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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 23, 2013

Registration No. 333-            

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

LADDER CAPITAL CORP

(Exact Name of Each Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware    6500    80-0925494

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

  

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

  

(I.R.S. employer

identification number)

 

 

345 Park Avenue, 8th Floor

New York, New York 10154

(212) 715-3170

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

 

 

Marc Fox

Chief Financial Officer

Ladder Capital Corp

345 Park Avenue, 8th Floor

New York, New York 10154

(212) 715-3170

(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)

 

 

Copies to:

Joshua N. Korff, Esq.

Michael Kim, Esq.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

601 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10022

(212) 446-4800

(212) 446-4900 (facsimile)

 

David J. Goldschmidt, Esq.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

4 Times Square

New York, New York 10036

(212) 735-3000

(212) 735-2000 (facsimile)

 

 

APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as reasonably practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box:   ¨

If this Form is filed to registered additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ¨

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   ¨   Accelerated filer   ¨   Non-accelerated filer   x   Smaller reporting company   ¨

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to Be Registered

 

Proposed Maximum

Aggregate Offering Price(1)(2)

 

Amount of

Registration Fee

Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share(2)

  $200,000,000   $25,760

 

 

(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933.
(2) Includes shares that the underwriters have the option to purchase.

THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.

 

 

 


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The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell and does not seek an offer to buy these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale thereof is not permitted.

 

Subject to Completion, dated December 23, 2013

Preliminary Prospectus

             Shares

 

LOGO

Ladder Capital Corp

Class A Common Stock

 

 

This is an initial public offering of shares of Class A common stock of Ladder Capital Corp, par value $0.001 per share.

Ladder Capital Corp is offering              shares of Class A common stock to be sold in the offering.

Prior to the offering, there has been no public market for our Class A common stock. It is currently estimated that the initial public offering price per share will be between $         and $        . We intend to apply to list our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “LADR.”

We have two authorized classes of common stock: Class A and Class B. Holders of our Class A common stock and holders of our Class B common stock are each entitled to one vote per share of the applicable class of common stock all such holders will vote together as a single class. However, holders of our Class B common stock do not have any right to receive dividends or distributions upon our liquidation or winding up. Each share of Class B common stock is, from time to time, exchangeable, when paired together with one LP Unit (as defined herein) of our operating partnership, for one share of Class A common stock, subject to equitable adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications.

Immediately following the offering, the holders of our Class A common stock will collectively own 100% of the economic interests in Ladder Capital Corp and have     % of the voting power of Ladder Capital Corp. The holders of our Class B common stock will have the remaining     % of the voting power of Ladder Capital Corp.

We are an “emerging growth company,” as that term is defined under the federal securities laws and, as such, may elect to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements.

See “ Risk Factors ” on page 22 to read about factors you should consider before buying shares of our Class A common stock.

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

     Per Share        Total  

Initial public offering price

   $                      $                

Underwriting discount

   $                      $                

Proceeds, before expenses, to us

   $                      $                

The underwriters have the option to purchase up to an              additional shares from us at the initial public offering price, less the underwriting discount, within 30 days from the date of this prospectus.

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares of Class A common stock against payment therefore in New York, New York on or about                     , 2014.

Joint Book-Running Managers

 

Deutsche Bank Securities   Citigroup   Wells Fargo Securities   BofA Merrill Lynch   J.P. Morgan

Co-Managers

 

FBR   JMP Securities  

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods

A Stifel Company

Prospectus dated                     , 2014.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

     1   

RISK FACTORS

     22   

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     66   

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

     68   

USE OF PROCEEDS

     75   

DIVIDEND POLICY

     76   

CAPITALIZATION

     77   

DILUTION

     78   

SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     80   

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     82   

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     90   

BUSINESS

     135   

MANAGEMENT

     159   

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     165   

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     177   

PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

     183   

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

     185   

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

     191   

U.S. FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS

     194   

UNDERWRITING

     198   

MARKET, INDUSTRY AND OTHER DATA

     207   

LEGAL MATTERS

     207   

EXPERTS

     207   

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     207   

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     F-1   

Through and including                     , 2014 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in the offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to any unsold allotment or subscription.

Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectuses we have prepared. Neither we nor the underwriters take any responsibility for, nor can we or they provide any assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the shares offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of its date. Our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may have changed since that date.

 

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights material information about our business and the offering of our Class A common stock. This is a summary of material information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and is not complete and does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. For a more complete understanding of our business and the offering, you should read this entire prospectus, including the section entitled “Risk Factors,” as well as the consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto.

Unless otherwise noted or indicated by the context, the terms “Ladder,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer (1) prior to the consummation of the Offering Transactions described under “Organizational Structure—Offering Transactions,” to Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP (“LCFH”) and its consolidated subsidiaries, and (2) after the Offering Transactions described under “Organizational Structure—Offering Transactions,” to Ladder Capital Corp and its consolidated subsidiaries, including LCFH.

Our Company

We are a leading commercial real estate finance company with a proprietary loan origination platform and an established national footprint. As a non-bank operating company, we believe that we are well-positioned to benefit from the opportunities arising from the diminished supply of commercial real estate debt capital and the substantial demand for new financings in the sector. We believe our comprehensive, fully-integrated in-house infrastructure, access to a diverse array of committed financing sources and highly experienced management team of industry veterans will allow us to continue to prudently grow our business as we endeavor to capitalize on profitable opportunities in various market conditions.

We conduct our business through three major business lines: commercial mortgage lending, investments in securities secured by first mortgage loans, and investments in selected net leased and other commercial real estate assets. We have historically been able to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns by flexibly allocating capital among these well-established, complementary business lines. We believe that we have a competitive advantage through our ability to offer a wide range of products, providing complete solutions across the capital structure to our borrowers. We apply a comprehensive best practices underwriting approach to every loan and investment that we make, rooted in management’s deep understanding of fundamental real estate values and proven expertise in these complementary business lines through multiple economic and credit cycles.

Our primary business strategy is originating first mortgage loans, which we refer to as conduit loans, on stabilized, income producing commercial real estate properties that are available for sale in securitizations. From our inception in October 2008 through September 30, 2013, we originated $5.4 billion of conduit commercial real estate loans, $5.1 billion of which were sold into 16 securitizations, making us, by volume, the second largest non-bank contributor of loans to Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”) securitizations in the United States for that period according to Commercial Mortgage Alert. The securitization of conduit loans has been a consistently profitable business for us and enables us to reinvest our equity capital into new loan originations or allocate it to other investments. In addition to conduit loans, we originated $1.1 billion of balance sheet loans held for investment from inception through September 30, 2013. During that timeframe, we also acquired $5.2 billion of investment grade-rated securities secured by first mortgage loans on commercial real estate and $654.2 million of selected net leased and other commercial real estate assets.

 

 

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Although our securities investments and real estate assets remain available for opportunistic sales, these balance sheet business lines provide for a stable base of net interest and rental income and are complementary to our conduit lending activities. As of September 30, 2013, we had $2.5 billion in total assets and $1.2 billion in total book equity.

We seek to operate an adaptable and sustainable business model by retaining and reinvesting earnings in complementary commercial real estate investments. We are structured as a C-Corp to allow us to reinvest our equity capital, which we believe enhances our overall growth prospects and return on equity and facilitates our securitization business.

We are led by a disciplined and highly aligned management team, the core of which has worked together for more than a decade. As of September 30, 2013, our management team and chairman held equity capital accounts in our company comprising $93.4 million of book equity, or 8.0% of our total partners’ capital. On average, our management team members have 25 years of experience in the industry. Our management team includes Brian Harris, Chief Executive Officer; Michael Mazzei, President; Greta Guggenheim, Chief Investment Officer; Pamela McCormack, General Counsel and Co-Head of Securitization; Marc Fox, Chief Financial Officer; Thomas Harney, Head of Merchant Banking & Capital Markets; and Robert Perelman, Head of Asset Management.

Ladder was founded in October 2008 and we are currently capitalized by our management team and a group of leading global institutional investors, including affiliates of Alberta Investment Management Corp., GI International L.P. (“GI Partners”), Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System and TowerBrook Capital Partners (“TowerBrook”). We have built our operating business to include 59 full-time industry professionals 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 have a diversified and flexible financing strategy supporting our business operations, including significant committed term financing from leading financial institutions. As of September 30, 2013, we had $1.2 billion of debt financing outstanding, including $608.0 million of financing from the FHLB (with an additional $797.0 million of committed term financing available to us), $291.2 million of third-party, non-recourse mortgage debt, $6.2 million of other securities financing, and $325.0 million of our 7.375% Senior Notes due October 1, 2017 (“Notes”). We had no committed secured term repurchase agreement financing outstanding (with an additional $1.9 billion of committed secured term financing available to us) as of September 30, 2013. As of September 30, 2013, our debt-to-equity ratio was 1.0:1.0, as we employ leverage prudently to maximize financial flexibility.

Our Market Opportunity

Commercial real estate is a capital-intensive business that relies heavily on debt capital to develop, acquire, maintain and refinance commercial properties. We believe that demand for commercial real estate debt financing, together with a reduction in the supply of traditional bank financing, presents compelling opportunities to generate attractive returns for an established, well-financed, non-bank lender like our firm.

There were $3.1 trillion of commercial mortgage loans outstanding in the United States as of September 30, 2013. The commercial real estate market faces significant near-term debt maturities, with over $1.6 trillion of commercial and multifamily real estate debt scheduled to

 

 

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mature from 2014 through 2018. The following chart shows commercial real estate debt maturities as of June 30, 2013:

 

LOGO

Source: Trepp LLC

Improving commercial property values as well as a growing CMBS market have contributed to a more positive environment for commercial real estate assets over the last several years and created a substantial opportunity for new loan origination. New issuances in the CMBS market expanded from $11.6 billion in 2010 to $48.4 billion in 2012. In the first nine months of 2013, this growth trend showed signs of accelerating as $60.5 billion of new CMBS were issued, but is still a fraction of historical issuance levels. The following chart shows historical CMBS issuance from 1995 through the first nine months of 2013:

 

LOGO

Source: Commercial Mortgage Alert

 

 

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Additionally, many traditional commercial real estate lenders that have historically competed for loans within our target market are facing tighter capital constraints due to changes in banking regulations. Given this confluence of market dynamics, we believe that we are well positioned to capitalize and profit from these industry trends.

Our Business and Growth Strategies

We have steadily built our business to capitalize on opportunities in the commercial real estate finance market, generating profitable growth while creating the diversified, national lending and investment platform we have today. We intend to utilize the net proceeds of the offering and the earnings we retain to expand our business by focusing on the following strategies:

 

   

Increasing the volume and frequency of our conduit loan securitizations .    Our primary business strategy is to originate conduit loans for sale into CMBS securitizations. We expect to be able to increase the volume and frequency of our conduit loan securitizations as a result of the growth in new CMBS issuance driven by favorable supply and demand dynamics. We believe we are well-positioned to continue to increase our market share of new U.S. CMBS issuance, which was 2.8% in 2010, 3.1% in 2011, 3.3% in 2012, and 3.6% in the first nine months of 2013, while maintaining our high credit standards and pricing discipline.

 

   

Originating more loans and increasing the average size of the loans we originate.     We expect our lending business to continue to grow as we build larger and more diverse portfolios of conduit loans for securitization, originate selected large loans for single-asset securitizations and originate additional, larger balance sheet loans held for investment. Our origination of balance sheet loans held for investment will support the growth of our conduit lending business in the future as the properties that secure these loans become eligible for longer-term conduit financing from us upon maturity. We believe that we have a competitive advantage through our ability to offer this wide range of products.

 

   

Expanding investments in selected net leased and other commercial real estate equity.     We expect to grow our net leased and other real estate investment business through direct investments as well as investments in real estate partnerships with experienced managers and co-investors. Our net leased strategy is generally to purchase real estate, originate a non-recourse conduit loan secured by that real estate and subsequently securitize that loan. This strategy has enabled us to realize an attractive levered return on our net leased real estate investments while garnering a control position in the underlying properties. We may also sell such properties for a profit. In addition, as we grow our balance sheet loan portfolio, we expect to make loans with equity-linked participations to capture a portion of any appreciation in the value of such properties.

 

   

Pursuing other attractive opportunities .    We expect to pursue other complementary growth opportunities as they arise. Such opportunities may include growing our third party asset management business as well as opportunistic acquisitions of third party commercial real estate finance-related businesses or assets that we view as synergistic with our current operations.

 

 

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Our Competitive Strengths

Our competitive strengths include:

 

   

Recognized national lending franchise.     Ladder is a recognized and well-regarded brand name in the U.S. commercial real estate lending market. From inception through September 30, 2013, we originated $5.4 billion of conduit commercial real estate loans, $5.1 billion of which were sold into 16 CMBS securitizations, making us the second largest non-bank contributor by volume to CMBS securitizations in the United States for that period, according to Commercial Mortgage Alert. We have partnered in CMBS securitizations as a loan seller and co-manager with prominent commercial real estate platforms, including affiliates of Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, RBS Securities Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. We believe our reputation as an established lender helps us access new borrowers in our origination business, and makes us an attractive partner to investors in the CMBS market as well as our lenders and securitization partners.

 

   

Established, fully-integrated commercial real estate finance platform .    Since our inception, we have operated an internally managed and vertically integrated commercial mortgage origination platform. Our staff of 59 full-time industry professionals specializing in loan origination, underwriting, structuring, securitization, trading, financing and asset management allows us to manage and control the loan process from origination through closing and, when appropriate, sale or other disposition. In an industry characterized by high barriers to entry, including requisite relationships with borrowers, mortgage brokers, securitization partners, investors (including CMBS investors), and financing sources, we are a well-established operating business with a comprehensive in-house infrastructure.

 

   

Complementary, diverse business lines.     We apply our knowledge of commercial real estate across the commercial real estate investing spectrum, including to whole loans, securities and real estate equity. We believe our ability to offer borrowers a diverse range of financing products, including interim balance sheet loans, gives us a competitive advantage compared to certain of our competitors who focus more exclusively on conduit loans. In addition, our robust and diversified investment platform provides us with the ability to capture relative value opportunities among the various products in different market environments. It affords us market presence and insight, as well as the ability to flexibly allocate our capital among our business lines to hedge risk and achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns.

 

   

Strong credit culture, experienced management team and alignment of interests.     We conduct a comprehensive credit and underwriting review prior to closing any transaction and we have not had an event of default declared or credit loss on the loans and investments we have made since our inception. Our focus on strong credit practices is supported and monitored by our experienced management team, who together with our chairman, held equity capital accounts in our company comprising $93.4 million of book equity value, representing 8.0% of total partners’ capital, as of September 30, 2013. Our credit culture is further reinforced by the alignment of our loan origination team, whose members are compensated based on loan profitability and performance and not on volume.

 

   

Operating flexibility resulting from our corporate structure and moderate leverage.     Our corporate structure facilitates our securitization business and allows us to retain and reinvest earnings. In addition, our access to diverse, long term and low-cost financing,

 

 

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particularly via our FHLB membership, is a mark of distinction compared to our non-bank competitors, allowing us to better match the characteristics of our funding liabilities with those of our investment assets at an attractive cost of funds. We also deploy leverage prudently. As of September 30, 2013, our debt-to-equity ratio was 1.0:1.0, and we had $2.6 billion of committed, undrawn funding capacity available to finance our business and $1.0 billion in unencumbered assets.

Our Business Segments

We invest primarily in loans, securities and other interests in U.S. commercial real estate, with a focus on senior secured assets. Our mix of business segments is 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 consolidated financial statements as of the dates indicated below:

 

     As of
September 30,
2013
     As of December 31,  
        2012      2011      2010  
     ($ in thousands)  

Loans

           

Conduit first mortgage loans

   $ 93,031       $ 623,333       $ 258,842       $ 353,946   

Balance sheet first mortgage loans

     266,180         229,926         229,378         149,104   

Other commercial real estate-related loans

     103,429         96,392         25,819         6,754   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total loans

   $ 462,640       $ 949,651       $ 514,039       $ 509,804   

Securities

           

CMBS investments

     1,084,791         833,916         1,664,001         1,736,043   

U.S. Agency Securities investments

     232,185         291,646         281,069         189,467   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total securities

   $ 1,316,976       $ 1,125,562       $ 1,945,070       $ 1,925,510   

Real Estate

           

Total real estate, net

     510,147         380,022         28,835         25,669   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

   $ 2,289,763       $ 2,455,235       $ 2,487,944       $ 2,460,983   

Cash, cash equivalents and cash collateral held by broker

     98,716         109,169         138,630         105,138   

Other assets

     117,688         64,626         27,815         21,667   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 2,506,167       $ 2,629,030       $ 2,654,389       $ 2,587,788   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loans

Conduit First Mortgage Loans .    We originate first mortgage loans, which we refer to as conduit 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 five- to ten-year terms. Our loans are directly originated by an internal team that has longstanding and strong relationships with borrowers and mortgage brokers throughout the United States. We follow a rigorous investment process, which begins with an initial due diligence review; continues through a comprehensive legal and underwriting process incorporating multiple internal and external checks and balances; and culminates in approval or disapproval of each prospective investment by our Investment Committee. Conduit first mortgage loans in excess of $50.0 million also require approval of our Board of Directors’ Risk and Underwriting Committee.

 

 

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Although our primary intent is to sell our conduit first mortgage loans to CMBS securitization trusts, we generally seek to maintain the flexibility to keep them on our balance sheet, offer them for sale to CMBS trusts as part of a securitization process or otherwise sell them as whole loans to third-party institutional investors. From our inception in 2008 through September 30, 2013, we originated and funded $5.4 billion of conduit first mortgage loans, and securitized $5.1 billion of such mortgage loans in 16 separate transactions, including two securitizations in 2010, three securitizations in 2011, six securitizations in 2012 and five securitizations in the nine months ended September 30, 2013. 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, RBS Securities Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, and we have also completed a single-asset securitization. During 2012 and the first nine months of 2013, conduit first mortgage loans have remained on our balance sheet for a weighted average of 80 and 75 days, respectively, prior to securitization, respectively. As of September 30, 2013, we held four first mortgage loans that were available to be offered for sale into a securitization with an aggregate book value of $93.0 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 64.1% at September 30, 2013.

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, renovation or repositioning. These mortgage loans are structured to fit the needs and business plans of the borrowers, and generally have floating rates and terms (including extension options) ranging from one to three 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, or offer them for sale to our institutional bridge loan partnership. From our inception in October 2008 through September 30, 2013, we originated and funded $1.1 billion of balance sheet first mortgage loans. 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) or sold to our institutional bridge loan partnership. As of September 30, 2013, we held a portfolio of 18 balance sheet first mortgage loans with an aggregate book value of $266.2 million. 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 58.4% at September 30, 2013.

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. As of September 30, 2013, we held $103.4 million of other commercial real estate-related loans. Based on the loan balance and the “as-is” third-party FIRREA appraised values at origination, the weighted average loan-to-value ratio of the portfolio was 74.9%.

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

 

 

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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. CMBS investments in excess of $26.0 million require the approval of our Board of Directors’ Risk and Underwriting Committee. As of September 30, 2013, the estimated fair value of our portfolio of CMBS investments totaled $1.1 billion in 100 CUSIPs ($10.8 million average investment per CUSIP). As of that date, all of our CMBS investments were rated investment grade by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch Ratings Inc. (“Fitch”), consisting of 78.9% AAA/Aaa-rated securities and 21.1% of other investment grade-rated securities, including 12.1% rated AA/Aa, 3.0% rated A/A and 6.0% rated BBB/Baa. In the future, we may invest in CMBS securities that are not rated. As of September 30, 2013, our CMBS investments had a weighted average duration of 4.3 years.

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 the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), or by a government-sponsored enterprise (a “GSE”), such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”). As of September 30, 2013, the estimated fair value of our portfolio of U.S. Agency Securities was $232.2 million in 52 CUSIPs ($4.5 million average investment per CUSIP), with a weighted average duration of 3.4 years.

Real estate

Commercial real estate properties .    As of September 30, 2013, we owned 34 single tenant retail properties with an aggregate book value of $259.4 million. These properties are leased on a net basis where the tenant is generally responsible for payment of real estate taxes, building insurance and maintenance expenses. Sixteen of our properties are leased to a national pharmacy chain, and the remaining properties are leased to a national discount retailer, a regional sporting goods store, and a regional membership warehouse club. As of September 30, 2013, our net leased properties comprised a total of 1.4 million square feet, had a 100% occupancy rate, had an average age since construction of 6.6 years and a weighted average remaining lease term of 19.0 years. In addition, as of September 30, 2013, we owned a 13 story office building with a book value of $18.0 million through a joint venture with an operating partner, and a portfolio of office properties with a book value of $132.7 million through a separate joint venture with an operating partner.

Residential real estate.     As of September 30, 2013, we owned 356 residential condominium units at Veer Towers in Las Vegas with a book value of $100.2 million through a joint venture with an operating partner. As of September 30, 2013, the units were 59% rented and occupied. We sold 71 units during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, generating aggregate gains on sale of $10.9 million, and we intend to sell the remaining units over time.

Other Investments

Institutional bridge loan partnership.     In 2011, we established an institutional partnership with a Canadian sovereign pension fund to invest in first mortgage bridge loans that meet pre-defined criteria. Our partner owns 90% of the limited partnership interest and we own the remaining 10% on a pari passu basis as well as 100% of the general partnership interest. Our partner retains the discretion to accept or reject individual loans and following the expiration of an exclusivity period, we retain discretion on which loans to present to the partnership. As the

 

 

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general partner, we earn management fees and incentive fees from the partnership. In addition, we are entitled to retain origination fees of up to 1% on loans that we sell to the partnership. As of September 30, 2013, the partnership owned $146.2 million of first mortgage bridge loan assets that were financed by $50.1 million of term debt. Debt of the partnership is nonrecourse to the limited and general partners, except for customary nonrecourse carve-outs for certain actions and environmental liability. As of September 30, 2013, the book value of our investment in the institutional partnership was $9.9 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, the loan was refinanced and we converted our kicker into a 25% limited liability company interest in Grace Lake JV, LLC (the “LLC”). As of September 30, 2013, the LLC owned an office building with a carrying value of $78.4 million that is financed by $78.2 million of long-term debt. Debt of the LLC is nonrecourse to the limited liability company members, except for customary nonrecourse carve-outs for certain actions and environmental liability. As of September 30, 2013, the book value of our investment in the LLC was $2.1 million.

Other asset management activities.     As of September 30, 2013, we also managed three separate CMBS investment accounts for private investors with combined total assets of $7.0 million. As of October 2012, we are no longer purchasing any new investments for these accounts, however, we will continue to manage the existing investments until their full repayment or other disposition.

Our Current 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, current and future earnings and cash flow from operations, existing debt facilities, and other borrowing programs in which we participate, including as a member of the FHLB.

We finance our portfolio of commercial real estate loans using committed term facilities provided by multiple financial institutions, with total commitments of $1.3 billion at September 30, 2013, a $50.0 million credit agreement, and through our FHLB membership. As of September 30, 2013, there was no debt outstanding under the term facilities or credit agreement. We finance our securities portfolio, including CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities, through our FHLB membership, a $600.0 million committed term master repurchase agreement from a leading domestic financial institution and uncommitted master repurchase agreements with numerous counterparties. As of September 30, 2013, we had total outstanding balances of $6.2 million under all securities master repurchase agreements. We finance our real estate investments with nonrecourse first mortgage loans. As of September 30, 2013, we had outstanding balances of $291.2 million on these nonrecourse mortgage loans. In addition to the amounts outstanding on our other facilities, we had $608.0 million of borrowings from the FHLB outstanding at September 30, 2013. We also had $325.0 million of Notes issued and outstanding

 

 

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as of September 30, 2013. In addition, at the closing of the offering, we intend to enter into the $75.0 million New Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations–Liquidity and Capital Resources–The New Revolving Credit Facility”). See Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 included elsewhere in this prospectus for more information about our financing arrangements.

The following table shows our sources of capital, including our financing arrangements, and our investment portfolio as of September 30, 2013:

 

Sources of Capital

  

($ in thousands)

 

Debt:

  

Repurchase agreements

   $ 6,151   

Borrowings under credit agreement

       

Long term financing

     291,238   

Borrowings from the FHLB

     608,000   

Senior unsecured notes

     325,000   

New Revolving Credit Facility

       
  

 

 

 

Total debt

     1,230,389   

Other liabilities

     98,458   

Capital (equity)

     1,177,321   
  

 

 

 

Total sources of capital

   $ 2,506,168   
  

 

 

 

Assets

  

($ in thousands)

 

Loans:

  

Conduit first mortgage loans

   $ 93,031   

Balance sheet first mortgage loans

     266,180   

Other commercial real estate-related loans

     103,429   
  

 

 

 

Total loans

   $ 462,640   

Securities:

  
  

CMBS investments

     1,084,791   

U.S. Agency Securities investments

     232,185   
  

 

 

 

Total securities

   $ 1,316,976   
  

Real estate:

  
  

Total real estate, net

     510,147   
  

 

 

 

Total investments

   $ 2,289,763   

Cash, cash equivalents and cash held by broker

     98,716   

Other assets

     117,689   
  

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 2,506,168   
  

 

 

 
 

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 assets that have a duration longer than two 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 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 loans at intervals, and also because of changes in our asset mix, due in part to such securitizations. As of September 30, 2013, our debt-to-equity ratio was 1.0:1.0. We believe that our predominantly senior secured assets and our moderate leverage provide financial flexibility to be able to capitalize on attractive market opportunities as they arise.

From time to time, we may add financing counterparties that we believe will complement our business, although the agreements governing our indebtedness may limit our ability and the ability of our present and future subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness. Our amended and restated charter and by-laws do not impose any threshold limits on our ability to use leverage.

 

 

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Organizational Structure

Following the offering, Ladder Capital Corp will be a holding company and its sole material asset will be a controlling equity interest in LCFH. Through its ability to appoint the board of LCFH, Ladder Capital Corp will indirectly operate and control all of the business and affairs and consolidate the financial results of LCFH and its subsidiaries. Prior to the completion of the offering, the limited liability limited partnership agreement of LCFH will be amended and restated to, among other things, modify its capital structure by replacing the different classes of interests currently held by the existing owners of LCFH with a single new class of units that we refer to as “LP Units.” Certain existing owners of LCFH will own LP Units and an equivalent number of shares of Ladder Capital Corp Class B common stock as of the completion of the offering (the “Continuing LCFH Limited Partners”). Our Class B common stock will entitle holders to one vote per share and will vote as a single class with our Class A common stock issued in the offering. However, the Class B common stock will not have any economic rights. Other existing owners of LCFH have elected to receive, at or prior to the closing of this offering, shares of our Class A common stock in lieu of any and all LP units and shares of Class B common stock that would otherwise be issued to such existing investors (“Exchanging Existing Owners”). The Continuing LCFH Limited Partners will have the right to exchange an equal number of LP Units and our shares of Class B common stock for shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to customary conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications. Any of our shares of Class B common stock exchanged under the exchange provisions described above will be cancelled and any LP Units exchanged under the exchange provisions described above will thereafter be owned by Ladder Capital Corp. See “Organizational Structure.”

Investment Company Act Exemption

We intend to conduct our operations so that neither we nor any of our subsidiaries are required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”).

We are organized as a holding company and conduct our businesses primarily through our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. We intend to conduct our operations so that we do not come within the definition of an investment company under Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act because less than 40% of the value of our total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis will consist of “investment securities,” which excludes, among other things, U.S. government securities and securities issued by majority-owned subsidiaries that are not themselves investment companies and are not relying on the exception from the definition of investment company set forth in Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act. We will monitor our holdings to ensure continuing and ongoing compliance with this test. In addition, we believe that we will not be considered an investment company under Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act because we will not engage primarily, hold ourselves out as being engaged primarily, or propose to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. Rather, we will be engaged primarily in the business of holding securities of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries.

We expect that certain of our subsidiaries may rely on the exclusion from the definition of an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act pursuant to Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act, which is available for entities “primarily engaged” in the business of “purchasing or otherwise acquiring mortgages and other liens on and interests in real estate.”

 

 

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This exclusion, as interpreted by the staff of the SEC, requires that an entity invest at least 55% of its assets in “qualifying real estate assets” (as that term is interpreted under Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act) and at least 80% of its assets in qualifying real estate assets and “real estate-related assets.”

Although we reserve the right to modify our business methods at any time, at the time of this offering we expect each of our subsidiaries relying on Section 3(c)(5)(C) to primarily hold assets in one or more of the following categories, which are comprised primarily of “qualifying real estate assets”: commercial mortgage loans, investments in securities secured by first mortgage loans, and investments in selected net leased and other commercial real estate assets. We expect each of our subsidiaries relying on Section 3(c)(5)(C) to rely on guidance published by the SEC or its staff or on our analyses of such guidance to determine which assets are qualifying real estate assets and real estate-related assets. To the extent that the SEC or its staff publishes new or different guidance with respect to these matters, we may be required to adjust our strategies accordingly. In addition, we may be limited in our ability to make certain investments and these limitations could result in a subsidiary holding assets we might wish to sell or selling assets we might wish to hold.

In 2011, the SEC solicited public comment on a wide range of issues relating to Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act, including the nature of the assets that qualify for purposes of the exclusion and whether companies that are engaged in the business of acquiring mortgages and mortgage-related instruments should be regulated in a manner similar to investment companies. There can be no assurance that the laws and regulations governing the Investment Company Act status of such companies, including the SEC or its staff providing more specific or different guidance regarding Section 3(c)(5)(C), will not change in a manner that adversely affects our operations.

Qualification for exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act will limit our ability to make certain investments. To the extent that the SEC staff provides more specific guidance regarding any of the matters bearing upon such tests and/or exceptions, we may be required to adjust our strategies accordingly. Any additional guidance from the SEC or its staff could provide additional flexibility to us, or it could further inhibit our ability to pursue the strategies that we have chosen. See “Business—Regulation—Investment Company Act Exemption” and “Risk factors—Risks related to our Investment Company Act exemption—Maintenance of our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act imposes significant limits on our operations.”

Corporate Information

Ladder Capital Corp was incorporated on May 21, 2013 in Delaware. Our principal executive offices are located at 345 Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10154 and our telephone number is (212) 715-3170. We maintain a website at www.laddercapital.com. The information on our website is not intended to form a part of or be incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 

 

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THE OFFERING

 

Class A common stock offered by us

            shares of Class A common stock.

 

Underwriter option to purchase additional shares

            shares of Class A common stock.

 

Common stock to be outstanding

            shares of Class A common stock (or             shares if the underwriters’ option is exercised in full), of which              shares of Class A common stock (or              shares if the underwriters’ option is exercised in full) are to be issued in this offering and              shares of Class A common stock will be held by the Exchanging Existing Owners. If all outstanding LP Units and Class B common stock held by our existing owners were exchanged for newly-issued shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis,             shares of Class A common stock (or shares if the underwriters’ option is exercised in full) would be outstanding.

 

              shares of Class B common stock equal to one share per LP Unit (other than any LP Units owned by Ladder Capital Corp or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries).

 

Voting

One vote per share; Class A and Class B common stock voting together as a single class.

 

Use of proceeds

We estimate that the net proceeds to us from the offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us will be approximately $         million (or $         million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock). We intend to use all of the net proceeds from the offering to purchase newly issued LP Units from LCFH, as described under “Organizational Structure—Offering Transactions.”

 

  The proceeds received by LCFH in connection with the sale of newly issued LP Units will be used to grow our loan origination and related commercial real estate business lines, and for general corporate purposes, and may be used to redeem $81.3 million principal amount of the Notes at an estimated total redemption price of $87.2 million. See “Use of Proceeds.”

 

Directed Share Program

At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to                  shares of common stock offered in this prospectus for our directors, officers, employees, existing investors and certain other

 

 

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persons. The sales will be made through a directed share program. We do not know if these persons will choose to purchase all, a portion or none of these reserved shares. Reserved shares purchased by participants in the directed share program will be subject to the 180-day restricted period described above under ”—No Sales of Similar Securities”. The number of shares of common stock available for sale to the general public will be reduced to the extent such persons purchase reserved shares. Any reserved shares that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other shares offered in this prospectus. We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters and their affiliates against certain liabilities and expenses, including the liabilities under the Securities Act in connection with sales of the directed shares.

 

Dividend policy

We currently intend to retain any future earnings and do not expect to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. The declaration and payment of all future dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our financial condition, earnings, contractual conditions, restrictions imposed by our credit facilities and the indenture governing our Notes or applicable laws and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. See “Dividend Policy.”

 

Listing

We intend to apply to list our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

Proposed symbol

LADR

 

Risk factors

Please read the section entitled “Risk Factors” for a discussion of some of the factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our Class A common stock.

 

Voting power held by holders of Class A

    % (or 100% if all outstanding LP Units and Class B common stock held by the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners were exchanged for newly-issued shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis).

 

Voting power held by holders of Class B

    % (or 0% if all outstanding LP Units and Class B common stock held by the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners were exchanged for newly-issued shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis).

 

Exchange rights of the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners

Prior to the offering, we will amend and restate our limited liability limited partnership agreement to provide, among

 

 

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other things, that each Continuing LCFH Limited Partner will have the right to cause us and LCFH to exchange an equal number of its LP Units and our shares of Class B common stock for shares of Class A common stock of Ladder Capital Corp on a one-for-one basis, subject to equitable adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications. Any Class B shares exchanged will be cancelled. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Amended and Restated Limited Liability Limited Partnership Agreement of LCFH.”

 

Tax receivable agreement

Future exchanges of LP Units for our Class A common stock pursuant to the exchange rights described above are expected to result in increases in Ladder Capital Corp’s allocable tax basis in the tangible and intangible assets of LCFH. These increases in tax basis will increase (for tax purposes) depreciation and amortization deductions allocable to Ladder Capital Corp and therefore reduce the amount of tax that Ladder Capital Corp otherwise would be required to pay in the future. This increase in tax basis may also decrease gain (or increase loss) on future dispositions of certain capital assets to the extent tax basis is allocated to those capital assets. We will enter into a tax receivable agreement with the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners whereby Ladder Capital Corp will agree to pay to the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners 85% of the amount of cash tax savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local taxes that Ladder Capital Corp realizes as a result of these increases in tax basis, increases in basis from such payments and deemed interest deductions arising from such payments. Ladder Capital Corp will have the right to terminate the tax receivable agreement by making payments to the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners calculated by reference to the present value of all future payments that the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners would have been entitled to receive under the tax receivable agreement using certain valuation assumptions, including assumptions that any LP Units that have not been exchanged are deemed exchanged for the market value of the Class A common stock at the time of termination and that LCFH will have sufficient taxable income in each future taxable year to fully realize all potential tax savings.

Unless otherwise indicated, the information presented in this prospectus:

 

   

assumes an initial offering price of $         per share, the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus;

 

   

assumes that the underwriters’ option to purchase             additional shares of Class A common stock from us to cover over-allotments, if any, is not exercised;

 

 

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assumes that certain direct or indirect existing investors in LCFH elect prior to the closing of this offering to receive              shares of our Class A common stock in lieu of any or all LP Units and shares of Class B common stock that would otherwise be issued to such existing investors, or for their benefit, in the Reorganization Transactions (see “Organizational Structure—Reorganization Transactions at LCFH”);

 

   

includes              shares of restricted Class A common stock expected to be granted under our 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which includes              shares of restricted stock to certain of our employees, including our executive officers, and              shares of restricted Class A common stock to our directors;

 

   

excludes             shares of Class A common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan; and

 

   

excludes the notional shares of our Class A common stock under the Phantom Equity Investment Plan (see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Phantom Equity Investment Plan (Deferred Compensation Plan)”).

 

 

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SUMMARY FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

The following tables set forth our summary historical consolidated financial information and other data at the dates and for the periods indicated. The historical financial information and other data is that of LCFH. LCFH will be considered our predecessor for accounting purposes, and its consolidated financial statements will be our historical consolidated financial statements following the offering. The statements of operating data for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 and balance sheet data as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of LCFH and related notes included in this prospectus. The statements of operating data for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and the balance sheet data as of September 30, 2013 are derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of LCFH and related notes included in this prospectus. The unaudited consolidated financial statements of LCFH have been prepared on substantially the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements of LCFH and include all adjustments that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of LCFH’s consolidated financial position and results of operations for all periods presented. The balance sheet data as of December 31, 2010 is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of LCFH and related notes that are not included in this prospectus. The balance sheet data as of September 30, 2012 has been derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of LCFH and related notes that are not included in this prospectus. The following consolidated financial information has been revised as described in Note 2 of the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

The summary unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of income data for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 and the nine months ended September 30, 2013 present our consolidated results of operations after giving pro forma effect to the Reorganization Transactions and Offering Transactions described under “Organizational Structure” and the use of the estimated net proceeds from the offering as described under “Use of Proceeds,” as if such transactions occurred on January 1, 2012. The summary unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet data as of September 30, 2013 presents our consolidated financial position giving pro forma effect to the Reorganization Transactions and Offering Transactions described under “Organizational Structure” and the use of the estimated net proceeds from the offering as described under “Use of Proceeds,” as if such transaction occurred on September 30, 2013. The pro forma adjustments are based on available information and upon assumptions that our management believes are reasonable in order to reflect, on a pro forma basis, the impact of these transactions on the historical financial information of LCFH. The summary unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is included for informational purposes only and does not purport to reflect the results of operations or financial position of Ladder Capital Corp that would have occurred had we been in existence or operated as a public company or otherwise during the periods presented. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information should not be relied upon as being indicative of our results of operations or financial position had the Reorganization Transactions and Offering Transactions described under “Organizational Structure” and the use of the estimated net proceeds from the offering as described under “Use of Proceeds” occurred on the dates assumed. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information also does not project our results of operations or financial position for any future period or date.

The following summary financial and other data are qualified in their entirety by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and the information under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial

 

 

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Condition and Results of Operations,” “Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Information,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information” and other financial information included in this prospectus. Historical results included below and elsewhere in this prospectus are not necessarily indicative of our future performance and the results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

 

    Historical     Pro Forma(1)
    For the nine
months
ended

September 30,
    For the year ended
December 31,
    For the
nine
months
ended
September  30,
2013
  For the
year ended
December 31,
2012
    2013     2012     2012     2011     2010      
    (unaudited)                       (unaudited)
   

($ in thousands)

Operating Data:

             

Net interest income

  $ 55,359      $ 80,215      $ 99,758      $ 97,461      $ 80,427       

Provision for loan losses

    (450     (299     (449     —          (885    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

    54,909        79,916        99,309        97,461        79,542       

Total other income

    205,478        107,611        148,994        12,350        39,251       

Total costs and expenses

    (87,947     (50,018     (76,264     (36,570     (27,149    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before taxes

    172,440        137,510        172,039        73,241        91,644       

Tax expense

    (3,451     (750     (2,584     (1,510     (600    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

    168,989        136,760        169,455        71,731        91,044       

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

    (698     (12     49        (16     —         
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to preferred and common unit holders

  $ 168,291      $ 136,748      $ 169,504      $ 71,715      $ 91,044       

Net income attributable to Ladder Capital Corp

  $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —         

Other Financial Data (unaudited):

             

Core earnings(2)

  $ 181,416      $ 146,480      $ 177,528      $ 104,449      $ 91,986       

Return on average equity (net income)(3)

    14.7     13.2     16.2     8.9     12.7    

Return on average equity (core earnings)(3)

    15.8     14.1     16.9     13.3     13.2    

Cost of funds(5)

  $ (42,367   $ (38,230   $ 53,027      $ 50,760      $ 55,859       

Interest income, net of cost of
funds(5)

    48,695        67,031        83,171        82,538        73,443       

Net revenues(7)

    260,387        187,528        248,303        109,811        118,793       

Other Financial and Credit Metrics (at end of period) (unaudited):

             

Debt to equity

    1.0        1.1        1.4        1.6        2.6       

Tangible equity to assets(6)

    47.0     45.6     41.8     37.3     27.8    

Unrestricted cash and investment grade securities as a % of total assets

    55.0     64.6     44.5     76.5     77.8    

Amount of undrawn committed repurchase agreement financings

  $ 1,900,000      $ 1,195,612      $ 1,195,612      $ 952,616      $ 738,241       

Amount of undrawn committed FHLB financings

  $ 797,000      $ —        $ 738,000      $ —        $ —         

Cash Flow Data:

             

Net cash provided by (used in):

             

Operating activities

  $ 764,280      $ 325,811      $ (111,367   $ 340,302      $ (231,274    

Investing activities

    (405,324     295,947        283,692        (330,377     (423,717    

Financing activities

    (341,608     (454,307     (211,498     (12,564     568,717       

Balance Sheet Data (at end of period) (unaudited):

             

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 62,527      $ 251,803      $ 45,179      $ 84,351      $ 86,991       

Mortgage loan receivables

    462,640        525,715        949,651        514,038        509,804       

Real estate securities

    1,316,976        1,288,685        1,125,562        1,945,070        1,925,510       

Real estate, net

    510,147        205,217        380,022        28,835        25,669       

Total assets

    2,506,168        2,383,480        2,629,030        2,654,389        2,587,788       

Total debt outstanding

    1,230,389        1,220,891        1,487,592        1,615,641        1,839,720       

Total liabilities

    1,328,847        1,295,745        1,530,760        1,665,326        1,869,282       

Total capital (equity)

    1,177,321        1,087,736        1,098,270        989,062        718,506       

 

(1) See “Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information.”
(2)

We present core earnings, which is a non-GAAP measure, as a supplemental measure of our performance. We define core earnings as income before taxes adjusted to exclude (i) net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in our consolidated joint ventures, (ii) real estate depreciation and amortization, (iii) the impact of derivative gains and losses

 

 

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  related to the hedging of assets on our balance sheet as of the end of the specified accounting period, (iv) unrealized gains/losses related to our investments in Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp (“FHLMC”) and GNMA interest-only securities (together “Agency interest-only securities”), (v) the premium (discount) on long-term financing, and the related amortization of premium on long-term financing, (vi) non-cash stock-based compensation and (vii) certain one-time items. As discussed in Note 2, 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.” We exclude the results on the hedges from core earnings until the related asset is sold, and the hedge position is considered “closed.” As more fully discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, 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.

 

   Set forth below is a reconciliation of income before taxes to core earnings:

 

      Nine months
ended September  30,
    For the year ended
December 31,
 
          2013             2012         2012     2011     2010  
   

(unaudited)

                   
   

($ in thousands)

 

Income before taxes

  $ 172,440      $ 137,510      $ 172,039      $ 73,241      $ 91,644   

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

    (698     (12     49        (16  

Real estate depreciation and amortization(1)

    11,199        1,207        3,093        703        263   

Adjustments for unrecognized derivative results(2)

    (7,026     1,636        (8,662     31,961        2,452   

Unrealized (gain) loss on agency IO securities, net

    1,850        3,942        5,681        (1,591     (2,547

Premium (discount) on long-term financing, net of amortization thereon

    1,019        402        2,920                 

Non-cash stock-based compensation

    2,632        1,795        2,408        151        174   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Core earnings

  $ 181,416      $ 146,480      $ 177,528      $ 104,449      $ 91,986   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

        Nine months
ended September 30,
    For the year
ended December  31,
 
            2013             2012         2012     2011     2010  
        ($ in thousands)  

(1)

 

Depreciation – real estate

  $ 11,199      $ 1,207      $ 3,094      $ 715      $ 263   
 

Depreciation – fixed assets

    410        411        547        329        145   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

Depreciation

  $ 11,609      $ 1,618      $ 3,641      $ 1,044      $ 408   
        Nine months
ended September 30,
    For the year
ended December 31,
 
        2013     2012     2012     2011     2010  

(2)

 

Hedging interest expense

  $ (6,664   $ (13,184   $ (16,554   $ (14,924   $ (6,985
  Hedging realized result (futures)     24,441        (17,005     (20,886     (32,227     (3,088
  Hedging realized result (swaps)     (8,168     (1,868     (6,872     (2,263     (8,222
  Hedging unrecognized result     7,026        (1,636     8,662        (31,961     (2,452
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  Net results from derivative transactions   $ 16,635      $ (33,693   $ (35,650   $ (81,375   $ (20,747
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     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.

 

 

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     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 attributable to preferred and common unit holders of LCFH (or, on a pro forma basis, net income attributable to Ladder Capital Corp) or as an alternative to cash flow as a measure of our liquidity or any other performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

 

(3) We present return on average equity as a supplemental measure for our performance. We define return on average equity as net income attributable to preferred and common unit holders divided by the average of our total capital at the end of the quarter and for the four preceding quarters. Return on average equity (core earnings) is calculated the same way except it uses core earnings as the numerator. Average capital (equity) ($ in thousands) was $1,049,410, $786,087 and $696,509 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively and $1,147,983 and $1,037,340 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
(4) Intentionally left blank.
(5) 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 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 consolidated statements of income. We net cost of funds with our interest income as presented on our consolidated statements of income to arrive at interest income, net of cost of funds, which we believe represents a more comprehensive measure of our net interest results. Set forth below is the calculation of cost of funds and interest income, net of cost of funds:

 

     For the nine months
ended September 30,
    For the year ended
December 31,
 
           2013                 2012           2012     2011     2010  
     (unaudited)  
     ($ in thousands)  

Interest expense

   $ (35,703   $ (25,046   $ (36,440   $ (35,836   $ (48,874

Net interest expense component of hedging activities(1)

     (6,664     (13,184     (16,554     (14,924     (6,985
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of funds

   $ (42,367 )     $ (38,230 )     $ (52,994 )     $ (50,760 )     $ (55,859 )  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest income

   $ 91,062      $ 105,261      $ 136,198      $ 133,298      $ 129,302   

Cost of funds

     (42,637     (38,230     (52,994     (50,760     (55,859
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest income, net of cost of funds

   $ 48,695      $ 67,031      $ 83,204      $ 82,538      $ 73,443   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     For the nine months
ended September 30,
    For the year ended
December 31,
 
           2013                 2012           2012     2011     2010  

(1)   Net interest expense component of hedging activities

   $ (6,664   $ (13,184   $ (16,554   $ (14,924   $ (6,985

Hedging realized result (futures)

     24,441        (17,005     (20,886     (32,227     (3,088

Hedging realized result (swaps)

     (8,168     (1,868     (6,872     (2,263     (8,222

Hedging unrecognized result

     7,026        (1,636     8,662        (31,961     (2,452
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net result from derivative transactions

   $ 16,635      $ (33,693 )     $ (35,650 )     $ (81,375 )     $ (20,747 )  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(6) Computation excludes the impact of real estate-related intangible assets.
(7)

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 consolidated statements of income.

 

 

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  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.

 

       For the nine months ended
September 30,
     For the year ended
December 31,
 
     2013      2012      2012      2011      2010  

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

   $ 54,909       $ 79,916       $ 99,309       $ 97,461       $ 79,542   

Total other income

     205,478         107,611         148,994         12,350         39,251   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net revenues

   $ 260,387       $ 187,527       $ 248,303       $ 109,811       $ 118,793   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our Class A common stock involves substantial risks. In addition to the other information in this prospectus, you should carefully consider the following risk factors before investing in our Class A common stock. If any of the risks we describe below occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. The market price of our Class A common stock could decline if one or more of these risks or uncertainties actually occur, causing you to lose all or part of your investment in our Class A common stock. Certain statements in “Risk Factors” are forward-looking statements. See “Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Risks Related to Our Operations

Our business model may not be successful. We may change our investment strategy and financing policy in the future and any such changes may not be successful.

There can be no assurance that any business model or business plan of ours will prove accurate, that our management team will be able to implement such business model or business plan successfully in the future or that we will achieve our performance objectives. Any business model of ours, including any underlying assumptions and predictions, merely reflect our assessment of the short and long-term prospects of the business, finance and real estate markets in which we operate and should not be relied upon in determining whether to invest in our Class A common stock. We have discretion regarding the assets we originate or acquire, and our management team is authorized to follow very broad investment guidelines and has great latitude within those guidelines to determine which assets make proper investments for us. In addition, at its discretion, our Board may change our investment, financing or other strategies without shareholder vote.

We are dependent on our management team, and loss of any of these individuals could adversely affect our ability to operate profitably.

We heavily depend upon the skills and experience of our management team. The loss of the services of one or more of such individuals could have an adverse effect on our operations, and in such case we will be subject to the risk that no suitable replacement can be found. Furthermore, any termination of a member of the management team may be difficult and costly for us and create obligations for us to the departing individual. If we are unable to staff our management team fully with individuals who possess the skills and experience necessary to excel in their positions our business may be adversely affected. Furthermore, if one or more members of our management team is no longer employed by us, our ability to obtain future financing could be affected which could materially and adversely affect our business.

We may not be able to hire and retain qualified loan originators or grow and maintain our relationships with key loan brokers, and if we are unable to do so, our ability to implement our business and growth strategies could be limited.

We depend on our loan originators to generate borrower clients by, among other things, developing relationships with commercial property owners, real estate agents and brokers, developers and others, which we believe leads to repeat and referral business. Accordingly, we must be able to attract, motivate and retain skilled loan originators. The market for loan originators is highly competitive and may lead to increased costs to hire and retain them. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to attract or retain qualified loan originators. If we cannot attract, motivate or retain a sufficient number of skilled loan originators, at a reasonable cost or at all, our business could be materially and adversely affected. We also depend on our network of

 

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loan brokers, who generate a significant portion of our loan originations. While we strive to cultivate long-standing relationships that generate repeat business for us, brokers are free to transact business with other lenders and have done so in the past and will do so in the future. Our competitors also have relationships with some of our brokers and actively compete with us in bidding on loans shopped by these brokers. We also cannot guarantee that we will be able to maintain or develop new relationships with additional brokers.

We may face difficulties in obtaining required authorizations or licenses to do business.

In order to implement our business strategies, we may be required to obtain, maintain or renew certain licenses and authorizations (including “doing business” authorizations and licenses with respect to loan origination) from certain governmental entities. While we do not anticipate any delays or other complications relating to such licenses and authorizations, there is no assurance that any particular license or authorization will be obtained, maintained or renewed quickly or at all. Any failure of ours to obtain, maintain or renew such authorizations or licenses may adversely affect our business.

We may not be able to maintain our joint ventures and strategic business alliances.

We often rely on other third-party companies for assistance in origination, warehousing, distribution, securitization and other finance-related and loan-related activities. Some of our business may be conducted through non-wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint ventures in which we share control (in whole or in part) and strategic alliances formed by us with other strategic or business partners that we do not control. There can be no assurance that any of these strategic or business partners will continue their relationships with us in the future or that we will be able to pursue our stated strategies with respect to non wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, strategic alliances and the markets in which we operate. Our ability to influence our partners in joint ventures or strategic alliances may be limited, and non-alignment of interests on various strategic decisions in joint ventures or strategic alliances may adversely impact our business. Furthermore, joint venture or strategic alliance partners may (i) have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with ours; (ii) take actions contrary to our policies or objectives; (iii) undergo a change of control; (iv) experience financial and other difficulties; or (v) be unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations under a joint venture or strategic alliance, which may affect our financial conditions or results of operations.

The allocation of capital among our business lines may vary, which will affect our financial performance.

In executing our business plan, we regularly consider the allocation of capital to our various commercial real estate business lines. The allocation of capital among such business lines may vary due to market conditions, the expected relative return on equity of each activity, the judgment of our management team, the demand in the marketplace for commercial real estate loans and securities and the availability of specific investment opportunities. We also consider the availability and cost of our likely sources of capital. If we fail to appropriately allocate capital and resources across our business lines or fail to optimize our investment and capital raising opportunities, our financial performance may be adversely affected.

Our access to the CMBS securitization market and the timing of our securitization activities and other factors may greatly affect our quarterly financial results.

We expect to distribute the conduit loans we originate through securitizations, and, upon completion of a securitization, we will recognize certain non-interest revenues which are

 

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included in total other income on our consolidated statements of income and cease to earn net interest income on the securitized loans. Our quarterly revenue, operating results and profitability have varied substantially from quarter to quarter based on the frequency, volume and timing of our securitizations. Our securitization activities will be affected by a number of factors, including our loan origination volumes, changes in loan values, quality and performance during the period such loans are on our books and conditions in the securitization and credit markets generally and at the time we seek to launch and complete our securitizations. As a result of these quarterly variations, quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results may not provide an accurate comparison of our current period results of operations. If securities analysts or investors focus on such comparative quarter-to-quarter performance, our stock price performance may be more volatile than if such persons compared a wider period of results of operations.

The accuracy of our financial statements may be materially affected if our estimates, including loan loss reserves, prove to be inaccurate.

Financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP require the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts. Different estimates, judgments and assumptions reasonably could be used that would have a material effect on the financial statements, and changes in these estimates, judgments and assumptions are likely to occur from period to period in the future. Significant areas of accounting requiring the application of management’s judgment include, but are not limited to (i) assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, (ii) determining the fair value of investment securities and (iii) assessing other than temporary impairments on real estate. These estimates, judgments and assumptions are inherently uncertain, especially in turbulent economic times, and, if they prove to be wrong, then we face the risk that charges to income will be required.

If we fail to maintain an effective system of integrated internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results.

We depend on our ability to produce accurate and timely financial statements in order to run our business. If we fail to do so, our business could be negatively affected and our independent registered public accounting firm may be unable to attest to the accuracy of our financial statements.

A deficiency in internal control exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent, or detect and correct, misstatements on a timely basis by the Company’s internal controls. A significant deficiency is defined as a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting that is less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit attention by those responsible for oversight of a registrant’s financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the entity’s financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected, on a timely basis by the Company’s internal controls.

Although we continuously monitor the design, implementation and operating effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, there can be no assurance that significant deficiencies or material weaknesses will not occur in the future. If we fail to maintain effective internal controls in the future, it could result in a material misstatement of our financial statements that may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis, which could cause stakeholders to lose confidence in our reported financial information.

 

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We may be subject to “lender liability” litigation.

In recent years, a number of judicial decisions have upheld the right of borrowers to sue lending institutions on the basis of various evolving legal theories, collectively termed “lender liability.” Generally, lender liability is founded on the premise that a lender has either violated a duty, whether implied or contractual, of good faith and fair dealing owed to the borrower or has assumed a degree of control over the borrower resulting in the creation of a fiduciary duty owed to the borrower or its other creditors or stockholders. We cannot assure you that such claims will not arise or that we will not be subject to significant liability if a claim of this type were to arise.

Litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are, from time to time, subject to legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our business and industry. We may be subject to various legal proceedings and these proceedings may range from actions involving a single plaintiff to class action lawsuits. Litigation can be lengthy, expensive and disruptive to our operations and results cannot be predicted with certainty. There may also be adverse publicity associated with litigation, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether we are ultimately found not liable. As a result, litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

There can be no assurance that our corporate insurance policies will mitigate all insurable losses, costs or damages to our business.

Based on our history and type of business, we believe that we maintain adequate insurance coverage to cover probable and reasonably estimable liabilities should they arise. However, there can be no assurance that these estimates will prove to be sufficient, nor can there be any assurance that the ultimate outcome of any claim or event will not have a material negative impact on our business prospects, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

As an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements.

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we are 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, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We have not made a decision whether to take advantage of all of these exemptions. If we do take advantage of any of these exemptions, we do not know if some investors will find our securities less attractive as a result. The result may be a less active trading market for our securities and our security prices may be more volatile.

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, we are choosing to “opt out” of such extended transition period, and as a result, we 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 our decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.

 

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We could remain an “emerging growth company” for up to five years, or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues exceed $1 billion, (ii) the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, or (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three year period.

Market Risks Related to Real Estate Securities and Loans

We have a concentration of investments in the real estate sector and may have concentrations from time to time in certain property types, locations, tenants and borrowers, which may increase our exposure to the risks of certain economic downturns.

We operate in the commercial real estate sector. Such concentration in one economic sector may increase the volatility of our returns and may also expose us to the risk of economic downturns in this sector to a greater extent than if our portfolio also included other sectors of the economy. Declining real estate values may reduce the level of new mortgage and other real estate-related loan originations since borrowers often use appreciation in the value of their existing properties to support the purchase of or investment in additional properties. Borrowers may also be less able to pay principal and interest on our loans if the value of real estate weakens. Further, declining real estate values significantly increase the likelihood that we will incur losses on our loans in the event of default because the value of our collateral may be insufficient to over our cost on the loan. Any sustained period of increased payment delinquencies, foreclosures or losses could adversely affect both our net interest income from loans in our portfolio as well as our ability to originate/acquire/sell loans, which would materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and business.

In addition, we are not required to observe specific diversification criteria relating to property types, locations, tenants or borrowers. A limited degree of diversification increases risk because the aggregate return of our business may be adversely affected by the unfavorable performance of a single property type, single tenant, single market or even a single investment. To the extent that our portfolio is concentrated in any one region or type of asset, downturns relating generally to such region or type of asset may result in defaults on a number of our assets within a short time period. Additionally, borrower concentration, in which a particular borrower is, or a group of related borrowers are, associated with multiple real properties securing mortgage loans or securities held by us, magnifies the risks presented by the possible poor performance of such borrower(s).

We operate in a highly competitive market for lending and investment opportunities, which may limit our ability to originate or acquire desirable loans and investments in our target assets.

We operate in a highly competitive market for lending and investment opportunities. A number of entities compete with us to make the types of loans and investments that we seek to make. Our profitability depends, in large part, on our ability to originate or acquire target assets at attractive prices. In originating or acquiring target assets, we compete with a variety of institutional lenders and investors and many other market participants, including specialty finance companies, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), commercial banks and thrift institutions, investment banks, insurance companies, hedge funds and other financial institutions. Many competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we do. Several other finance companies have

 

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raised, or are expected to raise, significant amounts of capital, and may have investment objectives that overlap with ours, which may create additional competition for lending and investment opportunities. Some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that may not be available to us. Many of our competitors are not subject to the maintenance of an exemption from the Investment Company Act. Furthermore, competition for originations of, and investments in, our target assets may lead to the yield of such assets decreasing, which may further limit our ability to generate desired returns. Also, as a result of this competition, desirable loans and investments in specific types of target assets may be limited in the future and we may not be able to take advantage of attractive lending and investment opportunities from time to time. We can offer no assurance that we will be able to identify and originate loans or make any or all of the types of investments that are described in this prospectus.

Our investment guidelines and underwriting guidelines may restrict our ability to compete with others for desirable commercial mortgage loan origination and acquisition opportunities.

We have investment guidelines and underwriting guidelines with respect to commercial mortgage loan origination and acquisition opportunities. Additionally, under our credit facilities, the lenders have the right to review the assets which we are seeking to finance and approve the purchase and financing of such assets in their sole discretion. These investment and underwriting guidelines and lender approvals may restrict us from being able to compete with others for commercial mortgage loan origination and acquisition opportunities and these guidelines may be stricter than the guidelines employed by our competitors. As a result, we may not be able to compete with others for desirable commercial mortgage loan origination and acquisition opportunities. In addition, these investment and underwriting guidelines and approvals impose conditions and limitations on our ability to originate certain of our target assets, including, in particular, restrictions on our ability to originate junior mortgage loans, mezzanine loans and preferred equity investments.

Our earnings may decrease because of changes in prevailing interest rates.

Our primary interest rate exposures relate to the yield on our assets and the financing cost of our debt, as well as the interest rate swaps that we utilize for hedging purposes. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors beyond our control, including but not limited to governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations. Interest rate fluctuations present a variety of risks, including the risk of a mismatch between asset yields and borrowing rates, variances in the yield curve and fluctuating prepayment rates, and such fluctuations may adversely affect our income and may generate losses.

Prepayment rates on mortgage loans cannot be predicted with certainty and prepayments may result in losses to the value of our assets.

The frequency at which prepayments (including voluntary prepayments by the borrowers and liquidations due to defaults and foreclosures) occur on our investments can adversely impact our business, and prepayment rates cannot be predicted with certainty, making it impossible to completely insulate us from prepayment or other such risks. Any adverse effects of prepayments may impact our portfolio in that particular investments, which may experience outright losses in an environment of faster actual or anticipated prepayments or may underperform relative to hedges that the management team may have constructed for such investments (resulting in a loss to our overall portfolio). Additionally, borrowers are more likely to prepay when the prevailing level of interest rates falls, thereby exposing us to the risk that the prepayment proceeds may be reinvested only at a lower interest rate than that borne by the prepaid obligation.

 

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Terrorist attacks and other acts of violence or war may affect the real estate industry generally and our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We cannot predict the severity of the effect that potential future terrorist attacks could have on us. Any future terrorist attacks, the anticipation of any such attacks, the consequences of any military or other response by the United States and its allies, and other armed conflicts could cause consumer confidence and spending to decrease or result in increased volatility in the United States and worldwide financial markets and economy. We may suffer losses as a result of the adverse impact of any future attacks and these losses may adversely impact our performance. A prolonged economic slowdown, a recession or declining real estate values could impair the performance of our assets and harm our financial condition and results of operations, increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. The economic impact of such events could also adversely affect the credit quality of some of our loans and investments and the property underlying our securities. Losses resulting from these types of events may not be fully insurable.

The events of September 11, 2001 created significant uncertainty regarding the ability of real estate owners of high profile assets to obtain insurance coverage protecting against terrorist attacks at commercially reasonable rates, if at all. With the enactment of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 (the “TRIA”) and the subsequent enactment of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, which extended the TRIA through the end of 2014, insurers must make terrorism insurance available under their property and casualty insurance policies, but this legislation does not regulate the pricing of such insurance. The absence of affordable insurance coverage may adversely affect the general real estate lending market, lending volume and the market’s overall liquidity and may reduce the number of suitable opportunities available to us and the pace at which we are able to acquire assets. If the properties underlying our interests are unable to obtain affordable insurance coverage, the value of our interests could decline, and in the event of an uninsured loss, we could lose all or a portion of our assets.

Risks Related to Our Portfolio

The value of our investments, including the CMBS in which we invest, may be adversely affected by many factors that are beyond our control.

Income from, and the value of, our investments may be adversely affected by many factors that are beyond our control, including:

 

   

volatility and adverse changes in international, national and local economic and market conditions, including contractions in market liquidity for mortgage loans and mortgage-related assets;

 

   

changes in interest rates and in the availability, costs and terms of financing;

 

   

changes in generally accepted accounting principles;

 

   

changes in governmental laws and regulations, fiscal policies and zoning and other ordinances and costs of compliance with laws and regulations;

 

   

downturns in the markets for residential mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed and structured products; and

 

   

civil unrest, terrorism, acts of war, nuclear or radiological disasters and natural disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, tsunamis and floods, which may result in uninsured and underinsured losses.

 

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In addition to other analytical tools, our management team utilizes financial models to evaluate loans and real estate assets, the accuracy and effectiveness of which cannot be guaranteed.

In all cases, financial models are only estimates of future results which are based upon assumptions made at the time that the projections are developed. There can be no assurance that management’s projected results will be obtained and actual results may vary significantly from the projections. General economic and industry-specific conditions, which are not predictable, can have an adverse impact on the reliability of projections.

The vast majority of the mortgage loans that we originate or purchase, and those underlying the CMBS in which we invest, are nonrecourse loans and the assets securing the loans may not be sufficient to protect us from a partial or complete loss if the borrower defaults on the loan.

Except for customary nonrecourse carve-outs for certain actions and environmental liability, most commercial mortgage loans, including those underlying the CMBS in which we invest, are effectively nonrecourse obligations of the sponsor and borrower, meaning that there is no recourse against the assets of the borrower or sponsor other than the underlying collateral. In the event of any default under a mortgage loan held directly by us, we will bear a risk of loss to the extent of any deficiency between the value of the collateral and the principal and accrued interest of the mortgage loan, which could have a material adverse effect on our cash flow from operations. Even if a mortgage loan is recourse to the borrower (or if a nonrecourse carve-out to the borrower applies), in most cases, the borrower’s assets are limited primarily to its interest in the related mortgaged property. Further, although a mortgage loan may provide for limited recourse to a principal or affiliate of the related borrower, there is no assurance of any recovery from such principal or affiliate will be made or that such principal’s or affiliate’s assets would be sufficient to pay any otherwise recoverable claim. In the event of the bankruptcy of a borrower, the loan to such borrower will be deemed to be secured only to the extent of the value of the underlying collateral at the time of bankruptcy (as determined by the bankruptcy court), and the lien securing the loan will be subject to the avoidance powers of the bankruptcy trustee or debtor-in-possession to the extent the lien is unenforceable under state law.

The commercial mortgage and other commercial real estate-related loans, and the commercial mortgage loans underlying the CMBS in which we may invest, are subject to the ability of the commercial property owner to generate net income from operating the property (and not the independent income or assets of the borrower). The volatility of real property could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.

Commercial mortgage loans and the commercial mortgage loans underlying the securities in which we may invest are subject to the ability of the commercial property owner to general net income from operating the property (and not the independent income or assets of the borrower). Any reductions in net operating income (“NOI”) increase the risks of delinquency, foreclosure and default, which could result in losses to us. NOI of an income-producing property can be affected by many factors, including, but not limited to:

 

   

the ongoing need for capital improvements, particularly in older structures;

 

   

changes in operating expenses;

 

   

changes in general or local market conditions;

 

   

changes in tenant mix and performance, the occupancy or rental rates of the property or, for a property that requires new leasing activity, a failure to lease the property in accordance with the projected leasing schedule;

 

   

competition from comparable property types or properties;

 

   

unskilled or inexperienced property management;

 

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limited availability of mortgage funds or fluctuations in interest rates which may render the sale and refinancing of a property difficult;

 

   

development projects that experience cost overruns or otherwise fail to perform as projected including, without limitation, failure to complete planned renovations, repairs, or construction;

 

   

unanticipated increases in real estate taxes and other operating expenses;

 

   

challenges to the borrower’s claim of title to the real property;

 

   

environmental considerations;

 

   

zoning laws;

 

   

other governmental rules and policies;

 

   

unanticipated structural defects or costliness of maintaining the property;

 

   

uninsured losses, such as possible acts of terrorism;

 

   

a decline in the operational performance of a facility on the real property (such facilities may include multifamily rental facilities, office properties, retail facilities, hospitality facilities, healthcare-related facilities, industrial facilities, warehouse facilities, restaurants, mobile home facilities, recreational or resort facilities, arenas or stadiums, religious facilities, parking lot facilities or other facilities); and

 

   

severe weather-related damage to the property and/or its operation.

Additional risks may be presented by the type and use of a particular commercial property, including specialized use as a nursing home or hospitality property.

In instances where the borrower is acting as a landlord on the underlying property as we do for our selected net leased and other commercial real estate assets, the ability of such borrower to satisfy the debt obligation we hold will depend on the performance and financial health of the underlying tenants, which may be difficult for us to assess or predict. In addition, as the number of tenants with respect to a commercial property decreases or as tenant spaces on a property must be relet, the nonperformance risk of the loan related to such commercial property may increase. Any one or more of the preceding factors could materially impair our ability to recover principal in a foreclosure on the related loan as lender and repay the principal as borrower.

A substantial portion of our portfolio may be committed to the origination or purchasing of commercial loans to small and medium-sized, privately owned businesses. Compared to larger, publicly owned firms, such companies generally have limited access to capital and higher funding costs, may be in a weaker financial position and may need more capital to expand or compete. The above financial challenges may make it difficult for such borrowers to make scheduled payments of interest or principal on their loans. Accordingly, advances made to such types of borrowers entail higher risks than advances made to companies who are able to access traditional credit sources.

A portion of our portfolio also may be committed to the origination or purchasing of commercial loans where the borrower is a business with a history of poor operating performance, based on our belief that we can realize value from a loan on the property despite such borrower’s performance history. However, if such borrower were to continue to perform poorly after the origination or purchase of such loan, including due to the above financial challenges, we could be adversely affected.

 

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Certain balance sheet loans may be more illiquid and involve a greater risk of loss than long-term mortgage loans.

We originate and acquire balance sheet loans generally having maturities of three years or less, that provide interim financing to borrowers seeking short-term capital for the acquisition or transition (for example, lease up and/or rehabilitation) of commercial real estate generally having a maturity of three years or less. Such a borrower under an interim loan often has identified a transitional asset that has been under-managed and/or is located in a recovering market. If the market in which the asset is located fails to recover according to the borrower’s projections, or if the borrower fails to improve the quality of the asset’s management and/or the value of the asset, the borrower may not receive a sufficient return on the asset to satisfy the interim loan, and we bear the risk that we may not recover some or all of our initial expenditure. In addition, borrowers usually use the proceeds of a long-term mortgage loan to repay an interim loan. We may therefore be dependent on a borrower’s ability to obtain permanent financing to repay our interim loan, which could depend on market conditions and other factors.

Further, interim loans may be relatively less liquid than loans against stabilized properties due to their short life, their potential unsuitability for securitization, any unstabilized nature of the underlying real estate and the difficulty of recovery in the event of a borrower’s default. This lack of liquidity may significantly impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our interim loan portfolio and may adversely affect the value of the portfolio. Such “liquidity risk” may be difficult or impossible to hedge against and may also make it difficult to effect a sale of such assets as we may need or desire. As a result, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our interim loan portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which such investments were previously recorded, which may fail to maximize the value of the investments or result in a loss.

We may finance first mortgages, which may present greater risks than if we had made first mortgages directly to owners of real estate collateral.

Further, our portfolio may include first mortgage loan financings which are loans made to holders of commercial real estate first mortgage loans that are secured by commercial real estate. While we have certain rights with respect to the real estate collateral underlying a first mortgage loan, the holder of the commercial real estate first mortgage loans may fail to exercise its rights with respect to a default or other adverse action relating to the underlying real estate collateral or fail to promptly notify us of such an event which would adversely affect our ability to enforce our rights. In addition, in the event of the bankruptcy of the borrower under the first mortgage loan, we may not have full recourse to the assets of the holder of the commercial real estate loan, or the assets of the holder of the commercial real estate loan may not be sufficient to satisfy our first mortgage loan financing. Accordingly, we may face greater risks from our first mortgage loan financings than if we had made first mortgage loans directly to owners of real estate collateral.

We may originate or acquire construction loans, which may expose us to an increased risk of loss.

We may originate or acquire construction loans. If we fail to fund our entire commitment on a construction loan or if a borrower otherwise fails to complete the construction of a project, there could be adverse consequences associated with the loan, including: a loss of the value of the property securing the loan, especially if the borrower is unable to raise funds to complete construction from other sources; a borrower claim against us for failure to perform under the loan documents; increased costs to the borrower that the borrower is unable to pay; a bankruptcy filing by the borrower; and abandonment by the borrower of the collateral for the loan.

 

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We are subject to additional risks associated with loan participations.

Some of our loans are participation interests or co-lender arrangements in which we share the rights, obligations and benefits of the loan with other lenders. We may need the consent of these parties to exercise our rights under such loans, including rights with respect to amendment of loan documentation, enforcement proceedings in the event of default and the institution of, and control over, foreclosure proceedings. Similarly, a majority of the participants may be able to take actions to which we object but to which we will be bound if our participation interest represents a minority interest. We may be adversely affected by this lack of full control.

We may originate or acquire B-Notes, a form of subordinated mortgage loan, and we may be subject to additional risks relating to the privately negotiated structure and terms of the transaction, which may result in losses to us.

We may originate or acquire B-Notes. A B-Note is a mortgage loan typically (i) secured by a first mortgage on a single large commercial property or group of related properties and (ii) subordinated to an A-Note secured by the same first mortgage on the same collateral. As a result, if a borrower defaults, there may not be sufficient funds remaining for B-Note owners after payment to the A-Note owners. B-Notes reflect similar credit risks to comparably rated CMBS. However, since each transaction is privately negotiated, B-Notes can vary in their structural characteristics and risks. For example, the rights of holders of B-Notes to control the process following a borrower default may be limited in certain investments and circumstances. Further, B-Notes typically are secured by a single property, and so reflect the increased risks associated with a single property compared to a pool of properties. B-Notes also are less liquid than CMBS, thus we may be unable to dispose of underperforming or non-performing investments.

Our investments in subordinate loans, subordinate participation interests in loans and subordinate CMBS rank junior to other senior debt and we may be unable to recover our investment in these loans.

We may originate or acquire subordinate loans (including mezzanine loans), subordinate participation interests in loans and subordinate CMBS. In the event a borrower defaults on a loan and lacks sufficient assets to satisfy our loan, we may suffer a loss of principal or interest. In the event a borrower declares bankruptcy, we may not have full recourse to the assets of the borrower, or the assets of the borrower may not be sufficient to satisfy the loan. In addition, certain of our loans may be subordinate to other debt of the borrower. If a borrower defaults on a loan to us or on debt senior to our loan, or in the event of a borrower bankruptcy, our loan will be satisfied only after the senior debt is paid in full. Where debt senior to our loan exists, the presence of intercreditor arrangements may limit our ability to amend loan documents, assign our loans, accept prepayments, exercise remedies and control decisions made in bankruptcy proceedings relating to borrowers.

If a borrower defaults on our mezzanine loan, subordinate loan or debt senior to any loan, or in the event of a borrower bankruptcy, our mezzanine loan will be satisfied only after the senior debt is paid in full. As a result, we may not recover some or all of our initial expenditure. In addition, mezzanine and subordinate loans may have higher loan-to-value ratios than first mortgage loans, resulting in less equity in the property and increasing the risk of loss of principal. Significant losses related to our mezzanine loans or subordinate loans would result in operating losses for us.

In general, losses on a mortgaged property securing a mortgage loan included in a securitization will be borne first by the equity holder of the property, then by a cash reserve fund or letter of credit, if any, then by the holder of a mezzanine loan or B-Note, if any, then by

 

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the “first loss” subordinated security holder (generally, the “B-Piece” buyer) and then by the holder of a higher-rated security. In the event of default and the exhaustion of any equity support, reserve fund, letter of credit, mezzanine loans or B-Notes, and any classes of securities junior to those in which we may invest, we may not be able to recover all of our investment in the securities we purchased. In addition, if the underlying mortgage portfolio has been overvalued by the originator, or if the values subsequently decline and, as a result, less collateral is available to satisfy interest and principal payments due on the related mortgage-backed securities, the securities in which we may invest may effectively become the “first loss” position behind the more senior securities, which may result in significant losses to us. The prices of lower credit quality securities are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than more highly rated investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic downturns or individual issuer developments. A projection of an economic downturn, for example, could cause a decline in the price of lower credit quality securities because the ability of obligors of mortgage loans underlying the mortgage-backed securities to make principal and interest payments may be impaired. In such event, existing credit support in the securitization structure may be insufficient to protect us against loss of our principal in these securities.

The market value of our investments in CMBS could fluctuate materially as a result of various risks that are out of our control and may result in significant losses.

We currently invest in and may continue to invest in CMBS, a specific type of structured finance security. CMBS are securities backed by obligations (including certificates of participation in obligations) that are principally secured by commercial mortgage loans or interests therein having a multi-family or commercial use, such as shopping malls, other retail space, office buildings, industrial or warehouse properties, hotels, nursing homes and senior living centers. Accordingly, investments in CMBS are subject to the various risks described herein which relate to the pool of underlying assets in which the CMBS represents an interest. The exercise of remedies and successful realization of liquidation proceeds relating to commercial mortgage loans underlying CMBS may be highly dependent on the performance of the servicer or special servicer. There may be a limited number of special servicers available, particularly those which do not have conflicts of interest. We will bear the risk of loss on any CMBS we purchase. Further, the insurance coverage for various types of losses is limited in amount and we would bear losses in excess of the applicable limitations.

We may attempt to underwrite our investments on a “loss-adjusted” basis, which projects a certain level of performance. However, there can be no assurance that this underwriting will accurately predict the timing or magnitude of such losses. To the extent that this underwriting has incorrectly anticipated the timing or magnitude of losses, our business may be adversely affected. Some mortgage loans underlying CMBS may default. Under such circumstances, cash flows of CMBS investments held by us may be adversely affected as any reduction in the mortgage payments or principal losses on liquidation of any mortgage loan may be applied to the class of CMBS relating to such defaulted loans that we hold.

The market value of our CMBS investments could fluctuate materially over time as the result of changes in mortgage spreads, treasury bond interest rates, capital market supply and demand factors, and many other factors that affect high-yield fixed income products. These factors are out of our control, and could influence our ability to obtain short-term financing on the CMBS. The CMBS in which we may invest may have no, or only a limited, trading market. In addition, we may in the future invest in CMBS investments that are not rated by any credit rating agency, and such investments may be less liquid than CMBS that are rated. The financial markets in the past have experienced and could in the future experience a period of volatility and reduced liquidity which may reoccur or continue and reduce the market value of CMBS. Some or all of the CMBS that we hold may be subject to restrictions on transfer and may be considered illiquid.

 

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We have acquired and, in the future, may acquire net leased real estate assets, or make loans to owners of net leased real estate assets (including ourselves), which carry particular risks of loss that may have a material impact on our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.

A net lease requires the tenant to pay, in addition to the fixed rent, some or all of the property expenses that normally would be paid by the property owner. The value of our investments and the income from our investments in net leased properties, if any, will depend upon the ability of the applicable tenant to meet its obligations to maintain the property under the terms of the net lease. If a tenant fails or becomes unable to so maintain a property, the cash flow and/or the value of the property would be adversely affected. In addition, under many net leases the owner of the property retains certain obligations with respect to the property, including among other things, the responsibility for maintenance and repair of the property, to provide adequate parking, maintenance of common areas and compliance with other affirmative covenants in the lease. If we, as the owner, or the borrower, were to fail to meet these obligations, the applicable tenant could abate rent or terminate the applicable lease, which may result in a loss of capital invested in, and anticipated profits from, the property. In addition, we, as the owner, or the borrower may find it difficult to lease certain property to new tenants if that property had been suited to the particular needs of a former tenant.

The expense of operating and owning real property may impact our cash flow from operations.

We have in the past and may in the future make equity investments in real property. Costs associated with real estate investment, such as real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs, generally are not reduced even when a property is not fully occupied, rental rates decrease or other circumstances cause a reduction in income from the property. As a result, cash flow from the operations of our properties may be reduced if a tenant does not pay its rent or we are unable to rent out properties on favorable terms. Under those circumstances, we might not be able to enforce our rights as landlord without delays and may incur substantial legal costs. Additionally, new properties that we may acquire or redevelop may not produce significant revenue immediately, and the cash flow from existing operations may be insufficient to pay the operating expenses and principal and interest on debt associated with such properties until they are fully leased.

For example, in December 2012, we entered into a joint venture to purchase 427 residential condominium units in Veer Towers. There can be no assurance that this investment will generate positive cash flows in excess of the expense of owning and operating such properties.

Our investments in securities and mortgages issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government face risks of prepayments or defaults on U.S. Agency Securities that we own at a premium and of “negative convexity.”

We currently invest in and may continue to invest in securities and mortgages issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, including Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, the Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”), Freddie Mac and other government agency mortgages secured by single multifamily properties or skilled nursing facilities. Additionally, we invest in real estate mortgage investment conduit (“REMIC”) securities collateralized by these mortgages. We invest in U.S. Agency Securities, the principal of which is guaranteed implicitly or explicitly by the U.S. government. Therefore, the most significant risks present in U.S. Agency Securities owned by us are first, in prepayments or defaults on U.S. Agency Securities that we own at a premium and second, “negative convexity,” as defined below.

We are exposed to the risk of increased prepayments or defaults by any mortgage or security that we own at a premium, such as any interest-only securities, most single mortgage

 

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securities and all construction and permanent loans. Any principal paydown diminishes the amount outstanding in these securities and reduces the yield to us. Before purchasing a loan or security, we judge the likelihood of prepayment based on certain prepayment and default parameters and our own experience in the government agency security market. Different estimates, judgments and assumptions reasonably could be used that would have a material effect on our judgment and, accordingly, result in losses to our business.

“Negative convexity” is the inverse relationship between interest rates and the average expected life of a pool of mortgage loans; when interest rates rise, a mortgage may extend and when interest rates fall, a mortgage may prepay or default. As in any mortgage security, negative convexity is a concern as the yield on mortgage-backed securities is based on the average expected life of the underlying pool of mortgage loans. The actual prepayment experience of such pools may cause the yield we realize to differ from that calculated by us in making the investment, resulting in losses or profits. To protect against prepayments in a falling interest rate environment, typically each newly originated multifamily loan owned by us has a combination of 10 years of call/prepayment protection. However, an unexpected default in a single large property may reduce yield. In each transaction, we attempt to understand the agencies’ underwriting processes in order to assess the risk of default associated with a particular U.S. Agency Security. We also endeavor to diversify our holdings and at periodic points in time, sell our older positions for newer product, which may have less likelihood of default. There is no guarantee that we will be successful in either of these activities. When interest rates are rising, the rate of prepayment tends to decrease, thereby lengthening the actual average life of such pools. We frequently update our extension risk analyses and, if necessary, our hedging to account for this risk. The same is true when interest rates fall and prepayments tend to increase.

Other risks associated with U.S. Agency Securities are illiquidity, re-investment and the risk that a construction loan may not roll into a permanent loan.

A change to the conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and related actions, along with any changes in laws and regulations affecting the relationship between Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the U.S. federal government, could adversely affect our business.

There continues to be substantial uncertainty regarding the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including the length of time for which they may continue to exist and in what form they may operate during that period. Due to increased market concerns about the ability of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to withstand future credit losses associated with securities on which they provide guarantees and loans held in their investment portfolios without the direct support of the U.S. federal government, in September 2008, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (the “FHFA”) placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into conservatorship and, together with the Treasury, established a program designed to boost investor confidence in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by supporting the availability of mortgage financing and protecting taxpayers. The U.S. government program includes contracts between the Treasury and each of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that seek to ensure that each GSE maintains a positive net worth by providing for the provision of cash by the Treasury to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac if FHFA determines that its liabilities exceed its assets. Although the U.S. government has described some specific steps that it intends to take as part of the conservatorship process, efforts to stabilize these entities may not be successful and the outcome and impact of these events remain highly uncertain. Under the statute providing the framework for the GSE’s conservatorship, either or both GSEs could also be placed into receivership under certain circumstances.

