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EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - Ladder Capital Corpladr033116ex-322.htm

 
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 March 31, 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
(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 April 29, 2016
Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value
 
63,191,252
Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value
 
46,445,729

 



LADDER CAPITAL CORP
 
FORM 10-Q
March 31, 2016
 
Index
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


1


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.
 

2


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.

3


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.


4


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)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



5


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

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
82,678

 
$
108,959

Cash collateral held by broker
30,054

 
30,811

Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, net, at amortized cost
1,572,833

 
1,738,645

Mortgage loan receivables held for sale
353,331

 
571,764

Real estate securities, available-for-sale
2,598,874

 
2,407,217

Real estate and related lease intangibles, net
809,230

 
834,779

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
34,855

 
33,797

FHLB stock
77,915

 
77,915

Derivative instruments
215

 
2,821

Accrued interest receivable
22,140

 
22,776

Other assets
73,170

 
65,728

Total assets
$
5,655,295

 
$
5,895,212

Liabilities and Equity
 

 
 

Liabilities
 

 
 

Debt obligations
$
4,091,449

 
$
4,274,723

Due to brokers
8,922

 

Derivative instruments
12,743

 
5,504

Amount payable pursuant to tax receivable agreement
1,910

 
1,910

Dividends payable
1,943

 
17,456

Accrued expenses
33,252

 
78,142

Other liabilities
23,773

 
26,069

Total liabilities
4,173,992

 
4,403,804

Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)

 

Equity
 

 
 

Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 600,000,000 shares authorized; 64,237,833 and 55,758,710 shares issued and 63,191,252 and 55,209,849 shares outstanding
64

 
55

Class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 46,445,729 and 44,055,987 shares issued and outstanding
46

 
44

Additional paid-in capital
869,324

 
776,866

Treasury stock, 1,046,581 and 548,861 shares, at cost
(11,244
)
 
(5,812
)
Retained Earnings/(Dividends in Excess of Earnings)
(26,528
)
 
60,618

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
16,139

 
(3,556
)
Total shareholders’ equity
847,801

 
828,215

Noncontrolling interest in operating partnership
628,025

 
657,380

Noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures
5,477

 
5,813

Total equity
1,481,303

 
1,491,408

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and equity
$
5,655,295

 
$
5,895,212

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

6


Ladder Capital Corp
Combined Consolidated Statements of Income
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share and Dividend Data)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 

 
 

Interest income
$
59,601

 
$
56,383

Interest expense
29,536

 
26,824

Net interest income
30,065

 
29,559

Provision for loan losses
150

 
150

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
29,915

 
29,409

 
 
 
 
Other income
 

 
 

Operating lease income
19,294

 
19,147

Tenant recoveries
1,335

 
2,526

Sale of loans, net
7,830

 
30,027

Realized gain (loss) on securities
(573
)
 
12,150

Unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities
660

 
(1,318
)
Realized gain on sale of real estate, net
6,095

 
7,662

Fee and other income
2,975

 
3,541

Net result from derivative transactions
(50,862
)
 
(39,139
)
Earnings from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures
794

 
441

Gain on extinguishment of debt
5,382

 

Total other income (loss)
(7,070
)
 
35,037

Costs and expenses
 

 
 

Salaries and employee benefits
12,615

 
13,758

Operating expenses
6,295

 
8,803

Real estate operating expenses
5,719

 
9,372

Real estate acquisition costs

 
600

Fee expense
731

 
1,123

Depreciation and amortization
9,802

 
9,723

Total costs and expenses
35,162

 
43,379

Income (loss) before taxes
(12,317
)
 
21,067

Income tax expense (benefit)
(873
)
 
3,104

Net income (loss)
(11,444
)
 
17,963

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures
232

 
(191
)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in operating partnership
5,673

 
(8,597
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Class A common shareholders
$
(5,539
)
 
$
9,175

 
 
 
 

7


 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 

 
 

Basic
$
(0.09
)
 
$
0.18

Diluted
$
(0.09
)
 
$
0.15

 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
 

 
 

Basic
59,596,889

 
49,986,082

Diluted
59,596,889

 
98,098,672

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

 
$
0.25


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

8


Ladder Capital Corp
Combined Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(11,444
)
 
$
17,963

 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income
 

 
 

Unrealized gains on securities, net of tax:
 

 
 

Unrealized gain on real estate securities, available for sale (1)
34,394

 
30,874

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) included in net income (2)
(11
)
 
(12,372
)
 
 
 
 
Total other comprehensive income
34,383

 
18,502

 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
22,939

 
36,465

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures
232

 
(191
)
Comprehensive income of combined Class A common shareholders and Operating Partnership unitholders
$
23,171

 
$
36,274

Comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest in operating partnership
(9,243
)
 
(17,511
)
Comprehensive income attributable to Class A common shareholders
$
13,928

 
$
18,763

 
 
(1)
Amounts are net of provision for (benefit from) income taxes of $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

(2)
Amounts are net of (provision for) benefit from income taxes of $(0.3) million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined consolidated financial statements.

9


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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(12,937
)
 
(104
)
 
(13,041
)
Equity based compensation

 

 

 

 
119

 

 

 

 
3,345

 

 
3,464

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
)
Dividends declared

 

 

 

 

 

 
(17,507
)
 

 

 

 
(17,507
)
Stock dividends
5,606

 
6

 
4,469

 
4

 
64,090

 

 
(64,100
)
 

 

 

 

Exchange of noncontrolling interest for common stock
2,078

 
2

 
(2,078
)
 
(2
)
 
27,675

 

 

 
(122
)
 
(28,325
)
 

 
(772
)
Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 
(5,539
)
 

 
(5,673
)
 
(232
)
 
(11,444
)
Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
19,467

 
14,916

 

 
34,383

Rebalancing of ownership percentage between Company and Operating Partnership

 

 

 

 
575

 

 

 
350

 
(925
)
 

 

Balance, March 31, 2016
63,191

 
$
64

 
46,446

 
$
46

 
$
869,324

 
$
(11,244
)
 
$
(26,528
)
 
$
16,139

 
$
628,025

 
$
5,477

 
$
1,481,303


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


10


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.

11


Ladder Capital Corp
Combined Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in Thousands)
 (Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 

 
 

Net income (loss)
$
(11,444
)
 
$
17,963

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

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

Depreciation and amortization
9,802

 
9,723

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments
9,630

 
11,395

Unrealized (gain) loss on Agency interest-only securities
(660
)
 
1,318

Provision for loan losses
150

 
150

Amortization of equity based compensation
3,464

 
3,139

Amortization of deferred financing costs included in interest expense
2,688

 
1,593

Amortization of premium on mortgage loan financing
(216
)
 
(192
)
Amortization of above- and below-market lease intangibles
(27
)
 
405

Amortization of premium/(accretion) of discount and other fees on loans
(3,013
)
 
(1,591
)
Amortization of premium/(accretion) of discount and other fees on securities
18,958

 
22,082

Realized gain on sale of mortgage loan receivables held for sale
(7,830
)
 
(30,027
)
Realized (gain) loss on real estate securities
573

 
(12,150
)
Realized gain on sale of real estate, net
(6,095
)
 
(7,662
)
Origination and purchases of mortgage loan receivables held for sale
(91,027
)
 
(391,934
)
Repayment of mortgage loan receivables held for sale
524

 
164

Proceeds from sales of mortgage loan receivables held for sale
316,766

 
589,169

Earnings on investment in unconsolidated joint ventures
(794
)
 
(441
)
Distributions from operations of investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

 
281

Deferred tax asset
(1,991
)
 
1,563

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

Accrued interest receivable
637

 
2,179

Other assets
(6,347
)
 
(4,424
)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
(46,056
)
 
(43,776
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
182,310

 
168,927

Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Reduction (addition) of cash collateral held by broker for derivatives
(5,356
)
 
(6,593
)
Purchases of real estate securities
(218,837
)
 
(243,635
)
Repayment of real estate securities
36,136

 
72,982

Proceeds from sales of real estate securities
15,477

 
344,350

Origination and purchases of mortgage loan receivables held for investment
(49,735
)
 
(378,042
)
Repayment of mortgage loan receivables held for investment
218,410

 
125,531

Reduction (addition) of cash collateral held by broker
6,113

 
1,060

Addition (reduction) of deposits received for loan originations
(517
)
 
(1,248
)
Title deposits included in other assets
(940
)
 
(8,756
)
Capital contributions to investment in unconsolidated joint ventures
(59
)
 

Distributions of return of capital from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

 
3,372

Capitalization of interest on investment in unconsolidated joint ventures
(204
)
 


12


 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Purchases of real estate

 
(103,262
)
Capital improvements of real estate
(2,042
)
 
(437
)
Proceeds from sale of real estate
23,515

 
22,067

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
21,961

 
(172,611
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Deferred financing costs paid
(416
)
 
(938
)
Proceeds from borrowings under debt obligations
3,235,468

 
4,344,073

Repayment of borrowings under debt obligations
(3,414,355
)
 
(4,314,529
)
Cash dividends paid to Class A common shareholders
(33,020
)
 

Capital contributed by noncontrolling interests in operating partnership
250

 

Capital distributed to noncontrolling interests in operating partnership
(12,937
)
 
(13,735
)
Capital contributed by noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures

 
19

Capital distributed to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures
(104
)
 
(185
)
Payment of liability assumed in exchange for shares for the minimum withholding taxes on vesting restricted stock
(786
)
 
(3,780
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(4,652
)
 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(230,552
)
 
10,925

Net increase (decrease) in cash
(26,281
)
 
7,241

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
108,959

 
76,218

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
82,678

 
$
83,459

 
 
 
 
Supplemental information:
 

 
 

Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized
$
37,683

 
$
35,929

Cash paid for income taxes
$
9,807

 
$
17,202

 
 
 
 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 

 
 

Securities purchased, not settled
$
(8,922
)
 
$
(260
)
Securities sold, not settled
$

 
$
25,987

Exchange of noncontrolling interest for common stock
$
28,328

 
$

Change in deferred tax asset related to change in tax receivable agreement
$
(772
)
 
$

Dividends declared, not paid
$
826

 
$

Stock dividends
$
64,100

 
$

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

13


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 March 31, 2016, Ladder Capital Corp has a 57.6% 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, real estate businesses 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.
 

14


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 Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (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;

15



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.

16


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 presently intends to elect to be taxed as a REIT on its tax return for the year ended December 31, 2015, expected to be 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 defined by the entity as having both of the following characteristics: (1) the power to direct the activities that, when taken together, most significantly impact the variable interest entity’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.


17


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.

18



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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. At March 31, 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, included in other assets on the Company’s combined consolidated balance sheets are $20.0 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 March 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“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 for 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, the standard 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.

19



In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic ASC 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 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 standard is effective on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this new guidance.

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 September 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations: Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustment (“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.

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.


20


In February 2015, the 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 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 in the quarter ending March 31, 2017 and does not expect the adoption to have 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 (“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.
 

21


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 May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-9”). ASU 2014-9 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 2014-9, 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.

3. MORTGAGE LOAN RECEIVABLES
 
March 31, 2016 ($ in thousands)
 
 
Outstanding
Face Amount
 
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted
Average
Yield (1)
 
Remaining
Maturity
(years)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost
$
1,582,358

 
$
1,576,683

 
7.61
%
 
1.47
Provision for loan losses
N/A

 
(3,850
)
 
 
 
 
Total mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost
1,582,358

 
1,572,833

 
 
 
 
Mortgage loan receivables held for sale
353,273

 
353,331

 
4.33
%
 
5.71
Total
$
1,935,631

 
$
1,926,164

 
 

 
 
 
(1)         March 31, 2016 London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) rates are used to calculate weighted average yield for floating rate loans.

