Ladder Capital’s third quarter saw a positive market reaction, despite revenue missing Wall Street targets, as management emphasized accelerated loan originations and a strategic focus on higher-quality assets. President Pamela McCormack highlighted, “Origination activity accelerated... our highest quarterly origination volume in over 3 years,” mainly in multifamily and industrial loans. The company also reduced its office loan exposure and completed its first investment-grade bond issuance, reinforcing its conservative balance sheet and positioning Ladder for stable returns across market cycles.

Is now the time to buy LADR? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.

Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From Ladder Capital’s Q3 Earnings Call

• Jade Rahmani (KBW) asked if investment-grade status is changing origination strategy. CEO Brian Harris said Ladder is pursuing larger, higher-quality transactions but core lending standards and asset focus remain largely unchanged.
• Jade Rahmani (KBW) followed up on construction loans, asking if recent originations had more construction or CapEx risk. Harris clarified there are no construction loans and most assets are stabilized, with only limited cash-out refinances on completed, partially leased properties.
• Steven Delaney (Citizens JMP) inquired about scalability of the loan portfolio and potential growth targets. Harris responded that with increased capital and reduced competition, Ladder could grow loans by over $1 billion, possibly approaching prior cycle highs.
• William Catherwood (BTIG) questioned the impact of rising loan rates and competitive dynamics. Harris explained that market volatility and less competition for larger loans are resulting in higher spreads, particularly in the $50–100 million range.
• Jade Rahmani (KBW) asked if Ladder would consider launching a securities fund or spinning off its triple net portfolio. Harris said both options are under consideration as part of strategic moves for 2026 to optimize returns and valuation.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

Looking ahead, the StockStory team will be watching (1) the pace and quality of new loan originations and whether Ladder can sustain growth above paydowns, (2) further reductions in office loan exposure and resolution of non-accrual loans, and (3) the impact of investment-grade funding on cost of capital and profitability. Shifts in interest rates and the company’s ability to optimize its portfolio allocations will also be key indicators.

Ladder Capital currently trades at $10.74, down from $10.99 just before the earnings. In the wake of this quarter, is it a buy or sell? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

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