In August 2012, the Treasury announced its intention to restructure the preferred stock agreements with the GSEs. Under the new agreement, the GSEs will (a) pass on all profits to the Treasury when they make money and pay nothing when they have losses (as opposed to paying a

 

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flat 10% dividend), (b) wind down their mortgage portfolios by 15% per annum with the goal of reaching a total portfolio size of $150 billion by 2018 and (c) submit a plan to the Treasury to reduce mortgage risk for both the guaranteed book and retained portfolio by December 15, 2012. In March 2013, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced that they will build a new entity as they wind down operations and may eventually be replaced by the new entity. In June 2013, a draft bill introduced to a Senate committee entitled the “Housing Finance Reform and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2013”, gave a name to this new entity—the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation (the “FMIC”). As proposed in the draft bill, the FMIC would be modeled in part after the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and would provide catastrophic reinsurance in the secondary market for mortgage-backed securities. The FMIC would also take over multi-family guarantees as the existing portfolios of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are wound down over a span of five years. The effects that these plans, which are not guaranteed to take effect as stated or at all, may have on our business are yet to be determined.

We may make equity and preferred equity investments which involve a greater risk of loss than traditional debt financing.

We may invest in equity and preferred equity interests in entities owning real estate. Such investments are subordinate to debt financing and are not secured. Should the issuer default on our investment, in most instances we would only be able to proceed against the entity that issued the equity in accordance with the terms of the security, and not any property owned by the entity. Furthermore, in the event of bankruptcy or foreclosure, we would only be able to recoup our capital after any creditors to the entity are paid. As a result, we may not recover some or all of our capital, which could result in losses.

Our participation in the market for nonrecourse long-term securitizations may expose us to risks that could result in losses to us.

Following the dislocation of credit markets that commenced in 2007, the market for nonrecourse long-term securitizations has resumed and we have generally participated in that market by contributing loans to securitizations led by various large financial institutions and by leading a single-asset securitization on a single mortgage loan we originated. We may, in the future, take a larger role in leading single-asset and multi-asset securitizations of mortgage loans. To date, when we have primarily acted as a co-manager and mortgage loan seller into securitizations, we have been obligated to assume substantially similar liabilities as were required of a mortgage loan seller prior to the credit market dislocation, including with respect to representations and warranties required to be made for the benefit of investors. In particular, in connection with any particular securitization, we: (i) make certain representations and warranties regarding ourselves and the characteristics of, and origination process for, the mortgage loans that we contribute to the securitization; (ii) undertake to cure, or to repurchase or replace any mortgage loan that we contribute to the securitization that is affected by a material breach of any such representation and warranty or a material loan document deficiency; and (iii) assume, either directly or through the indemnification of third-parties, potential securities law liabilities for disclosure to investors regarding ourselves and the mortgage loans that we contribute to the securitization. When we lead single-asset or multi-asset securitizations as issuer and/or lead manager, we assume, either directly or through indemnification agreements, additional potential securities law liabilities and third-party liabilities beyond the liabilities we would assume when we act only as a mortgage loan seller into a securitization.

As a result of the dislocation of the credit markets, the securitization industry has crafted and continues to craft proposed changes to securitization practices, including proposed new standard representations and warranties, underwriting guidelines and disclosure guidelines. In addition, the securitization industry is becoming more regulated. For example, pursuant to the

 

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Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), various federal agencies have promulgated, or are in the process of promulgating regulations with respect to various issues that affect securitizations, including (i) a requirement under the Dodd-Frank Act that issuers in securitizations retain 5% of the risk associated with securities they issue, (ii) requirements for additional disclosure, (iii) requirements for additional review and reporting and (iv) certain restrictions designed to prevent conflicts of interest. The implementation of any regulations ultimately adopted will occur over a time period that could range from two months to as long as two years. Certain regulations have already been adopted and others remain under consideration by various governmental agencies, in some cases past the deadlines set in the Dodd-Frank Act for adoption. It is expected that the risk-retention regulations will be adopted in early 2014 and that, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act as presently in effect, those regulations would take effect two years after adoption. Certain proposed regulations, if adopted, could alter the structure of securitizations in the future and could pose additional risks to our participation in future securitizations or could reduce or eliminate the economic benefits of participating in future securitizations.

Prior to any securitization, we generally finance mortgage loans with relatively short-term facilities until a sufficient portfolio is accumulated. We are subject to the risk that we will not be able to originate or acquire sufficient eligible assets to maximize the efficiency of a securitization. We also bear the risk that we might not be able to obtain new short-term facilities or would not be able to renew any short-term facilities after they expire should we need more time to seek and acquire sufficient eligible assets for a securitization. Our inability to refinance any short-term facilities would also increase our risk because borrowings thereunder would likely be recourse to us or one of our subsidiaries. If we are unable to obtain and renew short-term facilities or to consummate securitizations to finance our assets on a long-term basis, we may be required to seek other forms of potentially less attractive financing or to liquidate assets at an inopportune time or price.

Any credit ratings assigned to our investments could be downgraded, which could have a material impact on our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.

Some of our investments may be rated by one or more of Moody’s, Fitch, Standard & Poor’s, Realpoint, Dominion Bond Rating Service, Kroll Bond Ratings or other credit rating agencies. Any credit ratings on our investments are subject to ongoing evaluation by credit rating agencies, and we cannot be assured that any such ratings will not be changed or withdrawn by a credit rating agency in the future if, in its judgment, circumstances warrant. If credit rating agencies assign a lower-than-expected rating or reduce or withdraw, or indicate that they may reduce or withdraw, their ratings of our investments in the future, the value of these investments could significantly decline, which would adversely affect the value of our portfolio and could result in losses upon disposition or the failure of borrowers to satisfy their debt service obligations to us.

The credit ratings currently assigned to our investments may not accurately reflect the risks associated with those investments.

Credit rating agencies rate investments based upon their assessment of the perceived safety of the receipt of principal and interest payments from the issuers of such debt securities. Credit ratings assigned by the credit rating agencies may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment in such securities. Also, credit rating agencies may fail to make timely adjustments to credit ratings based on recently available data or changes in economic outlook or may otherwise fail to make changes in credit ratings in response to subsequent events, so that our investments may in fact be better or worse than the ratings indicate. We try to reduce the impact of the risk that a credit rating may not accurately reflect the risks associated with a

 

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particular debt security by not relying solely on credit ratings as the indicator of the quality of an investment. We make our acquisition decisions after factoring in other information, such as the discounted value of a CMBS security’s projected future cash flows, and the value of the real estate collateral underlying the mortgage loans owned by the issuing REMIC trust. However, our assessment of the quality of a CMBS investment may also prove to be inaccurate and we may incur credit losses in excess of our initial expectations.

We could incur losses from investments in non-conforming and non-investment grade-rated loans or securities, which could have a material impact on our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.

Some of our investments may not conform to conventional loan standards applied by traditional lenders and either may not be rated or may be rated as non-investment grade by the credit rating agencies. The non-investment grade ratings for these assets typically result from the overall leverage of the underlying loans, the lack of a strong operating history for the properties underlying the loans, the borrowers’ credit history, the properties’ underlying cash flow or other factors. As a result, these investments will have a higher risk of default and loss than investment grade-rated assets. Any loss that we incur may be significant. There may be no limits on the percentage of unrated or non-investment grade rated assets that we may hold in our portfolio.

Some of our portfolio investments will be recorded at fair value and there is uncertainty as to the value of these investments. Furthermore, our determinations of fair value may have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

The value of some of our investments may not be readily determinable. We will value these investments quarterly at fair value, as determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement, or ASC 820. Because such valuations are subjective, the fair value of certain of our assets may fluctuate over short periods of time and our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these assets existed. Our determinations of fair value may have a material impact on our earnings, in the case of impaired loans and other assets, trading securities and available-for-sale securities that are subject to OTTI, or our accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in our stockholders’ equity, in the case of available-for-sale securities that are subject only to temporary impairments.

In many cases, our determination of the fair value of our investments will be based on valuations provided by third-party dealers and pricing services. Valuations of certain of our assets are often difficult to obtain or unreliable. In general, dealers and pricing services heavily disclaim their valuations. Dealers may claim to furnish valuations only as an accommodation and without special compensation, and so they may disclaim any and all liability for any direct, incidental or consequential damages arising out of any inaccuracy or incompleteness in valuations, including any act of negligence or breach of any warranty. Depending on the complexity and illiquidity of an asset, valuations of the same asset can vary substantially from one dealer or pricing service to another. Additionally, our results of operations for a given period could be adversely affected if our determinations regarding the fair value of these investments were materially higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon their disposal.

 

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Our ability to collect upon the mortgage loans may be limited by the application of state laws.

Each of our mortgage loans permits us to accelerate the debt upon default by the borrower. The courts of all states will enforce acceleration clauses in the event of a material payment default, subject in some cases to a right of the court to revoke such acceleration and reinstate the mortgage loan if a payment default is cured. The equity courts of any state, however, may refuse to allow the foreclosure of a mortgage, deed of trust, or other security instrument or to permit the acceleration of the indebtedness if the exercise of those remedies would be inequitable or unjust or the circumstances would render the acceleration unconscionable. Thus, a court may refuse to permit foreclosure or acceleration if a default is deemed immaterial or the exercise of those remedies would be unjust or unconscionable or if a material default is cured.

Further, the ability to collect upon mortgage loans may be limited by the application of state and federal laws. Several states (including California) have laws that prohibit more than one “judicial action” to enforce a mortgage obligation. Some courts have construed the term “judicial action” broadly.

The borrowers under the loans underlying our investments may be unable to repay their remaining principal balances on their stated maturity dates, which could negatively impact our business results.

Our mortgage loans may be non-amortizing or partially amortizing balloon loans that provide for substantial payments of principal due at their stated maturities. Balloon loans involve a greater risk to the lender than amortizing loans because a borrower’s ability to repay a balloon mortgage loan on its stated maturity date typically will depend upon its ability either to refinance the mortgage loan (although some loans such as those on condominium projects, may be at least partially self-liquidating) or to sell the mortgaged property at a price sufficient to permit repayment. A borrower’s ability to effect a refinancing or sale will be affected by a number of factors. We are not obligated to refinance any of these mortgage loans.

Third-party diligence reports on mortgaged properties are made as of a point in time and are therefore limited in scope.

Appraisals and engineering and environmental reports, as well as a variety of other third party reports, are generally obtained with respect to each of the mortgaged properties underlying our investments at or about the time of origination. Appraisals are not guarantees of present or future value. One appraiser may reach a different conclusion than the conclusion that would be reached if a different appraiser were appraising that property. Moreover, the values of the mortgaged properties may have fluctuated significantly since the appraisals were performed. In addition, any third party report, including any engineering report, environmental report, site inspection or appraisal represents only the analysis of the individual consultant, engineer or inspector preparing such report at the time of such report, and may not reveal all necessary or desirable repairs, maintenance, remediation and capital improvement items.

The owners of, and borrowers on, the properties which secure our investments may seek the protection afforded by bankruptcy, insolvency and other debtor relief laws, which may create potential for risk of loss to us.

Although commercial mortgage lenders typically seek to reduce the risk of borrower bankruptcy through such items as nonrecourse carveouts for bankruptcy and special purpose entity/separateness covenants and/or non-consolidation opinions for borrowing entities, the owners of, and borrowers on, the properties which secure our investments may still seek the

 

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protection afforded by bankruptcy, insolvency and other debtor relief laws. One of the protections offered in such proceedings to borrowers or owners is a stay of legal proceedings against such borrowers or owners, and a stay of enforcement proceedings against collateral for such loans or underlying such securities (including the properties and cash collateral). A stay of foreclosure proceedings could adversely affect our ability to realize on its collateral, and could adversely affect the value of those assets. Other protections in such proceedings to borrowers and owners include forgiveness of debt, the ability to create super priority liens in favor of certain creditors of the debtor, the potential loss of cash collateral held by the lender if the lender is over-collateralized, and certain well defined claims procedures. Additionally, the numerous risks inherent in the bankruptcy process create a potential risk of loss of our entire investment in any particular investment.

Liability relating to environmental matters may impact the value of properties that we may acquire or the properties underlying our investments.

Liability relating to environmental matters may decrease the value of the underlying properties of our investments and may adversely affect the ability of a person to sell such property or real estate instrument related to the property or borrow using such property as collateral and may adversely affect the security afforded by a property for a mortgage loan. Under various federal, state and local laws, an owner or operator of real property may become liable for the costs of removal of certain hazardous substances released on, about, under or in its property. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release of such hazardous substances. To the extent that an owner of an underlying property becomes liable for removal costs, testing, monitoring, remediation, bodily injury or property damage, the ability of the owner to make debt payments may be reduced, which in turn may adversely affect the value of the relevant mortgage asset related to such property. If we acquire any properties by foreclosure or otherwise, the presence of hazardous substances on a property may adversely affect our ability to sell the property and we may incur substantial remediation costs, thereby harming our financial conditions. The discovery of material environmental liabilities attached to such properties could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Moreover, some federal and state laws provide that, in certain situations, a secured lender, such as us, may be liable as an “owner” or “operator” of the real property, regardless of whether the borrower or previous owner caused the environmental damage. Therefore, the presence of hazardous materials on certain property could have an adverse effect on us in our capacity as the owner of such property, as the mortgage lender to the owner of such property, or as the holder of a real estate instrument related to such property.

Insurance on the real estate underlying our loans and investments may not cover all losses, and this shortfall could result in both loss of cash flow from and a decrease in the asset value of the affected property.

The borrower, or we as property owner and/or originating lender, as the case may be, might not purchase enough or the proper types of insurance coverage to cover all losses. Further, there are certain types of losses, generally of a catastrophic nature, such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, terrorism or acts of war that may be uninsurable or not economically insurable. Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations and other factors, including terrorism or acts of war, also might make the insurance proceeds insufficient to repair or replace a property if it is damaged or destroyed. Under such circumstances, the insurance proceeds received might not be adequate to restore our economic position with respect to the affected real property. Any uninsured loss could result in both loss of cash flow from and a decrease in the asset value of the affected property.

 

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Our entitlement to repayment on a loan may be impacted by the doctrine of equitable subordination, which would result in the subordination of our claim to the claims of other creditors of the borrower.

Courts have, in some cases, applied the doctrine of equitable subordination to subordinate the claim of a lending institution against a borrower to claims of other creditors of the borrower, when the lending institution is found to have engaged in unfair, inequitable or fraudulent conduct. The courts have also applied the doctrine of equitable subordination when a lending institution or its affiliates are found to have exerted inappropriate control over a borrower, including control resulting from the ownership of equity interests in a borrower. In certain instances where we own equity in a property, we also may make one or more loans to the owner of such property. Payments on one or more of our loans, particularly a loan to a borrower in which we also hold equity interests, may be subject to claims of equitable subordination that would place our entitlement to repayment of the loan on an equal basis with holders of the borrower’s common equity only after all of the borrower’s obligations relating to its other debt and preferred securities has been satisfied.

If we purchase or originate loans secured by liens on facilities that are subject to a ground lease and such ground lease is terminated unexpectedly, our interests could be adversely affected.

A ground lease is a lease of land, usually on a long-term basis, that does not include buildings or other improvements on the land. Normally any real property improvements made by the lessee during the term of the lease will revert to the owner at the end of the lease term. We may purchase or originate loans secured by liens on facilities that are subject to a ground lease, and, if the ground lease were to terminate unexpectedly, due to the borrower’s default on such ground lease, our business could be adversely affected.

For certain of our loans, we may rely on loan agents and special servicers and such agents and servicers may not act in the manner that we expect.

With respect to some of our loans, we will be neither the agent of the lending group that receives payments under the loan nor the agent of the lending group that controls the collateral for purposes of administering the loan. When we are not the agent for a loan, we may not receive the same financial or operational information as we would receive for loans for which we are the agent and, in many instances, the information on which we must rely may be provided by the agent rather than directly by the borrower. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to track or rate such loans than it is for the loans for which we are the agent. Additionally, we may be prohibited or otherwise restricted from taking actions to enforce the loan or to foreclose upon the collateral securing the loan without the agreement of other lenders holding a specified minimum aggregate percentage, generally a majority or two-thirds of the outstanding principal balance. It is possible that an agent or other lenders for one of such loans may choose not to take the same actions to enforce the loan or to foreclose upon the collateral securing the loan that we would have taken had we been agent for the loan.

We may not be able to control the party who services the mortgage loans included in the CMBS in which we may invest if those loans are in default and, in such cases, our interests could be adversely affected.

With respect to each series of the CMBS in which we may invest, overall control over the special servicing of the related underlying mortgage loans will be held by a “directing certificate-holder” or a “controlling class representative,” which is appointed by the holders of the most subordinate class of CMBS in such series. We may not have the right to appoint the

 

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directing certificate-holder or controlling class representative. In connection with the servicing of the specially serviced mortgage loans, the related special servicer may, at the direction of the directing certificate-holder or controlling class representative, take actions with respect to the specially serviced mortgage loans that could adversely affect our interests. However, the special servicer is not permitted to take actions that are prohibited by law or violate the applicable servicing standard or the terms of the mortgage loan documents.

We may be required to make determinations of a borrower’s creditworthiness based on incomplete information or information that we cannot verify, which may cause us to purchase or originate loans that we otherwise would not have purchased or originated and, as a result, may negatively impact our business.

The commercial real estate lending business depends on the creditworthiness of borrowers, which we must judge. In making such judgment, we will depend on information obtained from non-public sources and the borrowers in making many decisions related to our portfolio, and such information may be difficult to obtain or may be inaccurate. As a result, we may be required to make decisions based on incomplete information or information that is impossible or impracticable to verify. A determination as to the creditworthiness of a prospective borrower is based on a wide-range of information including, without limitation, information relating to the form of entity of the prospective borrower, which may indicate whether the borrower can limit the impact that its other activities have on its ability to pay obligations related to the mortgaged property. Even if we are provided with full and accurate disclosure of all material information concerning a borrower, members of the management team may misinterpret or incorrectly analyze this information, which may cause us to purchase or originate loans that we otherwise would not have purchased or originated and, as a result, may negatively impact our business or the borrower could still defraud us after origination leading to a loss.

Our reserves for loan losses may prove inadequate, which could have a material adverse effect on us.

We maintain and regularly evaluate financial reserves to protect against potential future losses. Our reserves reflect management’s judgment of the probability and severity of losses. We cannot be certain that our judgment will prove to be correct and that reserves will be adequate over time to protect against potential future losses because of unanticipated adverse changes in the economy or events adversely affecting specific assets, borrowers, industries in which our borrowers operate or markets in which our borrowers or their properties are located. We must evaluate existing conditions on our debt investments to make determinations to record loan loss reserves on these specific investments. If our reserves for credit losses prove inadequate, we could suffer losses which would have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.

If the loans that we originate or purchase do not comply with applicable laws, we may be subject to penalties.

Loans that we originate or purchase may be directly or indirectly subject to U.S. laws. Real estate lenders and borrowers may be responsible for compliance with a wide range of law intended to protect the public interest, including, without limitation, the Truth in Lending, Equal Credit Opportunity, Fair Housing and Americans with Disabilities Acts and local zoning laws (including, but not limited, to zoning laws that allow permitted non-conforming uses). If we or any other person fail to comply with such laws in relation to a loan that we have purchased or originated, legal penalties may be imposed, and our business may be adversely affected as a result. Additionally, jurisdictions with “one action,” “security first” and/or “antideficiency rules” may limit our ability or the ability of a special servicer of a CMBS issuance to foreclose on a real property or to realize on obligations secured by a real property. In the future, new laws may be

 

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enacted or imposed by federal, state or local governmental entities, and such laws may have an adverse effect on our business.

We are subject to various risks relating to non-U.S. securities and loans that may make them more risky than our investments in U.S.-based securities and loans.

Investments in securities or loans of non-U.S. issuers or borrowers or on non-U.S. properties and securities denominated or whose prices are quoted in non-U.S. currencies pose, to the extent not hedged, currency exchange risks (including blockage, devaluation and nonexchangeability), as well as a range of other potential risks which could include expropriation, confiscatory taxation, withholding or other taxes on interest, dividends, capital gain or other income, political or social instability, illiquidity, price volatility, market manipulation and the burdens of complying with international licensing and regulatory requirements and prohibitions that differ between jurisdictions. In addition, less information may be available regarding non-U.S. properties or securities of non-U.S. issuers or borrowers and non-U.S. issuers or borrowers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to or as uniform as those of U.S. issuers. Transaction costs of investing in non-U.S. securities or loan markets are generally higher than in the United States, and there may be less government supervision and regulation of exchanges, brokers and issuers than there is in the United States. We might have greater difficulty taking appropriate legal action in non-U.S. courts and non-U.S. markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures which in some markets have at times failed to keep pace with the volume of transactions, thereby creating substantial delays and settlement failures that could adversely affect our performance.

Risks Related to Our Indebtedness

Our business is highly leveraged, which could lead to greater losses than if we were not as leveraged.

We do and, in the future, intend to use financial leverage in executing our business plan. Such borrowings my take the form of “financing facilities” such as bank credit facilities, credit facilities from government agencies (including the FHLB), repurchase agreements and warehouse lines of credit, which are secured revolving lines of credit that we utilize to warehouse portfolios or real estate instruments until we exit them through securitization. We do and, in the future, intend to enter into securitization and other long-term financing transactions to use the proceeds from such transactions to reduce the outstanding balances under these financing facilities. However, such agreements may include a recourse component. Further, any financing facilities that we currently have or may use in the future to finance our assets may require us to provide additional collateral or pay down debt if the market value of our assets pledged or sold to the provider of the credit facility or the repurchase agreement counterparty decline in value. In addition, our borrowings are generally based on floating interest rates, the fluctuation of which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Our use of leverage in a market that moves adversely to our business interests could result in a substantial loss to us, which would be greater than if we were not leveraged.

There can be no assurance that we will be able to utilize financing arrangements in the future on favorable terms, or at all.

There is no assurance that we will be able to obtain, maintain or renew our financing facilities on terms favorable to us or at all. Furthermore, any financing facility that we enter into

 

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will be subject to conditions and restrictive covenants relating to our operations, which may inhibit our ability to grow our business and increase revenues. To the extent we breach a covenant or cannot satisfy a condition, such facility may not be available to us, or may be required to be repaid in full or in part, which could limit our ability to pursue our business strategies. Further, such borrowings may limit the length of time during which any given asset may be used as eligible collateral.

Additionally, if we are unable to securitize our loans to replenish a warehouse line of credit, we may be required to seek other forms of potentially less attractive financing or otherwise to liquidate our assets. Furthermore, some of our warehouse lines of credit contain cross-default provisions. If a default occurs under one of these warehouse lines of credit and the lenders terminate one or more of these agreements, we may need to enter into replacement agreements with different lenders. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in entering into such replacement agreements on the same terms as the terminated warehouse line of credit.

We may issue more unsecured corporate bonds in the future depending on the financing requirements of our business and market conditions. Our failure to maintain the credit ratings on our debt securities could negatively affect our ability to access capital and could increase our interest expense. The credit rating agencies periodically review our capital structure and the quality and stability of our earnings. Deterioration in our capital structure or the quality and stability of our earnings could result in a downgrade of the credit ratings on our Notes and other debt securities. Any negative ratings actions could constrain the capital available to us and could limit our access to funding for our operations. We are dependent upon our ability to access capital at rates and on terms we determine to be attractive. If our ability to access capital becomes constrained, our interest costs could increase, which could have material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

The utilization of any of our repurchase and warehouse facilities and other financing arrangements is subject to the pre- approval of the lender, which we may be unable to obtain.

In order to borrow funds under a repurchase or warehouse agreement or other financing arrangement, the lender has the right to review the potential assets for which we are seeking financing and approve such asset in its sole discretion. Accordingly, we may be unable to obtain the consent of a lender to finance an investment and alternate sources of financing for such asset may not exist.

Our use of repurchase agreements to finance our securities and/or loans may give our lenders greater rights in the event that either we or a lender files for bankruptcy, including the right to repudiate our repurchase agreements, which could limit or delay our claims.

In the event of our insolvency or bankruptcy, certain repurchase agreements may qualify for special treatment under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the effect of which, among other things, would be to allow the lender under the applicable repurchase agreement to avoid the automatic stay provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and to foreclose on the collateral agreement without delay. In the event of the insolvency or bankruptcy of a lender during the term of a repurchase agreement, the lender may be permitted under applicable insolvency laws to repudiate the contract, and our claim against the lender for damages may be treated simply as an unsecured claim. In addition, if the lender is a broker or dealer subject to the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970, or an insured depository institution subject to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, our ability to exercise our rights to recover our securities under a repurchase agreement or to be compensated for any damages resulting from the lender’s insolvency may be further limited by

 

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those statutes. These claims would be subject to significant delay and, if and when received, may be substantially less than the damages we actually incur. Therefore, our use of repurchase agreements to finance our portfolio assets exposes our pledged assets to risk in the event of a bankruptcy filing by either a lender or ourselves.

If a counterparty to our repurchase transactions defaults on its obligation to resell the underlying security and/or loans to us at the end of the transaction term, or if the value of the underlying security and/or loans has declined as of the end of that term, or if we default on our obligations under the repurchase agreement, we will lose money on our repurchase transactions.

When we engage in repurchase transactions, we generally sell securities and/or loans to lenders (i.e., repurchase agreement counterparties) in return for cash from the lenders. The lenders then are obligated to resell the same securities and/or loans to us at the end of the term of the transaction. In a repurchase agreement, the cash we receive from a lender when we initially sell the securities and/or loans to such lender is less than the value of the securities and/or loans sold. If the lender defaults on its obligation to resell the same securities and/or loans to us under the terms of a repurchase agreement, we will incur a loss on the transaction equal to the difference between the value of the securities and/or loans sold and the cash we received from the lender (assuming there was no change in the value of the securities and/or loans). We also would lose money on a repurchase transaction if the value of the underlying securities and/or loans has declined as of the end of the transaction term, as we would have to repurchase the securities and/or loans for their initial value but would receive securities and/or loans worth less than that amount. Further, if we default on one of our obligations under a repurchase transaction, the lender will be able to terminate the transaction and cease entering into any other repurchase transactions with us. Our repurchase agreements generally contain cross-default provisions, so that if a default occurs under any one agreement, the lenders under our other agreements also could declare a default. If a default occurs under any of our repurchase agreements and the lenders terminate one or more of their repurchase agreements, we may need to enter into replacement repurchase agreements with different lenders. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in entering into such replacement repurchase agreements on the same terms as the repurchase agreements that were terminated or at all. Any losses that we incur on our repurchase transactions could adversely affect our earnings.

We may be subject to repurchases of loans or indemnification on loans and real estate that we have sold if certain representations or warranties in those sales are breached.

If loans that we sell or securitize do not comply with representations and warranties that we make about the loans, the borrowers, or the underlying properties, we may be required to repurchase such loans (including from a trust vehicle used to facilitate a structured financing of the assets through a securitization) or replace them with substitute loans. Additionally, in the case of loans and real estate that we have sold, we may be required to indemnify persons for losses or expenses incurred as a result of a breach of a representation or warranty. Repurchased loans typically will require a significant allocation of working capital to be carried on our books, and our ability to borrow against such assets may be limited. Any significant repurchases or indemnification payments could adversely affect our business.

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under our Notes and other indebtedness, and could have a material adverse effect on the value of our common stock.

We have, and will continue to have, a significant amount of indebtedness. At September 30, 2013, we and our subsidiaries had approximately $1.2 billion of aggregate principal amount of

 

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indebtedness outstanding, of which $905.4 million was secured indebtedness. The New Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations–Liquidity and Capital Resources–The New Revolving Credit Facility”) would permit us to borrow up to an additional $75 million, although we have no plans to borrow that much at this time. Our substantial level of indebtedness increases the risk that we may be unable to generate cash sufficient to pay amounts due in respect of our indebtedness. Our substantial indebtedness could have other important consequences to you and significant effects on our business. For example, it could;

 

   

make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our Notes and other debt securities, and our other debt;

 

   

increase our vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions;

 

   

require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to make payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital and other general corporate purposes;

 

   

limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;

 

   

restrict us from capitalizing on business opportunities;

 

   

place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and

 

   

limit our ability to borrow additional funds for working capital, acquisitions, debt service requirements, execution of our business strategy or other general corporate purposes.

The occurrence of any one or more of these effects could have a material adverse effect on the value of our common stock.

In addition, the credit agreements governing our funding debt and the indenture governing our Notes contain, and the agreements governing future indebtedness and future debt securities may contain, restrictive covenants that limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interests. Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default that, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our indebtedness, which could lead to a substantial loss and a material adverse effect on the value of our common stock.

We will depend on distributions from our subsidiaries to fulfill our obligations under our indebtedness.

Our ability to service debt obligations, including our ability to pay the interest on and principal of our credit facilities, Notes and other debt securities when due, will be dependent upon cash distributions or other transfers from our subsidiaries. Payments to us by our subsidiaries will be contingent upon their respective earnings and subject to any limitations on the ability of such entities to make payments or other distributions to us, including limitations imposed by individual debt arrangements at these subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to make any funds available to us.

Despite our current level of indebtedness, we and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt, which could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial leverage.

We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional debt in the future. Although we are subject to certain restrictions on our ability to incur additional debt in the

 

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indenture governing the senior notes and our other debt agreements, such restrictions would allow us to incur significant additional debt and are subject to significant qualifications and restrictions.

To the extent that we incur additional indebtedness or such other obligations, the risk associated with our substantial indebtedness described above, including our possible inability to service our debt, will increase. In addition, because certain of our outstanding indebtedness bears interest at variable rates of interest, we are exposed to risk from fluctuations in interest rates. We may enter into interest rate swaps that involve the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments in order to reduce interest rate volatility. However, we may not maintain interest rate swaps with respect to all of our variable rate indebtedness, and any swaps we enter into may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk, or may create additional risks.

To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control, and any failure to meet our debt service obligations could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Generally, the debt we have incurred to finance the mortgage loans we originate matures sooner than those mortgage loans. Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, including the Notes, and to fund working capital needs will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This ability, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.

If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operations or if future borrowings are not available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness, on or before the maturity thereof, sell assets or seek to raise additional capital, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and the value of our common stock. In addition, we may not be able to effect any of these actions, if necessary, on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Our ability to restructure or refinance our indebtedness, will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. The terms of existing or future indebtedness may limit or prevent us from taking any of these actions. In addition, any failure to make scheduled payments of interest or principal on our outstanding indebtedness would likely result in a reduction of our credit rating, which could harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt service obligations, or to refinance or restructure our obligations on commercially reasonable terms or at all, would have an adverse effect, which could be material, on our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as the value of our common stock.

Our failure to comply with the agreements relating to our outstanding indebtedness, including as a result of events beyond our control, could result in an event of default that could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

If there were an event of default under any of the agreements relating to our outstanding indebtedness, the holders of the defaulted debt could cause all amounts outstanding with respect to that debt to be due and payable immediately. Our assets or cash flow could be insufficient to fully repay borrowings under our outstanding debt instruments if accelerated upon an event of default. Further, if we are unable to repay, refinance or restructure our indebtedness under our secured debt, the holders of such debt could proceed against the collateral securing that indebtedness. In addition,

 

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any event of default or declaration of acceleration under one debt instrument could also result in an event of default under one or more of our other debt instruments. As a result, any default by us on our indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on our business and could have a material adverse effect on the value of our common stock.

There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain the consent of our lenders, including the FHLB, for this offering on a timely basis or at all, which may result in the termination and repayment of one or more of our financing facilities.

This offering may be deemed a “change of control” under one or more of our financing facilities, including the FHLB, requiring the consent of the applicable lender for the transaction. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain the consent of our lenders for this offering on a timely basis or at all, which may result in the termination and repayment of one or more of our financing facilities and have a material adverse effect on how we operate our business and our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

The indenture governing our Notes and the credit agreements governing our funding debt will restrict our current and future operations, particularly our ability to respond to changes or to take certain actions.

The indenture governing our Notes and the credit agreements governing our funding debt will impose significant operating and financial restrictions and limit the ability of LCFH, Ladder Capital Finance Corporation and their restricted subsidiaries to, among other things:

 

   

incur additional indebtedness and guarantee indebtedness;

 

   

pay dividends or make other distributions in respect of, or repurchase or redeem, partnership interests or capital stock;

 

   

prepay, redeem or repurchase certain debt;

 

   

sell or otherwise dispose of assets;

 

   

sell stock of our subsidiaries;

 

   

incur liens;

 

   

enter into transactions with affiliates;

 

   

enter into agreements restricting our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends; and

 

   

consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets.

As a result of these covenants and restrictions, we are and will be limited in how we conduct our business, and we may be unable to raise additional debt or equity financing to compete effectively or to take advantage of new business opportunities. In addition, we will be required to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy other financial condition tests. The terms of any future indebtedness we may incur could include more restrictive covenants. We may be unable to maintain compliance with these covenants in the future and, if we fail to do so, we may be unable to obtain waivers from the lenders and/or amend the covenants.

Our failure to comply with the restrictive covenants described above as well as others contained in our future debt instruments from time to time could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, could result in our being required to repay these borrowings before their due date. If we are forced to refinance these borrowings on less favorable terms, our results of operations and financial condition, as well as the value of our common stock, could be adversely affected.

 

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Risks Related to Regulatory and Compliance Matters

One of our subsidiaries is registered as a broker-dealer and is subject to various broker-dealer regulations. Violations of these regulations could result in revocation of broker-dealer licenses, fines or other disciplinary action.

We have a subsidiary that is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC and in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). This subsidiary, which from time to time co-manages the CMBS securitizations to which an affiliate contributes collateral as loan seller, is subject to regulations that cover all aspects of its business, including sales methods, trade practices, use and safekeeping of clients’ funds and securities, the capital structure of the subsidiary, recordkeeping, the financing of clients’ purchases and the conduct of directors, officers and employees. The SEC and FINRA have also imposed both conduct-based and disclosure-based requirements with respect to research reports. Violation of these regulations can result in the revocation of broker-dealer licenses (which could result in our having to hire new licensed investment professionals before continuing certain operations), the imposition of censure or fines and the suspension or expulsion of the subsidiary, its officers or employees from FINRA. In addition, our broker-dealer subsidiary is subject to routine periodic examination by the staff of FINRA.

As a registered broker-dealer and member of a self-regulatory organization, our broker-dealer subsidiary is subject to the SEC’s uniform net capital rule. Rule 15c3-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) specifies the minimum level of net capital a broker-dealer must maintain and also requires that a significant part of a broker-dealer’s assets be kept in relatively liquid form. The SEC and FINRA impose rules that require notification when net capital falls below certain predefined criteria, limit the ratio of subordinated debt to equity in the regulatory capital composition of a broker-dealer and constrain the ability of a broker-dealer to expand its business under certain circumstances. Additionally, the SEC’s uniform net capital rule imposes certain requirements that may have the effect of prohibiting a broker-dealer from distributing or withdrawing capital and requiring prior notice to the SEC for certain withdrawals of capital.

The Dodd-Frank Act will result in additional regulation by the SEC, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) and other regulators of our broker-dealer subsidiary. The legislation calls for the imposition of expanded standards of care by market participants in dealing with clients and customers, including by providing the SEC with authority to adopt rules establishing fiduciary duties for broker-dealers and directing the SEC to examine and improve sales practices and disclosure by broker-dealers and investment advisers. Our broker-dealer subsidiary will also be affected by rules to be adopted by federal agencies pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act that require any person who organizes or initiates an asset-backed security transaction to retain a portion (generally, at least five percent) of any credit risk that the person conveys to a third party. Securitizations will also be affected by rules proposed by the SEC in September 2011 to implement the Dodd-Frank Act’s prohibition against securitization participants’ engaging in any transaction that would involve or result in any material conflict of interest with an investor in a securitization transaction. The proposed rules would except bona fide market-making activities and risk-mitigating hedging activities in connection with securitization activities from the general prohibition.

 

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If our subsidiaries that are regulated as registered investment advisers are unable to meet the requirements of the SEC or fail to comply with certain federal and state securities laws and regulations, they may face termination of their investment adviser registration, fines or other disciplinary action.

Two of our subsidiaries are regulated by the SEC as registered investment advisers. Registered investment advisers are subject to the requirements and regulations of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). Such requirements relate to, among other things, fiduciary duties to advisory clients, maintaining an effective compliance program, solicitation agreements, conflicts of interest, recordkeeping and reporting requirements, disclosure requirements, limitations on agency cross and principal transactions between an advisor and advisory clients and general anti-fraud prohibitions. Non-compliance with the Advisers Act or other federal and state securities laws and regulations could result in investigations, sanctions, disgorgement, fines and reputational damage.

If our subsidiaries that are regulated as registered investment advisers are unable to successfully negotiate the terms of their management fees, our results of operations could be negatively impacted.

Our asset management business, which currently consists of our institutional bridge loan partnership (a private investment fund) in addition to three separate CMBS managed accounts, depends in large part on our ability to raise capital from third-party investors. If we are unable to raise capital from third-party investors, we would be unable to collect management fees or deploy their capital into investments and potentially receive additional fees and compensation, which would materially reduce our revenue and cash flow from our asset management business and adversely affect our financial condition.

In connection with creating new investment products or securing additional investments in existing accounts and vehicles, we negotiate terms with existing and potential investors. The outcome of such negotiations could result in our agreement to terms that are materially less favorable to us than the terms of other accounts or vehicles one of our investment adviser subsidiaries has advised. Such terms could restrict our subsidiaries’ ability to advise accounts or vehicles with investment objectives or strategies that compete with existing accounts or vehicles, reduce fee revenues we earn, reduce the percentage of profits on third-party capital that we share in or add expenses and obligations for us in managing the accounts or vehicles or increase our potential liabilities, all of which could ultimately reduce our profitability.

The historical returns attributable to the accounts and investment vehicles managed by our asset management business are not indicative of the future results of the accounts and investment vehicles managed by this business, our future results or the performance of the Notes.

The historical and potential future returns of the accounts and investment vehicles managed by our asset management business are not directly linked to returns on our business. Therefore, any positive performance of the accounts and investment vehicles that we manage will not necessarily result in positive returns on an investment in our common equity. However, poor performance of the accounts and investment vehicles that we manage would cause a decline in our revenue from such accounts and investment vehicles, and would therefore have a negative effect on our performance.

 

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One of our subsidiaries that advises private investment funds may provide investors the right to redeem their investments in these funds or to cause these funds to be dissolved. In addition, the investment management agreements related to our separately managed accounts may permit the investor to terminate our management of such account on short notice. Any of these events would lead to a decrease in our revenues, which could be substantial.

Investors in any private investment funds advised by one of our subsidiaries may have the right redeem their investments on an annual, semi-annual or quarterly basis following the expiration of a specified period of time when capital may not be withdrawn, subject to the applicable fund’s specific redemption provisions. In a declining market, the pace of redemptions and consequent reduction in our subsidiary’s assets under management could accelerate. The decrease in revenues that would result from significant redemptions in our subsidiary’s funds could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, net income and cash flows.

One of our subsidiaries currently manages certain separately managed accounts whereby it earns management and incentive fees. The investment management agreements our subsidiary enters into in connection with managing separately managed accounts on behalf of certain clients may be terminated by such clients on relatively short notice. In the case of any such terminations, the management and incentive fees our subsidiary earns in connection with managing such account would cease, which could result in an adverse impact on our revenues.

The governing agreements of any private investment funds advised by one of our subsidiaries may provide that, subject to certain conditions, third-party investors in those funds will have the right to remove the general partner of the fund or to accelerate the liquidation date of the investment fund without cause by a simple majority vote, resulting in a reduction in the compensation we would earn from such investment funds. Finally, the applicable funds would cease to exist. In addition to having a negative impact on our revenue, net income and cash flow, the occurrence of such an event with respect to any of our investment funds could result in significant reputational damage to us.

We cannot be certain that consents required for assignments of our investment management agreements will be obtained if a change of control occurs at the Company, which may result in the termination of these agreements and a corresponding loss of revenue.

All of our separately managed accounts and private funds do and would have an adviser that is regulated as a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act, which requires these investment management agreements to be terminated upon an “assignment” without investor consent. Such “assignment” may be deemed to occur in the event such adviser was to experience a direct or indirect change of control (at the Company level). Termination of these agreements would cause us to lose the fees we earn from such accounts or funds.

If our subsidiary that operates as a captive insurance company fails to comply with insurance laws or is no longer a member of the FHLB, our sources of financing may be limited, which may have an adverse financial impact on the captive and us.

We maintain a captive insurance company to provide coverage previously self-insured by us, including nuclear, biological or chemical coverage, excess property coverage and excess errors and omissions coverage. The captive is regulated by the State of Michigan and is subject to regulations that cover all aspects of its business, including a requirement to maintain a certain minimum net capital. Violation of these regulations can result in revocation of its authorization to do business as a captive insurer or result in censures or fines. The captive could also be found to be in violation of the insurance laws of states other than Michigan (i.e., states where insureds are

 

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located), in which case fines and penalties could apply from those states. Any limitation on the activities of the captive and regulatory proceeding, regulatory limitation or sanction, loss of license or change of laws or regulation affecting the captive could affect the ability of the captive to borrow from the FHLB and thereby limit a source of financing for our operations.

The captive is a member of the FHLB, and as such, is eligible to borrow funds, on a fully collateralized basis, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the FHLB’s Advances, Pledge and Security Agreement. As a member, the captive is required to purchase shares of the FHLB based on the amount of funds borrowed. The organization of the captive and its membership in the FHLB is viewed as a risk financing and investment vehicle of Ladder. Like any other investment, the captive’s participation in the FHLB involves some risk of loss, both with respect to the shares of the FHLB and the assets provided by the captive as collateral. Furthermore, if the captive’s membership in the FHLB is terminated, then it may have an adverse financial impact on the captive and us.

The FHFA may pass regulatory initiatives adverse to captive insurance companies which may lead to limited lending to captive insurance companies and possibly termination of our FHLB membership.

The FHFA is the regulator of the FHLB. The FHFA has issued two formal regulatory initiatives to address its concerns regarding captive insurance companies as members of the FHLB. These initiatives could (i) impact whether additional captive insurance companies may become members of an FHLB, (ii) limit lending by FHLB to captive insurance companies members, (iii) incentivize captive insurance companies to voluntarily withdraw from membership or (iv) dictate the involuntary termination of captive insurance companies and the associated repayment of their outstanding financing. Although we do not expect the FHFA to issue proposed rules in the near term, there can be no assurance that any such proposed rules will not adversely impact our captive insurance company and its access to lending by the FHLB.

Regulatory changes in the United States and regulatory compliance failures could adversely affect our reputation, business and operations.

Potential regulatory action poses a significant risk to our business. Certain of our subsidiaries’ businesses are subject to extensive regulation in the United States and may rely on exemptions from various requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Investment Company Act, and the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). These exemptions are sometimes highly complex and may in certain circumstances depend on compliance by third parties who we do not control. If for any reason these exemptions were to be revoked or challenged or otherwise become unavailable to us, we could be subject to regulatory action or third-party claims, and our business could be materially and adversely affected.

Further each of the regulatory bodies with jurisdiction over one or more of our subsidiaries has regulatory powers dealing with many aspects of financial services, including the authority to grant, and in specific circumstances to cancel, permissions to carry on particular activities, which may negatively affect our business.

In addition, once we become a publicly traded company or otherwise have publicly traded securities such as the Notes, we will be subject to additional regulation, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and other applicable securities rules and regulations. Compliance with these rules and regulations may increase our legal and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and increase demand on our systems and

 

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resources. We may also be involved in trading activities which implicate a broad number of United States securities law regimes, including laws governing trading on inside information, market manipulation and a broad number of technical trading requirements that implicate fundamental market regulation policies. Violation of these laws could result in severe restrictions on our activities and damage to our reputation.

In June 2010, the SEC approved Rule 206(4)-5 under the Advisers Act regarding “pay to play” practices by investment advisers involving campaign contributions and other payments to government clients and elected officials able to exert influence on such clients. The rule prohibits investment advisers from providing advisory services for compensation to a government client for two years, subject to very limited exceptions, after the investment adviser, its senior executives or its personnel involved in soliciting investments from government entities make contributions to certain candidates and officials in position to influence the hiring of an investment adviser by such government client. Advisers are required to implement compliance policies designed, among other matters, to track contributions by certain of the adviser’s employees and engagement of third-parties that solicit government entities and to keep certain records in order to enable the SEC to determine compliance with the rule. Any failure on our part to comply with the rule could expose us to significant penalties and reputational damage. In addition, there have been similar rules on a state-level regarding “pay to play” practices by investment advisers.

It is impossible to determine the extent of the impact on us of the Dodd-Frank Act or any other new laws, regulations or initiatives that may be proposed or whether any of the proposals will become law. Compliance with any new laws or regulations could make compliance more difficult and expensive, affect the manner in which we conduct our business and adversely affect our profitability.

Employee misconduct could harm us by impairing our ability to attract and retain clients and subjecting us to significant legal liability and reputational harm.

There is a risk that our employees could engage in misconduct that adversely affects our business. We are subject to a number of obligations and standards arising from our regulated businesses and our authority over the assets managed by our asset management business. The violation of these obligations and standards by any of our employees would adversely affect our clients and us. If our employees were improperly to use or disclose confidential information obtained during discussions regarding a potential investment, we could suffer serious harm to our reputation, financial position and current and future business relationships. It is not always possible to detect or deter employee misconduct, and the extensive precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in all cases. If one of our employees were to engage in misconduct or were to be accused of such misconduct, our business and our reputation could be adversely affected.

Accounting rules for certain of our transactions are highly complex and involve significant judgment and assumptions. Changes in accounting interpretations or assumptions could impact our consolidated financial statements.

Accounting rules for transfers of financial assets, securitization transactions, consolidation of variable interest entities, or VIEs, and other aspects of our anticipated operations are highly complex and involve significant judgment and assumptions. These complexities could lead to a delay in preparation of financial information and the delivery of this information to our stockholders. Changes in accounting interpretations or assumptions could impact our consolidated financial statements, result in a need to restate our financial results and affect our ability to timely prepare

 

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our consolidated financial statements. Our inability to timely prepare our consolidated financial statements in the future would likely adversely affect our security prices significantly.

Risks Related to Our Investment Company Act Exemption

Maintenance of our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act imposes significant limits on our operations. The value of our securities, including our Class A common stock may be adversely affected if we are required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.

We intend to conduct our operations so that neither we nor any of our subsidiaries are required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.

If we or any of our subsidiaries fail to qualify for and maintain an exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act, or an exclusion from the definition of an investment company, we could, among other things, be required either to (a) substantially change the manner in which we conduct our operations to avoid being required to register as an investment company, (b) effect sales of our assets in a manner that, or at a time when, we would not otherwise choose to do so, or (c) register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, any of which could have an adverse effect on us, our financial results, the sustainability of our business model or the value of our securities.

If we or any of our subsidiaries were required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, the registered entity would become subject to substantial regulation with respect to capital structure (including the ability to use leverage), management, operations, transactions with affiliated persons (as defined in the Investment Company Act), portfolio composition, including restrictions with respect to diversification and industry concentration, compliance with reporting, record keeping, voting, proxy disclosure and other rules and regulations that would significantly change its operations and we would not be able to conduct our business as described in this prospectus. For example, because affiliate transactions are generally prohibited under the Investment Company Act, we would not be able to enter into certain transactions with any of our affiliates if we are required to register as an investment company, which could have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate our business.

If we were required to register ourselves as an investment company but failed to do so, we would be prohibited from engaging in our business, and criminal and civil actions could be brought against us. In addition, our contracts would be unenforceable unless a court required enforcement, and a court could appoint a receiver to take control of us and liquidate our business.

We are organized as a holding company and conduct our businesses primarily through our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. We believe we will not be considered an investment company under Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act because we will not engage primarily, or hold ourselves out as being engaged primarily, and do not propose to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. Rather, we will be engaged primarily in the business of holding securities of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries.

Under Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act, because we are a holding company that will conduct its businesses primarily through wholly-owned subsidiaries, the

 

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securities issued by these subsidiaries that are excepted from the definition of “investment company” under Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act, together with any other investment securities we may own, may not have a combined value in excess of 40% of the value of our adjusted total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis (the “40% test”). This requirement limits the types of businesses in which we may engage through our subsidiaries. In addition, the assets we and our subsidiaries may originate or acquire are limited by the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, which may adversely affect our business.

We expect that certain of our subsidiaries may rely on the exclusion from the definition of “investment company” under the Investment Company Act pursuant to Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act, which is available for entities “primarily engaged” in the business of “purchasing or otherwise acquiring mortgages and other liens on and interests in real estate.” This exclusion, as interpreted by the staff of the SEC, requires that an entity invest at least 55% of its assets in qualifying real estate assets and at least 80% of its assets in qualifying real estate assets and real estate-related assets. We expect each of our subsidiaries relying on Section 3(c)(5)(C) to rely on guidance published by the SEC staff or on our analyses of such guidance to determine which assets are qualifying real estate assets and real estate-related assets.

However, the SEC’s guidance was issued in accordance with factual situations that may be substantially different from the factual situations we may face. Pursuant to this guidance, and depending on the characteristics of the specific investments, certain mortgage loans, participations in mortgage loans, mezzanine loans, joint venture investments, CMBS and the equity securities of other entities may not constitute “qualifying real estate assets” (as that term is interpreted under Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act) or, in certain limited circumstances, real estate-related assets and therefore our investments in these types of assets may be limited. We have not received, nor have we sought, a no-action letter from the SEC regarding how our investment strategy fits within the exclusions from the definition of an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act that we and our subsidiaries are using. The SEC or its staff may, in the future, issue further guidance that may require us to re-classify our assets for purposes of qualifying for an exclusion from the definition of an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act. If we are required to re-classify our assets, certain of our subsidiaries may no longer be in compliance with the exclusion from the definition of an “investment company” provided by Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act. To the extent that the SEC or its staff publishes new or different guidance with respect to these matters, we may be required to adjust our strategies accordingly. In addition, we may be limited in our ability to make certain investments and these limitations could result in a subsidiary holding assets we might wish to sell or selling assets we might wish to hold.

Any of the Company or our subsidiaries may rely on the exemption provided by Section 3(c)(6) of the Investment Company Act to the extent that they primarily engage, directly or through majority-owned subsidiaries, in the businesses described in Sections 3(c)(3), 3(c)(4) and 3(c)(5) of the Investment Company Act. The SEC staff has issued little interpretive guidance with respect to Section 3(c)(6) and any guidance published by the SEC or its staff could require us to adjust our strategies accordingly.

We will monitor our holdings and those of our subsidiaries to ensure continuing and ongoing compliance with these tests, and we will be responsible for making the determinations and calculations required to confirm our compliance with these tests. If the SEC does not agree with our determinations, we may be required to adjust our activities and those of our subsidiaries.

 

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We determine whether an entity is one of our majority-owned subsidiaries. The Investment Company Act defines a majority-owned subsidiary of a person as a company 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of which are owned by such person, or by another company which is a majority-owned subsidiary of such person. The Investment Company Act further defines voting securities as any security presently entitling the owner or holder thereof to vote for the election of directors of a company. We treat companies in which we own at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities as majority-owned subsidiaries for purposes of the 40% test. We have not requested the SEC to approve our treatment of any company as a majority-owned subsidiary and the SEC has not done so. If the SEC were to disagree with our treatment of one or more companies as majority-owned subsidiaries, we would need to adjust our strategies and our assets in order to continue to pass the 40% test. Any such adjustment in our strategies could have a material adverse effect on us.

In 2011, the SEC solicited public comment on a wide range of issues relating to Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act, including the nature of the assets that qualify for purposes of the exclusion and whether companies that are engaged in the business of acquiring mortgages and mortgage-related instruments should be regulated in a manner similar to investment companies. There can be no assurance that the laws and regulations governing the Investment Company Act status of such companies, including the SEC or its staff providing more specific or different guidance regarding Section 3(c)(5)(C), will not change in a manner that adversely affects our operations.

To the extent that the SEC or its staff provides more specific guidance regarding any of the matters bearing upon our exclusion from the definition of an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we may be required to adjust our strategies accordingly. Any additional guidance from the SEC or its staff could provide additional flexibility to us, or it could further inhibit our ability to pursue the strategies that we have chosen. Furthermore, although we intend to monitor the assets of our subsidiaries relying on Section 3(c)(5)(C), there can be no assurance that any such subsidiary will be able to maintain this exclusion from the definition of an investment company under the Investment Company Act. In that case, our investment in such subsidiary would be classified as an investment security, and therefore, we might be unable to maintain our overall exclusion from the definition of an investment company and thus be required to register as such under the Investment Company Act.

Risks Related to Conflicts of Interest

Our officers and directors may be involved in other businesses related to the commercial real estate industry and potential conflicts of interests may arise if we invest in commercial real estate instruments or properties affiliated with such businesses.

Our officers or directors may be involved in other businesses related to the commercial real estate industry, and we may wish to invest in commercial real estate instruments or properties affiliated with such persons. Potential conflicts of interest may exist in such situations, and as a result, the benefits to our business of such investments may be limited. We do not have a policy that expressly prohibits our directors, officers, security holders or affiliates from having a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any transaction in which we have an interest or engaging for their own account in business activities of the types that we conduct.

We may compete with our investors and our affiliated entities for certain investment opportunities.

TowerBrook and GI Partners, or one or more of their affiliates, may compete against us for investment opportunities in the future. The investment in the Company by the funds managed by

 

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TowerBrook and GI Partners did not result in any limitations on the types of investments and activities that may be made or pursued by any of the funds managed by TowerBrook and GI Partners and our amended and restated articles of incorporation provide that we shall not have any right or expectation in any corporate opportunities known to Towerbrook or GI Partners. In the future, TowerBrook or GI Partners (or one of any of their affiliates) or one or more of the funds managed by TowerBrook or GI Partners may invest in and/or control one or more other entities or businesses with investment and operating focuses that overlap with our investment and operating focus. Certain potential conflicts of interest may also arise with respect to the allocation of prospective investments between us and one or more of the funds managed by TowerBrook and GI Partners or other investment entities controlled or managed by TowerBrook and GI Partners and their affiliates. Where such allocations are appropriate, TowerBrook and GI Partners generally will act or choose not to act in a fashion that they deem reasonable and fair to each investment entity that is a party to the transaction. As a result, we may decide not to invest in otherwise desirable and beneficial investment opportunities.

Meridian Capital Group, LLC (“Meridian”), a strategic investor in us, expects, in its capacity as a commercial real estate mortgage loan broker, to present us with a geographically diverse volume of loan opportunities for our review. Meridian, however, will also provide our competitors with many, if not all, of the same loan opportunities and there can be no assurance that we will accept any of these opportunities for origination. Additionally, representatives of Meridian who may be appointed to our Board of Directors and our subsidiaries may also serve as directors of one or more other entities that compete with us.

Certain of our entities have in the past and may in the future make loans to other of our entities. Such loans may be made on other-than-arms’-length terms, and as a result, we could be deemed to be subject to an inherent conflict of interest in the event that the interest rates and related fees of such loans differ from those rates and fees then available in the marketplace. We expect that such loans will not give rise to a conflict of interest because such loans generally will be made at rates, and subject to fees, lower than those available in the marketplace; however, we will attempt to resolve any conflicts of interest that arise in a fair and equitable manner.

We hold CMBS and the master servicer, special servicer or sub-servicer or their affiliates may have relationships with borrowers under related mortgage loans and such relationships may impact the value of such CMBS.

In instances where we hold CMBS, the master servicer, special servicer or sub-servicer or any of their respective affiliates may have interests in, or other financial relationships with, borrowers under related mortgage loans. Such relationships may create conflicts of interest that negatively impact the value of such CMBS.

Risks Related to Hedging

We may enter into hedging transactions that could expose us to contingent liabilities in the future and adversely impact our financial condition.

Part of our strategy will involve entering into hedging transactions that could require us to fund cash payments in certain circumstances (such as the early termination of the hedging instrument caused by an event of default or other early termination event, or the decision by a counterparty to request margin securities it is contractually owed under the terms of the hedging instrument). These potential payments will be contingent liabilities and therefore may not appear in our financial statements. The amount due would be equal to the unrealized loss of the open swap positions with the respective counterparty and could also include other fees and

 

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charges. These economic losses will be reflected in our results of operations, and our ability to fund these obligations will depend on the liquidity of our assets and access to capital at the time, and the need to fund these obligations could adversely impact our financial condition.

Hedging against interest rate exposure may adversely affect our earnings.

We intend to pursue various hedging strategies to seek to reduce our exposure to adverse changes in interest rates. Our hedging activity will vary in scope based on the level and volatility of interest rates, the type of assets held and other changing market conditions. Interest rate hedging may fail to protect or could adversely affect our business because, among other things:

 

   

interest rate hedging can be expensive, particularly during periods of rising and volatile interest rates;

 

   

available interest rate hedges may not correspond directly with the interest rate risk for which protection is sought;

 

   

due to a credit loss or other factors, the duration of the hedge may not match the duration of the related liability;

 

   

applicable law may require mandatory clearing of certain interest rate hedges we may wish to use, which may raise costs;

 

   

the credit quality of the hedging counterparty owing money on the hedge may be downgraded to such an extent that it impairs our ability to sell or assign its side of the hedging transaction; and

 

   

the hedging counterparty owing money in the hedging transaction may default on its obligation to pay.

In addition, we may fail to recalculate, readjust and execute hedges in an efficient manner.

Any hedging activity in which we engage may materially and adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. Therefore, while we may enter into such transactions seeking to reduce interest rate risks, unanticipated changes in interest rates may result in poorer overall investment performance than if we had not engaged in any such hedging transactions. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio positions or liabilities being hedged may vary materially. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio positions or liabilities being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss.

Certain hedging instruments are not traded on regulated exchanges and therefore may involve risks and costs that could result in material losses.

The enforceability of agreements underlying certain hedging transactions may depend on compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements under U.S. law and, depending on the identity of the counterparty, applicable international requirements. The business failure of a hedging counterparty with whom we enter into a hedging transaction will most likely result in its default, resulting in the loss of unrealized profits and forcing us to cover our commitments, if any, at the then current market price. A liquid secondary market may not exist for these hedging instruments, and we may be required to maintain a position until exercise or expiration, which could result in significant losses.

 

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We may enter into hedging transactions that subject us to mandatory margin requirements.

Part of our strategy will involve entering into hedging transactions that may be subject to mandatory clearing under the Dodd-Frank Act and therefore subject to mandatory margin requirements. The margin we may be required to post may be subject to the rules of the relevant clearinghouse, which may provide the clearinghouse with discretion to increase those requirements. In addition, clearing intermediaries who clear our trades with a clearinghouse may have contractual rights to increase the margin requirements we are required to provide. Our ability to fund these obligations will depend on the liquidity of our assets and access to capital at the time, and the need to fund these obligations could adversely impact our financial condition. In addition, the failure to satisfy a margin call may result in the liquidation of all or a portion of the relevant hedge transactions.

Increased regulatory oversight of derivatives could adversely affect our hedging activities.

The Dodd-Frank Act regulates derivative transactions, which covers certain hedging instruments we may use in our risk management activities. The Dodd-Frank Act and related SEC and CFTC regulations that have been adopted to date include significant new provisions regarding the regulation of derivatives (including mandatory clearing and margin requirements), although the full impact of those provisions will not be known definitively until they have been fully implemented. Additional SEC and CFTC regulations governing derivative transactions and market participants are also expected. The legislation and new regulations could increase the operational and transactional cost of derivatives contracts and also affect the number and/or creditworthiness of available hedge counterparties.

Risks Related To the Offering and Our Class A Common Stock

An active market for our Class A common stock may not develop or be sustained.

We intend to apply to list our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “LADR.” However, we cannot assure you that a regular trading market of our Class A common stock will develop on that exchange or elsewhere or, if developed, that any market will be sustained. Accordingly, we cannot assure you of the likelihood that an active trading market for our Class A common stock will develop or be maintained, the liquidity of any trading market, your ability to sell your Class A common stock when desired, or at all, or the prices that you may obtain for your Class A common stock.

The market price and trading volume of our Class A common stock may be volatile, which could result in rapid and substantial losses for our stockholders.

Even if an active trading market develops, the market price of our Class A common stock may be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations. In addition, the trading volume in our Class A common stock may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. If the market price of our Class A common stock declines significantly, you may be unable to sell your Class A common stock at or above your purchase price, if at all. We cannot assure you that the market price of our Class A common stock will not fluctuate or decline significantly in the future. Some of the factors that could negatively affect the price of our Class A common stock or result in fluctuations in the price or trading volume of our Class A common stock include: variations in our quarterly operating results; failure to meet our earnings estimates; publication of research reports about us or the investment management industry or the failure of securities analysts to cover our Class A common stock after the offering; additions or departures of our executive officers and other key management personnel; adverse market reaction to any indebtedness we

 

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may incur or securities we may issue in the future; actions by stockholders; changes in market valuations of similar companies; speculation in the press or investment community; changes or proposed changes in laws or regulations or differing interpretations thereof affecting our business or enforcement of these laws and regulations, or announcements relating to these matters; adverse publicity about the financial advisory industry generally or individual scandals, specifically; and general market and economic conditions.

Our Class A common stock price may decline due to the large number of shares eligible for future sale and for exchange into Class A common stock.

The market price of our Class A common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of our Class A common stock or the perception that such sales could occur. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate.

Upon completion of the offering we will have a total of             shares of our Class A common stock outstanding (or             shares of Class A common stock if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock). All of the shares of Class A common stock that will be sold in the offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act by persons other than our “affiliates.” Under the Securities Act, an “affiliate” of an issuer is a person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with that issuer.

In addition, subject to certain limitations and exceptions, pursuant to certain provisions of our LLLP Agreement, unitholders of LCFH may exchange an equal number of LP Units and Class B common stock for shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to customary conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications. Upon consummation of the offering, the existing owners of LCFH will beneficially own             LP Units, all of which will be exchangeable for shares of our Class A common stock beginning 180 days after the date of this prospectus.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue additional shares of Class A common stock and options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights relating to Class A common stock for the consideration and on the terms and conditions established by our board of directors in its sole discretion. In accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) and the provisions of our certificate of incorporation, we may also issue preferred stock that has designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties that are different from, and may be senior to, those applicable to shares of Class A common stock. Similarly, the LLLP Agreement permits LCFH to issue an unlimited number of additional limited liability limited partnership interests of LCFH with designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties that are different from, and may be senior to, those applicable to the LP Units, and which may be exchangeable for shares of our Class A common stock.

We and certain of the existing unitholders of LCFH have agreed with the underwriters not to sell, otherwise dispose of or hedge any of our Class A common stock, subject to specified exceptions, during the period from the date of this prospectus continuing through the date 180 days after the date of this prospectus, except with the prior written consent of Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Citigroup Global Capital Markets Inc. We have also agreed, in respect of the existing owners who have not entered into such a lock-up agreement, not to permit such existing owners to exchange their LP Units or Class B common stock for shares of our Class A common stock during such 180-day period without the prior written consent of Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. The agreements provide exceptions for

 

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(1) sales to underwriters pursuant to the purchase agreement, (2) our sales in connection with existing stock incentive plans and (3) certain other exceptions. Subject to these agreements, we may issue and sell in the future additional Class A common stock. In addition, after the expiration of the 180-day lock-up period, the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exchange of the LP Units and Class B common stock will be eligible for resale from time to time, subject to certain contractual and Securities Act restrictions.

You may be diluted by the future issuance of additional Class A common stock in connection with our incentive plans, acquisitions or otherwise.

After the offering, we will have an aggregate of             shares of Class A common stock authorized but unissued, including             shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exchange of LP Units and Class B common stock that will be held by our owners. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue these shares of Class A common stock and options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights relating to Class A common stock for the consideration and on the terms and conditions established by our board of directors in its sole discretion, whether in connection with acquisitions or otherwise. We have reserved             shares for issuance under our 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Any Class A common stock that we issue, including under our 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan or other equity incentive plans that we may adopt in the future, would dilute the percentage ownership held by the investors who purchase Class A common stock in the offering.

Investors in the offering will suffer immediate and substantial dilution.

The initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock will be substantially higher than our pro forma net tangible book value per share immediately after the offering. As a result, you will pay a price per Class A share that substantially exceeds the book value of our assets after subtracting our liabilities. At an offering price of $         per share, the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus, you will incur immediate and substantial dilution in an amount of $         per share of Class A common stock. In addition, under an existing deferred compensation plan, certain employees of LCFH may be entitled to receive shares of Class A common stock on account of certain deferred compensation plan account balances that are notionally invested in Class A common stock to the extent their interests in the plan become earned and payable. See “Dilution” and “Executive Compensation—Phantom Equity Investment Plan (Deferred Compensation Plan).”

We do not intend to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future, which may depress the price of our Class A common stock.

We intend to reinvest any earnings in the growth of our business. Payments of future dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors after taking into account various factors, including our business, operating results and financial condition, current and anticipated cash needs, plans for expansion and any legal or contractual limitations on our ability to pay dividends. In addition, our ability to pay dividends may be limited by covenants of any existing and future outstanding indebtedness we or our subsidiaries incur, including our Notes. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.” As a result, you may not receive any return on an investment in our Class A common stock unless you sell our Class A common stock for a price greater than that which you paid for it.

 

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Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and Delaware law could delay or prevent a change in control.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws may delay or prevent a merger or acquisition that a stockholder may consider favorable by permitting our board of directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock, requiring advance notice for stockholder proposals and nominations, and placing limitations on convening stockholder meetings. In addition, we are subject to provisions of the DGCL that restrict certain business combinations with interested stockholders. These provisions may also discourage acquisition proposals or delay or prevent a change in control, which could harm our stock price. See “Description of Capital Stock.”

The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources, divert management’s attention and affect our ability to attract and retain qualified board members.

As a public company, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the New York Stock Exchange rules promulgated in response to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The requirements of these rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and increase demand on our systems and resources. The Exchange Act requires, among other things, that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and financial condition. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls for financial reporting. In order to maintain and, if required, improve our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting to meet this standard, significant resources and management oversight may be required, and management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns. These rules and regulations could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified independent members of our board of directors. Additionally, we expect these rules and regulations to make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance. We may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. Furthermore, because of our relative inexperience in operating as a public company, we might not be successful in implementing these requirements. The increased costs of compliance with public company reporting requirements and our potential failure to satisfy these requirements could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

Risks Related to Our Organization and Structure

Our only material asset after completion of the offering will be our interest in LCFH, and we are accordingly dependent upon distributions from LCFH to pay dividends, if any, taxes, payments under the tax receivable agreement, and other expenses.

We will be a holding company and will have no material assets other than our ownership of LP Units. We have no independent means of generating revenue. We intend to cause LCFH to make distributions to its unitholders in an amount sufficient to cover all applicable taxes payable by them determined according to assumed rates, payments owing under the tax receivable agreement, and dividends, if any, declared by us. To the extent that we need funds, and LCFH is restricted from making such distributions under applicable law or regulation, or is otherwise unable to provide such funds, it could materially adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition.

 

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We are controlled by the existing unitholders of LCFH, whose interests may differ from those of our public stockholders.

Immediately following the offering and the application of net proceeds from the offering, the existing unitholders of LCFH will control approximately     % of the combined voting power of our Class A and Class B common stock. Accordingly, the existing unitholders of LCFH, if voting in the same manner, will have the ability to elect all of the members of our board of directors, and thereby to control our management and affairs. In addition, they will be able to determine the outcome of all matters requiring shareholder approval and will be able to cause or prevent a change of control of our company or a change in the composition of our board of directors, and could preclude any unsolicited acquisition of our company.

In addition, immediately following the offering and the application of net proceeds from the offering, the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners of LCFH will own     % of the LP Units. Because they hold their ownership interest in our business through LCFH, rather than through the public company, these existing unitholders may have conflicting interests with holders of our Class A common stock. For example, the existing unitholders of LCFH may have different tax positions from us which could influence their decisions regarding whether and when to dispose of assets, and whether and when to incur new or refinance existing indebtedness, especially in light of the existence of the tax receivable agreement. In addition, the structuring of future transactions may take into consideration these existing unitholders’ tax considerations even where no similar benefit would accrue to us. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement.”

We will be required to pay certain existing unitholders of LCFH for certain tax benefits we may claim arising in connection with future exchanges of LP Units under the LLLP Agreement, which payments could be substantial.

The Continuing LCFH Limited Partners may from time to time cause LCFH to exchange an equal number of LP Units and Class B common stock for Class A common stock of Ladder Capital Corp on a one-for-one basis (as described in more detail in “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Amended and Restated Limited Liability Limited Partnership Agreement”). As a result of these additional exchanges we will become entitled to certain tax basis adjustments reflecting the difference between the price we pay to acquire LP Units and the proportionate share of LCFH’s tax basis allocable to such units at the time of the exchange. As a result, the amount of tax that we would otherwise be required to pay in the future may be reduced by the increase (for tax purposes) in depreciation and amortization deductions attributable to our interests in LCFH, although the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) may challenge all or part of that tax basis adjustment, and a court could sustain such a challenge.

We will enter into a tax receivable agreement with certain of the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners that will provide for the payment by us to them of 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local tax that we realize as a result of (i) the tax basis adjustments referred to above, (ii) any incremental tax basis adjustments attributable to payments made pursuant to the tax receivable agreement and (iii) any deemed interest deductions arising from payments made by us pursuant to the tax receivable agreement. While the actual amount of the adjusted tax basis, as well as the amount and timing of any payments under this agreement will vary depending upon a number of factors, including the basis of our proportionate share of LCFH’s assets on the dates of exchanges, the timing of exchanges, the price of shares of our Class A common stock at the time of each exchange, the extent to which such exchanges are taxable, the deductions and other adjustments to taxable income to which LCFH is entitled, and the amount and timing of our income, we expect that during the anticipated term of the tax receivable agreement, the payments that we may make to the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners could be substantial. Payments under the tax receivable

 

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agreement will give rise to additional tax benefits and therefore to additional potential payments under the tax receivable agreement. In addition, the tax receivable agreement will provide for interest accrued from the due date (without extensions) of the corresponding tax return for the taxable year with respect to which the payment obligation arises to the date of payment under the agreement. Ladder Capital Corp will have the right to terminate the tax receivable agreement by making payments to of the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners calculated by reference to the present value of all future payments that of the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners would have been entitled to receive under the tax receivable agreement using certain valuation assumptions, including assumptions that any LP Units and Class B common stock that have not been exchanged are deemed exchanged for the market value of the Class A common stock at the time of termination and that LCFH will have sufficient taxable income in each future taxable year to fully realize all potential tax savings.

Further, certain existing indirect investors in LCFH have elected to receive shares of our Class A common stock in lieu of any or all LP Units and shares of Class B common stock that would otherwise be issued to such existing investors in the Reorganization Transactions and in exchange for the ownership interests of the direct owner of LCFH interests owned by that indirect investor. See “Organizational Structure—Reorganization Transactions at LCFH.” The Company will not realize any of the cash savings in U.S. federal, state and local tax described above in relation to any Class A common stock received by the Exchanging Existing Owners in the Reorganization Transactions, and such Exchanging Existing Owners would not be party to the tax receivable agreement. Based on preliminary indications from certain existing indirect investors in LCFH, we expect to issue          shares of our Class A common stock to the Exchanging Existing Owners in the Reorganization Transactions. To the extent that existing indirect investors in LCFH elect to receive more Class A common stock in the Reorganization Transactions than currently anticipated, future possible payments under the TRA would be reduced and the portion of the tax savings retained by LCFH would be reduced, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

There may be a material negative effect on our liquidity if, as a result of timing discrepancies or otherwise, (i) the payments under the tax receivable agreement exceed the actual benefits we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the tax receivable agreement, and/or (ii) distributions to us by LCFH are not sufficient to permit us to make payments under the tax receivable agreement after it has paid its taxes and other obligations. For example, were the IRS to challenge a tax basis adjustment, or other deductions or adjustments to taxable income of LCFH, the existing unitholders of LCFH will not reimburse us for any payments that may previously have been made under the tax receivable agreement, except that excess payments made to an existing unitholder will be netted against payments otherwise to be made, if any, after our determination of such excess. As a result, in certain circumstances we could make payments to the existing unitholders of LCFH under the tax receivable agreement in excess of our ultimate cash tax savings. In addition, the payments under the tax receivable agreement are not conditioned upon any recipient’s continued ownership of interests in us or LCFH. A Continuing LCFH Limited Partner that exchanges its LP Units and shares of Class B common stock for our Class A common stock will receive payments under the tax receivable agreement until such time that it validly assigns or otherwise transfers its right to receive such payments.

In certain cases, payments by us under the tax receivable agreement may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the tax receivable agreement.

The tax receivable agreement will provide that upon certain changes of control, or if, at any time, we elect an early termination of the tax receivable agreement, the amount of our (or our

 

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successor’s) payment obligations with respect to exchanged or acquired LP Units (whether exchanged or acquired before or after such transaction) will be determined based on certain assumptions. These assumptions include the assumption that we (or our successor) will have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the deductions arising from the increased tax deductions and tax basis and other benefits related to entering into the tax receivable agreement. Moreover, in the event we elect an early termination of the tax receivable agreement, we would be required to make an immediate payment equal to the present value (at a discount rate equal to LIBOR plus basis points) of the anticipated future tax benefits (based on the foregoing assumptions). Accordingly, if we so elect, payments under the tax receivable agreement may be made years in advance of the actual realization, if any, of the anticipated future tax benefits and may be significantly greater than the actual benefits we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the tax receivable agreement. In these situations, our obligations under the tax receivable agreement could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity. We may not be able to finance our obligations under the tax receivable agreement and our existing indebtedness may limit our subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions to us to pay these obligations.

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus includes forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this prospectus, 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. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described in “Risk Factors.” In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this prospectus may not occur, and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:

 

   

changes in economic conditions generally, changes in our industry and changes in the commercial finance and the real estate markets specifically;

 

   

our business and investment strategy;

 

   

our ability to obtain and maintain financing arrangements;

 

   

the financing and advance rates for our assets;

 

   

our 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 downgrade in the credit ratings assigned to our investments;

 

   

the impact of and changes in governmental regulations, tax law and rates, accounting guidance and similar matters;

 

   

our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to maintain our and their exemptions from registration under 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;

 

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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 mortgage and other loans underlying our mortgage-backed and other asset backed securities.

You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. In addition, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. We disclaim any duty to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this prospectus to confirm these statements in relationship to actual results or revised expectations.

See “Risk Factors” for a more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties mentioned above and for discussion of other risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements as well as others made in this prospectus and hereafter in our other SEC filings and public communications. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made by us in the context of these risks and uncertainties.

 

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ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Ladder Capital Corp was formed as a Delaware corporation on May 21, 2013. Following the reorganization and the offering, we will be a holding company and our sole material asset will be a controlling equity interest in LCFH. We have not engaged in any other business or other activities except in connection with the Reorganization Transactions and the Offering Transactions described below. We will be the sole general partner of LCFH. Accordingly, we will operate and control all of the business and affairs of LCFH and will consolidate the financial results of LCFH and its consolidated subsidiaries. The ownership interest of the limited partners of LCFH (other than Ladder Capital Corp or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries) will be reflected as a non-controlling interest in our consolidated financial statements.

The diagram below depicts our simplified organizational structure immediately following the reorganization and the offering. As discussed in greater detail below, prior to the completion of the offering, the limited liability limited partnership agreement of LCFH will be amended and restated to, among other things, modify its capital structure by replacing the different classes of interests currently held by the existing owners of LCFH with a single new class of units that we refer to as “LP Units.” In addition, we will issue to the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners a number of shares of Ladder Capital Corp Class B common stock equal to the number of LP Units held by such owner. Our Class B common stock will entitle holders to one vote per share and will vote as a single class with our Class A common stock issued in the offering. However, the Class B common stock will not have any economic rights. The amended and restated limited liability limited partnership agreement of LCFH (the “LLLP Agreement”) will also provide that each of the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners) will have the right to exchange an equal number of their LP Units and Class B common stock for shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to customary conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications. Any Class B shares exchanged will be cancelled. As part of the Reorganization Transactions, Exchanging Existing Owners have elected to receive, at or prior to the closing of this Offering,              shares of our Class A common stock in lieu of any and all LP Units and shares of Class B common stock that would otherwise be issued to such existing investors in the Reorganization Transactions. Following the offering, Ladder Capital Corp and its wholly-owned subsidiaries will own a number of LP Units equal to the number of shares of our Class A common stock that are issued and outstanding (or deemed issued and outstanding) and the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners will own the remaining outstanding LP Units.

 

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In connection with the offering, we (along with our wholly-owned subsidiaries) will acquire a number of LP Units of LCFH that is equal to the number of shares of Class A common stock that are issued and outstanding (or deemed issued and outstanding). We (along with our wholly-owned subsidiaries) will benefit from the income of LCFH and its consolidated subsidiaries to the extent of any distributions made on our (along with our wholly-owned subsidiaries’) holdings of LP Units. Any such distributions will be distributed to all holders of LP Units, including the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners, pro rata based on their holdings of LP Units.

 

LOGO

 

(1) Certain members of management will be awarded on the completion of this offering our Class A common stock and/or options to purchase our Class A common stock, the effect of which is not reflected in this chart. See “Executive Compensation—2013 Grants.” In addition, the notional shares of our Class A common stock pursuant to the Phantom Equity Investment Plan described in “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Phantom Equity Investment Plan (Deferred Compensation Plan)” are not reflected in this chart.
(2)

See Exhibit 21.1 for a list of these subsidiaries.

 

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(3) Includes subsidiaries in our Loans segment that originate and hold conduit loans that may be subsequently sold through securitizations and balance sheet loans. Certain entities also selectively invest in note purchase financings, mezzanine debt and other structured finance products related to commercial real estate. See Exhibit 21.1 for a list of these subsidiaries and related entities. See “Business—Our Business Segments—Loans” for a description of our Loans segment.
(4) Includes subsidiaries in our Securities segment engaged in CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities investment activities. See Exhibit 21.1 for a list of these subsidiaries. See “Business—Our Business Segments—Securities” for a description of our Securities segment.
(5) Includes subsidiaries in our Real Estate segment that hold our investments in selected net leased and other commercial real estate assets. See Exhibit 21.1 for a list of these subsidiaries and related entities. See “Business—Our Business Segments—Real Estate” for a description of our Real Estate segment.
(6) Participates in both Loans and Securities segments with activity and other measures allocated between those two segments accordingly.
(7) Consists of our registered investment advisers, the co-issuer of our corporate debt and a depositor entity for our single asset securitizations. See Exhibit 21.1 for a list of these subsidiaries. See “Business—Our Business Segments—Other” for a description of our Other segment.

Reorganization Transactions at LCFH

LCFH is a holding company for the companies that directly or indirectly own and operate our business. Immediately prior to the offering, LCFH will effect certain transactions, which we collectively refer to as the “Reorganization Transactions,” intended to simplify the capital structure of LCFH. Currently, LCFH’s capital structure consists of three different classes of membership interests (Series A and Series B Participating Preferred Units and Class A Common Units), each of which has different capital accounts and amounts of aggregate distributions above which its holders share in future distributions. The net effect of the Reorganization Transactions will be to convert the current multiple-class structure into a single new class of units in LCFH called “LP Units” and an equal number of shares of Class B common stock. The conversion of all of the different classes of units of LCFH will be in accordance with conversion ratios for each class of outstanding units based upon the liquidation value of LCFH, as if it was liquidated upon the offering, with such value determined by the initial public offering price of the Class A common stock sold in the offering. The distribution of LP Units per class of outstanding units will be determined pursuant to the distribution provisions set forth in the LLLP Agreement. In addition, the Exchanging Existing Owners have elected to receive, at or prior to the closing of this offering,              shares of our Class A common stock in lieu of any or all LP Units and shares of Class B common stock that would otherwise be issued to such existing investors in the Reorganization Transactions on a one-for-one basis, which will result 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.

 

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The following table summarizes the number of membership interests by class outstanding prior to the Reorganization Transactions, the conversion ratio for each class, and the number of LP Units that will be outstanding after the Reorganization Transactions (assuming that no direct or indirect existing investors in LCFH elect prior to the closing of this offering to receive shares of our Class A common stock in lieu of any or all LP Units and shares of Class B common stock that would otherwise be issued to them or for their benefit in the Reorganization Transactions):

 

Limited Partners of LCFH

   Number of
applicable
units before
the
Reorganization
Transactions
as of
September 30,
2013(1)
    Conversion
Ratio in the
Reorganization
Transactions
    Number of LP Units
outstanding after the
Reorganization Transactions
and the Offering
 

Holders of Series A Participating Preferred Units

     6,115,500                       (2) 

Holders of Series B Participating Preferred Units

     2,154,881 (1)                     (3) 

Holders of Class A Common Units

      

Subtotal

     22,550,855 (1)                   (5)                   (4) 

Ownership by Ladder Capital Corp

      

Total

            N/A     

 

(1) The numbers shown include both vested and unvested partnership interests. The Reorganization Transactions will not affect applicable vesting timelines.
(2) All of these LP Units will be fully vested as of the completion of the Offering.
(3) With respect to these              LP Units,              will be vested and              are unvested as of the completion of the Offering.
(4) With respect to these              LP Units,              will be vested and              are unvested as of the completion of the Offering.
(5) The conversion ratio shown above is for all Class A Common Units, except for (i) the 910,491 Class A Common Units owned by Thomas M. Harney prior to the Reorganization Transactions, which have a conversion ratio in the Reorganization Transactions of $             per Class A Common Unit as a result of such Class A Common Units having been originally granted by LCFH to Thomas M. Harney with a threshold amount of $0.85 per Class A Common Unit and (ii) the 1,127,543 Class A Common Units owned by an affiliate of Michael Mazzei prior to the Reorganization Transactions, which have a conversion ratio in the Reorganization Transactions of $             per Class A Common Unit as a result of such Class A Common Units having been originally granted by LCFH to Michael Mazzei with a threshold amount of $0.97 per Class A Common Unit.