As of March 31, 2016, $342.3 million, or 21.7%, of the carrying value of our mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost, were at fixed interest rates and $1.2 billion, or 78.3%, 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 March 31, 2016, $353.3 million, or 100.0%, of the carrying value of our mortgage loan receivables held for sale, were at fixed interest rates.
 

22


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.

The following table summarizes mortgage loan receivables by loan type ($ in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
Outstanding
Face Amount
 
Carrying
Value
 
Outstanding
Face Amount
 
Carrying
Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loan receivables held for sale
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

First mortgage loans
$
353,273

 
$
353,331

 
$
571,638

 
$
571,764

Total mortgage loan receivables held for sale
353,273

 
353,331

 
571,638

 
571,764

Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

First mortgage loans
1,386,134

 
1,381,446

 
1,462,228

 
1,456,212

Mezzanine loans
196,224

 
195,237

 
287,328

 
286,133

Total mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost
1,582,358

 
1,576,683

 
1,749,556

 
1,742,345

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
N/A

 
(3,850
)
 
N/A

 
(3,700
)
Total
$
1,935,631

 
$
1,926,164

 
$
2,321,194

 
$
2,310,409

 

23


For the three months ended March 31, 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
49,735

 
91,027

Repayment of mortgage loan receivables
(218,410
)
 
(524
)
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loan receivables

 
(316,766
)
Realized gain on sale of mortgage loan receivables

 
7,830

Accretion/amortization of discount, premium and other fees
3,013

 

Loan loss provision
(150
)
 

Balance, March 31, 2016
$
1,572,833

 
$
353,331


 
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
378,042

 
391,934

Repayment of mortgage loan receivables
(125,531
)
 
(164
)
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loan receivables

 
(589,169
)
Realized gain on sale of mortgage loan receivables

 
30,027

Accretion/amortization of discount, premium and other fees
1,591

 

Loan loss provision
(150
)
 

Balance, March 31, 2015
$
1,775,006

 
$
250,583


During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the transfers of financial assets via sales of loans have been treated as sales under ASC Topic 860 Transfers and Servicing.

At March 31, 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.


24


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 March 31, 2016, two of the Company’s loans, which were originated simultaneously as part of a single transaction, with a carrying value of $26.7 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.

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 there were no loans on non-accrual status.
 
Provision for Loan Losses ($ in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses at beginning of period
$
3,700

 
$
3,100

Provision for loan losses
150

 
150

Provision for loan losses at end of period
$
3,850

 
$
3,250

 

25


4. REAL ESTATE SECURITIES
 
Commercial mortgage backed securities (“CMBS”), CMBS interest-only securities, GN construction securities and GN 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. Government National Mortgage Association (“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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands):

March 31, 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)
 
$
2,139,819

 
$
2,160,286

 
$
33,162

 
$
(1,294
)
 
$
2,192,154

 
133

 
AAA
 
3.21
%
 
2.86
%
 
3.15
CMBS interest-only(2)
 
7,216,114

(3)
344,809

 
952

 
(5,634
)
 
340,127

 
53

 
AAA
 
1.06
%
 
3.76
%
 
3.28
GNMA interest-only(4)
 
600,054

(3)
25,194

 
233

 
(1,689
)
 
23,738

 
21

 
AA+
 
0.73
%
 
4.28
%
 
5.13
GN permanent securities(2)
 
41,148

 
42,051

 
1,190

 
(386
)
 
42,855

 
12

 
AA+
 
4.18
%
 
3.49
%
 
7.02
Total
 
$
9,997,135

 
$
2,572,340

 
$
35,537

 
$
(9,003
)
 
$
2,598,874

 
219

 
 
 
1.51
%
 
3.00
%
 
3.25
 
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
GN construction securities(2)
 
27,091

 
27,581

 
1,058

 

 
28,639

 
1

 
AA+
 
4.10
%
 
3.86
%
 
9.33
GN 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, GN construction securities, and GN 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 earnings in the combined consolidated statements of income in accordance with ASC 815.
 

26


The following is a breakdown of the carrying value of the Company’s securities by remaining maturity based upon expected cash flows at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands):
 
March 31, 2016
 
Asset Type
 
Within 1 year
 
1-5 years
 
5-10 years
 
After 10 years
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CMBS(1)
 
$
618,223

 
$
1,147,927

 
$
426,004

 
$

 
$
2,192,154

CMBS interest-only(1)
 

 
340,127

 

 

 
340,127

GNMA interest-only(2)
 
4

 
14,953

 
8,390

 
391

 
23,738

GN permanent securities(1)
 

 
6,861

 
35,994

 

 
42,855

Total
 
$
618,227

 
$
1,509,868

 
$
470,388

 
$
391

 
$
2,598,874

 
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

GN construction securities(1)
 

 
386

 
28,253

 

 
28,639

GN 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, GN construction securities, and GN 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 $0.6 million and $0.5 million in unrealized losses on securities recorded as other than temporary impairments for the three months ended March 31, 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.


27


5. REAL ESTATE AND RELATED LEASE INTANGIBLES, NET

The following tables present additional detail related to our real estate portfolio ($ in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
Land
$
134,618

 
$
138,128

Building
628,612

 
640,206

In-place leases and other intangibles
138,402

 
139,501

Real estate
901,632

 
917,835

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(92,402
)
 
(83,056
)
Real estate and related lease intangibles, net
$
809,230

 
$
834,779

 
The following table presents depreciation and amortization expense on real estate recorded by the Company ($ in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Depreciation expense (1)
$
6,104

 
$
5,906

Amortization expense
3,693

 
3,812

Total real estate depreciation and amortization expense
$
9,797

 
$
9,718

 
 
(1)
Depreciation expense on the combined consolidated statements of income also includes $5,125 and $5,187 of depreciation on corporate fixed assets for the three months ended March 31, 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 March 31, 2016, gross intangible assets totaled $138.4 million with total accumulated amortization of $36.6 million, resulting in net intangible assets of $101.8 million, including $6.1 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 months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, the Company recorded an offset against operating lease income of $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively, for favorable leases.
 
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 March 31, 2016 ($ in thousands):
 
Period Ending December 31,
 
Amount
 
 
 
2016 (last 9 months)
 
$
10,076

2017
 
4,886

2018
 
4,414

2019
 
3,992

2020
 
3,266

Thereafter
 
75,187

Total
 
$
101,821


There were $5.6 million and $5.0 million of unbilled rent receivables included in other assets on the combined consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.


28


There was unencumbered real estate of $30.9 million and $47.8 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
 
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 March 31, 2016 ($ in thousands):
 
Period Ending December 31,
 
Amount
 
 
 
2016 (last 9 months)
 
$
53,182

2017
 
67,974

2018
 
65,337

2019
 
60,705

2020
 
57,582

Thereafter
 
494,550

Total
 
$
799,330


Acquisitions
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company acquired no properties. During the three months ended March 31, 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%
Total real estate acquisitions
 
 
 
$
103,262

 
 
 
(1) Properties were consolidated as of acquisition date.


29


The purchase prices were allocated to the net assets acquired during the three months ended March 31, 2015, as follows ($ in thousands):

 
 
Purchase Price Allocation
 
 
 
Land
 
$
12,605

Building
 
82,669

Intangibles
 
7,988

Total purchase price
 
$
103,262


Sales

The Company sold the following properties during the three months ended March 31, 2016 ($ in thousands):

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

 
8,437

 
711

 
1

 

Various
 
Condominium
 
Las Vegas, NV
 
8,404

 
4,417

 
3,987

 

 
17

Various
 
Condominium
 
Miami, FL
 
5,963

 
4,566

 
1,397

 

 
21

Totals
 
 
 
 
 
$
23,515

 
$
17,420

 
$
6,095

 
 
 
 
 
The Company sold the following properties during the three months ended March 31, 2015 ($ in thousands):

Sales Date
 
Type
 
Primary Location(s)
 
Net Sales Proceeds
 
Net Book Value
 
Realized Gain/(Loss)
 
Properties
 
Units
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Various
 
Condominium
 
Las Vegas, NV
 
12,210

 
6,777

 
5,433

 

 
25

Various
 
Condominium
 
Miami, FL
 
9,857

 
7,628

 
2,229

 

 
33

Totals
 
 
 
 
 
$
22,067

 
$
14,405

 
$
7,662

 
 
 
 

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 three months ended March 31, 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.
 

30




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 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 March 31, 2015
 
Company
Historical
 
Acquisitions
 
Consolidated
Pro Forma
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating lease income
$
19,147

 
$
871

 
$
20,018

Net income
17,963

 
454

 
18,417

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures
(191
)
 

 
(191
)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in operating partnership
(8,597
)
 
(222
)
 
(8,819
)
Net income attributable to Class A common shareholders
9,175

 
231

 
9,406


The Company recorded $1.0 million in revenues from its 2015 acquisitions for the three months ended March 31, 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 2015 as if they were incurred on January 1, 2014.


31


6. INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
 
As of March 31, 2016, the Company had an aggregate investment of $34.9 million in its equity method joint ventures with unaffiliated third parties.

Included in the Company’s investments in unconsolidated joint ventures as of March 31, 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 $30.7 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands):
 
Entity
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Ladder Capital Realty Income Partnership I LP
 
$
1,000

 
$
49

Grace Lake JV, LLC
 
3,116

 
2,891

24 Second Avenue Holdings LLC
 
30,739

 
30,857

Company’s investment in unconsolidated joint ventures
 
$
34,855

 
$
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 months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 ($ in thousands):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
Entity
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
Ladder Capital Realty Income Partnership I LP
 
$
892

 
$
102

Grace Lake JV, LLC
 
225

 
339

24 Second Avenue Holdings LLC
 
(323
)
 

Earnings (loss) from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures
 
$
794

 
$
441

 
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 March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded $6,905 and $0.1 million, respectively, in management fees, which is reflected in fee and other income in the combined consolidated statements of income.
 

