fox pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101
 
Interactive Data Files Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Combined Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2016, (ii) the Combined Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, (iii) the Combined Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, (iv) the Combined Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, (v) the Combined Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and (vi) the Notes to the Combined Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
*                                        The certifications attached hereto as Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 are furnished to the SEC pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed ‘filed’ for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, nor shall they be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
LADDER CAPITAL CORP
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: November 3, 2016
 
By:
/s/ BRIAN HARRIS
 
 
 
Brian Harris
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
Date: November 3, 2016
 
By:
/s/ MARC FOX
 
 
 
Marc Fox
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer


118