Immediately prior to the offering, LCFH’s limited liability limited partnership agreement will be amended and restated to, among other things, designate Ladder Capital Corp as the General Partner of LCFH and establish the LP Units. The LP Units do not carry any voting rights at Ladder Capital Corp and, following the offering, Ladder Capital Corp will have the right to determine the timing and amount of any distributions (other than tax distributions as described in “—Holding Company Structure”) to be made to holders of the LP Units from LCFH. Profits and losses of LCFH will be allocated, and all distributions generally will be made, pro rata to the holders of the LP Units.

Incorporation of Ladder Capital Corp

Ladder Capital Corp was incorporated as a Delaware corporation on May 21, 2013. Ladder Capital Corp has not engaged in any business or other activities except in connection with its formation. The amended and restated certificate of incorporation of Ladder Capital Corp at the time of the offering will authorize two classes of common stock, Class A common stock and Class B common stock and one or more series of preferred stock, each having the terms described in “Description of Capital Stock.”

 

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Prior to completion of the offering, a number of shares of Class B common stock equal to the number of outstanding LP Units owned by the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners will be issued to the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners in order to provide them with voting rights. Each Continuing LCFH Limited Partner will receive a number of shares of Class B common stock equal to the number of LP Units held by such Continuing LCFH Limited Partner. See “Description of Capital Stock—Class B Common Stock.” Holders of our Class A and Class B common stock each have one vote per share of Class A and Class B common stock, respectively, and vote together as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Offering Transactions

At the time of the offering, we intend to use all of the net proceeds from the offering to purchase              newly issued LP Units from LCFH. See “Use of Proceeds.” Following the offering, each of the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners may from time to time beginning 181 days after the date of this prospectus (subject to the terms of the LLLP Agreement) cause LCFH to exchange an equal number of their LP Units and Class B common stock for shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to equitable adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications. See “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions—Amended and Restated Limited Liability Limited Partnership Agreement of LCFH.” Any Class B shares exchanged will be cancelled. Any exchanges of LP Units for shares of Class A common stock are expected to result, with respect to Ladder Capital Corp, in increases in the tax basis of the assets of LCFH that otherwise would not have been available. These increases in tax basis may reduce the amount of tax that Ladder Capital Corp would otherwise be required to pay in the future. These increases in tax basis may also decrease gains (or increase losses) on future dispositions of certain assets to the extent tax basis is allocated to those assets.

We will enter into a tax receivable agreement with the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners that will provide for the payment from time to time by Ladder Capital Corp to such Continuing LCFH Limited Partners of 85% of the amount of the benefits, if any, that Ladder Capital Corp realizes or under certain circumstances (such as following a change of control) is deemed to realize as a result of (i) the increases in tax basis referred to above (ii) any incremental tax basis adjustments attributable to payments made pursuant to the tax receivable agreement and (iii) any deemed interest deductions arising from payments made by us pursuant to the tax receivable agreement.

We refer to the foregoing transactions as the “Offering Transactions.”

As a result of the transactions described above:

 

   

the investors in the offering will collectively own             shares of our Class A common stock (or              shares of Class A common stock if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) and, the Exchanging Existing Owners will collectively own              shares of Class A common stock. Ladder Capital Corp will hold              LP Units (or             LP Units if the underwriters exercise in full their over-allotment option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), representing     % of the total economic interest of LCFH (or     % of the total economic interest of LCFH if the underwriters exercise in full their over-allotment option);

 

   

the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners (other than Ladder Capital Corp or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries) will collectively hold             LP Units, representing     % of the total economic interest of LCFH (or             LP Units, representing     % if the underwriters

 

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exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), which can be exchanged together with an equal number of Class B common stock for newly-issued Class A common stock pursuant to the LLLP Agreement;

 

   

the investors in the offering will collectively have     % of the voting power in Ladder Capital Corp (or     % if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock);

 

   

the existing owners of LCFH, including the Exchanging Existing Owners that will receive shares of Class A common stock in the Reorganization Transactions and the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners that will hold LP Units and Class B common stock that may be exchanged for newly-issued Class A common stock pursuant to the LLLP Agreement, will collectively have     % of the voting power in Ladder Capital Corp (or     % if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock);

Our post—offering organizational structure will allow the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners to retain their equity ownership in LCFH, an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in the form of LP Units. Investors in the offering will, by contrast, hold their equity ownership in Ladder Capital Corp, a Delaware corporation that is a domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in the form of shares of Class A common stock.

The Continuing LCFH Limited Partners will also hold shares of Class B common stock of Ladder Capital Corp. The shares of Class B common stock have only voting and no economic rights. A share of Class B common stock cannot be transferred except in connection with a transfer of an LP Unit. Further, an LP Unit cannot be exchanged with LCFH for a share of our Class A common stock without the corresponding share of our Class B common stock being delivered together at the time of exchange for cancellation by us. Accordingly, as the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners subsequently cause LCFH to exchange LP Units for shares of Class A common stock of Ladder Capital Corp pursuant to the LLLP Agreement, the voting power afforded to the existing owners of LCFH by their shares of Class B common stock is automatically and correspondingly reduced.

Holding Company Structure

Ladder Capital Corp will be a holding company, and its sole material asset will be a controlling equity interest in LCFH. As the General Partner of LCFH, Ladder Capital Corp will indirectly control all of the business and affairs of LCFH and its subsidiaries through its ability to appoint the LCFH board.

Ladder Capital Corp will consolidate the financial results of LCFH and its subsidiaries, and the ownership interest of the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners will be reflected as a non-controlling interest in Ladder Capital Corp’s consolidated financial statements.

Pursuant to the LLLP Agreement of LCFH, the board of LCFH has the right to determine when distributions (other than tax distributions) will be made to the limited partners of LCFH and the amount of any such distributions. If Ladder Capital Corp authorizes a distribution, such distribution will be made to the holders of LP Units of LCFH, including Ladder Capital Corp, pro rata in accordance with their respective percentage interests.

The holders of LP Units of LCFH, including Ladder Capital Corp, will generally have to include for purposes of calculating their U.S. federal, state and local income taxes their share of any taxable income of LCFH. Taxable income of LCFH generally will be allocated to the holders of LP Units of LCFH (including Ladder Capital Corp) pro rata in accordance with their respective

 

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share of the net profits and net losses of LCFH. LCFH is obligated, subject to available cash and applicable law and contractual restrictions (including pursuant to our debt instruments), to make cash distributions, which we refer to as “tax distributions,” based on certain assumptions, to its limited partners (including Ladder Capital Corp) pro rata in accordance with their respective percentage interests. Generally, these tax distributions will be an amount equal to our estimate of the taxable income of LCFH multiplied by an assumed tax rate equal to the highest effective marginal combined U.S. federal, state and local income tax rate prescribed for an individual resident in New York, New York (taking into account the non-deductibility of certain expenses). See “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions—Amended and Restated Limited Liability Limited Partnership Agreement of LCFH.”

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that the net proceeds to us from the offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, will be approximately $         million (or $         million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).

We intend to use the net proceeds from the offering to purchase newly-issued LP Units from LCFH, as described under “Organizational Structure—Offering Transactions”. The proceeds received by LCFH in connection with the sale of newly issued LP Units will be used to grow our loan origination and related commercial real estate business lines, and for general corporate purposes and may be used to redeem $81.3 million principal amount of the Notes at an estimated total redemption price of $87.2 million. Although specific assets have not yet been identified, assuming that the proceeds of the offering are applied consistently with our asset allocation as of September 30, 2013, we would invest approximately $             in our loan origination business line to make additional commercial real estate loans, $             in securities secured by first mortgage loans and $             in net leased and other commercial real estate assets. Actual allocation of the proceeds of the offering will ultimately be determined by management’s assessment of the long-term prospects of the business and real estate markets and individual evaluation of investment opportunities.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY

We currently intend to retain any future earnings and do not expect to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. Future cash dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon, among other things, our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors the board of directors may deem relevant.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our cash and capitalization as of September 30, 2013:

 

   

on a historical basis for LCFH; and

 

   

on a pro forma basis for Ladder Capital Corp giving effect to the transactions described under “Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information,” including the application of the proceeds from the offering as described in “Use of Proceeds” as if such transactions occurred on September 30, 2013.

You should read this table together with the information contained in this prospectus, including “Organizational Structure,” “Use of Proceeds,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the historical financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

     As of September 30, 2013  
     Actual     Pro Forma  
     (unaudited)  
     ($ in thousands)  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 62,527      $                    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Debt:

    

Repurchase agreements

   $ 6,151      $                    

Borrowings under credit agreement

         

New revolving credit facility

         

Long term financing

     291,238     

Borrowings from the FHLB

     608,000     

Senior unsecured notes

     325,000     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt

   $ 1,230,389     

Capital (equity):

    

Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share,             shares authorized on a pro forma basis;             shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma basis

         

Class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share,             shares authorized on a pro forma basis;             shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma basis

         

Series A Preferred Units

     820,956     

Series B Preferred Units

     289,134     

Common Units

     57,866     

Additional paid in capital

         
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total partners’ capital / Ladder Capital Corp stockholders’ equity

     1,167,957     

Noncontrolling interest

     9,364     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capital (equity)

     1,177,321 (1)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capitalization

   $ 2,506,168      $     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents the investment of existing unitholders in LCFH as of September 30, 2013, including Series A and Series B Participating Preferred Units and Class A Common Units and contributed capital. See the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of LCFH as of September 30, 2013 included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

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DILUTION

If you invest in the initial public offering of our Class A common stock, your interest will be diluted to the extent of the excess of the initial public offering price per share of our Class A common stock over the pro forma net tangible book value per share of our Class A common stock after the offering. Dilution results from the fact that the per share offering price of the Class A common stock is substantially in excess of the net tangible book value per share attributable to the existing equity holders.

Our pro forma net tangible book value at September 30, 2013 was approximately $         million, or $         per share of our Class A common stock. Pro forma net tangible book value represents the amount of total tangible assets less total liabilities of LCFH, after giving effect to the Reorganization Transactions, and pro forma net tangible book value per share represents pro forma net tangible book value divided by the number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding, after giving effect to the Reorganization Transactions and assuming that all of the limited partners of LCFH (other than Ladder Capital Corp) exchanged their vested LP Units and Class B common stock for newly-issued shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one-basis, and further assuming that all participants in the Phantom Equity Investment Plan settle their notional holdings of Class A common stock in the form of actual shares of Class A common stock (see “Executive Compensation—Phantom Equity Investment Plan (Deferred Compensation Plan).”

After giving effect to the sale by us of              shares of our Class A common stock at an assumed initial public offering price of $         per share, the mid-point of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus in the offering, after deducting the underwriting discounts, estimated offering expenses and other related transaction costs payable by us, and the use of the estimated net proceeds as described under “Use of Proceeds,” our pro forma net tangible book value at September 30, 2013 was $         million or $         per share of Class A common stock, assuming that all of the existing unitholders of LCFH (other than Ladder Capital Corp) exchanged their vested LP Units and Class B common stock for, and all holders of vested notional shares of Class A common stock under the Phantom Equity Investment Plan are settled in the form of, shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis.

The following table illustrates the pro forma immediate increase in book value of $         per share for existing equity holders and the immediate dilution of $         per share to new stockholders purchasing Class A common stock in the offering, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares to cover any over-allotment.

 

Assumed initial public offering price per share

   $                

Pro forma net tangible book value per share prior to the offering at September 30, 2013

   $                

Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to Class A stockholders purchasing shares in the offering

   $                

Pro forma net tangible book value per share after the offering

   $                

Dilution to new Class A stockholders per share

   $                

 

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The following table summarizes, on the same pro forma basis at September 30, 2013, the total number of shares of Class A common stock purchased from us, the total cash consideration paid to us and the average price per share paid by the existing equityholders and by new investors purchasing shares in the offering, assuming that all of the existing unitholders of LCFH (other than Ladder Capital Corp) exchanged their vested LP Units and Class B common stock for shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis.

 

     Shares Purchased     Total Consideration     Average
Price Per
Share
 
     Number    Percentage     Amount    Percentage    

Existing unitholders

             $                

Public investors

             $                
  

 

  

 

 

   

 

  

 

 

   

Total

        100.0        100.0   $     
  

 

  

 

 

   

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Of the             vested and unvested LP Units to be held by the existing unitholders of LCFH following the offering,             will be fully vested and             will be unvested. If we had assumed that all of the existing unitholders exchanged their unvested membership interests in addition to their vested membership interests for shares of our Class A common stock, the dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share to new investors would have been greater and the average value per share exchanged by the existing equityholders would have been lower.

A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $         per share of Class A common stock, the mid-point of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) total consideration paid by new investors in the offering and by all investors by $         million, and would increase (decrease) the average price per share paid by new investors (excluding existing unitholders) by $        , assuming the number of Class A common stock offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and without deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and offering expenses payable by us in connection with the offering.

If the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares to cover any over-allotment is exercised in full, the pro forma net tangible book value per share at September 30, 2013 would have been approximately $         per share and the dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share to new investors would be $         per share, in each case assuming that all of the existing unitholders of LCFH (other than Ladder Capital Corp) exchanged their vested LP Units and Class B common stock for shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. Furthermore, the percentage of our shares held by existing equity owners would decrease to approximately     % and the percentage of our shares held by new investors would increase to approximately     %, in each case assuming that all of the existing unitholders of LCFH (other than Ladder Capital Corp) exchanged their vested LP Units and Class B common stock for shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis.

 

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SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following tables summarize our consolidated financial data for the periods indicated. The historical financial information and other data is that of LCFH. LCFH will be considered our predecessor for accounting purposes, and its consolidated financial statements will be our historical consolidated financial statements following the offering. You should read the following financial information together with the information under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the notes to those consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected consolidated balance sheet data for years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the selected consolidated statement of operating and cash flows data for years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of LCFH included elsewhere in this prospectus. The balance sheet data as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and the operating and cash flows data for the year ended 2009 and for the period from inception through December 31, 2008 are derived from LCFH’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes that are not included in this prospectus. The following consolidated financial information for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 has been revised as described in Note 2 of the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in the prospectus. Additionally the effect of the revision in 2009 is the reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on Agency interest-only securities from other comprehensive income to a component of net income in the amount of $1.2 million.

 

    For the year ended December 31,     For the period
from inception
through
December 31,
2008
 
    2012     2011     2010     2009    
    ($ in thousands)  

Operating Data:

         

Interest income

  $ 136,198      $ 133,298      $ 129,301      $ 54,894      $ 923   

Interest expense

    (36,440     (35,836     (48,874     (16,727     (1,040
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income (expense)

    99,758        97,462        80,427        38,167        (117

Provision for loan losses

    (449           (885     (566      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses

    99,309        97,462        79,542        37,601        (117

Total other income

    148,994        12,350        39,251        23,695        (44

Total costs and expenses

    (76,264     (36,570     (27,149     (18,899     (6,278
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before taxes

    172,039        73,241        91,644        42,397        (6,439

Tax expense

    (2,584     (1,510     (600            
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

    169,455        71,731        91,044        42,397        (6,439
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

    49        (16                  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to preferred and common unit holders

  $ 169,504      $ 71,715      $ 91,044      $ 42,397      $ (6,439
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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    For the year ended December 31,     For the period
from inception
through
December 31,
2008
 
    2012     2011     2010     2009    
    ($ in thousands)  

Net Cash Provided By (Used in):

         

Operating activities

  $ (111,367   $ 340,302      $ (231,274   $ (45,524   $ (3,063

Investing activities

    283,692        (330,377     (423,717     (1,481,283     (104,809

Financing activities

    (211,498     (12,564     568,717        1,578,807        229,137   

Balance Sheet Data:

         

Securities

  $ 1,125,562      $ 1,945,070      $ 1,925,510      $ 1,550,901      $ 106,370   

Loans

    949,651        514,038        509,804        123,136         

Real estate

    380,022        28,835        25,669               

Other

    64,626        27,815        21,667        16,420        4,691   

Total assets

    2,629,030        2,654,389        2,587,788        1,879,776        232,461   

Total financing arrangements

    1,487,592        1,615,641        1,839,720        1,219,425         

Total liabilities

    1,530,760        1,665,326        1,869,282        1,231,286        (3,679

Total noncontrolling interest

    582        125                     

Total partners’/members’ capital

    1,098,270        989,062        718,506        648,490        228,782   

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2012 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 present our consolidated results of operations giving pro forma effect to the Reorganization Transactions and Offering Transactions described under “Organizational Structure” and the use of the estimated net proceeds from the offering as described under “Use of Proceeds,” as if such transactions occurred on January 1, 2012. The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013 presents our consolidated financial position giving pro forma effect to the Reorganization Transactions and Offering Transactions described under “Organizational Structure” and the use of the estimated net proceeds from the offering as described under “Use of Proceeds,” as if such transactions occurred on September 30, 2013.

The pro forma adjustments are based on available information and upon assumptions that our management believes are reasonable in order to reflect, on a pro forma basis, the impact of these transactions on the historical financial information of LCFH. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information should be read together with “Organizational Structure,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the historical financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is included for informational purposes only and does not purport to reflect the results of operations or financial position of Ladder Capital Corp that would have occurred had we been in existence or operated as a public company or otherwise during the periods presented. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information should not be relied upon as being indicative of our results of operations or financial position had the Reorganization Transactions and Offering Transactions described under “Organizational Structure” and the use of the estimated net proceeds from the offering as described under “Use of Proceeds” occurred on the dates assumed. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information also does not project our results of operations or financial position for any future period or date.

The pro forma adjustments principally give effect to:

 

   

the purchase by Ladder Capital Corp of             LP Units of LCFH with the proceeds of the offering; and

 

   

in the case of the unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of income, a provision for corporate income taxes on the income attributable to Ladder Capital Corp at an effective rate of             %, which includes a provision for U.S. federal income taxes and assumes the highest statutory rates apportioned to each state, local and/or foreign jurisdiction.

The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information presented assumes no exercise by the underwriters of the option to purchase up to an additional              shares of Class A common stock from us, that the shares of Class A common stock to be sold in the offering are sold at $             per share of Class A common stock, which is the midpoint of the price range indicated on the front cover of this prospectus and that existing direct or indirect investors in LCFH elect prior to the closing of this offering to receive              shares of our Class A common stock in lieu of any or all LP Units and shares of Class B common stock that would otherwise be issued to such existing investors, or for their benefit, in the Reorganization Transactions (see “Organizational Structure—Reorganization Transactions at LCFH”) .

The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information reflects the manner in which we will account for this transaction. Specifically, we will account for the reorganization

 

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transactions by which Ladder Capital Corp will become the general partner of LCFH as a transaction between entities under common control pursuant to ASC 805. Accordingly, after the reorganization, Ladder Capital Corp will reflect the assets and liabilities of LCFH at their carryover basis.

The pro forma adjustments to the unaudited consolidated financial information do not give rise to a liability under the tax receivable agreement as the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners will not be eligible to exchange their LP Units of LCFH and shares of Class B common stock of Ladder Capital Corp for shares of Class A common stock of Ladder Capital Corp, in a taxable exchange, until 180 days after the date of the offering.

The effects of the tax receivable agreement on our consolidated balance sheet upon exchange of LP Units are as follows:

 

   

we will record an increase in deferred tax assets for the estimated income tax effects of the increase in the tax basis of the assets owned by Ladder Capital Corp based on enacted federal, state and local income tax rates at the date of the transaction. To the extent we estimate that we will not realize the full benefit represented by the deferred tax asset, based on an analysis of expected future earnings, we will reduce the deferred tax asset with a valuation allowance;

 

   

we will record an increase in liabilities for 85% of the estimated realizable tax benefit resulting from (i) the increase in the tax basis of the purchased interests as noted above and (ii) certain other tax benefits related to entering into the tax receivable agreement; and

 

   

we will record an increase to additional paid-in capital in an amount equal to the difference between the increase in deferred tax assets and the increase in liability due to the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners under the tax receivable agreement. The amounts to be recorded for both the deferred tax assets and the liability for our obligations under the tax receivable agreement have been estimated. All of the effects of changes in any of our estimates after the date of the purchase will be included in our net income. Similarly, the effect of subsequent changes in the enacted tax rates will be included in net income.

In certain instances, payments under the tax receivable agreement may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the tax receivable agreement. The tax receivable agreement will provide that upon certain changes of control, or if, at any time, we elect an early termination of the tax receivable agreement, the amount of our (or our successor’s) obligations with respect to exchanged or acquired LP Units (whether exchanged or acquired before or after such transaction) would be based on certain assumptions. These assumptions will include the assumptions that (a) we will have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the deductions arising from the increased tax deductions and tax basis and other benefits related to entering into the tax receivable agreement and (b) that the subsidiaries of LCFH will sell certain nonamortizable assets (and realize certain related tax benefits) no later than a specified date. Accordingly, payments under the tax receivable agreement may be made years in advance of the actual realization, if any, of the anticipated future tax benefits and may be significantly greater than the actual benefits we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the tax receivable agreement. In case of an early termination, our obligations under the tax receivable agreement could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity and there is no assurance that we will be able to finance these obligations. Moreover, payments under the tax receivable agreement will be based on the tax reporting positions that we determine in accordance with the tax receivable agreement. Although we are not aware of any issue that would cause the IRS to challenge a tax basis

 

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increase, we will not be reimbursed for any payments previously made under the tax receivable agreement if the IRS subsequently disallows part or all of the tax benefits that gave rise to such prior payments, although future payments under the tax receivable agreement will be reduced on account of such disallowances. As a result, in certain circumstances, payments could be made under the tax receivable agreement that are significantly in excess of the benefits that we actually realize in respect of (a) the increases in tax basis resulting from our purchases or exchanges of LP Units (b) any incremental tax basis adjustments attributable to payments made pursuant to the tax receivable agreement and (c) any deemed interest deductions arising from our payments under the tax receivable agreement. Decisions made by the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners in the course of running our business, such as with respect to mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes in control, may influence the timing and amount of payments that we are required to make under the tax receivable agreement. For example, the earlier disposition of assets following an exchange or acquisition transaction generally will accelerate payments under the tax receivable agreement and increase the present value of such payments, and the disposition of assets before an exchange or acquisition transaction will increase LCFH’s existing owners’ tax liability without giving rise to any obligations to make payments under the tax receivable agreement. Payments generally are due under the tax receivable agreement within a specified period of time following the filing of our tax return for the taxable year with respect to which the payment obligation arises, although interest on such payments will begin to accrue at a rate of LIBOR plus          basis points from the due date (without extensions) of such tax return.

 

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Ladder Capital Corp

Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of September 30, 2013

 

     Ladder Capital
Finance
Holdings LLLP
Actual
     Pro Forma
Adjustments(1)
   Ladder Capital
Corp Pro

Forma

Assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 62,527,331         

Cash collateral held by broker

     36,188,694         

Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost

     369,609,166         

Mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     93,031,322         

Real estate securities, available-for-sale:

        

Investment grade commercial mortgage backed securities

     877,467,235         

GN construction securities

     10,398,166         

GN permanent securities

     106,078,762         

Interest-only securities

     323,032,277         

Real estate, net

     510,146,878         

Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

     12,074,319         

FHLB stock

     36,400,000         

Derivative instruments

     1,642,073         

Due from brokers

     23,404,631         

Accrued interest receivable

     11,433,271         

Other assets

     32,733,573         
  

 

 

    

 

  

 

Total assets

   $ 2,506,167,698         
  

 

 

    

 

  

 

Liabilities and Capital:

        

Liabilities:

        

Repurchase agreements

   $ 6,151,000         

Long-term financing

     291,238,247         

Borrowings from the FHLB

     608,000,000         

Senior unsecured notes

     325,000,000         

Due to brokers

     18,153,020         

Derivative instruments

     19,473,262         

Accrued expenses

     46,390,267         

Other liabilities

     14,440,977         
  

 

 

    

 

  

 

Total liabilities

     1,328,846,773         
  

 

 

    

 

  

 

Commitments and contingencies:

        

Capital (equity):

        

Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share,             shares authorized on a pro forma basis;             shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma basis

             

Class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share,             shares authorized on a pro forma basis;             shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma basis

             

Series A preferred units

     820,956,465         

Series B preferred units

     289,133,997         

Common units

     57,866,450         

Additional paid-in capital

        
  

 

 

    

 

  

 

Total partners’ capital/Ladder Capital Corp stockholders’ equity

     1,167,956,912         

Noncontrolling interest

     9,364,013         
  

 

 

    

 

  

 

Total capital (equity)

     1,177,320,925         
  

 

 

    

 

  

 

Total liabilities and capital

   $ 2,506,167,698         
  

 

 

    

 

  

 

 

(1) As described in “Organizational Structure,” Ladder Capital Corp will become the General Partner of LCFH. Ladder Capital Corp will initially have     % economic interest in LCFH, but will have 100% of the voting power and control the management of LCFH. As a result, Ladder Capital Corp will consolidate the financial results of LCFH and will record non-controlling interest on the Ladder Capital Corp consolidated balance sheet. Immediately following the Restructuring Transactions and Offering Transactions, the non-controlling interest, based on the assumptions to the pro forma financial information, will be $         million. Pro forma non-controlling interest represents     % of the pro forma equity of LCFH of $         million.

 

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(2) Reflects the net effect on cash and cash equivalents of the receipt of offering proceeds of $         million described in “Use of Proceeds” net of estimated expenses.
(3) Represents an adjustment to stockholders’ equity reflecting the following:
  (a) par value for Class A common stock and Class B common stock to be outstanding following the offering;
  (b) an increase of $         million of additional paid-in capital as a result of estimated net proceeds from the offering;
  (c) the elimination of LCFH partners’ equity of $         million upon consolidation.
(4) The increase in non-controlling interest reflects the following:
  (a) an increase from the reclassification of partners’ equity of $         million to non-controlling interest upon consolidation; and

 

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Ladder Capital Corp

Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Income

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

 

     Ladder Capital
Finance
Holdings LLLP
Actual
    Pro Forma
Adjustments(1)
   Ladder Capital
Corp Pro Forma

Net interest income:

       

Interest income

   $ 91,062,175        

Interest expense

     35,703,283        
  

 

 

   

 

  

 

Net interest income

     55,358,892        

Provision for loan losses

     450,000        
  

 

 

   

 

  

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     54,908,892        

Other income:

       

Operating lease income

     26,599,973        

Sale of loans, net

     141,046,263        

Gain (loss) on securities

     4,481,847        

Sale of real estate, net

     10,887,448        

Fee income

     5,324,872        

Net result from derivative transactions

     16,635,489        

Earnings from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

     2,351,878        

Unrealized gain (loss) on agency interest only securities, net

     (1,849,924     
  

 

 

   

 

  

 

Total other income

     205,477,846        
  

 

 

   

 

  

 

Costs and expenses:

       

Salaries and employee benefits

     47,937,276        

Operating expenses

     11,336,738        

Real estate operating expenses

     11,309,438        

Fee expense

     5,754,432        

Depreciation and amortization

     11,608,986        
  

 

 

   

 

  

 

Total costs and expenses

     87,946,870        
  

 

 

   

 

  

 

Income before taxes

     172,439,868        

Tax expense

     3,450,948        
  

 

 

   

 

  

 

Net income

     168,988,920        

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (697,721     
  

 

 

   

 

  

 

Net income attributable to preferred and common unit holders/Ladder Capital Corp stockholders

   $ 168,291,199        
  

 

 

   

 

  

 

Earnings per common unit/share:

       

Basic

   $ 1.54        

Diluted

   $ 1.49        

Weighted average common units/shares outstanding:

       

Basic

     21,874,350        

Diluted

     22,550,855        

 

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Ladder Capital Corp

Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Income

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

     Ladder
Capital
Finance
Holdings

LLLP Actual
    Pro Forma
Adjustments(1)
   Ladder
Capital Corp
Pro Forma

Net interest income:

       

Interest income

   $ 136,198,204        

Interest expense

     36,440,373        
  

 

 

   

 

  

 

Net interest income

     99,757,831        

Provision for loan losses

     448,833        
  

 

 

   

 

  

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     99,308,998        

Other income:

       

Operating lease income

     8,331,338        

Sale of securities, net

     19,013,960        

Sale of loans, net

     151,661,150        

Sale of real estate, net

     1,275,235        

Fee income

     8,787,695        

Net result from derivative transactions

     (35,650,989     

Earnings from investment in equity method investee

     1,256,109        

Unrealized gain (loss) on agency IO securities, net

  

 

 

 

(5,680,893

 

    
  

 

 

   

 

  

 

Total other income

  

 

 

 

148,993,605

 

  

    
  

 

 

   

 

  

 

Costs and expenses:

       

Salaries and employee benefits

     51,090,424        

Operating expenses

     21,533,281        

Depreciation

  

 

 

 

3,640,619

 

  

    
  

 

 

   

 

  

 

Total costs and expenses

  

 

 

 

76,264,324

 

  

    
  

 

 

   

 

  

 

Income before taxes

     172,038,279        

Tax expense

  

 

 

 

 

 

2,583,999

 

 

  

    
  

 

 

   

 

  

 

Net income

     169,454,280        

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

  

 

 

 

 

 

49,084

 

 

  

    
  

 

 

   

 

  

 

Net income attributable to preferred and common unit holders/Ladder Capital Corp stockholders

  

 

$

 

169,503,364

 

  

    
  

 

 

   

 

  

 

Earnings per common unit/share:

       

Basic

   $ 1.58        

Diluted

   $ 1.51        

Weighted average common units/shares outstanding:

       

Basic

     21,552,694        

Diluted

     22,550,855        

 

(1)

As described in “Organizational Structure,” Ladder Capital Corp will become the General Partner of LCFH. Ladder Capital Corp will initially own     % of the economic interest in LCFH, but will have 100% of the voting power and control the management of LCFH. Certain of the existing owners of LCFH (other than Ladder Capital Corp or any of its subsidiaries) will own the remaining     % of the economic interest in LCFH, which will be accounted for as a non-

 

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  controlling interest in the future consolidated financial results of Ladder Capital Corp. Immediately following the offering, the non-controlling interest will be     %. Net income attributable to the non-controlling interest will represent     % of income before income taxes. These amounts have been determined based on the assumption that the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is not exercised. If the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised the ownership percentage held by the non-controlling interest would decrease to     %.
(2) Following the Reorganization Transactions and the Offering Transactions, Ladder Capital Corp will be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, in addition to state, local and international taxes, with respect to its allocable share of any net taxable income of LCFH, which will result in higher income taxes than during our history as a partnership. As a result, the pro forma statements of income reflect an adjustment to our provision for corporate income taxes to reflect an effective rate of     %, which includes provision for U.S. federal income taxes and uses our estimate of the weighted average statutory rates apportioned to each state, local and/or foreign jurisdiction.
(3) The shares of Class B common stock of Ladder Capital Corp do not share in Ladder Capital Corp earnings and are therefore not allocated any net income attributable to the controlling and non-controlling interests. As a result, the shares of Class B common stock are not considered participating securities and are therefore not included in the weighted average shares outstanding for purposes of computing net income available per share.
(4) For purposes of applying the as-if converted method for calculating diluted earnings per share, we assumed that all LP Units and Class B common stock are exchanged for Class A common stock. Such exchange is affected by the allocation of income or loss associated with the exchange of LP Units and Class B common stock for Class A common stock and accordingly the effect of such exchange has been included for calculating diluted pro forma net income (loss) available to Class A common stock per share. Giving effect to (i) the exchange of all LP Units and Class B common stock for shares of Class A common stock and (ii) the vesting of all unvested New Class A Unit stock based compensation awards, diluted pro forma net income (loss) per share available to Class A common stock would be computed as follows:

 

     Nine months
ended
September 30,
2013
     Year
ended
December 31,
2012
 

Pro forma income before income taxes

   $                    $                

Adjusted pro forma income taxes(a)

     

Adjusted pro forma net income(b)

     

Weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding (assuming the exchange of all LP Units for shares of Class A common stock)(c)

     

Pro forma diluted net income available to Class A common stock per share

   $         $     

 

  (a) Represents the implied provision for income taxes assuming the exchange of all LP Units of LCFH for shares of Class A common stock of Ladder Capital Corp using the same method applied in calculating pro forma tax provision.
  (b) Assumes elimination of all non-controlling interest due to the assumed exchange of all LP Units and Class B common stock for shares of Class A common stock of Ladder Capital Corp as of the beginning of the period.
  (c) The unvested units are converted to LP Units based on the treasury stock method and an as-if converted method is used to give effect to the exchange provisions of the LLLP Agreement for the diluted weighted average share calculation.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in this prospectus. In addition to historical information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in our “Risk Factors.”

Overview

We are a leading commercial real estate finance company with a proprietary loan origination platform and an established national footprint. As a non-bank operating company, we believe that we are well-positioned to benefit from the opportunities arising from the diminished supply of commercial real estate debt capital and the substantial demand for new financings in the sector. We believe our comprehensive, fully-integrated in-house infrastructure, access to a diverse array of committed financing sources and highly experienced management team of industry veterans will allow us to continue to prudently grow our business as we endeavor to capitalize on profitable opportunities in various market conditions.

We conduct our business through three major business lines: commercial mortgage lending, investments in securities secured by first mortgage loans, and investments in selected net leased and other commercial real estate assets. We apply a comprehensive best practices underwriting approach to every loan and investment that we make, rooted in management’s deep understanding of fundamental real estate values and proven expertise in these complementary business lines through multiple economic and credit cycles.

Our primary business strategy is originating conduit first mortgage loans on stabilized, income producing commercial real estate properties that can be securitized. From our inception in October 2008 through September 30, 2013, we originated $5.4 billion of conduit commercial real estate loans, $5.1 billion of which were sold into 16 securitizations, making us, by volume, the second largest non-bank contributor of loans to CMBS securitizations in the United States for that period, according to Commercial Mortgage Alert. The securitization of conduit loans has been a consistently profitable business for us and enables us to reinvest our equity capital into new loan originations or allocate it to other investments. In addition to conduit loans, we originated $1.1 billion of balance sheet loans held for investment from inception through September 30, 2013. During that timeframe, we also acquired $5.2 billion of investment grade-rated securities secured by first mortgage loans on commercial real estate and $654.2 million of selected net leased and other commercial real estate assets.

As of September 30, 2013, we had $2.5 billion in total assets and $1.2 billion in book equity capital. As of that date, our assets included $1.7 billion of senior secured assets, including $359.2 million of first mortgage loans secured by commercial real estate, $1.1 billion of investment grade-rated CMBS, and $232.2 million of U.S. Agency Securities. We also owned $510.1 million of real estate at September 30, 2013.

Our primary sources of revenue include net interest income on our investments, which comprised 32.6% and 21.3% of our total net interest income after provision for loan losses and other income (“net revenues”) and net income, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and income from sales of loans, net, which represents the income we earn from regular sales and securitizations of certain commercial mortgage loans, and which

 

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comprised 42.4% and 54.2% of our net revenues and net income, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. See “—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. We also generate net rental revenues from certain of our real estate and fee income from our loan originations and the management of our institutional bridge loan partnership.

Ladder was founded in October 2008 and we are currently capitalized by 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. We have built our operating business to include 59 full-time industry professionals 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 have a diversified and flexible financing strategy supporting our business operations, including significant committed term financing from leading financial institutions. As of September 30, 2013, we had $1.2 billion of debt financing outstanding, including $905.4 million of committed secured term financing from leading domestic financial institutions listed in Note 7 of the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus (with an additional $1.9 billion of committed secured term financing available to us from these institutions), $608.0 million of financing from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) (with an additional $797.0 million of committed term financing available to us from the FHLB), $291.2 million of third party, non-recourse mortgage debt, $6.2 million of other securities financing and $325.0 million of Notes. As of September 30, 2013 our debt-to-equity ratio was 1.0:1.0, as we employ leverage prudently to maximize financial flexibility.

Refer to Note 17 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements for disclosure regarding events subsequent to September 30, 2013.

 

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Our Businesses

We invest primarily in loans, securities and other interests in U.S. commercial real estate, with a focus on senior secured assets. Our mix of business segments is 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 consolidated financial statements as of the dates indicated below:

 

     As of
September 30,

2013
     As of December 31,  
        2012      2011      2010  
     (unaudited)         
     ($ in thousands)  

Loans:

           

Conduit first mortgage loans

   $ 93,031       $ 623,333       $ 258,842       $ 353,946   

Balance sheet first mortgage loans

     266,180         229,926         229,378         149,104   

Other commercial real estate-related loans

     103,429         96,392         25,819         6,754   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total loans

   $ 462,640       $ 949,651       $ 514,039       $ 509,804   

Securities:

           

CMBS investments

     1,084,791         833,916         1,664,001         1,736,043   

U.S. Agency Securities investments

     232,185         291,646         281,069         189,467   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total securities

   $ 1,316,976       $ 1,125,562       $ 1,945,070       $ 1,925,510   

Real Estate:

           

Total real estate, net

     510,147         380,022         28,835         25,669   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

   $ 2,289,763       $ 2,455,235       $ 2,487,944       $ 2,460,983   

Cash, cash equivalents and cash collateral held by broker

     98,716         109,169         138,630         105,138   

Other assets

     117,688         64,626         27,815         21,667   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 2,506,167       $ 2,629,030       $ 2,654,389       $ 2,587,788   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loans

Conduit First Mortgage Loans .    We originate conduit first mortgage loans that are secured by income-producing commercial real estate. These first mortgage loans are typically structured with fixed interest rates and five- to ten-year terms.

As of September 30, 2013, we held four first mortgage loans that were substantially available to be offered for sale into a securitization with an aggregate book value of $93.0 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 64.1% at September 30, 2013.

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, renovation or repositioning. These mortgage loans are structured to fit the needs and business plans of the borrowers, and generally have floating rates and terms (including extension options) ranging from one to three years.

As of September 30, 2013, we held a portfolio of 18 balance sheet first mortgage loans with an aggregate book value of $266.2 million. 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 58.4% at September 30, 2013.

 

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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. As of September 30, 2013, we held $103.4 million of other commercial real estate-related loans. Based on the loan balance and the “as-is” third-party FIRREA appraised values at origination, the weighted average loan-to-value ratio of the portfolio was 74.9% at September 30, 2013.

The following charts set forth our total outstanding conduit loans, balance sheet loans and other commercial real estate-related loans as of September 30, 2013 and a breakdown of our loan portfolio by loan size and geographic location and asset type of the underlying asset.

 

LOGO

Securities

CMBS investments.     We invest in CMBS secured by first mortgage loans on commercial real estate, and own predominantly short-duration, AAA-rated securities. As of September 30, 2013, the estimated fair value of our portfolio of CMBS investments totaled $1.1 billion in 100 CUSIPs ($10.8 million average investment per CUSIP). As of that date, all of our CMBS investments were rated investment grade by Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s or Fitch, consisting of 78.9% AAA/Aaa-rated securities and 21.1% of other investment grade-rated securities, including 12.1% rated AA/Aa, 3.0% rated A/A and 6.0% rated BBB/Baa. In the future, we may invest in CMBS securities that are not rated. As of September 30, 2013, our CMBS investments had a weighted average duration

 

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of 4.3 years. The commercial real estate collateral underlying our CMBS portfolio is located throughout the United States. As of September 30, 2013, by property count and market value, respectively, 47.4% and 58.0% of the collateral underlying our CMBS investments was distributed throughout the top 25 metropolitan statistical areas (“MSAs”) in the United States, with 6.7% and 23.7% of the collateral located in the New York-Newark-Edison MSA, and the concentrations in each of the remaining top 24 MSAs ranging from 0.6% to 4.6% by property count and 0.2% to 6.6% 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 the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), or by a government sponsored entity, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”). In addition, these securities are secured by first mortgage loans on commercial real estate. As of September 30, 2013, the estimated fair value of our portfolio of U.S. Agency Securities was $232.2 million in 52 CUSIPs ($4.5 million average investment per CUSIP), with a weighted average duration of 3.4 years. The commercial real estate collateral underlying our U.S. Agency Securities portfolio is located throughout the United States. As of September 30, 2013, by market value, 41.6%, 23.9% and 15.5% of the collateral underlying our U.S. Agency Securities, excluding the collateral underlying our Agency interest-only securities, was located in New York, Oregon and Texas, respectively, with no other state having a concentration greater than 10.0%. By property count, New York represented 34.5%, California represented 27.6% and Florida represented 10.3% of such collateral, with no other state’s concentration greater than 10.0%. While the specific geographic concentration of our Agency interest-only securities portfolio as of September 30, 2013 is not obtainable, risk relating to any such possible concentration is mitigated by the interest payments of these securities being guaranteed by an agency of the U.S. government.

Real estate

Commercial real estate properties.     As of September 30, 2013, we owned 34 single tenant retail properties with an aggregate book value of $259.4 million. These properties are leased on a net basis where the tenant is generally responsible for payment of real estate taxes, building insurance and maintenance. Sixteen of our properties are leased to a national pharmacy chain, and the remaining properties are leased to a national discount retailer, a regional sporting goods store, and a regional membership warehouse club. As of September 30, 2013, our net leased properties comprised a total of 1.4 million square feet, had a 100% occupancy rate, had an average age since construction of 6.6 years and a weighted average remaining lease term of 19.0 years. In addition, as of September 30, 2013, we owned a 13 story office building with a book value of $18.0 million through a joint venture with an operating partner, and a portfolio of office properties with a book value of $132.7 million through a separate joint venture with an operating partner. Further details regarding our portfolio of commercial real estate properties, including state of operation, can be found in the chart on page 157.

Residential real estate.     As of September 30, 2013, we owned 356 residential condominium units at Veer Towers in Las Vegas with a book value of $100.2 million through a joint venture with an operating partner. As of September 30, 2013, the units were 59% rented and occupied. We sold 71 units during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, generating aggregate gains on sale of $10.9 million, and we intend to sell the remaining units over time.

Other investments

Institutional bridge loan partnership.     In 2011, we established an institutional partnership with a Canadian sovereign pension fund to invest in first mortgage bridge loans that met pre-

 

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defined criteria. Our partner owns 90% of the limited partnership interests and we own the remaining 10% on a pari passu basis as well as 100% of the general partnership interest. Our partner retains the discretion to accept or reject individual loans. As the general partner, we earn management fees and incentive fees from the partnership. In addition, we are entitled to retain origination fees of up to 1% on loans that we sell to the partnership. As of September 30, 2013, the partnership owned $146.2 million of first mortgage bridge loan assets that were financed by $52.3 million of term debt. Debt of the partnership is nonrecourse to the limited and general partners, except for customary nonrecourse carve-outs for certain actions and environmental liability. As of September 30, 2013, the book value of our investment in the institutional partnership was $9.9 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, the loan was refinanced and we converted our interest into a 25% limited liability company interest in Grace Lake JV, LLC. As of September 30, 2013, the LLC owned an office building with a carrying value of $78.4 million that is financed by $78.2 million of long-term debt. Debt of the LLC is nonrecourse to the limited liability company members, except for customary nonrecourse carve-outs for certain actions and environmental liability. As of September 30, 2013, the book value of our investment in the LLC was $2.1 million.

Other asset management activities.     As of September 30, 2013, we also managed three separate CMBS investment accounts for private investors with combined total assets of $7.0 million. As of October 2012, we are no longer purchasing any new investments for these accounts, however, we will continue to manage the existing investments until their full prepayment or other disposition.

Business outlook

We believe the commercial real estate finance market currently presents substantial opportunities for new origination, as it is characterized by stabilizing property values, a low interest rate environment, and a supply-demand imbalance for financing. Over $1.6 trillion of commercial real estate debt is scheduled to mature over the next five years according to Trepp, while at the same time traditional real estate lenders such as banks and insurance companies face significant new capital and regulatory requirements.

April 2010 marked the first new-issue, multi-borrower CMBS securitization since June 2008. For 2010 as a whole, new CMBS issuances totaled $11.6 billion. In 2011, new CMBS issuances totaled $32.7 billion, despite a slowdown in originations of commercial real estate mortgage loans during the second half of the year because of the uncertain economic climate created by the Euro-area crisis. In 2012, new CMBS issuance totaled $48.4 billion, a 47.9% increase over 2011. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 new CMBS issuances totaled $30.9 billion. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, new CMBS issuances totaled $60.5 billion, a 96.0% increase over the same period in 2012. We believe the CMBS market will continue to play an important role in the financing of commercial real estate in the United States.

We believe our ability to quickly and efficiently shift our focus between lending, securities, and real estate investment opportunities allows us to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities under a variety of market conditions. There are times when the conduit lending/securitization market conditions are very favorable and we shift our focus and allocate our equity toward that market. At other times, especially when markets are under stress, investment in securities is more attractive and we quickly shift focus and equity accordingly.

 

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The passage of the Dodd-Frank Act introduced complex, comprehensive legislation into the financial industry, which will have far reaching effects on the securitization industry and its participants. There is uncertainty as to how, in the coming years, the Dodd-Frank Act may affect us or our competitors. In addition, there can be no assurance that the recovery will continue or that we will be able to find appropriate investment opportunities.

Factors impacting operating results

There are a limited number of factors that influence our operating results in a meaningful way. The most meaningful 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.

JOBS Act

On April 5, 2012, the JOBS Act was signed into law. The JOBS Act contains provisions that, among other things, reduce certain reporting requirements for qualifying public companies. 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, we are choosing to “opt out” of such extended transition period, and as a result, we 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 our decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable. Additionally, we are in the process of evaluating the benefits of relying on the other reduced reporting requirements provided by the JOBS Act. Subject to certain conditions set forth in the JOBS Act, as an “emerging growth company,” we may choose to rely on certain exemptions. See “Risk Factors—Risk related to our capital structure and operations—As an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements.”

Results of Operations

The results of operations presented herein are those of LCFH, our predecessor.

Nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2012

Overview

Net income attributable to preferred and common unit holders totaled $168.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $136.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The $31.6 million increase in net income attributable to preferred and common unit holders was primarily the result of increased volume in loan securitizations from $1.2 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $2.2 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2013, which resulted in an increased securitization profit in 2013.

Core earnings totaled $181.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $146.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The increase in

 

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core earnings also due to the improved securitization results discussed in the preceding paragraph. See “—Non-GAAP financial measures” for our definition of core earnings and a reconciliation to income before taxes.

Net interest income

Interest income totaled $91.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $105.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The $14.2 million decrease in interest income was primarily attributable to a decrease in our average investment in our securities portfolio. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, securities investments averaged $1.1 billion (57.8% of average interest bearing investments) versus an average loan investment balance of $797.3 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, securities investments averaged $1.7 billion (72.6% of average interest bearing investments) versus an average loan investment balance of $643.3 million.

Interest expense totaled $35.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $25.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The $10.7 million increase in interest expense was primarily attributable to the $325.0 million of Notes that were outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 but only 16 days of the nine months ended September 30, 2012, (which was partially offset by greater use of low-cost FHLB borrowing for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2012).

Net interest income totaled $55.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $80.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The $24.8 million decrease in net interest income was primarily attributable to the lower securities investment balances during the first nine months of 2013 compared to the same period a year ago and the additional interest expense incurred by the bond issuance.

Cost of funds, a non-GAAP measure, totaled $42.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $38.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The $4.2 million increase in cost of funds was primarily attributable to the $325.0 million Notes that were outstanding during the full nine months ended September 30, 2013 but only for 16 days of the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Interest income, net of cost of funds, a non-GAAP measure, totaled $48.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $67.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The $18.3 million decrease in interest income, net of cost of funds was primarily attributable to the lower securities investment balances during the first nine months of 2013 compared to the same period a year ago and the additional interest expense incurred by the issuance of the Notes referred to in the preceding paragraph.

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 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 consolidated statements of income. We net cost of funds with our interest income as presented on our consolidated statements of income to arrive at interest income, net of cost of funds, which we believe represents a more comprehensive measure of our net interest results.

 

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Set forth below is an unaudited reconciliation of interest expense to cost of funds ($ in thousands):

 

     For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
     2013     2012  

Interest expense

   $ (35,703 )   $ (25,046 )

Net interest expense component of hedging activities (1)

     (6,664 )     (13,184 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of funds

   $ (42,367 )   $ (38,230 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest income

   $ 91,062     $ 105,261  

Cost of funds

     (42,367 )     (38,230 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest income, net of cost of funds

   $ 48,695     $ 67,031  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
     2013     2012  

(1)    Net interest expense component of hedging activities

   $ (6,664 )   $ (13,184 )

         Hedging realized result (futures)

     24,441       (17,005 )

         Hedging realized result (swaps)

     (8,168 )     (1,868 )

         Hedging unrecognized result

     7,026       (1,636 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

         Net result from derivative transactions

   $ 16,635     $ (33,693
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest spreads

As of September 30, 2013, the weighted average yield on our mortgage loan receivables was 9.55%, compared to 8.29% as of September 30, 2012. As of September 30, 2013, the weighted average interest rate on borrowings against our mortgage loan receivables was 0.69%, compared to 3.29% as of September 30, 2012. The decrease in the rate on borrowings against our mortgage loan receivables from September 30, 2012 to September 30, 2013 was primarily due to the utilization of the FHLB as the source of all of these borrowings as of September 30, 2013 versus the utilization of higher cost borrowings under bank financing facilities combined with FHLB financing as of September 30, 2012. As of September 30, 2013, we had outstanding borrowings against our mortgage loan receivables equal to 6.2% of the carrying value of our mortgage loan receivables, compared to 15.9% as of September 30, 2012.

As of September 30, 2013, the weighted average yield on our real estate securities was 4.80%, compared to 5.06% as of September 30, 2012. As of September 30, 2013, the weighted average interest rate on borrowings against our real estate securities was 0.69%, compared to 1.30% as of September 30, 2012. The decrease in the interest rate on borrowings against our real estate securities from September 30, 2012 to September 30, 2013 was primarily due to the utilization of the FHLB as a source of a high proportion of these borrowings as of September 30, 2013 versus the utilization of higher cost repurchase agreements as a high proportion of the borrowings as of September 30, 2012. As of September 30, 2013, we had outstanding borrowings against our real estate securities equal to 44.5% of the carrying value of our real estate securities, compared to 59.8% as of September 30, 2012.

Our real estate is comprised of non-interest bearing assets. As of September 30, 2013, the weighted average interest rate on mortgage borrowings against our real estate was 4.84%, compared to 6.03% as of September 30, 2012. During the one year period between September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2013, the carrying value of our real estate portfolio

 

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increased from $205.2 million to $510.1 million. The decrease in the interest rate on borrowings against our real estate from September 30, 2012 to September 30, 2013 was primarily due to lower prevailing market interest rates on the mortgage debt used to finance real estate investments added since September 30, 2012.

As of September 30, 2013, we had outstanding borrowings against our real estate equal to 57.1% of the carrying value of our real estate, compared to 20.5% as of September 30, 2012.

Provision for loan losses

We had a $0.5 million provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to a $0.3 million provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. We invest primarily in loans with high credit quality, and we sell our conduit mortgage 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 portfolio but not yet realized. Since inception, we have had no events of impairment on the loans we originated. As a result, our reserve for loan losses remained relatively unchanged as of September 30, 2013, with an increase of $0.2 million.

Income from sales of loans, net

Income from sales of loans, net, which includes all loan sales, whether by securitization, whole loan sales or other means, totaled $141.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $118.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, an increase of $22.7 million. In the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we participated in five separate securitization transactions, selling 132 loans with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $2.2 billion. In the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we participated in four securitization transactions, selling 72 loans with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $1.2 billion.

Income from sales of securitized loans, net, a non-GAAP measure, represents gross proceeds received from the sale of loans into securitization trusts, 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 securitization transactions.

We present net results from loans sold into securitizations, a non-GAAP measure, as a supplemental measure of the performance of our loan securitization business. We consider loans sold into securitizations as one of our primary business drivers and as such, net results from loans sold into securitizations are 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 our 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.

 

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Below are the results from sales of loans into securitizations for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

     Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2013      2012  

Number of loans

     132        72  

Face amount of loans sold into securitizations ($ in thousands)

   $ 2,182,034.5      $ 1,206,560.2  

Number of securitizations

     5        4  

Income from sale of securitized loans, net ($ in thousands) (1)

   $ 139,490.6      $ 117,052.1  

Hedge gain/(loss) related to loans securitized ($ in thousands) (2)

     16,388.9        (16,429.1 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net results from loans sold into securitizations ($ in thousands)

   $ 155,879.5      $ 100,623.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

 

     Nine months
ended September 30,
 
     2013      2012  
     ($ in thousands)  

Income from sale of loans (non-securitized), net

   $ 1,555.7      $ 1,292.4  

Income from sale of securitized loans, net

     139,490.6        117,052.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from sale of loans, net

   $ 141,046.3      $ 118,344.5  

 

(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 consolidated financial statements included herein.

 

     Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2013      2012  
     ($ in thousands)  

Hedge gain/(loss) related to lending and securities positions

   $ 246.6      $ (17,263.6 )

Hedge gain/(loss) related to loans securitized

     16,388.9        (16,429.1 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net results from derivative transactions

   $ 16,635.5      $ (33,692.7 )

Gain (loss) on securities

Gain (loss) on securities totaled $4.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $12.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, a decrease of $8.4 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we sold $133.9 million of securities, comprised of $62.7 million of CMBS and $71.2 million of U.S. Agency Securities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we sold $219.4 million of securities, comprised of $173.0 million of CMBS and $46.4 million of U.S. Agency Securities. The decrease reflects lower trading volume and lower trading prices in 2013 as compared to 2012.

Income from sales of real estate, net

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, income from sales of residential real estate properties totaled $10.9 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we sold 71

 

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residential condominium units from Veer Towers in Las Vegas. Income from sales of commercial real estate properties totaled $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, during which we sold 12 properties that were leased to drugstores under long-term leases.

Other income

Operating lease income totaled $26.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The increase of $22.5 million reflects the larger portfolio of real estate in 2013.

Fee income totaled $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $7.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. We generate fee income from the management of our institutional partnership and managed accounts as well as from origination fees, exit fees and other fees on the loans we originate and in which we invest. The $2.1 million decrease in fee income year over year was due to a significant exit fee earned in the second quarter 2012.

Net result from derivative transactions

Net result from derivative transactions represented a gain of $16.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to a loss of $33.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, a positive change of $50.3 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 value of our fixed rate assets and the net interest income we earn against the impact of changes in interest rates. The gain in 2013 was primarily related to an increase in interest rates during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, which generally decreased the value of our fixed rate loan and securities investments, and increased the fair value of our offsetting derivative transactions. The total net result from derivative transactions is comprised of hedging interest expense, realized losses related to hedge terminations and unrealized losses related to changes in the fair value of asset hedges. The hedge positions were related to fixed rate conduit-eligible loans and securities investments.

Earnings from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

In 2011, we entered into an institutional partnership for which we use the equity method of accounting. We act as general partner and own a 10% limited partner interest in the institutional partnership. We are entitled to a fee based upon the average net equity invested in the Partnership, which is subject to a fee reduction in the event average net equity invested in the Partnership exceeds $100,000,000. Our proportionate share of the net income of the institutional partnership, as defined in the institutional partnership agreement, is reflected on our consolidated statements of income as earnings from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures.

In 2013, we acquired a 25% limited liability company interest for which we use the equity method of accounting. We receive distributions on a pari passu basis with one other financial institution’s equity interest. Our proportionate share of the net income of the limited liability company, as defined in the limited liability company agreement, is reflected on our consolidated statements of income as earnings from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures.

Earnings from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures totaled $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 

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Unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities, net

Unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities, net represented a loss of $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to a loss of $3.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The positive change of $2.1 million in unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities, net was primarily related to a decline in interest rates during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and an increase in interest rates during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Salaries and employee benefits

Salaries and employee benefits totaled $47.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $38.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Salaries and employee benefits are comprised primarily of salaries, bonuses, originator bonuses related to loan profitability, equity based compensation and other employee benefits. The increase of $9.9 million in salaries and employee benefits was primarily related to additional headcount and the $31.6 million year over year increase in net income attributable to preferred and common unit holders which resulted in higher incentive compensation expense.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses totaled $11.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $7.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Operating expenses are comprised primarily of professional fees, lease expense, and technology expenses.

Real estate operating expenses

Real estate operating expenses totaled $11.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to none for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The increase of $11.3 million in real estate operating expense was primarily related to the fact that we were holding only net leased properties for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to net leased and other real estate purchased through a consolidated, majority-owned joint ventures with operating partners for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Fee expense

Fee expense totaled $5.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $2.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Fee expense is comprised primarily of real estate acquisition costs. The increase of $2.9 million in fee expense was primarily related to the increase of real estate investments to $510.1 million at September 30, 2013 from $205.2 million at September 30, 2012.

Other costs and expenses

Depreciation and amortization totaled $11.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The $10.0 million increase in depreciation and amortization is attributable to increased real estate of $510.1 million at September 30, 2013 versus $205.2 million at September 30, 2012.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense totaled $3.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The increase of $2.7 million is primarily attributable to increased revenue earned on securitizations which is subject to the New York City Unincorporated Business Tax.

 

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Year ended December 31, 2012 compared to the year ended December 31, 2011

Overview

Net income attributable to preferred and common unit holders totaled $169.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $71.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in net income attributable to preferred and common unit holders was primarily the result of increased volume in loan securitizations from $1.0 billion in 2011 to $1.6 billion in 2012, combined with an increased securitization profit in 2012.

Core earnings totaled $177.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $104.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in core earnings was also due to the improved securitization results discussed in the preceding paragraph.

Investment and Financing Overview

Investment activity in 2012 focused on loan originations and real estate investments. We originated and funded $2.4 billion in principal value of commercial mortgage loans in the year ended December 31, 2012. We also invested $428.7 million in real estate. Our securities portfolio continued to amortize over the course of the year. We acquired $425.8 million of new securities, which was not enough to offset $279.3 million of sales and $951.2 million of amortization in the portfolio, which contributed to a net reduction in our securities portfolio of $819.5 million.

The financing climate improved in 2012 compared to 2011. In the third and fourth quarters of 2012 we entered into two significant new financing arrangements, including a subsidiary’s membership in the FHLB, and the issuance of the Notes. We also successfully extended several of our key loan and securities financing facilities over the course of the year.

We originated and funded $1.4 billion in principal value of commercial mortgage loans in the year ended December 31, 2011, and securitized and sold $1.4 billion of loans over the course of the year. We also invested in $991.2 million in securities in 2011, which was largely offset by $547.5 million of repayment of securities and $406.9 million in sales of securities. The investment climate in 2011 was generally stable, with the exception of the third quarter of the year, when uncertainty related to a number of domestic and foreign economic issues, including concerns regarding the finances of a number of member countries of the European Union, had a slow-down effect on the CMBS market. During the third quarter of 2011, we curtailed our origination of first mortgage loans and made additional securities investments, as the adverse market conditions affecting lending translated into greater availability of attractively priced securities investments.

In 2011, we successfully raised additional equity capital and additional committed financing. In the third quarter of 2011, we completed our second offering of equity interests and raised commitments totaling $257.4 million. A total of $86.1 million of the capital was called in the third quarter of 2011, and the remaining $171.3 million was called in December 2011. At that time, we used the proceeds of the capital call to pay down debt and fund new investments, resulting in a year-end debt to equity ratio of 1.6:1.0. The impact of this additional equity funding on interest income, interest expense, and other income was limited in 2011. Other notable funding events during the year included successful extensions of existing funding facilities, the creation of the institutional bridge loan partnership, and the final repayment of amounts borrowed under the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility, or TALF.

Net interest income

Interest income totaled $136.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $133.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Interest income varies upon the mix of our

 

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interest bearing investments. The $2.9 million increase in interest income was primarily attributable to increase in our average investment in our loan portfolio. In 2012, securities investments averaged $1.6 billion (69.4% of average interest bearing investments) versus an average loan investment balance of $696.9 million. In the preceding year, securities investments averaged $1.9 billion (79.5% of average interest bearing investments) versus an average loan investment balance of $502.4 million.

Interest expense totaled $36.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $35.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Interest expense will vary depending upon the amount of leverage we choose to use and the average cost to borrow funds. The $0.6 million increase in interest expense was primarily attributable to the addition of the interest expense on the Notes offset by the declining cost of funds on our more recent debt facilities.

Net interest income totaled $99.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $97.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The change in the net interest margin from 2011 to 2012 is due to the mix of our investments with a heavier emphasis on loans combined with the average yield on those investments offset by a net higher cost of funds resulting from the interest on the Notes.

Cost of funds, a non-GAAP measure, totaled $53.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $50.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The $2.2 million increase in cost of funds was primarily attributable to the addition of the interest expense on the Notes issued in September 2012 offset by the declining cost of funds on our more recent debt facilities as noted in the preceding paragraph as well as a decrease in the net interest expense component related to hedging.

Interest income, net of cost of funds, a non-GAAP measure, totaled $83.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $82.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The $0.7 million increase in interest income, net of cost of funds from 2011 to 2012 a change in the mix of our investments in 2012 to one with a heavier emphasis on loans with higher average yields offset by a higher cost of funds resulting from the interest on the Notes.

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 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 consolidated statements of income. We net cost of funds with our interest income as presented on our consolidate statements of income to arrive at interest income, net of cost of funds, which we believe represents a more comprehensive measure of our net interest results.

Set forth below is an unaudited reconciliation of interest expense to cost of funds ($ in thousands):

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Interest expense

   $ (36,440   $ (35,836   $ (48,874

Net interest expense component of hedging activities (1)

     (16,554     (14,924     (6,985
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of funds

   $ (52,994   $ (50,760   $ (55,859
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest income

   $ 136,198      $ 133,298      $ 129,302   

Cost of funds

     (52,994     (50,760     (55,859
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest income, net of cost of funds

   $ 83,204      $ 82,538      $ 73,443   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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     For the year ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

(1)   Net interest expense component of hedging activities

   $ (16,554   $ (14,924   $ (6,985

Hedging realized result (futures)

     (20,886     (32,227     (3,088

Hedging realized result (swaps)

     (6,872     (2,263     (8,222

Hedging unrecognized result

     8,662        (31,961     (2,452
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net result from derivative transactions

   $ (35,650   $ (81,375   $ (20,747
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest spreads

As of December 31, 2012, the weighted average yield on our mortgage loan receivables was 7.03%, compared to 7.73% as of December 31, 2011, reflecting lower interest rates and more competitive lending conditions in 2012. As of December 31, 2012, the weighted average interest rate on borrowings against our mortgage loan receivables was 2.78%, compared to 2.82% as of December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2012, we had outstanding borrowings against our mortgage loan receivables equal to 23.8% of the carrying value of our mortgage loan receivables, compared to 29.7% as of December 31, 2011.

As of December 31, 2012, the weighted average yield on our real estate securities was 4.99%, compared to 4.94% as of December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2012, the weighted average interest rate on borrowings against our real estate securities was 1.08%, compared to 1.39% as of December 31, 2011. The decrease in the interest rate on borrowings against our real estate securities from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012 was primarily due to the utilization of the FHLB as a source of a portion of these borrowings as of December 31, 2012 versus the sole utilization of more costly borrowings under repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2012, we had outstanding borrowings against our real estate securities equal to 73.7% of the carrying value of our real estate securities, compared to 74.3% as of December 31, 2011.

Our real estate is comprised of non-interest bearing assets. As of December 31, 2012, the weighted average interest rate on mortgage borrowings against our real estate was 5.35%, compared to 6.59% as of December 31, 2011. During the one year period between December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012, the carrying value of our real estate portfolio increased from $28.8 million to $380.0 million. The decrease in the interest rate on borrowings against our real estate from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012 was primarily due to lower prevailing market interest rates on the mortgage debt used primarily to finance real estate investments added since December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2012, we had outstanding borrowings against our real estate equal to 27.3% of the carrying value of our real estate, compared to 64.4% as of December 31, 2011.

Provision for loan losses

We had a $0.4 million provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to no provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2011. We invest primarily in loans with high credit quality, and we sell our conduit mortgage 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 portfolio but not yet realized. We have had no events of default or credit losses on the loans we originated since inception. As a result, our reserve for loan losses remained relatively unchanged in 2012.

Income from sales of securities, net

Income from sales of securities, net, totaled $19.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $20.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, a decrease of $1.1 million.

 

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For the year ended December 31, 2012, we sold $279.3 million of securities, comprised of $190.7 million of CMBS for income of $10.0 million, and $88.6 million of U.S. Agency Securities in two separate securitizations of those securities for income of $9.0 million. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we sold $406.9 million of securities, comprised of $239.4 million of CMBS securities for income of $6.6 million, and $167.5 million of U.S. Agency Securities in two separate securitizations of those securities for income of $13.4 million.

Income from sales of loans, net

Income from sales of loans, net, which includes all loan sales, whether by securitization, whole loan sales or other means, totaled $151.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $66.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $85.4 million. In the year ended December 31, 2012, we participated in six separate securitization transactions, selling 95 loans with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $1.6 billion. In the year ended December 31, 2011, we participated in three separate securitization transactions, selling 61 loans with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $1.0 billion and we also sold one first mortgage whole loan with an outstanding principle balance of $229.0 million in a separate transaction with an insurance company.

Income from sales of securitized loans, net, a non-GAAP measure, represents gross proceeds received from the sale of loans into securitization trusts, 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 securitization transactions.

We present net results from securitizations, a non-GAAP measure, as a supplemental measure of the performance of our loan securitization business. We consider securitizations as one of our primary business drivers and, as such, net results from securitizations are a key component of our results. Since our securitizations to date are comprised of long-term fixed-rate loans, the result of hedging interest rate 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 our loan securitization business and find it a meaningful measure of the company’s performance as a whole. When evaluating the performance of our loan securitization business, we generally consider the income from sales of securitized loans, net, in conjunction with 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.

Below are the net results from securitizations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

 

     For the year ended
December 31,
 
     2012     2011     2010  

Number of loans

     95        61        31   

Face amount of loans sold into securitizations ($ in thousands)

   $ 1,599,858      $ 1,016,469      $ 329,762   

Number of securitizations

     6        3        2   

Income from sale of securitized loans, net ($ in thousands) (1)

   $ 149,824      $ 44,167      $ 30,533   

Hedge gain/(loss) related to loans securitized ($ in thousands) (2)

   $ (20,110   $ (11,795   $ (8,018
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net result from securitizations

   $ 129,714      $ 32,372      $ 22,515   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

     For the year ended
December 31,
 
     2012      2011      2010  
     ($ in thousands)  

Income from sales of loans (non-securitized), net

   $ 1,837       $ 22,104       $  

Income from sale of securitized loans, net

     149,824         44,167         30,533   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from sale of loans, net

   $ 151,661       $ 66,271       $ 30,533   

 

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

 

     For the year ended
December 31,
 
     2012     2011     2010  
     ($ in thousands)  

Hedge gain/(loss) related to lending and securities positions

   $ (15,541   $ (69,579   $ (12,729

Hedge gain/(loss) related to loans securitized

     (20,110     (11,795     (8,018
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net results from derivative transactions

   $ (35,651   $ (81,374   $ (20,747

Other Income

Operating lease income totaled $8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase of $6.0 million reflects the larger portfolio of real estate in 2012.

Sale of real estate, net totaled $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. During 2012 we sold 13 properties that were leased to drugstores under long-term leases. There were no sales of real estate in 2011.

Fee income totaled $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. We generate fee income from the management of our institutional partnership as well as from origination fees, exit fees and other fees on the loans we originate and in which we invest. The $5.7 million increase in fee income year over year was due to an increase in fee generating activity, primarily the increase in loan origination volume.

Net Result from Derivative Transactions

Net result from derivative transactions represented a loss of $35.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to a loss of $81.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, a decrease of $45.7 million. The net result from derivative transactions includes the portion of net result from derivative transactions discussed above in the section “income from sales of loans, net” as well as other realized and unrealized derivative gains and losses. 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 value of our fixed rate assets and the net interest income we earn against the impact of changes in interest rates. The lower level of losses in 2012 was primarily related to a more moderate decline in interest rates, which generally increased the value of our fixed rate loan and securities investments, and decreased the fair value of our offsetting derivative transactions. During 2011, the market volatility in the

 

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third quarter resulted in significant losses in the interest rate hedge positions. The market conditions throughout 2012 did not reflect a similar level of volatility and therefore did not result in an equivalent level of losses on the open hedge positions. The total net result from derivative transactions is comprised of hedging interest expense, realized losses related to hedge terminations and unrealized losses related to changes in the fair value of asset hedges. The hedge positions were related to fixed rate conduit-eligible loans and securities investments.

Earnings from investment in equity method investee

In 2011, we entered into an institutional partnership for which we use the equity method of accounting. We act as general partner and own a 10% limited partner interest in the institutional partnership. We are entitled a fee based upon the average net equity invested in the Partnership, which is subject to a fee reduction in the event average net equity invested in the Partnership exceeds $100,000,000. Our proportionate share of the net income of the institutional partnership, as defined in the institutional partnership agreement, is reflected on our consolidated statements of income as earnings from investment in equity method investee.

Earnings from investment in equity method investee totaled $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities, net

Unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities, net represented a loss of $5.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to a gain of $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The negative change of $7.3 million in unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities, net was primarily related to an increase in interest rates during the year ended December 31, 2012.

Salaries and employee benefits

Salaries and employee benefits totaled $51.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $26.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Salaries and employee benefits are comprised primarily of salaries, bonuses, originator bonuses related to loan profitability, equity based compensation and other employee benefits. The increase of $24.7 million in salaries and employee benefits was primarily related to higher originator bonuses due to increased loan profitability for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses totaled $21.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $9.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Operating expenses are comprised primarily of professional fees, lease expense, and technology expenses.

Other Costs and Expenses

Depreciation totaled $3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The $2.6 million increase in depreciation is attributable to increased real estate of $380.0 million at December 31, 2012 versus $28.8 million at December 31, 2011.

Tax Expense

Tax expense totaled $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase of $1.1 million is primarily

 

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attributable increased revenue earned on securitization that is subject to the New York City Unincorporated Business Tax.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2010

Overview

Net income attributable to preferred and common unit holders totaled $71.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $91.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in net income attributable to preferred and common unit holders was primarily the result of higher net interest income and income from sales of loans that was more than offset by an unfavorable change in net result from derivative transactions.

Core earnings totaled $104.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $92.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in core earnings was primarily attributable to the same factors as cited above, adjusted to exclude interest rate hedging losses of $32.0 million and $2.5 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively, related to hedges on the value of assets still residing on the balance sheet as of the end of each respective year as well as real estate depreciation and amortization and to add back non-cash stock-based compensation.

Investment and Financing Overview

We originated and funded $1.4 billion in principal value of commercial mortgage loans in the year ended December 31, 2011, and securitized and sold $1.2 billion in principal value of loans over the course of the year. We also invested in $991.2 million in securities in 2011, which was largely offset by $547.5 million of repayment of securities and $406.9 million in sales of securities. The investment climate in 2011 was generally stable, with the exception of the third quarter of the year, when uncertainty related to a number of domestic and foreign economic issues, including concerns regarding the finances of a number of member countries of the European Union, had a slow-down effect on the CMBS market. During the third quarter of 2011, we curtailed our origination of first mortgage loans and made additional securities investments, as the adverse market conditions affecting lending translated into greater availability of attractively priced securities investments.

In 2011, we successfully raised additional equity capital and additional committed financing. In the third quarter of 2011, we completed our second offering of equity interests and raised commitments totaling $257.4 million. $86.1 million of the capital was called in the third quarter of 2011, and the remaining $171.3 million was called in December 2011. At that time, we used the proceeds of the capital call to pay down debt and fund new investments, resulting in a year-end debt to equity ratio of 1.6:1.0. The impact of this additional equity funding on interest income, interest expense, and other income was limited in 2011. Other notable funding events during the year included successful extensions of existing funding facilities, the creation of the institutional bridge loan partnership, and the final repayment of TALF debt.

In 2010, commercial mortgage lending markets continued to improve and the market for new issue, multi-borrower CMBS was in the early stages of re-starting after a period of low activity in the wake of the preceding financial crisis. In 2010, we originated and funded $784.1 million of commercial mortgage loans and, capitalizing on the increased activity in the new issue CMBS market, participated in two securitization transactions in which we profitably sold $329.8 million in principal value of loans we had originated. CMBS credit spreads generally narrowed over the course of the year, which had the effect of increasing the profitability of those securitization transactions and also increased the values of our CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities portfolios.

 

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Also in 2010, we enhanced our access to secured debt financing while reducing our cost of that financing. We entered 2010 with a total of $300.0 million of committed secured debt financing from one major financial institution. By the end of the year, we had added $650.0 million of committed secured funding capacity to finance our loan originations from two major banks and one insurance company. With respect to securities financing, the TALF Program ceased to provide access to additional funding at the end of March 2010. At that point, we had over $1.1 billion of long term fixed rate debt outstanding under that program. In October 2010, we established a $1.0 billion term secured funding facility for our CMBS holdings that we used to refinance a substantial portion of the securities previously financed under TALF. We amended the facility and the funding was reduced to $600.0 million during 2012. The result was a substantial reduction in our cost of financing. The impact of that cost reduction was evident in only our fourth quarter results in 2010.

Net Interest Income

Interest income totaled $133.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $129.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Loan investments in both years yielded higher average interest rates than our securities investments. The $4.0 million increase in interest income was primarily attributable to a change in the mix of investments we carried from year to year. In 2011, securities investments averaged $1.9 billion (79.5% of average interest bearing investments) versus an average loan investment balance of $502.4 million. In the preceding year, securities investments averaged $2.1 billion (90.1% of average interest bearing investments) versus an average loan investment balance of $226.6 million. The impact of this additional volume and change in the mix of interest bearing investment assets was partially offset by a decline in the average yield on earning assets as market conditions moderated.

Interest expense totaled $35.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $48.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The $13.1 million decrease in interest expense was primarily attributable to the replacement of higher cost TALF financing with lower cost asset repurchase financing and lower debt costs in general.

Net interest income totaled $97.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $80.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The $17.1 million increase in net interest income was primarily attributable to the decrease in interest expense as noted above.

Cost of funds, a non-GAAP measure, totaled $50.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $55.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The $5.1 million decrease in cost of funds was primarily attributable to the replacement of higher cost TALF financing with lower cost asset repurchase financing and lower debt costs in general as noted in the preceding paragraph.

Interest income, net of cost of funds, a non-GAAP measure, totaled $82.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $73.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The $9.1 million increase in interest income, net of cost of funds from 2010 to 2011 is primarily attributable to the decrease in interest expense as noted above.

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 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 consolidated statements of income. We net cost of funds with our interest

 

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income as presented on our consolidated statements of income to arrive at interest income, net of cost of funds, which we believe represents a more comprehensive measure of our net interest results.

Set forth below is an unaudited reconciliation of interest expense to cost of funds:

 

       For the year ended
December 31,
 
     2012     2011     2010  
     ($ in thousands)  

Interest expense

   $ (36,440   $ (35,836   $ (48,874

Net interest expense component of hedging activities (1)

     (16,554     (14,924     (6,985
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of funds

   $ (52,994 )     $ (50,760 )     $ (55,859 )  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest income

   $ 136,198      $ 133,298      $ 129,302   

Cost of funds

     (52,994     (50,760     (55,859
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest income, net of cost of funds

   $ 83,204      $ 82,538      $ 73,443   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

          For the year ended
December 31,
 
          2012     2011     2010  
          ($ in thousands)  

(1)

  

Net interest expense component of hedging activities

   $ (16,554   $ (14,924   $ (6,985
  

Hedging realized result (futures)

     (20,886     (32,227     (3,088
  

Hedging realized result (swaps)

     (6,872     (2,263     (8,222
  

Hedging unrecognized result

     8,662        (31,961     (2,452
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Net result from derivative transactions

   $ (35,650   $ (81,375   $ (20,747
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest spreads

As of December 31, 2011, the weighted average yield on our mortgage loan receivables was 7.73%, compared to 6.97% as of December 31, 2010 as our mix of mortgage loan receivables was more heavily weighted toward higher yielding loans held for investment as of December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2011, the weighted average interest rate on borrowings against our mortgage loan receivables was 2.82%, compared to 2.81% as of December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2011, we had outstanding borrowings against our mortgage loan receivables equal to 29.7% of the carrying value of our mortgage loan receivables, compared to 41.5% as of December 31, 2010.

As of December 31, 2011, the weighted average yield on our real estate securities was 4.94%, compared to 5.33% as of December 31, 2010, primarily due to improving commercial real estate market conditions that drove a 0.34% decline in the yield on our CMBS holdings, which comprised the large majority of our real estate securities portfolio. As of December 31, 2011, the weighted average interest rate on borrowings against our real estate securities was 1.39%, compared to 1.36% as of December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2011, we had outstanding borrowings against our real estate securities equal to 74.3% of the carrying value of our real estate securities, compared to 76.5% as of December 31, 2010.

Our real estate is comprised of non-interest bearing assets. As of December 31, 2011, the weighted average interest rate on mortgage borrowings against our real estate was 6.59%, compared to 6.75% as of December 31, 2010. During 2011, the carrying value of our real estate investments increased by only $3.2 million and we added $2.9 million of mortgage debt

 

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financing. As of December 31, 2011, we had outstanding borrowings against our real estate equal to 64.4% of the carrying value of our real estate, compared to 61.0% as of December 31, 2010.

Provision for Loan Losses

We had no provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to a $0.9 million provision for the year ended December 31, 2010. We invest primarily in loans with high credit quality, and we sell our conduit mortgage 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 portfolio but not yet realized. We have had no events of default or credit losses on the loans we originated since inception. As a result, our reserve for loan losses remained unchanged in 2011.

Income from Sales of Securities, Net

Income from sales of securities, net, totaled $20.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $22.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, a decrease of $2.0 million. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we sold $406.9 million of securities, comprised of $239.4 million of CMBS securities for income of $6.6 million, and $167.5 million of U.S. Agency Securities in two separate securitizations of those securities for income of $13.4 million. For the year ended December 31, 2010, we sold $483.6 million of CMBS securities.

Income from Sales of Loans, Net

Income from sales of loans, net, totaled $66.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $30.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, an increase of $35.8 million. In the year ended December 31, 2011, we participated in three separate securitization transactions, selling 61 loans with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $1.0 billion. We also sold one first mortgage whole loan with an outstanding principal balance of $229.0 million in a separate transaction with an insurance company. In the year ended December 31, 2010, we participated in two separate securitization transactions, selling 31 loans with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $329.8 million.

Income from sales of loans, net, represents gross proceeds received from the sale of loans into securitization trusts, less the book value of those loans at the time they were sold, less any costs associated with the securitization transactions.

When evaluating the performance of our loan securitization business, we generally consider the income from sales of loans, net, in conjunction with the realized net result from derivative transactions that are specifically related to hedges on the securitized or sold loans.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, our income from sales of loans of $66.3 million was offset by realized losses on derivative transactions of $11.8 million for a net result from sales of loans of $54.5 million.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, our income from sales of loans, net, of $30.5 million was offset by realized losses on derivative transactions of $8.0 million for a net result from sales of loans of $22.5 million.

Other Income

Operating lease income totaled $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Although we only acquired one relatively small net rental property in 2011, we had the benefit of a full year of rental income on the properties acquired in the preceding year.

 

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There were no sales of real estate in 2011. Sale of real estate, net totaled $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. During 2010, we sold a portfolio of seven properties that were leased under long-term leases to drugstores.

Fee income totaled $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. We generate fee income from the management of our institutional partnership as well as from origination fees, exit fees and other fees on the loans we originate and in which we invest. The $1.7 million increase in fee income year over year was due to an increase in volume of activity generating these fees, primarily the increase in loan origination volume.

Net Result from Derivative Transactions

Net result from derivative transactions represented a loss of $81.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to a loss of $20.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, an unfavorable increase of $60.7 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 value of our fixed rate assets and the net interest income we earn against the impact of changes in interest rates. The higher level of losses in 2011 was due to declines in interest rates and the larger volume of hedge positions required as a result of an increased quantity of fixed rate loan origination in that year.

The total net result from derivative transactions is comprised of hedging interest expense, realized losses related to hedge terminations and unrealized losses related to changes in the fair value of asset hedges. The hedge positions were related to fixed rate conduit-eligible loans and securities investments.

Earnings from investment in equity method investee

In 2011, we entered into an institutional partnership for which we use the equity method of accounting. We act as general partner and own a 10% limited partner interest in the institutional partnership. We are entitled a fee based upon the average net equity invested in the Partnership, which is subject to a fee reduction in the event average net equity invested in the Partnership exceeds $100,000,000. Our proportionate share of the net income of the institutional partnership, as defined in the institutional partnership agreement, is reflected on our consolidated statements of income as earnings from investment in equity method investee.

Earnings from investment in equity method investee totaled $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities, net

Unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities, net represented a gain of $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to a gain of $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The negative change of $0.9 million in unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities, net was primarily related to an increase in interest rates during the year ended December 31, 2011.

Salaries and employee benefits

Salaries and employee benefits totaled $26.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $19.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Salaries and employee

 

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benefits are comprised primarily of salaries, bonuses, originator bonuses related to loan profitability, equity based compensation and other employee benefits. The increase of $6.9 million in salaries and employee benefits was primarily related to higher originator bonuses due to increased loan profitability for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses totaled $9.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Operating expenses are comprised primarily of professional fees, lease expense, and technology expenses.

Other Costs and Expenses

Depreciation totaled $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in depreciation is attributable to continued investment in our net lease and other real estate portfolio.

Tax Expense

Tax expense totaled $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The change is primarily attributable to an increase in income that is subject to the New York City Unincorporated Business Tax.

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 finance their income tax obligations related to the portion of our taxable income allocated to each of them. We require short-term liquidity to fund loans that we originate and hold on our 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 various financing arrangements, (4) principal repayments on investments including mortgage loans and securities, (5) proceeds from securitizations and sales of loans, (6) proceeds from the sale of securities, (7) proceeds from the sale of real estate, and (8) proceeds from the issuance of equity capital.