32


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 months ended March 31, 2016, the Company recorded $0.3 million 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 months ended March 31, 2016, the Company capitalized $0.2 million 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands):
 
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
132,458

 
$
131,214

Total liabilities
 
89,585

 
88,973

Partners’/members’ capital
 
$
42,873

 
$
42,241


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 months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 ($ in thousands):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
 
$
4,237

 
$
5,675

Total expenses
 
4,416

 
3,764

Net income (loss)
 
$
(179
)
 
$
1,911



33


7. DEBT OBLIGATIONS

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

 
$
207,849

 
$
392,151

 
 2.19% - 2.94%
 
10/30/2016
 
(2)
 
(3)
 
$
339,106

 
$
340,373

 
Committed Loan Repurchase Facility
 
400,000

 
176,746

 
223,254

 
  2.68% - 4.44%
 
4/9/2017
 
(4)
 
(5)
 
334,212

 
369,623

(6)
Committed Loan Repurchase Facility
 
450,000

 
148,731

 
301,269

 
  2.69% - 4.36%
 
5/24/2016
 
(2)
 
(3)
 
272,933

 
297,116

(7)
Committed Loan Repurchase Facility
 
35,000

 
2,262

 
32,738

 
 3.03% - 3.04%
 
10/24/2016
 
(8)
 
(9)
 

 
3,193

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

 
535,588

 
949,412

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
946,251

 
1,010,305

 
Committed Securities Repurchase Facility
 
300,000

 
203,059

 
96,941

 
  0.88% - 2.43%
 
10/31/2016
 
 N/A
 
(11)
 
245,022

 
245,022

 
Uncommitted Securities Repurchase Facility
 
 N/A (12)
 
365,692

 
 N/A (12)
 
  0.75% - 2.14%
 
4/2016 - 6/2016
 
 N/A
 
(11)
 
435,941

 
435,941

 
Total Repurchase Facilities
 
1,785,000

 
1,104,339

 
1,046,353

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,627,214

 
1,691,268

 
Borrowings Under Credit Agreement
 
50,000

 

 
50,000

 

 
4/24/2016
 
 N/A
 
(13)
 

 

 
Revolving Credit Facility
 
143,000

 

 
143,000

 

 
2/11/2017
 
(2)
 
 N/A (14)
 
 N/A (14)
 
 N/A (14)
 
Mortgage Loan Financing
 
547,776

 
547,776

 

 
  4.25% - 6.75%
 
2018 - 2026
 
 N/A
 
(15)
 
712,468

 
799,169

 
Borrowings from the FHLB
 
2,221,955

 
1,881,200

 
340,755

 
  0.38% - 2.74%
 
2016 - 2024
 
 N/A
 
(13)
 
2,355,506

 
2,363,781

 
Senior Unsecured Notes
 
563,872

 
558,134

(16)

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

 
 N/A (17)

 
Total Debt Obligations
 
$
5,311,603

 
$
4,091,449

 
$
1,580,108

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
4,695,188

 
$
4,854,218

 
 
(1)
March 31, 2016 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 $32.2 million of loans made to consolidated subsidiaries.
(7)
Includes $22.9 million of loans made to consolidated subsidiaries.
(8)
Two additional 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 $3.2 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 $5.7 million at March 31, 2016.
(17)
The obligations under the senior unsecured notes are guaranteed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries.


34


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.


35


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 four committed master repurchase agreements, as outlined in the March 31, 2016 table above, totaling $1.5 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 $300.0 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 March 31, 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.

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”). Interest on the Credit Agreement is LIBOR plus 275 basis points per annum payable monthly in arrears. 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The Credit Agreement was scheduled to mature on April 24, 2016 with no further extension options but was subsequently amended. Refer to Note 19, Subsequent Events.
 
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.
 

36


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.

Debt Issuance Costs

As discussed in Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the amount of unamortized costs relating to such facilities are $2.3 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 three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company executed 4 and 14 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 March 31, 2016. These loans have carrying amounts of $547.8 million and $544.7 million, net of unamortized premiums of $6.0 million and $6.1 million at March 31, 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 $0.2 million of premium amortization, which decreased interest expense, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The loans are collateralized by real estate and related lease intangibles, net, of $712.5 million and $711.1 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
 

37


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 June 26, 2015, Tuebor’s advance limit was increased to the lowest of $2.9 billion, 40% of Ladder Capital Corp’s total assets or 150% of the Company’s total equity.

As of March 31, 2016, Tuebor had $1.9 billion of borrowings outstanding (with an additional $340.8 million of committed term financing available from the FHLB), with terms of overnight to eight years (with a weighted average of 2.5 years), interest rates of 0.38% to 2.74% (with a weighted average of 0.97%), and advance rates of 50.0% to 95.2% of the collateral. As of March 31, 2016, collateral for the borrowings was comprised of $1.8 billion of CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities and $507.7 million of first mortgage commercial real estate loans.

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 (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 $451.9 million of the member’s capital were restricted from transfer to Tuebor’s parent without prior approval of state insurance regulators at March 31, 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 46.0% of the Company’s outstanding debt obligations as of March 31, 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 may 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.


38


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 three months ended March 31, 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.

During the three months ended March 31, 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 March 31, 2016, the Company has a 57.6% 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 $5.7 million are included in senior unsecured notes as of March 31, 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)


39


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 9 months)
 
$
1,780,462

2017
 
742,698

2018
 
229,016

2019
 
57,468

2020
 
113,802

Thereafter
 
1,167,723

Subtotal
 
$
4,091,169

Debt issuance costs included in senior unsecured notes
 
(5,738
)
Premiums included in mortgage loan financing
 
6,018

Total
 
4,091,449

 
(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 $900.3 million of the total equity is restricted from payment as a dividend by the Company at March 31, 2016.


40


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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows ($ in thousands):
 
March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average
 
Outstanding
Face Amount
 
Amortized
Cost Basis
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value Method
 
Yield
%
 
Remaining
Maturity/Duration (years)
Assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
CMBS(1)
$
2,139,819

 
$
2,160,286

 
$
2,192,154

 
Internal model, third-party inputs
 
2.86
%
 
3.15
CMBS interest-only(1)
7,216,114

(8)
344,809

 
340,127

 
Internal model, third-party inputs
 
3.76
%
 
3.28
GNMA interest-only(3)
600,054

(8)
25,194

 
23,738

 
Internal model, third-party inputs
 
4.28
%
 
5.13
GN permanent securities(1)
41,148

 
42,051

 
42,855

 
Internal model, third-party inputs
 
3.49
%
 
7.02
Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost
1,582,358

 
1,572,833

 
1,593,676

 
Discounted Cash Flow(4)
 
7.61
%
 
1.47
Mortgage loan receivables held for sale
353,273

 
353,331

 
361,915

 
Internal model, third-party inputs(5)
 
4.33
%
 
5.71
FHLB stock(6)
77,915

 
77,915

 
77,915

 
(6)
 
3.50
%
 
 N/A
Nonhedge derivatives(1)(7)
11,100

 
 N/A

 
215

 
Counterparty quotations
 
N/A

 
5.17
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Repurchase agreements - short-term
1,082,656

 
1,082,656

 
1,082,656

 
Discounted Cash Flow(8)
 
1.73
%
 
0.34
Repurchase agreements - long-term
21,683

 
21,683

 
21,683

 
Discounted Cash Flow(9)
 
2.59
%
 
1.15
Borrowings under credit agreement

 

 

 
Discounted Cash Flow(10)
 


 

Revolving credit facility

 

 

 
Discounted Cash Flow(10)
 


 

Mortgage loan financing
544,527

 
547,776

 
579,054

 
Discounted Cash Flow(9)
 
4.86
%
 
7.69
Borrowings from the FHLB
1,881,200

 
1,881,200

 
1,892,923

 
Discounted Cash Flow
 
0.97
%
 
2.53
Senior unsecured notes
563,872

 
558,134

 
528,736

 
Broker quotations, pricing services
 
6.67
%
 
3.31
Nonhedge derivatives(1)(7)
1,026,800

 
 N/A

 
12,743

 
Counterparty quotations
 
N/A

 
1.96
 
(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.


41


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
GN construction securities(1)
27,091

 
27,581

 
28,639

 
Internal model, third-party inputs
 
3.86
%
 
9.33
GN 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.
(10)
Fair value for borrowings under the Credit Agreement and the Revolving Credit Facility are estimated to approximate their 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. 
 

42


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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands):
 
March 31, 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)
 
$
2,139,819

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,192,154

 
$
2,192,154

CMBS interest-only(1)
 
7,216,114

(2)

 

 
340,127

 
340,127

GNMA interest-only(3)
 
600,054

(2)

 

 
23,738

 
23,738

GN permanent securities(1)
 
41,148

 

 

 
42,855

 
42,855

Nonhedge derivatives(4)
 
11,100

 

 
215

 

 
215

 
 
 
 
$

 
$
215

 
$
2,598,874

 
$
2,599,089

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonhedge derivatives(4)
 
1,026,800

 
$

 
$
12,743

 
$

 
$
12,743

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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
 
$
1,582,358

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,593,676

 
$
1,593,676

Mortgage loan receivable held for sale
 
353,273

 

 

 
361,915

 
361,915

FHLB stock
 
77,915

 

 

 
77,915

 
77,915

 
 
 
 
$

 
$

 
$
2,033,506

 
$
2,033,506

Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
0

Repurchase agreements - short-term
 
1,082,656

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,082,656

 
$
1,082,656

Repurchase agreements - long-term
 
21,683

 

 

 
21,683

 
21,683

Mortgage loan financing
 
544,527

 

 

 
579,054

 
579,054

Borrowings from the FHLB
 
1,881,200

 

 

 
1,892,923

 
1,892,923

Senior unsecured notes
 
563,872

 

 

 
528,736

 
528,736

 
 
 
 
$

 
$

 
$
4,105,052

 
$
4,105,052

 
(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.




43


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

GN construction securities(1)
 
27,091

 

 

 
28,639

 
28,639

GN 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.



44


The following table summarizes changes in Level 3 financial instruments reported at fair value on the combined consolidated statements of financial condition for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 ($ in thousands):

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

 
$
2,683,744

Transfer from level 2
 

 

Purchases
 
227,758

 
241,286

Sales
 
(15,477
)
 
(370,337
)
Paydowns/maturities
 
(36,136
)
 
(46,891
)
Amortization of premium/discount
 
(18,958
)
 
(15,015
)
Unrealized gain/(loss)
 
34,459

 
18,970

Realized gain/(loss) on sale
 
11

 
12,693

Balance at March 31,
 
$
2,598,874

 
$
2,524,450


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):

March 31, 2016
Financial Instrument
 
Carrying Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Minimum
 
Weighted Average
 
Maximum
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CMBS (1)
 
$
2,192,154

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Yield (4)
 
%
 
2.74
%
 
12.09
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Duration (years)(5)
 
0.00

 
3.95

 
8.28

CMBS interest-only (1)
 
340,127

(2)
Discounted cash flow
 
Yield (4)
 
%
 
4.04
%
 
4.66
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Duration (years)(5)
 
1.82

 
3.23

 
4.34

 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepayment speed (CPY)(5)
 
100.00

 
100.00

 
100.00

GNMA interest-only (3)
 
23,738

(2)
Discounted cash flow
 
Yield (4)
 
%
 
9.06
%
 
10
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Duration (years)(5)
 
0.00

 
2.41

 
5.30

 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepayment speed (CPJ)(5)
 
5.00

 
14.03

 
35.00

GN permanent securities (1)
 
42,855

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Yield (4)
 
0.63
%
 
3.45
%
 
6.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Duration (years)(5)
 
0.00

 
8.66

 
10.29

Total
 
$
2,598,874

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
CMBS, CMBS interest-only securities, GN construction securities, and GN 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.


45


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

GN construction securities (1)
 
28,639

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

 
10.34

 
10.48

GN 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, GN construction securities, and GN 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.


46


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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands):
 
March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
Remaining
Maturity
(years)
Contract Type
 
Notional
 
Asset(1)
 
Liability(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Futures
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
5-year Swap
 
$
542,900

 
$
9

 
$
4,416

 
0.25
10-year Swap
 
399,700

 

 
3,018

 
0.25
5-year U.S. Treasury Note
 
700

 

 
1

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

 
3

 

 
0.25
Total futures
 
944,400

 
12

 
7,435

 
 
Swaps
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
3MO LIBOR
 
50,000

 

 
4,980

 
4.47
Credit Derivatives
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
CMBX
 
10,000

 
203

 

 
5.45
CDX
 
33,500

 

 
328

 
2.70
Total credit derivatives
 
43,500

 
203

 
328

 
 
Total derivatives
 
$
1,037,900

 
$
215

 
$
12,743

 
 
 
(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
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
3MO 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.
 

47


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 months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 ($ in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
 
Realized
Gain/(Loss)
 
Net Result
from
Derivative
Transactions
 
 

 
 

 
 

Contract Type
 
 
 
 
 
Futures
$
(8,564
)
 
$
(40,797
)
 
$
(49,361
)
Swaps
(1,078
)
 
(338
)
 
(1,416
)
Credit Derivatives
12

 
(97
)
 
(85
)
Total
$
(9,630
)
 
$
(41,232
)
 
$
(50,862
)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
 
Realized
Gain/(Loss)
 
Net Result
from
Derivative
Transactions
 
 

 
 

 
 

Contract Type
 
 
 
 
 
Caps
$

 
$

 
$

Futures
$
(10,969
)
 
$
(27,038
)
 
$
(38,007
)
Swaps
(372
)
 
(610
)
 
(982
)
Credit Derivatives
(54
)
 
(96
)
 
(150
)
Total
$
(11,395
)
 
$
(27,744
)
 
$
(39,139
)

The Company’s counterparties held $24.3 million and $18.9 million of cash margin as collateral for derivatives as of March 31, 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with these requirements and not in default on its indebtedness.  As of March 31, 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.


48


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 March 31, 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 March 31, 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
 
$
215

 
$

 
$
215

 
$

 
$

 
$
215

Total
 
$
215

 
$

 
$
215

 
$

 
$

 
$
215

 
(1) Included in cash collateral held by broker on combined consolidated balance sheets.
 
As of March 31, 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
 
$
12,743

 
$

 
$
12,743

 
$

 
$
12,743

 

Repurchase agreements
 
1,104,339

 

 
1,104,339

 
1,104,339

 

 

Total
 
$
1,117,082

 
$

 
$
1,117,082

 
$
1,104,339

 
$
12,743

 
$

 
 
(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.


49


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 March 31, 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 also 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.
 

50


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 three months ended March 31, 2016, 2,077,764 Series REIT LP Units and 2,077,764 Series TRS LP Units were collectively exchanged for 2,077,764 shares of Class A common stock and 2,077,764 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. As of March 31, 2016, the Company has a remaining amount available for repurchase of $44.4 million, which represents 5.6% in the aggregate of its outstanding Class A common stock, based on the closing price of $12.45 per share on such date.


51


The following table is a summary of the Company’s repurchase activity of its Class A common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2016 ($ in thousands):

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

Additional authorizations
 
 
 

Repurchases paid
 
424,317

 
(4,652
)
Repurchases unsettled
 
 
 

Authorizations remaining as of March 31, 2016
 
 
 
$
44,354

 
(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 three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:

Declaration Date
 
Dividend per Share
 
 
 
March 1, 2016
 
$
0.275

Total
 
$
0.275

 
 
 
March 12, 2015
 
$
0.250

Total
 
$
0.250



52


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 carrying value of CMBS for the three months ended March 31, 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)
 
19,467

 
14,916

 
34,383

Exchange of noncontrolling interest for common stock
 
(122
)
 
122

 

Rebalancing of ownership percentage between Company and Operating Partnership
 
350

 
(350
)
 

March 31, 2016
 
$
16,139

 
$
11,849

 
$
27,988


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.
  

53


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 three months ended March 31, 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 $0.9 million as of March 31, 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.


54


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 six 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.

13. EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
The Company’s net income (loss) and weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 consist of the following:
 
($ in thousands except share amounts)
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Basic Net income (loss) available for Class A common shareholders
 
$
(5,539
)
 
$
9,175

Diluted Net income (loss) available for Class A common shareholders
 
$
(5,539
)
 
$
14,231

Weighted average shares outstanding
 
 

 
 

Basic
 
59,596,889

 
49,986,082

Diluted
 
59,596,889

 
98,098,672

 

55


The calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share amounts for the three months ended March 31, 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 months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
Denominator: utilizes the weighted average shares of Class A common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Share
 
Numerator: utilizes net income (loss) available for Class A common shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 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 months ended March 31, 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.
 
(In thousands except share amounts)
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Basic Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Class A Common Stock
 
 

 
 

Numerator:
 
 

 
 

Net income (loss) attributable to Class A common shareholders
 
$
(5,539
)
 
$
9,175

Denominator:
 
 

 
 

Weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding
 
59,596,889

 
49,986,082

Basic net income (loss) per share of Class A common stock
 
$
(0.09
)
 
$
0.18

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

 
 

Numerator:
 
 

 
 

Net income (loss) attributable to Class A common shareholders
 
$
(5,539
)
 
$
9,175

Add (deduct) - dilutive effect of:
 
 

 
 

Amounts attributable to operating partnership’s share of Ladder Capital Corp net income (loss)
 

 
8,596

Additional corporate tax (expense) benefit
 

 
(3,540
)
Diluted net income attributable to Class A common shareholders
 
$
(5,539
)
 
$
14,231

Denominator:
 
 

 
 

Basic weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding
 
59,596,889

 
49,986,082

Add - dilutive effect of:
 
 

 
 

Shares issuable relating to converted Class B common shareholders
 

 
47,645,531

Incremental shares of unvested Class A restricted stock
 

 
467,059

Diluted weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding
 
59,596,889

 
98,098,672

Diluted net income (loss) per share of Class A common stock
 
$
(0.09
)
 
$
0.15



56


For the three months ended March 31, 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 the three months ended March 31, 2016, 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.
 
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.
 

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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.

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.
 

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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, 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.
 
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.


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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.
 
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 $3.5 million and $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.


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A summary of the grants is presented below ($ in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
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

 
722,104

 
$
13,278

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
 

 

 
 

 
(50
)
Ladder compensation expense
 

 
(3,464
)
 
 

 
(3,089
)
Total amortization to compensation expense
 

 
$
(3,464
)
 
 

 
$
(3,139
)

The table below presents the number of unvested shares and outstanding stock options at March 31, 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
(257,815
)
 
 
 
(504
)
Forfeited

 

 

Expired
 
 

 
 
Nonvested/Outstanding at March 31, 2016
2,037,086

 
982,135

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable at March 31, 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 March 31, 2016 there was $19.8 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 35 months, with a weighted-average remaining vesting period of 25.0 months.
 

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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.
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 March 31, 2016, there are 455,180 phantom units outstanding, of which 60,274 are unvested, resulting in a liability of $6.1 million, which is included in accrued expenses on the combined consolidated balance sheets.
 

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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.

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 March 31, 2016, there are 297,125 phantom units outstanding, of which 238,769 are unvested, resulting in a liability of $3.7 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 months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded compensation expense of $4.7 million and $6.4 million, respectively, related to bonuses.
 

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15. INCOME TAXES
 
Prior to February 11, 2014, the Company had not been subject to U.S. federal income taxes as the predecessor entity is 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 $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company’s net deferred tax assets were $6.2 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 $(2.0) million and $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 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.
 
As of March 31, 2016, the Company has a deferred tax asset of $14.3 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 March 31, 2016 the tax years 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions in which the Company is subject to taxes. New York State taxing authorities are currently examining income tax returns of various subsidiaries of the Company for tax years 2010 through 2012. These tax examinations often take a long time to complete and/or settle and there can be no assurances as to the possible outcomes. However, the Company believes that the examinations will result in no 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 March 31, 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 March 31, 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.
 

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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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, pursuant to 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.
 
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.


65


On May 20, 2015, the Company provided a $25.0 million, 9.0% fixed rate, interest-only mezzanine loan, which matures on June 6, 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, is 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 three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company earned $0.6 million 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 months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, for loans originated in accordance with this agreement. As of March 31, 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.

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 is 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 $0.5 million of rental expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 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 nine months)
 
$
1,198

2017
 
1,255

2018
 
1,206

2019
 
1,180

2020
 
1,180

Thereafter
 
1,279

Total
 
$
7,298



66


GN Construction Loan Securities
 
The Company commits to purchase GN construction loan securities over a typical period of six to twelve months. As of March 31, 2016, the Company’s 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 and 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 March 31, 2016, the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements consisted of $97.6 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 was consisted of $96.2 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 March 31, 2016
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income
$
41,328

 
$
18,256

 
$

 
$
17

 
$
59,601

Interest expense
(6,151
)
 
(1,970
)
 
(6,195
)
 
(15,220
)
 
(29,536
)
Net interest income (expense)
35,177

 
16,286

 
(6,195
)
 
(15,203
)
 
30,065

Provision for loan losses
(150
)
 

 

 

 
(150
)
Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses
35,027

 
16,286

 
(6,195
)
 
(15,203
)
 
29,915

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating lease income

 

 
19,294

 

 
19,294

Tenant recoveries

 

 
1,335

 

 
1,335

Sale of loans, net
7,830

 

 

 

 
7,830

Realized gain on securities

 
(573
)
 

 

 
(573
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities

 
660

 

 

 
660

Realized gain on sale of real estate, net
641

 

 
5,454

 

 
6,095

Fee and other income
1,805

 

 
342

 
828

 
2,975

Net result from derivative transactions
(16,125
)
 
(34,737
)
 

 

 
(50,862
)
Earnings from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

 

 
(98
)
 
892

 
794

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 
5,382

 
5,382

Total other income (expense)
(5,849
)
 
(34,650
)
 
26,327

 
7,102

 
(7,070
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
(1,500
)
 

 

 
(11,115
)
 
(12,615
)
Operating expenses

 

 
(422
)
 
(5,873
)
 
(6,295
)
Real estate operating expenses

 

 
(5,719
)
 

 
(5,719
)
Fee expense
(436
)
 

 
(114
)
 
(181
)
 
(731
)
Depreciation and amortization

 

 
(9,797
)
 
(5
)
 
(9,802
)
Total costs and expenses
(1,936
)
 

 
(16,052
)
 
(17,174
)
 
(35,162
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax (expense) benefit

 

 

 
873

 
873

Segment profit (loss)
$
27,242

 
$
(18,364
)
 
$
4,080

 
$
(24,402
)
 
$
(11,444
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets as of March 31, 2016
$
1,926,164

 
$
2,598,874

 
$
843,085

 
$
287,172

 
$
5,655,295


68


 
Loans
 
Securities
 
Real
Estate(1)
 
Corporate/Other(2)
 
Company
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income
$
36,056

 
$
20,321

 
$

 
$
6

 
$
56,383

Interest expense
(5,422
)
 
(2,012
)
 
(5,219
)
 
(14,171
)
 
(26,824
)
Net interest income (expense)
30,634

 
18,309

 
(5,219
)
 
(14,165
)
 
29,559

Provision for loan losses
(150
)
 

 

 

 
(150
)
Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses
30,484

 
18,309

 
(5,219
)
 
(14,165
)
 
29,409

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating lease income

 

 
19,147

 

 
19,147

Tenant recoveries

 

 
2,526

 

 
2,526

Sale of loans, net
30,027

 

 

 

 
30,027

Realized gain on securities

 
12,150

 

 

 
12,150

Unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities

 
(1,318
)
 

 

 
(1,318
)
Realized gain on sale of real estate, net
611

 

 
7,051

 

 
7,662

Fee income
1,484

 

 
11

 
2,046

 
3,541

Net result from derivative transactions
(13,950
)
 
(25,189
)
 

 

 
(39,139
)
Earnings from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

 

 
339

 
102

 
441

Total other income
18,172

 
(14,357
)
 
29,074

 
2,148

 
35,037

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
(2,800
)
 

 

 
(10,958
)
 
(13,758
)
Operating expenses
69

 

 

 
(8,872
)
 
(8,803
)
Real estate operating expenses

 

 
(9,372
)
 

 
(9,372
)
Real estate acquisition costs

 

 
(600
)
 

 
(600
)
Fee expense
(891
)
 
(2
)
 
(38
)
 
(192
)
 
(1,123
)
Depreciation and amortization

 

 
(9,718
)
 
(5
)
 
(9,723
)
Total costs and expenses
(3,622
)
 
(2
)
 
(19,728
)
 
(20,027
)
 
(43,379
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax expense

 

 

 
(3,104
)
 
(3,104
)
Segment profit (loss)
$
45,034

 
$
3,950

 
$
4,127

 
$
(35,148
)
 
$
17,963

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 March 31, 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 $1.0 million and $48,771 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, the Company’s investment in FHLB stock of $77.9 million and $77.9 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, the Company’s deferred tax asset of $6.2 million and $5.0 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively and the Company’s senior unsecured notes of $558.1 million and $612.6 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.