 

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We have historically maintained 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 have generally securitized 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 senior secured market opportunities as they have arisen.

We and our subsidiaries may incur substantial additional debt in the future. See “Risk Factors–Despite our current level of indebtedness, we and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt, which could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial leverage.” However, we are subject to certain restrictions on our ability to incur additional debt in the indenture governing the senior notes (the “Indenture”) and our other debt agreements. Under the Indenture, we may not incur certain types of indebtedness unless our consolidated debt to equity ratio (as defined in the Indenture) is less than or equal to 4.00 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 2.56 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 and an insurance company, (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 our wholly-owned subsidiary, Tuebor Captive Insurance Company LLC (“Tuebor”), from the FHLB. In addition, following the Offering, we expect to have $75.0 million available under the New Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations–Liquidity and Capital Resources–The New Revolving Credit Facility”).

As of September 30, 2013, we had unrestricted cash of $62.5 million, unencumbered loans of $411.1 million, unencumbered securities of $581.5 million and restricted cash of $47.6 million.

Our captive insurance company subsidiary is subject to state regulations which require that dividends may only be made with regulatory approval. The Company established a broker-dealer subsidiary, Ladder Capital Securities LLC (“LCS”), which was initially licensed and capitalized to do business in July 2010. LCS is required to be compliant with FINRA and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regulations, which require that dividends may only be made with regulatory approval.

Cash and cash equivalents

We held unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $62.5 million, $45.2 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Cash generated from operations

Our operating activities were a net provider of cash of $764.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and were a net provider of cash of $325.8 million for the

 

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nine months ended September 30, 2012. Our operating activities were a net user of cash of $108.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2012, generated net cash of $340.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, and were a net user of $231.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Cash from operations includes the purchase of loans held for sale, and the proceeds from sale of loans and gains from sales of loans.

Borrowings under various financing arrangements

Our financing strategies are critical to the success and growth of our business. We manage our leverage policies to complement our asset composition and to diversify our exposure across multiple counterparties. Our borrowings under various financing arrangements as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are set forth in the table below ($ in thousands):

 

     September 30, 2013      December 31, 2012  

Committed loan facilities

   $       $ 226,367   

Committed securities facility

             278,021   

Uncommitted securities facilities

     6,151         289,528   

Borrowings under credit agreement

               

Long-term financing

     291,238         106,675   

Borrowings from the FHLB

     608,000         262,000   

Senior unsecured notes

     325,000         325,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,230,389       $ 1,487,591   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s repurchase facilities include covenants covering minimum net worth requirements (ranging from $75.0 million to $780.9 million), maximum reductions in net worth over stated time periods, minimum liquidity levels (typically $30.0 million of cash or a higher standard that allows for the inclusion of liquid securities), maximum leverage ratios, which are calculated in various ways, and, in the instance of one provider, an interest coverage ratio of 1.50x if certain liquidity thresholds are not satisfied. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. 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. 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 facilities, as outlined in the table below, totaling $1.3 billion of credit capacity. 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/partners’ capital ratios. We believe we are in compliance with all covenants as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

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, 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

 

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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.

Committed securities facility

We are a party to a term master repurchase agreement with a major U.S. banking institution for CMBS securities, as outlined in the table below, totaling $600.0 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.

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 as outlined in the table below. 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.

Our committed and uncommitted loan and securities facilities as of September 30, 2013 were as follows:

 

Committed     Outstanding     Committed but    

Interest

Rate(s) at

       

Remaining

Extension

  Eligible   Carrying
Amount of
   

Fair

Value of

 

Amount

    Amount     Unfunded     September 30, 2013   Maturity    

Options

 

Collateral

  Collateral     Collateral  
  $    300,000,000      $      $ 300,000,000          5/18/2015      Two additional twelve month periods at Company’s option   First mortgage commercial
real estate loans
  $      $   
  $    250,000,000      $      $ 250,000,000          4/10/2014      Two additional 364 day periods at Company’s option   First mortgage commercial real estate loans   $      $   
  $    450,000,000      $      $ 450,000,000          5/26/2015      Two additional twelve month periods at Company’s option   First mortgage commercial real estate loans   $      $   
  $    300,000,000      $      $ 300,000,000          1/24/2014      N/A   First mortgage commercial real estate loans   $      $   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 1,300,000,000      $      $ 1,300,000,000              $      $   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $    600,000,000      $      $ 600,000,000          1/27/2014      N/A   Investment grade commercial real estate securities   $      $   
$      $ 6,151,000      $      1.330%     10/21/2013      N/A   Investment grade commercial real estate securities   $ 8,927,000      $ 8,927,000   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

 

 

   

 

 

 
               
$ 1,900,000,000      $ 6,151,000      $ 1,900,000,000              $ 8,927,000      $ 8,927,000   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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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:

 

                      Collateralized Borrowings Under                    
    Total     Repurchase Agreements (1)     TALF  
               

Maximum

               

Maximum

               

Maximum

 
         

Average

    balance           

Average

    balance           

Average

   

balance 

 
    Quarter-end     quarterly     of any     Quarter-end     quarterly     of any     Quarter-end     quarterly     of any  

Quarter Ended

  balance     balance     month-end     balance     balance     month-end     balance     balance     month-end  
    ($ in thousands)  

March 31, 2010

  $ 1,825,036      $ 1,592,175      $ 1,825,036      $ 692,461      $ 595,271      $ 692,461      $ 1,132,575      $ 996,904      $ 1,132,575   

June 30, 2010

    1,838,315        1,910,808        1,950,581        722,434        786,647        824,663        1,115,881        1,124,161        1,130,684   

September 30, 2010

    1,875,616        1,866,576        1,877,228        900,028        859,795        900,028        975,587        1,006,781        1,049,779   

December 31, 2010

    1,824,066        1,819,249        1,824,650        1,685,710        1,370,115        1,685,710        138,356        449,134        967,341   

March 31, 2011

    1,733,745        1,770,001        1,917,583        1,595,388        1,631,645        1,779,227        138,356        138,356        138,356   

June 30, 2011

    1,986,274        2,002,600        2,104,626        1,901,806        1,889,419        1,987,906        84,468        113,181        138,356   

September 30, 2011

    1,773,005        1,846,206        2,017,311        1,730,846        1,775,841        1,932,844        42,159        70,365        84,468   

December 31, 2011

    1,597,077        1,804,540        1,929,282        1,597,077        1,790,487        1,887,260               14,053        42,159   

March 31, 2012

    1,551,245        1,634,731        1,692,270        1,551,245        1,634,731        1,692,270                        

June 30, 2012

    1,645,770        1,608,041        1,645,770        1,645,770        1,608,041        1,645,770                        

September 30, 2012

    754,263        1,190,263        1,471,712        754,263        1,190,263        1,471,712                        

December 31, 2012

    793,917        776,672        868,754        793,917        776,672        868,754                        

March 31, 2013

    382,161        428,531        559,516        382,161        428,531        559,516                        

June 30, 2013

    254,978        233,476        405,182        254,978        233,476        405,182                        

September 30, 2013

    6,151        112,060        317,646        6,151        112,060        317,646                        

 

(1) Collateralized borrowings under repurchase agreements include all securities and loan financing under repurchase agreements.

The Company borrowed under the TALF program during the period from July 2009 through March 2010 to finance the acquisition of AAA-rated CMBS. Subsequent to March 2010, TALF borrowings declined as the underlying collateral was paid down, sold or refinanced with more attractive and efficient financing terms.

In addition to the cyclical cash proceeds from origination and securitization of mortgage loans held for sale, the CMBS portfolio received over $900.0 million of principal repayments in 2012 which reduced collateralized borrowings under repurchase agreements on the positions and provided net cash for additional reductions of collateralized borrowings under repurchase agreements.

The Company raised $257.4 million of additional capital during 2011, of which $86.1 million was called during the third quarter of 2011 and $171.3 million was called in the fourth quarter of 2011. The proceeds were primarily used to reduce outstanding collateralized borrowings under repurchase agreements.

The Company commenced borrowings from the FHLB in the third quarter of 2012 and commenced borrowing under a new credit agreement in the first quarter of 2013. These additional sources of financing reduced the collateralized borrowings under repurchase agreements.

Borrowings under credit agreement

On January 24, 2013, we entered into a $50 million credit agreement with one of our committed financing counterparties in order to finance our securities and lending activities. As of September 30, 2013 there were no borrowings outstanding under this facility.

Long term financing

We generally finance our real estate using long-term nonrecourse mortgage financing. During the first nine months of 2013, we executed 16 term debt agreements to finance real estate. These

 

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nonrecourse debt agreements are fixed rate financing at rates ranging from 4.25% to 6.75% and mature in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. During the first nine months of 2012, we executed five term debt agreement to finance real estate. This nonrecourse debt agreement is fixed rate financing at 5.50% and matures in 2022. Long term financing totaled $291.2 million and $106.7 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

FHLB financing

On July 11, 2012, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Tuebor became a member of the FHLB and subsequently drew its first secured funding advances from the FHLB. As of September 30, 2013, Tuebor had $608.0 million of borrowings outstanding (with an additional $797.0 million of committed term financing available to us), with terms of overnight to 7 years, interest rates of 0.36% to 2.40%. Collateral for the borrowings was comprised of $727.0 million of CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities and $53.9 million of mortgage loan receivables held for investment. As of December 31, 2012, Tuebor had $262.0 million of borrowings outstanding, with terms of 6 months to 5 years, interest rates of 0.39% to 0.93%. Collateral for the borrowings was comprised of $333.6 million of CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities. Tuebor is subject to state regulations which require that dividends (including dividends to us as its parent company) may only be made with regulatory approval.

Senior unsecured notes

On September 14, 2012, we issued $325.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.375% senior notes due 2017 at par. The Notes are not guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries. Interest on the Notes is payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year and the Notes will mature on October 1, 2017. The Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with all of the co-issuers’ existing and future senior indebtedness, senior to all of their existing and future subordinated indebtedness, effectively subordinated to all of their present and future senior secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt. The Notes are unsecured and 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 Indenture provides for customary events of default, which include (subject in certain cases to customary grace and cure periods and notification requirements), among others: non-payment of principal or interest; breach of other agreements in the Indenture; defaults in failure to pay certain other indebtedness; the rendering of judgments to pay certain amounts of money against the co-issuers or certain subsidiaries; and certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency.

Principal repayments on investments

We receive principal amortization on our loans and securities as part of the normal course of our business. Repayment of real estate securities provided net cash of $330.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and $798.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Repayment of mortgage loan receivables provided net cash of $189.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and $205.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

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. We also sell certain balance sheet loans to the Partnership. Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans provided net cash of $2.2 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and $1.4 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 

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Proceeds from the sale of securities

We invest in CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities. Proceeds from sales of securities provided net cash of $133.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and $219.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Proceeds from the sale of real estate

We own a portfolio of commercial real estate properties leased to tenants under long-term leases as well as a 13 story office building and a portfolio of office properties. From time to time we may sell these properties. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, there were no sales of these properties. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, proceeds from the sale of 12 of these properties provided net cash of $70.9 million.

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. We intend to sell these properties. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, proceeds from the sale of 71 of these units provided net cash of $27.7 million.

Proceeds from the issuance of equity

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we realized proceeds of $1.8 million in connection with the exercise of an option to purchase Series B participating preferred units by a member of management. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we realized proceeds of $3.0 million in connection with the issuance of our Series B participating preferred units to a new member of management. We may issue additional equity in the future.

The New Revolving Credit Facility

Concurrently with this offering, we expect to enter into a senior secured revolving credit facility with Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as agent (the “Agent”), and the lenders party thereto from time to time (the “New Revolving Credit Facility”). The terms of the credit agreement and related documentation for the New Revolving Credit Facility have not been finalized as of the date of this prospectus, and accordingly their definitive terms may vary from those described in this prospectus.

The New Revolving Credit Facility is expected to provide for an aggregate maximum borrowing amount of $75.0 million, including a $25.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit. The New Revolving Credit Facility will be available on a revolving basis to finance our working capital needs and for general corporate purposes. The New Revolving Credit Facility will have a three-year maturity, which maturity may be extended by two twelve-month periods subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including the absence of default. Interest on the New Revolving Credit Facility is expected to be one-month LIBOR plus 3.50% per annum payable monthly in arrears.

The obligations under the New Revolving Credit Facility are expected to be guaranteed by LCFH and certain of LCFH’s existing subsidiaries. The New Revolving Credit Facility is expected to be secured by a pledge of the shares of (or other ownership or equity interests in) certain subsidiaries of LCFH to the extent the pledge is not restricted under existing regulations, law or contractual obligations.

The New Revolving Credit Facility will be 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 New Revolving Credit

 

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Facility, we will be required to comply with financial covenants relating to minimum net worth, maximum leverage, minimum liquidity, and minimum fixed charge coverage, consistent with our other loans. Our ability to borrow under the New Revolving Credit Facility will be dependent on, among other things, our compliance with the financial covenants. The New Revolving Credit Facility will contain 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 LCFH or certain of its subsidiaries to pay certain amounts of money and certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency.

Other potential sources of financing

In the future, we may also use other sources of financing to fund the acquisition of our target 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 September 30, 2013 were as follows ($ in thousands):

 

     Contractual Obligations as of September 30, 2013  
     Less than                    More than          
     1 Year      1-3 Years      3-5 Years      5 Years      Total  

Secured financings

   $ 111,151       $ 248,000       $ 220,000       $ 326,238       $ 905,389   

Interest payable(1)

     42,034         81,944         66,156         54,716         244,850   

Other funding obligations

     91,328                                 91,328   

Operating lease obligations

     445         3,164         2,305         4,820         10,734   

Senior unsecured notes

                     325,000                 325,000   

Unused facility fees

                                       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 244,958       $ 333,108       $ 613,461       $ 385,774       $ 1,577,301   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) For borrowings with variable interest rates, we used the rates in effect as of September 30, 2013 to determine the future interest payment obligations.

The tables above do not include amounts due under our derivative agreements as those contracts do not have fixed and determinable payments.

As described in “Organizational Structure—Offering Transactions,” our existing investors will own LP Units following this offering. The unitholders of LCFH (other than Ladder Capital Corp) may (subject to the terms of the exchange agreement) exchange an equal number of LP Units and Class B common stock for shares of Class A common stock of Ladder Capital Corp on a one-for-one basis. As a result of subsequent exchanges of an equal number of LP Units and Class B common stock for shares of Class A common stock, Ladder Capital Corp will become entitled to tax basis adjustments reflecting the difference between the price we pay to acquire LP Units and the proportional share of LCFH’s tax basis allocable to such units at the time of the exchange. These adjustments to tax basis may reduce the amount of tax that Ladder Capital Corp would otherwise be required to pay in the future and may also decrease gains (or increase losses) on future dispositions of certain capital assets to the extent tax basis is allocated to those capital assets. We will enter into a tax receivable agreement with certain holders of the LP Units that will provide for the payment by Ladder Capital Corp to such holders of 85% of the

 

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amount of the benefits, if any, that Ladder Capital Corp is deemed to realize as a result of (i) these adjustments to tax basis (ii) any incremental tax basis adjustments attributable to payments made pursuant to the tax receivable agreement and (iii) any deemed interest deductions arising from payments made by us pursuant to the tax receivable agreement. These payment obligations are obligations of Ladder Capital Corp and not of LCFH. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement.”

Dividends

LCFH is structured as a limited liability limited partnership, and accordingly, partners are responsible for paying income taxes on their respective shares of our taxable income. LCFH makes quarterly tax distributions equal to a partner’s “Quarterly Estimated Tax Amount,” which is computed (as more fully described in the LLLP Agreement) for each partner based upon their share of our taxable income multiplied by the highest marginal blended federal, state and local income tax rate applicable to an individual residing in New York, NY.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, LCFH distributed $91.3 million, equivalent to 54.0% of our net income of $169.0 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, LCFH distributed $52.3 million equivalent to 38.2% of our net income of $136.8 million. During the year ended December 31, 2012, LCFH distributed $76.2 million, equivalent to 45.0% of our net income of $169.5 million. During the year ended December 31, 2011, LCFH distributed $44.0 million, equivalent to 61.4% of our $71.7 million of net income. For the year ended December 31, 2010, our dividend distributions were $42.9 million, or 47.1% of our net income of $91.0 million. It is important to note that certain income and expense items are treated differently when computing taxable income than for computing net income for financial reporting purposes.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our critical accounting policies reflecting management’s estimates and judgments are described in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 included elsewhere in this prospectus. There have been no changes to critical accounting policies in the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Basis of Accounting and Principles of Consolidation

The 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.

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 consolidated balance sheets. In addition, the presentation of net income attributes earnings to preferred and common unit holders (controlling interest) and noncontrolling interests.

As of September 30, 2013, the Company’s significant accounting policies, which are detailed in the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, have not changed materially.

 

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Use of Estimates

The preparation of the 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. In particular, the estimates used in the pricing process for real estate securities, is inherently subjective and imprecise. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash accounts at several financial institutions, which are insured up to a maximum of $250,000 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and at various times during the years, balances exceeded the insured limits. In addition, the Company maintains a cash account at the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”).

Transfer of Financial Assets

For a transfer of financial assets to be considered a sale, the transfer must meet the sale criteria of ASC 860 under which we must surrender control over the transferred assets. The assets must be isolated from us, even in bankruptcy or other receivership; the purchaser must have the right to pledge or sell the assets transferred and we may not have an option or obligation to reacquire the assets. If the sale criteria are not met, the transfer is considered to be a secured borrowing, the assets remain on our consolidated balance sheets and the sale proceeds are recognized as a liability.

The transfers of financial assets via sales of loans into securitizations have been treated as sales by us under ASC 860.

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

The Company accounts for its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures under the equity method of accounting. The Company applies the equity method by initially recording these investments at cost, as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, subsequently adjusted for equity in earnings and cash contributions and distributions.

On a periodic basis, management assesses whether there are any indicators that the value of the Company’s investments in unconsolidated joint ventures may be impaired. An investment is impaired only if management’s estimate of the value of the investment is less than the carrying value of the investment, and such decline in value is deemed to be other than temporary. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss shall be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the investment over the value of the investment. The Company’s estimates of value for each investment (particularly in commercial real estate joint ventures) are based on a number of assumptions that are subject to economic and market uncertainties including, among others, demand for space, competition for tenants, changes in market rental rates, and operating costs. As these factors are difficult to predict and are subject to future events that may alter management’s assumptions, the values estimated by management in its impairment analyses may not be realized, and actual losses or impairment may be realized in the future. See Note 6: Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.

 

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Real Estate Securities

The Company designates its real estate securities investments on the date of acquisition of the investment. Real estate securities that the Company does not hold for the purpose of selling in the near-term, but may dispose of prior to maturity, are designated as available-for-sale and are carried at estimated fair value with the net unrealized gains or losses recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) in partners’ capital. Similar treatment is afforded to our portfolio of interest-only securities available for sale. The Company uses the specific identification method when determining the cost of securities sold and the amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings. The Company accounts for the changes in the fair value of the unfunded portion of its GNMA Construction securities, which are included in GN construction securities on the consolidated balance sheet, as available for sale securities. Unrealized losses on securities that, in the judgment of management, are other than temporary are charged against earnings as a loss in the consolidated statements of income. The Company estimates the fair value of its CMBS primarily based on pricing services and broker quotes for the same or similar securities in which it has invested. Different judgments and assumptions could result in materially different estimates of fair value.

When the estimated fair value of an available-for-sale security is less than amortized cost, the Company will consider whether there is an other-than-temporary impairment in the value of the security. An impairment will be considered other-than-temporary based on consideration of several factors, including (i) if the Company intends to sell the security, (ii) if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovering its cost, or (iii) the Company does not expect to recover the security’s cost basis (i.e., credit loss). A credit loss will have occurred if the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the debt security is less than the amortized cost basis. If the Company intends to sell an impaired debt security or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current period credit loss, the impairment is other-than-temporary and will be recognized currently in earnings equal to the entire difference between fair value and amortized cost. If a credit loss exists, but the Company does not intend to, nor is it more likely than not that it will be required to sell before recovery, the impairment is other-than-temporary and will be separated into (i) the estimated amount relating to the credit loss, and (ii) the amount relating to all other factors. Only the estimated credit loss amount is recognized currently in earnings, with the remainder of the loss recognized in other comprehensive income. Estimating cash flows and determining whether there is other-than-temporary impairment require management to exercise judgment and make significant assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions regarding estimated prepayments, loss assumptions, and assumptions regarding changes in interest rates. As a result, actual impairment losses, and the timing of income recognized on these securities, could differ from reported amounts.

The Company considers information from selected third party pricing services in determining the fair value of its securities. The Company develops an understanding of the valuation methodologies used by such pricing services through discussions with their representatives and review of their valuation methodologies used for different types of securities.

The Company understands that the pricing services develop estimates of fair value for CMBS and Agency securities using various techniques, including discussion with their internal trading desks, proprietary models and matrix pricing approaches. The Company does not have access to, and are therefore not able to review in detail, the inputs used by the pricing services in developing their estimates of fair value. However, on at least a monthly basis as part of our

 

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closing process, the Company evaluates the fair value information provided by the pricing services by comparing this information for reasonableness against its direct observations of market activity for similar securities and anecdotal information obtained from market participants that, in its assessment, is relevant to the determination of fair value. This process may result in the Company “challenging” the estimate of fair value for a security if it is unable to reconcile the estimate provided by the pricing service with its assessment of fair value for the security. Accordingly, in following this approach, the Company’s objective is to ensure that the information used by pricing services in their determination of fair value of securities is reasonable and appropriate.

The Company requests prices for each of its CMBS and Agency securities investments from three different sources. Typically, two prices per security are obtained. The Company may also develop a price for a security based on its direct observations of market activity and other observations if there is either significant variation in the values obtained from the pricing services or if the Company challenges the prices provided. The Company then utilizes the simple average of the available prices to determine the value used for financial reporting. The Company may occasionally utilize broker quotes as a price validation; however, since broker quotes are non-binding, the Company does not consider them to be a primary source for valuation.

Since inception, the Company has not encountered significant variation in the values obtained from the various pricing sources. In the extremely limited occasions where the prices received were challenged, the challenge resulted in the prices provided by the pricing services being updated to reflect current market updates or cash flow assumptions. The lack of significant variation and challenges are directly related to the high liquidity and transparency of the securities that constitute the portfolio.

Revenue Recognition

Interest income is accrued based on the outstanding principal amount and contractual terms of the Company’s loans and securities. Discounts or premiums associated with the purchase of loans and investment securities are amortized or accreted into interest income as a yield adjustment on the effective interest method, based on expected cash flows through the expected recovery period of the investment. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company reviews and, if appropriate, makes adjustments to its cash flow projections. The Company has historically collected, and expects to continue to collect, all contractual amounts due on its loans and CMBS. As a result, the Company does not adjust the projected cash flows to reflect anticipated credit losses for these types of investments. If the performance of a credit deteriorated security is more favorable than forecasted, the Company will generally accrete more credit discount into interest income than initially or previously expected. These adjustments are made prospectively beginning in the period subsequent to the determination that a favorable change in performance is projected. Conversely, if the performance of a credit deteriorated security is less favorable than forecasted, an other-than-temporary impairment may be taken, and the amount of discount accreted into income will generally be less than previously expected.

The effective yield on these securities is based on the projected cash flows from each security, which is estimated based on the Company’s observation of the then current information and events and will include assumptions related to interest rates, prepayment rates and the timing and amount of credit losses. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company reviews and, if appropriate, makes adjustments to its cash flow projections based on input and analysis received from external sources, internal models, and its judgment about interest rates, prepayment rates, the timing and amount of credit losses (if applicable), and other factors.

 

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Changes in cash flows from those originally projected, or from those estimated at the last evaluation, may result in a prospective change in the yield/interest income recognized on such securities. Actual maturities of the securities are affected by the contractual lives of the associated mortgage collateral, periodic payments of scheduled principal, and repayments of principal. Therefore, actual maturities of the securities will generally be shorter than stated contractual maturities.

For loans that the Company has not elected to record at fair value under FASB ASC 825 and are classified as held for investment, origination fees and direct loan origination costs are also recognized in interest income over the loan term as a yield adjustment using the effective interest method. For loans classified as held for sale and that the Company has not elected to record at fair value under FASB ASC 825, origination fees and direct loan origination costs are deferred reducing the basis of the loan and are realized as a portion of the gain/(loss) on sale of loans when sold. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company did not hold any loans for which the fair value option was elected.

The Company utilizes expected cash flows, prepayment speed and default assumptions in calculating expected yield on securities portfolio. The effective yield is updated on a prospective basis based upon changes in those assumptions.

For our securities rated below AA, which represents approximately 9.0% of the Company’s CMBS portfolio as of September 30, 2013, cash flows from a security are estimated applying assumptions used to determine the fair value of such security and the excess of the future cash flows over the investment are recognized as interest income under the effective yield method. The Company will review and, if appropriate, make adjustments to, its cash flow projections at least quarterly and monitor these projections based on input and analysis received from external sources and its judgment about interest rates, prepayment rates, the timing and amount of credit losses and other factors. Changes in cash flows from those originally projected, or from those estimated at the last evaluation, may result in a prospective change in interest income recognized and amortization of any premium or discount on, or the carrying value of, such securities.

Fee Expense

Fee expense is comprised primarily of closing fees paid related to purchases of real estate and management fees incurred. In addition, the Company entered into a loan referral agreement with Meridian Capital Group LLC, as disclosed in Note 11. The agreement provides for the payment of referral fees for loans originated pursuant to a formula based on the Company’s net profit, as defined in the agreement, payable annually in arrears. While the arrangement gives rise to a potential conflict of interest, full disclosure is given and the borrower waives the conflict in writing.

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, the FASB released ASU 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2011-11”). ASU 2011-11 requires companies to provide new disclosures about offsetting and related arrangements for financial instruments and derivatives. The provisions of ASU 2011-11 are effective for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and are required to be applied retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2011-11 did not have a material impact on the Company’ s consolidated financial condition or results of operations, but did impact financial statement disclosures.

 

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In February 2013, the FASB released ASU 2013-01, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2013-01”), ASU 2013-01 limits the scope of the new balance sheet offsetting disclosure requirements to derivatives (including bifurcated embedded derivatives), repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending transactions. The adoption of this standard effective January 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations, but did impact financial statement disclosures.

In February 2013, the FASB released ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”). ASU 2013-02 enhances the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). ASU 2013-02 sets requirements for presentation for significant items reclassified to net income in their entirety during the period and for items not reclassified to net income in their entirety during the period. It requires companies to present information about reclassifications out of AOCI in one place. It also requires companies to present reclassifications by component when reporting changes in AOCI balances. The adoption of this standard effective January 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations, but did impact financial statement disclosures.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date (ASU 2013-04”). ASU 2013-04 addresses the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of certain obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date, including debt arrangements, other contractual obligations, and settled litigation and judicial rulings. U.S. GAAP does not currently include specific guidance on accounting for such obligations with joint and several liability which has resulted in diversity in practice. The ASU requires an entity to measure these obligations as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The ASU also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information about those obligations. The ASU is to be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented for those obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements within the updates scope that exist within the Company’s statement of financial position at the beginning of the year of adoption. This guidance will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2014. The Company anticipates that the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements or footnote disclosures.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We present core earnings, which is a non-GAAP measure, as a supplemental measure of our performance. We define core earnings as income before taxes adjusted to exclude (i) net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in our consolidated joint ventures, (ii) real estate depreciation and amortization, (iii) 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, (iv) unrealized gains/losses related to our investments in Agency interest-only securities, (v) the premium (discount) on long-term financing, and the related amortization of premium on long-term financing, (vi) non-cash stock-based compensation and (vii) certain one-time items. As discussed in Note 2, 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

 

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hedging positions.” We exclude the results on the hedges from core earnings until the related asset is sold, and the hedge position is considered “closed.” As more fully discussed in Note 2 to the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, 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.

Set forth below is an unaudited reconciliation of income before taxes to core earnings:

 

    Nine months
ended September 30,
    For the year ended December 31,  
    2013     2012     2012     2011     2010  
    ($ in thousands)  
    (unaudited)                    

Income before taxes

  $ 172,440      $ 137,510      $ 172,039      $ 73,241      $ 91,644   

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

    (698     (12     49        (16  

Real estate depreciation and amortization (1)

    11,199        1,207        3,093        703        263   

Adjustments for unrecognized derivative results (2)

    (7,026     1,636        (8,662     31,961        2,452   

Unrealized (gain) loss on agency IO securities, net

    1,850        3,942        5,681        (1,591     (2,547

Premium (discount) on long-term financing, net of amortization thereon

   
1,019
  
   
402
  
    2,920                 

Non-cash stock-based compensation

    2,632        1,795        2,408        151        174   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Core earnings

  $ 181,416      $ 146,480      $ 177,528      $ 104,449      $ 91,986   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

        Nine months
ended September 30,
    For the year
ended December  31,
 
        2013     2012     2012     2011     2010  
        ($ in thousands)  

(1)

 

Depreciation – real estate

  $ 11,199      $ 1,207      $ 3,094      $ 715      $ 263   
 

Depreciation – fixed assets

    410        411        547        329        145   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

Depreciation

  $ 11,609      $ 1,618      $ 3,641      $ 1,044      $ 408   
        Nine months
ended September 30,
    For the year
ended December 31,
 
        2013     2012     2012     2011     2010  

(2)

 

Hedging interest expense

  $ (6,664   $ (13,184   $ (16,554   $ (14,924   $ (6,985
  Hedging realized result (futures)     24,441        (17,005     (20,886     (32,227     (3,088
  Hedging realized result (swaps)     (8,168     (1,868     (6,872     (2,263     (8,222
  Hedging unrecognized result     7,026        (1,636     8,662        (31,961     (2,452
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

Net results from derivative

transactions

  $ 16,635      $ (33,693   $ (35,650   $ (81,375   $ (20,747
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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.

 

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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 attributable to preferred and common unit holders of LCFH (or, on a pro forma basis, net income attributable to Ladder Capital Corp) 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.

We present net result from securitizations, a non-GAAP measure, as a supplemental measure of the performance of our loan securitization business. We consider securitizations as one of our primary business drivers and as such, net result from securitizations are a key component of our results. Since our 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 loan 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 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 consolidated financial statements included herein :

 

     Nine months
ended September 30,
    For the year ended
December 31,
 
     2013      2012     2012     2011     2010  

Number of loans

     132         72        95        61        31   

Face amount of loans sold into securitizations ($ in thousands)

   $ 2,182,034.5       $ 1,206,560.2      $ 1,599,858      $ 1,016,469      $ 329,762   

Number of securitizations

     5         4        6        3        2   

Income from sale of securitized loans, net ($ in thousands) (1)

   $ 139,490.6       $ 117,052.1      $ 149,824      $ 44,167      $ 30,533   

Hedge gain/(loss) related to loans securitized ($ in thousands) (2)

     16,388.9         (16,429.1   $ (20,110   $ (11,795   $ (8,018
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net result from securitizations

   $ 155,879.5       $ 100,623.0      $ 129,714      $ 32,372      $ 22,515   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

     Nine months
ended September 30,
     For the year ended
December 31,
 
     2013      2012      2012      2011      2010  
    

($ in thousands)

 

Income from sale of loans (non-securitized), net

   $ 1,555.7       $ 1,292.4       $ 1,837       $ 22,104       $ —     

Income from sale of securitized loans, net

     139,490.6         117,052.1         149,824         44,167         30,533   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from sale of loans, net

   $ 141,046.3       $ 118,344.5       $ 151,661       $ 66,271       $ 30,533   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

 

     Nine months
ended September 30,
     For the year ended
December 31,
 
     2013      2012      2012      2011      2010  
    

($ in thousands)

 

Hedge gain/(loss) related to lending and securities positions

   $ 246.6       $ (17,263.6    $ (15,541    $ (69,579    $ (12,729

Hedge gain/(loss) related to loans securitized

     16,388.9         (16,429.1      (20,110      (11,795      (8,018
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net results from derivative transactions

   $ 16,635.5       $ (33,692.7    $ (35,651    $ (81,374    $ (20,747
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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 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 consolidated statements of income. We net cost of funds with our interest income as presented on our consolidated statements of income to arrive at interest income, net of cost of funds, which we believe represents a more comprehensive measure of our net interest results.

Set forth below is an unaudited reconciliation of interest expense to cost of funds:

 

    For the nine months
ended September 30,
    For the year ended
December 31,
 
    2013     2012     2012     2011     2010  
    ($ in thousands)  

Interest expense

  $ (35,703   $ (25,046   $ (36,440   $ (35,836   $ (48,874

Net interest expense component of hedging activities (1)

    (6,664     (13,184     (16,554     (14,924     (6,985
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of funds

  $ (42,367 )     $ (38,230 )     $ (52,994 )     $ (50,760 )     $ (55,859 )  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest income

  $ 91,062      $ 105,261      $ 136,198      $ 133,298      $ 129,302   

Cost of funds

    (42,367     (38,230     (52,994     (50,760     (55,859
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest income, net of cost of funds

  $ 48,695      $ 67,031      $ 83,204      $ 82,538      $ 73,443   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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         For the nine months
ended
September 30,
    For the year ended
December 31,
 
         2013     2012     2012     2011     2010  
         ($ in thousands)  

(1)

   Net interest expense component of hedging activities   $ (6,664   $ (13,184   $ (16,554   $ (14,924   $ (6,985
   Hedging realized result (futures)     24,441        (17,005     (20,886     (32,227     (3,088
   Hedging realized result (swaps)     (8,168     (1,868     (6,872     (2,263     (8,222
   Hedging unrecognized result     7,026        (1,636     8,662        (31,961     (2,452
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Net result from derivative transactions   $ 16,635      $ (33,693 )     $ (35,650 )     $ (81,375 )     $ (20,747 )  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 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.

 

       For the nine months ended
September 30
     For the year ended
December 31,
 
     2013      2012      2012      2011      2010  

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

   $ 54,909       $ 79,916       $ 99,309       $ 97,461       $ 79,542   

Total other income

     205,478         107,611         148,994         12,350         39,251   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net revenues

   $ 260,387       $ 187,527       $ 248,303       $ 109,811       $ 118,793   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Market risk represents the risk that a change in the level of one or more market prices, rates, indices, implied volatilities, correlations or other market factors will result in a financial loss. The primary market risks that we face are interest rate risk, market value risk, liquidity risk, credit risk, credit spread risk, and risks related to real estate.

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

 

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two years, including newly originated conduit first mortgage loans, securities in the Company’s CMBS portfolio if long enough in duration, and most of its U.S. Agency Securities portfolio.

The following table summarizes the change in net income for a 12-month period commencing September 30, 2013 and the change in fair value of our investments and indebtedness assuming an increase or decrease of 100 basis points in the LIBOR interest rate on September 30, 2013, both adjusted for the effects of our interest rate hedging activities ($ in thousands):

 

     Projected change
in net income
    Projected change
in portfolio value
 

Change in interest rate:

    

Decrease by 1.00%

   $ (4,891   $ 26,224   

Increase by 1.00%

     5,657        (26,324

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.

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 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 is subject to state regulations which require that dividends may only be made with regulatory approval. 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.

 

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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 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. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company believes it was in compliance with all covenants.

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

 

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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, LCS, 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 that all broker-dealer entities are subject to. The Company established registered investment advisor 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 that all registered investment advisers are subject to. 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.

 

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BUSINESS

Overview

We are a leading commercial real estate finance company with a proprietary loan origination platform and an established national footprint. As a non-bank operating company, we believe that we are well-positioned to benefit from the opportunities arising from the diminished supply of commercial real estate debt capital and the substantial demand for new financings in the sector. We believe our comprehensive, fully-integrated in-house infrastructure, access to a diverse array of committed financing sources and highly experienced management team of industry veterans will allow us to continue to prudently grow our business as we endeavor to capitalize on profitable opportunities in various market conditions.

We conduct our business through three major business lines: commercial mortgage lending, investments in securities secured by first mortgage loans, and investments in selected net leased and other commercial real estate assets. We have historically been able to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns by flexibly allocating capital among these well-established, complementary business lines. We believe that we have a competitive advantage through our ability to offer a wide range of products, providing complete solutions across the capital structure to our borrowers. We apply a comprehensive best practices underwriting approach to every loan and investment that we make, rooted in management’s deep understanding of fundamental real estate values and proven expertise in these complementary business lines through multiple economic and credit cycles.

Our primary business strategy is originating conduit first mortgage loans on stabilized, income producing commercial real estate properties that can be securitized. From our inception in October 2008 through September 30, 2013, we originated $5.4 billion of conduit commercial real estate loans, $5.1 billion of which were sold into 16 securitizations, making us, by volume, the second largest non-bank contributor of loans to CMBS securitizations in the United States for that period according to Commercial Mortgage Alert. The securitization of conduit loans has been a consistently profitable business for us and enables us to reinvest our equity capital into new loan originations or allocate it to other investments. In addition to conduit loans, we originated $1.1 billion of balance sheet loans held for investment from inception through September 30, 2013. During that timeframe, we also acquired $5.2 billion of investment grade-rated securities secured by first mortgage loans on commercial real estate and $654.2 million of selected net leased and other commercial real estate assets. Although our securities investments and real estate assets remain available for opportunistic sales, these balance sheet business lines provide for a stable base of net interest and rental income and are complementary to our conduit lending activities. As of September 30, 2013, we had $2.5 billion in total assets and $1.2 billion in total book equity.

We seek to operate an adaptable and sustainable business model by retaining and reinvesting earnings in complementary commercial real estate investments. We are structured as a C-Corp to allow us to reinvest our equity capital, which we believe enhances our overall growth prospects and return on equity and facilitates our securitization business.

We are led by a disciplined and highly aligned management team, the core of which has worked together for more than a decade. As of September 30, 2013, our management team and chairman held equity capital accounts in our company comprising $93.4 million of book equity, or 8.0% of our total book equity. On average, our management team members have 25 years of experience in the industry. Our management team includes Brian Harris, Chief Executive Officer; Michael Mazzei, President; Greta Guggenheim, Chief Investment Officer; Pamela McCormack,

 

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General Counsel and Co-Head of Securitization; Marc Fox, Chief Financial Officer; Thomas Harney, Head of Merchant Banking & Capital Markets; and Robert Perelman, Head of Asset Management.

Ladder was founded in October 2008 and we are currently capitalized by 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. We have built our operating business to include 59 full-time industry professionals 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 have a diversified and flexible financing strategy supporting our business operations, including significant committed term financing from leading financial institutions. As of September 30, 2013, we had $1.2 billion of debt financing outstanding, including $608.0 million of financing from the FHLB (with an additional $797.0 million of committed term financing available to us), $291.2 million of third-party, non-recourse mortgage debt, $6.2 million of other securities financing, and $325.0 million of Notes. We had no committed secured term repurchase agreement financing outstanding (with an additional $1.9 billion of committed secured term financing available to us). As of September 30, 2013, our debt-to-equity ratio was 1.0:1.0, as we employ leverage prudently to maximize financial flexibility.

Our Market Opportunity

Commercial real estate is a capital-intensive business that relies heavily on debt capital to develop, acquire, maintain and refinance commercial properties. We believe that demand for commercial real estate debt financing, together with a reduction in the supply of traditional bank financing, presents compelling opportunities to generate attractive returns for an established, well-financed, non-bank lender like our firm.

There were $3.1 trillion of commercial mortgage loans outstanding in the United States as of September 30, 2013. The commercial real estate market faces significant near-term debt maturities, with $1.6 trillion of commercial and multifamily real estate debt scheduled to mature from 2014 through 2018. The following chart shows commercial real estate debt maturities as of June 30, 2013:

 

LOGO

Source: Trepp LLC

 

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Improving commercial property values as well as a growing CMBS market have contributed to a more positive environment for commercial real estate assets over the last several years and created a substantial opportunity for new loan origination. New issuances in the CMBS market expanded from $11.6 billion in 2010 to $48.4 billion in 2012. In the first nine months of 2013, this growth trend showed signs of accelerating as $60.5 billion of new CMBS were issued, but is still a fraction of historical issuance levels. The following chart shows historical CMBS issuance from 1995 through the third quarter of 2013:

 

LOGO

Source: Commercial Mortgage Alert

Additionally, many traditional commercial real estate lenders that have historically competed for loans within our target market are facing tighter capital constraints due to changes in banking regulations. Given this confluence of market dynamics, we believe that we are well positioned to capitalize and profit from these industry trends.

Our Business and Growth Strategies

We have steadily built our business to capitalize on opportunities in the commercial real estate finance market, generating profitable growth while creating the diversified, national lending and investment platform we have today. We intend to utilize the net proceeds of the offering and the earnings we retain to expand our business by focusing on the following strategies:

 

   

Increasing the volume and frequency of our conduit loan securitizations .    Our primary business strategy is to originate conduit loans for sale into CMBS securitizations. We expect to be able to increase the volume and frequency of our conduit loan securitizations as a result of the growth in new CMBS issuance driven by favorable supply and demand dynamics. We believe we are well-positioned to continue to increase our market share of new U.S. CMBS issuance, which was 2.8% in 2010, 3.1% in 2011, 3.3% in 2012, and 3.6% in the first nine months of 2013, while maintaining our high credit standards and pricing discipline.

 

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Originating more loans and increasing the average size of the loans we originate.     We expect our lending business to continue to grow as we build larger and more diverse portfolios of conduit loans for securitization, originate selected large loans for single-asset securitizations and originate additional, larger balance sheet loans held for investment. Our origination of balance sheet loans held for investment will support the growth of our conduit lending business in the future as the properties that secure these loans become eligible for longer-term conduit financing from us upon maturity. We believe that we have a competitive advantage through our ability to offer this wide range of products.

 

   

Expanding investments in selected net leased and other commercial real estate equity.     We expect to grow our net leased and other real estate investment business through direct investments as well as investments in real estate partnerships with experienced managers and co-investors. Our net leased strategy is generally to purchase real estate, originate a non-recourse conduit loan secured by that real estate and subsequently securitize that loan. This strategy has enabled us to realize an attractive levered return on our net leased real estate investments while garnering a control position in the underlying properties. We may also sell such properties for a profit. In addition, as we grow our balance sheet loan portfolio, we expect to make loans with equity-linked participations to capture a portion of any appreciation in the value of such properties.

 

   

Pursuing other attractive opportunities .    We expect to pursue other complementary growth opportunities as they arise. Such opportunities may include growing our third party asset management business as well as opportunistic acquisitions of third party commercial real estate finance-related businesses or assets that we view as synergistic with our current operations.

Our Competitive Strengths

Our competitive strengths include:

 

   

Recognized national lending franchise.     Ladder is a recognized and well-regarded brand name in the U.S. commercial real estate lending market. From inception through September 30, 2013, we originated $5.4 billion of conduit loans, $5.1 billion of which were sold into 16 CMBS securitizations, making us the second largest non-bank contributor by volume to CMBS securitizations in the United States for that period, according to Commercial Mortgage Alert. We have partnered in CMBS securitizations as a loan seller and co-manager with prominent commercial real estate platforms, including affiliates of Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, RBS Securities Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. We believe our reputation as an established lender helps us access new borrowers in our origination business, and makes us an attractive partner to investors in the CMBS market as well as our lenders and securitization partners.

 

   

Established, fully-integrated commercial real estate finance platform .    Since our inception, we have operated an internally managed and vertically integrated commercial mortgage origination platform. Our staff of 59 full-time industry professionals specializing in loan origination, underwriting, structuring, securitization, trading, financing and asset management allows us to manage and control the loan process from origination through closing and, when appropriate, sale or other disposition. In an industry characterized by high barriers to entry, including requisite relationships with borrowers, mortgage brokers, securitization partners, investors (including CMBS

 

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investors), and financing sources, we are a well-established operating business with a comprehensive in-house infrastructure.

 

   

Complementary, diverse business lines.     We apply our knowledge of commercial real estate across the commercial real estate investing spectrum, including to whole loans, securities and real estate equity. We believe our ability to offer borrowers a diverse range of financing products, including interim balance sheet loans, gives us a competitive advantage compared to certain of our competitors who focus more exclusively on conduit loans. In addition, our robust and diversified investment platform provides us with the ability to capture relative value opportunities among the various products in different market environments. It affords us market presence and insight, as well as the ability to flexibly allocate our capital among our business lines to hedge risk and achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns.

 

   

Strong credit culture, experienced management team and alignment of interests.     We conduct a comprehensive credit and underwriting review prior to closing any transaction and we have not had an event of default declared or credit loss on the loans and investments we have made since our inception. Our focus on strong credit practices is supported and monitored by our experienced management team, who together with our chairman, held equity capital accounts in our company comprising $93.4 million of book equity value, representing 8.0% of book equity capital, as of September 30, 2013. Our credit culture is further reinforced by the alignment of our loan origination team, whose members are compensated based on loan profitability and performance and not on volume.

 

   

Operating flexibility resulting from our corporate structure and moderate leverage.     Our corporate structure facilitates our securitization business and allows us to retain and reinvest earnings. In addition, our access to diverse, long term and low-cost financing, particularly via our FHLB membership, is a mark of distinction compared to our non-bank competitors, allowing us to better match the characteristics of our funding liabilities with those of our investment assets at an attractive cost of funds. We also deploy leverage conservatively. As of September 30, 2013, our debt-to-equity ratio was 1.0:1.0, and we had $2.6 billion of committed, undrawn funding capacity available to finance our business and $1.0 billion in unencumbered assets.

 

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Our Business Segments

We invest primarily in loans, securities and other interests in U.S. commercial real estate, with a focus on senior secured assets. Our mix of business segments is 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 consolidated financial statements as of the dates indicated below:

 

     As of
September 30,

2013
     As of December 31,  
        2012      2011      2010  
     ($ in thousands)  

Loans:

           

Conduit first mortgage loans

   $ 93,031       $ 623,333       $ 258,842       $ 353,946   

Balance sheet first mortgage loans

     266,180         229,926         229,378         149,104   

Other commercial real estate-related loans

     103,429         96,392         25,819         6,754   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total loans

   $ 462,640       $ 949,651       $ 514,039       $ 509,804   

Securities:

           

CMBS investments

     1,084,791         833,916         1,664,001         1,736,043   

U.S. Agency Securities investments

     232,185         291,646         281,069         189,467   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total securities

   $ 1,316,976       $ 1,125,562       $ 1,945,070       $ 1,925,510   

Real Estate:

           

Total real estate, net

     510,147         380,022         28,835         25,669   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

   $ 2,289,763       $ 2,455,235       $ 2,487,944       $ 2,460,983   

Cash, cash equivalents and cash collateral held by broker

     98,716         109,169         138,630         105,138   

Other assets

     117,688         64,626         27,815         21,667   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 2,506,167       $ 2,629,030       $ 2,654,389       $ 2,587,788   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loans

Conduit First Mortgage Loans .    We originate conduit first mortgage loans that are secured by income-producing commercial real estate. These first mortgage loans are typically structured with fixed interest rates and 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.

Although our primary intent is to sell our conduit first mortgage loans into CMBS securitization trusts, we generally seek to maintain the flexibility to keep them on our balance sheet, offer them for sale to CMBS trusts as part of a securitization process or otherwise sell them as whole loans to third-party institutional investors. From our inception in 2008 through September 30, 2013, we originated and funded $5.4 billion of conduit first mortgage loans, and securitized $5.1 billion of such mortgage loans in 16 separate transactions, including two securitizations in 2010, three securitizations in 2011, six securitizations in 2012 and five

 

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securitizations in the nine months ended September 30, 2013. 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, RBS Securities Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, and we have also completed a single-asset securitization. During 2012 and the first nine months of 2013, conduit first mortgage loans have remained on our balance sheet for a weighted average of 80 and 75 days prior to securitization, respectively. As of September 30, 2013, we held four first mortgage loans that were available to be offered for sale into a securitization with an aggregate book value of $93.0 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 64.07% at September 30, 2013.

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, renovation or repositioning. These mortgage loans are structured to fit the needs and business plans of the borrowers, and generally have floating rates and terms (including extension options) ranging from one to three 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, or offer them for sale to our institutional bridge loan partnership. 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) or sold to our institutional bridge loan partnership. As of September 30, 2013, we held a portfolio of 18 balance sheet first mortgage loans with an aggregate book value of $266.2 million. 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 58.4% at September 30, 2013.

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. As of September 30, 2013, we held $103.4 million of other commercial real estate-related loans. Based on the loan balance and the “as-is” third-party FIRREA appraised values at origination, the weighted average loan-to-value ratio of the portfolio was 74.9%.

From inception through September 30, 2013, we originated and funded $1.1 billion of balance sheet first mortgage loans and other commercial real estate-related loans which are included in mortgage loan receivables held for investment on our consolidated balance sheets.

Securities

CMBS Investments .    We invest in CMBS secured by first mortgage loans on commercial real estate, and own predominantly short-duration, 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. CMBS investments in excess of $26 million require the approval of our Board of Directors’ Risk and Underwriting Committee. As of September 30, 2013, the estimated fair value of our portfolio of CMBS investments totaled

 

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$1.1 billion in 100 CUSIPs ($10.8 million average investment per CUSIP). As of that date, all of our CMBS investments were rated investment grade by Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s or Fitch, consisting of 78.9% AAA/Aaa-rated securities and 21.1% of other investment grade-rated securities, including 12.1% rated AA/Aa, 3.0% rated A/A and 6.0% rated BBB/Baa. In the future, we may invest in CMBS securities that are not rated. As of September 30, 2013, our CMBS investments had a weighted average duration of 4.3 years.

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 the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), or by a GSE, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”). As of September 30, 2013, the estimated fair value of our portfolio of U.S. Agency Securities was $232.2 million in 52 CUSIPs ($4.5 million average investment per CUSIP), with a weighted average duration of 3.4 years.

Real estate

Commercial real estate properties .    As of September 30, 2013, we owned 34 single tenant retail properties with an aggregate book value of $259.4 million. These properties are leased on a net basis where the tenant is generally responsible for payment of real estate taxes, building insurance and maintenance expenses. Sixteen of our properties are leased to a national pharmacy chain, and the remaining properties are leased to a national discount retailer, a regional sporting goods store, and a regional membership warehouse club. As of September 30, 2013, our net leased properties comprised a total of 1.4 million square feet, had a 100% occupancy rate, had an average age since construction of 6.6 years and a weighted average remaining lease term of 19.0 years. In addition, as of September 30, 2013, we owned a 13 story office building with a book value of $18.0 million through a joint venture with an operating partner and a portfolio of office properties with a book value of $132.7 million through a separate joint venture with an operating partner.

Residential real estate.     As of September 30, 2013, we owned 356 residential condominium units at Veer Towers in Las Vegas with a book value of $100.2 million through a joint venture with an operating partner. As of September 30, 2013, the units were 59% rented and occupied. We sold 71 units during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, generating aggregate gains on sale of $10.9 million, and we intend to sell the remaining units over time.

Other Investments

Institutional bridge loan partnership.     In 2011, we established an institutional partnership with a Canadian sovereign pension fund to invest in first mortgage bridge loans that meet pre-defined criteria. Our partner owns 90% of the equity and we own the remaining 10% on a pari passu basis as well as 100% of the general partnership interest. Our partner retains the discretion to accept or reject individual loans and following the expiration of an exclusivity period, we retain discretion on which loans to present to the partnership. As the general partner, we earn management fees and incentive fees from the partnership. In addition, we are entitled to retain origination fees of up to 1% on loans that we sell to the partnership. As of September 30, 2013, the partnership owned $146.2 million of first mortgage bridge loan assets that were financed by $52.3 million of term debt. Debt of the partnership is nonrecourse to the limited and general partners, except for customary nonrecourse carve-outs for certain actions and environmental liability. As of September 30, 2013, the book value of our investment in the institutional partnership was $9.9 million.

 

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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, the loan was refinanced and we converted our interest into a 25% limited liability company interest in Grace Lake JV, LLC. As of September 30, 2013, the LLC owned an office building with a carrying value of $78.4 million that is financed by $78.2 million of long-term debt. Debt of the LLC is nonrecourse to the limited liability company members, except for customary nonrecourse carve-outs for certain actions and environmental liability. As of September 30, 2013, the book value of our investment in the LLC was $2.1 million.

Other asset management activities.     As of September 30, 2013, we also managed three separate CMBS investment accounts for private investors with combined total assets of $7.0 million. As of October 2012, we are no longer purchasing any new investments for these accounts, however, we will continue to manage the existing investments until their full prepayment or other disposition.

Our Current 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, current and future earnings and cash flow from operations, existing debt facilities, and other borrowing programs in which we participate, including as a member of the FHLB.

We finance our portfolio of commercial real estate loans using committed term facilities provided by multiple financial institutions with total commitments of $1.3 billion at September 30, 2013, a $50.0 million credit agreement, and through our FHLB membership. As of September 30, 2013, there was no debt outstanding under the term facilities or credit agreement. We finance our securities portfolio, including CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities, through our FHLB membership, a $600.0 million committed term master repurchase agreement from a leading domestic financial institution, uncommitted master repurchase agreements with numerous counterparties. As of September 30, 2013, we had total outstanding balances of $6.2 million under all securities master repurchase agreements. We finance our real estate investments with nonrecourse first mortgage loans. As of September 30, 2013, we had outstanding balances of $291.2 million on these nonrecourse mortgage loans. In addition to the amounts outstanding on our other facilities, we had $608.0 million of borrowings from the FHLB outstanding at September 30, 2013. We also had $325.0 million of Notes issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2013. In addition, at the closing of the Offering, we intend to enter into the $75.0 million New Revolving Credit Facility. See Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 included elsewhere in this prospectus for more information about our financing arrangements.

 

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The following table shows our sources of capital, including our financing arrangements, and our investment portfolio as of September 30, 2013 :

 

Sources of Capital

  

($ in thousands)

 

Debt:

  

Repurchase agreements

   $ 6,151   

Borrowings under credit agreement

       

Long term financing

     291,238   

Borrowings from the FHLB

     608,000   

Senior unsecured notes

     325,000   

New Revolving Credit Facility

       
  

 

 

 

Total debt

   $ 1,230,389   

Other liabilities

     98,458   

Capital (equity)

     1,177,321   
  

 

 

 

Total sources of capital

   $ 2,506,168   
  

 

 

 

Assets

  

($ in thousands)

 

Loans:

  

Conduit first mortgage loans

   $ 93,031   

Balance sheet first mortgage loans

     266,180   

Other commercial real estate-related loans

     103,429   
  

 

 

 

Total loans

   $ 462,640   

Securities:

  
  

CMBS investments

     1,084,791   

U.S. Agency Securities investments

     232,185   
  

 

 

 

Total securities

   $ 1,316,976   
  

Real estate:

  
  

Total real estate, net

     510,147   
  

 

 

 

Total investments

   $ 2,289,763   

Cash, cash equivalents and cash held by broker

     98,716   

Other assets

     117,688   
  

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 2,506,167   
  

 

 

 
 

 

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 assets that have a duration longer than two 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 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 3:1 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 loans at intervals, and also because of changes in our asset mix, due in part to such securitizations. As of September 30, 2013, our debt-to-equity ratio was 1.0:1.0. We believe that our predominantly senior secured assets and our moderate leverage provide financial flexibility to be able to capitalize on attractive market opportunities as they arise.

From time to time, we may add financing counterparties that we believe will complement our business, although the agreements governing our indebtedness may limit our ability and the ability of our present and future subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness. Our amended and restated charter and by-laws do not impose any threshold limits on our ability to use leverage.

Investment Process

Origination

Our team of originators is responsible for sourcing and directly originating new commercial first mortgage loans from the brokerage community and directly from real estate owners, operators, developers and investors. The extensive industry experience of our management team and origination team have enabled us to build a strong network of mortgage brokers and direct borrowers throughout the commercial real estate community in the United States.

 

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We seek to align our interests and those of our originators by awarding our originators annual discretionary bonuses that are closely correlated with loan performance and realized profits, rather than loan volumes or other metrics. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we paid $21.5 million in discretionary bonuses to originators.

Credit and Underwriting

Our underwriting and credit process commences upon receipt of a potential borrower’s executed loan application and non-refundable deposit.

Our underwriters conduct a thorough due diligence process for each prospective investment. The team coordinates in-house and third-party due diligence for each prospective loan as part of a checklist-based process that is designed to ensure that each loan receives a systematic evaluation. Elements of the underwriting process generally include:

Cash Flow Analysis .    We create an estimated cash flow analysis and underwriting model for each prospective investment. Creation of the cash flow analysis generally draws on an assessment of current and historical data related to the property’s rent roll, operating expenses, net operating income, leasing cost, and capital expenditures. Underwriting is expected to evaluate and factor in assumptions regarding current market rents, vacancy rates, operating expenses, tenant improvements, leasing commissions, replacement reserves, renewal probabilities and concession packages based on observable conditions in the subject property’s sub-market at the time of underwriting. The cash flow analysis may also rely upon third-party environmental and engineering reports to estimate the cost to repair or remediate any identified environmental and/or property-level deficiencies. The final underwritten cash flow analysis is used to estimate the property’s overall value and its ability to produce cash flow to service the proposed loan.

Borrower Analysis .    Careful attention is also paid to the proposed borrower, including an analysis based on available information of its credit history, financial standing, existing portfolio and sponsor exposure to leverage and contingent liabilities, capacity and capability to manage and lease the collateral, depth of organization, knowledge of the local market, and understanding of the proposed product type. We also generally commission and review a third-party background check of our prospective borrower and sponsor.

Site Inspection .    A Ladder underwriter typically conducts a physical site inspection of each property. The site inspection gives the underwriter insights into the local market and the property’s positioning within it, confirms that tenants are in-place, and generally helps to ensure that the property has the characteristics, qualities, and potential value represented by the borrower.

Legal Due Diligence .    Our unique in-house transaction management team comprised of eight attorneys manages, negotiates, structures and closes all transactions and completes legal due diligence on each property, borrower, and sponsor, including the evaluation of documents such as leases, title, title insurance, opinion letters, tenant estoppels, organizational documents, and other agreements and documents related to the property or the loan.

Third-party Appraisal .    We generally commission an appraisal from a Member of the Appraisal Institute to provide an independent opinion of value as well as additional supporting property and market data. Appraisals generally include detailed data on recent property sales, local rents, vacancy rates, supply, absorption, demographics and employment, as well as a detailed projected cash flow and valuation analysis. We typically use the independent appraiser’s valuation to calculate ratios such as loan-to-value and loan-to-stabilized-value ratio, as well as to serve as an independent source to which the in-house cash flow and valuation model can be compared.

 

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Third-party Engineering Report .    We generally engage an approved licensed engineer to complete property condition/engineering reports, and a seismic report for applicable properties. The engineering report is intended to identify any issues with respect to the safety and soundness of a property that may warrant further investigation, and provide estimates of ongoing replacement reserves, overall replacement cost, and the cost to bring a property into good repair.

Third-party Environmental Report .    We also generally engage an approved environmental consulting firm to complete a Phase I Environmental Assessment to identify and evaluate potential environmental issues at the property, and may also order and review Phase II Environmental Assessments and/or Operations & Maintenance plans if applicable. Environmental reports and supporting documentation are typically reviewed in-house as well as by our dedicated outside environmental counsel who prepares a summary report on each property.

Third-party Insurance Review .    A third-party insurance specialist reviews each prospective borrower’s existing insurance program to analyze the specific risk exposure of each property and to ensure that coverage is in compliance with our standard insurance requirements. Our transaction management team oversees this third-party review and makes the conclusions of their analysis available to the underwriting team.

A credit memorandum is prepared to summarize the results of the underwriting and due diligence process for the consideration of the Investment Committee. We thoroughly document the due diligence process up to and including the credit memorandum and maintain an organized digital archive of our work.

Transaction Management

The transaction management team is generally responsible for coordinating and managing outside counsel, working directly with originators, underwriters and borrowers to manage, structure, negotiate and close all transactions, including the securitization of our loans. The transaction management team plays an integral role in the legal underwriting of each property, consults with outside counsel on significant business, credit and/or legal issues, and facilitates the funding and closing of all investments and dispositions. The transaction management team also supports asset management and investment realization activities, including coordination of post-closing issues and assistance with loan sales, financings, refinancing and repayments.

Investment Committee Approval

All investments require approval from our Investment Committee, comprised of Brian Harris, CEO; Michael Mazzei, President; Greta Guggenheim, Chief Investment Officer; and Pamela McCormack, General Counsel. The Investment Committee generally requires each investment to be fully described in a comprehensive Investment Committee memorandum that identifies the investment, the due diligence conducted and the findings, as well as all identified related risks and mitigants. The Investment Committee meets regularly to ensure that all investments are fully vetted prior to issuance of Investment Committee approval.

In addition to Investment Committee approval, the Risk and Underwriting Committee of our Board of Directors approves all investments above certain thresholds, which are currently set at $50.0 million for fixed-rate loans and AAA-rated securities, and lower levels for all other types of investments.

Financing

Prior to securitization or other disposition, or in the case of balance sheet loans, maturity, we finance most of the loans we originate using our multiple committed term facilities from

 

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leading financial institutions and our membership in the FHLB. Our finance team endeavors to match the characteristics and expected holding periods of the assets being financed with the characteristics of the financing options available and our short and long term cash needs in determining the appropriate financing approaches to be applied. The approaches we apply to financing our assets are a key component of our asset/liability risk management strategy with respect to managing liquidity risk. These approaches, supplemented by the use of hedging primarily via the use of standard derivative instruments, facilitate the prudent management of our interest rate and credit spread exposures.

Asset Management

The asset management team, together with our third-party servicers, monitors the investment portfolio, working closely with borrowers and/or their partners to monitor performance of the assets. Asset management focuses on careful asset specific and market surveillance, active enforcement of loan and security rights, and regular review of potential disposition strategies. Loan modifications, asset recapitalizations and other necessary variations to a borrower’s or partner’s business plan or budget will generally be vetted through the asset management team with a recommended course of action presented to the Investment Committee for approval.

Specific responsibilities of the asset management team include:

 

   

coordinating cash processing and cash management for collections and distributions through lock box accounts that are set up to trap all cash flow from a property;

 

   

monitoring tax and insurance administration to ensure timely payments to appropriate authorities and maintenance or placement of applicable insurance coverages;

 

   

assisting with escrow analysis to maintain appropriate balances in required accounts;

 

   

monitoring UCC administration for continued compliance with lien laws in various jurisdictions;

 

   

assisting with reserve and draw management from pre-funded accounts including monitoring draw requests for legitimacy and budget accuracy;

 

   

coordinating and conducting site inspections and surveillance activities including periodic analysis of financial statements;

 

   

reviewing rent rolls and operating statements;

 

   

reviewing available information for any material variances; and

 

   

completing and updating asset summary reviews and providing active portfolio management reporting to ensure that borrowers remain compliant with the terms of their loans and remain on target for established budgets and business plans.

Disposition and Distribution

Our securitization team works with our transaction management and underwriting teams to realize our disposition strategy of selling our conduit first mortgage loans into CMBS securitization trusts. We typically partner with other leading financial institutions to contribute loans to multi-asset securitizations. We have also led a single asset securitization on a single loan we originated.

From time to time, our registered broker dealer subsidiary, Ladder Capital Securities LLC (“LCS”), may act as a co-manager for the underwriting syndicate of public and private CMBS

 

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securitizations where an affiliate of LCS is contributing collateral to the CMBS deal as a loan seller. In such instances, LCS, as a co-manager, will participate in the underwriting syndicate, on a best efforts basis, to structure and arrange the bond issuance and participate in the associated investor meetings and road shows. LCS generally does not receive any allocation of securities in these offerings for distribution to investor accounts and, as such, has not participated in the direct sale of any CMBS to institutional and/or retail investors.

In addition, Ladder has from time to time purchased predominantly AAA-rated CMBS from securitizations into which the Company sold conduit first mortgage loans, generally as one of several loan contributors. In such instances, however, Ladder has not participated as a co-manager in the underwriting syndicates. As of September 30, 2013, we owned approximately $141 million of such CMBS, representing less than 2% of the $6.295 billion of CMBS issued by the related securitization trusts. As with our other CMBS investments, we purchased these securities in both primary and secondary market transactions over time.

In addition to contributing conduit first mortgage loans into CMBS securitization trusts, we also maintain the flexibility to keep such loans on our balance sheet or sell them as whole loans to third-party institutional investors. Our asset management team manages the disposition of our balance sheet first mortgage loans for investment by offering them for sale to our institutional bridge loan partnership or other buyers and managing repayments at or prior to maturity. Balance sheet loans that are refinanced by us into a new conduit first mortgage loan upon property stabilization and intended for securitization are re-underwritten and structured by our origination, underwriting and transaction management teams. Our asset management team also manages sales of our real property and works with our trading and finance teams on sales of securities.

Industry Overview

Commercial real estate is a capital-intensive business that uses substantial amounts of debt capital to develop, acquire, maintain, reposition and refinance commercial properties. There were $3.1 trillion of commercial mortgage loans outstanding in the United States as of September 30, 2013. These mortgage loans were predominantly held as investments by banks ($1.5 trillion), securitization trusts ($701 billion), and insurance companies ($333 billion).

Market Outlook

We believe there is currently a compelling market opportunity to invest in commercial real estate finance products, including loans and securities, as a result of the constrained supply of commercial real estate financing coupled with the significant demand for debt capital on newly acquired or refinanced commercial real estate properties.

 

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The commercial real estate market faces high near-term debt maturities, in that over $1.6 trillion of commercial and multifamily real estate debt is scheduled to mature from 2014 through 2018. The following chart shows commercial real estate debt maturities as of June 30, 2013:

 

LOGO

Source: Trepp LLC

At the same time, the flow of capital available to finance commercial real estate has decreased. The following chart illustrates net funds flow to the commercial real estate industry, and highlights the decline in the volume of net lending:

 

LOGO

Source: Federal Reserve Flow of Funds report

Traditional commercial real estate lenders, including banks and insurance companies, are currently facing tighter capital constraints and regulatory changes. Among the factors that we believe may continue to limit lending to the sector for traditional financing sources are Basel III, with its provisions for higher bank capital charges on certain types of real estate loans, as well as the Dodd-Frank Act. We believe the current regulatory environment will continue to be most impactful on larger financial institutions, including the 28 institutions identified by the Financial Stability Board as “Global Systemically Important Banks” (“G-SIBs”). In 2012, nine of the top ten contributors of loans to new CMBS securitizations were affiliates of G-SIBs.

 

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In this environment, characterized by a supply-demand imbalance for financing and stabilizing asset values, we believe we are well positioned to originate and invest in attractive investment opportunities in commercial real estate finance.

Brief History of the CMBS Market

Securitization trusts and the CMBS they issue have risen in importance as a financing source for the commercial real estate industry. The industry has grown from $40 billion in assets in 1990, representing 3.6% of commercial mortgage loans outstanding at the time, to $701 billion in assets, and representing 22.3% of commercial mortgage loans outstanding as of September 30, 2013. The growth in securitization of commercial mortgage loans is part of a broader trend toward securitization of many different types of debt, including residential mortgage loans, auto loans, student loans, residential loans, and home equity loans. The following chart shows historical annual CMBS issuance from 1995 through the first nine months of 2013:

 

LOGO

Source: Commercial Mortgage Alert

From 2002 to 2007, rapidly rising property values and commercial real estate lending volumes were driven by global economic growth, inexpensive, abundant debt and equity capital, and aggressive credit underwriting. Throughout this period, loan origination volume increased substantially with annual U.S. CMBS issuance growing from $52.1 billion in 2002 to $228.6 billion in 2007.

In early 2007, deterioration in the subprime residential mortgage market prompted a re-evaluation of credit standards across all debt markets. The commercial mortgage markets were directly impacted as credit rating agencies adjusted their ratings methodologies for CMBS. This development triggered a dramatic re-pricing of CMBS securities and ultimately resulted in a credit freeze in the debt markets, with a particularly negative impact on CMBS and the broader commercial real estate loan origination markets. CMBS issuance declined to $2.7 billion in 2009 and liquidity in the commercial real estate lending market was scarce.

In early 2010, commonly tracked economic indicators, including GDP, consumer spending, consumer confidence and disposable personal income, began to show signs of improvement. These

 

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changes, together with recovering property fundamentals, including decreasing vacancy rates, rent growth, positive absorption, limited new supply and increasing investor demand for commercial real estate, led to an improvement in commercial property values. During this time, several bank lenders reinitiated their CMBS lending programs, and several new lenders entered the business.

Following the financial crisis, lenders imposed a greater level of discipline on new loan originations. Underwriting standards were more conservative and lenders required additional reserves and enforced stricter covenants. At the same time, investors demanded a greater level of disclosure regarding the underlying collateral in new CMBS offerings along with more information about the potential risks associated with these investments.

In June 2010, the first new-issue multi-borrower CMBS securitization following the credit crisis occurred, and for calendar year 2010, new CMBS issuance totaled $11.6 billion. In 2011, new CMBS issuance totaled $32.7 billion, despite a slowdown in originations during the second half of the year because of the uncertain economic climate created by the Euro-area crisis. In 2012, new CMBS issuance totaled $48.4 billion. In the first nine months of 2013, new CMBS issuance totaled $60.5 billion, compared to $30.9 billion of new issuance in the first nine months of 2012. We believe there is the capacity for a continuing market recovery and that the CMBS market will continue to play an important role in the financing of commercial real estate in the United States.

Competition

The commercial real estate finance markets are highly competitive. We face competition for lending and investment opportunities from a variety of institutional lenders and investors and many other market participants, including specialty finance companies, REITs, commercial banks and thrift institutions, investment banks, insurance companies, hedge funds and other financial institutions. Many of these competitors enjoy competitive advantages over us, including greater name recognition, established lending relationships with customers, financial resources, and access to capital.

We compete on the basis of relationships, product offering, loan structure, terms, pricing and customer service. Our success depends on our ability to maintain and capitalize on relationships with borrowers and brokers, offer attractive loan products, remain competitive in pricing and terms, and provide superior service.

Regulation

Our operations are subject, in certain instances, to supervision and regulation by state and federal governmental authorities and may be subject to various laws and judicial and administrative decisions imposing various requirements and restrictions. In addition, certain of our subsidiaries’ businesses may rely on exemptions from various requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Investment Company Act, and ERISA. These exemptions are sometimes highly complex and may in certain circumstances depend on compliance by third-parties who we do not control.

Regulatory Reform

The Dodd-Frank Act, which went into effect on July 21, 2010, is intended to make significant structural reforms to the financial services industry. For example, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, various federal agencies have promulgated, or are in the process of promulgating, regulations with respect to various issues that affect securitizations, including (1) a requirement under the Dodd-Frank Act that issuers in securitizations retain 5% of the risk associated with the

 

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securities, (2) requirements for additional disclosure, (3) requirements for additional review and reporting, (4) a possible requirement that a portion of potential profit that would be realized on the securitization must be deposited in a reserve account and used as additional credit support for the related CMBS until the loans are repaid, and (5) certain restrictions designed to prevent conflicts of interest. The implementation of any regulations ultimately adopted will occur on a time period that could range from two months to as long as two years. Certain regulations have already been adopted and others remain under consideration by various governmental agencies, in some cases past the deadlines set in the Dodd-Frank Act for adoption. Certain proposed regulations, if adopted, could alter the structure of securitizations in the future and could pose additional risks to our participating in future securitizations or could reduce or eliminate the economic incentives of participating in future securitizations.

Pursuant to a new rule adopted by the SEC on October 26, 2011, we will be required to periodically file reports on a new Form PF. The rule subjects certain large private fund advisers to more detailed and in certain cases more frequent reporting requirements. The information will be used by the Council in monitoring risks to the U.S. financial system.

Certain other new federal, state and municipal rules could also impact our business. These include (1) new CFTC rules regarding CPO and CTA registration and compliance obligations, (2) new regulatory, reporting and compliance requirements applicable to swap dealers, security-based swaps dealers and major swap participants under the Dodd-Frank Act, (3) new Dodd-Frank regulation on derivative transactions and (4) new requirements in California and New York City that require placement agents who solicit funds from the retirement and public pension systems to register as lobbyists. Given the current status of the regulatory developments, we cannot currently quantify the possible effects of these regulatory changes. The final form these rules will take is not yet known, and their final formulation could be more, or less, restrictive than the current proposals. See “Risk factors—Risks related to regulatory and compliance matters” and “—Risks related to hedging.”

Regulation of Commercial Real Estate Lending Activities

Although most states do not regulate commercial finance, certain states impose limitations on interest rates and other charges and on certain collection practices and creditor remedies, and require licensing of lenders and financiers and adequate disclosure of certain contract terms. We also are required to comply with certain provisions of, among other statutes and regulations, certain provisions of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act that are applicable to commercial loans, the USA PATRIOT Act, regulations promulgated by the Office of Foreign Asset Control and federal and state securities laws and regulations.

Regulation as an Investment Adviser

We conduct investment advisory activities in the United States through our subsidiaries, Ladder Capital Adviser LLC and LCR Income I GP LLC. One or both of these entities advise our institutional bridge loan partnership and three separate CMBS managed accounts and both are regulated by the SEC as registered investment advisers under the Advisers Act. A registered investment adviser is subject to federal and state laws and regulations primarily intended to benefit its clients. These laws and regulations include requirements relating to, among other things, fiduciary duties to clients, maintaining an effective compliance program, solicitation agreements, conflicts of interest, record keeping and reporting requirements, disclosure requirements, limitations on agency cross and principal transactions between an investment adviser and its advisory clients and general anti-fraud prohibitions. In addition, these laws and regulations generally grant supervisory agencies and bodies broad administrative powers, including the power to limit or restrict us from conducting our advisory activities in the event

 

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we fail to comply with those laws and regulations. Sanctions that may be imposed for a failure to comply with applicable legal requirements include the suspension of individual employees, limitations on our engaging in various advisory activities for specified periods of time, disgorgement, the revocation of registrations, other censures and fines.

We may become subject to additional regulatory and compliance burdens as our investment adviser subsidiaries expand their product offerings and investment platform. For example, if one of our investment adviser subsidiaries were to advise a registered investment company under the Investment Company Act, such registered investment company and our subsidiary that serves as its investment adviser would be subject to the Investment Company Act and the rules thereunder, which, among other things, regulate the relationship between a registered investment company and its investment adviser and prohibit or severely restrict principal transactions and joint transactions. This additional regulation could increase our compliance costs and create the potential for additional liabilities and penalties.

In June 2010, the SEC approved Rule 206(4)-5 under the Advisers Act regarding “pay to play” practices by investment advisers involving campaign contributions and other payments to government clients and elected officials able to exert influence on such clients. The rule prohibits investment advisers from providing advisory services for compensation to a government client for two years, subject to very limited exceptions, after the investment adviser, its senior executives or its personnel involved in soliciting investments from government entities make contributions to certain candidates and officials in a position to influence the hiring of an investment adviser by such government client. Advisers are required to implement compliance policies designed, among other matters, to track contributions by certain of the adviser’s employees and engagement of third-parties that solicit government entities and to keep certain records in order to enable the SEC to determine compliance with the rule. In addition, there have been similar rules on a state-level regarding “pay to play” practices by investment advisers.

Regulation as a Broker-Dealer

We have a subsidiary, Ladder Capital Securities LLC, that is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC and in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and is a member of FINRA. This subsidiary, which from time to time co-manages the CMBS securitizations to which an affiliate contributes collateral as loan seller, is subject to regulations that cover all aspects of its business, including sales methods, trade practices, use and safekeeping of clients’ funds and securities, the capital structure of the subsidiary, recordkeeping, the financing of clients’ purchases and the conduct of directors, officers and employees. Violations of these regulations can result in the revocation of its broker-dealer license (which could result in our having to hire new licensed investment professionals before continuing certain operations), the imposition of censure or fines and the suspension or expulsion of the subsidiary, its officers or employees from FINRA. The subsidiary also may be required to maintain certain minimum net capital. Rule 15c3-1 of the Exchange Act specifies the minimum level of net capital a broker-dealer must maintain and also requires that a significant part of a broker-dealer’s assets be kept in relatively liquid form. The SEC and FINRA impose rules that require notification when net capital falls below certain predefined criteria, limit the ratio of subordinated debt to equity in the regulatory capital composition of a broker-dealer and constrain the ability of a broker-dealer to expand its business under certain circumstances. Additionally, the SEC’s uniform net capital rule imposes certain requirements that may have the effect of prohibiting a broker-dealer from distributing or withdrawing capital and requiring prior notice to the SEC for certain withdrawals of capital.

 

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Regulation as a Captive Insurance Company

We maintain a captive insurance company, Tuebor, to provide coverage previously self-insured by us, including nuclear, biological or chemical coverage, excess property coverage and excess errors and omissions coverage. It is regulated by the state of Michigan and is subject to regulations that cover all aspects of its business. Violations of these regulations can result in revocation of its authorization to do business as a captive insurer or result in censures or fines. The subsidiary is also subject to insurance laws of states other than Michigan (i.e., states where the insureds are located).

Investment Company Act Exemption

We intend to conduct our operations so that neither we nor any of our subsidiaries are required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.

If we or any of our subsidiaries fail to qualify for and maintain an exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act, or an exclusion from the definition of an investment company, we could, among other things, be required either to (a) substantially change the manner in which we conduct our operations to avoid being required to register as an investment company, (b) effect sales of our assets in a manner that, or at a time when, we would not otherwise choose to do so, or (c) register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, any of which could have an adverse effect on us, our financial results, the sustainability of our business model or the value of our securities.

If we or any of our subsidiaries were required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, the registered entity would become subject to substantial regulation with respect to capital structure (including the ability to use leverage), management, operations, transactions with affiliated persons (as defined in the Investment Company Act), portfolio composition, including restrictions with respect to diversification and industry concentration, compliance with reporting, record keeping, voting, proxy disclosure and other rules and regulations that would significantly change its operation and we would not be able to conduct our business as described in this prospectus. For example, because affiliate transactions are generally prohibited under the Investment Company Act, we would not be able to enter into certain transactions with any of our affiliates if we are required to register as an investment company, which could have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate our business.

If we were required to register us as an investment company but failed to do so, we would be prohibited from engaging in our business, and criminal and civil actions could be brought against us. In addition, our contracts would be unenforceable unless a court required enforcement, and a court could appoint a receiver to take control of us and liquidate our business.

Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act defines an investment company as any issuer that is or holds itself out as being engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act defines an investment company as any issuer which is engaged or proposes to engage in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities, and owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40% of the value of such issuer’s total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. Excluded from the term “investment securities,” among other things, are U.S. government securities and securities issued by majority-owned

 

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subsidiaries that are not themselves investment companies and are not relying on the exception from the definition of investment company for certain privately-offered investment vehicles set forth in Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act.

We are organized as a holding company and conduct our businesses primarily through our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. We intend to conduct our operations so that we do not come within the definition of an investment company under Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act because less than 40% of the value of our total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis will consist of “investment securities,” which excludes, among other things, U.S. government securities and securities issued by majority-owned subsidiaries that are not themselves investment companies and are not relying on the exception from the definition of investment company set forth in Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act. We will monitor our holdings to ensure continuing and ongoing compliance with this test. In addition, we believe that we will not be considered an investment company under Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act because we will not engage primarily, hold ourselves out as being engaged primarily, or propose to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. Rather, we will be engaged primarily in the business of holding securities of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries.

We expect that certain of our subsidiaries may rely on the exclusion from the definition of an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act pursuant to Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act, which is available for entities “primarily engaged” in the business of “purchasing or otherwise acquiring mortgages and other liens on and interests in real estate.” This exclusion, as interpreted by the staff of the SEC, requires that an entity invest at least 55% of its assets in “qualifying real estate assets” and at least 80% of its assets in qualifying real estate assets and “real estate-related assets.”

Although we reserve the right to modify our business methods at any time, at the time of this offering we expect each of our subsidiaries relying on Section 3(c)(5)(C) to primarily hold assets in one or more of the following categories, which are comprised primarily of “qualifying real estate assets”: commercial mortgage loans, investments in securities secured by first mortgage loans, and investments in selected net leased and other commercial real estate assets. We expect each of our subsidiaries relying on Section 3(c)(5)(C) to rely on guidance published by the SEC or its staff or on our analyses of such guidance to determine which assets are qualifying real estate assets and real estate-related assets. To the extent that the SEC or its staff publishes new or different guidance with respect to these matters, we may be required to adjust our strategies accordingly. In addition, we may be limited in our ability to make certain investments and these limitations could result in a subsidiary holding assets we might wish to sell or selling assets we might wish to hold.

Any of the Company or our subsidiaries may rely on the exemption provided by Section 3(c)(6) of the Investment Company Act to the extent that they primarily engage, directly or through majority-owned subsidiaries, in the businesses described in Sections 3(c)(3), 3(c)(4) and 3(c)(5) of the Investment Company Act. The SEC staff has issued little interpretive guidance with respect to Section 3(c)(6) and any guidance published by the staff could require us to adjust our strategies accordingly.

In 2011, the SEC solicited public comment on a wide range of issues relating to Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act, including the nature of the assets that qualify for purposes of the exemption and whether companies that are engaged in the business of acquiring mortgages and mortgage-related instruments should be regulated in a manner similar

 

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to investment companies. There can be no assurance that the laws and regulations governing the Investment Company Act status of such companies, including the SEC or its staff providing more specific or different guidance regarding Section 3(c)(5)(C), will not change in a manner that adversely affects our operations.

Qualification for exclusion from the definition of an investment company under the Investment Company Act will limit our ability to make certain investments. In addition, complying with the tests for such exclusion could restrict the time at which we can acquire and sell assets. To the extent that the SEC or its staff provides more specific guidance regarding any of the matters bearing upon such exclusions, we may be required to adjust our strategies accordingly. Any additional guidance from the SEC or its staff could provide additional flexibility to us, or it could further inhibit our ability to pursue the strategies we have chosen. See “Risk factors—Risks related to our Investment Company Act exemption—Maintenance of our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act imposes significant limits on our operations.”