69


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:

Committed Loan Repurchase Facility

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 the committed loan repurchase facility to May 24, 2020.

Borrowings under Credit Agreement

On April 21, 2016, the Company entered into an amendment to its credit agreement with one of its multiple major banking institutions extending the maturity date from April 24, 2016 to no later than June 23, 2016. See Note 7 for a further discussion of the Company’s Borrowings under Credit Agreement.



70


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 subsequent to the IPO and related transactions described below to Ladder Capital Corp, a Delaware corporation incorporated in 2013, and its combined consolidated subsidiaries. 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 March 31, 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 $15.5 billion of commercial real estate loans from our inception through March 31, 2016. During this timeframe, we also acquired $8.8 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 March 31, 2016, we originated $11.9 billion of conduit loans, $11.5 billion of which were sold into 39 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 March 31, 2016, we had $5.7 billion in total assets and $1.5 billion of total equity. As of that date, our assets included $1.9 billion of loans, $2.6 billion of securities, and $809.2 million of real estate.


71


We have a diversified and flexible financing strategy supporting our business operations, including significant committed term financing from leading financial institutions. As of March 31, 2016, we had $4.1 billion of debt financing outstanding. This financing comprised $1.9 billion of financing from the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”), $738.6 million committed secured term repurchase agreement financing, $365.7 million of other securities financing, $547.8 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 no borrowings outstanding under our Credit Agreement and our Revolving Credit Facility. In addition, as of March 31, 2016, we had $1.6 billion of committed, undrawn funding capacity available, consisting of $50.0 million of availability under our $50.0 million Credit Facility, $143.0 million of availability under our $143.0 million Revolving Credit Facility, $340.8 million of undrawn committed FHLB financing and $1.0 billion of other undrawn committed financings. As of March 31, 2016, our debt-to-equity ratio was 2.8:1.0, as we employ leverage prudently to maximize financial flexibility.
 
Ladder was founded in October 2008. As of March 31, 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 68 full-time industry professionals, including by hiring experienced personnel known to us in the commercial mortgage industry. Doing so has allowed us to maintain consistency in our culture and operations and to focus on strong credit practices and disciplined growth.

We are led by a disciplined and highly aligned management team. As of March 31, 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 24 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; Robert Perelman, Head of Asset Management; and Kelly Porcella, General Counsel.

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

Committed Loan Repurchase Facility

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 the committed loan repurchase facility to May 24, 2020.

Borrowings under Credit Agreement

On April 21, 2016, the Company entered into an amendment to its credit agreement with one of its multiple major banking institutions extending the maturity date from April 24, 2016 to no later than June 23, 2016. See Note 7 for a further discussion of the Company’s Borrowings under Credit Agreement.


72


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):
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Loans
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Conduit first mortgage loans
$
353,331

 
6.2
%
 
$
571,764

 
9.7
%
Balance sheet first mortgage loans
1,378,073

 
24.4
%
 
1,453,120

 
24.6
%
Other commercial real estate-related loans
194,760

 
3.4
%
 
285,525

 
4.8
%
Total loans
1,926,164

 
34.0
%
 
2,310,409

 
39.1
%
Securities
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

CMBS investments
2,532,281

 
44.8
%
 
2,335,930

 
39.7
%
U.S. Agency Securities investments
66,593

 
1.2
%
 
71,287

 
1.2
%
Total securities
2,598,874

 
46.0
%
 
2,407,217

 
40.9
%
Real Estate
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Real estate and related lease intangibles, net
809,230

 
14.3
%
 
834,779

 
14.2
%
Total real estate
809,230

 
14.3
%
 
834,779

 
14.2
%
Other Investments
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
34,855

 
0.6
%
 
33,797

 
0.6
%
FHLB stock
77,915

 
1.4
%
 
77,915

 
1.3
%
Total other investments
112,770

 
2.0
%
 
111,712

 
1.9
%
Total investments
5,447,038

 
96.3
%
 
5,664,117

 
96.1
%
Cash, cash equivalents and cash collateral held by broker
112,732

 
2.0
%
 
139,770

 
2.4
%
Other assets
95,525

 
1.7
%
 
91,325

 
1.5
%
Total assets
$
5,655,295

 
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.


73


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 March 31, 2016, we have originated and funded $11.9 billion of conduit first mortgage loans and securitized $11.5 billion of such mortgage loans in 39 separate transactions, including two securitizations in 2010, three securitizations in 2011, six securitizations in 2012, six securitizations in 2013, ten securitizations in 2014, ten securitizations in 2015 and two 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 three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, conduit first mortgage loans remained on our balance sheet for a weighted average of 119 and 74 days prior to securitization, respectively. As of March 31, 2016, we held 16 first mortgage loans that were substantially available for contribution into a securitization with an aggregate book value of $353.3 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 63.1% at March 31, 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 March 31, 2016, we held a portfolio of 64 balance sheet first mortgage loans with an aggregate book value of $1.4 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 67.2% at March 31, 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 March 31, 2016, we held a portfolio of 38 other commercial real estate-related loans with an aggregate book value of $194.8 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 66.5% at March 31, 2016.

74


 
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 March 31, 2016 and a breakdown of our loan portfolio by loan size and geographic location and asset type of the underlying real estate.

 

75


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 March 31, 2016, the estimated fair value of our portfolio of CMBS investments totaled $2.5 billion in 186 CUSIPs ($13.6 million average investment per CUSIP). As of that date, 98.2% 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 84.4% AAA/Aaa-rated securities and 13.8% of other investment grade-rated securities, including 11.2% rated AA/Aa, 1.1% rated A/A and 1.5% rated BBB/Baa. In the future, we may invest in CMBS securities or other securities that are unrated. As of March 31, 2016, our CMBS investments had a weighted average duration of 3.2 years. The commercial real estate collateral underlying our CMBS investment portfolio is located throughout the United States. As of March 31, 2016, by property count and market value, respectively, 48.7% and 68.7% of the collateral underlying our CMBS investment portfolio was distributed throughout the top 25 metropolitan statistical areas (“MSAs”) in the United States, with 3.3% and 29% 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 7.7% by property count and 0.2% to 10.9% 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 March 31, 2016, the estimated fair value of our portfolio of U.S. Agency Securities was $66.6 million in 33 CUSIPs ($2.0 million average investment per CUSIP), with a weighted average duration of 6.3 years. The commercial real estate collateral underlying our U.S. Agency Securities portfolio is located throughout the United States. As of March 31, 2016, by market value 14.1% and 68.2% of the collateral underlying our U.S. Agency Securities, excluding the collateral underlying our Agency interest-only securities, was located in California and New York, respectively, with no other state having a concentration greater than 10.0%. By property count, New York represented 5.6% and California represented 58.3% of such collateral. While the specific geographic concentration of our Agency interest-only securities portfolio as of March 31, 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 March 31, 2016, we owned 97 single tenant net leased properties with an aggregate book value of $533.4 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 March 31, 2016, our net leased properties comprised a total of 4.0 million square feet and had a 100% occupancy rate, an average age since construction of 9.4 years and a weighted average remaining lease term of 15.7 years.
 
In addition, as of March 31, 2016, we owned 29 other properties with an aggregate book value of $214.2 million. Through separate joint ventures, we owned a portfolio of 13 office buildings in Richmond, VA with a book value of $97.5 million, a portfolio of four office buildings in St. Paul, MN with a book value of $56.0 million, a portfolio of seven office buildings in Richmond, VA with a book value of $18.1 million, a 13-story office building in Oakland County, MI with a book value of $10.8 million, a two-story office building in Grand Rapids, MI with a book value of $9.4 million and a warehouse in Grand Rapids, MI with a book value of $6.0 million. We also own a two-story office building in Wayne, NJ with a book value of $9.4 million and a shopping center in Carmel, NY with a book value of $7.0 million.

Residential Real Estate.  We sold 17 condominium units at Veer Towers in Las Vegas, NV, during the three months ended March 31, 2016, generating aggregate gains on sale of $4.0 million. As of March 31, 2016, we owned 115 residential condominium units at Veer Towers in Las Vegas, NV with a book value of $29.1 million through a joint venture, and we intend to sell these remaining units over time. As of March 31, 2016, 11 condominium units were under contract for sale with a book value of $2.4 million. As of March 31, 2016, the remaining condominium units we hold were 32.8% rented and occupied. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company recorded $0.3 million of rental income from the condominium units.
 

76


We sold 21 condominium units at Terrazas River Park Village in Miami, FL, during the three months ended March 31, 2016, generating aggregate gains on sale of $1.4 million. As of March 31, 2016, we owned 132 residential condominium units at Terrazas River Park Village in Miami, FL with a book value of $32.5 million, and we intend to sell these remaining units over time. As of March 31, 2016, 12 condominium units were under contract for sale with a book value of $2.7 million. As of March 31, 2016, the remaining condominium units we hold were 81.6% rented and occupied. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company recorded $0.6 million 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 March 31, 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
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Radford, VA
 
12/23/15
 
$
1,564

 
2015
 
9/30/30
 
8,360

 
$
1,552

 
$

 
$
1,552

 
$
104

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

 
2015
 
9/30/30
 
8,184

 
1,508

 
1,142

 
366

 
101

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

 
2015
 
9/30/30
 
8,305

 
1,389

 
1,053

 
336

 
93

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

 
2015
 
6/30/30
 
8,323

 
1,227

 
958

 
269

 
84

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

 
2015
 
6/30/30
 
8,320

 
1,462

 

 
1,462

 
99

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

 
2015
 
11/30/30
 
9,100

 
1,255

 

 
1,255

 
86

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

 
2015
 
9/30/30
 
9,026

 
1,195

 
776

 
419

 
80

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

 
2015
 
9/30/30
 
9,002

 
1,225

 
822

 
403

 
85

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

 
2012
 
12/31/32
 
75,996

 
12,027

 
8,000

 
4,027

 
769

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

 
2015
 
8/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,391

 
901

 
490

 
93

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

 
2012
 
8/31/32
 
31,500

 
5,507

 
3,646

 
1,861

 
364

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

 
2009
 
9/24/33
 
80,932

 
13,264

 
8,853

 
4,411

 
912

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

 
2015
 
8/31/30
 
9,026

 
1,279

 
822

 
457

 
85

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

 
2015
 
8/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,174

 
791

 
383

 
83

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

 
2015
 
8/31/30
 
9,002

 
1,124

 
743

 
381

 
76

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

 
2015
 
8/31/30
 
9,002

 
1,381

 
908

 
473

 
93

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

 
2015
 
8/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,147

 
743

 
404

 
76

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

 
2014
 
6/30/29
 
8,225

 
1,282

 
935

 
347

 
85

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

 
2014
 
6/30/29
 
8,320

 
1,398

 
1,005

 
393

 
93

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

 
2014
 
6/30/29
 
8,320

 
1,137

 
825

 
312

 
76

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

 
2014
 
6/30/29
 
8,320

 
1,196

 
864

 
332

 
80

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

 
2015
 
7/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,093

 
707

 
386

 
76

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

 
2015
 
7/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,213

 
769

 
444

 
84

 
100.0
%
 
Floresville, TX
 
08/28/15
 
1,251

 
2015
 
7/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,289

 
816

 
473

 
89

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

 
2012
 
1/31/34
 
55,440

 
6,853

 
4,704

 
2,149

 
419

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

 
2015
 
7/31/30
 
9,050

 
1,244

 
821

 
423

 
85

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

 
2015
 
6/30/30
 
9,002

 
1,232

 
821

 
411

 
85

 
100.0
%
 
Ponce, Puerto Rico
 
08/03/15
 
8,900

 
2012
 
8/31/37
 
15,660

 
9,194

 
6,530

 
2,664

 
560

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

 
2015
 
5/31/30
 
9,026

 
1,167

 
794

 
373

 
82

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

 
2015
 
5/31/30
 
9,026

 
1,348

 
870

 
478

 
93

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

 
2015
 
5/31/30
 
9,002

 
1,266

 
860

 
406

 
87

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

 
2015
 
5/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,216

 
827

 
389

 
84

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

 
2015
 
4/30/30
 
9,100

 
1,060

 
698

 
362

 
75

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

 
2015
 
3/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,412

 
913

 
499

 
98

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

 
2015
 
3/31/30
 
9,002

 
1,099

 
721

 
378

 
76

 
100.0
%
 
Aurora, MN
 
06/18/15
 
953

 
2015
 
3/31/30
 
9,100

 
971

 

 
971

 
68

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

 
2014
 
10/31/29
 
9,026

 
1,174

 
778

 
396

 
84

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

 
2015
 
3/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,162

 
746

 
416

 
82

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

 
2014
 
1/31/30
 
9,002

 
1,133

 
732

 
401

 
79

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

 
2015
 
2/28/30
 
10,566

 
1,251

 
784

 
467

 
86

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

 
2014
 
2/28/30
 
9,100

 
1,120

 
719

 
401

 
78

 
100.0
%
 

77


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)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Paynesville, MN
 
03/05/15
 
1,254

 
2015
 
11/30/26
 
9,100

 
1,212

 
803

 
409

 
89

 
100.0
%
 
Wheaton, MO
 
03/05/15
 
970

 
2015
 
11/30/29
 
9,100

 
934

 
655

 
279

 
69

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

 
1996
 
8/31/32
 
115,660

 
11,935

 

 
11,935

 
940

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

 
2007
 
8/31/32
 
14,820

 
6,188

 
4,604

 
1,584

 
399

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

 
2007
 
11/30/32
 
14,820

 
5,037

 
3,740

 
1,297

 
325

 
100.0
%
 
Crawfordsville, IN
 
02/20/15
 
6,000

 
2004
 
1/31/33
 
14,259

 
5,799

 

 
5,799

 
375

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

 
2005
 
9/30/30
 
14,820

 
5,218

 

 
5,218

 
336

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

 
1995
 
9/30/30
 
467,781

 
27,954

 
18,774

 
9,180

 
1,475

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

 
2015
 
12/31/29
 
10,542

 
1,277

 
901

 
376

 
94

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

 
2014
 
4/30/27
 
9,100

 
1,092

 
775

 
317

 
81

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

 
2014
 
1/31/30
 
9,100

 
1,030

 
729

 
301

 
77

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

 
2014
 
12/31/29
 
55,000

 
8,360

 
5,718

 
2,642

 
517

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

 
2014
 
12/31/35
 
71,680

 
8,649

 
6,470

 
2,179

 
540

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

 
2014
 
8/31/29
 
22,141

 
3,778

 
2,814

 
964

 
258

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

 
2014
 
8/16/34
 
87,788

 
17,353

 
12,893

 
4,460

 
1,119

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

 
2013
 
10/30/34
 
94,872

 
15,869

 
11,760

 
4,109

 
991

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

 
2011
 
10/30/34
 
88,793

 
11,388

 
8,411

 
2,977

 
701

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

 
2012
 
10/30/34
 
79,389

 
10,437

 
7,836

 
2,601

 
660

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

 
2011
 
10/30/34
 
69,280

 
10,224

 
7,622

 
2,602

 
642

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

 
2010
 
10/30/34
 
70,825

 
9,621

 
7,168

 
2,453

 
598

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

 
2013
 
10/30/34
 
78,218

 
8,541

 
5,140

 
3,401

 
429

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

 
2011
 
10/30/34
 
35,385

 
4,195

 
3,091

 
1,104

 
258

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

 
1962
 
12/31/29
 
68,761

 
5,184

 
3,936

 
1,248

 
358

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

 
2014
 
8/31/29
 
21,930

 
3,340

 
2,496

 
844

 
229

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

 
2014
 
4/30/29
 
499,668

 
30,936

 
22,855

 
8,081

 
1,937

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

 
1984
 
1/31/28
 
141,436

 
8,102

 
5,691

 
2,411

 
460

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

 
2014
 
6/30/29
 
19,168

 
4,075

 
2,986

 
1,089

 
278

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

 
2007
 
2/28/33
 
14,550

 
4,576

 
3,227

 
1,349

 
323

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

 
2007
 
6/30/82
 
14,820

 
4,684

 
3,298

 
1,386

 
329

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

 
2007
 
6/30/82
 
14,820

 
4,271

 
2,929

 
1,342

 
292

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

 
2008
 
2/28/83
 
14,550

 
5,465

 
3,857

 
1,608

 
384

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

 
2007
 
9/30/82
 
14,550

 
4,798

 
3,428

 
1,370

 
341

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

 
2012
 
8/31/87
 
14,820

 
6,287

 
4,596

 
1,691

 
437

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

 
2008
 
1/31/83
 
14,550

 
5,205

 
3,849

 
1,356

 
365

 
100.0
%
 
Abingdon, VA
 
12/18/12
 
4,687

 
2006
 
6/30/81
 
15,371

 
4,606

 
3,091

 
1,515

 
300

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

 
2012
 
10/15/62
 
73,322

 
6,396

 
4,816

 
1,580

 
536

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

 
1989
 
7/31/57
 
103,680

 
25,655

 
19,148

 
6,507

 
2,152

 
100.0
%
 
Vineland, NJ
 
09/21/12
 
22,506

 
2003
 
7/31/57
 
115,368

 
19,492

 
13,915

 
5,577

 
1,616

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

 
1994
 
7/31/57
 
116,620

 
17,371

 
12,401

 
4,970

 
1,452

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

 
1999
 
7/31/57
 
115,660

 
17,101

 
12,208

 
4,893

 
1,350

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

 
2000
 
7/31/57
 
108,528

 
15,109

 
10,786

 
4,323

 
1,267

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

 
1996
 
7/31/57
 
68,160

 
6,354

 
4,742

 
1,612

 
611

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

 
2011
 
1/31/27
 
9,100

 
1,063

 
824

 
239

 
97

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

 
2011
 
3/31/27
 
9,026

 
1,124

 
797

 
327

 
103

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

 
2011
 
11/30/26
 
9,026

 
904

 
716

 
188

 
86

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

 
2009
 
7/31/84
 
13,650

 
4,634

 
3,435

 
1,199

 
332

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

 
2011
 
4/30/32
 
67,375

 
6,960

 
5,327

 
1,633

 
596

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

 
2001
 
4/30/32
 
71,744

 
6,921

 
5,182

 
1,739

 
581

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

 
2008
 
1/31/83
 
14,820

 
6,187

 
4,631

 
1,556

 
448

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

 
2011
 
10/31/61
 
85,188

 
12,897

 
11,154

 
1,743

 
1,065

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

 
2007
 
8/31/82
 
14,820

 
3,569

 
2,736

 
833

 
291

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

 
2007
 
11/30/92
 
14,691

 
4,416

 
3,090

 
1,326

 
400

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

 
2007
 
4/30/82
 
14,752

 
4,969

 
3,474

 
1,495

 
443

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

 
2008
 
10/31/83
 
13,434

 
4,760

 
3,264

 
1,496

 
416

 
100.0
%
 

78


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)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Elkton, MD
 
07/27/10
 
4,872

 
2008
 
9/30/82
 
13,706

 
4,183

 
2,928

 
1,255

 
380

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

 
2009
 
9/30/83
 
14,820

 
4,142

 
2,898

 
1,244

 
362

 
100.0
%
 
Total Net Lease
 
557,674

 
 
 
 
 
3,959,222

 
533,444

 
363,012

 
170,432

 
37,677

 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carmel, NY
 
10/14/15
 
6,700

 
1985
 
1/31/39
 
50,121

 
6,955

 

 
6,955

 
619

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

 
1980
 
7/31/27
 
56,387

 
9,377

 
6,679

 
2,698

 
1,100

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

 
1963
 
6/30/24
 
97,167

 
9,432

 
7,249

 
2,183

 
825

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

 
1992
 
6/30/24
 
160,000

 
6,036

 
4,934

 
1,102

 
539

 
97.0
%
(5)
St. Paul, MN
 
09/22/14
 
62,340

 
1900
 
10/1/21
 
760,318

 
56,033

 
49,032

 
7,001

 
12,213

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

 
1986
 
4/30/21
 
195,881

 
18,070

 
15,808

 
2,262

 
2,760

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

 
1984
 
4/30/21
 
994,040

 
97,453

 
89,091

 
8,362

 
11,891

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

 
1989
 
12/31/21
 
240,900

 
10,814

 
11,971

 
(1,157
)
 
3,136

 
90.0
%
(5)
Total Other
 
250,595

 
 
 
 
 
2,554,814

 
214,170

 
184,764

 
29,406

 
33,083

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

 
2010
 
 
 
145,097

 
32,490

 

 
32,490

 
2,547

 
100.0
%
(6)
Las Vegas, NV
 
12/20/12
 
119,000

 
2006
 
 
 
102,746

 
29,126

 

 
29,126

 
938

 
98.8
%
(5)(7)
Total Condominium
 
199,000

 
 
 
 
 
247,843

 
61,616

 

 
61,616

 
3,485

 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
$
1,007,269

 
 
 
 
 
6,761,879

 
$
809,230

 
$
547,776

 
$
261,454

 
$
74,245

 
 
 
 
(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)
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.
(7)
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.

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. As of March 31, 2016, the book value of our investment in LCRIP I was $1.0 million.
 
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 March 31, 2016, Grace Lake LLC owned an office building campus with a carrying value of $64.5 million, which is net of accumulated depreciation of $17.0 million, that is financed by $73.1 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 March 31, 2016, the book value of our investment in Grace Lake LLC was $3.1 million.

79


 
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 March 31, 2016, the book value of our investment in 24 Second Avenue was $30.7 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 $1.5 billion at March 31, 2016, a $50.0 million Credit Agreement, a $143.0 million Revolving Credit Facility and through our FHLB membership. As of March 31, 2016, there was $535.6 million outstanding under the committed term facilities. We finance our securities portfolio, including CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities, through our FHLB membership, a $300.0 million committed term master repurchase agreement from a leading domestic financial institution and uncommitted master repurchase agreements with numerous counterparties. As of March 31, 2016, we had total outstanding balances of $568.8 million under all securities master repurchase agreements. We finance our real estate investments with nonrecourse first mortgage loans. As of March 31, 2016, we had outstanding balances of $547.8 million on these nonrecourse mortgage loans.