Employees

As of September 30, 2013, we employed 59 full-time persons. All employees are employed by our operating subsidiary, Ladder Capital Finance LLC. None of our employees are represented by a union or subject to a collective bargaining agreement and we have never experienced a work stoppage. We believe that our employee relations are good.

Property

We lease our corporate headquarters office at 345 Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, New York, 10154. We also have regional offices at 10250 Constellation Boulevard, Suite 260, Los Angeles, California, 90067 and 433 Plaza Real, Suite 275, Boca Raton, Florida, 33432.

We own a portfolio of commercial real estate properties. As of September 30, 2013, we owned 34 single tenant retail properties with an aggregate book value of $259.4 million (“NNN Properties”). These properties are fully leased on a net basis where the single tenant is generally responsible for payment of real estate taxes, building insurance and maintenance expenses. Sixteen of our NNN Properties are leased to a national pharmacy chain, and the remaining properties are leased to a national discount retailer, a regional sporting goods store, and a regional membership warehouse club. As of September 30, 2013, our NNN Properties comprised a total of 1.4 million square feet, had a 100% occupancy rate, with an average age since construction of 6.6 years and a weighted average lease maturity of 19.0 years. Given the long term nature and single tenant occupancy of the NNN Properties, there are no rent concessions or abatements on these properties. We originated senior secured mortgage loans on all of our NNN Properties, and many of these mortgage loans have subsequently been securitized and are included as non-recourse long-term financing of $291.2 million on our balance sheet at September 30, 2013.

In addition, during the first quarter of 2013, we acquired a 13-story office building in Michigan through a consolidated, majority owned joint venture with an operating partner with a book value of $18.0 million and during the second quarter of 2013, we acquired a portfolio of office buildings in Virginia through a consolidated, majority owned joint venture with a book value of $102.5 million (together with the Michigan office building, the “Office Portfolio”). Depending on market conditions for new leases and renewals in the Office Portfolio, we may provide tenants rent concessions or abatements, incur charges for tenant improvements or offer other inducements, including early termination rights. Such rent concessions and abatements

 

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did not materially impact our consolidated results of operations in the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

In addition, as of September 30, 2013, we owned 356 residential condominium units at Veer Towers in Las Vegas with a book value of $100.2 million through a consolidated joint venture with an operating partner. The units were 59% leased and occupied as of September 30, 2013. Depending on market conditions for new leases and renewals in this residential inventory, we may provide tenants rent concessions or abatements. We intend to sell the entire inventory of units over time. We are only leasing the units currently under short-term leases (less than 2-year terms) to offset operating expenses during our sales process, and therefore, any rent concessions or abatements would have no material impact on our operations.

The following table, organized by state of operation, summarizes our owned properties as of September 30, 2013:

 

Tenant

Type

  Location   Year
built/
reno
    Lease
expiration(1)
    Approximate
square
footage
    Carrying
value of
asset
    Mortgage
loan
outstanding
    Net book
value of
asset
    Annual
rental
income(2)
 

Retail

  Millbrook, AL     2008        03/22/32        14,820      $ 6,658      $ 4,680      $ 1,978      $ 448   

Retail

  Greenwood, AR     2009        06/30/34        13,650        4,969        3,471        1,498        332   

Retail

  Jonesboro, AR     2012        10/31/32        71,600        8,181        5,665        2,516        626   

Retail

  DeLeon Springs, FL     2011        01/31/27        9,100        1,189        833        356        98   

Retail

  Middleburg, FL     2011        11/30/26        9,026        1,110        802        307        92   

Retail

  Orange City, FL     2011        04/30/27        9,026        1,250        797        453        103   

Retail

  Satsuma, FL     2011        11/30/26        9,026        1,025        714        310        86   

Retail

  Yulee, FL     2012        05/31/27        9,026        1,280        886        395        105   

Retail

  Douglasville, GA     2008        10/31/33        13,434        5,044        3,264        1,780        416   

Retail

  Lilburn, GA     2007        10/31/32        14,752        5,329        3,474        1,855        443   

Retail

  Snellville, GA     2011        04/30/32        67,375        7,609        5,347        2,262        605   

Retail

  Wichita, KS     2012        12/31/32        73,322        7,017        4,867        2,150        536   

Retail

  North Dartsmouth, MA     1989        08/31/32        103,680        28,743        18,963        9,781        2,074   

Retail

  Pittsfield, MA     2011        10/29/31        85,188        14,007        11,220        2,788        1,065   

Retail

  Elkton, MD     2008        10/31/33        13,706        4,488        2,928        1,560        380   

Retail

  Waldorf, MD     1999        08/31/32        115,660        18,150        11,974        6,176        1,272   

Office Building

  Oakland County, MI     1989          240,900        17,961        12,684        5,277        5,292   

Retail

  Tupelo, MS     2007        01/31/33        14,691        4,728        3,090        1,638        400   

Retail

  Mooresville, NC     2000        08/31/32        108,528        16,925        11,166        5,759        1,221   

Retail

  Mt. Airy, NC     2007        06/30/32        14,820        4,401        2,921        1,480        292   

Retail

  Tilton, NH     1996        08/31/32        68,160        6,940        4,578        2,361        562   

Retail

  Vineland, NJ     2003        08/31/32        115,368        21,644        14,279        7,365        1,557   

Condominium

  Las Vegas, NV     2006          335,436        100,166               100,166        4,936   

Retail

  Saratoga Springs, NY     1994        08/31/32        116,620        19,414        12,808        6,606        1,166   

Retail

  Sennett, NY     1996        08/31/32        68,160        7,158        4,722        2,436        545   

Retail

  Durant, OK     2007        02/28/33        14,550        4,904        3,218        1,685        323   

Retail

  Aiken, SC     2008        02/28/33        14,550        5,820        3,847        1,973        384   

Retail

  Columbia, SC     2001        04/30/32        71,744        7,470        5,201        2,269        581   

Retail

  Lexington, SC     2009        09/30/33        14,820        4,399        2,898        1,501        362   

Retail

  Spartanburg, SC     2007        08/31/32        14,820        3,601        2,844        757        291   

Retail

  Gallatin, TN     2007        09/30/32        14,820        4,966        3,290        1,676        329   

Retail

  Johnson City, TN     2007        03/30/32        14,550        5,156        3,419        1,737        341   

Retail

  Mt Juliet, TN     2012        11/30/32        71,917        8,896        6,239        2,657        683   

Retail

  Ooltewah, TN     2008        01/31/33        14,550        5,589        3,889        1,700        365   

Retail

  Palmview, TX     2012        08/31/13        14,820        6,698        4,644        2,054        437   

Retail

  Abingdon, VA     2006        06/30/31        15,371        4,595        3,123        1,472        300   

Office Building

  Richmond, VA     1984          994,040        132,667        102,491        30,176        16,327   
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

          2,985,626      $ 510,147      $ 291,238      $ 218,909      $ 45,379   
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Lease expirations reflect the earliest date the lease is cancellable without penalty. However, actual term is longer.

 

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(2) Annual rental income represents twelve months of contractual rental income due under leases outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2013. Operating lease income on the consolidated statements of income represents rental income earned and recorded on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.
(3) 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. Our intent is to sell these properties. The residential leases are generally short term in nature and are not included in the table above as it does not reflect the Company’s intent to sell the properties.

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 adviser 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 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.

 

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MANAGEMENT

Directors, Executive Officers and Other Key Executives

The following table sets forth information as to persons who serve as our directors, executive officers or other key executives. Biographical information for each of the directors and officers can be found below. The positions referenced in the biographies represent the final positions held. We expect to have seven individuals serve as our directors, of whom four are currently serving. Prior to the offering we expect that additional directors who are independent in accordance with the criteria established by the NYSE for independent board members will be appointed to our board of directors.

Our Directors, Executive Officers and Other Key Executives

 

Name

   Age     

Position

Alan Fishman

     67       Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors

Brian Harris

     53       Chief Executive Officer and Director

Jonathan Bilzin

     41       Director

Howard Park

     51       Director

Michael Mazzei

     52       President

Greta Guggenheim

     54       Chief Investment Officer

Marc Fox

     53       Chief Financial Officer

Pamela McCormack

     42       General Counsel and Co-Head of Securitization

Thomas Harney

     52       Head of Merchant Banking and Capital Markets

Robert Perelman

     51       Head of Asset Management

Alan Fishman .     Mr. Fishman was appointed as Non-Executive Chairman of Ladder Capital Corp at its formation in May 2013 and previously was Non-Executive Chairman of LCFH since its formation in October 2008. Prior to that, Mr. Fishman was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Washington Mutual Inc. and its holding company in September 2008 for a brief period immediately preceding the holding company’s being placed into receivership and Washington Mutual Inc.’s merger immediately thereafter with J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. Mr. Fishman also previously served as Chairman of Meridian Capital Group from April 2007 to September 2008 and President of Sovereign Bank Corp from June 2006 until December 2006. From March 2001 until its sale to Sovereign Bank Corp in June 2006, Mr. Fishman served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Independence Community Bank. Mr. Fishman also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Chairman of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, Chairman of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, Chairman of the Brooklyn Community Foundation and on the boards of several other not-for-profit and civic organizations. Mr. Fishman earned a B.S. from Brown University and a Masters in Economics from Columbia University. Mr. Fishman’s extensive financial management experience qualifies him to serve as a member of our board.

Brian Harris .     Mr. Harris is a co-founder of Ladder and has served as Chief Executive Officer of Ladder since its formation in October 2008. Mr. Harris has been a director of Ladder Capital Corp since its formation in May 2013 and a director of LCFH since its formation in October 2008. Mr. Harris has over 28 years of experience in the real estate and financial markets. Prior to forming Ladder, Mr. Harris served as a Senior Partner, Managing Director and Head of Global Commercial Real Estate at Dillon Read Capital Management (“DRCM”), a wholly owned subsidiary of UBS AG, from June 2006 to May 2007, managing over $500 million of equity capital from UBS AG for DRCM’s commercial real estate activities globally. Prior to that,

 

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Mr. Harris served as Managing Director and Head of Global Commercial Real Estate at UBS Securities LLC from June 1999 to June 2006, managing UBS’ proprietary commercial real estate activities globally. Mr. Harris also served as a member of the Board of Directors of UBS Investment Bank from April 2003 to September 2005. From March 1996 to April 1999, Mr. Harris served as Head of Commercial Mortgage Trading at Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (“Credit Suisse”) and was responsible for managing all proprietary commercial real estate investment and trading activities. Prior to that, Mr. Harris also worked in the real estate groups at Smith Barney (from 1994 to 1996), Daiwa Securities Group Inc. (from 1991 to 1994), Lehman Brothers (from 1989 to 1991), Salomon Brothers (from 1986 to 1988) and Chemical Bank (from 1985 to 1986). Mr. Harris earned a B.S. in Biology and an M.B.A. from The State University of New York at Albany. Mr. Harris’ real estate and financial experience qualify him to serve as a member of our board.

Jonathan Bilzin.     Mr. Bilzin was appointed as a director of Ladder Capital Corp at its formation in May 2013. Previously, Mr. Bilzin had been a director of LCFH since its formation in October 2008. Mr. Bilzin is a Managing Director of TowerBrook, a private equity firm, where Mr. Bilzin has served since its formation in March 2005. Mr. Bilzin serves on TowerBrook’s Management Committee. Mr. Bilzin also serves as a director of Ironshore Inc., Sound Inpatient Physicians, Inc., Unison Site Management LLC, Rave Cinemas LLC, Shale-Inland Holdings, LLC and Wilton Industries, Inc. Mr. Bilzin earned a B.A. from the University of Michigan and an M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Mr. Bilzin’s senior role at TowerBrook and his business experience qualify him to serve as a member of our board.

Howard Park .    Mr. Park was appointed as a director of Ladder Capital Corp at its formation in May 2013. Previously, Mr. Park had been a director of LCFH since its formation in October 2008. Mr. Park has served as a Managing Director of GI Partners, since March 2003. Mr. Park serves or has served on the boards of SoftLayer Technologies, Inc., The Planet, Inc., Telx Corporation, Advoserv, Inc., Plum Healthcare Group, LLC and PC Helps Support, LLC. Mr. Park graduated cum laude from Rice University with a B.A. in Economics and earned an M.B.A. from the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. Mr. Park’s leadership role at GI Partners and his business experience qualify him to serve as a member of our board.

Michael Mazzei.     Mr. Mazzei was appointed as President of Ladder in June 2012. From September 2009 to June 2012, Mr. Mazzei served as a Managing Director and Global Head of the CMBS and Bank Loan Syndication Group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Prior to that, Mr. Mazzei served as Co-Head of CMBS and Commercial Real Estate Debt Markets at Barclays Capital from March 2004 to June 2009. Prior to Barclays Capital, Mr. Mazzei spent 20 years at Lehman Brothers, 18 years in commercial real estate finance-related functions. Having started in commercial mortgage trading in 1984, Mr. Mazzei became the head of CMBS in 1991 and served as the Co-Head of Global Real Estate Investment Banking from March 2002 to February 2004. Mr. Mazzei has a total of 27 years of experience in commercial real estate finance. Mr. Mazzei earned a B.S. in Finance from Baruch College CUNY and a J.D. from St. John’s University, and is a graduate of the New York University Real Estate Institute.

Greta Guggenheim.     Ms. Guggenheim is a co-founder of Ladder and was President of Ladder from its formation in October 2008 through June 2012 and was appointed Chief Investment Officer in June 2012. Prior to forming Ladder, Ms. Guggenheim served as a Managing Director and Head of Origination at DRCM from June 2006 to June 2007. Before joining DRCM, Ms. Guggenheim served as a Managing Director in Originations at UBS from May 2002 to June 2006. Prior to joining UBS, Ms. Guggenheim served as a Managing Director at Bear Stearns & Co. (“Bear Stearns”) from October 2000 to April 2002 and previously worked in real estate investment banking and commercial real estate lending at Credit Suisse and Credit

 

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Suisse First Boston from 1986 to 1999. Ms. Guggenheim has a total of 26 years of experience in commercial real estate finance. Ms. Guggenheim earned a B.A. in Economics and Spanish Literature from Swarthmore College and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Marc Fox.     Mr. Fox was appointed as Chief Financial Officer of Ladder in November 2008. From January 1999 through 2008, Mr. Fox served as Treasurer of Capmark Financial Group Inc. (“Capmark”), where Mr. Fox formulated and executed its worldwide funding strategies, including commercial real estate-based financing strategies. From 1994 through 1998, prior to his appointment as Treasurer, Mr. Fox managed a group responsible for the underwriting and closing of large commercial real estate loans. He left Capmark within 1 year before its filing for bankruptcy in late 2009. Mr. Fox was significantly involved in the formation of Capmark’s wholly owned banking platform and debt management of Capmark Bank, a regulated industrial bank subsidiary of Capmark. From 1990 to 1997, Mr. Fox worked as a commercial real estate appraiser and consultant at Herskowitz, Rosen & Walton. Mr. Fox has a total of 23 years of experience in commercial real estate finance. Mr. Fox earned a B.S. in Economics and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Pamela McCormack.     Ms. McCormack is a co-founder of Ladder and was appointed as General Counsel of Ladder at its formation in October 2008 and was subsequently also appointed as Co-Head of Securitization in 2010. Prior to forming Ladder, Ms. McCormack served as Executive Director and Head of Transaction Management—Global Commercial Real Estate at DRCM from June 2006 to June 2007. Before joining DRCM, Ms. McCormack served as Executive Director and Co-Head of Transaction Management—Global Commercial Real Estate and, previously also as Counsel, at UBS Securities LLC from October 2003 to June 2006. In that capacity, Ms. McCormack managed a team responsible for the structuring, negotiating and closing of all real estate investments globally. Prior to joining UBS Securities LLC, Ms. McCormack worked as Vice President and Counsel for Real Estate Finance and Securitization and Global Recovery Management at Credit Suisse (from 1999 to 2003) and as a real estate and finance attorney at Stroock, Stroock & Lavan LLP (from 1997 to 1999) and Brown Raysman Millstein Felder & Steiner LLP (from 1996 to 1997). Ms. McCormack has a total of 17 years of experience in commercial real estate finance. Ms. McCormack graduated cum laude with a B.A. in English from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and earned a J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law.

Thomas Harney .    Mr. Harney was appointed Head of Merchant Banking & Capital Markets of Ladder in October 2010. Prior to joining Ladder, Mr. Harney served as the Head of Real Estate at Tri-Artisan Capital Partners, a private merchant banking group based in New York from 2008 to 2010. Before joining Tri-Artisan, Mr. Harney served as Senior Managing Director of the Real Estate Investment Banking Group at Bear Stearns, where Mr. Harney worked from 1997 to 2008. Prior to that, from 1983 to 1997 Mr. Harney held senior investment banking and principal investment/finance roles related to commercial real estate at Olympia & York, Merrill Lynch, BT Securities and a series of private investment partnerships. Mr. Harney has extensive experience in completing large-scale M&A transactions, as well as a broad range of debt and equity securities transactions in both public and private formats. Mr. Harney has a total of 28 years of experience in commercial real estate finance. Mr. Harney graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Urban Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the New York University Real Estate Finance & Development Program.

Robert Perelman .    Mr. Perelman is a co-founder of Ladder and was appointed as Head of Asset Management of Ladder at its formation in October 2008. Prior to forming Ladder, Mr. Perelman served as a Director and Head of Asset Management at UBS Securities LLC from

 

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June 2007 to October 2007 and, previously prior to the launch of DRCM, from April 2006 to June 2006. Prior to being re-integrated to UBS Securities LLC, Mr. Perelman served as a Director and Head of Asset Management at DRCM from June 2006 to June 2007. In that capacity, Mr. Perelman managed a team responsible for the portfolio management of all real estate investments globally. Prior to joining DRCM, Mr. Perelman served as a Managing Director and Partner at Hudson Realty Capital LLC (“Hudson Realty”), a private equity fund, where Mr. Perelman worked from June 2003 to March 2006 and was responsible for loan origination, real estate investments and asset management. Before joining Hudson Realty, Mr. Perelman served as a Director at Credit Suisse from February 1998 to May 2003. During his tenure at Credit Suisse, Mr. Perelman had significant responsibility for the structuring and closing of a wide variety of real estate investments within the United States and Asia. Prior to that, Mr. Perelman worked as a real estate and finance attorney at each of Brown Raysman Millstein Felder & Steiner LLP (from 1996 to 1998), Hahn & Hessen LLP (from 1991 to 1996) and Kaye Scholer, Fierman, Hays & Handler (from 1988 to 1991). Mr. Perelman has a total of 24 years of experience in commercial real estate finance. Mr. Perelman earned a B.S. in Telecommunications Management from Syracuse University and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law.

Board Composition

The board of directors of Ladder Capital Corp will initially consist of 7 directors. The authorized number of directors may be changed by resolution of our board of directors. Vacancies on our board of directors can be filled by resolution of our board of directors. Upon the completion of the offering, our board of directors will be divided into three classes, each serving staggered, three-year terms:

 

   

our Class I directors will be             and             , and their terms will expire at the first annual meeting of stockholders following the date of this prospectus;

 

   

our Class II directors will be             and             , and their terms will expire at the second annual meeting of stockholders following the date of this prospectus; and

 

   

our Class III directors will be             and             , and their terms will expire at the third annual meeting of stockholders following the date of this prospectus.

As a result, only one class of directors will be elected at each annual meeting of stockholders, with the other classes continuing for the remainder of their respective terms.

Board Committees

Audit Committee

The audit committee provides assistance to the board of directors in fulfilling its legal and fiduciary obligations in matters involving our accounting, auditing, financial reporting, internal control and legal compliance functions by approving the services performed by our independent registered public accounting firm and reviewing their reports regarding our accounting practices and systems of internal accounting controls. The audit committee also oversees the audit efforts of our independent registered public accounting firm and takes those actions as it deems necessary to satisfy itself that the independent registered public accounting firm is independent of management. We believe that the composition of our audit committee meets the requirements for independence and financial literacy under the applicable requirements of the SEC rules and regulations.

 

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Compensation Committee

After completion of the offering, the compensation committee will determine our general compensation policies and the compensation provided to our directors and officers. The compensation committee will also review and determine bonuses for our officers and other employees. In addition, the compensation committee will review and determine equity-based compensation for our directors, officers, employees and consultants and will administer our equity incentive plans. Our compensation committee will also oversee our corporate compensation programs. Our compensation committee is currently comprised of Messrs.             ,             and             . We believe that the composition of our compensation committee meets the criteria for independence under the applicable requirements of the SEC rules and regulations.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

After completion of the offering, the nominating and corporate governance committee will be responsible for making recommendations to the board of directors regarding candidates for directorships and the size and composition of the board. In addition, the nominating and corporate governance committee will be responsible for overseeing our corporate governance guidelines and reporting and making recommendations to the board of directors concerning corporate governance matters. The composition of this committee has yet to be determined.

Risk and Underwriting Committee

The risk and underwriting committee is composed of Alan Fishman (Chair), Jonathan Bilzin, Howard Park and Brian Harris. The committee reviews our internal risk reports and evaluates risk management strategies. In addition, it reviews and approves (i) fixed rate loans greater than $50 million, (ii) floating rate and mezzanine loans greater than $20 million, (iii) real estate equity investments greater than $5 million, (iv) AAA rated securities positions greater than $50 million and (v) all other securities positions greater than $26 million. This committee meets monthly or more frequently as needed depending on the transaction requirements.

Role of Our Board of Directors in Risk Oversight

One of the key functions of our board of directors is informed oversight of our risk management process. Our board of directors administers this oversight function directly through our board of directors as a whole, as well as through various standing committees of our board of directors that address risks inherent in their respective areas of oversight. In particular, our board of directors is responsible for monitoring and assessing strategic risk exposure, and our audit committee will have the responsibility to consider and discuss our major financial risk exposures and the steps our management has taken to monitor and control these exposures. The audit committee will also have the responsibility to review with management the process by which risk assessment and management is undertaken, monitor compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and review with our independent auditors the adequacy and effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. Our nominating and corporate governance committee will be responsible for periodically evaluating the Company’s corporate governance policies and system in light of the governance risks that the Company faces and the adequacy of the Company’s policies and procedures designed to address such risks. Our compensation committee will assess and monitor whether any of our compensation policies and programs are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. Our Risk and Underwriting Committee will assess and monitor our risk management strategies, including but not limited to those designed to mitigate credit, interest rate, liquidity and counterparty risk, and investments of material size as described above.

 

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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

No interlocking relationship exists between our board of directors or compensation committee and the board of directors or compensation committee of any other entity, nor has any interlocking relationship existed in the past.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Our board of directors has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers and directors effective upon the completion of the offering. At that time, the full text of our code of business conduct and ethics will be available on the Investor Relations section of our website at www.laddercapital.com. We intend to disclose future amendments to certain provisions of our code of business conduct, or waivers of certain provisions as they relate to our directors and executive officers, at the same location on our website or otherwise as required by applicable law. The information on our website is not intended to form a part of or be incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following discussion and tabular disclosure describes the material elements of compensation for our most highly compensated executive officers as of December 31, 2012 (collectively our “named executive officers”). Our named executive officers for 2012 were:

 

   

Brian Harris, Chief Executive Officer;

 

   

Michael Mazzei, President; and

 

   

Thomas Harney, Head of Merchant Banking and Capital Markets.

Executive Compensation

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

Our compensation philosophy is to align executive compensation with the interests of our partners and, therefore, to financial objectives that our board of directors believes are primary determinants of long-term equity value. The primary goal of our executive compensation program is to ensure that we hire and retain talented and experienced executives who are motivated to achieve or exceed our short-term and long-term company goals. Our executive compensation programs are designed to reinforce a strong pay-for-performance orientation and to serve the following purposes:

 

   

to reward our named executive officers for sustained financial and operating performance and leadership excellence;

 

   

to align the interests of our executives with those of our partners; and

 

   

to encourage our named executive officers to remain with us for the long-term.

Elements of Compensation

Base Salary

We pay our named executive officers a base salary based on the experience, skills, knowledge and responsibilities required of each officer. We believe base salaries are an important element in our overall compensation program because base salaries provide a fixed element of compensation that reflects job responsibilities and value to us.

Annual Cash Bonuses

To date, our board of directors has not adopted a formal plan or set of formal guidelines with respect to annual incentive or bonus payments, and has instead relied on an annual assessment of the performance of our executives during the preceding year to make annual incentive and bonus determinations. Our board of directors may retain the discretion to pay any such bonuses or incentive payments.

Long-Term Equity Compensation

Currently, we provide our named executive officers with long-term equity compensation pursuant to our 2008 Incentive Equity Plan, as amended. We believe that providing our named executive officers with an equity interest brings their interests in line with those of our partners and that including a vesting component to those equity interests encourages our named executive officers to remain with us over the applicable vesting period.

 

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Prior to the completion of the offering, our board of directors intends to adopt the 2013 Ladder Capital Corp Incentive Equity Plan, or the “2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan,” and receive approval of such plan by our current shareholders. See “—Employee Benefit Plans—2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan” for a description of the material terms of this plan. All future equity compensation to our named executive officers will be granted under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

Other Supplemental Benefits

Our named executive officers are eligible for the following benefits on a similar basis as other eligible employees:

 

   

health, dental and vision insurance;

 

   

vacation and sick days;

 

   

life insurance;

 

   

short-term and long-term disability insurance; and

 

   

401(k) plan.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information concerning the total compensation received by, or earned by, our named executive officers during the past two fiscal years.

 

Name and Principal Position

  Year     Salary
($)
    Bonus
($)
    Stock
Awards
($)
    Option
Awards
($)
    All Other
Compensation
($)
    Total
($)
 

Brian Harris

    2012      $ 500,000      $ 1,900,000      $      $      $ 1,877 (4)    $ 2,401,877   

Chief Executive Officer

    2011        500,000        1,250,000                      1,867 (4)      1,751,867   

Michael Mazzei

    2012        290,064        1,750,000        5,448,816 (2)      145,161        146,105 (3)      7,780,146   

President

    2011                                             

Thomas Harney

    2012        400,000        1,700,000                      1,877 (4)      2,101,877   

Head of Merchant Banking and Capital Markets

    2011        400,000        1,350,000 (1)                    1,867 (4)      1,751,867   

 

(1) Includes $115,500 contribution to the Phantom Equity Investment Plan (Deferred Compensation Plan).
(2) Includes grant of $1,360,106 of Class A Common Units and grant of $4,088,710 of Series B Participating Preferred Units.
(3) Includes purchase discount of $145,161 on the purchase of Series B Participating Preferred Units and $944 life and disability insurance premiums, paid by the Company.
(4) Includes life and disability insurance premiums paid by Ladder Capital Finance LLC.

 

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Outstanding Option Awards at Year End

The following table summarizes the total outstanding option awards as of December 31, 2012, for each named executive officer.

Outstanding Option Awards at December 31, 2012

 

     Option Awards  

Name

   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options

(#) Exercisable
    Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#) Unexercisable
     Option
Exercise
Price
($)
     Option
Expiration
Date
 

Brian Harris

                              

Michael Mazzei

     24,193.55(1)                $124         June 6, 2013   

Thomas Harney

                              

 

(1) Mr. Mazzei exercised his option in respect of 14,516.13 Series B Participating Preferred Units on May 29, 2013 at an exercise price of $124.00 per unit. The remaining options held by Mr. Mazzei terminated on May 29, 2013.

2013 Grants

Effective on the date of this offering, our board of directors awarded                 shares of Class A common stock and options to purchase              shares of Class A common stock to                     , and                 shares of Class A common stock and options to purchase              shares of restricted Class A common stock to certain of our employees, including our named executive officers, pursuant to the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan described below. All of these options are nonqualified stock options and have an exercise price equal to the initial public offering price in this offering. In making equity grants to our named executive officers, we considered a number of factors, including the position the executive has or is taking with us, individual performance of the executive, the present equity ownership levels of the executive, internal pay equity and the level of the executive’s total annual compensation package compared to similar positions at other peer companies. The Company has not yet made a determination with respect to future grants.

Employment Agreements

We have entered into employment agreements with each of our named executive officers. A description of each of these agreements follows.

Brian Harris .    During January 2013, Ladder Capital Finance LLC entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Mr. Harris, which will remain in effect until Mr. Harris ceases to be an employee of Ladder Capital Finance LLC. The agreement grants Mr. Harris a base salary, which shall not be less than $500,000 per annum. Mr. Harris is also eligible to receive a discretionary cash bonus to be determined by the board of directors on an annual basis and is entitled to participate in Ladder Capital Finance LLC’s standard employee benefit programs.

Pursuant to an equity grant agreement, dated September 22, 2008, the Company granted Mr. Harris 6,049,443 Class A-2 Common Units. Pursuant to an amendment, dated December 22, 2008, such number of Class A-2 Common Units granted was increased to 6,058,760 and during November 2009 such number of Class A-2 Common Units were automatically increased pursuant to a pre-determined contractual formula to 6,305,333 Class A-2 Common Units. Subject to certain terms and conditions, these units vested over 42 months beginning on September 22, 2008.

 

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Michael Mazzei .    During 2012, Ladder Capital Finance LLC entered into an employment agreement with Michael Mazzei, which will remain in effect until Mr. Mazzei ceases to be an employee of Ladder Capital Finance LLC. The agreement grants Mr. Mazzei a base salary, which shall not be less than $500,000 per annum. Mr. Mazzei is also eligible to participate in Ladder Capital Finance LLC’s bonus pool. He is also entitled to participate in Ladder Capital Finance LLC’s standard employee benefit programs.

Pursuant to an equity grant agreement, dated June 4, 2012, the Company granted Mr. Mazzei 1,127,543 Class A-2 Common Units (which were subsequently transferred by Mr. Mazzei to a Mazzei trust) and 31,451.61 Series B Participating Preferred Units. Subject to certain terms and conditions, these units vest over 36 months beginning on January 1, 2012, which vesting may accelerate in certain circumstances, including a sale of LCFH. In addition, Mr. Mazzei was granted an option to purchase up to 24,195.55 Series B Participating Preferred Units at a price of $124.00 per unit. Mr. Mazzei exercised his option in respect of 14,516.13 Series B Participating Preferred Units on May 29, 2013 at an exercise price of $124 per unit. The remaining options held by Mr. Mazzei terminated on May 29, 2013.

Thomas Harney .    During October 2010, Ladder Capital Finance LLC entered into a four-year employment agreement with Thomas Harney (which employment agreement was amended during January 2013), which automatically renews for one-year terms unless a non-renewal notice is provided by either party. The agreement grants Mr. Harney a base salary, which shall not be less than $400,000 per annum. Mr. Harney is also eligible to participate in Ladder Capital Finance LLC’s bonus pool. Under the agreement, Mr. Harney is also eligible to receive 50% of any cash received by Ladder for any assignment for merger and acquisition and merchant banking/advisory services performed by Ladder without any use of Ladder’s capital. He is also entitled to participate in Ladder Capital Finance LLC’s standard employee benefit programs.

Pursuant to an equity grant agreement, dated April 20, 2010, the Company granted Mr. Harney 910,491 Class A-2 Common Units. Subject to certain terms and conditions, these units vest over 42 months beginning on April 19, 2010.

Phantom Equity Investment Plan (Deferred Compensation Plan)

LCFH entered into a Phantom Equity Investment Plan, effective on June 30, 2011 (the “Plan”). The Plan is an annual deferred compensation plan pursuant to which mandatory contributions are made to the Plan, depending upon the participant’s specific level of compensation and to which participants may make elective contributions. 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 Plan. Otherwise, amounts may be deferred into the Plan at the election of the participant, so long as such elections are timely made in accordance with the terms and procedures of the Plan.

In the event that a participant elects to (or is required to) defer a portion of their compensation pursuant to the Plan, such amount is not paid to the participant and is instead credited to such participant’s notional account under the Plan. Prior to the offering, such amounts would have been invested, on a phantom basis, in the Series B Participating Preferred Units until such amounts are eventually paid to the participant pursuant to the Plan. Following the offering, as described below, such amounts will be invested on a phantom basis in Class A common stock. Mandatory contributions are subject to one-third vesting over a three year period following the applicable Plan year in which the related compensation was earned. Elective contributions are immediately vested upon contribution. Unvested amounts are generally forfeited upon the participant’s resignation or termination for cause.

 

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The date that the amounts deferred into the Plan are paid to a participant depends upon whether such deferral was a mandatory deferral or an elective deferral. Elective deferrals are paid upon the earlier to occur of (1) a change in control (as defined in the 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 (1) a change in control and (2) 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. Payment is generally made in the form of the actual Series B Participating Preferred Units in which the deferred amounts were previously notionally invested, although LCFH may elect to make such payment in cash in an amount equal to the then fair market value of such units. Mandatory contributions that are paid at the time specified in 2(y) above may be made in cash or in such units at the election of the participant, subject to LCFH having sufficient cash to make such payment.

As of, and a result of, the consummation of this offering, each participant in the Plan will have his or her notional interest in LCFH’s Series B Participating Preferred Units converted into a notional interest in Class A common stock, which notional conversion will be based on the issuance price of our Class A common stock in the offering. Accordingly as of the consummation of the offering, there will be              shares of Class A common stock reserved for purposes of the Plan.

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change-in-Control

Employment Agreements

Brian Harris .    Pursuant to his employment agreement, if Mr. Harris’ employment is terminated by Ladder Capital Finance LLC without cause or if Mr. Harris resigns for good reason, then (i) he is entitled under his employment agreement to receive severance payments of up to $5.0 million and to continue to receive certain employee benefits for one year following his termination date and (ii) he will only be subject to non-competition and non-solicitation provisions for a one-year period post-employment if Ladder Capital Finance LLC elects to pay him an additional $5.0 million. Cause generally means Mr. Harris’s willful and material violation of Ladder policy which he has previously approved, his willful misconduct which materially injures the financial condition of Ladder, certain breaches of his employment agreement, failure to comply in good faith with directions of the Board, or Mr. Harris’s commission of specified theft crimes or any felony. Good reason generally means significant changes in Mr. Harris’s official duties, relocation of his office without his consent, or reduction of his salary. Mr. Harris is required to execute a General Release waiving claims against the Ladder Capital Finance LLC arising from the employment agreement, as a condition to receiving his severance payments and benefits.

Michael Mazzei.     Pursuant to his employment agreement, if Mr. Mazzei’s employment is terminated by Ladder Capital Finance LLC without cause or Mr. Mazzei resigns with good reason, then (i) he will be entitled to continue to receive his base salary and certain employee benefits for a period of up to one year following his termination date as well as a pro rata bonus (if any) with respect to the fiscal year in which such termination of employment occurs and (ii) he will only be subject to non-competition and certain non-solicitation provisions for a one-year period post-employment if Ladder Capital Finance LLC elects to pay him an additional $1.5 million. Mr. Mazzei is entitled to a pro rata bonus for the portion of the year worked in a year in which termination occurs without cause or for good reason. Cause generally means Mr. Mazzei’s willful and material violation of Ladder Capital Finance LLC policy, his willful misconduct which materially injures the financial condition of Ladder Capital Finance LLC,

 

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certain breaches of his employment agreement, or Mr. Mazzei’s commission of specified theft crimes or any felony. Good reason generally means significant changes in Mr. Mazzei’s official duties or reduction of his salary below a specified minimum. Mr. Mazzei is required to execute a general release waiving claims against Ladder Capital Finance LLC arising from the employment agreement as a condition to receiving his severance payments and benefits.

Thomas Harney .    Pursuant to his employment agreement, if Mr. Harney ceases to be employed by Ladder Capital Finance LLC, he will be entitled to continue to receive his base salary and certain employee benefits for a period of up to 180 days following his termination date. Further, following his separation from Ladder Capital Finance LLC, Mr. Harney agrees that he will not compete with Ladder Capital Finance LLC for a period of 60 days and will not solicit the Company’s employees for a period of 180 days. Mr. Harney is required to execute a general release waiving claims against Ladder Capital Finance LLC arising from the employment agreement, as a condition to receiving his severance payments and benefits.

The Table below sets forth payments due as of December 31, 2012 to each named executive officer in case of termination without cause or resignation for good reason.

 

Named Executive Officer

   Category of
Payment
   Termination
Without Cause or
Termination by the
Employee for
Good
Reason
     Termination
Due to
Death
     Termination
Upon
Change of
Control
 

Brian Harris

   Cash Severance    $ 5,035,496               $   
   Accrued Bonus                        
   Vesting Options                        
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   Total:    $ 5,035,496               $   

Michael Mazzei

   Cash Severance    $ 535,495               $   
   Accrued Bonus                        
   Vesting Options                        
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   Total:    $ 535,496               $   

Thomas Harney

   Cash Severance    $ 217,748               $   
   Accrued Bonus                        
   Vesting Options                        
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   Total:    $ 217,748               $   

Employee Benefit Plans

2008 Incentive Equity Plan

On September 22, 2008, our board of directors adopted the original 2008 Incentive Equity Plan. The Amended and Restated 2008 Incentive Equity Plan was adopted by our board of directors on February 15, 2012.

Pursuant to the 2008 Incentive Equity Plan, we granted each of the named executive officers Class A-2 Common Units and, in Mr. Mazzei’s case, Series B Participating Preferred Units, under individual grant agreements. See “—Summary Compensation Table” for the number of units granted.

2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan

In connection with the offering, we intend to adopt the Ladder Capital Corp 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan, or the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan provides

 

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for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, other stock-based awards and other cash-based awards. Directors, officers and other employees of us and our subsidiaries, as well as others performing consulting or advisory services for us, are eligible for grants under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The purpose of the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan is to provide incentives that will attract, retain and motivate high performing officers, directors, employees and consultants by providing them with appropriate incentives and rewards either through a proprietary interest in our long-term success or compensation based on their performance in fulfilling their personal responsibilities. Set forth below is a summary of the material terms of the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan. For further information about the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan, we refer you to the complete copy of the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which is attached as an exhibit to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part.

Administration

The 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan is administered by the compensation committee of our board of directors. Among the compensation committee’s powers is to determine the form, amount and other terms and conditions of awards; clarify, construe or resolve any ambiguity in any provision of the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan or any award agreement; amend the terms of outstanding awards; and adopt such rules, forms, instruments and guidelines for administering the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan as it deems necessary or proper. The compensation committee has authority to administer and interpret the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan, to grant discretionary awards under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan, to determine the persons to whom awards will be granted, to determine the types of awards to be granted, to determine the terms and conditions of each award, to determine the number of shares of common stock to be covered by each award, to make all other determinations in connection with the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan and the awards thereunder as the compensation committee deems necessary or desirable and to delegate authority under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan to our executive officers.

Available Shares

The aggregate number of shares of common stock which may be issued or used for reference purposes under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan or with respect to which awards may be granted may not exceed             shares. The number of shares available for issuance under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan may be subject to adjustment in the event of a reorganization, stock split, merger or similar change in the corporate structure or the outstanding shares of common stock. In the event of any of these occurrences, we may make any adjustments we consider appropriate to, among other things, the number and kind of shares, options or other property available for issuance under the plan or covered by grants previously made under the plan. The shares available for issuance under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan may be, in whole or in part, either authorized and unissued shares of our common stock or shares of common stock held in or acquired for our treasury. In general, if awards under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan are for any reason cancelled, or expire or terminate unexercised, the shares covered by such awards may again be available for the grant of awards under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

The maximum number of shares of our common stock with respect to which any stock option, stock appreciation right, shares of restricted stock or other stock-based awards that are subject to the attainment of specified performance goals and intended to satisfy Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code and may be granted under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan during any fiscal year to any eligible individual will be             shares (per type of award). The total number of shares of our common stock with respect to all awards that may be granted

 

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under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan during any fiscal year to any eligible individual will be             shares. There are no annual limits on the number of shares of our common stock with respect to an award of restricted stock that are not subject to the attainment of specified performance goals to eligible individuals. The maximum number of shares of our common stock subject to any performance award which may be granted under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan during any fiscal year to any eligible individual will be             shares. The maximum value of a cash payment made under a performance award which may be granted under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan during any fiscal year to any eligible individual will be $        .

Eligibility for Participation

Members of our board of directors, as well as employees of, and consultants to, us or any of our subsidiaries and affiliates are eligible to receive awards under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

Award Agreement

Awards granted under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan are evidenced by award agreements, which need not be identical, that provide additional terms, conditions, restrictions and/or limitations covering the grant of the award, including, without limitation, additional terms providing for the acceleration of exercisability or vesting of awards in the event of a change of control or conditions regarding the participant’s employment, as determined by the compensation committee.

Stock Options

The compensation committee may grant nonqualified stock options to eligible individuals and incentive stock options only to eligible employees. The compensation committee will determine the number of shares of our common stock subject to each option, the term of each option, which may not exceed ten years, or five years in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a ten percent stockholder, the exercise price, the vesting schedule, if any, and the other material terms of each option. No incentive stock option or nonqualified stock option may have an exercise price less than the fair market value of a share of our common stock at the time of grant or, in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a ten percent stockholder, 110% of such share’s fair market value. Options will be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as determined by the compensation committee at grant and the exercisability of such options may be accelerated by the compensation committee.

Stock Appreciation Rights

The compensation committee may grant stock appreciation rights, which we refer to as SARs, either with a stock option, which may be exercised only at such times and to the extent the related option is exercisable, which we refer to as a Tandem SAR, or independent of a stock option, which we refer to as a Non-Tandem SAR. A SAR is a right to receive a payment in shares of our common stock or cash, as determined by the compensation committee, equal in value to the excess of the fair market value of one share of our common stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price per share established in connection with the grant of the SAR. The term of each SAR may not exceed ten years. The exercise price per share covered by a SAR will be the exercise price per share of the related option in the case of a Tandem SAR and will be the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant in the case of a Non-Tandem SAR. The compensation committee may also grant limited SARs, either as Tandem SARs or Non-

 

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Tandem SARs, which may become exercisable only upon the occurrence of a change in control, as defined in the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan, or such other event as the compensation committee may designate at the time of grant or thereafter.

Restricted Stock

The compensation committee may award shares of restricted stock. Except as otherwise provided by the compensation committee upon the award of restricted stock, the recipient generally has the rights of a stockholder with respect to the shares, including the right to receive dividends, the right to vote the shares of restricted stock and, conditioned upon full vesting of shares of restricted stock, the right to tender such shares, subject to the conditions and restrictions generally applicable to restricted stock or specifically set forth in the recipient’s restricted stock agreement. The compensation committee may determine at the time of award that the payment of dividends, if any, will be deferred until the expiration of the applicable restriction period.

Recipients of restricted stock are required to enter into a restricted stock agreement with us that states the restrictions to which the shares are subject, which may include satisfaction of pre-established performance goals, and the criteria or date or dates on which such restrictions will lapse.

If the grant of restricted stock or the lapse of the relevant restrictions is based on the attainment of performance goals, the compensation committee will establish for each recipient the applicable performance goals, formulae or standards and the applicable vesting percentages with reference to the attainment of such goals or satisfaction of such formulae or standards while the outcome of the performance goals are substantially uncertain. Such performance goals may incorporate provisions for disregarding, or adjusting for, changes in accounting methods, corporate transactions, including, without limitation, dispositions and acquisitions, and other similar events or circumstances. Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code requires that performance awards be based upon objective performance measures. The performance goals for performance-based restricted stock will be based on one or more of the objective criteria set forth on Exhibit A to the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan and are discussed in general below.

Other Stock-Based Awards

The compensation committee may, subject to limitations under applicable law, make a grant of such other stock-based awards, including, without limitation, performance units, dividend equivalent units, stock equivalent units, restricted stock and deferred stock units under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan that are payable in cash or denominated or payable in or valued by shares of our common stock or factors that influence the value of such shares. The compensation committee may determine the terms and conditions of any such other awards, which may include the achievement of certain minimum performance goals for purposes of compliance with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code and/or a minimum vesting period. The performance goals for performance-based other stock-based awards will be based on one or more of the objective criteria set forth on Exhibit A to the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan and discussed in general below.

Other Cash-Based Awards

The compensation committee may grant awards payable in cash. Cash-based awards will be in such form, and dependent on such conditions, as the compensation committee will determine, including, without limitation, being subject to the satisfaction of vesting conditions

 

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or awarded purely as a bonus and not subject to restrictions or conditions. If a cash-based award is subject to vesting conditions, the compensation committee may accelerate the vesting of such award in its discretion.

Performance Awards

The compensation committee may grant a performance award to a participant payable upon the attainment of specific performance goals. The compensation committee may grant performance awards that are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code as well as performance awards that are not intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. If the performance award is payable in cash, it may be paid upon the attainment of the relevant performance goals either in cash or in shares of restricted stock, based on the then current fair market value of such shares, as determined by the Compensation Committee. Based on service, performance and/or other factors or criteria, the compensation committee may, at or after grant, accelerate the vesting of all or any part of any performance award.

Performance Goals

The compensation committee may grant awards of restricted stock, performance awards, and other stock-based awards that are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. These awards may be granted, vest and be paid based on the attainment of specified performance goals established by the compensation committee. These performance goals may be based on the attainment of a certain target level of, or a specified increase or decrease in, one or more of the following measures selected by the compensation committee: (1) earnings per share; (2) operating income; (3) gross income; (4) net income, before or after taxes; (5) cash flow; (6) gross profit; (7) gross profit return on investment; (8) gross margin return on investment; (9) gross margin; (10) operating margin; (11) working capital; (12) earnings before interest and taxes; (13) earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization; (14) return on equity; (15) return on assets; (16) return on capital; (17) return on invested capital; (18) net revenues; (19) gross revenues; (20) revenue growth; (21) annual recurring revenues; (22) recurring revenues; (23) license revenues; (24) sales or market share; (25) total shareholder return; (26) economic value added; (27) specified objectives with regard to limiting the level of increase in all or a portion of our bank debt or other long-term or short-term public or private debt or other similar financial obligations, which may be calculated net of cash balances and other offsets and adjustments as may be established by the compensation committee; (28) the fair market value of a share of our common stock; (29) the growth in the value of an investment in our common stock assuming the reinvestment of dividends; or (30) reduction in operating expenses.

To the extent permitted by law, the compensation committee may also exclude the impact of an event or occurrence which the compensation committee determines should be appropriately excluded, such as (1) restructurings, discontinued operations, extraordinary items and other unusual or non-recurring charges; (2) an event either not directly related to our operations or not within the reasonable control of management; or (3) a change in accounting standards required by generally accepted accounting principles.

Performance goals may also be based on an individual participant’s performance goals, as determined by the compensation committee.

In addition, all performance goals may be based upon the attainment of specified levels of our performance, or the performance of a subsidiary, division or other operational unit, under

 

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one or more of the measures described above relative to the performance of other corporations. The compensation committee may designate additional business criteria on which the performance goals may be based or adjust, modify or amend those criteria.

Change in Control

In connection with a change in control, as defined in the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan, the compensation committee may accelerate vesting of outstanding awards under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan. In addition, such awards may be, in the discretion of the committee, (1) assumed and continued or substituted in accordance with applicable law; (2) purchased by us for an amount equal to the excess of the price of a share of our common stock paid in a change in control over the exercise price of the awards; or (3) cancelled if the price of a share of our common stock paid in a change in control is less than the exercise price of the award. The compensation committee may also provide for accelerated vesting or lapse of restrictions of an award at any time.

Stockholder Rights

Except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, and with respect to an award of restricted stock, a participant has no rights as a stockholder with respect to shares of our common stock covered by any award until the participant becomes the record holder of such shares.

Amendment and Termination

Notwithstanding any other provision of the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan, our board of directors may at any time amend any or all of the provisions of the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan, or suspend or terminate it entirely, retroactively or otherwise, subject to stockholder approval in certain instances; provided, however, that, unless otherwise required by law or specifically provided in the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan, the rights of a participant with respect to awards granted prior to such amendment, suspension or termination may not be adversely affected without the consent of such participant.

Transferability

Awards granted under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan generally are nontransferable, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, except that the committee may provide for the transferability of nonqualified stock options at the time of grant or thereafter to certain family members.

Recoupment of Awards

The 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan provides that awards granted under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan are subject to any recoupment policy that we may have in place or any obligation that we may have regarding the clawback of “incentive-based compensation” under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or under any applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Effective Date and Term

The 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan was adopted by the board of directors on                     , 2013 and approved by shareholders on                     , 2013. No award will be granted under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan on or after                     , 2023. Any award outstanding under the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan at the time of termination will remain in effect until such award is exercised or has expired in accordance with its terms.

 

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Director Compensation

The following table shows the compensation earned during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, by each of our directors who are not Named Executive Officers.

Director Compensation Table For the Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

Name

  Fees
Earned
or Paid
in Cash
($)
    Stock
Awards
($)
    Option
Awards
($)
    Non-
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($)
    Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)
    All Other
Compensation
($)
    Total
($)
 

Alan Fishman

  $ 300,000                                         $ 300,000   

Narrative Disclosure Regarding Director Compensation Table

None of our directors, other than Alan Fishman, received any compensation from us for service on the board of directors. Ladder Capital Finance LLC has entered into a director agreement with Alan Fishman, which provides Alan Fishman with a $300,000 fee per year for being our Chairman. Following this offering, the director agreement will terminate upon written notice of termination by Alan Fishman or the board of directors of the Company or upon sale of the Company.

Compensation Policies and Practices as They Relate to Risk Management

One of the key functions of our board of directors is informed oversight of our risk management process. Our board of directors administers this oversight function directly through our board of directors as a whole, as well as through various standing committees of our board of directors that address risks inherent in their respect areas of oversight. In particular, the risk and underwriting committee is responsible for monitoring and assessing strategic risk exposure, our major financial risk exposures and the steps our management has taken to monitor and control these exposures, reviewing with management the process by which risk assessment and management is undertaken, and monitoring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Our audit committee is responsible for reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting with our independent auditors. Our compensation committee assesses and monitors whether any of our compensation policies and programs are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

No member of the compensation committee is or has been one of our officers or employees or has had any relationship with us requiring disclosure under the SEC’s rules and regulations.

Rule 10b5-1 Sales Plan

Our directors and executive officers may adopt written plans, known as Rule 10b5-1 plans, in which they will contract with a broker to buy or sell shares of our common stock on a periodic basis. Under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, a broker executes trades pursuant to parameters established by the director or officer when entering into the plan, without further direction from them. The director or officer may amend a Rule 10b5-1 plan in some circumstances and may terminate a plan at any time. Our directors and executive officers also may buy or sell additional shares outside a Rule 10b5-1 plan when they are not in possession of material nonpublic information subject to compliance with the terms of our policy on insider trading and communications with the public.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Amended and Restated Limited Liability Limited Partnership Agreement of LCFH

As a result of the Reorganization Transactions and Offering Transactions, Ladder Capital Corp will hold LP Units in LCFH and will be the General Partner of LCFH. Accordingly, Ladder Capital Corp will operate and control all of the business and affairs of LCFH and, through LCFH and its operating entity subsidiaries, conduct our business.

Immediately prior to the offering, the limited liability limited partnership agreement of LCFH will be amended and restated to, among other things, designate Ladder Capital Corp as the General Partner of LCFH and establish the LP Units. Under the LLLP agreement, Ladder Capital Corp has the right to determine when distributions will be made to unitholders of LCFH and the amount of any such distributions. If a distribution is authorized, such distribution will be made to the holders of LP Units pro rata in accordance with the percentages of their respective limited partnership interests.

The LLLP Agreement will also provide that, from time to time, Continuing LCFH Limited Partners (or certain transferees thereof) will have the right to exchange an equal number of LP Units and Class B common stock for shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to customary conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications. Any Class B shares exchanged pursuant to the exchange provisions of the LLLP Agreement will be cancelled.

The unitholders of LCFH, including Ladder Capital Corp, will incur U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on their proportionate share of any taxable income of LCFH. Net profits and net losses of LCFH will generally be allocated to its unitholders (including Ladder Capital Corp) pro rata in accordance with their respective share of the net profits and net losses of LCFH. The amended and restated LLLP agreement will provide for cash distributions, which we refer to as “tax distributions,” to the holders of the LP Units if Ladder Capital Corp, as the General Partner of LCFH, determines that the taxable income of the relevant unitholder will give rise to taxable income for such holder. Generally, these tax distributions will be computed based on our estimate of the taxable income of LCFH allocable to a holder of LP Units multiplied by an assumed tax rate equal to the highest effective marginal combined U.S. federal, state and local income tax rate prescribed for an individual or corporate resident in New York, New York (taking into account the nondeductibility of certain expenses and the character of our income). Tax distributions will be made only to the extent all distributions from LCFH for the relevant year were insufficient to cover such tax liabilities. Any distributions will be subject to available cash and applicable law and contractual restrictions (including pursuant to our debt instruments).

The LLLP Agreement also provides that Brian Harris has the right to be a member of the board of directors of LCFH so long as he is Chief Executive Officer of LCFH or any of its subsidiaries.

Contribution Agreement with Michael Mazzei

During June 2012, LCFH entered into a Contribution Agreement with Michael Mazzei and a Mazzei Trust pursuant to which (i) Mazzei Trust purchased 24,193.55 of LCFH’s Series B participating preferred units for $3.0 million and (ii) LCFH granted to Michael Mazzei a one-year option to purchase up to 24,193.55 of its Series B participating preferred units at an exercise price of $124.00 per Series B participating preferred unit. Mr. Mazzei exercised his option in respect of 14,516.13 Series B Participating Preferred Units on May 29, 2013 at an exercise price of $124.00 per unit. The remaining options held by Mr. Mazzei terminated on May 29, 2013.

 

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Employment Agreements

During January 2013, Ladder Capital Finance LLC entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Mr. Harris, which will remain in effect until Mr. Harris ceases to be an employee of Ladder Capital Finance LLC. If Mr. Harris’ employment is terminated by Ladder Capital Finance LLC without cause or if Mr. Harris’ resigns for good reason, then (i) he is entitled under his employment agreement to receive severance payments of up to $5.0 million and to continue to receive certain employee benefits for one year following his termination date and (ii) he will only be subject to non-competition and non-solicitation provisions for a one-year period post-employment if Ladder Capital Finance LLC elects to pay him an additional $5.0 million.

During September 2008, Ladder Capital Finance LLC entered into a four-year employment agreement with each of Greta Guggenheim, Pamela McCormack and Robert Perelman, with each such employment agreement automatically renewing for one-year terms unless a non-renewal notice is provided by either party. If Greta Guggenheim’s, Pamela McCormack’s or Robert Perelman’s employment is terminated by Ladder Capital Finance LLC without cause or if she or he resigns for good reason, then she or he will only be subject to non-competition and non-solicitation provisions for up to six months post-employment to the extent that Ladder Capital Finance LLC elects to continue to pay her or his base salary and provides her or him with certain employee benefits during such period.

During October 2008, Ladder Capital Finance LLC entered into a four-year employment agreement with Marc Fox (which employment agreement was amended during January 2013), which automatically renews for one-year terms unless a non-renewal notice is provided by either party. If Mr. Fox ceases to be employed by Ladder Capital Finance LLC, then he will be entitled to continue to receive his base salary and certain employee benefits for a period of up to 90 days following his termination date. Further, following any future separation from Ladder Capital Finance LLC, Mr. Fox agrees that he will not compete with Ladder Capital Finance LLC for a period of 60 days.

During October 2010, Ladder Capital Finance LLC entered into a four-year employment agreement with Thomas Harney (which employment agreement was amended during January 2013), which automatically renews for one-year terms unless a non-renewal notice is provided by either party. If Mr. Harney ceases to be employed by Ladder Capital Finance LLC, then he will be entitled to continue to receive his base salary and certain employee benefits for a period of up to 180 days following his termination date. Further, following any future separation from Ladder Capital Finance LLC, Mr. Harney agrees that he will not compete with Ladder Capital Finance LLC for a period of 60 days.

During 2012, Ladder Capital Finance LLC entered into an employment agreement with Michael Mazzei, which will remain in effect until Mr. Mazzei ceases to be an employee of Ladder Capital Finance LLC. If Mr. Mazzei’s employment is terminated by Ladder Capital Finance LLC without cause or Mr. Mazzei resigns with good reason, then (i) he will be entitled to continue to receive his base salary and certain employee benefits for a period of up to one year following his termination date as well as a pro rata bonus (if any) with respect to the fiscal year in which such termination of employment occurs and (ii) he will only be subject to non-competition and certain non-solicitation provisions for a one-year period post-employment if Ladder Capital Finance LLC elects to pay him an additional $1.5 million.

 

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Phantom Equity Investment Plan (Deferred Compensation Plan)

LCFH entered into a Phantom Equity Investment Plan, effective on June 30, 2011 (the “Plan”) with certain of its employees. The Plan is an annual deferred compensation plan pursuant to which mandatory contributions are made to the Plan, depending upon the participant’s specific level of compensation, and to which participants may make elective contributions. 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 Plan. Otherwise, amounts may be deferred into the Plan at the election of the participant, so long as such elections are timely made in accordance with the terms and procedures of the Plan. As of, and a result of, the consummation of this offering, each participant in the Plan will have his or her notional interest in LCFH’s Series B Participating Preferred Units converted into a notional interest in our shares of Class A common stock, which notional conversion will be based on the issuance price of our shares of Class A common stock in the offering.

Director Agreement with Alan Fishman

Ladder Capital Finance LLC has entered into a director agreement with Alan Fishman, which provides Alan Fishman with a $300,000 fee per year for being Chairman of Ladder, and which terminates upon written notice by Alan Fishman or TowerBrook and GI Partners or upon sale of LCFH.

2008 Incentive Equity Plan and Equity Grant Agreements

Under our 2008 Incentive Equity Plan, as amended, we have entered into equity grant agreements with certain of our executives and directors. The equity grant agreements provide the grantees with our Class A-2 common units and, in one case, our Series B participating preferred units that vest over time. These Class A-2 common units and Series B participating preferred units are forfeitable upon certain events such as termination of employment and are subject to certain accelerated vesting upon certain events such as a sale of the Company. Subject to certain requirements, we have the right under the 2008 Incentive Equity Plan to repurchase Class A-2 common units and Series B participating preferred units granted under the equity grant agreements following the termination of employment or directorship of the applicable executive or director. Forfeiture provisions and repurchase rights under our equity grant agreements will apply to LP Units issued to the existing owners of LCFH in the Reorganization Transactions.

Meridian Loan Referral Agreement

Ladder Capital Finance LLC and Meridian Capital Group LLC are parties to a Loan Referral Agreement pursuant to which Meridian Capital Group LLC may be entitled to receive from Ladder Capital Finance LLC certain fees for any commercial real estate loan originated by Ladder Capital Finance LLC as a result of a referral of a prospective commercial real estate loan from Meridian Capital Group LLC. The Company incurred fees of $1.7 million during 2012 for loans originated in accordance with this agreement.

Registration Rights Agreement

Effective upon consummation of the offering, we will enter into an amended and restated registration rights agreement pursuant to which we may be required to register the sale of shares of our Class A common stock held by certain Exchanging Existing Owners and/or our Class A common stock that may be issued to certain Continuing LCFH Limited Partners upon exchange of LP Units held by them. The registration rights agreement will also require us to make available and keep effective shelf registration statements permitting sales of shares into

 

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the market from time to time over an extended period. In addition, certain Exchanging Existing Owners and certain Continuing LCFH Limited Partners will have the ability to exercise certain piggyback registration rights in connection with registered offerings requested by any of such holders or initiated by us.

Tax Receivable Agreement

The Continuing LCFH Limited Partners may from time to time (subject to the terms of the LLLP Agreement regarding exchange rights) cause LCFH to exchange an equal number of LP Units and shares of Class B common stock for shares of Class A common stock of Ladder Capital Corp on a one—for—one basis. LCFH (and each of its subsidiaries classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes) intends to make an election under Section 754 of the Code effective for the taxable year in which the initial purchase occurs and each subsequent taxable year in which an exchange of LP Units and shares of Class B common stock for shares of Class A common stock occurs. The exchanges of LP Units and shares of Class B common stock for shares of Class A common stock are expected to result, with respect to Ladder Capital Corp, in increases in the tax basis of the assets of LCFH that otherwise would not have been available. These increases in tax basis may reduce the amount of tax that Ladder Capital Corp would otherwise be required to pay in the future. These increases in tax basis may also decrease gains (or increase losses) on future dispositions of certain assets to the extent tax basis is allocated to those assets.

We will enter into a tax receivable agreement with Continuing LCFH Limited Partners that will provide for the payment from time to time by Ladder Capital Corp to such persons of 85% of the amount of the benefits, if any, that Ladder Capital Corp realizes or under certain circumstances (such as a change of control) is deemed to realize as a result of (i) the aforementioned increases in tax basis (ii) any incremental tax basis adjustments attributable to payments made pursuant to the tax receivable agreement and (iii) any deemed interest deductions arising from payments made by us under the tax receivable agreement. These payment obligations are obligations of Ladder Capital Corp and not of LCFH. For purposes of the tax receivable agreement, subject to certain exceptions noted below, the benefit deemed realized by Ladder Capital Corp generally will be computed by comparing the actual income tax liability of Ladder Capital Corp (calculated with certain assumptions) to the amount of such taxes that Ladder Capital Corp 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 purchases or exchanges of LP Units and had Ladder Capital Corp not derived any tax benefits in respect of payments made under the tax receivable agreement. The term of the tax receivable agreement will continue until all such tax benefits have been utilized or expired, unless Ladder Capital Corp exercises its right to terminate the tax receivable agreement for an amount based on the present value of the agreed payments remaining to be made under the agreement. Estimating the amount of payments that may be made under the tax receivable agreement is by its nature imprecise, insofar as the calculation of amounts payable depends on a variety of factors. The actual increase in tax basis, as well as the amount and timing of any payments under the tax receivable agreement, will vary depending upon a number of factors, including:

 

   

the timing of any subsequent exchanges of LP Units—for instance, the increase in any tax deductions will vary depending on the fair value, which may fluctuate over time, of the depreciable or amortizable assets of LCFH at the time of each exchange;

 

   

the price of shares of our Class A common stock at or around the time of the exchange—the increase in any tax deductions, as well as the tax basis increase in other assets, of LCFH is affected by the price of shares of our Class A common stock at the time of the exchange;

 

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the extent to which such exchanges are taxable—if an exchange is not taxable for any reason, increased deductions will not be available;

 

   

the amount and timing of our income—Ladder Capital Corp generally will be required to pay 85% of the deemed benefits as and when deemed realized; and

 

   

the allocation of basis increases among the assets of LCFH and certain tax elections affecting depreciation.

If LCFH does not have taxable income, Ladder Capital Corp generally is not required (absent circumstances requiring an early termination payment) to make payments under the tax receivable agreement for that taxable year because no benefit actually will have been realized. Nevertheless, any tax benefits that do not result in realized benefits in a given tax year likely will generate tax attributes that may be utilized to generate benefits in previous or future tax years and the utilization of such tax attributes will result in payments under the tax receivable agreement. We expect that the payments that we may make under the tax receivable agreement will be substantial. Ladder Capital Corp will have the right to terminate the tax receivable agreement by making payments to the existing owners of LCFH calculated by reference to the present value of all future payments that the existing owners of LCFH would have been entitled to receive under the tax receivable agreement using certain valuation assumptions, including assumptions that any LP Units that have not been exchanged are deemed exchanged for the market value of the Class A common stock at the time of termination and that LCFH will have sufficient taxable income in each future taxable year to fully realize all potential tax savings. There may be a material negative effect on our liquidity if, as a result of timing discrepancies or otherwise, (a) the payments under the tax receivable agreement exceed the actual benefits we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the tax receivable agreement and/or (b) distributions to Ladder Capital Corp by LCFH are not sufficient to permit Ladder Capital Corp to make payments under the tax receivable agreement after it has paid its taxes and other obligations. Ladder Capital Corp’s obligations pursuant to the tax receivable agreement will rank pari passu with its other general trade creditors. The payments under the tax receivable agreement are not conditioned upon any recipient’s continued ownership of us or LCFH. An existing owner that exchanges its LP Units and shares of Class B common stock for our Class A common stock will receive payments under the tax receivable agreement until such time that it validly assigns or otherwise transfers its right to receive such payments.

The effects of the tax receivable agreement on our consolidated balance sheet upon exchange of LP Units are as follows:

 

   

we will record an increase in deferred tax assets for the estimated income tax effects of the increase in the tax basis of the assets owned by Ladder Capital Corp based on enacted federal, state and local income tax rates at the date of the transaction. To the extent we estimate that we will not realize the full benefit represented by the deferred tax asset, based on an analysis of expected future earnings, we will reduce the deferred tax asset with a valuation allowance;

 

   

we will record an increase in liabilities for 85% of the estimated realizable tax benefit resulting from (i) the increase in the tax basis of the purchased interests as noted above and (ii) certain other tax benefits related to entering into the tax receivable agreement; and

 

   

we will record an increase to additional paid-in capital in an amount equal to the difference between the increase in deferred tax assets and the increase in liability due to the existing owners of LCFH under the tax receivable agreement. The amounts to be recorded for both the deferred tax assets and the liability for our obligations under the tax

 

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receivable agreement have been estimated. All of the effects of changes in any of our estimates after the date of the purchase will be included in our net income. Similarly, the effect of subsequent changes in the enacted tax rates will be included in net income.

In certain instances, payments under the tax receivable agreement may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the tax receivable agreement. The tax receivable agreement will provide that upon certain changes of control, or if, at any time, we elect an early termination of the tax receivable agreement, the amount of our (or our successor’s) obligations with respect to exchanged or acquired LP Units (whether exchanged or acquired before or after such transaction) would be based on certain assumptions. These assumptions will include the assumptions that (a) we will have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the deductions arising from the increased tax deductions and tax basis and other benefits related to entering into the tax receivable agreement and (b) that the subsidiaries of LCFH will sell certain nonamortizable assets (and realize certain related tax benefits) no later than a specified date. Accordingly, payments under the tax receivable agreement may be made years in advance of the actual realization, if any, of the anticipated future tax benefits and may be significantly greater than the actual benefits we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the tax receivable agreement. In case of an early termination, our obligations under the tax receivable agreement could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity and there is no assurance that we will be able to finance these obligations. Moreover, payments under the tax receivable agreement will be based on the tax reporting positions that we determine in accordance with the tax receivable agreement. Although we are not aware of any issue that would cause the IRS to challenge a tax basis increase, we will not be reimbursed for any payments previously made under the tax receivable agreement if the IRS subsequently disallows part or all of the tax benefits that gave rise to such prior payments, although future payments under the tax receivable agreement will be reduced on account of such disallowances. As a result, in certain circumstances, payments could be made under the tax receivable agreement that are significantly in excess of the benefits that we actually realize in respect of (a) the increases in tax basis resulting from our purchases or exchanges of LP Units (b) any incremental tax basis adjustments attributable to payments made pursuant to the tax receivable agreement and (c) any deemed interest deductions arising from our payments under the tax receivable agreement. Decisions made by the existing owners of LCFH in the course of running our business, such as with respect to mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes in control, may influence the timing and amount of payments that we are required to make under the tax receivable agreement. For example, the earlier disposition of assets following an exchange or acquisition transaction generally will accelerate payments under the tax receivable agreement and increase the present value of such payments, and the disposition of assets before an exchange or acquisition transaction will increase LCFH’s existing owners’ tax liability without giving rise to any obligations to make payments under the tax receivable agreement. Payments generally are due under the tax receivable agreement within a specified period of time following the filing of our tax return for the taxable year with respect to which the payment obligation arises, although interest on such payments will begin to accrue at a rate of LIBOR plus          basis points from the due date (without extensions) of such tax return.

 

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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our Class A common stock and LP Units, for:

 

   

each beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of our outstanding shares;

 

   

each of our named executive officers;

 

   

each of our directors; and

 

   

all of our executive officers, directors as a group.

The number of LP Units outstanding and percentage of beneficial ownership before the offering set forth below is based on the number of LP Units outstanding immediately prior to the consummation of the Offering Transactions after giving effect to the Reorganization Transactions and assuming that no direct or indirect existing investors in LCFH elect prior to the closing of this offering to receive shares of our Class A common stock in lieu of any or all LP Units and shares of Class B common stock that would otherwise be issued to such existing investors, or for their benefit, in the Reorganization Transactions. The number of shares of our Class A common stock and percentage of beneficial ownership after the offering set forth below is based on the shares of our Class A common stock outstanding after the Offering Transactions, assuming that all the vested and unvested LP Units outstanding after giving effect to the Reorganization Transactions and Offering Transactions, except those held by Ladder Capital Corp, together with all outstanding Class B common stock are exchanged into shares of our Class A common stock.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with SEC rules. These rules generally attribute beneficial ownership of securities to persons who possess sole or shared voting power or investment power with respect to such securities. Except as otherwise indicated, all persons listed below have sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned by them, subject to applicable community property laws. The table set forth below reflects the inclusion of both vested and unvested LP Units. Except as otherwise indicated, the address for each of our principal stockholders is c/o Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP, 345 Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10154.

 

    LP Units after
giving effect to the
Reorganization
Transactions and
before the Offering
Transactions
  Class A common
stock owned after
giving effect to the
Reorganization
Transactions and
Offering
Transactions(1)
  Class A common stock
owned after giving
effect to the
Reorganization
Transactions and
Offering Transactions,
assuming exercise in
full of the over-
allotment option(1)

Name

  Number   Percentage   Number   Percentage   Number   Percentage

Principal Stockholders:

           

Entities affiliated with GI Partners(2)

           

Entities affiliated with TowerBrook(3)

           

GP09 Ladder Limited Partnership(4)

           

OCP LCF Investment, Inc.(5)

           

Meridian LCF LLC(6)

           

Executive Officers, Directors:

           

Alan Fishman

           

Brian Harris and a Harris Trust(7)

           

Jonathan Bilzin(3)

           

Greta Guggenheim

           

Howard Park(2)

           

Michael Mazzei and a Mazzei Trust(8)

           

Thomas Harney

           

Executive Officers and Directors as a group (10 individuals)

           

 

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(1) Assumes all vested and unvested LP Units and Class B common stock outstanding after the Reorganization Transactions and the Offering Transactions, except LP Units held by Ladder Capital Corp, are exchanged for shares of our Class A common stock.
(2) Includes LP Units owned by GI Ladder Holdco LLC, GI Ladder Holdco ECI Blocker, Inc. and GI Ladder Holdco UBTI Blocker, Inc. (collectively, the “GI Holdcos”), which are owned by GI Partners Fund III L.P., GI Partners Fund III-A L.P. and GI Partners Fund III-B L.P. GI Partners Fund III L.P., GI Partners Fund III-A L.P. and GI Partners Fund III-B L.P., three affiliated investment funds (collectively, the “GI Funds”) that are affiliates of GI Partners. GI Partners may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of LP Units beneficially owned by the GI Holdcos and the GI Funds , but disclaims such beneficial ownership pursuant to rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Mr. Park is a managing director of GI Partners, and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the securities so beneficially owned by the GI Holdcos and the GI Funds, but disclaim such beneficial ownership (except as to any pecuniary interest therein) pursuant to rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The address of the GI Holdcos and the GI Funds is c/o GI Partners, 2180 Sand Hill Road, Suite 210, Menlo Park, California 94025.
(3) Comprises LP Units owned by TCP Ladder Blocker, Inc. and TI II Ladder Holdings, LLC (collectively, the “TowerBrook Holdcos”). TCP Ladder Blocker, Inc. is owned by TowerBrook Investors II AIV, L.P. TI II Ladder Holdings, LLC is owned by TowerBrook Investors II, L.P. and TowerBrook Investors II Executive Fund, L.P. TowerBrook Investors II AIV, L.P., TowerBrook Investors II, L.P. and TowerBrook Investors II Executive Fund, L.P. (collectively, the “TowerBrook Funds”) are advised by TowerBrook. The natural persons that have voting or investment power over LP Units beneficially owned by the TowerBrook Holdcos and the TowerBrook Funds are Neal Moszkowski and Ramez Sousou. TowerBrook may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of LP Units beneficially owned by the TowerBrook Holdcos and the TowerBrook Funds, but disclaims such beneficial ownership pursuant to rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Mr. Bilzin is a managing director of TowerBrook and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of LP Units beneficially owned by the TowerBrook Holdcos and the TowerBrook Funds, but disclaims such beneficial ownership (except as to any pecuniary interest therein) pursuant to rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The address of the TowerBrook Holdcos and the TowerBrook Funds is c/o TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P., 65 East 55th Street, 27th Floor, New York, New York 10022.
(4) GP09 Ladder Limited Partnership is owned by GP09 Ladder Holdings, Inc., GP09 GV Ladder Capital Ltd., GP09 PX Ladder Capital Ltd. and GP09 PX (LAPP) Ladder Capital Ltd., all of which are directly or indirectly owned by entities advised by Alberta Investment Management Corporation. The address for GP09 Ladder Limited Partnership is 1100 10830 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta Canada, T5J 2B3.
(5) OCP LCF Investment, Inc. is owned by OCP LCF Holdings Inc., and OCP LCF Holdings Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of OMERS Administration Corporation. The address for OCP LCF Investment, Inc. is c/o OMERS Private Equity Inc., Royal Bank Plaza, Suite 2010, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2J2.
(6) Comprises LP Units owned by Meridian LCF LLC. Meridian LCF LLC is indirectly owned by Meridian Capital Group, LLC. Ralph Herzka is the chief executive officer of Meridian Capital Group, LLC, and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of LP Units beneficially owned by Meridian LCF LLC and Meridian Capital Group, LLC, but disclaims such beneficial ownership (except as to any pecuniary interest therein) pursuant to rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The address for Meridian LCF LLC and Meridian Capital Group, LLC is One Battery Park Plaza, 26th Floor, New York, New York 10024.
(7) All LP Units owned by Betsy A. Harris 2012 Family Trust were initially issued to Mr. Harris, and were subsequently transferred to Betsy A. Harris 2012 Family Trust. Mr. Harris is a trustee of Betsy A. Harris 2012 Family Trust.
(8) As of September 30, 2013, Michael Mazzei owned 46,057.74 LP Units, and the Christina Mazzei and Caroline Mazzei Irrevocable Trust Dated 9/3/2009 owned 24,193.55 LP Units and 1,127,543 Class A-2 Common Units.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following is a description of the material terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect upon consummation of the offering. We refer you to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, copies of which have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Authorized Capitalization

Upon completion of the offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of              shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of which              shares will be issued and outstanding,              shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of which              shares will be issued and outstanding, and              shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, none of which will be issued and outstanding.

Unless our board of directors determines otherwise, we will issue all shares of our capital stock in uncertificated form.

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 stockholders. 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 our Class A common stock are entitled to receive equally and ratably, share for share, dividends as may be declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available to pay dividends. Dividends upon our 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 of our 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 our 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 stockholders after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preference of any of our outstanding shares of preferred stock.

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 us. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class A common stock. All outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, including the Class A common stock offered in the offering, are fully paid and non—assessable.

 

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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 stockholders. Accordingly, the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners will, as holders of Class B common stock, collectively have a number of votes in Ladder Capital Corp that is equal to the aggregate number of LP Units that they hold. 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 stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

No Dividend or Liquidation Rights

Holders of our 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

Pursuant to the LLLP Agreement, the Continuing LCFH Limited Partners may from time to time beginning 181 days after the date of this prospectus (subject to the conditions therein) exchange an equal number of LP Units and Class B common stock for shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to equitable adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Amended and Restated Limited Liability Limited Partnership Agreement of LCFH.”

Preferred Stock

Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to establish one or more series of preferred stock and to determine, with respect to any series of preferred stock, the terms and rights of that series, including:

 

   

the designation of the series;

 

   

the number of shares of the series which our board may, except where otherwise provided in the preferred stock designation, increase or decrease, but not below the number of shares then outstanding;

 

   

whether dividends, if any, will be cumulative or non-cumulative and the dividend rate of the series;

 

   

the dates at which dividends, if any, will be payable;

 

   

the redemption rights and price or prices, if any, for shares of the series;

 

   

the terms and amounts of any sinking fund provided for the purchase or redemption of shares of the series;

 

   

the amounts payable on shares of the series in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding—up of the affairs of our company, or upon any distribution of assets of our company;

 

   

whether the shares of the series will be convertible into shares of any other class or series, or any other security, of our company or any other corporation, and, if so, the specification of the other class or series or other security, the conversion price or prices or rate or rates, any rate adjustments, the date or dates as of which the shares will be convertible and all other terms and conditions upon which the conversion may be made;

 

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the preferences and special rights, if any, of the series and the qualifications and restrictions, if any, of the series;

 

   

the voting rights, if any, of the holders of the series; and

 

   

such other rights, powers and preferences with respect to the series as our board of directors may deem advisable.

Authorized but Unissued Capital Stock

Delaware law does not require stockholder approval for any issuance of authorized shares. However, the listing requirements of the NYSE, which would apply if and for so long as our Class A common stock is listed on the NYSE, require stockholder approval of certain issuances (other than a public offering) equal to or exceeding 20% of the then outstanding voting power or then outstanding number of shares of Class A common stock, as well as for certain issuances of stock in compensatory transactions. These additional shares may be used for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings, to raise additional capital or to facilitate acquisitions. One of the effects of the existence of unissued and unreserved Class A common stock may be to enable our board of directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management, which issuance could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of our company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, and thereby protect the continuity of our management and possibly deprive the stockholders of opportunities to sell their shares of Class A common stock at prices higher than prevailing market prices.

Anti–Takeover Effects of Certain Provisions of Delaware Law and our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, which are summarized in the following paragraphs, may have an anti—takeover effect and may delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in its best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by stockholders.

Undesignated Preferred Stock

The ability to authorize undesignated preferred stock will make it possible for our board of directors to issue preferred stock with super voting, special approval, dividend or other rights or preferences on a discriminatory basis that could impede the success of any attempt to acquire us or otherwise effect a change in control of us. These and other provisions may have the effect of deferring, delaying or discouraging hostile takeovers, or changes in control or management of our company.

No Cumulative Voting

The Delaware General Corporation Law, or DGCL, provides that stockholders are not entitled to the right to cumulate votes in the election of directors unless our certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Our certificate of incorporation prohibits cumulative voting.

Calling of Special Meetings of Stockholders

Our bylaws provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called at any time only by the chief executive officer or the board of directors.

 

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Stockholder Action by Written Consent

The DGCL permits stockholder action by written consent unless otherwise provided by our certificate of incorporation. Our certificate of incorporation precludes stockholder action by written consent.

Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations

Our bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and the nomination of candidates for election as directors. In order for any matter to be “properly brought” before a meeting, a stockholder will have to comply with advance notice requirements and provide us with certain information. Our bylaws allow the presiding officer at a meeting of the stockholders to adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of meetings which may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business at a meeting if the rules and regulations are not followed.

These provisions may defer, delay or discourage a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of our company.

Removal of Directors; Vacancies

Our certificate of incorporation provides that directors may be removed with or without cause upon the affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all the then outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. In addition, our bylaws provide that any newly–created directorship on the board of directors that results from an increase in the number of directors and any vacancy occurring on the board of directors shall be filled only by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director.

Delaware Anti—Takeover Statute

We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL. Subject to specified exceptions, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder. “Business combinations” include mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the “interested stockholder.” Subject to various exceptions, an “interested stockholder” is a person who together with his or her affiliates and associates, owns, or within three years did own, 15% or more of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock. These restrictions generally prohibit or delay the accomplishment of mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts.

Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

The DGCL authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors’ fiduciary duties. Our certificate of incorporation includes a provision that eliminates the personal liability of directors for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except:

 

   

for breach of duty of loyalty;

 

   

for acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law;

 

   

under Section 174 of the DGCL (unlawful dividends); or

 

   

for transactions from which the director derived improper personal benefit.

 

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Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL. We are also expressly authorized to, and do, carry directors’ and officers’ insurance providing coverage for our directors, officers and certain employees for some liabilities. We believe that these indemnification provisions and insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and executive officers.

The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders. In addition, your investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions.

We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and officers providing for additional indemnification protection beyond that provided by the directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy. In the indemnification agreements, we have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, to indemnify and hold harmless the director or officer to the maximum extent then authorized or permitted by the provisions of the certificate of incorporation, the DGCL, or by any amendment(s) thereto.

There is currently no pending litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.

Corporate Opportunity

Neither TowerBrook nor GI Partners have any obligation to offer us an opportunity to participate in business opportunities presented to TowerBrook or GI Partners even if the opportunity is one that we might reasonably have pursued, and neither TowerBrook nor GI Partners will be liable to us or our stockholders for breach of any duty by reason of any such activities unless, in the case of any person who is our director or officer, such business opportunity is expressly offered to such director or officer solely in his or her capacity as our officer or director. Stockholders will be deemed to have notice of and consented to this provision of our certificate of incorporation.

Choice of Forum

Our certificate of incorporation provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the exclusive forum for: (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; (b) any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty; (c) any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to the DGCL, our certificate of incorporation or our bylaws; or (d) any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. However, several lawsuits involving other companies are currently pending challenging the validity of choice of forum provisions in certificates of incorporation, and it is possible that a court could rule that such provision is inapplicable or unenforceable.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our Class A common stock will be American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC.

 

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New York Stock Exchange Listing

We intend to apply to list our Class A common stock on the NYSE under the symbol “LADR.”

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

Prior to the offering, there has been no public market for our Class A common stock. No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, future sales of shares, or the availability for future sales of shares, will have on the market price of our Class A common stock prevailing from time to time. The sale of substantial amounts of our Class A common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could harm the prevailing market price of our Class A common stock.

Currently, 1,000 shares our Class A common stock are outstanding and owned by LCFH and no shares of our Class B common stock are outstanding. In connection with the offering, all 1,000 shares of our Class A common stock held by LCFH will be canceled. Prior to the purchase by Ladder Capital Corp of LP Units with the proceeds of the offering, we intend to cause LCFH to distribute Class B common stock to each holder of LP Units in an amount equal to the number of LP Units held by such existing unitholder with any shares of Class B common stock not so distributed to be retained in treasury by LCFH. There are currently            unitholders of LCFH. Upon consummation of the offering, we will have outstanding            shares of Class A common stock (or a maximum of              shares of Class A common stock if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option to purchase additional shares). The shares of Class A common stock sold in the offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, except for any Class A common stock held by our “affiliates,” as defined in Rule 144, which would be subject to the limitations and restrictions described below.

In addition, pursuant to certain provisions of the amended and restated LLLP Agreement, the existing unitholders of LCFH can from time to time beginning 181 days after the date of this prospectus, typically once a             , exchange with LCFH an equal number of LP Units and Class B common stock for shares of Ladder Capital Corp Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to customary conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications. Upon consummation of the offering, the existing owners of LCFH (other than Ladder Capital Corp or any of its subsidiaries) will hold            LP Units (or            LP Units if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), all of which will be exchangeable together with an equal number of shares of Class B common stock for shares of our Class A common stock. The shares of Class A common stock we issue upon such exchanges would be “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144 unless we register such issuances. However, we will enter into one or more registration rights agreements with certain of the existing owners of LCFH that will require us to register under the Securities Act these shares of Class A common stock. See “—Registration Rights” and “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Registration Rights Agreement.”

Under the terms of the amended and restated LLLP agreement of LCFH, all of the LP Units received by the existing unitholders of LCFH in the Reorganization Transactions will be subject to restrictions on disposition. Additionally, consistent with the terms of the underlying unit grant agreements executed at the time of original grant, LP Units received by existing unitholders of LCFH will be subject to vesting and forfeiture on the same basis as the units which were exchanged for the LP Units.

In addition,              shares of Class A common stock may be granted under our 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan. See “Executive and Director Compensation—Employee Benefit Plans—2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan.” We intend to file one or more registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register Class A common stock issued or reserved for issuance under our stock incentive plan. Any such Form S-8 registration statement will automatically become effective upon filing. Accordingly, shares registered under such

 

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registration statement will be available for sale in the open market, unless such shares are subject to vesting restrictions with us or the lock-up restrictions described below.

Registration Rights

Effective upon consummation of the offering, we will enter into an amended and restated registration rights agreement with certain of the existing unitholders of LCFH pursuant to which we will grant them, their affiliates and certain of their transferees the right, under certain circumstances and subject to certain restrictions, to require us to register under the Securities Act shares of our Class A common stock (and other securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of our Class A common stock) held or acquired by them. Such securities registered under any registration statement will be available for sale in the open market unless restrictions apply.

Lock-Up of our Class A common stock

We and certain of the existing unitholders of LCFH have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions described below, not to offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, grant any option to purchase, make any short sale or otherwise dispose of any shares of our Class A common stock, or any options or warrants to purchase any shares of our Class A common stock, or any securities convertible into, exchangeable for or that represent the right to receive shares of our Class A common stock, including any LP Units, or any such substantially similar securities, whether owned directly by such member (including holding as a custodian) or with respect to which such member has beneficial ownership within the rules and regulations of the SEC, during the period from the date of this prospectus continuing through the date 180 days after the date of this prospectus, except with the prior written consent of Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Currently, the underwriters have no current intention to release the aforementioned holders of our Class A common stock from the lock-up restrictions described above.

Our lock-up agreement will provide exceptions for, among other things, the issuance by us of securities pursuant to any employee benefit plan which may (by their express provisions or pursuant to any exchange offer) be or become exercisable, convertible or exchangeable for shares of our Class A common stock.

Rule 144

The shares of Class A common stock to be issued upon exchange of our New Class A common Units will be, when issued, “restricted” securities under the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, and may not be sold in the absence of registration under the Securities Act unless an exemption from registration is available, including the exemption provided by Rule 144.

In general, under Rule 144 under the Securities Act, a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who is not deemed to have been an “affiliate” of ours at any time during the three months preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for at least six months (including any period of consecutive ownership of preceding non-affiliated holders) would be entitled to sell those securities, subject only to the availability of current public information about us. As defined in Rule 144, an “affiliate” of an issuer is a person that directly, or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is under common control with the issuer. A non-affiliated person who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for at least one year would be entitled to sell those securities without regard to the provisions of Rule 144.

 

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A person (or persons whose securities are aggregated) who is deemed to be an affiliate of ours and who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for at least six months would be entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of securities that does not exceed the greater of one percent of the then outstanding shares of securities of such class or the average weekly trading volume of securities of such class during the four calendar weeks preceding such sale. Such sales are also subject to certain manner of sale provisions, notice requirements and the availability of current public information about us (which requires that we are current in our periodic reports under the Exchange Act).

 

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U.S. FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS

The following is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax consequences to non-U.S. holders, as defined below, of the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of our Class A common stock. This summary deals only with non-U.S. holders of shares of Class A common stock that purchase the shares in the offering and will hold such shares as capital assets within the meaning of section 1221 of the Code.

For purposes of this discussion, a “non-U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of shares of our Class A common stock that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is not any of the following:

 

   

an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

   

a corporation (or any other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

   

an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

   

a trust if it (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

This summary is based upon provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code, rulings and other administrative pronouncements, and judicial decisions, all as of the date hereof. These authorities are subject to different interpretations and may be changed, perhaps retroactively, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those summarized below. This summary does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation and does not deal with non-U.S., state, local, alternative minimum, estate and gift, or other tax considerations that may be relevant to non-U.S. holders in light of their particular circumstances. In addition, this summary does not describe the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to you if you are subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws (including if you are a U.S. expatriate or subject to the U.S. anti-inversion rules, a bank or other financial institution, an insurance company, a tax-exempt organization, a broker, dealer, or trader in securities or currencies, a regulate investment company, a real estate investment trust, a “controlled foreign corporation,” a “passive foreign investment company,” a partnership or other pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes (or an investor in such a pass-through entity), a person who acquired shares of our common stock as compensation or otherwise in connection with the performance of services, or a person who has acquired shares of our common stock as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion transaction, synthetic security or other integrated investment). We cannot assure you that a change in law will not significantly alter the tax considerations described in this summary.

We have not and will not seek any rulings from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, regarding the matters discussed below. There can be no assurance that the IRS will not take positions concerning the tax consequences of the ownership or disposition of shares of our Class A common stock that differ from those discussed below.

If any entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds shares of our Class A common stock, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partner and the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding shares of our Class A common stock, you should consult your tax advisors.

 

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This summary is for general information only and is not intended to constitute a complete description of all tax consequences for non-U.S. holders relating to the ownership and disposition of shares of our Class A common stock. If you are considering the purchase of shares of our Class A common stock, you should consult your tax advisors concerning the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of the ownership and disposition of shares of our Class A common stock, as well as the consequences to you arising under the laws of any other applicable taxing jurisdiction in light of your particular circumstances.

Dividends

In general, cash distributions on shares of our Class A common stock will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. To the extent any such distributions exceed both our current and our accumulated earnings and profits, they will first be treated as a return of capital reducing your tax basis in our Class A common stock, but not below zero, and thereafter will be treated as gain from the sale of stock, the treatment of which is discussed under “Gain on Disposition of Shares of Class A Common Stock.”

Dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate, or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. A non-U.S. holder of shares of our Class A common stock who wishes to claim the benefit of an applicable treaty rate and avoid backup withholding, as discussed below, for dividends generally will be required (a) to complete IRS Form W-8BEN (or other applicable form) and certify under penalty of perjury that such holder is not a U.S. person as defined under the Code and is eligible for treaty benefits, or (b) if such holder’s shares of our Class A common stock are held through certain foreign intermediaries or foreign partnerships, satisfy the relevant certification requirements of applicable U.S. Treasury regulations. This certification must be provided to us or our paying agent prior to the payment to you of any dividends and must be updated periodically.

Dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder that are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States by such non-U.S. holder (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment) generally will not be subject to the aforementioned withholding tax, provided certain certification and disclosure requirements are satisfied (including providing a properly completed IRS Form W-8ECI). Instead, such dividends generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis in the same manner as if the non-U.S. holder were a U.S. person as defined under the Code. A non-U.S. holder that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on earnings and profits attributable to dividends that are effectively connected with its conduct of a U.S. trade or business (and, if an income tax treaty applies, are attributable to its U.S. permanent establishment).

A non-U.S. holder of shares of our Class A common stock eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.

 

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Gain on Disposition of Shares of Class A Common Stock

Subject to the discussions below on the backup withholding tax and the FATCA legislation, any gain realized by a non-U.S. holder on the sale or other disposition of shares of our Class A common stock generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless:

 

   

the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business of the non-U.S. holder in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment);

 

   

the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of that disposition, and certain other conditions are met; or

 

   

we are or have been a U.S. real property holding corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes at any time during the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of the disposition or the period that the non-U.S. holder held shares of our common stock.

In the case of a non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet point above, any gain generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis in the same manner as if the non-U.S. holder were a U.S. person as defined under the Code, and a non-U.S. holder that is a foreign corporation may also be subject to the branch profits tax equal to 30% of its effectively connected earnings and profits attributable to such gain (or, if an income tax treaty applies, at such lower rate as may be specified by the treaty on its gains attributable to its U.S. permanent establishment). Except as otherwise provided by an applicable income tax treaty, an individual non-U.S. holder described in the second bullet point above will be subject to a 30% tax on any gain derived from the sale or disposition, which may be offset by certain U.S. source capital losses provided that the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses, even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States under the Code. We believe we are not and, although no assurance can be given, do not anticipate becoming a U.S. real property holding corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If we are, or become, a U.S. real property holding corporation, then, as long as our Class A common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market, any gain from the sale or other taxable disposition of our Class A common stock will not be subject to the 10% withholding tax on the disposition of a U.S. real property interest unless a non-U.S. holder owns more than 5% of all our outstanding Class A common stock at any time within the time period described above. You should consult your own tax advisor about the consequences that could result if we are, or become, a U.S. real property holding corporation.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

The amount of dividends paid to each non-U.S. holder, and the tax withheld with respect to such dividends generally will be reported annually to the IRS and to each such holder, regardless of whether withholding was reduced or eliminated by an applicable tax treaty. Copies of the information returns reporting such dividends and withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is established under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty or agreement.

A non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to backup withholding for dividends paid to such holder unless such holder certifies under penalty of perjury (usually on an IRS Form W-8BEN) that it is a non-U.S. holder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a U.S. person as defined under the Code), or such holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Information reporting and, depending on the circumstances, backup withholding will apply to the proceeds of a sale of shares of our common stock within the United States or conducted through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries, unless the beneficial owner

 

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certifies under penalty of perjury that it is a non-U.S. holder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the beneficial owner is a United States person as defined under the Code), or such owner otherwise establishes an exemption.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against a non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

Legislation and administrative guidance, which will be phased in beginning on January 1, 2014, the FATCA legislation, generally will impose a withholding tax of 30% on any dividends on our Class A common stock paid to certain “foreign financial institutions,” as specifically defined under such rules, unless such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. government to, among other things, collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information regarding U.S. account holders of such institution (which includes certain equity and debt holders of such institution, as well as certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners) or another exception applies. The FATCA legislation will also generally impose a withholding tax of 30% on any dividends on our Class A common stock paid to a non-financial foreign entity unless such entity provides the withholding agent with either a certification that such entity does not have any substantial U.S. owners or a certification identifying the direct and indirect substantial U.S. owners of the entity and meets certain other specified requirements. Finally, beginning on January 1, 2017 withholding of 30% also generally will apply to the gross proceeds of a disposition of our Class A common stock paid to a foreign financial institution or to a non-financial foreign entity unless the reporting and certification requirements described above have been met or another exception applies. Under certain circumstances, a non-U.S. holder of our Class A common stock may be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes. Investors are encouraged to consult with their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of the FATCA legislation on their investment in our Class A common stock.

THE SUMMARY OF MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS ABOVE IS INCLUDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. POTENTIAL PURCHASERS OF OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS TO DETERMINE THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX CONSIDERATIONS OF PURCHASING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK.

 

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UNDERWRITING

Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, the underwriters named below, through their representatives Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC have severally agreed to purchase from us the following respective number of shares of Class A common stock at a public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions set forth on the cover page of this prospectus:

 

Underwriters

   Number
of Shares

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

  

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

  

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

  

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith

                    Incorporated

  

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

  

FBR Capital Markets & Co.

  

JMP Securities LLC

  

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.

  
  

 

Total

  
  

 

The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several underwriters to purchase the shares of Class A common stock offered hereby are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the underwriters will purchase all of the shares of Class A common stock offered by this prospectus, other than those covered by the option to purchase additional shares described below, if any of these shares are purchased. The underwriting agreement also provides that if an underwriter defaults, the purchase commitments of non-defaulting underwriters may also be increased or the offering may be terminated.

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against some specified types of liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of any of these liabilities.

The underwriters are offering the shares, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the shares, and other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officer’s certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.

Commissions and Discounts

We have been advised by the representatives of the underwriters that the underwriters propose to offer the shares of Class A common stock to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus and to dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of $        per share under the public offering price. After the initial public offering, representatives of the underwriters may change the offering price and other selling terms. The offering of the shares of Class A common stock by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters’ right to reject any order in whole or in part.

 

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The underwriting discounts and commissions per share are equal to the public offering price per share of Class A common stock less the amount paid by the underwriters to us per share of Class A common stock. The underwriting discounts and commissions are    % of the initial public offering price. We have agreed to pay the underwriters the following discounts and commissions, assuming either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares:

 

            Total Fees  
     Per
Share
     Without Exercise of
Option to Purchase
Additional Shares
     With Full Exercise of
Option to Purchase
Additional Shares
 

Discounts and commissions            paid by us

   $                    $                    $                

In addition, we estimate that our share of the total expenses of the offering, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $        . We have agreed with the underwriters to pay all fees and expenses related to the review and qualification of the offering by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. and “blue sky” expenses and the cost of any aircraft chartered in connection with the road show for the offering.

The representatives of the underwriters have advised us that the underwriters do not intend to confirm sales of more than 5% of the shares in the aggregate to accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.

Option to Purchase Additional Shares

We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable not later than 30 days after the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to            additional shares of Class A common stock at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. To the extent that the underwriters exercise this option, each of the underwriters will become obligated, subject to conditions, to purchase approximately the same percentage of these additional shares of Class A common stock as the number of shares of Class A common stock to be purchased by it in the above table bears to the total number of shares of Class A common stock offered by this prospectus. We will be obligated, pursuant to the option, to sell these additional shares of Class A common stock to the underwriters to the extent the option is exercised. If any additional shares of Class A common stock are purchased, the underwriters will offer the additional shares on the same terms as those on which the initial shares referred to in the above table are being offered.

No Sales of Similar Securities

Each of our officers, directors and director nominees, and all of our stockholders and holders of options and warrants to purchase our stock, have agreed not to offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any transaction that is designed to, or could be expected to, result in the disposition of any shares of our Class A common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of our Class A common stock or derivatives of our Class A common stock owned by these persons prior to the offering or Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of options or warrants held by these persons for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus without the prior written consent of Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. This consent may be given at any time without public notice. We have entered into a similar agreement with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., except that without such consent we may grant awards pursuant to our 2013 Incentive Equity Plan so long as such awards are not able to

 

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be resold by the grantee within such 180-day period. There are no agreements between Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and any of our stockholders or affiliates releasing them from these lock-up agreements prior to the expiration of the 180-day period.

Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids

In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell shares of our Class A common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, purchases to cover positions created by short sales and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. “Covered” short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock from us in the offering. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase additional shares of Class A common stock pursuant to the option granted to them. “Naked” short sales are any sales in excess of such option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market prior to the completion of the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of our Class A common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.

The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the other underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives of the underwriters have repurchased shares sold by or for the account of that underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

Purchases to cover a short position and stabilizing transactions may have the effect of preventing or slowing a decline in the market price of our Class A common stock. Additionally, these purchases, along with the imposition of the penalty bid, may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of our Class A common stock. As a result, the price of our Class A common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. These transactions may be effected on the New York Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

New York Stock Exchange Listing

We intend to apply to list the shares of Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “LADR.”

Directed Share Program

At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to                  shares of common stock offered in this prospectus for our directors, officers, employees, existing investors and certain other persons. The sales will be made through a directed share program. We do not know if these persons will choose to purchase all, a portion or none of these reserved shares. Reserved shares purchased by participants in the directed share program will be subject to the 180-day restricted period described above under ”—No Sales of Similar Securities”. The number of shares of common stock available for sale to the

 

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general public will be reduced to the extent such persons purchase reserved shares. Any reserved shares that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other shares offered in this prospectus. We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters and their affiliates against certain liabilities and expenses, including the liabilities under the Securities Act in connection with sales of the directed shares.

Pricing of the Offering

Prior to the offering, there has been no public market for our Class A common stock. Consequently, the initial public offering price of our Class A common stock will be determined by negotiation among us and the representatives of the underwriters. Among the primary factors that will be considered in determining the public offering price are:

 

   

prevailing market conditions;

 

   

our results of operations in recent periods and our book value as of the end of the most recent period;

 

   

the present stage of our development;

 

   

the market capitalizations and stages of development of other companies that we and the representatives of the underwriters believe to be comparable to our business; and

 

   

estimates of our business potential.

An active trading market for shares of Class A common stock may not develop. It is also possible that, after the offering, shares of Class A common stock will not trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price.

Electronic Offer, Sale and Distribution of Shares

In connection with the offering, certain of the underwriters or securities dealers may distribute prospectuses by electronic means, such as e-mail. In addition, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. may facilitate Internet distribution for the offering to certain of its Internet subscription customers. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. may allocate a limited number of shares for sale to its online brokerage customers. A prospectus in electronic format is being made available on Internet web sites maintained by one or more of the lead underwriters of the offering and may be made available on web sites maintained by other underwriters. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on any underwriter’s web site and any information contained in any other web site maintained by an underwriter is not part of the prospectus or the registration statement of which the prospectus forms a part.

Other Relationships

Some of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates. They have received, or may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions for these transactions. Examples include, but are not limited to:

 

   

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as underwriters in connection with the offering of our Notes by two of our subsidiaries;

 

   

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, or

 

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certain of their affiliates, have had and may in the future have certain roles in connection with our securitizations, including but not limited to, as underwriter, co-manager, trustee, certificate administrator and/or master servicer;

 

   

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, or certain of their affiliates, are counterparties to financing arrangements with certain of our subsidiaries, including, as applicable, our existing revolving credit facility, master repurchase agreements relating to loans and/or securities, global master securities lending agreements and a master mortgage loan securities contract;

 

   

An affiliate of Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. is, and certain other underwriters or their affiliates may be, lenders under our new revolving credit facility, which is currently being negotiated, for which Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. is acting as lead arranger;

 

   

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, or certain of their affiliates, are counterparties to International Swap Dealers Association, Inc. Master Agreements with one of our subsidiaries;

 

   

Affiliates of Wells Fargo Securities, LLC act as loan servicer for our conduit loans, document custodian for all of our loans and custodian for our managed account securities; and

 

   

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and its affiliates act as our prime broker and also provide us with securities pricing services.

From time to time, we may also co-fund commercial real estate mortgage loans or enter into other commercial real estate financing transactions with certain of the underwriters and/or their affiliates.

In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. Additionally, certain of the underwriters and/or their affiliates may in the future be the seller, buyer or broker for our trades in securities issued by third parties. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

Pursuant to an engagement agreement, we retained Solebury Capital LLC, (“Solebury”), a FINRA member, to provide certain financial consulting services in connection with this offering. We agreed to pay Solebury, only upon successful completion of this offering, a fee of $400,000 and, at our sole discretion, an additional potential incentive fee of $100,000. In determining whether we elect to award any or all of the incentive fee, we will consider the level of, and our satisfaction with, the services provided by Solebury throughout the offering process. We also agreed to reimburse Solebury for reasonable and documented travel and other out-of-pocket expenses up to a maximum of $10,000 and have provided indemnification of Solebury pursuant to the engagement agreement. Solebury is not acting as an underwriter and has no contact with any public or institutional investor on behalf of us or the underwriters. In addition, Solebury will not underwrite or purchase any of our common shares in this offering or otherwise participate in any such undertaking. We have also engaged Solebury Communications Group LLC, an

 

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affiliate of Solebury, to provide us with certain investor relations services on an ongoing basis for a fee of $10,000 per month, and reimbursement of reasonable and duly documented travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the engagement, not to exceed in each instance $1,000 without our prior written consent. FINRA has determined that payments by us received by Solebury Communications Group LLC within 90 days of effectiveness of the Registration Statement are to be included in underwriting compensation pursuant to FINRA rules. In no event will such payments exceed $50,000.

Selling Restrictions

Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a “Relevant Member State”), each underwriter has represented and agreed that with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State (the “Relevant Implementation Date”) it has not made and will not make an offer of shares to the public in that Relevant Member State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the shares which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant Member State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant Member State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Directive, except that it may, with effect from and including the Relevant Implementation Date, make an offer of shares to the public in that Relevant Member State at any time:

 

  (a) to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive;

 

  (b) to fewer than 100 or, if the Relevant Member State has implemented the relevant provision of the 2010 PD Amending Directive, 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors, as defined in the Prospectus Directive) subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representative for any such offer; or

 

  (c) in any other circumstances which do not require the publication by us of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.

For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer of shares to the public” in relation to any shares in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms for the offer and the shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the shares, as the same may be varied in that Relevant Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Relevant Member State, the expression Prospectus Directive means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the PD 2010 Amending Directive to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member State) and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State, and the expression 2010 PD Amending Directive means Directive 2010/73/EU.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

This prospectus and any other material in relation to the shares described herein is only being distributed to, and is only directed at, persons in the United Kingdom that are qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospective Directive (“qualified investors”) that also (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended, or the Order, (ii) who fall within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order or (iii) to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). The shares are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement

 

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to purchase or otherwise acquire such shares will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. This prospectus and its contents are confidential and should not be distributed, published or reproduced (in whole or in part) or disclosed by recipients to any other person in the United Kingdom. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this prospectus or any of its contents.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland

The shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (the “SIX”) or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

Neither this prospectus nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the issuer, the shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this prospectus will not be filed with, and the offer of shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA (the “FINMA”), and the offer of shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes (the “CISA”). The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of shares.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong

The shares may not be offered or sold by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong), or (ii) to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong), and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore

This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the “SFA”), (ii) to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and

 

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in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 by a relevant person which is: (a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or (b) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is an accredited investor, shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest in that trust shall not be transferable for six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares under Section 275 except: (1) to an institutional

investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to

Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA;

(2) where no consideration is given for the transfer; or (3) by operation of law.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan

Our securities have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (the “Financial Instruments and Exchange Law”) and our securities will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or to a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Qatar

The shares described in this prospectus have not been, and will not be, offered, sold or delivered, at any time, directly or indirectly in the State of Qatar in a manner that would constitute a public offering. This prospectus has not been, and will not be, registered with or approved by the Qatar Financial Markets Authority or Qatar Central Bank and may not be publicly distributed. This prospectus is intended for the original recipient only and must not be provided to any other person. It is not for general circulation in the State of Qatar and may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Saudi Arabia

No offering, whether directly or indirectly, will be made to an investor in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia unless such offering is in accordance with the applicable laws of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the rules and regulations of the Capital Market Authority, including the Capital Market Law of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The shares will not be marketed or sold in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by us or the underwriters.

This prospectus may not be distributed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia except to such persons as are permitted under the Office of Securities Regulation issued by the Capital Market Authority. The Saudi Arabian Capital Market Authority does not make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of this prospectus and expressly disclaims any liability whatsoever for any loss arising from, or incurred in reliance upon, any part of this prospectus. Prospective purchasers of the shares offered hereby should conduct their own due diligence on the accuracy of the information relating to the shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus, you should consult an authorized financial advisor.

 

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Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Arab Emirates

The offering has not been approved or licensed by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Securities and Commodities Authority of the UAE and/or any other relevant licensing authority in the UAE including any licensing authority incorporated under the laws and regulations of any of the free zones established and operating in the territory of the UAE, in particular the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), a regulatory authority of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The offering does not constitute a public offer of securities in the UAE, DIFC and/or any other free zone in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law, Federal Law No 8 of 1984 (as amended), DFSA Offered Securities Rules and NASDAQ Dubai Listing Rules, accordingly, or otherwise. The shares may not be offered to the public in the UAE and/or any of the free zones.

The shares may be offered and issued only to a limited number of investors in the UAE or any of its free zones who qualify as sophisticated investors under the relevant laws and regulations of the UAE or the free zone concerned.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Australia

No placement document, prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ASIC”), in relation to the offering. This prospectus does not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act 2001 (the “Corporations Act”), and does not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act.

Any offer in Australia of the shares may only be made to persons (the “Exempt Investors”) who are “sophisticated investors” (within the meaning of section 708(8) of the Corporations Act), “professional investors” (within the meaning of section 708(11) of the Corporations Act) or otherwise pursuant to one or more exemptions contained in section 708 of the Corporations Act so that it is lawful to offer the shares without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.

The shares applied for by Exempt Investors in Australia must not be offered for sale in Australia in the period of 12 months after the date of allotment under the offering, except in circumstances where disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act would not be required pursuant to an exemption under section 708 of the Corporations Act or otherwise or where the offer is pursuant to a disclosure document which complies with Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring shares must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions.

This prospectus contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It does not contain any securities recommendations or financial product advice. Before making an investment decision, investors need to consider whether the information in this prospectus is appropriate to their needs, objectives and circumstances, and, if necessary, seek expert advice on those matters.

 

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MARKET, INDUSTRY AND OTHER DATA

This prospectus contains statistical data and estimates, including those relating to market size, competitive position and growth rates of the markets in which we participate, that we obtained from our own internal estimates and research, as well as from industry and general publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. Industry publications, studies and surveys generally state that they have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, although they do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. While we believe that each of these studies and publications is reliable, we have not independently verified market and industry data from third-party sources. While we believe our internal company research is reliable and the definitions of our market and industry are appropriate, neither this research nor these definitions have been verified by any independent source.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the shares of common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Kirkland & Ellis LLP, New York, New York. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher  & Flom LLP and Affiliates, New York, New York is representing the underwriters in the offering.

EXPERTS

The financial statements as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, the audited statements of revenue and certain expenses of the Abingdon, Aiken, Johnson City, Ooltewah, Palmview, Middleburg and Satsuma properties for the year ended December 31, 2011, the audited statements of revenue and certain expenses of the Richmond Properties for the year ended December 31, 2012, and the balance sheet of Ladder Capital Corp as of May 30, 2013 included in this Prospectus have been so included in reliance on the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

The audited statements of revenue and certain expenses of the Minneapolis Property for the year ended December 31, 2012, included in this Prospectus have been so included in reliance on the reports of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of Class A common stock offered hereby. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement or the exhibits and schedules filed therewith. For further information about us and our Class A common stock offered hereby, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed thereto. Statements contained in this prospectus regarding the contents of any contract or any other document that is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement are not necessarily complete, and each such statement is qualified in all respects by reference to the full text of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. Upon completion of the offering, we will be required to file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. You may read and copy this information at the Public Reference Room of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference rooms by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, like us, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is www.sec.gov.

 

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page  

Audited financial statements of Ladder Capital Corp

  

Report of independent registered public accounting firm

     F-2   

Balance sheet as of May 30, 2013

     F-3   

Notes to balance sheet

     F-4   

Audited consolidated financial statements of LCFH

  

Report of independent registered public accounting firm

     F-5   

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011

     F-6   

Consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     F-7   

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     F-8   

Consolidated statements of changes in capital for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     F-9   

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     F-10   

Notes to consolidated financial statements

     F-11   

Unaudited consolidated financial statements of LCFH

  

Consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012

     F-52   

Consolidated statements of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

     F-53   

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

     F-54   

Consolidated statements of changes in capital for the nine months ended September 30, 2013

     F-55   

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and 2012

     F-56   

Notes to consolidated financial statements

     F-57   

Financial Statement Schedules

  

Schedule III—Real estate and accumulated depreciation

     S-1   

Schedule IV—Mortgage loans on real estate

     S-3   

All other schedules are omitted because they are not required or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To Board of Directors and Stockholders of Ladder Capital Corp

In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheet presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ladder Capital Corp at May 30, 2013 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The balance sheet is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the balance sheet based on our audit. We conducted our audit of this statement in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the balance sheet is free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the balance sheet, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall balance sheet presentation. We believe that our audit of the balance sheet provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York

June 27, 2013

 

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LADDER CAPITAL CORP

BALANCE SHEET

MAY 30, 2013

 

Asset

  

Cash

   $ 1   

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 4)

  

Stockholder’s Equity

  

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, 1,000 shares authorized, 1,000 issued and outstanding

   $ 1   
  

 

 

 

Total Stockholder’s Equity

   $ 1   
  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement

 

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LADDER CAPITAL CORP

NOTES TO BALANCE SHEET

MAY 30, 2013

1.     ORGANIZATION AND INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING

Ladder Capital Corp (the “Corporation”) was formed as a Delaware corporation on May 21, 2013. The Corporation intends to conduct an initial public offering of common stock (the “IPO”) anticipated to be finalized in 2013. The Corporation intends to use the net proceeds from the IPO to purchase newly issued LP Units from Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP (“LCFH”) and pursuant to a reorganization into a holding corporation structure, the Corporation will become a holding corporation and its sole asset is expected to be a controlling equity interest in LCFH. The Corporation will be sole general partner of LCFH and will operate and control all of the business and affairs of LCFH and, through LCFH and its subsidiaries, continue to conduct the business now conducted by these subsidiaries. The proceeds received by LCFH in connection with the sale of newly issued LP Units will be used for loan origination, real estate businesses and for general corporate purposes.

2.     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Accounting

The Balance Sheet has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Separate statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows have not been presented in the financial statements because there have been no activities of this entity.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the balance sheet 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 date of the balance sheet. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash

The Corporation maintains cash accounts at financial institutions, which are insured up to a maximum of $250,000. At May 30, 2013, the balance did not exceed the insured limits.

3.     STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

The Corporation is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”). The Corporation has issued 1,000 shares of Common Stock in exchange for $1.00, all of which were held by LCFH at May 21, 2013.

4.     COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Corporation may, from time to time, be a defendant in litigation arising in the normal course of business. Management does not expect the outcome of such litigation, it any, to have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Corporation. In the normal course of business, the Corporation may, from time to time, enter into contracts or agreements with other parties that commit the Corporation to specific or contingent liabilities.

5.     SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Subsequent events have been evaluated through June 27, 2013, the date the financial statements were available to be issued.

 

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LOGO

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Partners of

Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in capital and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules listed in the index appearing under Item 21 of this registration statement present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/    PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

New York, New York

March 28, 2013, except for Note 14, the Master Repurchase Agreement paragraph in Note 16, the financial statement schedules and the effects of the Registration paragraph described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, as to which the date is April 29, 2013, except for the earnings per unit information included in Note 15 and the consolidated statements of income, as to which the date is June 27, 2013, except for the effects of the revisions for Agency interest-only securities discussed in the revision of previously issued financial statements paragraph in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, as to which the date is August 16, 2013, and except for the effects of the revisions for Intercompany Loans and presentation of certain cash accounts held by brokers discussed in the revision of previously issued financial statements paragraph described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, as to which the date is December 4, 2013.

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

 

     2012      2011  

Assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 45,178,565       $ 84,351,112   

Cash collateral held by broker

     63,990,568         54,279,034   

Real estate securities, at fair value:

     

Investment grade commercial mortgage backed securities

     806,773,207         1,644,748,001   

GN construction securities

     51,842,317         31,695,186   

GN permanent securities

     108,807,295         145,643,134   

FNMA securities

             4,296,061   

Interest only securities

     158,138,700         118,688,069   

Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost

     326,318,550         255,196,384   

Mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     623,332,620         258,841,725   

Real estate

     380,021,672         28,834,713   

Investment in equity method investee

     12,674,652         9,726,130   

FHLB stock

     13,100,000           

Derivative instruments

     5,694,519         1,819   

Due from brokers

     1,901,713         218,690   

Accrued interest receivable

     12,082,604         11,764,524   

Other assets

     19,172,873         6,104,317   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 2,629,029,855       $ 2,654,388,899   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities and Capital

     

Liabilities

     

Repurchase agreements

   $ 793,916,703       $ 1,597,077,158   

Long term financing

     106,675,298         18,564,040   

Borrowings from the FHLB

     262,000,000           

Senior unsecured notes

     325,000,000           

Due to broker

             871,802   

Derivative instruments

     18,515,163         25,743,526   

Accrued expenses

     19,273,388         19,002,795   

Other liabilities

     5,379,088         4,067,175   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,530,759,640         1,665,326,496   

Commitments and contingencies

     

Capital

     

Partners’ capital

     

Series A Preferred Units

     781,100,600         707,847,217   

Series B Preferred Units

     272,215,202         257,376,700   

Common Units

     44,372,247         23,713,486   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Partners’ Capital

     1,097,688,049         988,937,403   

Noncontrolling interest

     582,166         125,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capital

     1,098,270,215         989,062,403   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and capital

   $ 2,629,029,855       $ 2,654,388,899   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

     2012     2011     2010  

Net interest income

      

Interest income

   $ 136,198,204      $ 133,297,520      $ 129,301,530   

Interest expense

     36,440,373        35,836,124        48,874,327   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income

     99,757,831        97,461,396        80,427,203   

Provision for loan losses

     448,833               884,995   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     99,308,998        97,461,396        79,542,208   

Other income

      

Operating lease income

     8,331,338        2,290,291        1,011,631   

Sale of securities, net

     19,013,960        20,081,114        22,085,626   

Sale of loans, net

     151,661,150        66,270,758        30,532,843   

Sale of real estate, net

     1,275,235               2,419,423   

Fee income

     8,787,695        3,144,050        1,402,117   

Net result from derivative transactions

     (35,650,989     (81,374,126     (20,747,083

Earnings from investment in equity method investee

     1,256,109        346,612          

Unrealized gain (loss) on agency IO securities, net

     (5,680,893     1,591,442        2,546,612   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income

     148,993,605        12,350,141        39,251,169   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and expenses

      

Salaries and employee benefits

     51,090,424        26,448,942        19,527,869   

Operating expenses

     21,533,281        9,077,035        7,212,579   

Depreciation

     3,640,619        1,043,732        408,489   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

     76,264,324        36,569,709        27,148,937   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before taxes

     172,038,279        73,241,828        91,644,440   

Tax expense

     2,583,999        1,510,149        599,780   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     169,454,280        71,731,679        91,044,660   

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

     49,084        (15,625       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to preferred and common unit holders

   $ 169,503,364      $ 71,716,054      $ 91,044,660   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per common units:

      

Basic

   $ 1.58      $ 0.79      $ 1.25   

Diluted

   $ 1.51      $ 0.67      $ 0.86   

Weighted average common units outstanding:

      

Basic

     21,552,694        18,130,310        14,611,127   

Diluted

     22,550,855        21,423,312        21,195,690   

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

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

     2012     2011     2010  

Net Income

   $ 169,454,280      $ 71,731,679      $ 91,044,660   

Other comprehensive income (loss)

      

Unrealized gains on securities

      

Unrealized gain on real estate securities, available for sale

     29,014,769        6,691,658        43,829,989   

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income

     (19,013,960     (20,081,114     (22,085,626
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

     10,000,809        (13,389,456     21,744,363   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

     179,455,089        58,342,223        112,789,023   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

     49,084        (15,625       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to preferred and common unit holders

   $ 179,504,173      $ 58,326,598      $ 112,789,023   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CAPITAL

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

    Partners’ Capital Units     Total Partners’ Capital              
    Series A
Preferred
Units
    Series B
Preferred
Units
    Common
Units
    Series A
Preferred

Units
    Series B
Preferred

Units
    Common
Units
    Total
Partners’
Capital
    Non-
controlling
Interest
    Total  

Balance, beginning of period (1/1/2010)

    6,115,500               20,512,821      $ 641,476,550      $      $ 7,013,893      $ 648,490,443      $      $ 648,490,443   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions

                         (34,357,561            (8,589,390     (42,946,951            (42,946,951

Equity based compensation

                  910,491                      173,803        173,803               173,803   

Net income

                         72,835,728               18,208,932        91,044,660               91,044,660   

Other comprehensive income

                         17,395,490               4,348,873        21,744,363               21,744,363   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period (12/31/2010)

    6,115,500               21,423,312      $ 697,350,207      $      $ 21,156,111      $ 718,506,318      $      $ 718,506,318   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contributions

           2,075,619                      257,376,700               257,376,700        125,000        257,501,700   

Series B offering costs

                         (1,154,614            (288,654     (1,443,268            (1,443,268

Distributions

                         (35,196,213            (8,783,428     (43,979,641     (15,625     (43,995,266

Equity based compensation

                                       150,696        150,696               150,696   

Net income

                         57,559,402               14,156,652        71,716,054        15,625        71,731,679   

Other comprehensive income

                         (10,711,565            (2,677,891     (13,389,456            (13,389,456
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period (12/31/2011)

    6,115,500        2,075,619        21,423,312        707,847,217        257,376,700        23,713,486        988,937,403        125,000        989,062,403   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contributions

           24,194                      3,000,000               3,000,000        521,875        3,521,875   

Distributions

                         (58,396,459     (2,529,456     (15,235,385     (76,161,300     (15,625     (76,176,925

Equity based compensation

           31,452        1,127,543               1,892,473        515,300        2,407,773               2,407,773   

Net income (loss)

                         124,315,166        11,780,432        33,407,766        169,503,364        (49,084     169,454,280   

Other comprehensive income

                         7,334,676        695,053        1,971,080        10,000,809               10,000,809   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of period (12/31/2012)

    6,115,500        2,131,265        22,550,855      $ 781,100,600      $ 272,215,202      $ 44,372,247      $ 1,097,688,049      $ 582,166      $ 1,098,270,215   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

     2012     2011     2010  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income

   $ 169,454,280      $ 71,731,679      $ 91,044,660   

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

      

Depreciation

     3,640,619        1,043,732        408,489   

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments

     (12,694,838     18,467,023        8,444,883   

Unrealized (gain) loss on agency IO securities, net

     5,680,893        (1,591,442     (2,546,612

Loan loss provision

     448,833               884,995   

Cash collateral held by broker—derivatives

     4,640,186        (17,509,314     (13,965,543

Amortization of equity based compensation

     2,407,773        150,696        173,803   

Amortization of deferred financing costs included in interest expense

     3,133,910        3,246,199        5,966,211   

Accretion/amortization of discount, premium and other fees

     35,334,242        23,329,660        (10,355,958

Realized gain on sale of real estate securities

     (19,013,961     (20,081,114     (22,085,626

Realized gain on sale of mortgage loan receivables

     (151,661,150     (66,270,758     (30,532,843

Realized gain on sale of real estate

     (1,275,235            (2,419,423

Origination of mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     (2,036,138,933     (1,139,669,700     (623,159,195

Repayment of mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     75,654,634        19,957,458        1,454,692   

Proceeds from sales of mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     1,815,995,772        1,444,330,798        358,544,564   

Accrued interest receivable

     (318,080     (811,868     (2,706,232

Earnings on equity method investee

     (1,256,109     (346,612       

Distributions of return on capital from investment in equity method investee

     1,403,687                 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Due to broker

     (871,802     657,632        214,170   

Due from broker

     (1,683,023     (200,982     1,392,126   

Other assets

     (5,890,951     6,048        (185,254

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     1,642,506        3,862,937        8,153,655   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     (111,366,747     340,302,072        (231,274,438
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Acquisition of fixed assets

     (351,041     (1,317,417     (339,731

Purchases of real estate securities

     (425,796,392     (991,195,238     (1,147,217,918

Repayment of real estate securities

     951,150,951        547,461,630        344,333,563   

Proceeds from sales of real estate securities

     279,275,981        406,937,614        483,645,609   

Purchase of FHLB stock

     (13,100,000              

Origination and purchases of mortgages held for investment

     (341,947,392     (304,684,390     (160,948,125

Repayment of mortgage loan receivables held for investment

     204,913,202        44,291,884        68,449,688   

Reduction (addition) of cash collateral held by broker

     (14,351,720     (18,622,050     11,872,304   

Capital contributions to investment in equity method investee

     (9,265,125     (9,549,518       

Distributions of return of capital from investment in equity method investee

     6,169,025        170,000          

Purchases of real estate

     (428,651,275     (3,870,000     (63,582,856

Proceeds from sale of real estate

     75,646,240               40,070,429   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     283,692,454        (330,377,485     (423,717,037
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Deferred financing costs

     (10,599,987     (500,000     (8,508,714

Repayment of repurchase agreement

     (12,151,329,521     (21,807,839,225     (10,993,271,966

Proceeds from repurchase agreement

     11,348,169,066        21,719,206,391        12,237,547,399   

Proceeds from long-term financing

     88,180,203        2,940,000        373,331,813   

Repayment of long-term financing

     (36,740     (138,386,154     (997,312,406

Proceeds from FHLB borrowings

     362,000,000                 

Repayments of FHLB borrowings

     (100,000,000              

Proceeds from debt issued

     325,000,000                 

Purchase of derivative instruments

     (226,225     (48,375     (122,000

Partners’ capital contributions

     3,000,000        257,376,700          

Series B offering costs—Series A Preferred

            (1,154,614       

Series B offering costs—Common Units

            (288,654       

Partners’ capital distributions

     (76,161,300     (43,979,641     (42,946,951

Capital contributed by a noncontrolling interest

     521,875        125,000          

Capital distributed to a noncontrolling interest

     (15,625     (15,625       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (211,498,254     (12,564,197     568,717,175   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase / (decrease) in cash

     (39,172,547     (2,639,610     (86,274,300

Cash at beginning of period

     84,351,112        86,990,722        173,265,022   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash at end of period

   $ 45,178,565      $ 84,351,112      $ 86,990,722   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental information:

      

Cash paid for interest

   $ 27,179,564      $ 32,329,370      $ 43,269,441   

Cash paid for taxes

   $ 589,042      $ 1,360,149      $ 597,826   

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

 

F-10


Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

1.    ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS

On February 25, 2008, Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLC (the “LLC”) was organized as a Delaware limited liability company. Effective August 9, 2011, the LLC converted from a limited liability company to a limited liability limited partnership and the members of the LLC were admitted as partners in a newly formed company, Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP (the LLC and Ladder Capital Finance Holding LLLP are collectively referred to as the “Company”). Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP serves as the holding company for its wholly-owned subsidiaries that collectively operate as a specialty finance company that provides comprehensive financing solutions to the commercial real estate industry. The Company’s existence is perpetual unless dissolved and terminated in accordance with the provisions of the corresponding operating agreements.

The Company conducted and completed a private offering of its Series A participating preferred units (the “Offering”) and a private offering of its Series B participating preferred units (the “Series B Offering”) and, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is using the proceeds of the Offering and the Series B Offering to originate and invest in a diverse portfolio of real estate-related assets. The Company’s principal business activity is to originate and invest in the following asset classes: fixed-rate commercial mortgages, interim floating-rate commercial mortgages, senior and junior interests in commercial mortgages, mezzanine loans, commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), and Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) securities, net leased and other commercial real estate and special investment situations.

2.    SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

The consolidated financial statements include the Company’s accounts and those of its subsidiaries which are wholly-owned or controlled by the Company. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Certain 2011 amounts have been revised to correctly reflect amounts associated with the noncontrolling interests of the preferred shareholders of the Company’s REIT subsidiary. Specifically, the prior period amounts have been revised to separately reflect noncontrolling interest balances on the consolidated balance sheets and statements of changes in capital and the allocation of $15,625 of income and related distributions to noncontrolling interests on the consolidated statements of income and of cash flows. These balances and amounts had previously classified in the balances and amounts attributable to partners’ capital (common units). Management believes the impact of the revision to the 2011 financial statements is inconsequential.

Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements

During the preparation of the financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, the Company identified and corrected an error in the manner in which it accounted for the unrealized gains/losses related to its investment in Government National Mortgage Association

 

F-11


Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

(“GNMA”) interest-only and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp (“FHLMC”) interest-only securities (collectively, “Agency interest-only securities”). The error impacted the financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 and the quarterly periods within those years. Specifically, the Company historically incorrectly accounted for its investments in Agency interest-only securities as available-for-sale securities, rather than as financial instruments containing an embedded derivative for which the change in fair value is recorded in earnings. The effect of the correction (“First Revision Adjustment”) is the reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on Agency interest-only securities from other comprehensive income to a component of net income, and accordingly impacts the consolidated statements of income, cash flows, comprehensive income, changes in capital, and segment reporting included in Note 14. In accordance with accounting guidance found in ASC 250-10 (SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 99, Materiality), the Company has concluded that the non-cash error in accounting for its Agency interest-only securities is not material to the financial statements for any prior period when taken as a whole, both on a quantitative and qualitative basis.

During the preparation of the financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, the Company identified and corrected an error in the manner in which it accounted for the sale of loans into a securitization that had been originated to a consolidated affiliate (“Intercompany Loans”). Specifically, the Company historically incorrectly accounted for the sale of Intercompany Loans as a transfer of financial assets under ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets, rather than as origination of debt. The Company has revised the previously reported financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 (as indicated in the tables below). The effect of the correction (“Second Revision Adjustment”) is the reclassification from sale of loans, net to a component of long-term financing, with the premium on long-term financing amortized over the life of the loan as a reduction of interest expense, and accordingly impacts the consolidated balance sheets, statements of income, cash flows, comprehensive income, changes in capital, and segment reporting included in Note 14. Net income was decreased by $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 with a corresponding increase to long-term financing. Additionally, revisions to the three month period ended March 31, 2013 and the three and six month period ended June 30, 2013 will be made when they are next filed in the Company’s quarterly financial statements on Form 10-Q for the quarters ending March 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, respectively. Net income was decreased by $2.0 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 and $0.3 million and $2.4 million for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, with a corresponding increase to long-term financing. The error also impacted the three months ended March 31, 2012 and the six months ended June 30, 2012 by incorrectly overstating net income by $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively, and understating long-term financing by a corresponding amount. In accordance with accounting guidance found in ASC 250-10 (SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 99, Materiality), the Company has concluded that the error in accounting for its Intercompany Loans is not material to the financial statements for any prior quarter or annual period when taken as a whole, both on a quantitative and qualitative basis.

 

F-12


Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

     December 31, 2012  
     As Originally
Reported
     First Revision
Adjustment
     As Revised      Second Revision
Adjustment
    As Currently
Reported
 

Long-term financing

   $ 103,755,644               $ 103,755,644       $ 2,919,654      $ 106,675,298   

Total liabilities

     1,527,839,986                 1,527,839,986         2,919,654        1,530,759,640   

Series A preferred units

     782,832,687                 782,832,687         (1,732,087     781,100,600   

Series B preferred units

     272,818,838                 272,818,838         (603,636     272,215,202   

Common units

     44,956,178                 44,956,178         (583,931     44,372,247   

Total partners’ capital

     1,100,607,703                 1,100,607,703         (2,919,654     1,097,688,049   

Total capital

     1,101,189,869                 1,101,189,869         (2,919,654     1,098,270,215   

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

    Year Ended December 31, 2012     Year Ended December 31, 2011     Year Ended December 31, 2010  
    As Originally
Reported
    First Revision
Adjustment
    As Revised     Second Revision
Adjustment
    As Currently
Reported
    As Originally
Reported
    First Revision
Adjustment
    As Currently
Reported
    As Originally
Reported
    First Revision
Adjustment
    As Currently
Reported
 

Interest expense

  $ 36,472,578             $ 36,472,578        (32,205   $ 36,440,373      $ 35,836,124             $ 35,836,124      $ 48,874,327             $ 48,874,327   

Net interest income

    99,725,626               99,725,626        32,205        99,757,831        97,461,396               97,461,396        80,427,203               80,427,203   

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

    99,276,793               99,276,793        32,205        99,308,998        97,461,396               97,461,396        79,542,208               79,542,208   

Sale of loans, net

    154,613,009               154,613,009        (2,951,859     151,661,150        66,270,758               66,270,758        30,532,843               30,532,843   

Unrealized gain (loss) on agency IO securities, net

           (5,680,893     (5,680,893            (5,680,893            1,591,442        1,591,442               2,546,612        2,546,612   

Total other income

    157,626,357        (5,680,893     151,945,464        (2,951,859     148,993,605        10,758,699        1,591,442        12,350,141        36,704,557        2,546,612        39,251,169   

Income before taxes

    180,638,826        (5,680,893     174,957,933        (2,919,654     172,038,279        71,650,386        1,591,442        73,241,828        89,097,828        2,546,612        91,644,440   

Net Income

    178,054,827        (5,680,893     172,373,934        (2,919,654     169,454,280        70,140,237        1,591,442        71,731,679        88,498,048        2,546,612        91,044,660   

Net income attributable to preferred and common unit holders

    178,103,911        (5,680,893     172,423,018        (2,919,654     169,503,364        70,124,612        1,591,442        71,716,054        88,498,048        2,546,612        91,044,660   

Earnings per common unit:

                     

Basic

  $ 1.65      $ (0.05   $ 1.60      $ (0.02   $ 1.58      $ 0.77      $ 0.02      $ 0.79      $ 1.21      $ 0.04      $ 1.25   

Diluted

  $ 1.58      $ (0.05   $ 1.53      $ (0.02   $ 1.51      $ 0.65      $ 0.02      $ 0.67      $ 0.84      $ 0.02      $ 0.86   

 

F-13


Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 

    Year Ended December 31, 2012     Year Ended December 31, 2011     Year Ended December 31, 2010  
    As Originally
Reported
    First Revision
Adjustment
    As Revised     Second Revision
Adjustment
    As Currently
Reported
    As Originally
Reported
    First Revision
Adjustment
    As Currently
Reported
    As Originally
Reported
    First Revision
Adjustment
    As Currently
Reported
 

Net Income

  $ 178,054,827      $ (5,680,893   $ 172,373,934      $ (2,919,654   $ 169,454,280      $ 70,140,237      $ 1,591,442      $ 71,731,679      $ 88,498,048      $ 2,546,612      $ 91,044,660   

Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale

    23,333,876        5,680,893        29,014,769               29,014,769        8,283,100        (1,591,442     6,691,658        46,376,601        (2,546,612     43,829,989   

Total Other Comprehensive Income (loss)

    4,319,916        5,680,893        10,000,809               10,000,809        (11,798,014     (1,591,442     (13,389,456     24,290,975        (2,546,612     21,744,363   

Comprehensive Income

    182,374,743               182,374,743        (2,919,654     179,455,089        58,342,223               58,342,223        112,789,023               112,789,023   

Comprehensive income attributable to preferred and common unit holders

    182,423,827               182,423,827        (2,919,654     179,504,173        58,326,598               58,326,598        112,789,023               112,789,023   

Statements of Changes in Capital

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2012  
     Series A
Preferred
Units
    Series B
Preferred
Units
    Common
Units
    Total Partners’
Capital
    Total Capital  

Net Income –As Originally Reported

   $ 130,223,357      $ 12,769,399      $ 35,111,155      $ 178,103,911      $ 178,054,827   

Net Income–First Revision Adjustment

     (4,153,670     (407,299     (1,119,924     (5,680,893     (5,680,893

Net Income–As Revised

     126,069,687        12,362,100        33,991,231        172,423,018        172,373,934   

Net Income–Second Revision Adjustment

     (1,754,521     (581,668     (583,465     (2,919,654     (2,919,654

Net Income–As Currently Reported

   $ 124,315,166      $ 11,780,432      $ 33,407,766      $ 169,503,364      $ 169,454,280   

Other Comprehensive Income–As Originally Reported

   $ 3,158,572      $ 309,722      $ 851,622      $ 4,319,916      $ 4,319,916   

Other Comprehensive Income–First Revision Adjustment

     4,153,670        407,299        1,119,924        5,680,893        5,680,893   

Other Comprehensive Income–As Revised

     7,312,242        717,021        1,971,546        10,000,809        10,000,809   

Other Comprehensive Income–Second Revision Adjustment

     22,434        (21,968     (466              

Other Comprehensive Income–As Currently Reported

   $ 7,334,676      $ 695,053      $ 1,971,080      $ 10,000,809      $ 10,000,809   

Balance, end of period–As Originally Reported

   $ 782,832,687      $ 272,818,838      $ 44,956,178      $ 1,100,607,703      $ 1,101,189,869   

Balance, end of period–First Revision Adjustment

                                   

Balance, end of period–As Revised

   $ 782,832,687      $ 272,818,838      $ 44,956,178      $ 1,100,607,703      $ 1,101,189,869   

Balance, end of period–Second Revision Adjustment

     (1,732,087     (603,636     (583,931     (2,919,654     (2,919,654

Balance, end of period–As Currently Reported

   $ 781,100,600      $ 272,215,202      $ 44,372,247      $ 1,097,688,049      $ 1,098,270,215   

 

F-14


Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2011  
     Series A
Preferred
Units
    Series B
Preferred
Units
     Common
Units
    Total Partners’
Capital
    Total Capital  

Net Income—As Originally Reported

   $ 56,286,248      $       $ 13,838,364      $ 70,124,612      $ 70,140,237   

Net Income—First Revision Adjustment

     1,273,154                318,288        1,591,442        1,591,442   

Net Income—As Currently Reported

   $ 57,559,402      $       $ 14,156,652      $ 71,716,054      $ 71,731,679   

Other Comprehensive Income—As Originally Reported

   $ (9,438,411   $       $ (2,359,603   $ (11,798,014   $ (11,798,014

Other Comprehensive Income—First Revision Adjustment

     (1,273,154             (318,288     (1,591,442     (1,591,442

Other Comprehensive Income—As Currently Reported

   $ (10,711,565   $       $ (2,677,891   $ (13,389,456   $ (13,389,456

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2010  
     Series A
Preferred
Units
    Series B
Preferred
Units
     Common
Units
    Total Partners’
Capital
    Total Capital  

Net Income—As Originally Reported

   $ 70,798,438      $       $ 17,699,610      $ 88,498,048      $ 88,498,048   

Net Income—First Revision Adjustment

     2,037,290                509,322        2,546,612        2,546,612   

Net Income—As Currently Reported

   $ 72,835,728      $       $ 18,208,932      $ 91,044,660      $ 91,044,660   

Other Comprehensive Income—As Originally Reported

   $ 19,432,780      $       $ 4,858,195      $ 24,290,975      $ 24,290,975   

Other Comprehensive Income—First Revision Adjustment

     (2,037,290             (509,322     (2,546,612     (2,546,612

Other Comprehensive Income—As Currently Reported

   $ 17,395,490      $       $ 4,348,873      $ 21,744,363      $ 21,744,363   

 

F-15


Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

    Year Ended December 31, 2012     Year Ended December 31, 2011     Year Ended December 31, 2010  
    As Originally
Reported
    First Revision
Adjustment
    As Revised     Second Revision
Adjustment
    As Currently
Reported
    As Originally
Reported
    First Revision
Adjustment
    As Currently
Reported
    As Originally
Reported
    First Revision
Adjustment
    As Currently
Reported
 

Net Income

  $ 178,054,827      $ (5,680,893   $ 172,373,934      $ (2,919,654   $ 169,454,280      $ 70,140,237      $ 1,591,442      $ 71,731,679      $ 88,498,048      $ 2,546,612      $ 91,044,660   

Unrealized gain (loss) on agency IO securities, net

           5,680,893        5,680,893               5,680,893               (1,591,442     (1,591,442            (2,546,612     (2,546,612

Amortization of deferred financing costs included in interest expense

    3,166,115               3,166,115        (32,205     3,133,910        3,246,199               3,246,199        5,966,211               5,966,211   

Realized gain on sale of mortgage loan receivables

    (154,613,009            (154,613,009     2,951,859        (151,661,150     (66,270,758            (66,270,758     (30,532,843            (30,532,843

Origination of mortgage loan receivables held for sale

    (2,121,380,854            (2,121,380,854     85,241,921        (2,036,138,933     (1,139,669,700            (1,139,669,700     (623,159,195            (623,159,195

Proceeds from sales of mortgage loan receivables held for sale

    1,904,189,552               1,904,189,552        (88,193,780     1,815,995,772        1,444,330,798               1,444,330,798        358,544,564               358,544,564   

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    (108,414,888            (108,414,888     (2,951,859     (111,366,747     340,302,072               340,302,072        (231,274,438            (231,274,438

Proceeds from long-term financing

    85,228,344               85,228,344        2,951,859        88,180,203        2,940,000               2,940,000        373,331,813               373,331,813   

Net cash used in financing activities

    (214,450,113            (214,450,113     2,951,859        (211,498,254     (12,564,197            (12,564,197     568,717,175               568,717,175   

 

F-16


Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

Additionally, the Company corrected its previous presentation of certain cash accounts held by brokers. Specifically, the prior period amounts have been revised to reflect $1,382,902 and $1,000,667 of unrestricted cash held by brokers as cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The change in such balances of $382,235, $9,678,782, and $10,679,449 was previously reflected as an investing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The impact of this change also impacts the interim periods during the year ended December 31, 2012 and the three month period ended March 31, 2013. The revisions to the three month period ended March 31, 2013 will be made when they are next filed in the Company’s quarterly financial statements on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2014. Cash collateral held by brokers will be revised to reflect $410,535 for the three month period ended March 31, 2013, with a corresponding increase to cash and cash equivalents. The change in such balance of $972,367 was previously reflected as an investing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the three month period ending March 31, 2013, respectively. The revision also impacted the three months ended March 31, 2012, six months ended June 30, 2012 and the nine months ended September 30, 2012 by $583,580, $770,741 and $355,839, respectively, with cash collateral held by brokers being revised with a corresponding increase to cash and cash equivalents. The change in such balances of $417,087, $229,926, and $644,828 was previously reflected as an investing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012, six months ended June 30, 2012 and the nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.

In accordance with accounting guidance found in ASC 250-10 (SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 99, Materiality), the Company has concluded that the above errors both individually and in the aggregate are not material to the financial statements for any prior quarter or annual period when taken as a whole, both on a quantitative and qualitative basis. However, management has elected to revise previously issued financial statements to properly reflect the impact of the above errors the next time such financial statements are filed.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the 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. In particular, the estimates used in the pricing process for real estate securities, is inherently subjective and imprecise. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances, excluding those resulting from investments by and distributions to owners. For the Company’s purposes, comprehensive income represents net income, as presented in the consolidated statement of income, adjusted for unrealized gains or losses on securities available for sale adjusted for realized gains or losses on securities sold.

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash accounts at several financial institutions, which are insured up to a maximum of $250,000 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and at various times during the years, balances exceeded the insured limits. In addition, the Company maintains a cash account at the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”).

Real Estate Securities

The Company designates its real estate securities investments on the date of acquisition of the investment. Real estate securities that the Company does not hold for the purpose of selling in the near-term, but may dispose of prior to maturity, are designated as available-for-sale and are carried at estimated fair value with the net unrealized gains or losses recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) in partners’ capital. Similar treatment is afforded to our portfolio of CMBS interest-only securities available for sale. 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 consolidated statements of income in accordance with ASC 815. The Company’s recognition of interest income from its Agency interest-only securities, including effective interest from amortization of premiums, follows the company’s Revenue Recognition policy as disclosed within this footnote for recognizing interest income on its securities. The interest income recognized from the Company’s Agency interest-only securities is recorded in interest income on the consolidated statements of income. The Company uses the specific identification method when determining the cost of securities sold and the amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings. The Company accounts for the changes in the fair value of the unfunded portion of its GNMA Construction securities as available for sale securities. Unrealized losses on securities that, in the judgment of management, are other than temporary are charged against earnings as a loss in the consolidated statements of income. The Company estimates the fair value of its CMBS primarily based on pricing services and broker quotes for the same or similar securities in which it has invested. Different judgments and assumptions could result in materially different estimates of fair value.

When the estimated fair value of an available-for-sale security is less than amortized cost, the Company will consider whether there is an other-than-temporary impairment in the value of the security. An impairment will be considered other-than-temporary based on consideration of several factors, including (i) if the Company intends to sell the security, (ii) if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovering its cost, or (iii) the Company does not expect to recover the security’s cost basis (i.e., credit loss). A credit loss will have occurred if the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the debt security is less than the amortized cost basis. If the Company intends to sell an impaired debt security or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current period credit loss, the impairment is other-than-temporary and will be recognized currently in earnings equal to the entire difference between fair value and amortized cost. If a credit loss exists, but the Company does not intend to, nor is it more likely than not that it will be required to sell before recovery, the impairment is other-than-

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

temporary and will be separated into (i) the estimated amount relating to the credit loss, and (ii) the amount relating to all other factors. Only the estimated credit loss amount is recognized currently in earnings, with the remainder of the loss recognized in other comprehensive income. Estimating cash flows and determining whether there is other-than-temporary impairment require management to exercise judgment and make significant assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions regarding estimated prepayments, loss assumptions, and assumptions regarding changes in interest rates. As a result, actual impairment losses, and the timing of income recognized on these securities, could differ from reported amounts.

No other-than-temporary impairment charges have been provided for in the financial statements at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Mortgage Loans Receivable Held for Sale

Loans that the Company intends to sell, subsequent to origination or acquisition, are classified as mortgage loans receivable held for sale, net of any applicable allowance for credit loss. Mortgage loans classified as held for sale are generally subject to a specific marketing strategy or a plan of sale.

Loans held for sale are accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value on an individual basis. Loan origination fees and direct loan origination costs are deferred until the related loans are sold.

Mortgage Loans Receivable Held for Investment

Loans that the Company has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future, or until maturity or payoff, are reported at their outstanding principal balances net of any unearned income, unamortized deferred fees or costs, premiums or discounts and an allowance for loan losses. Loan origination fees and direct loan origination costs are deferred and recognized in interest income over the estimated life of the loans using the interest method, adjusted for actual prepayments.

The Company evaluates each loan classified as mortgage loans receivable held for investment for impairment at least quarterly. Impairment occurs when it is deemed probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan. If the loan is considered to be impaired, an allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying value of the loan to the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loans contractual effective rate or the fair value of the collateral, if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.

The Company’s loans are typically collateralized by real estate. 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/sponsor on a loan by loan basis. 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

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

borrower operates. 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 exit plan, and capitalization and discount rates, (ii) site inspections, and (iii) current credit spreads and other market data.

Upon the completion of the process above, the Company concluded that no loans were impaired as of December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010. Significant judgment is required when evaluating loans for impairment, therefore actual results over time could be materially different.

Real Estate

Certain real estate is carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Costs directly related to acquisitions deemed to be business combinations are expensed. Ordinary repairs and maintenance which are not reimbursed by the tenants are expensed as incurred. Major replacements and betterments which improve or extend the life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over their useful life. Real estate is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets which range from twelve to forty-nine years.

Operating real estate assets are stated at cost and consist of land, buildings and improvements, including other costs incurred during their possession, renovation and acquisition. A property acquired not subject to an existing lease is treated as the acquisition of an asset, recorded at its purchase price, allocated between land and building based upon their fair values at the date of acquisition, with acquisition costs capitalized to the basis of the asset acquired. A property acquired with an existing lease is accounted for as a business combination.

The Company allocates the cost of a real estate acquisition that is a business, including the assumption of liabilities, to tangible assets such as land, buildings and improvements and intangible assets and liabilities for in-place leases, above- and below-market leases, and tenant relationships, based on their estimated fair values. The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property is determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant. Above- and below-market and in-place lease values are recorded based on the present value (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between the contractual amounts to be received and management’s estimate of market lease rates, measured over the non-cancelable terms of the respective leases, plus any extended term for leases with below-market renewal options when these renewals are expected to be exercised. Other intangible assets for in-place leases include estimates of carrying costs, such as real estate taxes, insurance, other operating expenses, and lost rental revenue during the hypothetical expected lease-up periods based on the evaluation of current market demand. Management also estimates costs to execute similar leases, including leasing commissions, tenant improvements, legal and other related costs.

Real estate is primarily leased to others on a net basis whereby the tenant is generally responsible for all operating expenses relating to the property, including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs, renewals and improvements. These leases are for fixed terms of varying length and provide for annual rentals. Rental income from leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective leases. The excess of rents recognized over

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases are included in unbilled rent receivable in the consolidated balance sheets.

The following is a schedule of future minimum rent under leases at December 31, 2012:

 

     Amount  

2013

   $ 18,485,198   

2014

     18,485,198   

2015

     18,485,198   

2016

     18,494,072   

2017

     18,585,717   

Thereafter

     277,837,636   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 370,373,019   
  

 

 

 

Investment in Equity Method Investee

The Company holds a non-controlling interest in a partnership. The Company is deemed to exert significant influence over the affairs of the partnership and accounts for this investment using the equity method of accounting. The investment balance is increased each period for additional capital contributions and a share of the entity’s earnings and decreased for cash distributions and a share of the entity’s losses.

Valuation of Financial Instruments

Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and develop estimated fair values. Accordingly, fair values are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize upon disposition of the financial instruments. Financial instruments with readily available active quoted prices, or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices, generally will have a higher degree of pricing observability and will therefore require a lesser degree of judgment to be utilized in measuring fair value. Conversely, financial instruments rarely traded or not quoted will generally have less, or no, pricing observability and will require a higher degree of judgment in measuring fair value. Pricing observability is generally affected by such items as the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new to the market and not yet established, the characteristics specific to the transaction and overall market conditions. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on estimated fair value amounts.

For a further discussion regarding the measurement of financial instruments see Note 8, “Fair Value of Financial Instruments.”

Tuebor/Federal Home Loan Bank Membership

Tuebor Captive Insurance Company LLC (“Tuebor”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, was licensed in Michigan and approved to operate as a captive insurance company as well as being approved to become a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLB”), with membership finalized with the purchase of stock, in the FHLB on July 11, 2012. That approval allowed Tuebor to purchase capital stock in the FHLB, the prerequisite to obtaining financing on eligible collateral.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

Deferred Financing Costs

Fees and expenses incurred in connection with financing transactions are capitalized within other assets in the consolidated balance sheets and amortized over the term of the financing by applying the effective interest rate method and the amortization is reflected in interest expense.

Derivative Instruments

In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to the effect of interest rate changes and may undertake a strategy to limit these risks through the use of derivatives. To address exposure to interest rates, the Company uses derivatives primarily to economically hedge the fair value variability of fixed rate assets caused by interest rate fluctuations. The Company may use a variety of derivative instruments that are considered conventional, or “plain vanilla” derivatives, including interest rate swaps, futures, caps, collars and floors, to manage interest rate risk.

To determine the fair value of derivative instruments, the Company uses a variety of methods and assumptions that are based on market conditions and risks existing at each balance sheet date. Standard market conventions and techniques such as discounted cash flow analysis, option-pricing models, and termination cost may be used to determine fair value. All such methods of measuring fair value for derivative instruments result in an estimate of fair value, and such value may never actually be realized.

The Company recognizes all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The Company does not generally designate derivatives as hedges to qualify for hedge accounting and therefore any net payments under, or fluctuations in the fair value of, these derivatives have been recognized currently in net result from derivative transactions in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Repurchase Agreements

The Company finances the majority of its mortgage loan receivables held for sale, a portion of its mortgage loan receivables held for investment and the majority of its real estate securities using repurchase agreements. Under a repurchase agreement, an asset is sold to a counterparty to be repurchased at a future date at a predetermined price, which represents the original sales price plus interest. The Company accounts for these repurchase agreements as financings under ASC 860-10-40. Under this standard, for these transactions to be treated as financings, they must be separate transactions and not linked. If the Company finances the purchase of its mortgage loan receivables held for sale, mortgage loan receivables held for investment and real estate securities with repurchase agreements with the same counterparty from which the securities are purchased and both transactions are entered into contemporaneously or in contemplation of each other, the transactions are presumed under GAAP to be part of the same arrangement, or a “Linked Transaction,” unless certain criteria are met. None of the Company’s repurchase agreements are accounted for as linked transactions.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

Income Taxes

The Company is a limited liability limited partnership which elected to be treated as a partnership for income tax purposes. Therefore, the Company is generally not subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes; however, certain of the Company’s income is subject to the New York Unincorporated Business Tax.

Income and losses pass through to the partners and are reported by them individually for federal and state income tax purposes. The Company’s sole corporate subsidiary is subject to federal, state and local income tax. The corporate tax payable is not considered to be material to the Company’s financial statements and accordingly is included in other liabilities in the accompanying balance sheet.

The Company’s consolidated REIT subsidiary has operated consistent with and has elected to be treated as a real estate investment trust under the Internal Revenue Code. To qualify as a REIT, the subsidiary is required to pay dividends of at least 90% of its ordinary taxable income each year and meet certain other criteria. As a REIT, the subsidiary is subject to corporate taxes, however it is allowed a deduction for the amount of dividends paid to its shareholders/members and only pays taxes on undistributed profits. Accordingly, since the subsidiary expects to continue to distribute in excess of taxable income, no corporate-level current or deferred taxes are provided for by it or in these consolidated financial statements.

The Company determines whether a tax position of the Company is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement which could result in the Company recording a tax liability that would reduce partners’ capital.

The Company’s policy is to classify interest and penalties associated with underpayment of federal and state income taxes, if any, as a component of general and administrative expense on its consolidated statements of income. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company does not have any interest or penalties associated with the underpayment of any income taxes. The last three tax years remain open and subject to examination by tax jurisdictions.

Revenue Recognition

Interest income is accrued based on the outstanding principal amount and contractual terms of the Company’s loans and securities. Discounts or premiums associated with the purchase of loans and investment securities are amortized or accreted into interest income as a yield adjustment on the effective interest method, based on expected cash flows through the expected maturity date of the investment. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company reviews and, if appropriate, makes adjustments to its cash flow projections. The Company has historically collected, and expect to continue to collect, all contractual amounts due on its loans and CMBS. As a result, the Company does not adjust the projected cash flows to reflect anticipated credit losses for these types of investments. If the performance of a credit deteriorated security is more favorable than forecasted, the Company will generally accrete more credit discount into interest income than initially or previously expected. These

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

adjustments are made prospectively beginning in the period subsequent to the determination that a favorable change in performance is projected. Conversely, if the performance of a credit deteriorated security is less favorable than forecasted, an other-than-temporary impairment may be taken, and the amount of discount accreted into income will generally be less than previously expected.

The effective yield on these securities is based on the projected cash flows from each security, which is estimated based on the Company’s observation of the then current information and events and will include assumptions related to interest rates, prepayment rates and the timing and amount of credit losses. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company reviews and, if appropriate, makes adjustments to its cash flow projections based on input and analysis received from external sources, internal models, and its judgment about interest rates, prepayment rates, the timing and amount of credit losses (if applicable), and other factors. Changes in cash flows from those originally projected, or from those estimated at the last evaluation, may result in a prospective change in the yield/interest income recognized on such securities. Actual maturities of the securities are affected by the contractual lives of the associated mortgage collateral, periodic payments of scheduled principal, and repayments of principal. Therefore, actual maturities of the securities will generally be shorter than stated contractual maturities.

For loans that we have not elected to record at fair value under FASB ASC 825 and are classified as held for investment, origination fees and direct loan origination costs are also recognized in interest income over the loan term as a yield adjustment using the effective interest method. For loans classified as held for sale and that we have not elected to record at fair value under FASB ASC 825, origination fees and direct loan origination costs are deferred reducing the basis of the loan and are realized as a portion of the gain/(loss) on sale of loans when sold.

Securitization Results

We recognize gains on sale of loans upon sale to a securitization trust net of any costs related to that sale.

Stock Based Compensation Plan

The Company accounts for its equity-based compensation awards using the fair value method, which requires an estimate of fair value of the award at the time of grant, and generally are time based awards. For time- based awards the Company recognizes compensation expense over the substantive vesting period, on a straight-line basis.

Registration

These financial statements are prepared in conformity with the requirements applicable to a “Non-Accelerated Filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company’s previously issued financial statements were not prepared in compliance with public company reporting requirements. Significant differences from the previously issued statements include segment reporting, as reflected in Note 14, Partners’ capital is now segregated for each of the classes of units in the Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

consistent with the presentation in the Capital Statements, and business combination reporting, as reflected in Note 5.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-02, Receivables (Topic 3 10): A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring is a Troubled Debt Restructuring , (“ASU 2011-02”) clarifies whether loan modifications constitute troubled debt restructurings. In evaluating whether a restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring, a creditor must separately conclude that both of the following exist: (a) the restructuring constitutes a concession; and (b) the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. ASU 2011-02 is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011, and should be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the annual period of adoption. The adoption of ASU 2011-02 did not have an effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-03, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements , (“ASU 2011-03”), which changes the assessment of whether repurchase agreement transactions should be accounted for as sales or secured financings. In a typical repurchase agreement transaction, an entity transfers financial assets to the counterparty in exchange for cash with an agreement for the counterparty to return the same or equivalent financial assets for a fixed price in the future. Prior to this update, one of the factors in determining whether sale treatment could be used was whether the transferor maintained effective control of the transferred assets and in order to do so, the transferor must have the ability to repurchase such assets. This ASU changes the assessment of effective control by focusing on a transferor’s contractual rights and obligations with respect to transferred financial assets, rather than whether the transferor has the practical ability to perform in accordance with those rights or obligations. ASU 2011-03 was effective for the Company for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The Company records repurchase agreements as secured borrowings and not sales, and accordingly, the adoption of this update on January 1, 2012 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS (“ASU 2011-04”). ASU 2011-04 clarifies the application of existing fair value measurement requirements, changes certain principles related to measuring fair value and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. Specifically, the guidance specifies that the concepts of highest and best use and valuation premise in a fair value measurement are only relevant when measuring the fair value of nonfinancial assets whereas they are not relevant when measuring the fair value of financial assets and liabilities. Required disclosures are expanded under the new guidance, especially for fair value measurements that are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, for which quantitative information about the unobservable inputs used, and a narrative description of the valuation processes in place and sensitivity of recurring Level 3 measurements to changes in unobservable inputs will be required. Entities will also be required to disclose the categorization by level of the fair value hierarchy for items that are not measured at fair value in the balance sheet but for which the fair

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

value is required to be disclosed. ASU 2011-04 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and is to be applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”). The amendments in this ASU require an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. In December 2011, the FASB deferred portions of this update in its issuance of ASU No. 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in ASU 2011-05 (“ASU 2011-12”). The amendment requires that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-12 defers only those changes in ASU 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted, but full retrospective application is required. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 and ASU 2011-12 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statement presentation.

In November 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-10, Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360): Derecognition of in Substance Real Estate—a Scope Clarification (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) (“ASU 2011-10”). ASU 2011-10 requires a parent company that ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary that is in substance real estate because the subsidiary has defaulted on its nonrecourse debt to use the FASB’s Real Estate guidance to determine whether to derecognize the in substance real estate entities. ASU 2011-10 is effective for reporting periods beginning on or after June 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011 -10 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In December 2011, the FASB released ASU 2011 -11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2011 -11”). ASU 2011 -11 requires companies to provide new disclosures about offsetting and related arrangements for financial instruments and derivatives. The provisions of ASU 2011 -11 are effective for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and are required to be applied retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2011 -11 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures.

In February 2013, the FASB released ASU 2013-01, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2013-01”) . ASU 2013-01 limits the scope of the new balance sheet offsetting disclosure requirements to derivatives (including bifurcated embedded derivatives), repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending transactions. Our adoption of this standard effective January 1, 2013 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

In February 2013, the FASB released ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”) . ASU 2013-02 enhances the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). ASU 2013-02 sets requirements for presentation for significant items reclassified to net income in their entirety during the period and for items not reclassified to net income in their entirety during the period. It requires companies to present information about reclassifications out of AOCI in one place. It also requires companies to present reclassifications by component when reporting changes in AOCI balances. Our adoption of this standard effective January 1, 2013 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures.

3.    REAL ESTATE SECURITIES

The following is a summary of the Company’s securities at December 31, 2012 and 2011. CMBS, CMBS interest-only, 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. GNMA interest-only and FHLMC interest-only securities are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in current period earnings.

December 31, 2012

 

                Gross
Unrealized
                Weighted Average  

Asset Type

  Outstanding
Face
Amount
    Amortized
Cost Basis
    Gains     Losses     Carrying
Value
    # of
Securities
    Rating (1)     Coupon %     Yield %     Remaining
Maturity
(years)
 
    ($ in thousands)                                

CMBS

  $ 781,271      $ 783,454      $ 23,763      $ (444   $ 806,773        93        AAA        5.38     4.77     1.43   

CMBS interest-only

    234,463        25,219        1,924               27,143        3        AAA        2.11     2.70     3.28   

GNMA interest-only

    2,039,528        121,825        2,974        (3,802     120,997        31        AAA        1.34     8.79     2.99   

FHLMC interest-only

    222,515        9,518        481               9,999        2        AAA        0.89     5.31     2.56   

GN construction securities

    43,023        44,435        7,459        (6     51,843        10        AAA        5.03     3.57     6.54   

GN permanent securities

    105,566        109,008        214        (415     108,807        18        AAA        5.22     3.63     2.68   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

Total

  $ 3,426,366      $ 1,093,459      $ 36,815      $ (4,667   $ 1,125,562             
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

December 31, 2011

 

                Gross
Unrealized
                Weighted Average  

Asset Type

  Outstanding
Face
Amount
    Amortized
Cost Basis
    Gains     Losses     Carrying
Value
    # of
Securities
    Rating (1)     Coupon %     Yield %     Remaining
Maturity
(years)
 
    ($ in thousands)                                

CMBS

  $ 1,619,706      $ 1,627,326      $ 18,176      $ (754   $ 1,644,748        136        AAA        5.24     4.65     1.45   

CMBS interest-only

    275,293        19,202        122        (71     19,253        4        AAA        1.57     6.94     5.17   

GNMA interest-only

    1,453,721        92,328        5,425        (71     97,682        21        AAA        1.40     10.45     8.48   

FHLMC interest-only

    119,418        1,772               (19     1,753        1        AAA        0.32     4.78     5.84   

FNMA

    4,773        4,425               (129     4,296        1        AAA        7.21     8.02     9.52   

GN construction securities

    24,801        25,586        6,109               31,695        6        AAA        5.29     4.74     6.92   

GN permanent securities

    140,211        146,602        337        (1,296     145,643        15        AAA        5.64     4.23     3.50   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

Total

  $ 3,637,923      $ 1,917,241      $ 30,169      $ (2,340   $ 1,945,070             
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

 

(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 credit rating agencies, the lowest 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.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, there were realized gains of $1,260,855 on sales of GNMA interest-only securities included in sale of securities, net on the Company’s consolidated statements of income. There were no sales of GNMA interest-only securities in the two years ended December 31, 2012, and there were no sales of CMBS interest-only or FHLMC interest-only securities in the three years ended December 31, 2012.

The following is a breakdown of the fair value of the Company’s securities by remaining maturity based upon expected cash flows at December 31, 2012 and 2011 ($ in thousands):

December 31, 2012

 

Asset Type

   Within
1 year
     1-5 years      5-10 years      After 10
years
     Total  

CMBS

   $ 324,559       $ 473,049       $ 9,165       $       $ 806,773   

CMBS interest-only

             27,143                         27,143   

GNMA interest-only

     1,186         119,811                         120,997   

FHLMC interest-only

             9,999                         9,999   

GN construction securities

             5,775         46,068                 51,843   

GN permanent securities

     15,489         92,239         1,079                 108,807   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 341,234       $ 728,016       $ 56,312       $       $ 1,125,562   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

December 31, 2011

 

Asset Type

   Within
1 year
     1-5 years      5-10 years      After 10
years
     Total  

CMBS

   $ 941,075       $ 659,662       $ 44,011       $       $ 1,644,748   

CMBS interest-only

     832                 18,421                 19,253   

GNMA interest-only

                     1,753                 1,753   

FHLMC interest-only

                     93,601         4,081         97,682   

FNMA

                     4,296                 4,296   

GN construction securities

             12,307         19,388                 31,695   

GN permanent securities

     20,934         84,196         33,686         6,827         145,643   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 962,841       $ 756,165       $ 215,156       $ 10,908       $ 1,945,070   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

4.     MORTGAGE LOAN RECEIVABLES

For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company originated/purchased $2,378,086,325 first mortgage and mezzanine loan receivables on commercial real estate properties and $15.7 million Federal Housing Authority (“FHA”) commercial mortgage loans and received $280,567,835 of principal repayments on outstanding loans. The Company participated in six securitization transactions by selling originated first mortgage loans totaling $1.599 billion and sold five loans totaling $150.7 million to the partnership described in Note 6.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company originated $1,448,590,615 first mortgage and mezzanine loan receivables on commercial real estate properties and received $64,249,342 of principal repayments on outstanding loans. The Company participated in three securitization transactions by selling originated first mortgage loans totaling $1.014 billion, sold loans totaling $139.9 million to the Partnership described in Note 6, and an additional $229 million as a whole loan sale.

December 31, 2012

 

     Outstanding
Face Amount
     Amortized Cost
Basis
     Weighted
Average
Yield
    Remaining
Maturity
(years)
 

Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost

   $ 331,719,768       $ 326,318,550         11.28     2.27   

Mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     623,644,114         623,332,620         4.81     8.84   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

Total

   $ 955,363,882       $ 949,651,170        
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

December 31, 2011

 

     Outstanding
Face Amount
     Amortized Cost
Basis
     Weighted
Average
Yield
    Remaining
Maturity
(years)
 

Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost

   $ 259,088,116       $ 255,196,384         9.94     1.73   

Mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     258,841,725         258,841,725         5.56     9.50   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

Total

   $ 517,929,841       $ 514,038,109        
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

The following table summarizes the mortgage loan receivables by loan type:

December 31, 2012

 

     Outstanding
Face Amount
     Amortized Cost
Basis
 

Mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     

First mortgage loan

   $ 623,644,114       $ 623,332,620   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     623,644,114         623,332,620   

Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost

     

First mortgage loan

     233,610,367         231,826,359   

Mezzanine loan

     94,346,656         92,629,446   

Loan participation

     3,762,745         3,762,745   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost

     331,719,768         328,218,550   

Reserve for loan losses

     —           1,900,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 955,363,882       $ 949,651,170   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

 

     Outstanding
Face Amount
     Amortized Cost
Basis
 

Mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     

First mortgage loan

   $ 258,841,725       $ 258,841,725   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     258,841,725         258,841,725   

Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost

     

First mortgage loan

     233,040,964         230,829,024   

Mezzanine loan

     20,147,152         19,986,067   

Loan participation

     5,900,000         5,832,460   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost

     259,088,116         256,647,551   

Reserve for loan losses

             1,451,167   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 517,929,841       $ 514,038,109   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As described in Note 2, the Company evaluates each of its loans for impairment at least quarterly. Its loans are typically collateralized by real estate. 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

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

managing and operating the properties. In addition the Company considers the overall economic environment, real estate sector, and geographic sub-market in which the borrower operates. 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 exit plan, and capitalization and discount rates, (ii) site inspections, and (iii) current credit spreads and other market data.