In addition to the amounts outstanding on our other facilities, we had $1.9 billion of borrowings from the FHLB outstanding at March 31, 2016.  As of March 31, 2016, we also had a $50.0 million Credit Agreement, with no borrowings outstanding, a $143.0 million Revolving Credit Facility, with no 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 seek to maintain a debt-to-equity ratio of 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 March 31, 2016, our debt-to-equity ratio was 2.8:1.0. 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.
 

80


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 $1.6 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 this was primarily driven by broader macroeconomic issues, disruption in the energy markets, and volatility in the high yield credit markets rather than underlying fundamental issues within the commercial real estate sector. Additionally, 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 quarter ended March 31, 2016, new CMBS issuance totaled $19.0 billion, a 30% decrease over 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.
 
Results of Operations
 
Three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015
 
Investment overview
 
Investment activity in the three months ended March 31, 2016 focused on loan and security activities. We originated and funded $140.8 million in principal value of commercial mortgage loans, which was offset by $316.8 million of sales and $218.9 million of principal repayments in the three months ended March 31, 2016. We acquired $227.8 million of new securities, which was offset by $15.5 million of sales and $36.1 million of amortization in the portfolio, which partially contributed to a net increase in our securities portfolio of $191.7 million. We also received proceeds from the sale of real estate of $23.5 million.
 
Investment activity in the three months ended March 31, 2015 focused on loan originations and securities investments. We originated and funded $770.0 million in principal value of commercial mortgage loans in the three months ended March 31, 2015. We acquired $243.9 million of new securities, which was offset by $370.3 million of sales and $73.0 million of amortization in the portfolio, which partially contributed to a net decrease in our securities portfolio of $191.7 million. We also invested $103.3 million in real estate and received proceeds from the sale of real estate of $22.1 million.


81


Operating overview

Net (loss) income attributable to Class A common shareholders totaled $(5.5) million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $9.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The most significant drivers of the $14.7 million decrease are as follows:

a decrease in total other income (loss) of $42.1 million, primarily as a result of a decrease of $22.2 million in profits on sales of loans, a decrease of $12.7 million in realized gains on securities, a $11.8 million decrease in net results from derivative transactions and a $1.6 million decrease in profits on sale of real estate, partially offset by an increase of $5.4 million gain on extinguishment of debt and an increase of $2.0 million in unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities; and

a decrease in total costs and expenses of $8.2 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 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—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 measure, totaled $38.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $48.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The significant components of the $9.8 million decrease in Core Earnings are a decrease in total other income (loss) of $18.4 million, primarily as a result of a decrease of $24.4 million in sale of loans, net, a decrease of $12.7 million in gain (loss) on securities, partially offset by an increase of $16.1 million in net results from derivative transactions and a decrease in total costs and expenses of $7.7 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 $59.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $56.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The $3.2 million increase in interest income was primarily attributable to an increase in our average investment balances in our loan and our securities portfolios. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, securities investments averaged $2.5 billion and loan investments averaged $2.2 billion. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, securities investments averaged $1.7 billion and loan investments averaged $1.0 billion. The impact of the expanded base of interest bearing assets was partially offset by lower interest spreads earned on securities acquired and loans originated subsequent to March 31, 2015 versus the interest spreads prevailing prior to that date.

Interest expense totaled $29.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $26.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The $2.7 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 three months ended March 31, 2016, our mortgage loan financing balance averaged $536.1 million versus an average mortgage loan financing balance of $501.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Our repurchase agreement debt was also lower at March 31, 2016, compared to March 31, 2015. The decrease in repurchase agreement financing and increase in mortgage loan financing increased the average cost of financing.
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses totaled $29.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $29.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The $0.5 million increase in net interest income after provision for loan losses was primarily attributable to the increase in loan and securities investment balances during 2016 compared to the same period a year ago, partially offset by the increase in debt balance.
 
Cost of funds, a non-GAAP measure, totaled $37.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $34.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The $2.8 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.
 

82


Interest spreads
 
As of March 31, 2016, the weighted average yield on our mortgage loan receivables was 7.0%, compared to 6.9% as of March 31, 2015 as the weighted average yield on new loans originated was higher than the weighted average yield on loans that were securitized or paid off. As of March 31, 2016, the weighted average interest rate on borrowings against our mortgage loan receivables was 2.3%, compared to 2.2% as of March 31, 2015. The increase in the rate on borrowings against our mortgage loan receivables from March 31, 2015 to March 31, 2016 was primarily due to higher prevailing market borrowing costs. As of March 31, 2016, we had outstanding borrowings secured by our mortgage loan receivables equal to 44.6% of the carrying value of our mortgage loan receivables, compared to 45.1% as of March 31, 2015.

As of March 31, 2016, the weighted average yield on our real estate securities was 3.0%, compared to 2.6% as of March 31, 2015 as the weighted average yield on securities purchased was higher than the weighted average yield on securities that were sold or paid off.  As of March 31, 2016, the weighted average interest rate on borrowings against our real estate securities was 1.1%, compared to 0.9% as of March 31, 2015. The increase in the rate on borrowings against our real estate securities from March 31, 2015 to March 31, 2016 was primarily due to higher prevailing market borrowing costs. As of March 31, 2016, we had outstanding borrowings secured by our real estate securities equal to 81.8% of the carrying value of our real estate securities, compared to 82.4% as of March 31, 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 March 31, 2016 and 2015, the weighted average interest rate on mortgage borrowings against our real estate was 4.9%, compared to 4.3% as of March 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2016, we had outstanding borrowings secured by our real estate equal to 67.7% of the carrying value of our real estate, compared to 61.7% as of March 31, 2015.
 
Provision for loan losses
 
We had a $0.2 million provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. 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 a result, our provision for loan losses remained unchanged for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. As of March 31, 2016, two of the Company’s loans, which were originated simultaneously as part of a single transaction, with a carrying value of $26.7 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 $19.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $19.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The increase of $0.2 million was attributable to a full period of operations of properties acquired in 2015.

Tenant recoveries totaled $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The decrease of $1.2 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 $7.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $30.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $22.2 million. In the three months ended March 31, 2016, we participated in two separate securitization transactions, selling 26 loans with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $249.2 million. In the three months ended March 31, 2015, we participated in two separate securitization transactions, selling 45 loans with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $634.4 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 decrease in income from sales of securitized loans, net of hedging of $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $17.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 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.
 

83


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 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.
 
Realized gain (loss) on securities
 
Realized gain (loss) on securities totaled $(0.6) million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $12.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease of $12.7 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 loss. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we sold $15.5 million of securities, comprised of $15.0 million of CMBS and $0.5 million U.S. Agency Securities. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, we sold $370.3 million of securities, comprised of $370.3 million of CMBS and no 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 $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to a loss of $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The positive change of $2.0 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 three months ended March 31, 2016.
 
Income from sales of real estate, net
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, income from sales of real estate, net totaled $6.1 million, compared to $7.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The decrease of $1.6 million was a result of the commercial real estate and residential condominium sales discussed below.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we sold one single-tenant retail property resulting in a net gain on sale of $0.7 million. There were no sales of commercial real estate properties during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, income from sales of residential condominiums totaled $5.4 million. We sold 17 residential condominium units from Veer Towers in Las Vegas, NV, resulting in a net gain on sale of $4.0 million, and 21 residential condominium units from Terrazas River Park Village in Miami, FL, resulting in a net gain on sale of $1.4 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, income from sales of residential condominiums totaled $7.7 million. We sold 25 residential condominium units from Veer Towers in Las Vegas, NV, resulting in a net gain on sale of $5.4 million, and 33 residential condominium units from Terrazas River Park Village in Miami, FL, resulting in a net gain on sale of $2.2 million.
 
Other income
 
Fee and other income totaled $3.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. We generated fee income from the management of our institutional partnership and our managed account, both of which were terminated during 2015, dividend income on our investment in FHLB stock, as well as from origination fees, exit fees and other fees on the loans we originate and in which we invest. The $0.5 million decrease in fee and other income year-over-year was primarily due to a decrease in management fees from our institutional partnership and our managed account and lower origination fees due to lower origination volume in 2016.


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Net result from derivative transactions
 
Net result from derivative transactions represented a loss of $50.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, which was comprised of an unrealized loss of $9.6 million and a realized loss of $41.2 million, compared to a loss of $39.1 million which was comprised of an unrealized loss of $11.4 million and a realized loss of $27.7 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, a negative change of $11.8 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 three months ended March 31, 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 $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Earnings from our investment in LCRIP I totaled $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 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 March 31, 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 $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Earnings (loss) from our investment in 24 Second Avenue totaled $(0.3) million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to none for the three months ended March 31, 2015. We made our investment in 24 Second Avenue on August 7, 2015 and incurred $0.3 million in upfront development costs.

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt totaled $5.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to none for the three months ended March 31, 2015. During the three months ended March 31, 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 $12.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $13.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 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 $1.2 million in compensation expense was attributable to the decrease in incentive compensation expense in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared the three months ended March 31, 2015 due to reduced actual Net Revenues and loan/investment production in the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses totaled $6.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $8.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Operating expenses are primarily composed of professional fees, lease expense, and technology expenses. The decrease of $2.5 million represents non-recurring REIT transaction costs in 2015 and cost cutting initiatives in 2016.

Real estate operating expenses

Real estate operating expenses totaled $5.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $9.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The decrease of $3.7 million in real estate operating expense was in part due to the sale of office and residential real estate in 2015 and 2016.


85


Real estate acquisition costs
 
There were no real estate acquisition costs for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The decrease of $0.6 million in real estate acquisition costs was due to no real estate acquisitions during the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $103.3 million of real estate acquisitions during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
 
Fee expense
 
Fee expense totaled $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Fee expense is comprised primarily of custodian fees, financing costs and servicing fees related to loans. The decrease of $0.4 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 March 31, 2016, as compared to at March 31, 2015.
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
Depreciation and amortization totaled $9.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $9.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The $0.1 million increase in depreciation and amortization is attributable to 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 $(0.9) million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The decrease of $4.0 million is primarily attributable to a decrease in income (loss) before taxes.

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.
 

86


We seek to maintain a debt-to-equity ratio of 3:1 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.
 
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 March 31, 2016, we had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $82.7 million, unencumbered loans of $475.1 million and unencumbered securities of $70.1 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, $451.9 million of Tuebor’s member’s capital was restricted from transfer to Tuebor’s parent without prior approval of state insurance regulators at March 31, 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, $2.1 million of LCS’s member’s capital was restricted from transfer to LCS’s parent without prior approval of regulators at March 31, 2016.
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
We held unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $82.7 million and $109.0 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
 
Cash generated from operations
 
Our operating activities were a net provider of cash of $182.3 million and $168.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectfully. 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 March 31, 2016 and 2015 are set forth in the table below ($ in thousands):

 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
Committed loan facilities
$
535,588

 
$
704,149

Committed securities facility
203,059

 
161,887

Uncommitted securities facilities
365,692

 
394,719

Total repurchase agreements
1,104,339

 
1,260,755

Mortgage loan financing
547,776

 
544,663

Borrowings from the FHLB
1,881,200

 
1,856,700

Senior unsecured notes
558,134

 
612,605

Total debt obligations
$
4,091,449

 
$
4,274,723

 
The Company’s repurchase facilities include covenants covering minimum net worth requirements (ranging from $100.0 million to $900.3 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 March 31, 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 $1.5 billion of credit capacity. As of March 31, 2016, the Company had $535.6 million of borrowings outstanding, with an additional $949.4 million 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 March 31, 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.
 