Reserve for Loan Losses

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  

Reserve for loan losses at beginning of year

   $ 1,451,167       $ 1,451,167       $ 566,172   

Reserve for loan losses

     448,833                 884,995   

Charge-offs

                       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Reserve for loan losses at end of year

   $ 1,900,000       $ 1,451,167       $ 1,451,167   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

5.     REAL ESTATE

During 2012, the Company purchased 40 retail properties subject to long-term net lease obligations of $309,651,275. During 2011, the Company purchased one retail property subject to a long-term net lease obligation of $3,870,000. In 2012, 13 of these properties were sold for $75,646,207, resulting in a gain on sale of $1,275,235. There were no property sales in 2011. Additionally, the Company acquired, through a majority owned joint venture with an operating partner, 427 residential condominium units for $119,000,000, some of which were subject to residential leases. Real estate consists of the following:

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
     2012     2011  

Land

     54,234,563        7,361,598   

Building(1)

     296,432,261        17,282,224   

In-place leases and other intangibles(1)

     33,415,296        5,158,028   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Real estate

   $ 384,082,120      $ 29,801,850   

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (4,060,448     (967,137
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Real estate, net

   $ 380,021,672      $ 28,834,713   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) The in-place and above/below market lease assets presented above were previously included within the Building line item in the above tables. As such amounts are separately identifiable intangible assets associated with the acquired real estate assets, management has corrected the above disclosure to separately disclose such amounts. There was no impact to real estate, net as previously disclosed or reported.

At December 31, 2012 gross intangible assets totaled $33,415,296 with total accumulated amortization of $996,999, resulting in net intangible assets of $32,418,297. At December 31, 2011 gross intangible assets totaled $5,158,028 with total accumulated amortization of $314,255, resulting in net intangible assets of $4,843,773. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded amortization expense of $690,086 and $226,103, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

The following table presents expected amortization during the next five years and thereafter related to the acquired in-place lease intangibles, for property owned as of December 31, 2012:

 

Year ended December 31,

   Amount  

2013

   $ 1,657,686   

2014

     1,657,686   

2015

     1,657,686   

2016

     1,657,686   

2017

     1,657,686   

Thereafter

     24,129,867   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 32,418,297   
  

 

 

 

The following unaudited pro forma financial information has been prepared to provide information with regard to real estate acquisitions.

The accompanying unaudited pro forma information for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 combine our historical operations with the purchase of each of the real estate described above, as if those transactions had occurred on January 1, 2011.

The unaudited pro forma information has been prepared based upon our historical consolidated financial statements and certain historical financial information of the acquired properties and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. 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.

 

     For the year ended December 31, 2012  
     Company
Historical
     Acquisitions      Consolidated
Pro Forma
 

Operating lease income

   $ 8,331,338       $ 11,411,273       $ 19,742,611   

Net income

     169,454,280         12,812,695         182,266,975   
     For the year ended December 31, 2011  
     Company
Historical
     Acquisitions      Consolidated
Pro Forma
 

Operating lease income

   $ 2,290,291       $ 16,800,519       $ 19,090,810   

Net income

     71,731,679         8,728,471         80,460,150   

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) exclude transaction costs associated with the properties acquired.

Included in operating lease income is base rent, presented on a straight-line basis. The straight-line rent adjustment resulted in an increase to operating lease income of approximately $200,197 and $293,515 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

From the date of acquisition through December 31, 2012, the Company recorded $5,389,246 of operating lease income from the real estate acquisitions.

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

6.     INVESTMENT IN EQUITY METHOD INVESTEE

On April 15, 2011, the Company entered into a limited partnership agreement and acquired a 100% general partnership interest and a 10% limited partnership interest in Ladder Capital Realty Income Partnership I LP (the “Partnership”). The Partnership was formed to acquire first loan mortgages collateralized by commercial real estate property for purposes of income and/or capital appreciation. The Company accounts for its interest in the Partnership using the equity method of accounting as it exerts significant influence but the unrelated limited partners have substantive participating rights. During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company contributed $9.3 million and $9.5 million, respectively, of cash into the Partnership. Simultaneously with the execution of the Partnership agreement, the Company was engaged as the Manager and is entitled to a fee based upon the average net equity invested in the Partnership, which is subject to a fee reduction in the event organization expenses (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) exceed $500,000. During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded $744,182 and $356,329, respectively, in management fees, which is reflected in fee income in the consolidated statements of income. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company sold five loans to the Partnership for aggregate proceeds of $152.5 million, which exceeded its carrying value by $1.8 million and is included in sale of loans, net on the consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2012, the Partnership has total assets and liabilities of $234 million and $108 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company sold five loans to the Partnership for aggregate proceeds of $140.9 million, which exceeded its carrying value by $1.0 million and is included in sale of loans, net on the consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2011, the Partnership has total assets and liabilities of $144 million and $47 million, respectively. The Company is entitled to distributions based upon its proportionate interest of 10%, and is eligible for additional distributions up to 25% if certain return thresholds are met.

7.     REPURCHASE FACILITIES AND NONRECOURSE DEBT

Repurchase Facilities/Agreements

The Company has entered into multiple committed master repurchase agreements in order to finance its lending activities throughout the fiscal year. The Company has entered into four committed master repurchase agreements, as outlined in the table below, with multiple counterparties totaling $ 1.1 billion of credit capacity. Assets pledged as collateral under these facilities are limited to CMBS securities and whole mortgage loans collateralized by first liens on commercial properties. The Company’s repurchase facilities include covenants covering net worth requirements, minimum liquidity levels, and maximum leverage ratios. The Company believes it is in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.

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.

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

December 31, 2012

 

Committed Amount

    Outstanding
Amount
   

Interest
Rate(s)
at Dec. 31,
2012

  Maturity   Remaining
Extension
Options
  Eligible
Collateral
  Carrying
Amount of
Collateral
    Fair Value
of
Collateral
 
$ 300,000,000      $ 40,806,925      Between 2.459% and 2.958%   9/26/2013   N/A   First
mortgage
commercial
real estate
loans &
investment
grade
commercial
mortgage
backed
securities
  $ 54,603,105      $ 61,155,699   
$ 50,000,000      $ 28,995,000      2.708%   1/29/2013   N/A   First
mortgage
commercial
real estate
loans
  $ 37,800,000      $ 42,518,901   
$ 450,000,000      $ 133,165,026      Between 2.458% and 3.208%   5/24/2015   Two
additional
twelve month
periods at
Company’s
option
  First
mortgage
commercial
real estate
loans
  $ 225,934,255      $ 237,654,929   
$ 300,000,000      $ 23,400,000      2.710%   1/24/2014   N/A   First
mortgage
commercial
real estate
loans
  $ 36,000,000      $ 41,080,320   

December 31, 2011

 

Committed Amount

    Outstanding
Amount
   

Interest
Rate(s)
at Dec. 31,
2011

  Maturity   Extension
Options
  Eligible
Collateral
  Carrying
Amount of
Collateral
    Fair Value
of
Collateral
 
$ 300,000,000      $ 47,141,233     

Between 2.528%

and

3.028%

  9/26/2013   One
additional
twelve
month
period at
Company’s
option
  First
mortgage
commercial
real estate
loans &
investment
grade
commercial
mortgage
backed
securities
  $ 68,861,771      $ 72,764,682   
$ 50,000,000      $ 7,641,433      2.78%   1/29/2013   N/A   First
mortgage
commercial
real estate
loans
  $ 11,562,313      $ 12,171,216   
$ 300,000,000      $ 97,903,132     

Between 2.528%

and

3.153%

  7/2/2012   One
additional
twelve
month
period at
Company’s
option
  First
mortgage
commercial
real estate
loans
  $ 196,657,040      $ 204,173,500   
$ 300,000,000      $        1/24/2013   One
additional
twelve
month
period at
Company’s
option
  First
mortgage
commercial
real estate
loans
  $      $   

 

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

The Company has also entered into a term master repurchase agreement with a major US banking institution to finance CMBS securities. As of December 31, 2012, there are $278,020,851 in borrowings outstanding on the Company’s $600 million committed facility which mature in 2014. The borrowings under this agreement have a funding rate of 1.41% and are collateralized by real estate securities with a fair market value of $324,912,372 at December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2011, there were $826,134,084 in borrowings outstanding. The borrowings under this agreement had funding rates ranging from 1.45% to 1.48% and are collateralized by real estate securities with a fair market value of $927,391,222 at December 31, 2011.

The Company has also entered into multiple master repurchase agreements with several counterparties. As of December 31, 2012 there was $289,528,900 and at December 31, 2011 there was $618,257,276 outstanding under such facilities with several counterparties. The borrowings under these agreements have less than three month tenors and funding rates range from 0.70% to 1.71%, with typical advance rates between 60% and 95% of the collateral. These borrowings were collateralized by real estate securities with a fair market value of $349,585,161 at December 31, 2012 and $713,226,996 at December 31, 2011.

Nonrecourse Long-Term Financing (TALF)

Commencing in July 2009, the Company participated in the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility program (“TALF”). Under the TALF program, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (“FRBNY”) lent on a nonrecourse basis an amount equal to the market value of the asset backed securities (“ABS”) collateralizing the borrowing, less a haircut. Substitution of collateral during the terms of the loans was not allowed. TALF loans were not subject to mark-to-market or re-margining requirements. Any remittance of principal or interest on eligible collateral had to be used immediately to pay interest due on, or reduce the principal amount of, the TALF loan. Collateral haircuts were established by the FRBNY for each class of eligible collateral, based on the price volatility of each class of eligible collateral. The FRBNY assessed a nonrecourse loan fee (0.2% of financed amount) at the inception of each loan transaction. The Company borrowed a total of $1,137,958,984 under the program, at fixed interest rates ranging from 2.72% to 3.87%, with initial maturity dates ranging from July 2012 to March 2015. On March 31, 2010, FRBNY ceased making new loans under the TALF program. In 2011, the Company repaid the remaining borrowings under the TALF program in full and had no liability as of December 31, 2011.

Long Term Debt Financing

During 2012, the Company executed ten term debt agreements to finance real estate. During 2011, the Company executed one term debt agreement to finance real estate. These nonrecourse debt agreements are fixed rate financing at rates ranging from 4.85% to 6.75%, maturing in 2020, 2021 and 2022 and totaled $106,675,298 at December 31, 2012 and $18,564,040 at December 31, 2011.

FHLB Financing

On July 11, 2012, Tuebor became a member of the FHLB and subsequently drew its first secured funding advances from the FHLB. As of December 31, 2012, Tuebor had $262 million of borrowings outstanding (with an additional $738.0 million (unaudited) of committed term

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

financing available to us from the FHLB), with terms of 6 months to 5 years, interest rates of 0.39% to 0.93%, and advance rates of 87% to 95% of the collateral. Collateral for the borrowings was comprised of $333 million of CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities. 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.

Senior Unsecured Notes

On September 14, 2012, the Company issued $325 million in principal amount of 7.375% Senior Notes due on October 1, 2017 (the “Notes”) at par. The Notes will pay interest semi-annually in cash in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on September 19, 2012. The Notes are unsecured and 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 issued the Notes with Ladder Capital Finance Corporation, as co-issuers on a joint and several basis. Ladder Capital Finance Corporation is a 100% owned finance subsidiary of Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP with no assets or operations. None of Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP’s other subsidiaries currently guarantee the Notes.

The following schedule reflects the Company’s borrowings by maturity:

 

     2012  

2013

   $ 408,330,826   

2014

     349,420,851   

2015

     148,165,026   

2016

     65,000,000   

2017

     410,000,000   

Thereafter

     106,675,298   
  

 

 

 
   $ 1,487,592,001   
  

 

 

 

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.

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

Fair Value Summary Table

The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, that are both reported at fair value on a recurring basis (as indicated) or amortized cost/par, at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

December 31, 2012

 

                          Weighted Average  
      Outstanding
Face Amount
    Amortized
Cost Basis
    Fair
Value
    Fair Value Method   Yield
%
    Remaining
Maturity
(years)
 

Assets:

    ($ in thousands)         

CMBS(1)

  $ 781,271      $ 783,454      $ 806,773      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    4.77     1.43   

CMBS interest-only(1)

    234,463        25,219        27,143      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    2.70     3.28   

GNMA interest-only(1)

    2,039,528        121,825        120,997      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    8.79     2.99   

FHLMC interest-only(1)

    222,515        9,518        9,999      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    5.31     2.56   

GN construction securities(1)

    43,023        44,435        51,843      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    3.57     6.54   

GN permanent securities(1)

    105,566        109,008        108,807      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    3.63     2.68   

Mortgage loan receivable held for investment, at amortized cost

    331,720        326,319        331,720      Discounted Cash
Flow(3)
    11.28     2.27   

Mortgage loan receivable held for sale

    623,644        623,333        674,414      Discounted Cash
Flow(4)
    4.81     8.84   

FHLB Stock(6)

    13,100        13,100        13,100      (6)     3.50     N/A   

Liabilities:

           

Repurchase agreements—short term

    359,331        359,331        359,331      Discounted Cash
Flow(2)
    1.47     0.13   

Repurchase agreements—long term

    434,586        434,586        434,586      Discounted Cash
Flow(2)
    1.87     1.47   

Long term financing

    106,675        106,675        106,517      Discounted Cash
Flow(2)
    5.35     9.32   

Borrowings from the FHLB

    262,000        262,000        262,787      Discounted Cash
Flow(2)
    0.61     3.06   

Senior unsecured notes

    325,000        325,000        333,938      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    7.38     4.75   

Nonhedge derivatives(1)(5)

    904,350        N/A        (12,821   Counterparty
quotations
    N/A        4.32   

 

(1) Measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
(2) 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. For the nonrecourse term financing, the amortized cost approximates the fair value discounting the expected cash flows. If the collateral is determined to be impaired, the related financing would be revalued accordingly. There are no impairments on any security positions.
(3) Fair value for mortgage loan receivable, held for investment is estimated to approximate carrying amount for those assets with short interest rate reset risk (30 days).
(4) Fair value for mortgage loan receivable, held for sale is measured at fair value using a securitization model utilizing market data from recent securitization spreads and pricing.
(5) The outstanding face amount of the nonhedge derivatives represents the notional amount of the underlying contracts.
(6) Fair Value for FHLB stock approximates outstanding face amount as the Company is restricted from trading it and can only put the stock back to the FHLB at par.

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

December 31, 2011

 

                          Weighted
Average
 
      Outstanding
Face Amount
    Amortized
Cost Basis
    Fair Value     Fair Value Method   Yield
%
    Remaining
Maturity
(years)
 

Assets:

    ($ in thousands)         

CMBS(1)

  $ 1,619,706      $ 1,627,326      $ 1,644,748      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    4.65     1.45   

CMBS interest-only(1)

    275,293        19,202        19,253      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    6.94     5.17   

GNMA interest-only(1)

    1,453,721        92,328        97,682      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    10.45     8.48   

FHLMC interest-only(1)

    119,418        1,772        1,753      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    4.78     5.84   

FNMA(1)

    4,773        4,425        4,296      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    8.02     9.52   

GN construction securities(1)

    24,801        25,586        31,695      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    4.74     6.92   

GN permanent securities(1)

    140,211        146,602        145,643      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    4.23     3.50   

Mortgage loan receivable held for investment, net

    259,088        255,196        259,088      Discounted Cash
Flow(3)
    9.94     1.73   

Mortgage loan receivable held for sale

    258,842        258,842        272,386      Discounted Cash
Flow(4)
    5.56     9.50   

Liabilities:

           

Repurchase agreements—short term

    618,257        618,257        618,257      Discounted Cash
Flow(2)
    1.28     0.08   

Repurchase agreements—long term

    978,820        978,820        978,820      Discounted Cash
Flow(2)
    1.67     1.16   

Long term financing

    18,564        18,564        18,700      Discounted Cash
Flow(2)
    6.59     8.88   

Nonhedge derivatives(1)(5)

    760,850        N/A        (25,742   Counterparty
quotations
    N/A        2.38   

 

(1) Measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
(2) 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. For the nonrecourse term financing, the amortized cost approximates the fair value discounting the expected cash flows. If the collateral is determined to be impaired, the related financing would be revalued accordingly. There are no impairments on any security positions.
(3) Fair value for mortgage loan receivable, held for investment is estimated to approximate carrying amount for those assets with short interest rate reset risk (30 days).
(4) Fair value for mortgage loan receivable, held for sale is measured at fair value using a securitization model utilizing market data from recent securitization spreads and pricing.
(5) The outstanding face amount of the nonhedge derivatives represents the notional amount of the underlying contracts.

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

Derivative Instruments

The Company uses derivative instruments primarily to economically manage the fair value variability of fixed rate assets caused by interest rate fluctuations. The following is a breakdown of the derivatives outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:

December 31, 2012

 

            Fair Value  

Contract Type

   Notional      Positive(1)      Negative(1)      Net  

Caps

           

1MO LIB

   $ 128,750,000       $ 21       $       $ 21   

Futures

           

5-years US T-Note

     111,100,000         254,906         1,563         253,344   

10-years US T-Note

     319,500,000         3,650,938         243,609         3,407,328   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total futures

     430,600,000         3,905,844         245,172         3,660,672   

Swaps

           

3MO LIB

     174,500,000                 17,788,614         (17,788,614
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total swaps

     174,500,000                 17,788,614         (17,788,614
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Credit Derivatives

           

CMBX

     67,000,000         1,779,458                 1,779,458   

TRX

     68,500,000                 481,377         (481,377

S&P 500 Put Options

     4,000,000         3,770                 3,770   

Call Option CBOE SPX Vol Index

     31,000,000         5,426                 5,426   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total credit derivatives

     170,500,000         1,788,654         481,377         1,307,277   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivatives

   $ 904,350,000       $ 5,694,519       $ 18,515,163       $ (12,820,644
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

 

            Fair Value  

Contract Type

   Notional      Positive(1)      Negative(1)      Net  

Caps

           

1MO LIB

   $ 240,000,000       $ 1,819       $       $ 1,819   

Futures

           

5-years US T-Note

     20,600,000                 46,672         (46,672

10-years US T-Note

     176,000,000                 2,273,453         (2,273,453
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total futures

     196,600,000                 2,320,125         (2,320,125

Swaps

           

1MO LIB

     10,000,000                 100,438         (100,438

3MO LIB

     314,250,000                 23,322,963         (23,322,963
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total swaps

     324,250,000                 23,423,401         (23,423,401
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivatives

   $ 760,850,000       $ 1,819       $ 25,743,526       $ (25,741,707
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Included in derivative instruments, at fair value, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

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 consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

 

     For the years ended December 31,  

Contract Type

   2012     2011     2010  

Caps

   $ (1,798   $ (97,375   $ (523,939

Futures

     (16,987,085     (50,943,683     (3,101,616

Swaps

     (13,616,493     (30,333,068     (17,121,528

Credit Derivatives

     (5,045,613              
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (35,650,989   $ (81,374,126   $ (20,747,083
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company’s counterparties held $32.2 million, $36.8 million and $19.4 million of cash margin as collateral for derivatives as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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.

Valuation Hierarchy

In accordance with the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures under GAAP (FASB—Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820), the methodologies used for valuing such instruments have been categorized into three broad levels as follows:

Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.

Level 2—Valuations based principally on other observable market parameters, including

 

   

Quoted prices in active markets for similar instruments,

 

   

Quoted prices in less active or inactive markets for identical or similar instruments,

 

   

Other observable inputs (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates), and

 

   

Market corroborated inputs (derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data).

Level 3—Valuations based significantly on unobservable inputs.

 

   

Valuations based on third party indications (broker quotes, counterparty quotes or pricing services) which were, in turn, based significantly on unobservable inputs or were otherwise not supportable as Level 2 valuations.

 

   

Valuations based on internal models with significant unobservable inputs.

Pursuant to the authoritative guidance, these levels form a hierarchy. The Company follows this hierarchy for its financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The classifications are based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

It is the Company’s policy to determine when transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are deemed to have occurred at the end of the reporting period.

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, that are both reported at fair value on a recurring basis (as indicated) or amortized cost/par, at December 31, 2012 and 2011:

December 31, 2012

 

    Outstanding
Face
Amount
    Fair Value  
      Level
1
    Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    ($ in thousands)  

Assets:

         

CMBS*

  $ 781,271      $      $ 806,773      $      $ 806,773   

CMBS interest-only*

    234,463               27,143               27,143   

GNMA interest-only*

    2,039,528               120,997               120,997   

FHLMC interest-only*

    222,515               9,999               9,999   

GN construction securities*

    43,023               51,843               51,843   

GN permanent securities*

    105,566               108,807               108,807   

Mortgage loan receivable held for investment

    331,720                      331,720        331,720   

Mortgage loan receivable held for sale

    623,644                      674,414        674,414   

FHLB Stock

    13,100                      13,100        13,100   

Liabilities:

         

Repurchase agreements—short term

    359,331               359,331               359,331   

Repurchase agreements—long term

    434,586               434,586               434,586   

Long term financing

    106,675                      106,517        106,517   

Borrowings from the FHLB

    262,000                      262,787        262,787   

Senior unsecured notes

    325,000               333,938               333,938   

Nonhedge derivatives*

    904,350               (12,821            (12,821

December 31, 2011

 

    Outstanding
Face
Amount
    Fair Value  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    ($ in thousands)  

Assets:

         

CMBS*

  $ 1,619,706      $      $ 1,644,748      $      $ 1,644,748   

CMBS interest-only*

    275,293               19,253               19,253   

GNMA interest-only*

    1,453,721               97,682               97,682   

FHLMC interest-only*

    119,418               1,753               1,753   

FNMA*

    4,773               4,296               4,296   

GN construction securities*

    24,801               31,695               31,695   

GN permanent securities*

    140,211               145,643               145,643   

Mortgage loan receivable held for investment

    259,088                      259,088        259,088   

Mortgage loan receivable held for sale

    258,842                 272,386        272,386   

Liabilities:

         

Repurchase agreements—short term

    618,257               618,257               618,257   

Repurchase agreements—long term

    978,820               978,820               978,820   

Long term financing

    18,564                      18,700        18,700   

Nonhedge derivatives*

    760,850               (25,742            (25,742

 

* Measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The outstanding face amount of the nonhedge derivatives represents the notional amount of the underlying contracts.

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

9.     PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

On April 20, 2010, 910,491 Class A-2 Common units were issued to a new member of the management team, with a Threshold Amount, as defined in the Company’s Limited Liability Company Agreement (“LLC Agreement”), and a market value of $0.85 per unit. The Threshold Amount is the dollar amount equal to the amount that would, in the reasonable determination of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), be distributed with respect to one of the Company’s then issued and outstanding Original Class A-2 Common Units, as defined in the Company’s LLC Agreement, with a Threshold Amount of zero dollars ($0).

On June 4, 2012, 1,127,543 Class A-2 Common Units and 31,451.61 Series B Participating Preferred Units were granted to a new member of the management team. The grants issued are subject to a thirty-six (36) month vesting period, commencing on January 1, 2012. In addition, the new member purchased 24,193.55 Series B Participating Preferred Units as well as received an option to purchase an additional 24,193.55 Series B Participating Preferred Units within one year of grant date at a price of $124 per unit. The fair value of the units at grant date was $130 per unit, and the difference is recognized to deferred compensation expense over the vesting period.

Effective August 9, 2011, the Company converted from a limited liability company to a limited liability limited partnership.

Series B Participating Preferred Units Offering

In August 2011, the Company completed a private offering of its Series B Participating Preferred units. Certain members of the management team, the TowerBrook Funds, GI Partners, as well as other investors purchased 2,075,619 Series B Participating Preferred units of the Company (the “Series B Preferred” or the “Interests”) at a price of $124.00 per unit or $257,376,700. Additional distributions to both the Series A and B Preferred unit holders and Common unit holders will be made based on their relative percentage of outstanding units at the time, as defined in the Limited Liability Limited Partnership Agreement.

Cash Distributions to 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 the Company’s Board of Directors determines as follows:

First, to the holders of Series A and B Preferred pro rata based on the then Series A and B Participating Preferred Unreturned Capital Value (as defined in the LLC Agreement) of each such holder’s Interests; and

Second, to the holders of Series A and B Participating Preferred Units and Class A Common Units as follows: (A) to the holders of the Series A and B Participating Preferred Units (pro rata based on the number of then issued and outstanding Series A and B Participating Preferred Units), an amount equal to the product of (x) the Series A and B Participating Preferred Percentage as of the date of such distribution multiplied by (y) the amount to be distributed; and (B) to the holders of the Class A Common Units, (pro rata based on the then Aggregate Class A Common Units Outstanding), including any deemed owners of Class A-2 Common Units, an

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

amount equal to the product of (xx) the Class A Common Percentage as of the date of such distribution multiplied by (yy) the amount to be distributed, taking into account the relevant Threshold Amounts, as appropriate.

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 Company’s LLC agreement) for each partner as the product of (x) the 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 federal, state and local income tax rate applicable to an individual residing in New York, NY, taking into account for federal income tax purposes, the deductibility of state and local taxes.

Allocation of Income and Loss

Income and losses 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 Company’s assets.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Roll-forward

Accumulated other comprehensive income consists of unrealized gains on investments in real estate securities. The following is the rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income included in capital:

 

     Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
 

Beginning balance, January 1, 2010

   $ 14,139,376   

change(1)

     21,744,363   
  

 

 

 

Ending balance, December 31, 2010

     35,883,739   

change(1)

     (13,389,456
  

 

 

 

Ending balance, December 31, 2011

     22,494,283   

change(1)

     10,000,809   
  

 

 

 

Ending balance, December 31, 2012

   $ 32,495,092   

 

(1) Amount of change reflects increases (decreases) in unrealized gains/(losses) related to investments in real estate securities, net of reclassification adjustments.

10.     RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company entered into a loan referral agreement with Meridian Capital Group LLC (“Meridian”), which is an affiliate of the chairman of the Company’s board of managers and an investor in the Company. The agreement provides for the payment of referral fees for loans originated pursuant to a formula based on the Company’s net profit, as defined in the agreement, payable annually in arrears. While the arrangement gives rise to a potential conflict of interest, full disclosure is given and the borrower waives the conflict in writing. This agreement is cancelable by the Company based on the occurrence of certain events, or by Meridian for nonpayment of amounts due under the agreement. The Company incurred fees of

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

$1,683,594 during 2012 for loans originated in accordance with this agreement, of which $1,683,594 is accrued for and paid as of December 31, 2012. The Company incurred fees of $219,597 during 2011 for loans originated in accordance with this agreement, of which $219,597 is accrued for and payable as of December 31, 2011. The Company incurred fees of $437,548 during 2010 for loans originated in accordance with this agreement. These fees are reflected in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.

11.     COMPENSATION PLANS

The 2008 Incentive Equity Plan of the Company, was adopted by the Board on September 22, 2008 (the “2008 Plan”), and provides certain executives, other key employees and directors of the Company or any other Ladder Company (as defined in the 2008 Plan) with additional incentives.

As discussed in Note 9, on April 20, 2010, 910,491 Class A-2 Common Units were granted to an executive of the Company. The grants issued are subject to a forty-two (42) month vesting period, commencing on April 20, 2010. On June 4, 2012, 1,127,543 Class A-2 Common Units and 31,451.61 Series B Participating Preferred Units were granted to a new member of the management team. The grants issued are subject to a thirty-six (36) month vesting period, commencing on January 1, 2012. In addition, the new member purchased 24,193.55 Series B Participating Preferred Units as well as received an option to purchase an additional 24,193.55 Series B Participating Preferred Units within one year of grant date at a price of $124 per unit. The fair value of the units at grant date was $130 per unit, and the difference is recognized to deferred compensation expense over the vesting period.

The Company has estimated the fair value of such units granted utilizing a discounted cash flow model as of the last capital call date. Key input assumptions have been estimated based on certain assumptions with respect to management’s prior experience, current market conditions and projected conditions of the commercial real estate industry. All units issued under the 2008 Plan are amortized over the units’ vesting periods and charged against income. The Company recognized equity-based compensation expense of $2,407,773, $150,696 and $173,803 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

A summary of the grants is presented below:

 

    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2012     2011     2010  
    Number of
Units
    Weighted
Average Fair
Value
    Number of
Units
    Weighted
Average Fair
Value
    Number of
Units
    Weighted
Average Fair
Value
 

Grants—Class A-2 Common Units

    1,127,543      $ 1,360,106             $        910,491      $ 23,107   

Grants—Series B Participating Preferred Units

    31,452        4,088,710           

Amortization to compensation expense

           

Class A-2 Common Units

      (515,300       (150,696       (173,803

Series B Participating Preferred Units

      (1,892,473                  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total amortization to compensation expense

    $ (2,407,773     $ (150,696     $ (173,803
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

Deferred Compensation Plan

In February 2012, the employees contributed $2,156,283 to the Phantom Equity Investment Plan. In December 2012, the employees contributed $4,275,371 to the Phantom Equity Investment Plan. Under the Plan, there are annual mandatory contributions to the Plan based upon a minimum level of total compensation in addition to elective contributions. Mandatory contributions are subject to one-third vesting over a three year period following the applicable Plan year in which the related compensation was earned and are generally forfeited upon a participant’s resignation or termination for cause. Elective contributions are immediately vested upon contribution. The compensation expense relating to the deferred compensation plan is recognized at the contribution date. The employees receive phantom units of Series B Participating Preferred Units at the fair market value of the units.

12.     COMMITMENTS

Leases

The Company entered into an operating lease for its office space. The lease commenced on January 5, 2009 and expires on May 30, 2015. There is an option to renew the lease for an additional five years at an increased monthly rental. In 2011, the Company entered into 2 new leases for both its primary office space as well as for a secondary space. The lease on the primary office space commenced on October 2, 2011 and expires on January 31, 2022. The lease for the second location commenced on September 15, 2011 and expires on November 30, 2014. In 2012, the Company entered into one new lease for secondary office space. The lease commenced on May 1, 2012 and expires on May 1, 2015. The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments required under the above operating leases:

 

Year ended December 31,

   Amount  

2013

   $ 1,814,847   

2014

     1,814,045   

2015

     1,381,992   

2016

     1,125,069   

2017

     1,180,400   

Thereafter

     4,819,967   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 12,136,320   
  

 

 

 

GN Construction Loan Securities

The Company committed to purchase GNMA construction loan securities over a period of twelve to fifteen months. As of December 31, 2012, the Company’s commitment to purchase these securities at fixed prices ranging from 101.13 to 107.25 was $178,738,909, of which $42,030,253 was funded, with $136,708,656 remaining to be funded. As of December 31, 2011, the Company’s commitment to purchase these securities at fixed prices ranging from 101.13 to 106.63 totaled $144,359,451, of which $28,021,632 was funded, with $116,337,819 remaining to the funded. The fair value of those commitments at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $3.4 million and $4.1 million, respectively, which was determined by pricing services as adjusted for estimated liquidity discounts and is included in other liabilities on the balance sheet.

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

13.     RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The following summary of certain risk factors is not intended to be a comprehensive summary of all of the risks of the Company’s investments or all of risks inherent in investing in the Company.

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 two 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.

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.

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

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

to sell its investments, or only 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. Finally, the Company’s captive insurance company subsidiary is subject to state 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 analysis 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 review of 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 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 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; 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 agreements with certain lenders to finance its real estate investment transactions. These loan agreements contain,

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

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 loans. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company believes it was in compliance with all covenants.

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 changes 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 (“LCS”), which was initially licensed and capitalized to do business in July 2010. LCS is required to be compliant with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) requirements on an ongoing basis and is subject to multiple operating and reporting requirements that all broker-dealer entities are subject to. This governance is an increased level of compliance to operate within the broker-dealer requirements. In addition, Tuebor is subject to state regulation as a captive insurance company. If LCS or Tuebor fail to comply with regulatory requirements, they could be subject to loss of their licenses and registration and/or economic penalties.

14.     SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company has determined that it has three reportable segments based on how management reviews and manages its 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 includes all of the Company’s activities related to real estate securities, which include CMBS and U.S. Agency securities. The Real Estate segment includes selected net leased and other commercial real estate assets. Corporate/Other includes our investments in joint ventures, other asset management activities and operating expenses.

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

The Company evaluates performance based on the following financial measures for each segment:

 

    Loans     Securities     Real Estate     Corporate/
Other(1)
    Company
Total
 
   

($ in thousands)

 

2012

         

Interest income

  $ 56,835      $ 80,613      $      $ (1,250   $ 136,198   

Interest expense

    (9,212     (15,807     (3,595     (7,826     (36,440
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income (expense)

    47,623        64,806        (3,595     (9,076     99,758   

Provision for loan losses

    (449                          (449
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses

    47,174        64,806        (3,595     (9,076     99,309   

Operating lease income

                  8,331               8,331   

Sales of investments, net

    149,877        19,014        1,275        1,784        171,950   

Fee income

    6,886        251        823        828        8,788   

Net result from derivative transactions

    (25,236     (10,415                   (35,651

Earnings from investment in equity method investee

                         1,256        1,256   

Unrealized gain (loss) on agency IO securities, net

           (5,681                   (5,681
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income

    131,527        3,169        10,429        3,868        148,994   

Salaries and employee benefits

    (21,500                   (29,590     (51,090

Operating expenses

    (5,635     (107     (5,925     (9,866     (21,533

Depreciation

                  (3,093     (548     (3,641
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

    (27,135     (107     (9,018     (40,004     (76,264

Tax expense

                         (2,584     (2,584
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment profit (loss)

  $ 151,566      $ 67,868      $ (2,184   $ (47,796   $ 169,454   

Total assets

  $ 949,651      $ 1,125,562      $ 380,022      $ 173,795      $ 2,629,030   

2011

         

Interest income

  $ 34,926      $ 97,828      $      $ 543      $ 133,297   

Interest expense

    (10,374     (24,281     (1,176     (5     (35,836
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income (expense)

    24,552        73,547        (1,176     538        97,461   

Provision for loan losses

                                  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses

    24,552        73,547        (1,176     538        97,461   

Operating lease income

                  2,290               2,290   

Sales of investments, net

    66,301        20,081               (30     86,352   

Fee income

    2,742               1        401        3,144   

Net result from derivative transactions

    (50,802     (30,572                   (81,374

Earnings from investment in equity method investee

                         347        347   

Unrealized gain (loss) on agency IO securities, net

           1,591                      1,591   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income

    18,241        (8,900     2,291        718        12,350   

Salaries and employee benefits

    (5,470                   (20,979     (26,449

Operating expenses

    (1,193            (94     (7,790     (9,077

Depreciation

                  (704     (340     (1,044
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

    (6,663            (798     (29,109     (36,570

Tax expense

                         (1,510     (1,510
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment profit (loss)

  $ 36,130      $ 64,647      $ 317      $ (29,363   $ 71,731   

Total assets

  $ 514,038      $ 1,945,070      $ 28,835      $ 166,446      $ 2,654,389   

2010

         

Interest income

  $ 18,347      $ 110,571      $      $ 383      $ 129,301   

Interest expense

    (8,406     (40,333     (338     203        (48,874
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income (expense)

    9,941        70,238        (338     586        80,427   

Provision for loan losses

    (885                          (885
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses

    9,056        70,238        (338     586        79,542   

Operating lease income

                  1,012               1,012   

Sales of investments, net

    30,533        22,086        2,419               55,038   

Fee income

    1,248                      154        1,402   

Net result from derivative transactions

    (8,018     (12,729                   (20,747

Earnings from investment in equity method investee

                                  

Unrealized gain (loss) on agency IO securities, net

           2,547                      2,547   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income

    23,763        11,904        3,431        154        39,252   

Salaries and employee benefits

    (3,700                   (15,828     (19,528

Operating expenses

    (53     (5     (18     (7,137     (7,213

Depreciation

                  (263     (146     (409
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

    (3,753     (5     (281     (23,111     (27,150

Tax expense

                         (600     (600
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment profit (loss)

  $ 29,066      $ 82,137      $ 2,812      $ (22,971   $ 91,044   

Total assets

  $ 509,804      $ 1,925,510      $ 25,669      $ 126,805      $ 2,587,788   

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

 

(1) Corporate/Other represents all corporate level and unallocated items including any intercompany eliminations necessary to reconcile to consolidated Company totals. This caption also includes the Company’s joint venture investment and strategic investments that are not related to the other reportable segments above, including the Company’s investment in FHLB stock of $13.1 million as of December 31, 2012.

15.     EARNINGS PER UNIT

The Company accounts for earnings per unit in accordance with ASC 260 and related guidance, which requires two calculations of earnings per unit (EPU) to be disclosed: basic EPU and diluted EPU. Under ASC Subtopic 260-10-45, as of January 1, 2009 unvested awards of share-based payments with rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, such as our Participating Preferred Units and phantom units, are considered participating securities for purposes of calculating EPU for our common units. Under the two-class method, a portion of net income is allocated to these participating securities and therefore is excluded from the calculation of EPU allocated to common units, as shown in the table below.

The numerator for basic and diluted earnings per unit is net earnings attributable to common unitholders reduced by dividends paid and earnings attributable to participating securities. The denominator for basic earnings per unit is the weighted average number of common units outstanding during the period. The denominator for diluted earnings per unit is weighted average units outstanding adjusted for the effect of dilutive unvested grants awards for common units as described in Note 11. Compensation Plans.

The following is a reconciliation of the weighted average basic number of common units outstanding to the diluted number of common and common unit equivalent units outstanding and the calculation of earnings per unit using the two-class method:

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2012     2011     2010  
    (In thousands except unit amounts)  

Net income attributable to Preferred and Common Unit Holders

  $ 169,503      $ 71,716      $ 91,045   

Dividends Paid (1) :

     

Common units

    (15,235     (8,784     (8,589

Preferred units

    (60,926     (35,196     (34,358
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends paid to common and preferred unit holders

    (76,161     (43,980     (42,947

Undistributed earnings:

     

Common units

    18,668        5,547        9,620   

Preferred units

    74,674        22,189        38,478   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total undistributed earnings attributable to common and preferred unit holders

  $ 93,342      $ 27,736      $ 48,098   

Weighted average common units outstanding:

     

Weighted average common units outstanding (basic)

    21,552,694        18,130,310        14,611,127   

Weighted average common units outstanding (diluted)

    22,550,855        21,423,312        21,195,690   

Basic earnings per common unit:

     

Distributed

  $ 0.71      $ 0.48      $ 0.59   

Undistributed

    0.87        0.31        0.66   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 1.58      $ 0.79      $ 1.25   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common unit:

     

Distributed

  $ 0.68      $ 0.41      $ 0.41   

Undistributed

    0.83        0.26        0.45   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 1.51      $ 0.67      $ 0.86   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

 

 

(1) The Company pays quarterly dividends in arrears, so a portion of the dividends paid in each calendar year relate to the prior year’s earnings.

16.     SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through April 29, 2013 and determined disclosure of the following is necessary:

Master Repurchase Agreement

On April 10, 2013, the Company has amended its existing master repurchase agreement and facility with one of its lenders in order to finance its lending activities. The existing agreement was modified to provide, among other things, an increase in financing availability from $50 million to $250 million, an initial term of one year with up to two 1 year extensions and the ability to finance a broader range of loan assets that may include transitional loans and condominium loans.

New Credit Agreement

On January 24, 2013, the Company has entered into a $50 million credit agreement with one of its multiple committed financing counterparties in order to finance its securities and lending activities.

COMM 2013-LC6 Securitization

The Company participated in a securitization transaction by selling originated first mortgage loans totaling $522.2 million, of which, $440.2 million was included in Mortgage loan receivables held for sale as of December 31, 2012. The transaction settled on January 30, 2013.

LCCM 2013-GCP Securitization

The Company contributed one loan to a single asset securitization transaction by selling a first mortgage loan, originated in 2013, totaling $275.0 million. The transaction settled on March 21, 2013.

 

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Table of Contents

Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(unaudited)

 

     September 30,
2013
     December 31,
2012
 

Assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $  62,527,331       $  45,178,565   

Cash collateral held by broker

     36,188,694         63,990,568   

Mortgage loan receivables held for investment,
at amortized cost

     369,609,166         326,318,550   

Mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     93,031,322         623,332,620   

Real estate securities, available-for-sale:

     

Investment grade commercial mortgage backed securities

     877,467,235         806,773,207   

GN construction securities

     10,398,166         51,842,317   

GN permanent securities

     106,078,762         108,807,295   

Interest-only securities

     323,032,277         158,138,700   

Real estate, net

     510,146,878         380,021,672   

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures

     12,074,319         12,674,652   

FHLB stock

     36,400,000         13,100,000   

Derivative instruments

     1,642,073         5,694,519   

Due from brokers

     23,404,631         1,901,713   

Accrued interest receivable

     11,433,271         12,082,604   

Other assets

     32,733,573         19,172,873   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 2,506,167,698       $ 2,629,029,855   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities and Capital

     

Liabilities

     

Repurchase agreements

   $  6,151,000       $  793,916,703   

Long-term financing

     291,238,247         106,675,298   

Borrowings from the FHLB

     608,000,000         262,000,000   

Senior unsecured notes

     325,000,000         325,000,000   

Due to brokers

     18,153,020           

Derivative instruments

     19,473,262         18,515,163   

Accrued expenses

     46,390,267         19,273,388   

Other liabilities

     14,440,977         5,379,088   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,328,846,773         1,530,759,640   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

     

Capital

     

Partners’ capital

     

Series A preferred units

     820,956,465         781,100,600   

Series B preferred units

     289,133,997         272,215,202   

Common units

     57,866,450         44,372,247   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total partners’ capital

     1,167,956,912         1,097,688,049   

Noncontrolling interest

     9,364,013         582,166   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capital

     1,177,320,925         1,098,270,215   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and capital

   $ 2,506,167,698       $ 2,629,029,855   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP

Consolidated Statements of Income

(unaudited)

 

     For the three months
ended September 30,
    For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
     2013     2012     2013     2012  

Net interest income

        

Interest income

   $  29,633,069      $  34,082,375      $  91,062,175      $  105,260,943   

Interest expense

     12,554,368        9,005,953        35,703,283        25,045,686   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income

     17,078,701        25,076,422        55,358,892        80,215,257   

Provision for loan losses

     150,000        150,000        450,000        298,833   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     16,928,701        24,926,422        54,908,892        79,916,424   

Other income

        

Operating lease income

     11,209,647        1,773,167        26,599,973        4,063,189   

Sale of loans, net

     22,225,041        61,521,280        141,046,263        118,344,538   

Gain (loss) on securities

     (1,394,468     2,696,250        4,481,847        12,872,438   

Sale of real estate, net

     3,524,727               10,887,448        1,474,585   

Fee income

     1,721,994        1,051,478        5,324,872        7,403,832   

Net result from derivative transactions

     (6,313,247     (10,986,329     16,635,489        (33,692,679

Earnings from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

     1,362,527        286,575        2,351,878        1,087,514   

Unrealized gain (loss) on Agency interest-only securities, net

     3,188,919        (1,897,831     (1,849,924     (3,941,985
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income

     35,525,140        54,444,590        205,477,846        107,611,432   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and expenses

        

Salaries and employee benefits

     14,343,883        14,706,122        47,937,276        37,960,078   

Operating expenses

     5,870,491        2,481,205        11,336,738        7,498,591   

Real estate operating expenses

     4,417,850               11,309,438          

Fee expense

     561,420        861,274        5,754,432        2,941,593   

Depreciation and amortization

     5,409,797        653,363        11,608,986        1,617,615   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

     30,603,441        18,701,964        87,946,870        50,017,877   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before taxes

     21,850,400        60,669,048        172,439,868        137,509,979   

Income tax expense

     663,868        336,184        3,450,948        750,353   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     21,186,532        60,332,864        168,988,920        136,759,626   

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (1,024,751     (3,906     (697,721     (11,719
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to preferred and common unit holders

   $ 20,161,781      $ 60,328,958      $  168,291,199      $ 136,747,907   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per common unit:

        

Basic

   $  0.18      $  0.56      $  1.54      $  1.31   

Diluted

   $  0.17      $  0.53      $  1.49      $  1.25   

Weighted average common units outstanding:

        

Basic

     22,034,505        21,335,766        21,874,350        20,811,018   

Diluted

     22,550,855        22,550,855        22,550,855        21,925,357   

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

 

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Table of Contents

Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(unaudited)

 

     For the three months
ended September 30,
    For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
      
     2013     2012     2013     2012  

Net income

   $  21,186,532      $  60,332,864      $  168,988,920      $  136,759,626   

Other comprehensive income (loss)

        

Unrealized gains on securities

        

Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale

     4,395,335        1,384,260        (6,559,849     21,891,415   

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income

     1,394,468        (2,696,250     (4,481,847     (12,872,438
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

     5,789,803        (1,311,990     (11,041,696     9,018,977   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

     26,976,335        59,020,874        157,947,224        145,778,603   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (1,024,751     (3,906     (697,721     (11,719
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to preferred and common unit holders

   $ 25,951,584      $ 59,016,968      $ 157,249,503      $ 145,766,884   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Capital

(unaudited)

 

    Partners’ Capital Units     Partners’ Capital              
    Series A
Preferred
Units
    Series B
Preferred
Units
    Common
Units
    Series A
Preferred Units
    Series B
Preferred Units
    Common
Units
    Total Partners’
Capital
    Noncontrolling
Interest
    Total Capital  

Balance, December 31, 2011

    6,115,500        2,075,619        21,423,312      $ 707,847,217      $ 257,376,700      $ 23,713,486      $ 988,937,403      $ 125,000      $ 989,062,403   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contributions

           24,194             $      $ 3,000,000      $      $ 3,000,000      $ 521,875      $ 3,521,875   

Distributions

          

  
         $ (58,396,459   $ (2,529,456   $ (15,235,385   $ (76,161,300   $ (15,625   $ (76,176,925

Equity based compensation

           31,452        1,127,543      $      $ 1,892,473      $ 515,300      $ 2,407,773      $      $ 2,407,773   

Net income (loss)

                       $ 124,315,166      $ 11,780,432      $ 33,407,766      $ 169,503,364      $ (49,084   $ 169,454,280   

Other comprehensive income

                       $ 7,334,676      $ 695,053      $ 1,971,080      $ 10,000,809      $      $ 10,000,809   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2012

    6,115,500        2,131,265        22,550,855      $ 781,100,600      $ 272,215,202      $ 44,372,247      $ 1,097,688,049      $ 582,166      $ 1,098,270,215   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contributions

           14,516             $      $ 1,800,000      $      $ 1,800,000      $ 8,437,262      $ 10,237,262   

Distributions

                       $ (54,994,872   $ (17,846,876   $ (18,133,565   $ (90,975,313   $ (353,136   $ (91,328,449

Equity based compensation

           8,047             $      $ 1,854,646      $ 340,027      $ 2,194,673      $      $ 2,194,673   

Net income (loss)

                       $ 101,879,718      $ 33,424,089      $ 32,987,392      $ 168,291,199      $ 697,721      $ 168,988,920   

Other comprehensive income

                       $ (6,684,396   $ (2,192,976   $ (2,164,324   $ (11,041,696   $      $ (11,041,696
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, September 30, 2013

    6,115,500        2,153,828        22,550,855      $ 820,956,465      $ 289,133,997      $ 57,866,450      $ 1,167,956,912      $ 9,364,013      $ 1,177,320,925   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

 

     For the nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2013     2012  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $  168,988,920      $  136,759,626   

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

     11,608,986        1,617,615   

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments

     5,030,545        2,033,514   

Unrealized (gain) loss on Agency interest-only securities, net

     1,849,924        3,941,985   

Provision for loan losses

     450,000        298,833   

Cash collateral held by broker for derivatives

     (1,075,479     (11,524,366

Amortization of equity based compensation

     2,194,673        1,795,350   

Amortization of deferred financing costs included in interest expense

     3,293,359        2,016,018   

Accretion/amortization of discount, premium and other fees on loans and securities

     40,084,430        23,215,957   

Realized gain on sale of mortgage loan receivables

     (141,046,263     (118,344,538

Realized gain on sale of real estate securities

     (4,481,847     (12,872,438

Realized gain on sale of real estate

     (10,887,448     (1,474,585

Origination of mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     (1,572,035,040     (1,206,636,846

Repayment of mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     5,603,753        71,622,635   

Proceeds from sales of mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     2,246,099,121        1,414,067,008   

Accrued interest receivable

     649,333        648,677   

Earnings on investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

     (2,351,878     (1,087,514

Distributions of return on capital from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

     2,804,880        1,251,832   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Due to brokers

     18,153,020        (871,802

Due from brokers

     (21,502,918     (1,586,499

Other assets

     (25,373,397     (815,393

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     36,223,768        21,756,085   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     764,280,442        325,811,154   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows used in investing activities:

    

Acquisition of fixed assets

            (46,188

Purchases of real estate securities

     (707,021,887     (368,996,968

Repayment of real estate securities

     330,611,532        798,280,319   

Proceeds from sales of real estate securities

     133,874,777        219,420,475   

Purchase of FHLB stock

     (23,300,000     (5,000,000

Origination and purchases of mortgage loan receivables held for investment

     (233,727,109     (304,025,800

Repayment of mortgage loan receivables held for investment

     184,292,674        133,660,270   

Reduction (addition) of cash collateral held by broker

     28,877,353        (644,828

Real estate deposits

     11,357,534          

Capital contributions to investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

     (4,676,914     (5,348,566

Distributions of return of capital from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

     4,824,245        4,870,614   

Purchases of real estate

     (158,102,978     (247,105,362

Proceeds from sale of real estate

     27,666,715        70,883,494   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     (405,324,058 )       295,947,460   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Deferred financing costs

     (3,696,880     (10,670,032

Repayment of repurchase agreement

     3,374,644,489        (10,773,819,637

Proceeds from repurchase agreement

     (4,162,410,192     9,931,005,403   

Repayment of borrowings under credit agreements

     30,000,000          

Proceeds from borrowings under credit agreements

     (30,000,000       

Proceeds from long-term financing

     185,037,630        23,506,844   

Repayment of long-term financing

     (71,478     (27,121

Proceeds from FHLB borrowings

     3,729,500,000        100,000,000   

Repayments of FHLB borrowings

     (3,383,500,000       

Proceeds from debt issued

            325,000,000   

Purchase of derivative instruments

     (20,000       

Partners’ capital contributions

     1,800,000        3,000,000   

Partners’ capital distributions

     (90,975,313     (52,290,745

Capital contributed by a noncontrolling interest

     8,437,262          

Capital distributed to a noncontrolling interest

     (353,136     (11,719
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (341,607,618 )       (454,307,007 )  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash

     17,348,766        167,451,607   

Cash at beginning of period

     45,178,565        84,351,112   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash at end of period

   $ 62,527,331      $ 251,802,719   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental information:

    

Cash paid for interest

   $ 33,670,316      $ 21,693,764   

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 3,274,256      $ 750,353   

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:

    

Transfer from mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost to mortgage loan receivable held for sale

   $ 8,460,174      $   

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

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.    ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS

On February 25, 2008, Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLC (the “LLC”) was organized as a Delaware limited liability company. Effective August 9, 2011, the LLC converted from a limited liability company to a limited liability limited partnership and the members of the LLC were admitted as partners in a newly formed company, Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP (the LLC and Ladder Capital Finance Holding LLLP are collectively referred to as the “Company”). The Company serves as the holding company for its wholly-owned or controlled subsidiaries that collectively operate as a leading commercial real estate finance company. The Company’s existence is perpetual unless dissolved and terminated in accordance with the provisions of the corresponding operating agreements.

The Company completed a private offering of its Series A Participating Preferred units (the “Offering”) and a private offering of its Series B Participating Preferred units (the “Series B Offering”) and, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is using the proceeds of the Offering and the Series B Offering to originate and invest in a diverse portfolio of real estate-related assets. The Company conducts its business through three major business lines: commercial mortgage lending, investments in securities secured by first mortgage loans, and investments in select net leased and other commercial real estate assets.

2.    SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Accounting and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. 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 consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the year ended December 31, 2012, which are included in the Company’s registration statement on Form S-4, as amended, as certain disclosures that would substantially duplicate those contained in the audited 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 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.

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 consolidated balance sheets. In addition, the presentation of net income attributes earnings to preferred and common unit holders (controlling interest) and noncontrolling interests.

Certain prior period amounts have been revised to reflect amounts associated with the noncontrolling interests of the preferred shareholders of the Company’s consolidated real estate

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

investment trust (“REIT”) subsidiary, which was liquidated effective September 30, 2013. Specifically, the prior period amounts have been revised to separately reflect the allocation of $3,906 and $11,719 of income and related distributions to noncontrolling interests in the consolidated statements of income and of cash flows for three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. These balances and amounts have previously been classified in the balances and amounts attributable to partners’ capital (common units). Management believes the impact of the revisions to the 2012 financial statements is inconsequential.

In addition, the prior period amounts in the table in Note 5 have been revised to separately reflect in-place leases and other intangibles in real estate, net. This balance had previously been disclosed as building.

As of September 30, 2013, the Company’s significant accounting policies, which are detailed in the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, included in the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended, have not changed materially.

Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements

During the preparation of the financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, the Company identified and corrected an error in the manner in which it accounted for the unrealized gains/losses related to its investment in Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) interest-only and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp (“FHLMC”) interest-only securities (collectively, “Agency interest-only securities”). The error impacted the financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. Specifically, the Company historically incorrectly accounted for its investments in Agency interest-only securities as available-for-sale securities, rather than as financial instruments containing an embedded derivative for which the change in fair value is recorded in earnings. The effect of the correction is the reclassification of unrealized gains and losses on Agency interest-only securities from other comprehensive income to a component of net income, and accordingly impacts the consolidated statements of income, cash flows, comprehensive income, changes in capital, and segment reporting included in Note 15. In accordance with accounting guidance found in ASC 250-10 (SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 99, Materiality), the Company has concluded that the non-cash error in accounting for its Agency interest-only securities is not material to the financial statements for any prior period when taken as a whole, both on a quantitative and qualitative basis.

During the preparation of the financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, the Company identified and corrected an error in the manner in which it accounted for the sale of loans into a securitization that had been originated to a consolidated affiliate (“Intercompany Loans”). Specifically, the Company historically incorrectly accounted for the sale of Intercompany Loans as a transfer of financial assets under ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets, rather than as origination of debt. The Company has revised the previously reported financial statements for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 (as indicated in the tables below). The effect of the correction is the reclassification from sale of loans, net to a component of long-term financing, with the premium on long-term financing amortized over the life of the loan as a reduction of interest expense, and accordingly impacts the consolidated balance sheets, statements of income, cash flows,

 

F-58


Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

comprehensive income, changes in capital, and segment reporting included in Note 15. Net income was decreased by $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 with a corresponding increase to long-term financing. Additionally, revisions to the three month period ended March 31, 2013 and the three and six month period ended June 30, 2013 will be made when they are next filed in the Company’s quarterly financial statements on Form 10-Q for the quarters ending March 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, respectively. Net income was decreased by $2.0 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 and $0.3 million and $2.4 million for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, with a corresponding increase to long-term financing. The error also impacted the three months ended March 31, 2012 and the six months ended June 30, 2012 by incorrectly overstating net income by $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively, and understating long-term financing by a corresponding amount. In accordance with accounting guidance found in ASC 250-10 (SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 99, Materiality), the Company has concluded that the error in accounting for its Intercompany Loans is not material to the financial statements for any prior quarter or annual period when taken as a whole, both on a quantitative and qualitative basis.

The effects of the revisions are summarized in the following tables:

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

     December 31, 2012  
     As Originally
Reported
     Adjustments     As Revised  

Long-term financing

   $ 103,755,644       $ 2,919,654      $ 106,675,298   

Total liabilities

     1,527,839,986         2,919,654        1,530,759,640   

Series A preferred units

     782,832,687         (1,732,087     781,100,600   

Series B preferred units

     272,818,838         (603,636     272,215,202   

Common units

     44,956,178         (583,931     44,372,247   

Total partners’ capital

     1,100,607,703         (2,919,654     1,097,688,049   

Total capital

     1,101,189,869         (2,919,654     1,098,270,215   

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30, 2012
    Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2012
 
     As Originally
Reported
     Adjustments     As Revised     As Originally
Reported
     Adjustments     As Revised  

Interest expense

   $ 9,012,599         (6,646   $ 9,005,953      $ 25,059,614         (13,928   $ 25,045,686   

Net interest income

     25,069,776         6,646        25,076,422        80,201,329         13,928        80,215,257   

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     24,919,776         6,646        24,926,422        79,902,496         13,928        79,916,424   

Sale of loans, net

     61,677,399         (156,119     61,521,280        118,760,382         (415,844     118,344,538   

Unrealized gain (loss) on agency IO securities, net

             (1,897,831     (1,897,831             (3,941,985     (3,941,985

Total other income

     56,498,540         (2,053,950     54,444,590        111,969,261         (4,357,829     107,611,432   

Income before taxes

     62,716,352         (2,047,304     60,669,048        141,853,880         (4,343,901     137,509,979   

Net Income

     62,380,168         (2,047,304     60,332,864        141,103,527         (4,343,901     136,759,626   

 

F-59


Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30, 2012
    Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2012
 
     As Originally
Reported
    Adjustments     As Revised     As Originally
Reported
     Adjustments     As Revised  

Net Income

   $ 62,380,168      $ (2,047,304   $ 60,332,864      $ 141,103,527       $ (4,343,901   $ 136,759,626   

Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale

     (513,571     1,897,831        1,384,260        17,949,430         3,941,985        21,891,415   

Total Other Comprehensive Income (loss)

     (3,209,821     1,897,831        (1,311,990     5,076,992         3,941,985        9,018,977   

Comprehensive Income

     59,170,347        (149,473     59,020,874        146,180,519         (401,916     145,778,603   

Statements of Changes in Capital

 

    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012  
    Series A
Preferred
Units
    Series B
Preferred
Units
    Common
Units
    Total
Partners’
Capital
    Total Capital  

Net Income—As originally reported

  $ 105,018,149      $ 8,954,364      $ 27,131,013      $ 141,103,527      $ 141,103,527   

Net Income—Adjustments

    (3,233,005     (275,662     (835,234     (4,343,901     (4,343,901

Net Income—As Revised

  $ 101,785,144      $ 8,678,702      $ 26,295,779      $ 136,759,626      $ 136,759,626   

Other Comprehensive Income—As originally reported

  $ 3,778,618      $ 322,184      $ 976,191      $ 5,076,992      $ 5,076,992   

Other Comprehensive Income—Adjustments

    2,933,874        250,156        757,954        3,941,985        3,941,985   

Other Comprehensive Income—As Revised

  $ 6,712,492      $ 572,340      $ 1,734,145      $ 9,018,977      $ 9,018,977   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012  
     As Originally
Reported
    Adjustments     As Revised  

Net Income

   $ 141,103,527      $ (4,343,901   $ 136,759,626   

Amortization of deferred financing costs included in interest expense

     2,029,946        (13,928     2,016,018   

Unrealized gain (loss) on agency IO securities, net

            3,941,985        3,941,985   

Origination of mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     (1,229,727,846     23,091,000        (1,206,636,846

Proceeds from sales of mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     1,437,573,852        (23,506,844     1,414,067,008   

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     326,226,998        (415,844     325,811,154   

Proceeds from long-term financing

     23,091,000        415,844        23,506,844   

Net cash used in financing activities

     (454,722,851     415,844        (454,307,007

Additionally, the Company corrected its previous presentation of certain cash accounts held by brokers. Specifically, the prior period amounts have been revised to reflect $1,382,902 of unrestricted cash held by brokers as cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012.

 

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(Unaudited)

 

The impact of this change also impacts the interim periods during the year ended December 31, 2012 and the three month period ended March 31, 2013. The revisions to the three month period ended March 31, 2013 will be made when they are next filed in the Company’s quarterly financial statements on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2014. Cash collateral held by brokers will be revised to reflect $410,535 for the three month period ended March 31, 2013, with a corresponding increase to cash and cash equivalents. The change in such balance of $972,367 was previously reflected as an investing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the three month period ending March 31, 2013. The revision also impacted the nine months ended September 30, 2012 by $355,839 with cash collateral held by brokers being revised with a corresponding increase to cash and cash equivalents. The change in such balance of $644,828 was previously reflected as an investing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

In accordance with accounting guidance found in ASC 250-10 (SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 99, Materiality), the Company has concluded that the above errors both individually and in the aggregate are not material to the financial statements for any prior quarter or annual period when taken as a whole, both on a quantitative and qualitative basis. However, management has elected to revise previously issued financial statements to properly reflect the impact of the above errors the next time such financial statements are filed.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the 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. In particular, the estimates used in the pricing process for real estate securities, is inherently subjective and imprecise. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash accounts at several financial institutions, which are insured up to a maximum of $250,000 per account as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and at various times during the periods, balances exceeded the insured limits. In addition, the Company maintains a cash account at the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”).

Restricted Cash

As of September 30, 2013, included in other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are $11,357,534 of security deposits received on real estate, which are considered restricted cash.

Transfer of Financial Assets

For a transfer of financial assets to be considered a sale, the transfer must meet the sale criteria of ASC 860 under which the Company must surrender control over the transferred

 

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(Unaudited)

 

assets which must qualify as recognized financial assets at the time of transfer. The assets must be isolated from the Company, even in bankruptcy or other receivership; the purchaser must have the right to pledge or sell the assets transferred and the Company may not have an option or obligation to reacquire the assets. If the sale criteria are not met, the transfer is considered to be a secured borrowing, the assets remain on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and the sale proceeds are recognized as a liability.

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

The Company accounts for its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures under the equity method of accounting. The Company applies the equity method by initially recording these investments at cost, as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, subsequently adjusted for equity in earnings and cash contributions and distributions.

On a periodic basis, management assesses whether there are any indicators that the value of the Company’s investments in unconsolidated joint ventures may be impaired. An investment is impaired only if management’s estimate of the value of the investment is less than the carrying value of the investment, and such decline in value is deemed to be other than temporary. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss shall be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the investment over the value of the investment. The Company’s estimates of value for each investment (particularly in commercial real estate joint ventures) are based on a number of assumptions that are subject to economic and market uncertainties including, among others, demand for space, competition for tenants, changes in market rental rates, and operating costs. As these factors are difficult to predict and are subject to future events that may alter management’s assumptions, the values estimated by management in its impairment analyses may not be realized, and actual losses or impairment may be realized in the future. See Note 6: Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.

Real Estate Securities

The Company designates its real estate securities investments on the date of acquisition of the investment. Real estate securities that the Company does not hold for the purpose of selling in the near-term, but may dispose of prior to maturity, are designated as available-for-sale and are carried at estimated fair value with the net unrealized gains or losses recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) in partners’ capital. 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 consolidated statements of income in accordance with ASC 815. The Company’s recognition of interest income from its Agency interest-only securities, including effective interest from amortization of premiums, follows the Company’s Revenue Recognition policy as disclosed within this footnote for recognizing interest income on its securities. The interest income recognized from the Company’s Agency interest-only securities is recorded in interest income on the consolidated statements of income. The Company uses the specific identification method when determining the cost of securities sold and the amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings. The Company accounts for the changes in the fair value of the unfunded portion of its GNMA Construction securities, which are included in GN construction securities

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

on the consolidated balance sheet, as available for sale securities. Unrealized losses on securities that, in the judgment of management, are other than temporary are charged against earnings as a loss in the consolidated statements of income. The Company estimates the fair value of its commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) primarily based on pricing services and broker quotes for the same or similar securities in which it has invested. Different judgments and assumptions could result in materially different estimates of fair value.

When the estimated fair value of an available-for-sale security is less than amortized cost, the Company will consider whether there is an other-than-temporary impairment in the value of the security. An impairment will be considered other-than-temporary based on consideration of several factors, including (i) if the Company intends to sell the security, (ii) if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovering its cost, or (iii) the Company does not expect to recover the security’s cost basis (i.e., a credit loss). A credit loss will have occurred if the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the debt security is less than the amortized cost basis. If the Company intends to sell an impaired debt security or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current period credit loss, the impairment is other-than-temporary and will be recognized currently in earnings equal to the entire difference between fair value and amortized cost. If a credit loss exists, but the Company does not intend to, nor is it more likely than not that it will be required to sell before recovery, the impairment is other-than-temporary and will be separated into (i) the estimated amount relating to the credit loss, and (ii) the amount relating to all other factors. Only the estimated credit loss amount is recognized currently in earnings, with the remainder of the loss recognized in other comprehensive income. Estimating cash flows and determining whether there is other-than-temporary impairment require management to exercise judgment and make significant assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions regarding estimated prepayments, loss assumptions, and assumptions regarding changes in interest rates. As a result, actual impairment losses, and the timing of income recognized on these securities, could differ from reported amounts. No other-than-temporary impairment charges have been provided for in the financial statements at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

The Company considers information from selected third party pricing services in determining the fair value of its securities. The Company develops an understanding of the valuation methodologies used by such pricing services through discussions with their representatives and review of their valuation methodologies used for different types of securities.

The Company understands that the pricing services develop estimates of fair value for CMBS and other commercial real estate securities guaranteed by a U.S. governmental agency or by a government sponsored entity (together, “U.S. Agency Securities”) using various techniques, including discussion with their internal trading desks, proprietary models and matrix pricing approaches. The Company does not have access to, and is therefore not able to review in detail, the inputs used by the pricing services in developing their estimates of fair value. However, on at least a monthly basis as part of our closing process, the Company evaluates the fair value information provided by the pricing services by comparing this information for reasonableness against its direct observations of market activity for similar securities and anecdotal information obtained from market participants that, in its assessment, is relevant to the determination of fair value. This process may result in the Company

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

“challenging” the estimate of fair value for a security if it is unable to reconcile the estimate provided by the pricing service with its assessment of fair value for the security. Accordingly, in following this approach, the Company’s objective is to ensure that the information used by pricing services in their determination of fair value of securities is reasonable and appropriate.

The Company requests prices for each of its CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities investments from three different sources. Typically, two prices per security are obtained. The Company may also develop a price for a security based on its direct observations of market activity and other observations if there is either significant variation in the values obtained from the pricing services or if the Company challenges the prices provided. The Company then utilizes the simple average of the available prices to determine the value used for financial reporting. The Company may occasionally utilize broker quotes as a price validation; however, since broker quotes are non-binding, the Company does not consider them to be a primary source for valuation.

Since inception, the Company has not encountered significant variation in the values obtained from the various pricing sources. In the extremely limited occasions where the prices received were challenged, the challenge resulted in the prices provided by the pricing services being updated to reflect current market updates or cash flow assumptions. The lack of significant variation and challenges are directly related to the high liquidity and transparency of the securities that constitute the portfolio.

Revenue Recognition

Interest income is accrued based on the outstanding principal amount and contractual terms of the Company’s loans and securities. Discounts or premiums associated with the purchase of loans and investment securities are amortized or accreted into interest income as a yield adjustment on the effective interest method, based on expected cash flows through the expected recovery period of the investment. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company reviews and, if appropriate, makes adjustments to its cash flow projections. The Company has historically collected, and expects to continue to collect, all contractual amounts due on its originated loans and CMBS. As a result, the Company does not adjust the projected cash flows to reflect anticipated credit losses for these types of investments. If the performance of a credit deteriorated security is more favorable than forecasted, the Company will generally accrete more credit discount into interest income than initially or previously expected. These adjustments are made prospectively beginning in the period subsequent to the determination that a favorable change in performance is projected. Conversely, if the performance of a credit deteriorated security is less favorable than forecasted, an other-than-temporary impairment may be taken, and the amount of discount accreted into income will generally be less than previously expected.

The effective yield on these securities is based on the projected cash flows from each security, which is estimated based on the Company’s observation of the then current information and events and will include assumptions related to interest rates, prepayment rates and the timing and amount of credit losses. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company reviews and, if appropriate, makes adjustments to its cash flow projections based on input and analysis received from external sources, internal models, and its judgment about interest rates, prepayment rates, the timing and amount of credit losses (if applicable), and other factors.

 

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(Unaudited)

 

Changes in cash flows from those originally projected, or from those estimated at the last evaluation, may result in a prospective change in the yield/interest income recognized on such securities. Actual maturities of the securities are affected by the contractual lives of the associated mortgage collateral, periodic payments of scheduled principal, and repayments of principal. Therefore, actual maturities of the securities will generally be shorter than stated contractual maturities.

For loans that the Company has not elected to record at fair value under FASB ASC 825 and are classified as available-for-sale, origination fees and direct loan origination costs are also recognized in interest income over the loan term as a yield adjustment using the effective interest method. For loans classified as held for sale and that the Company has not elected to record at fair value under FASB ASC 825, origination fees and direct loan origination costs are deferred reducing the basis of the loan and are realized as a portion of the gain/(loss) on sale of loans when sold. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company did not hold any loans for which the fair value option was elected.

The Company utilizes expected cash flows, prepayment speed and default assumptions in calculating expected yield on securities portfolio. The effective yield is updated on a prospective basis based upon changes in those assumptions.

For our CMBS rated below AA, which represents approximately 9.0% of the Company’s CMBS portfolio as of September 30, 2013, cash flows from a security are estimated by applying assumptions used to determine the fair value of such security and the excess of the future cash flows over the investment are recognized as interest income under the effective yield method. The Company will review and, if appropriate, make adjustments to, its cash flow projections at least quarterly and monitor these projections based on input and analysis received from external sources and its judgment about interest rates, prepayment rates, the timing and amount of credit losses and other factors. Changes in cash flows from those originally projected, or from those estimated at the last evaluation, may result in a prospective change in interest income recognized and amortization of any premium or discount on, or the carrying value of, such securities.

Fee Expense

Fee expense is comprised primarily of closing fees paid related to purchases of real estate and management fees incurred. In addition, the Company entered into a loan referral agreement with Meridian Capital Group LLC, as disclosed in Note 12. The agreement provides for the payment of referral fees for loans originated pursuant to a formula based on the Company’s net profit on such referred loan, as defined in the agreement, payable annually in arrears. While the arrangement gives rise to a potential conflict of interest, full disclosure is given and the borrower waives the conflict in writing.

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, the Financing Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2011-11”). ASU 2011-11 requires companies to provide new disclosures about offsetting and related arrangements for financial instruments

 

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(Unaudited)

 

and derivatives. The provisions of ASU 2011-11 are effective for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and are required to be applied retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2011-11 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations, but did impact financial statement disclosures.

In February 2013, the FASB released ASU 2013-01, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2013-01”). ASU 2013-01 limits the scope of the new balance sheet offsetting disclosure requirements to derivatives (including bifurcated embedded derivatives), repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending transactions. The adoption of this standard effective January 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations, but did impact financial statement disclosures.

In February 2013, the FASB released ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”) . ASU 2013-02 enhances the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). ASU 2013-02 sets requirements for presentation for significant items reclassified to net income in their entirety during the period and for items not reclassified to net income in their entirety during the period. It requires companies to present information about reclassifications out of AOCI in one place. It also requires companies to present reclassifications by component when reporting changes in AOCI balances. The adoption of this standard effective January 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations, but did impact financial statement disclosures.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date (ASU 2013-04”). ASU 2013-04 addresses the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of certain obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date, including debt arrangements, other contractual obligations, and settled litigation and judicial rulings. U.S. GAAP does not currently include specific guidance on accounting for such obligations with joint and several liability which has resulted in diversity in practice. The ASU requires an entity to measure these obligations as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The ASU also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information about those obligations. The ASU is to be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented for those obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements within the updates scope that exist within the Company’s statement of financial position at the beginning of the year of adoption. This guidance will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2014. The Company anticipates that the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements or footnote disclosures.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. The objective of this update is to eliminate the diversity in practice in the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. Under this guidance, an

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except in certain circumstances. This update does not require any new recurring disclosures and is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013. This guidance will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2014. The Company anticipates that the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements or footnote disclosures.

3.    MORTGAGE LOAN RECEIVABLES

September 30, 2013

 

     Outstanding
Face Amount
     Carrying
Value
     Weighted
Average
Yield
    Remaining
Maturity
(years)
 

Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost

   $ 378,389,179       $ 369,609,166         10.58     1.95   

Mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     93,031,322         93,031,322         5.46     9.11   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

Total

   $ 471,420,501       $ 462,640,488        
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

December 31, 2012

 

     Outstanding
Face Amount
     Carrying
Value
     Weighted
Average
Yield
    Remaining
Maturity
(years)
 

Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost

   $ 331,719,768       $ 326,318,550         11.28     2.27   

Mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     623,644,114         623,332,620         4.81     8.84   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

Total

   $ 955,363,882       $ 949,651,170        
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The following table summarizes the mortgage loan receivables by loan type:

 

     As of September 30, 2013      As of December 31, 2012  
     Outstanding
Face Amount
     Carrying
Value
     Outstanding
Face Amount
     Carrying
Value
 

Mortgage loan receivables held for sale

        

First mortgage loan

   $ 93,031,322       $ 93,031,322       $ 623,644,114       $ 623,332,620   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     93,031,322         93,031,322         623,644,114         623,332,620   

Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost

        

First mortgage loan

     273,196,690         267,872,407         237,373,112         235,589,104   

Mezzanine loan

     105,192,489         104,086,759         94,346,656         92,629,446   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost

     378,389,179         371,959,166         331,719,768         328,218,550   

Reserve for loan losses

             2,350,000                 1,900,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 471,420,501       $ 462,640,488       $ 955,363,882       $ 949,651,170   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company originated/purchased $475,728,286 first mortgage and mezzanine loan receivables on commercial real estate properties and received $20,607,244 of principal repayments on outstanding loans. The Company participated in two securitization transactions by selling originated first mortgage loans totaling $1,028,384,689.

For the three months ended September 30, 2012, the Company originated/purchased $406,286,945 first mortgage and mezzanine loan receivables on commercial real estate properties and received $30,401,263 of principal repayments on outstanding loans. The Company participated in two securitization transactions by selling originated first mortgage loans totaling $643,764,456.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company originated/purchased $1,805,762,149 first mortgage and mezzanine loan receivables on commercial real estate properties and received $189,896,427 of principal repayments on outstanding loans. The Company participated in five securitization transactions by selling originated first mortgage loans totaling $2,182,034,456, sold two loans totaling $92,750,000 to a third party, and sold one loan totaling $17,200,000 to the partnership described in Note 6.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company originated/purchased $1,510,662,646 first mortgage and mezzanine loan receivables on commercial real estate properties and $15,548,893 FHA loans and received $205,282,905 of principal repayments on outstanding loans. The Company participated in four securitization transactions by selling originated first mortgage loans totaling $1,206,560,223 and sold three loans totaling $114,358,421 to the partnership described in Note 6.

 

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(Unaudited)

 

The transfers of financial assets via sales of loans have been treated as sales by us under ASC 860 with the exception of one asset with a book value of $998,209 in which the Company retains effective control that would preclude sales accounting. The transfer is considered to be a secured borrowing in which the asset remains on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets in mortgage loan receivables held for investment at amortized cost and the sale proceeds are recognized in other liabilities.

For the three months ended September 30, 2013, the activity in our loan portfolio was as follows:

 

     Mortgage loan
receivables held
for investment, at
amortized cost
    Mortgage loan
receivables held
for sale
 

Balance June 30, 2013

   $ 333,953,973      $ 577,340,067   

Origination of mortgage loan receivables

     54,705,500        421,022,786   

Repayment of mortgage loan receivables held

     (19,771,358     (835,886

Proceeds from sales of mortgage loan receivables

            (926,720,686

Realized gain on sale of mortgage loan receivables

            22,225,041   

Transfer between held for investment and held for sale

              

Accretion/amortization of discount, premium and other fees

     871,051          

Loan loss provision

     (150,000       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance September 30, 2013

   $ 369,609,166      $ 93,031,322   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the activity in our loan portfolio was as follows:

 

     Mortgage loan
receivables held
for investment, at
amortized cost
    Mortgage loan
receivables held
for sale
 

Balance December 31, 2012

   $ 326,318,550      $ 623,332,620   

Origination of mortgage loan receivables

     233,727,109        1,572,035,040   

Repayment of mortgage loan receivables

     (184,292,674     (5,603,753

Proceeds from sales of mortgage loan receivables

            (2,246,099,121

Realized gain on sale of mortgage loan receivables

     139,901        140,906,362   

Transfer between held for investment and held for sale

     (8,460,174     8,460,174   

Accretion/amortization of discount, premium and other fees

     2,626,454          

Loan loss provision

     (450,000       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance September 30, 2013

   $ 369,609,166      $ 93,031,322   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company evaluates each of its loans for potential losses at least quarterly. Its loans are typically collateralized by real estate. 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

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

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; 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, and therefore the Company has recorded a reserve, based on a targeted percentage level which it seeks to maintain over the life of the portfolio, for loan losses totaling $150,000 and $450,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively and $150,000 and $298,833 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.

Reserve for Loan Losses

 

     For the three months
ended September 30,
     For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
     2013      2012      2013      2012  

Reserve for loan losses at beginning of period

   $ 2,200,000       $ 1,600,000       $ 1,900,000       $ 1,451,167   

Reserve for loan losses

     150,000         150,000         450,000         298,833   

Charge-offs

                               
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Reserve for loan losses at end of period

   $ 2,350,000       $ 1,750,000       $ 2,350,000       $ 1,750,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

4.     REAL ESTATE SECURITIES

CMBS, CMBS interest-only, 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. Agency interest-only securities are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in current period earnings. The following is a summary of the Company’s securities at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. ($ in thousands):

September 30, 2013

 

                  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

  $ 867,594      $ 858,627      $ 19,722      $ (882   $ 877,467        85        AAA        4.59     4.41     4.41   

CMBS interest-only

    4,397,253        205,247        3,144        (1,067     207,324        15        AAA        0.94     4.91     3.88   

GNMA interest-only

    1,905,271        109,502        1,817        (4,363     106,956        35        AAA        1.12     7.91     3.00   

FHLMC interest-only

    220,421        8,358        395               8,753        2        AAA        0.95     5.31     2.17   

GN construction securities

    10,559        10,747        438        (787     10,398        3        AAA        4.31     3.82     6.94   

GN permanent securities

    102,708        105,194        1,186        (302     106,078        12        AAA        5.59     4.67     3.50   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

Total

  $ 7,503,806      $ 1,297,675      $ 26,702      $ (7,401   $ 1,316,976             
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

December 31, 2012

 

                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

  $ 781,271      $ 783,454      $ 23,763      $ (444   $ 806,773        93        AAA        5.38     4.77     1.43   

CMBS interest-only

    234,463        25,219        1,924               27,143        3        AAA        2.11     2.70     3.28   

GNMA interest-only

    2,039,528        121,825        2,974        (3,802     120,997        31        AAA        1.34     8.79     2.99   

FHLMC interest-only

    222,515        9,518        481               9,999        2        AAA        0.89     5.31     2.56   

GN construction securities

    43,023        44,390        7,459        (6     51,843        10        AAA        5.03     3.57     6.54   

GN permanent securities

    105,566        109,008        214        (415     108,807        18        AAA        5.22     3.63     2.68   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

Total

  $ 3,426,366      $ 1,093,414      $ 36,815      $ (4,667   $ 1,125,562             
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

 

(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.

There were no realized gains (losses) on sales of Agency interest-only securities included in gain (loss) on securities on the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The following is a breakdown of the fair value of the Company’s securities by remaining maturity based upon expected cash flows at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 ($ in thousands):

September 30, 2013

 

Asset Type

   Within 1 year      1-5 years      5-10 years      After 10 years      Total  

CMBS

   $ 177,212       $ 319,699       $ 380,556       $       $ 877,467   

CMBS interest-only

             183,412         23,912                 207,324   

GNMA interest-only

     489         103,349         3,118                 106,956   

FHLMC interest-only

             8,753                         8,753   

GN construction securities

             714         9,684                 10,398   

GN permanent securities

     21,360         56,797         27,921                 106,078   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 199,061       $ 672,724       $ 445,191       $       $ 1,316,976   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2012

 

Asset Type

   Within 1 year      1-5 years      5-10
years
     After 10 years      Total  

CMBS

   $ 324,559       $ 473,049       $ 9,165       $       $ 806,773   

CMBS interest-only

             27,143                         27,143   

GNMA interest-only

     1,186         119,811                         120,997   

FHLMC interest-only

             9,999                         9,999   

GN construction securities

             5,775         46,068                 51,843   

GN permanent securities

     15,489         92,239         1,079                 108,807   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 341,234       $ 728,016       $ 56,312       $       $ 1,125,562   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

5.    REAL ESTATE, NET

During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company purchased one retail property subject to long-term net lease obligations for a total of $4,990,741, through a consolidated, majority-owned joint venture, one 13-story office building in Southfield, MI for $18,000,000, and through a consolidated, majority-owned joint venture with an operating partner, a portfolio of office buildings in Richmond, VA for $135,000,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company purchased 29 retail properties subject to long-term net lease obligations for a total of $246,998,807. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, there were no sales of these properties. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, 12 of these properties were sold for $71,217,114, resulting in a gain on sale of $1,474,585.

On December 20, 2012, the Company acquired, through a consolidated, majority-owned joint venture with an operating partner, 427 unsold residential condominium units in a 670 unit condominium project for $119,000,000, many of which are subject to residential leases which are no longer than two years. The Company consolidates the condominium’s homeowners’ association given its control of that legal entity. The entity’s balances consisting largely of cash and other reserves of $2,460,189 are included in other assets and other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, 28 of these condominium units were sold for $9,580,390, resulting in a gain on sale of $3,524,727.