88


Committed securities facility
 
We are a party to a term master repurchase agreement with a major U.S. banking institution for CMBS, totaling $300.0 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 March 31, 2016, the Company had $203.1 million of borrowings outstanding, with an additional $96.9 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
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
382,161

 
428,531

 
559,516

 
382,161

 
428,531

 
559,516

 

 

 

June 30, 2013
 
254,978

 
236,809

 
415,182

 
254,978

 
236,809

 
415,182

 

 

 

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

 

 

 


(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.
 
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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there were no borrowings outstanding under this facility.


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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 March 31, 2016 and 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 three months ended March 31, 2016, we executed four 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 $547.8 million at March 31, 2016 and $544.7 million at December 31, 2015. These long-term nonrecourse mortgages include net unamortized premiums of $6.0 million and $6.1 million at March 31, 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 $0.2 million and $0.2 million of premium amortization, which decreased interest expense, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The loans are collateralized by real estate and related lease intangibles, net, of $712.5 million and $711.1 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.


90


FHLB financing
 
On July 11, 2012, Tuebor Captive Insurance Company LLC (“Tuebor”) became a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”). As of March 31, 2016, Tuebor had $1.9 billion of borrowings outstanding (with an additional $340.8 million of committed term financing available from the FHLB), with terms of overnight to 8 years, interest rates of 0.38% to 2.74%, and advance rates of 50% to 95.2% of the collateral. As of March 31, 2016, collateral for the borrowings was comprised of $1.8 billion of CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities and $507.7 million of first mortgage commercial real estate loans. On June 26, 2015, Tuebor’s advance limit was increased to the lowest of $2.9 billion, 40% of Ladder Capital Corp’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 46.0% of the Company’s outstanding debt obligations as of March 31, 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.
 
There is no assurance that the FHFA or the FHLB may 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, $451.9 million of the member’s capital were restricted from transfer to Tuebor’s parent without prior approval of state insurance regulators at March 31, 2016.


91


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 three months ended March 31, 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 three months ended March 31, 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 March 31, 2016, the Company has a 57.6% 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 $5.7 million, were included in senior unsecured notes as of March 31, 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).

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 March 31, 2016, the Company has a remaining amount available for repurchase of $44.4 million, which represents 5.6% in the aggregate of its outstanding Class A common stock, based on the closing price of $12.45 per share on such date.


92


The following table is a summary of our repurchase activity during the three months ended March 31, 2016 ($ in thousands):

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

Additional authorizations
 
 
 

Repurchases paid
 
424,317

 
(4,652
)
Repurchases unsettled
 
 
 

Authorizations remaining as of March 31, 2016
 
 
 
$
44,354

 
(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.

The following table presents dividends declared (on a per share basis) of Class A common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:

Declaration Date
 
Dividend per Share
 
 
 
March 1, 2016
 
$
0.275

Total
 
$
0.275

 
 
 
March 12, 2015
 
$
0.250

Total
 
$
0.250


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 $218.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and $125.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Repayment of real estate securities provided net cash of $36.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and $73.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 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 $316.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and $589.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

93


 
Proceeds from the sale of securities
 
We invest in CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities. Proceeds from sales of securities provided net cash of $15.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and $370.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 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 $23.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and $22.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
 
Proceeds from the issuance of equity
 
For the three months ended March 31, 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.
 
Contractual obligations
 
Contractual obligations as of March 31, 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
$
1,780,462

 
$
674,043

 
$
171,269

 
$
901,524

 
$
3,527,298

Senior unsecured notes

 
297,671

 

 
266,201

 
563,872

Interest payable(1)
69,229

 
111,494

 
86,351

 
81,633

 
348,707

Other funding obligations(2)
99,627

 

 

 

 
99,627

Payments pursuant to tax receivable agreement

 
1,910

 

 

 
1,910

Operating lease obligations
1,198

 
2,461

 
2,361

 
1,279

 
7,299

Total
$
1,950,516

 
$
1,087,579

 
$
259,981

 
$
1,250,637

 
$
4,548,713

 
(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 March 31, 2016 to determine the future interest payment obligations.
(2)          Comprised of our off-balance sheet unfunded commitment to provide additional first mortgage loan financing and our commitment to purchase GN construction loan securities as of March 31, 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.

94


 
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 March 31, 2016, our off-balance sheet arrangements consisted of $97.6 million of unfunded commitments of mortgage loan receivables held for investment, which was composed of $96.2 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.
 
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 measure, as a supplemental measure of our performance. We consider the Class A common shareholders of the Company and Continuing LCFH Limited Partners to have fundamentally equivalent interest 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 interests 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.
 

95


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

 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before taxes
$
(12,317
)
 
$
21,068

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures (GAAP)
232

 
(191
)
Our share of real estate depreciation, amortization and gain adjustments (1)
8,304

 
8,404

Adjustments for unrecognized derivative results (2)
39,348

 
11,518

Unrealized (gain) loss on agency IO securities
(660
)
 
1,318

Premium (discount) on mortgage loan financing, net of amortization
(35
)
 
2,131

Non-cash stock-based compensation
3,331

 
2,249

One-time transactional adjustment (3)

 
1,509

Core Earnings
$
38,203

 
$
48,006

 


(1)
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 March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total GAAP depreciation and amortization
$
9,802

 
$
9,723

 
Less: Depreciation and amortization related to non-rental property fixed assets
(5
)
 
(5
)
 
Less: Non-controlling interests’ share of consolidated depreciation and amortization
(673
)
 
(745
)
 
Our share of real estate depreciation and amortization
$
9,124

 
$
8,973

 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized gain from accumulated depreciation and amortization on real estate sold (see below)
$
(824
)
 
$
(573
)
 
Less: Non-controlling interests’ share of accumulated depreciation and amortization on real estate sold
4

 
4

 
Our share of accumulated depreciation and amortization on real estate sold
$
(820
)
 
$
(569
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our share of real estate depreciation and amortization and gain adjustments
$
8,304

 
$
8,404

 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP gains/losses on sales of real estate include the effects of previously recognized real estate depreciation and amortization. For purposes of Core Earnings, real estate depreciation and amortization are 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 March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP realized gain on sale of real estate, net
$
6,095

 
$
7,662

 
Less: Realized gain from accumulated depreciation and amortization on real estate sold
(824
)
 
(573
)
 
Adjusted gain/loss on sale of real estate for purposes of Core Earnings
$
5,271

 
$
7,089

 
 
 
 
 

96


(2)
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 March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hedging interest expense
$
(7,421
)
 
$
(7,336
)
 
Hedging realized result
(4,093
)
 
(20,285
)
 
Hedging unrecognized result
(39,348
)
 
(11,518
)
 
Net results from derivative transactions
$
(50,862
)
 
$
(39,139
)
 
 
 
 
 
(3)
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.

We present Core Earnings because we believe it 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 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 as an alternative to cash flow as a measure of our liquidity or any other performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.
 
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.
 
Income from sales of securitized loans, net of hedging
 
We present income from sales of securitized loans, net of hedging, a non-GAAP 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 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):


97


 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
Number of loans
26

 
45

Face amount of loans sold into securitizations
$
249,156

 
$
634,439

Number of securitizations
2

 
2

 
 
 
 
 
Income from sales of securitized loans, net (1)
$
7,545

 
$
30,027

Hedge gain/(loss) related to loans securitized (2)
(3,808
)
 
(12,776
)
Income from sales of securitized loans, net of hedging
$
3,737

 
$
17,251

 
(1)                                The following is a reconciliation of the non-GAAP 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 March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
Income from sales of loans (non-securitized), net
$
285

 
$

Income from sales of securitized loans, net
7,545

 
30,027

Income from sales of loans, net
$
7,830

 
$
30,027

   
(2)                                The following is a reconciliation of the non-GAAP 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 March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
Hedge gain/(loss) related to lending and securities positions
$
(46,769
)
 
$
(26,363
)
Hedge gain/(loss) related to loans (non-securitized)
(285
)
 

Hedge gain/(loss) related to loans securitized
(3,808
)
 
(12,776
)
Net results from derivative transactions
$
(50,862
)
 
$
(39,139
)

Cost of funds
 
We present cost of funds, which is a non-GAAP 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 measure, is defined as interest income, less cost of funds.
 

98


Set forth below is an unaudited reconciliation of interest expense to cost of funds ($ in thousands):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
$
(29,536
)
 
$
(26,824
)
Net interest expense component of hedging activities (1)
(7,421
)
 
(7,336
)
Cost of funds
$
(36,957
)
 
$
(34,160
)
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
59,601

 
$
56,383

Cost of funds
(36,957
)
 
(34,159
)
Interest income, net of cost of funds
$
22,644

 
$
22,224

 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Net interest expense component of hedging activities
$
(7,421
)
 
$
(7,336
)
 
Hedging realized result
(4,093
)
 
(20,285
)
 
Hedging unrecognized result
(39,348
)
 
(11,518
)
 
Net result from derivative transactions
$
(50,862
)
 
$
(39,139
)

 
Net Revenues
 
We present Net Revenues, which is a non-GAAP 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 March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
$
29,915

 
$
29,409

Total other income
(7,070
)
 
35,037

Net Revenues
$
22,845

 
$
64,446



99


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 March 31, 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 March 31, 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%
$
(1,897
)
 
$
42,829

Increase by 1.00%
5,452

 
(42,173
)
 
(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.
 

100


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 March 31, 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. The Company established registered investment adviser subsidiaries, Ladder Capital Adviser LLC and LCR Income I GP LLC (the “Advisers”). The Advisers are required to be compliant with SEC requirements on an ongoing basis and are 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 Advisers 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 March 31, 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 March 31, 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 March 31, 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 March 31, 2016 to the risk factors in Item 1A in our Annual Report.

Item 2. Unregistered Sale of Securities

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, 2,077,764 Series REIT LP Units and 2,077,764 Series TRS LP Units were collectively exchanged for 2,077,764 shares of Class A common stock and 2,077,764 shares of Class B common stock were canceled. We received no other consideration in connection with these exchanges, which were effected in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

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 March 31, 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.

The following table presents information with respect to repurchases of Class A common stock of the Company made during the three months ended March 31, 2016 ($ in thousands, except per share data and average price paid per share):

Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(2)
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 1, 2016 - January 31, 2016
 

 
$

 

 
$
49,006

February 1, 2016 - February 29, 2016
 
149,388

 
10.56

 
149,388

 
47,428

March 1, 2016 - March 31, 2016
 
274,929

 
11.18

 
274,929

 
44,353

Total
 
424,317

 
$
10.96

 
424,317

 
$
44,353

 
(1)         The total number of shares repurchased includes shares purchased pursuant to the plan described in footnote (2) below.
(2)         In August of 2015, we publicly disclosed that our board of directors had authorized the Company to repurchase up to $50.0 million of the Company’s common stock from time to time.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.


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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 March 31, 2016, (ii) the Combined Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2016, (iii) the Combined Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2016, (iv) the Combined Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2016, (v) the Combined Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 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: May 6, 2016
 
By:
/s/ BRIAN HARRIS
 
 
 
Brian Harris
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
Date: May 6, 2016
 
By:
/s/ MARC FOX
 
 
 
Marc Fox
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer


106