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, 71 of these condominium units were sold for $27,666,715, resulting in a gain on sale of $10,887,448. In addition, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded $1,092,864 and $3,830,551, respectively, of rental income from the condominium units subject to residential leases.

The following table presents additional detail related to our real estate portfolio:

 

     September 30, 2013     December 31, 2012  

Land

   $ 73,628,649      $ 54,234,563   

Building

     390,271,789        296,432,261   

In-place leases and other intangibles

     61,364,377        33,415,296   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Real estate

     525,264,815        384,082,120   

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (15,117,937     (4,060,448
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Real estate, net

   $ 510,146,878      $ 380,021,672   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company’s intangible assets are comprised of in-place leases, favorable/unfavorable leases compared to market leases and other intangibles. At September 30, 2013, gross intangible assets totaled $61,364,377 with total accumulated amortization of $4,762,191, resulting in net intangible assets of $56,602,186. At December 31, 2012, gross intangible assets totaled $33,415,296 with total accumulated amortization of $996,999, resulting in net intangible assets of $32,418,297. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded amortization expense of $555,854 and $1,729,714, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded amortization expense of $125,987 and $308,979, respectively. As of September 30, 2013, the Company has recorded an offset against rental revenues of $3,303,195 for favorable/unfavorable leases.

The following table presents expected amortization during the next five years and thereafter related to the acquired in-place lease intangibles, for property owned as of September 30, 2013:

 

Period ended December 31,

   Amount  

2013 (last 3 months)

   $ 1,309,241   

2014

     2,618,484   

2015

     2,618,484   

2016

     2,618,484   

2017

     2,618,484   

Thereafter

     44,819,009   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 56,602,186   
  

 

 

 

The following is a schedule of contractual future minimum rent under leases at September 30, 2013:

 

Period ended December 31,

   Amount  

2013 (last 3 months)

   $ 9,914,396   

2014

     42,546,604   

2015

     39,764,406   

2016

     34,069,130   

2017

     29,963,455   

Thereafter

     301,940,497   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 458,198,488   
  

 

 

 

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The following unaudited pro forma information has been prepared based upon our historical 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 consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. 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.

 

    For the three months ended
September 30, 2013
    For the nine months ended
September 30, 2013
 
    Company
Historical
    Acquisitions     Consolidated
Pro Forma
    Company
Historical
    Acquisitions     Consolidated
Pro Forma
 
           

Operating lease income

  $ 11,209,647      $      $ 11,209,647      $ 26,599,973      $ 7,352,933      $ 33,952,906   

Net income

    21,186,532               21,186,532        168,988,920        1,916,702        170,905,622   

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

    (1,024,751            (1,024,751     (697,721     (306,200     (1,003,921

Net income attributable to preferred and common unit holders

    20,161,781               20,161,781        168,291,199        1,610,501        169,901,700   

Earnings per common units:

           

Basic

  $ 0.18      $      $ 0.18      $ 1.54      $ 0.07      $ 1.61   

Diluted

  $ 0.17      $      $ 0.17      $ 1.49      $ 0.07      $ 1.56   

 

    For the three months ended
September 30, 2012
    For the nine months ended
September 30, 2012
 
    Company
Historical
    Acquisitions     Consolidated
Pro Forma
    Company
Historical
    Acquisitions     Consolidated
Pro Forma
 

Operating lease income

  $ 1,773,167      $ 5,271,135      $ 7,044,302      $ 4,063,189      $ 16,146,487      $ 20,209,676   

Net income

    60,332,864        1,144,061        61,476,925        136,759,626        4,023,894        140,783,520   

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

    (3,906     (240,291     (244,197     (11,719     (771,768     (783,487

Net income attributable to preferred and common unit holders

    60,328,958        903,770        61,232,728        136,747,907        3,252,126        140,000,033   

Earnings per common units:

           

Basic

  $ 0.56      $ 0.04      $ 0.60      $ 1.31      $ 0.16      $ 1.47   

Diluted

  $ 0.53      $ 0.04      $ 0.57      $ 1.25      $ 0.15      $ 1.40   

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

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) exclude transaction costs associated with the properties acquired.

From the date of acquisition through September 30, 2013, the Company recorded $8,679,230 of operating lease income from the real estate acquisitions.

6.    INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES

As of September 30, 2013, the Company had an aggregate investment of $12,074,319 in its equity method joint ventures with unaffiliated third parties. The Company formed the first of these ventures to invest in first mortgage loans held for investment and acquired an equity interest in the second in connection with the refinancing of a first mortgage loan on an office building. As of September 30, 2013, the Company owned a 10% limited partnership interest in Ladder Capital Realty Income Partnership I LP (the “Partnership”) and acted as general partner, and owned a 25% membership interest in Grace Lake JV, LLC (the “LLC”).

The Company accounts for its interest in the Partnership using the equity method of accounting as it exerts significant influence but the unrelated limited partners have substantive participating rights. The Company accounts for its interest in the LLC using the equity method of accounting as it has a 25% investment, compared to the 75% investment of its operating partner, and therefore does not exert significant influence.

The following is a summary of the financial position of the unconsolidated joint ventures in which the Company had investment interests as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 

     September 30, 2013      December 31, 2012  

Total assets

   $ 233,702,424       $ 234,316,162   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     129,121,914         107,534,277   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Partners’/members’ capital

   $ 104,580,510       $ 126,781,885   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following is a summary of the Company’s investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, which we have elected to value at cost, as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 

Entity

   September 30, 2013      December 31, 2012  

Ladder Capital Realty Income Partnership I LP

   $ 9,931,421       $ 12,674,652   

Grace Lake JV, LLC

     2,142,898           
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Company’s investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

   $ 12,074,319       $ 12,674,652   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of the results from operations of the unconsolidated joint ventures for the period in which the Company had investment interests during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

     Three months ended
September 30,
     Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2013      2012      2013      2012  

Total revenues

   $ 8,152,610       $ 4,472,085       $ 28,139,381       $ 12,272,989   

Total expenses

     2,511,312         1,603,339       $ 8,242,115         4,258,155   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 5,641,298       $ 2,868,746       $ 19,897,266       $ 8,014,834   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following is a summary of the Company’s allocated earnings based on its ownership interests from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

    Three months ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 

Entity

  2013     2012     2013     2012  

Ladder Capital Realty Income Partnership I LP

  $ 1,102,527      $ 286,575      $ 1,941,878      $ 1,087,514   

Grace Lake JV, LLC

    260,000               410,000          
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

  $ 1,362,527      $ 286,575      $ 2,351,878      $ 1,087,514   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 the Partnership. Simultaneously with the execution of the Partnership agreement, the Company was engaged as the Manager of the Partnership and is entitled to a fee based upon the average net equity invested in the Partnership, which is subject to a fee reduction in the event average net equity invested in the Partnership exceeds $100,000,000. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded $150,836 and $619,697, respectively, in management fees, which is reflected in fee income in the consolidated statements of income. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded $186,675 and $531,269, respectively, in management fees.

During the three months ended September 30, 2013, there were no sales of loans to the Partnership. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company sold one loan to the Partnership for aggregate proceeds of $17,200,000, which exceeded its carrying value by $139,901, and is included in sale of loans, net on the consolidated statements of operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company sold three loans to the Partnership for aggregate proceeds of $114,358,421, which exceeded its carrying value by $1,292,250 and is included in sale of loans, net on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company has deferred 10% of the gain on sale of loans to the Partnership, representing its 10% limited partnership interest, until such loans are subsequently sold by the Partnership.

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The Company is entitled to income allocations and distributions based upon its limited partnership interest of 10% and is eligible for additional distributions of up to 25% if certain return thresholds are met upon asset sale full prepayment or other disposition. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the return thresholds have been met on certain assets that have been fully realized.

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 interest in the LLC, 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 does not participate in losses from its investment.

7.    FINANCING

Committed Loan and Securities Repurchase Facilities

The Company has entered into multiple committed master repurchase agreements in order to finance its lending activities throughout the fiscal year. The Company has entered into four committed master repurchase agreements, as outlined in the table below, with multiple counterparties totaling $1,300,000,000 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. The Company’s repurchase facilities include covenants covering net worth requirements, minimum liquidity levels, and maximum leverage ratios. The Company believes it is in compliance with all covenants as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

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.

The Company has also entered into a term master repurchase agreement with a major U.S. banking institution to finance CMBS totaling $600,000,000.

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 60% and 95% of the collateral.

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

September 30, 2013

 

Committed
Amount

    Outstanding
Amount
    Committed
but

Unfunded
    Interest Rate(s)
at September 30,
         2013        
  Maturity    

Remaining
Extension
Options

  Eligible
Collateral
  Carrying
Amount of
Collateral
    Fair Value
of

Collateral
 
$ 300,000,000      $      $ 300,000,000          5/18/2015      Two additional twelve month periods at Company’s option   First mortgage
commercial
real estate
loans
  $      $   
$ 250,000,000      $      $ 250,000,000          4/10/2014      Two additional 364 day periods at Company’s option   First mortgage
commercial
real estate
loans
  $      $   
$ 450,000,000      $      $ 450,000,000          5/26/2015      Two additional twelve month periods at Company’s option   First mortgage
commercial
real estate
loans
  $      $   
$ 300,000,000      $      $ 300,000,000          1/24/2014      N/A   First mortgage
commercial
real estate
loans
  $      $   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 1,300,000,000      $      $ 1,300,000,000              $      $   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 600,000,000      $      $ 600,000,000          1/27/2014      N/A   Investment
grade
commercial
real estate
securities
  $      $   
$      $ 6,151,000      $      1.330%     10/21/2013      N/A   Investment
grade
commercial
real estate
securities
  $ 8,927,000      $ 8,927,000   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 1,900,000,000      $ 6,151,000      $ 1,900,000,000              $ 8,927,000      $ 8,927,000   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

December 31, 2012

 

Committed
Amount

    Outstanding
Amount
    Committed
but
Unfunded
    Interest Rate(s)
at Dec. 31,

        2012        
  Maturity     Remaining
Extension

Options
 

Eligible

Collateral

  Carrying
Amount of
Collateral
    Fair Value
of
Collateral
 
$ 300,000,000      $ 40,806,925      $ 259,193,075      Between 2.459%
and 2.958%
    9/26/2013      N/A   First mortgage commercial real estate loans & investment grade commercial mortgage backed securities   $ 54,603,105      $ 61,155,699   
$ 50,000,000      $ 28,995,000      $ 21,005,000      2.708%     1/29/2013      N/A   First mortgage commercial real estate loans   $ 37,800,000      $ 42,518,901   
$ 450,000,000      $ 133,165,026      $ 316,834,974      Between 2.458%
and 3.208%
    5/24/2015      Two additional
twelve month
periods at
Company’s
option
  First mortgage commercial real estate loans   $ 225,934,255      $ 237,654,929   
$ 300,000,000      $ 23,400,000      $ 276,600,000      2.710%     1/24/2014      N/A   First mortgage commercial real estate loans   $ 36,000,000      $ 41,080,320   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 1,100,000,000      $ 226,366,951      $ 873,633,049              $ 354,337,359      $ 382,409,849   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 600,000,000      $ 278,020,851      $ 321,979,149      1.408%     1/25/2016      N/A   Investment grade commercial real estate securities   $ 324,912,372      $ 324,912,372   
$      $ 289,528,900      $      Between 0.700%
and 1.711%
   
 
1/7/2013-
1/23/2013
  
  
  N/A   Investment grade commercial real estate securities   $ 349,585,161      $ 349,585,161   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 1,700,000,000      $ 793,916,702      $ 1,195,612,198              $ 1,028,834,892      $ 1,056,907,382   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

 

 

   

 

 

 

Borrowings under Credit Agreement

On January 24, 2013, the Company entered into a $50,000,000 credit agreement with one of its multiple committed financing counterparties in order to finance its securities and lending activities. As of September 30, 2013, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Company’s credit agreement.

Long-Term Financing

During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company executed 16 term debt agreements to finance properties in its real estate portfolio. During 2012, the Company executed ten term debt agreements to finance such real estate. These nonrecourse debt agreements are fixed rate financing at rates ranging from 4.25% to 6.75%, maturing in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 and totaling $291,238,247 at September 30, 2013 and $106,675,298 at December 31, 2012. These long-term nonrecourse mortgages include net unamortized premiums of $3,938,007 and $2,919,654 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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. The Company recorded $140,630 and $403,203 of

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

premium amortization, which decreased interest expense, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. The Company recorded $6,646 and $13,928 of premium amortization, which decreased interest expense, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.

Borrowings from the FHLB

On July 11, 2012, Tuebor Captive Insurance Company LLC (“Tuebor”), a wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary, became a member of the FHLB and subsequently drew its first secured funding advances from the FHLB. As of September 30, 2013, Tuebor had $608,000,000 of borrowings outstanding (with an additional $797,000,000 of committed term financing available from the FHLB), with terms of overnight to 7 years, interest rates of 0.36% to 2.40%, and advance rates of 57% to 95% of the collateral. Collateral for the borrowings was comprised of $727,007,971 of CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities and $53,883,611 of first mortgage commercial real estate loans. As of December 31, 2012, Tuebor had $262,000,000 of borrowings outstanding (with an additional $738,000,000 of committed term financing available from the FHLB), with terms of 6 months to 5 years, interest rates of 0.39% to 0.93%, and advance rates of 87% to 95% of the collateral. Collateral for the borrowings was comprised of $333,580,527 of CMBS and U.S. Agency Securities. 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.

Senior Unsecured Notes

On September 14, 2012, the Company issued $325,000,000 in principal amount of 7.375% Senior Notes due October 1, 2017 (the “Notes”) at par. The 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 Notes are unsecured and 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 issued the Notes with Ladder Capital Finance Corporation, as co-issuers on a joint and several basis. Ladder Capital Finance Corporation is a 100% owned finance subsidiary of Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP with no assets or operations. None of Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP’s other subsidiaries currently guarantee the Notes.

The following schedule reflects the Company’s contractual payments under borrowings by maturity:

 

Period ending December 31,

   Borrowings by
Maturity
 

2013 (last 3 months)

   $ 31,151,000   

2014

     183,000,000   

2015

     115,000,000   

2016

     105,000,000   

2017

     445,000,000   

Thereafter

     351,238,247   
  

 

 

 
   $ 1,230,389,247   
  

 

 

 

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

8.     FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair value is based upon market quotations, broker quotations, counterparty quotations or pricing services quotations, which provide valuation estimates based upon reasonable market order indications and are subject to significant variability based on market conditions, such as interest rates, credit spreads and market liquidity. The fair value of the mortgage loan receivables held for sale is based upon a securitization model utilizing market data from recent securitization spreads and pricing.

Fair Value Summary Table

The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, which are both reported at fair value on a recurring basis (as indicated) or amortized cost/par, at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows ($ in thousands):

September 30, 2013

 

                           Weighted Average  
      Outstanding
Face Amount
    Amortized
Cost Basis
    Fair Value      Fair Value Method   Yield
%
    Remaining
Maturity/
Duration (years)
 

Assets:

            

CMBS(1)

  $ 867,594      $ 858,627      $ 877,467       Broker quotations,
pricing services
    4.41     4.41   

CMBS interest-only(1)

    4,397,253        205,247        207,324       Broker quotations,
pricing services
    4.91     3.88   

GNMA interest-only(1)

    1,905,271        109,502        106,956       Broker quotations,
pricing services
    7.91     3.00   

FHLMC interest-only(1)

    220,421        8,358        8,753       Broker quotations,
pricing services
    5.31     2.17   

GN construction securities(1)

    10,559        10,747        10,398       Broker quotations,
pricing services
    3.82     6.94   

GN permanent securities(1)

    102,708        105,194        106,078       Broker quotations,
pricing services
    4.67     3.50   

Mortage loan receivable held for investment, at amortized cost

    378,389        369,609        371,959       Discounted Cash
Flow(3)
    10.58     1.95   

Mortgage loan receivable held for sale

    93,031        93,031        96,831       Discounted Cash
Flow(4)
    5.46     9.11   

FHLB stock(5)

    36,400        36,400        36,400       (5)     3.50     N/A   

Nonhedge derivatives(1)(6)

    81,250        N/A        1,642       Counterparty
quotations
    N/A        17.22   

Liabilities:

            

Repurchase agreements—short-term

    6,151        6,151        6,151       Discounted Cash
Flow(2)
    1.33     0.06   

Long-term financing

    291,238        291,238        282,762       Discounted Cash
Flow(2)
    4.84     8.96   

Borrowings from the FHLB

    608,000        608,000        607,215       Discounted Cash
Flow(2)
    0.69     2.38   

Senior unsecured notes

    325,000        325,000        340,031       Broker quotations,
pricing services
    7.38     4.00   

Nonhedge derivatives(1)(6)

    541,700        N/A        19,473       Counterparty
quotations
    N/A        2.68   

 

(1) Measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
(2)

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

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

  positions. For the borrowings from the FHLB, the carrying value approximates the fair value discounting the expected cash flows. For the long-term financing, the carrying value approximates the fair value discounting the expected cash flows. If the collateral is determined to be impaired, the related financing would be revalued accordingly. There are no impairments on any security positions.
(3) Fair value for 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.
(4) Fair value for mortgage loan receivables, held for sale is measured at fair value using a hypothetical securitization model utilizing market data from recent securitization spreads and pricing.
(5) The fair value of the FHLB stock approximates outstanding face amount as the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary is restricted from trading the stock and can only put the stock back to the FHLB, at the FHLB’s discretion, at par.
(6) The outstanding face amount of the nonhedge derivatives represents the notional amount of the underlying contracts.

December 31, 2012

 

                          Weighted
Average
 
      Outstanding
Face Amount
    Amortized
Cost Basis
    Fair Value     Fair Value Method   Yield
%
    Remaining
Maturity/
Duration
(years)
 

Assets:

         

CMBS(1)

  $ 781,271      $ 783,454      $ 806,773      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    4.77     1.43   

CMBS interest-only(1)

    234,463        25,219        27,143      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    2.70     3.28   

GNMA interest-only(1)

    2,039,528        121,825        120,997      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    8.79     2.99   

FHLMC interest-only(1)

    222,515        9,518        9,999      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    5.31     2.56   

GN construction securities(1)

    43,023        44,390        51,843      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    3.57     6.54   

GN permanent securities(1)

    105,566        109,008        108,807      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    3.63     2.68   

Mortgage loan receivable held for investment, at amortized cost

    331,720        326,319        331,720      Discounted Cash
Flow (3)
    11.28     2.27   

Mortgage loan receivable held for sale

    623,644        623,333        674,414      Discounted Cash
Flow (4)
    4.81     8.84   

FHLB stock(5)

    13,100        13,100        13,100      (5)     3.50     N/A   

Nonhedge derivatives(1)(6)

    600,750        N/A        5,695      Counterparty
quotations
    N/A        4.70   

Liabilities:

           

Repurchase agreements—short-
term

    359,331        359,331        359,331      Discounted Cash
Flow (2)
    1.47     0.13   

Repurchase agreements—long-
term

    434,586        434,586        434,586      Discounted Cash
Flow (2)
    1.87     1.47   

Long-term financing

    106,675        106,675        106,517      Discounted Cash
Flow (2)
    5.35     9.32   

Borrowings from the FHLB

    262,000        262,000        262,787      Discounted Cash
Flow (2)
    0.61     3.06   

Senior unsecured notes

    325,000        325,000        333,938      Broker quotations,
pricing services
    7.38     4.75   

Nonhedge derivatives(1)(6)

    303,600        N/A        18,515      Counterparty
quotations
    N/A        3.56   

 

(1) Measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

(2) 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. For the borrowings from the FHLB, the carrying value approximates the fair value discounting the expected cash flows. For the long-term financing, the carrying value approximates the fair value discounting the expected cash flows. If the collateral is determined to be impaired, the related financing would be revalued accordingly. There are no impairments on any security positions.
(3) Fair value for 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).
(4) Fair value for mortgage loan receivables, held for sale is measured at fair value using a hypothetical securitization model utilizing market data from recent securitization spreads and pricing.
(5) The fair value of the FHLB stock approximates outstanding face amount as the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary is restricted from trading the stock and can only put the stock back to the FHLB, at the FHLB’s discretion, at par.
(6) The outstanding face amount of the nonhedge derivatives represents the notional amount of the underlying contracts.

Valuation Hierarchy

In accordance with the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures under GAAP (FASB—Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820), the methodologies used for valuing such instruments have been categorized into three broad levels as follows:

Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.

Level 2—Valuations based principally on other observable market parameters, including:

 

   

Quoted prices in active markets for similar instruments,

 

   

Quoted prices in less active or inactive markets for identical or similar instruments,

 

   

Other observable inputs (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates), and

 

   

Market corroborated inputs (derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data).

Level 3—Valuations based significantly on unobservable inputs.

 

   

Valuations based on third party indications (broker quotes, counterparty quotes or pricing services) which were, in turn, based significantly on unobservable inputs or were otherwise not supportable as Level 2 valuations.

 

   

Valuations based on internal models with significant unobservable inputs.

Pursuant to the authoritative guidance, these levels form a hierarchy. The Company follows this hierarchy for its financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The classifications are based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

It is the Company’s policy to determine when transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are deemed to have occurred at the end of the reporting period.

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, which are both reported at fair value on a recurring basis (as indicated) or amortized cost/par, at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 ($ in thousands):

September 30, 2013

 

    Outstanding Face
         Amount        
    Fair Value  
      Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Assets:

       

CMBS(1)

  $ 867,594      $      $ 877,467      $      $ 877,467   

CMBS interest-only(1)

    4,397,253               207,324               207,324   

GNMA interest-only(1)

    1,905,271               106,956               106,956   

FHLMC interest-only(1)

    220,421               8,753               8,753   

GN construction securities(1)

    10,559               10,398               10,398   

GN permanent securities(1)

    102,708               106,078               106,078   

Mortgage loan receivable held for investment

    378,389                      371,959        371,959   

Mortgage loan receivable held for sale

    93,031                      96,831        96,831   

FHLB stock

    36,400                      36,400        36,400   

Nonhedge derivatives(1)

    81,250               1,642               1,642   

Liabilities:

       

Repurchase agreements—short-term

    6,151               6,151               6,151   

Long-term financing

    291,238                      282,762        282,762   

Borrowings from the FHLB

    608,000                      607,215        607,215   

Senior unsecured notes

    325,000               340,031               340,031   

Nonhedge derivatives(1)

    541,700               19,473               19,473   

December 31, 2012

 

    Outstanding Face
         Amount        
     Fair Value  
       Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Assets:

             

CMBS(1)

  $ 781,271       $       $ 806,773       $       $ 806,773   

CMBS interest-only(1)

    234,463                 27,143                 27,143   

GNMA interest-only(1)

    2,039,528                 120,997                 120,997   

FHLMC interest-only(1)

    222,515                 9,999                 9,999   

GN construction securities(1)

    43,023                 51,843                 51,843   

GN permanent securities(1)

    105,566                 108,807                 108,807   

Mortgage loan receivable held for investment

    331,720                         331,720         331,720   

Mortgage loan receivable held for sale

    623,644                         674,414         674,414   

FHLB stock

    13,100                         13,100         13,100   

Nonhedge derivatives(1)

    600,750                 5,695                 5,695   

Liabilities:

             

Repurchase agreements—short-term

    359,331                 359,331                 359,331   

Repurchase agreements—long-term

    434,586                 434,586                 434,586   

Long-term financing

    106,675                         106,517         106,517   

Borrowings from the FHLB

    262,000                         262,787         262,787   

Senior unsecured notes

    325,000                 333,938                 333,938   

Nonhedge derivatives(1)

    303,600                 18,515                 18,515   

 

(1) Measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The outstanding face amount of the nonhedge derivatives represents the notional amount of the underlying contracts.

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

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. The following is a breakdown of the derivatives outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

September 30, 2013

 

            Fair Value  

Contract Type

   Notional      Positive(1)      Negative(1)      Net  

Caps

           

1MO LIB

   $ 71,250,000       $       $       $   

Futures

           

5-years U.S. T-Note

     28,100,000                 403,234         (403,234

10-year U.S. T-Note

     343,200,000         6,375         10,567,708         (10,561,333
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total futures

     371,300,000         6,375         10,970,942         (10,964,567

Swaps

           

3MO LIB

     136,900,000         1,209,388         8,062,580         (6,853,192

Credit Derivatives

           

CMBX

     10,000,000         426,310                 426,310   

CDX

     33,500,000                 439,740         (439,740
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total credit derivatives

     43,500,000         426,310         439,740         (13,430
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivatives

   $ 622,950,000       $ 1,642,073       $ 19,473,262       $ (17,831,189
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2012

 

            Fair Value  

Contract Type

   Notional      Positive(1)      Negative(1)      Net  

Caps

           

1MO LIB

   $ 128,750,000       $ 21       $       $ 21   

Futures

           

5-years U.S. T-Note

     111,100,000         254,906         1,563         253,344   

10-year U.S. T-Note

     319,500,000         3,650,938         243,609         3,407,328   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total futures

     430,600,000         3,905,844         245,172         3,660,672   

Swaps

           

3MO LIB

     174,500,000                 17,788,614         (17,788,614

Credit Derivatives

           

CMBX

     67,000,000         1,779,458                 1,779,458   

TRX

     68,500,000                 481,377         (481,377

S&P 500 Put Options

     4,000,000         3,770                 3,770   

Call Option CBOE SPX Vol Index

     31,000,000         5,426                 5,426   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total credit derivatives

     170,500,000         1,788,654         481,377         1,307,277   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivatives

   $ 904,350,000       $ 5,694,519       $ 18,515,163       $ (12,820,644
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

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 consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

     For the three months ended
September 30,
    For the nine months ended
September 30,
 

Contract Type

   2013     2012     2013     2012  

Caps

   $ (123   $ (387   $ (21   $ (1,487

Futures

     (5,341,870     (3,662,801     13,674,395        (17,229,750

Swaps

     (430,816     (3,639,445     5,685,427        (13,208,074

Credit Derivatives

     (540,438     (3,683,696     (2,724,312     (3,253,368
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (6,313,247   $ (10,986,329   $ 16,635,489      $ (33,692,679
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company’s counterparties held $31,132,518 and $32,207,997 of cash margin as collateral for derivatives as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, which is included in cash collateral held by brokers in the consolidated balance sheets.

Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features

The Company has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision whereby if the Company defaults on certain of its indebtedness, the Company could also be declared in default on its derivatives, resulting in an acceleration of payment under the derivatives. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with these requirements and not in default on its indebtedness. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there was $31,132,518 and $32,207,997 of cash collateral held by the derivative counterparties for these derivatives, respectively. No additional cash would be required to be posted if the acceleration of payment under the derivatives was triggered.

As of September 30, 2013

Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets

 

                          Gross amounts not offset
in the balance sheet
       

Description

   Gross amounts
of recognized
assets
     Gross amounts
offset in the
balance sheet
     Net amounts
of assets
presented  in the
balance sheet
     Financial
instruments
     Cash
collateral
received/
(posted)(1)
    Net amount  

Derivatives

   $ 1,642,073       $       $ 1,642,073       $       $ (712,307   $ 2,354,380   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,642,073       $       $ 1,642,073       $       $ (712,307   $ 2,354,380   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

As of September 30, 2013

Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities

 

                      Gross amounts not offset
in the balance sheet
       

Description

  Gross amounts
of recognized
liabilities
    Gross amounts
offset in the
balance sheet
    Net amounts
of liabilities
presented in the
balance sheet
    Financial
instruments
    Cash
collateral
posted/
(received)(1)
    Net amount  

Derivatives

  $ 19,473,262      $      $ 19,473,262      $ (2,361   $ 30,420,211      $ (10,944,588

Repurchase agreements

    6,151,000               6,151,000        8,927,000               (2,776,000
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 25,624,262      $      $ 25,624,262      $ 8,924,639      $ 30,420,211      $ (13,720,588
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

As of December 31, 2012

Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets

 

                          Gross amounts not offset
in the balance sheet
        

Description

   Gross amounts
of recognized
assets
     Gross amounts
offset in the
balance sheet
     Net amounts
of assets
presented in the
balance sheet
     Financial
instruments
     Cash
collateral
received(1)
     Net amount  

Derivatives

   $ 5,694,519       $       $ 5,694,519       $       $ 4,841,197       $ 853,322   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 5,694,519       $       $ 5,694,519       $       $ 4,841,197       $ 853,322   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2012

Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities

 

                      Gross amounts not offset
in the balance sheet
       

Description

  Gross amounts
of recognized
liabilities
    Gross amounts
offset in the
balance sheet
    Net amounts
of assets
presented in the
balance sheet
    Financial
instruments
    Cash
collateral
received(1)
    Net amount  

Derivatives

  $ 18,515,163      $      $ 18,515,163      $      $ 27,366,800      $ (8,851,637

Repurchase agreements

    793,916,703               793,916,703        1,028,834,892               (234,918,189
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 812,431,866      $      $ 812,431,866      $ 1,028,834,892      $ 27,366,800      $ (243,769,826
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Included in cash collateral held by broker on 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. The Company does not present its derivative and repurchase agreements net on the consolidated financial statements.

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

10.    PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

Pursuant to the Limited Liability Limited Partnership Agreement (“LLLP Agreement”), the Company’s general partner has delegated all management powers to the Company’s Board of Directors, who, pursuant to the same LLLP Agreement, are appointed by certain significant investors and the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company. All other rights as to distributions and income allocations for each class of partners are described below.

Cash Distributions to 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 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 Company’s LLLP agreement) for each partner as the product of (x) the 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 federal, state and local income tax rate applicable to an individual residing in New York, NY, taking into account for federal income tax purposes, the deductibility of state and local taxes.

Allocation of Income and Loss

Income and losses 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 Company’s assets.

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2013

   Unrealized gain (loss)
on real estate securities,
available for sale
 

Beginning balance

   $ 15,663,593   
  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

     4,395,335   

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income(1)

     1,394,468   
  

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income

     5,789,803   
  

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 21,453,396   
  

 

 

 

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013

   Unrealized gain (loss)
on real estate securities,
available for sale
 

Beginning balance

   $ 32,495,092   
  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

     (6,559,849

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income(1)

     (4,481,847
  

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income

     (11,041,696
  

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 21,453,396   
  

 

 

 

 

(1) Amount of change reflects change in unrealized (gains)/losses related to investments in real estate securities, net of reclassification adjustments.

11.    EARNINGS PER UNIT

The Company accounts for earnings per unit (“EPU”) in accordance with ASC 260 and related guidance, which requires two calculations of EPU to be disclosed: basic EPU and diluted EPU. Under ASC Subtopic 260-10-45, as of January 1, 2009, unvested awards of share-based payments with rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, such as our Participating Preferred Units, are considered participating securities for purposes of calculating EPU for our common units. Under the two-class method, a portion of net income is allocated to these participating securities and therefore is excluded from the calculation of EPU allocated to common units, as shown in the table below.

The numerator for basic and diluted earnings per unit is net earnings attributable to common unitholders reduced by dividends paid and earnings attributable to participating securities. The denominator for basic earnings per unit is the weighted average number of common units outstanding during the period. The denominator for diluted earnings per unit is weighted average units outstanding adjusted for the effect of dilutive unvested grants awards for common units as described in Note 13 Stock Based Compensation Plans.

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The following is a reconciliation of the weighted average basic number of common units outstanding to the diluted number of common and common unit equivalent units outstanding and the calculation of earnings per unit using the two-class method:

 

    For the three months ended
September 30,
    For the nine months ended
September 30,
 
    2013     2012     2013     2012  
(In thousands except share amounts)                        

Net income attributable to Preferred and Common Unit Holders

  $ 20,162      $ 60,329      $ 168,291      $ 136,748   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends Paid(1):

       

Common units

    (6,353     (2,366     (18,134     (10,449

Preferred units

    (25,721     (9,510     (72,842     (41,842
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends paid to common and preferred unit holders

    (32,074     (11,876     (90,976     (52,291

Undistributed earnings:

       

Common units

    (2,383     9,691        15,463        16,891   

Preferred units

    (9,530     38,763        61,853        67,566   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total undistributed (excess distributed) earnings attributable to common and preferred unit holders

  $ (11,913   $ 48,454      $ 77,316      $ 84,457   

Weighted average common units outstanding:

       

Weighted average common units outstanding (basic)

    22,034,505        21,335,766        21,874,350        20,811,018   

Weighted average common units outstanding (diluted)

    22,550,855        22,550,855        22,550,855        21,925,357   

Basic earnings per common unit:

       

Distributed

  $ 0.29      $ 0.11      $ 0.83      $ 0.50   

Undistributed

    (0.11     0.45        0.71        0.81   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 0.18      $ 0.56      $ 1.54      $ 1.31   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common unit:

       

Distributed

  $ 0.28      $ 0.10      $ 0.80      $ 0.48   

Undistributed

    (0.11     0.43        0.69        0.77   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 0.17      $ 0.53      $ 1.49      $ 1.25   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) The Company pays quarterly dividends in arrears, so a portion of the dividends paid in each calendar year relate to the prior year’s earnings.

12.    RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company entered into a loan referral agreement with Meridian Capital Group LLC (“Meridian”), which is an affiliate of a member of the Company’s Board of Directors and an investor in the Company. The agreement provides 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 gives rise to a potential conflict of interest, full disclosure is given and the borrower waives the conflict in

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

writing. This agreement is cancelable by the Company based on the occurrence of certain events, or by Meridian for nonpayment of amounts due under the agreement. The Company incurred fees of $150,000 and $450,000 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, for loans originated in accordance with this agreement, of which $450,000 is accrued for and payable as of September 30, 2013. The Company incurred fees of $120,000 and $360,000 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 for loans originated in accordance with this agreement, of which $360,000 was accrued for and payable as of September 30, 2012. These fees are reflected in fee expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

13.    STOCK BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

The 2008 Incentive Equity Plan of the Company, as amended in 2012, was adopted by the Board of Directors on September 22, 2008 (the “2008 Plan”), and provides certain members of management, employees and directors of the Company or any other Ladder Company (as defined in the 2008 Plan) with additional incentives.

On April 20, 2010, 910,491 Class A-2 Common Units were granted to a member of management. The grants issued are subject to a forty-two (42) month vesting period, commencing on April 20, 2010. On June 4, 2012, 1,127,543 Class A-2 Common Units and 31,451.61 Series B Participating Preferred Units were granted to a new member of the management team. The grants issued are subject to a thirty-six (36) month vesting period, commencing on January 1, 2012 and vest monthly. In addition, the new member purchased 24,193.55 Series B Participating Preferred Units as well as received an option to purchase an additional 24,193.55 Series B Participating Preferred Units within one year of grant date at a price of $124 per unit. The fair value of the units at grant date was $130.0 per unit, and the difference is recognized to deferred compensation expense over the vesting period. The option in respect of 14,516.13 Series B Participating Preferred Units was exercised on May 29, 2013 at an exercise price of $124.0 per unit. The remaining options held were terminated on May 29, 2013. On May 20, 2013, 6,570 Series B Participating Preferred Units were granted to a new employee. The grant issued is subject to a thirty-six (36) month vesting period, commencing on February 1, 2013 and vests monthly. On June 3, 2013, 2,531 Series B Participating Preferred Units were granted to a new employee. The grant issued is subject to a thirty-six (36) month vesting period, commencing on February 1, 2013 and vests monthly. In accordance with a provision under the grant agreements, certain Series B Participating Preferred unitholders have elected to return a portion of their Series B Participating Preferred Units at each vesting, to reimburse the Company for payroll taxes paid on behalf of the unitholders.

The Company has estimated the fair value of such units granted based, in part, on the price to book value ratios of comparable companies, which is approved by the Board of Directors. Other key inputs are based on management’s prior experience, current market conditions and projected conditions of the commercial real estate industry. All units issued under the 2008 Plan are amortized over the units’ vesting periods and charged against income. The Company recognized equity-based compensation expense of $624,711 and $2,194,673 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. The Company recognized equity based compensation expense of $474,501 and $1,795,350 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

A summary of the grants is presented below:

 

    For the three months ended September 30,     For the nine months ended September 30,  
    2013     2012     2013     2012  
    Number of
Units
    Weighted
Average
Fair
Value
    Number of
Units
    Weighted
Average
Fair
Value
    Number of
Units
    Weighted
Average
Fair Value
    Number of
Units
    Weighted
Average
Fair Value
 

Grants—Class A-2 Common Units

         $             $             $        1,127,543      $ 1,360,106   

Grants—Series A Participating Preferred Units

                                                       

Grants—Series B Participating Preferred Units

    (1,054     (158,100                   8,047        1,207,050        40,323        5,241,935   

Amortization to compensation expense

               

Class A-2 Common Units

      (113,343       (99,236       (340,027       (401,268

Series A Participating Preferred Units

                                   

Series B Participating Preferred Units

      (511,368       (375,265       (1,854,646       (1,394,082
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total amortization to compensation expense

    $ (624,711     $ (474,501     $ (2,194,673     $ (1,795,350
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Deferred Compensation Plan

The Company entered into a Phantom Equity Investment Plan, effective on June 30, 2011 (the “Plan”). The Plan is an annual deferred compensation plan pursuant to which mandatory contributions are made to the Plan, depending upon the participant’s specific level of compensation, and to which participants may make elective contributions. 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 Plan. Otherwise, amounts may be deferred into the Plan at the election of the participant, so long as such elections are timely made in accordance with the terms and procedures of the Plan.

In February 2012, Company employees contributed $2,156,283 to the Plan. There have been no contributions to the Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Under the Plan, there are both elective and mandatory contributions to the Plan based upon a minimum level of total compensation. Mandatory contributions are subject to one-third vesting over a three year period following the applicable Plan year in which the related compensation was earned. Elective contributions are immediately vested upon contribution. Compensation expense is liability-based and 100% expensed upon contribution. The employees receive phantom units of Series B Participating Preferred Units at the fair market value of the units. As of September 30, 2013 there have been $6,431,654 total contributions to the Plan resulting in 42,722 phantom units outstanding, of which 20,420 are unvested.

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

14.    COMMITMENTS

Leases

The Company entered into an operating lease for its previous primary office space, which commenced on January 5, 2009 and expires on May 30, 2015. There is an option to renew the lease for an additional five years at an increased monthly rental. The office space has subsequently been subleased to a third party. Income received on the subleased office space is included in operating expenses on the consolidated statements of income. In 2011, the Company entered into a new 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 one new lease for secondary office space. The lease commenced on May 15, 2012 and expires on May 14, 2015 with no extension option.

The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments required under the above operating leases:

 

Year ended December 31,

   Amount  

2013 (last 3 months)

   $ 445,073   

2014

     1,781,716   

2015

     1,381,992   

2016

     1,125,069   

2017

     1,180,400   

Thereafter

     4,819,967   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 10,734,217   
  

 

 

 

GN Construction Loan Securities

The Company committed to purchase GN construction loan securities over a period of twelve to fifteen months. As of September 30, 2013, the Company’s commitment to purchase these securities at fixed prices ranging from 101.1 to 107.3 was $168,166,635, of which $120,729,203 was funded, with $47,437,432 remaining to be funded. As of December 31, 2012, the Company’s commitment to purchase these securities at fixed prices ranging from 101.1 to 107.3 was $178,738,909, of which $42,030,253 was funded, with $136,708,656 remaining to be funded. The fair value of those commitments at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was ($477,609) and $3,448,503, respectively, which was determined by pricing services as adjusted for estimated liquidity discounts and is included in GN construction securities on the consolidated balance sheets.

15.    SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company has determined that it has three reportable segments based on how management reviews and manages its 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 selected net lease and other commercial real estate assets. Corporate/Other includes our investments in joint ventures, other asset management activities and operating expenses.

 

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Table of Contents

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The Company evaluates performance based on the following financial measures for each segment ($ in thousands):

 

    Loans     Securities     Real
Estate
    Corporate/
Other(1)
    Company
Total
 

Three months ended September 30, 2013

         

Interest income

  $ 17,473      $ 12,146      $      $ 14      $ 29,633   

Interest expense

    78        (772     (2,026     (9,834     (12,554
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income (expense)

    17,551        11,374        (2,026     (9,820     17,079   

Provision for loan losses

    (150                          (150
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses

    17,401        11,374        (2,026     (9,820     16,929   

Operating lease income

                  11,210               11,210   

Sales of investments, net

    20,862        (32     3,524               24,354   

Fee income

    488               90        1,144        1,722   

Net result from derivative transactions

    (1,408     (4,905                   (6,313

Earnings from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

                         1,363        1,363   

Unrealized gain (loss) from agency IO securities, net

           3,189                      3,189   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income

    19,942        (1,748     14,824        2,507        35,525   

Salaries and employee benefits

    (5,950                   (8,394     (14,344

Operating expenses

    37               (7     (5,900     (5,870

Real estate operating expenses

                  (4,418            (4,418

Fee expense

    (314     12        (14     (245     (561

Depreciation

                  (5,274     (136     (5,410
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

    (6,227     12        (9,713     (14,675     (30,603

Tax expense

                         (664     (664
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment profit (loss)

  $ 31,116      $ 9,638      $ 3,085      $ (22,652   $ 21,187   

Total assets

  $ 462,641      $ 1,316,976      $ 510,147      $ 216,404      $ 2,506,168   

Three months ended September 30, 2012

         

Interest income

  $ 15,944      $ 18,162      $      $ (24   $ 34,082   

Interest expense

    (3,123     (3,586     (925     (1,372     (9,006
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income (expense)

    12,821        14,576        (925     (1,396     25,076   

Provision for loan losses

    (150                          (150
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses

    12,671        14,576        (925     (1,396     24,926   

Operating lease income

                  1,773               1,773   

Sales of investments, net

    60,872        2,608               738        64,218   

Fee income

    203        251        327        270        1,051   

Net result from derivative transactions

    (7,150     (3,836                   (10,986

Earnings from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

                         287        287   

Unrealized gain (loss) from agency IO securities, net

           (1,898                   (1,898
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income

    53,925        (2,875     2,101        1,295        54,445   

Salaries and employee benefits

    (7,351                   (7,356     (14,707

Operating expenses

    31               (672     (1,840     (2,481

Fee expense

    (782     (17     (5     (57     (861

Depreciation

                  (517     (136     (653
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

    (8,102     (17     (1,194     (9,389     (18,702

Tax expense

                         (336     (336
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment profit (loss)

  $ 58,494      $ 11,684      $ (18   $ (9,826   $ 60,332   

Total assets

  $ 525,715      $ 1,288,685      $ 205,217      $ 363,863      $ 2,383,480   

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

    Loans     Securities     Real
Estate
    Corporate/
Other(1)
    Company
Total
 

Nine months ended September 30, 2013

         

Interest income

  $ 50,262      $ 40,757      $      $ 43      $ 91,062   

Interest expense

    (3,015     (2,818     (6,026     (23,844     (35,703
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income (expense)

    47,247        37,939        (6,026     (23,801     55,359   

Provision for loan losses

    (450                          (450
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses

    46,797        37,939        (6,026     (23,801     54,909   

Operating lease income

                  26,600               26,600   

Sales of investments, net

    139,545        5,844        10,887        140        156,416   

Fee income

    1,813        8        303        3,201        5,325   

Net result from derivative transactions

    12,704        3,931                      16,635   

Earnings from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

                         2,352        2,352   

Unrealized gain (loss) from agency IO securities, net

           (1,850                   (1,850
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income

    154,062        7,933        37,790        5,693        205,478   

Salaries and employee benefits

    (22,250                   (25,687     (47,937

Operating expenses

    140               (7     (11,470     (11,337

Real estate operating expenses

                  (11,309            (11,309

Fee expense

    (1,876     (345     (3,071     (463     (5,755

Depreciation

                  (11,199     (410     (11,609
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

    (23,986     (345     (25,586     (38,030     (87,947

Tax expense

                         (3,451     (3,451
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment profit (loss)

  $ 176,873      $ 45,527      $ 6,178      $ (59,589   $ 168,989   

Total assets

  $ 462,641      $ 1,316,976      $ 510,147      $ 216,404      $ 2,506,168   

Nine months ended September 30, 2012

         

Interest income

  $ 41,228      $ 63,717      $      $ 316      $ 105,261   

Interest expense

    (7,161     (13,744     (1,855     (2,286     (25,046
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income (expense)

    34,067        49,973        (1,855     (1,970     80,215   

Provision for loan losses

    (299                          (299
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses

    33,768        49,973        (1,855     (1,970     79,916   

Operating lease income

                  4,063               4,063   

Sales of investments, net

    117,099        12,872        1,475        1,246        132,692   

Fee income

    5,892        251        646        615        7,404   

Net result from derivative transactions

    (22,718     (10,975                   (33,693

Earnings from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

                         1,088        1,088   

Unrealized gain (loss) from agency IO securities, net

           (3,942                   (3,942
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income

    100,273        (1,794     6,184        2,949        107,612   

Salaries and employee benefits

    (16,500                   (21,460     (37,960

Operating expenses

    110               (672     (6,937     (7,499

Fee expense

    (2,690     (61     (13     (177     (2,941

Depreciation

                  (1,207     (411     (1,618
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

    (19,080     (61     (1,892     (28,985     (50,018

Tax expense

                         (750     (750
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment profit (loss)

  $ 114,961      $ 48,118      $ 2,437      $ (28,756   $ 136,760   

Total assets

  $ 525,715      $ 1,288,685      $ 205,217      $ 363,863      $ 2,383,480   

 

(1) Corporate/Other represents all corporate level and unallocated items including any intercompany eliminations necessary to reconcile to 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 FHLB stock of $36.4 million as of September 30, 2013.

16.    SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the issuance date of the financial statements, and determined disclosure of the following is necessary:

Commercial Real Estate

On October 9, 2013, the Company acquired, through a consolidated, majority-owned joint venture with an operating partner, a 26-story office building in Minneapolis, MN for $52,248,689. At the date of acquisition, the office building was 83.8% leased and occupied.

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Master Repurchase Agreement

On October 18, 2013, the Company amended its term master repurchase agreement with a major U.S. banking institution to finance CMBS it holds and acquires. The material changes from the prior agreement include (a) extending the termination date of the facility an additional fifteen months from January 25, 2014 to April 30, 2015, (b) reducing the maximum aggregate facility amount from $600,000,000 to $300,000,000 effective as of January 25, 2014, (c) releasing of certain guarantors under the facility and (d) changing the pricing spread for all transactions under the facility occurring after October 18, 2013 to be the greater of (i) a percentage of the credit spread over the relevant benchmark rate and (ii) a fixed amount.

 

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Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation

LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

SCHEDULE III—REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

DECEMBER 31, 2012

 

Description

  Initial Cost to Company     Costs
Capitalized
Subsequent
to

Acquisition
    Gross Amount at  which
Carried at Close of Period
    Accumulated
Depreciation
    Date
Acquired
  Year
Built
  Life on which
Depreciation
in Latest
Statement
of Income is
Computed
             
             
      Land             Buildings           Land     Buildings     Total          
    ($ in thousands)                    

Real Estate Under Operating Leases:

                   

Retail Property in Satsuma, FL

  $ 79      $ 1,013      $      $ 79      $ 1,013      $ 1,092      $ 32      Apr. 2012   2011   15-35 yrs.

Retail Property in Middleburg, FL

    184        994               184        994        1,178        32      Apr. 2012   2011   15-35 yrs.

Retail Property in DeLeon, FL

    239        1,003               239        1,003        1,242        16      Aug. 2012   2011   15-36 yrs.

Retail Property in OrangeCity, FL

    229        1,088               229        1,088        1,317        29      May. 2012   2011   15-35 yrs.

Retail Property in Yulee, FL

    329        1,010               329        1,010        1,339        21      Jul. 2012   2012   15-35 yrs.

Retail Property in Spartanburg, SC

    828        3,042               828        3,042        3,870        194      Jan. 2011   2007   12-42 yrs.

Retail Property in Mount Airy, NC

    725        3,767               725        3,767        4,492             Dec. 2012   2007   31 yrs.

Retail Property in Abingdon, VA

    700        3,988               700        3,988        4,688             Dec. 2012   2006   31 yrs.

Retail Property in Lexington, SC

    1,644        3,088               1,644        3,088        4,732        256      Jun. 2010   2009   13-48 yrs.

Retail Property in Elkton, MD

    963        3,909               963        3,909        4,872        293      Jul. 2010   2008   14-49 yrs.

Retail Property in Gallatin, TN

    1,750        3,312               1,750        3,312        5,062        9      Dec. 2012   2007   31 yrs.

Retail Property in Tupelo, MS

    1,120        4,008               1,120        4,008        5,128        305      Aug. 2010   2007   12-47 yrs.

Retail Property in Greenwood, AR

    1,278        3,869               1,278        3,869        5,147        81      Apr. 2012   2009   13-43 yrs.

Retail Property in Johnson City, TN

    800        4,462               800        4,462        5,262             Dec. 2012   2007   31 yrs.

Retail Property in Douglasville, GA

    1,717        3,692               1,717        3,692        5,409        278      Aug. 2010   2008   13-48 yrs.

Retail Property in Chattanooga, TN

    903        4,800               903        4,800        5,703             Dec. 2012   2008   11-41 yrs.

Retail Property in Lilburn, GA

    1,090        4,701               1,090        4,701        5,791        353      Aug. 2010   2007   12-47 yrs.

Retail Property in Aiken, SC

    1,600        4,326               1,600        4,326        5,926             Dec. 2012   2008   31 yrs.

Retail Property in Palmview, TX

    950        5,870               950        5,870        6,820             Dec. 2012   2012   31 yrs.

Retail Property in Millbrook, AL

    975        5,966               975        5,966        6,941        142      Mar. 2012   2008   31 yrs.

Retail Property in Wichita, KS

    1,200        6,000               1,200        6,000        7,200             Dec. 2012   2012   25 yrs.

Retail Property in Tilton, NH

    1,476        5,780               1,476        5,780        7,256        79      Sep. 2012   1996   10-20 yrs.

Retail Property in Sennett, NY

    1,147        6,328               1,147        6,328        7,475        79      Sep. 2012   1996   10-23 yrs.

Retail Property in Columbia, SC

    2,148        5,652               2,148        5,652        7,800        165      Apr. 2012   2011   14-34 yrs.

Retail Property in Snellville, GA

    1,293        6,707               1,293        6,707        8,000        195      Apr. 2012   2011   14-34 yrs.

Retail Property in Jonesboro, AR

    2,615        5,785               2,615        5,785        8,400        40      Oct. 2012   2012   15-35 yrs.

Retail Property in Mt. Juliet, TN

    2,739        6,361               2,739        6,361        9,100        17      Nov. 2012   2012   15-35 yrs.

Retail Property in Pittsfield, MA

    1,801        12,899               1,801        12,899        14,700        364      Feb. 2012   2011   14-34 yrs.

Retail Property in Mooresville, NC

    2,615        15,028               2,615        15,028        17,643        180      Sep. 2012   2000   12-24 yrs.

Retail Property in Waldorf, MD

    4,933        13,870               4,933        13,870        18,803        170      Sep. 2012   1999   10-25 yrs.

Retail Property in Saratoga Springs, NY

    749        19,474               749        19,474        20,223        202      Sep. 2012   1994   15-27 yrs.

Retail Property in Vineland, NJ

    1,482        21,024               1,482        21,024        22,506        222      Sep. 2012   2003   12-30 yrs.

Retail Property in North Dartsmouth, MA

    7,033        22,932               7,033        22,932        29,965        305      Sep. 2012   1989   10-20 yrs.

Retail Property in Las Vegas, NV

    4,900        114,100               4,900        114,100        119,000             Dec. 2012   2010   53 yrs.
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       
  $ 54,234      $ 329,848      $      $ 54,234      $ 329,848      $ 384,082      $ 4,060         
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

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Reconciliation of Real Estate:

The following table reconciles Real Estate from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2012:

 

     2012     2011      2010  

Balance at January 1

   $ 29,802      $ 25,932       $   

Improvements and additions

     428,651        3,870         63,583   

Acquisitions through foreclosure

                      

Dispositions

     (74,371             (37,651

Impairments

                      
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31

   $ 384,082      $ 29,802       $ 25,932   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Reconciliation of Accumulated Depreciation:

The following table reconciles Accumulated Depreciation from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2012:

 

     2012      2011      2010  

Balance at January 1

   $ 967       $ 263       $   

Additions

     3,093         704         263   

Dispositions

                       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31

   $ 4,060       $ 967       $ 263   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP

SCHEDULE IV—MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2012

 

Type of Loan

  Underlying Property
Type
  Contractual Interest
Rates
  Final
Maturity
Dates
  Periodic
Payment
Terms(1)
 

Location

  Face amount of
Mortgages
    Carrying
Amount of
Mortgages
 

First Mortgage

  Retail   4.90%   Dec 2022   IO   Pensacola Beach, FL   $ 69,000,000      $ 68,935,000   

First Mortgage

  Office   LIBOR + 8.0%, 8.25% Floor   May 2014   P&I   Van Buren Township, MI     65,381,809        64,944,025   

First Mortgage

  Office   4.43%   Oct 2018   IO   Long Island City, NY     62,000,000        62,000,000   

First Mortgage

  Hotel   4.81%   Dec 2017   IO   Chicago, IL     48,000,000        48,000,000   

First Mortgage

  Residential   4.65%   Dec 2022   IO   Washington, MI     45,900,000        45,900,000   

First Mortgage

  Multi-family   5.46%   Jul 2021   IO   Carteret, NJ     36,000,000        36,000,000   

First Mortgage

  Retail   LIBOR + 9.0%, 10.5% Floor   May 2014   P&I   Austin, TX     32,910,092        32,528,156   

First Mortgage

  Retail   LIBOR + 11.1%, 12.4% Floor   Jan 2014   IO   New York, NY     31,500,000        31,185,000   

First Mortgage

  Mixed Use   5.92%   Jan 2025   IO   North Hollywood, CA     30,300,000        30,300,000   

First Mortgages individually <3%

  Retail, Office, Mixed
Use, Hotel, Multi-family
  Fixed: 3.67% - 15%
Variable: LIBOR + 6.75% to
LIBOR + 11.00%
  2013 - 2033         440,025,325        439,129,542   
           

 

 

   

 

 

 

First Mortgages

            $ 861,017,227      $ 858,921,724   
           

 

 

   

 

 

 
Subordinate Mortgage   Land   14.65%   Jan 2014   IO       35,000,000        34,176,000   

Subordinate Mortgages individually <3%

  Retail, Office, Hotel,
Multi-family
  Fixed: 6.04% - 12%   2016-2022         59,346,656        58,453,446   
           

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subordinated Mortgages

            $ 94,346,656      $ 92,629,446   
           

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Mortgages

            $ 955,363,882      $ 951,551,170   
           

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) IO = Interest Only
     P&I = Principal and interest

 

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Reconciliation of Mortgage Loans on Real Estate:

The following table reconciles Mortgage Loans on Real Estate from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2012:

 

       2012     2011     2010  

Balance at January 1

   $ 514,038,109      $ 509,803,975      $ 123,136,364   

Additions

     2,463,328,246        1,444,354,090        784,107,320   

Repayments

     (280,567,836     (64,249,342     (69,904,380

Sales

     (1,904,189,552     (1,444,330,798     (358,544,564

Realized gain on sales

     154,613,009        66,270,758        30,532,843   

Accretion/amortization of discount, premium and other fees

     2,878,027        2,189,426        1,361,387   

Provisions for loan loss

     (448,833            (884,995
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31

   $ 949,651,170      $ 514,038,109      $ 509,803,975   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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             Shares

Ladder Capital Corp

Class A Common Stock

 

LOGO

Joint Book-Running Managers

Deutsche Bank Securities

Citigroup

Wells Fargo Securities

BofA Merrill Lynch

J.P. Morgan

Co-Managers

FBR

JMP Securities

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods

                 A Stifel Company

Through and including                     , 2014 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The following table sets forth the various expenses expected to be incurred by the Registrant in connection with the sale and distribution of the securities being registered hereby, other than underwriting discounts and commissions. All amounts are estimated except the SEC registration fee and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority filing fee.

 

SEC registration fee

   $ 25,760   

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority filing fee

                 

Blue Sky fees and expenses

                 

Accounting fees and expenses

                 

Legal fees and expenses

                 

Printing and engraving expenses

                 

Registrar and Transfer Agent’s fees

                 

Miscellaneous fees and expenses

                 
  

 

 

 

Total

   $             
  

 

 

 

 

* To be filed by amendment

Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Section 102 of the DGCL allows a corporation to eliminate the personal liability of directors of a corporation to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except where the director breached the duty of loyalty, failed to act in good faith, engaged in intentional misconduct or knowingly violated a law, authorized the payment of a dividend or approved a stock repurchase in violation of the DGCL or obtained an improper personal benefit.

Section 145 of the DGCL provides, among other things, that we may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding—other than an action by or in the right of the Registrant—by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, agent or employee of the Registrant, or is or was serving at our request as a director, officer, agent or employee of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding. The power to indemnify applies (a) if such person is successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding, or (b) if such person acting in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in the best interest, or not opposed to the best interest, of the Registrant, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The power to indemnify applies to actions brought by or in the right of the Registrant as well but only to the extent of defense expenses, including attorneys’ fees but excluding amounts paid in settlement, actually and reasonably incurred and not to any satisfaction of judgment or settlement of the claim itself, and with the further limitation that in such actions no indemnification shall be made in the event of any adjudication of liability to the Registrant, unless the court believes that in light of all the circumstances indemnification should apply.

 

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Section 174 of the DGCL provides, among other things, that a director, who willfully or negligently approves of an unlawful payment of dividends or an unlawful stock purchase or redemption, may be held liable for such actions. A director who was either absent when the unlawful actions were approved or dissented at the time, may avoid liability by causing his or her dissent to such actions to be entered in the books containing minutes of the meetings of the board of directors at the time such action occurred or immediately after such absent director receives notice of the unlawful acts.

The Registrant’s amended and restated bylaws, attached as Exhibit 3.2 hereto, provide that the Registrant shall indemnify its directors and executive officers to the fullest extent not prohibited by the DGCL or any other applicable law. In addition, the Registrant has entered into separate indemnification agreements, attached as Exhibit 10.1 hereto, with its directors and officers which would require the Registrant, among other things, to indemnify them against certain liabilities which may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers to the fullest extent not prohibited by law. These indemnification provisions and the indemnification agreements may be sufficiently broad to permit indemnification of the Registrant’s officers and directors for liabilities, including reimbursement of expenses incurred, arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which we refer to as the Securities Act. The Registrant also intends to maintain director and officer liability insurance, if available on reasonable terms.

The form of Underwriting Agreement, to be attached as Exhibit 1.1 hereto, provides for indemnification by the Underwriters of us and our officers and directors for certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act, and affords certain rights of contribution with respect thereto.

Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

On May 30, 2013, the Registrant issued 1,000 shares of the Registrant’s Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share, to LCFH for $1.00. The issuance of such shares of common stock was not registered under the Securities Act because the shares were offered and sold in a transaction exempt from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

Concurrently with the closing of this offering, the Registrant will issue                  shares of no par value Class B common stock to existing owners. In addition, concurrently with the closing of this offering, the Registrant may issue shares of Class A common stock to certain of the direct or indirect existing owners of LCFH if such owners elect to receive Class A common stock in lieu of any LP Units and shares of Class B common stock that would otherwise be issued to such owners, or for their benefit, in the Reorganization Transactions. The issuance of such shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will not be registered under the Securities Act because the shares will be offered and sold in a transaction exempt from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a) Exhibits.

The exhibit index attached hereto is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(b) Financial Statement Schedules.

Refer to Index to Financial Statements on page F-1 of this registration statement.

 

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Item 17. Undertakings

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

 

  (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

 

  (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, State of New York, on December 23, 2013.

 

 

LADDER CAPITAL CORP

(Registrant)

By:  

/ S /    B RIAN H ARRIS        

  Brian Harris
  Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Pamela McCormack and Marc Fox and each of them singly, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all (i) amendments (including post-effective amendments) and additions to this registration statement and (ii) any and all additional registration statements pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or either of them or their or his or her substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Name

  

Title

 

Date

/ S /    B RIAN H ARRIS        

Brian Harris

  

Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

  December 23, 2013

/ S /    M ARC F OX        

Marc Fox

  

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  December 23, 2013

/ S /    A LAN F ISHMAN        

Alan Fishman

   Non-Executive Chairman and Director   December 23, 2013

/ S /    J ONATHAN B ILZIN        

Jonathan Bilzin

   Director   December 23, 2013

/ S /    H OWARD P ARK        

Howard Park

   Director   December 23, 2013

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  1.1*    Form of Underwriting Agreement
  3.1    Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Ladder Capital Corp
  3.2**    Certificate of Incorporation of Ladder Capital Corp
  3.3    Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of Ladder Capital Corp
  3.4*    Form of Amended and Restated Limited Liability Limited Partnership Agreement of Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP
  4.1†    Indenture, dated as of September 19, 2012, among Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP, Ladder Capital Finance Corporation and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee
  4.3*    Form of certificate of Class A common stock
  4.4*    Form of Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement
  5.1    Opinion of Kirkland & Ellis LLP regarding the validity of the shares of Class A common stock registered
10.1*    Form of Employment Agreement
10.2    Form of Tax Receivable Agreement
10.3*    2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan
10.4*    Form of Incentive Option Agreement
10.5*    Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement
10.6*    Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement
10.7*    Form of Restricted Stock Agreement
10.8*    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement
10.9**    2008 Incentive Equity Plan
10.10**    Meridian Loan Referral Agreement
21.1**    Subsidiaries of Ladder Capital Corp
23.1    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
23.2    Consent of Kirkland & Ellis LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.3    Consent of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP
24.1**    Power of Attorney (included on signature pages to the registration statement)
99.1†    Real Estate Operations Acquired and Properties Securing Significant Loans
99.2    Real Estate Operations Acquired and Properties Securing Significant Loans

 

* To be filed by amendment.
Filed as Exhibits to Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP and Ladder Capital Finance Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 353-188225), filed on April 29, 2013.
** Filed as Exhibits to Ladder Capital Corp’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-                    ), originally filed on June 27, 2013.

 

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Exhibit 3.1

AMENDED AND RESTATED

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

LADDER CAPITAL CORP

The present name of the corporation is Ladder Capital Corp (the “ Corporation ”). The Corporation was incorporated under the name “Ladder Capital Corp” by the filing of its original certificate of incorporation (the “ Original Certificate of Incorporation ”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on May 21, 2013. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, which amends, restates and integrates the provisions of the Original Certificate of Incorporation, was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and by the written consent of the stockholders in accordance with Section 228 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

The Original Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

ARTICLE I

Section 1.1 Name . The name of the Corporation is Ladder Capital Corp.

ARTICLE II

Section 2.1 Address . The registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801; and the name of the registered agent of the Corporation in the State of Delaware at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

ARTICLE III

Section 3.1 Purpose . The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “ DGCL ”).

ARTICLE IV

Section 4.1 Capitalization . The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Corporation is authorized to issue is [                ] shares, consisting of (i)  [                ] shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“ Preferred Stock ”), (ii)  [                ] shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“ Class A Common Stock ”), and (iii)  [                ] shares of Class B Common Stock, no par value per share (“ Class B Common Stock ” and, together with the Class A Common Stock, the “ Common Stock ”). The number of authorized shares of any of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in total voting power of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto), and no vote of the holders of any of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or Preferred Stock voting separately as a class shall be required therefor.

Section 4.2 Preferred Stock.

(A) The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “ Board ”) is hereby expressly authorized, by resolution or resolutions, at any time and from time to time, to provide, out of the unissued shares of Preferred Stock, for one or more series of Preferred Stock and, with respect to each such series, to fix, without further stockholder approval, the number of shares constituting such series and the designation of such series, the voting


powers (if any) of the shares of such series, and the powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, if any, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of the shares of such series and to cause to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware a certificate of designation with respect thereto. The powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights of each series of Preferred Stock, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, may differ from those of any and all other series at any time outstanding.

(B) Except as otherwise required by law, holders of a series of Preferred Stock, as such, shall be entitled only to such voting rights, if any, as shall expressly be granted thereto by this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to such series).

Section 4.3 Common Stock.

(A) Voting Rights .

(1) Each holder of Class A Common Stock, as such, shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Class A Common Stock held of record by such holder on all matters on which stockholders generally are entitled to vote; provided , however , that to the fullest extent permitted by law, holders of Class A Common Stock, as such, shall have no voting power with respect to, and shall not be entitled to vote on, any amendment to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series of Preferred Stock) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series of Preferred Stock) or pursuant to the DGCL.

(2) Each holder of Class B Common Stock, as such, shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Class B Common Stock held of record by such holder on all matters on which stockholders generally are entitled to vote; provided , further , that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, holders of Class B Common Stock, as such, shall have no voting power with respect to, and shall not be entitled to vote on, any amendment to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series of Preferred Stock) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series of Preferred Stock) or pursuant to the DGCL.

(3) Except as otherwise required in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or by applicable law, the holders of Common Stock shall vote together as a single class on all matters (or, if any holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to vote together with the holders of Common Stock, as a single class with such holders of Preferred Stock).

(4) No holder of Common Stock shall be entitled to cumulate votes on behalf of any candidate for a directorship. No holder of Common Stock will have any preemptive right to subscribe for any shares of capital stock issued in the future.

(B) Dividends and Distributions . Subject to applicable law and the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over or the right to participate with the Class A Common Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and other distributions in cash, stock of any corporation or property of the Corporation, such dividends and other distributions may be declared and paid ratably on the Class A Common Stock out of the assets of the Corporation that are by law available therefor at such times and in such amounts as the Board in its discretion shall determine. Dividends and other distributions shall not be declared or paid on the Class B Common Stock.

(C) Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up . In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, after payment or provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Corporation and of the preferential and other amounts, if any, to which the holders of

 

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Preferred Stock shall be entitled, the holders of all outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock shall be entitled to receive the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution ratably in proportion to the number of shares held by each such stockholder. The holders of shares of Class B Common Stock, as such, shall not be entitled to receive any assets of the Corporation in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation.

(D) Retirement of Class B Common Stock . In the event that any outstanding share of Class B Common Stock shall cease to be held by a holder of a “LP Unit” of Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP, a Delaware limited liability limited partnership (“ LCFH ”) (with such a “LP Unit” being as defined in the limited liability limited partnership agreement of LCFH, as in effect from time to time), such share of Class B Common Stock shall automatically and without further action on the part of the Corporation or any holder of Class B Common Stock be deemed transferred to the Corporation and deemed cancelled and retired.

Section 4.4 Reclassification of Prior Common Stock into One Share of Class A Common Stock . Upon this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation becoming effective in accordance with the DGCL (the “ Effective Time ”), all of the 1,000 shares of the Corporation’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (such 1,000 shares, the “ Prior Common Stock ”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be reclassified and converted into one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, share of Class A Common Stock.

ARTICLE V

Section 5.1 By-Laws . In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by the DGCL, the Board is expressly authorized to make, amend, alter, change, add to or repeal the by-laws of the Corporation (as in effect from time to time, the “ By-Laws ”) without the assent or vote of the stockholders in any manner not inconsistent with the law of the State of Delaware or this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the total voting power of all the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required for the stockholders to make, amend, alter, change, add to or repeal any provision of the By-Laws.

ARTICLE VI

Section 6.1 Board of Directors.

(A) The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board, with the exact number of directors to be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by affirmative vote of a majority of the Board.

(B) The directors, other than those who may be elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock under special circumstances, shall be divided into three classes, hereby designated Class I, Class II and Class III.

(C) The directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting of the stockholders and entitled to vote in the election of the directors; provided that, whenever the holders of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation are entitled to elect one or more directors pursuant to the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, but not limited to, any duly authorized certificate of designation), such directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of such class or series present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting of the stockholders and entitled to vote in the election of such directors. The term of office of the initial Class I directors shall expire at the first annual meeting of stockholders after the time this Certificate of Incorporation becomes effective, the term of office of the initial Class II directors shall expire at the second succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after the time this Certificate of Incorporation becomes effective and the term of office of the initial Class III directors shall expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of the stockholders after the time this Certificate of Incorporation becomes effective. For the purposes hereof, the Board of Directors may assign directors already in office to the initial Class I, Class II and Class III at the time this Certificate of Incorporation becomes effective. At each annual meeting of stockholders after the time this Certificate of Incorporation becomes effective, directors elected to replace those of a Class whose

 

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terms expire at such annual meeting shall be elected to hold office until the third succeeding annual meeting after their election and until their respective successors shall have been duly elected and qualified. Each director shall hold office until the annual meeting of stockholders for the year in which such director’s term expires and a successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. Nothing in this Certificate of Incorporation shall preclude a director from serving consecutive terms. Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws of the Corporation shall so provide.

(D) Whenever the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock issued by the Corporation shall have the right, voting separately as a series or separately as a class with one or more such other series, to elect directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, removal and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the terms of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series of Preferred Stock) applicable thereto. Notwithstanding Section 6.1(A), the number of directors that may be elected by the holders of any such series of Preferred Stock shall be in addition to the number fixed pursuant to Section 6.1(A) hereof.

(E) Directors of the Corporation need not be elected by written ballot unless the By-Laws shall so provide.

(F) Any or all of the directors (other than the directors elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock of the Corporation, voting separately as a series or separately as a class with one or more other such series, as the case may be) may only be removed for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the total voting power of all the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

(G) Any newly created directorship on the Board that results from an increase in the number of directors and any vacancy occurring in the Board shall be filled only by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director.

ARTICLE VII

Section 7.1 Meeting of Stockholders . Any action required or permitted to be taken by the holders of stock of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of such holders and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such holders; provided , however , that any action required or permitted to be taken by the holders of Class B Common Stock, voting separately as a class, or, to the extent expressly permitted by the certificate of designation relating to one or more series of Preferred Stock, by the holders of such series of Preferred Stock, voting separately as a series or separately as a class with one or more other such series, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding shares of the relevant class or series having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in Delaware, its principal place of business, or to an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded.

Section 7.2 Special Meetings of Stockholders . Except as otherwise required by law and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called only by or at the direction of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation.

ARTICLE VIII

Section 8.1 Limited Liability of Directors . To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as it now exists or may hereafter be amended, a director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. If the DGCL or any other law of the State of Delaware is amended after approval by the stockholders of this Article VIII to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL or such other law as so amended. Neither

 

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the amendment nor repeal of this Article VIII, nor the adoption of any provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with this Article VIII, nor, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, any modification of law shall eliminate, reduce or otherwise adversely affect any right or protection of a current or former director of the Corporation existing at the time of such amendment, repeal, adoption or modification.

ARTICLE IX

Section 9.1 Indemnification . The Corporation shall have the power to indemnify and advance expenses to, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any person made or threatened to be made a party to an action or proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, any predecessor of the Corporation or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Corporation, or serves or served at any other enterprise as a director, officer, employee or agent at the request of the Corporation or any predecessor to the Corporation. The Corporation shall indemnify any person made or threatened to be made a party to an action or proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or any predecessor of the Corporation, or serves or served at any other enterprise as a director or officer at the request of the Corporation, any predecessor to the Corporation or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Corporation as and to the extent (and on the terms and subject to the conditions) set forth in the By-Laws or in any contract of indemnification entered into by the Corporation and any such person. Neither any amendment nor repeal of this Article IX, nor the adoption of any provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with this Article IX, shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this Article IX in respect of any matter occurring, or any action or proceeding accruing or arising or that, but for this Article IX, would accrue or arise, prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption of an inconsistent provision.

Section 9.2 Insurance . To the fullest extent permitted by the law of the State of Delaware, the Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person described in Section 9.1 against any liability asserted against such person, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Article IX or otherwise.

ARTICLE X

Section 10.1 Business Combinations . The Corporation shall be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL.

ARTICLE XI

Section 11.1 Certain Acknowledgment . In recognition and anticipation that: (i) the partners, principals, directors, officers, members, managers, employees and/or advisers of affiliates of Towerbrook Capital Partners L.P. (together with its affiliates, subsidiaries, inccessors and assigns (other than the Corporation and its subsidiaries), collectively, “ Towerbrook ”) and affiliates of GI International L.P. (together with its affiliates, subsidiaries, successors and assigns (other than the Corporation and its subsidiaries), collectively, “ GI Partners ”) may serve as directors and/or officers of the Corporation, (ii) Towerbrook and GI Partners may engage in the same or similar activities or related lines of business as those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage and/or other business activities that overlap with or compete with those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage, and (iii) the Corporation and its subsidiaries may engage in material business transactions with Towerbrook and GI Partners, the provisions of this Article XI are set forth to regulate and define the conduct of certain affairs of the Corporation with respect to certain classes or categories of business opportunities as they may involve Towerbrook and GI Partners and their respective partners, principals, directors, officers, members, managers, employees and/or advisers, and the powers, rights, duties and liabilities of the Corporation and its officers, directors and stockholders in connection therewith.

Section 11.2 Competition and Corporate Opportunities . Towerbrook and GI Partners, and their respective partners, principals, directors, officers, members, managers, employees and/or advisers shall not have any duty to refrain from engaging directly or indirectly in the same or similar business activities or lines of business as the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries. In the event that Towerbrook and GI Partners, or their respective partners, principals, directors, officers, members, managers, employees and/or advisers, acquires knowledge of a potential

 

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transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for itself and the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, neither the Corporation nor any of its subsidiaries shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, have any expectancy in such corporate opportunity, and neither Towerbrook and GI Partners, or their respective partners, principals, directors, officers, members, managers, employees and/or advisers, shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, have any duty to communicate or offer such corporate opportunity to the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries and may pursue or acquire such corporate opportunity for itself or direct such corporate opportunity to another person.

Section 11.3 Allocation of Corporate Opportunities . In the event that a director or officer of the Corporation who is also a partner, principal, director, officer, member, manager, employee and/or adviser of Towerbrook and GI Partners acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries and Towerbrook and GI Partners, or their respective partners, principals, directors, officers, members, managers, employees and/or advisers, neither the Corporation nor any of its subsidiaries shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, have any expectancy in such corporate opportunity unless such corporate opportunity is expressly offered to such person in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation.

Section 11.4 Certain Matters Deemed Not Corporate Opportunities . In addition to and notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article XI, a corporate opportunity shall not be deemed to belong to the Corporation if it is a business opportunity that the Corporation is not financially able or legally able to undertake, or that is, from its nature, not in the line of the Corporation’s business or is of no practical advantage to it or that is one in which the Corporation has no interest or reasonable expectancy.

Section 11.5 Renouncement . In connection with the foregoing, the Corporation renounces any interest or expectancy in, or being offered an opportunity to participate in, the business opportunities not allocated to the Corporation or deemed to belong to the Corporation as set forth in Sections 11.3 and 11.4 of this Article XI.

Section 11.6 Amendment of this Article . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary elsewhere contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and in addition to any vote required by the DGCL, the affirmative vote of the shares held by Towerbrook and GI Partners shall be required to alter, amend or repeal, or to adopt any provision inconsistent with, this Article XI.

ARTICLE XII

Section 12.1 Exclusive Jurisdiction for Certain Actions . Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, creditors or other constituents, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer of the Corporation arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the By-Laws (as either may be amended from time to time), or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer of the Corporation governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each such case subject to said Court of Chancery having personal jurisdiction over the indispensible parties named as defendants therein; provided , that, if and only if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware dismisses any such action for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, such action may be brought in another state court sitting in the State of Delaware. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in the shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article XII.

ARTICLE XIII

Section 13.1 Severability . If any provision or provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any circumstance for any reason whatsoever: (i) the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in

 

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any way be affected or impaired thereby and (ii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each such portion of any paragraph of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to permit the Corporation to protect its directors, officers, employees and agents from personal liability in respect of their good faith service to or for the benefit of the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by law.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed by the undersigned authorized officer                      , 2014.

 

LADDER CAPITAL CORP
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

Exhibit 3.3

AMENDED AND RESTATED

BY-LAWS

OF

LADDER CAPITAL CORP

ARTICLE I

STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1. Annual Meetings . The annual meeting of the stockholders of Ladder Capital Corp (the “ Corporation ”) for the purpose of electing directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting shall be held on such date, and at such time and place, if any, within or without the State of Delaware as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “ Board ”). The Board may, in its sole discretion, determine that the meeting shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication in accordance with Section 211(a)(2) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “ DGCL ”).

Section 2. Special Meetings . Subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of preferred stock of the Corporation, special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called only by or at the direction of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation], and shall be held on such date, and at such time and place, if any, within or without the State of Delaware as may be designated from time to time by the person calling such meeting.

Section 3. Notice of Meetings . Except as otherwise provided by law, the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation or these By-Laws, notice of the date, time, place (if any), the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (if such date is different from the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting) and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes of the meeting of stockholders shall be given not more than sixty (60), nor less than ten (10), days previous thereto, to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting at such address as appears on the records of the Corporation.

Section 4. Quorum . The holders of a majority in voting power of the stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business, except as otherwise provided herein, by statute or by the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation. When a quorum is once present to organize a meeting, it is not broken by the subsequent withdrawal of any stockholders. If at any meeting of stockholders there shall be less than a quorum present, the chairman of the meeting or, by a majority in voting power thereof, the stockholders present may, to the extent permitted by law, adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice other than announcement at the meeting of the date, time and place, if any, of the adjourned meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. If after the adjournment a new record date for stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board shall fix a new record date for notice of such adjourned meeting, and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such adjourned meeting as of the record date for notice of such adjourned meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a separate vote by a class or series or classes or series is required, a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of such class or series or classes or series, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter.


Section 5. Chairman of Meetings . The Chairman of the Board, or in the Chairman’s absence or at the Chairman’s direction, the Chief Executive Officer or any other director or officer of the Corporation shall call all meetings of the stockholders to order and shall act as chairman of any such meetings. The Secretary of the Corporation or, in such officer’s absence, an Assistant Secretary shall act as secretary of the meeting. If neither the Secretary nor an Assistant Secretary is present, the chairman of the meeting shall appoint a secretary of the meeting. The Board may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. Unless otherwise determined by the Board prior to the meeting, the chairman of the meeting shall determine the order of business and shall have the authority in his or her discretion to regulate the conduct of any such meeting, including, without limitation, convening the meeting and adjourning the meeting (whether or not a quorum is present), announcing the date and time of the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote, imposing restrictions on the persons (other than stockholders of record of the Corporation or their duly appointed proxies) who may attend any such meeting, establishing procedures for the dismissal of business not properly presented, maintaining order at the meeting and safety of those present, restricting entry to the meeting after the time fixed for commencement thereof and limiting the circumstances in which any person may make a statement or ask questions at any meeting of stockholders.

Section 6. Proxies . At all meetings of stockholders, any stockholder entitled to vote thereat shall be entitled to vote in person or by proxy, but no proxy shall be voted after three years from its date, unless such proxy provides for a longer period. Without limiting the manner in which a stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for the stockholder as proxy pursuant to the DGCL, the following shall constitute a valid means by which a stockholder may grant such authority: (1) a stockholder may execute a writing authorizing another person or persons to act for the stockholder as proxy, and execution of the writing may be accomplished by the stockholder or the stockholder’s authorized officer, director, employee or agent signing such writing or causing his or her signature to be affixed to such writing by any reasonable means including, but not limited to, by facsimile signature; or (2) a stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for the stockholder as proxy by transmitting or authorizing the transmission of a facsimile or other means of electronic transmission to the person who will be the holder of the proxy or to a proxy solicitation firm, proxy support service organization or like agent duly authorized by the person who will be the holder of the proxy to receive such transmission, provided that any such facsimile or other means of electronic transmission must either set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the facsimile or other electronic transmission was authorized by the stockholder. If it is determined that such transmissions are valid, the inspector or inspectors of stockholder votes or, if there are no such inspectors, such other persons making that determination shall specify the information upon which they relied.

A proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only as long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power. A stockholder may revoke any proxy which is not irrevocable by attending the meeting and voting in person or by delivering to the Secretary of the Corporation a revocation of the proxy or a new proxy bearing a later date.

Any copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reliable reproduction of the writing or transmission created pursuant to the preceding paragraph of this Section 6 may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing or transmission for any and all purposes for which the original writing or transmission could be used, provided that such copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing or transmission.

Proxies shall be filed with the secretary of the meeting prior to or at the commencement of the meeting to which they relate.

Section 7. Voting . When a quorum is present at any meeting, the vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast shall decide any question brought before such meeting, unless the question is one upon which by express provision of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, these By-Laws or the DGCL a different vote is required, in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a separate vote by a class or series or classes or series is required and a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by shares of such class or series or classes or

 

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series shall be the act of such class or series or classes or series, unless the question is one upon which by express provision of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, these By-Laws or the DGCL a different vote is required, in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question.

Section 8. Record Date.

(A) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall, unless otherwise required by law, not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting. If the Board so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination. If no record date is fixed by the Board, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided , however , that the Board may fix a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote in accordance herewith at the adjourned meeting.

(B) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board may fix a record date, which shall not be more than sixty (60) days prior to such other action. If no such record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto.

Section 9. Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of Meeting . At any time when the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation permits action by one or more classes of stockholders of the Corporation to be taken by written consent, the provisions of this section shall apply. All consents properly delivered in accordance with the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, this section and the DGCL shall be deemed to be recorded when so delivered. No written consent shall be effective to take the corporate action referred to therein unless, within sixty (60) days of the earliest dated consent delivered to the Corporation as required by this section, written consents signed by the holders of a sufficient number of shares to take such corporate action are so recorded. Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing and who, if the action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of the meeting if the record date for notice of such meeting had been the date that written consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take the action were delivered to the Corporation. Any action taken pursuant to such written consent or consents of the stockholders shall have the same force and effect as if taken by the stockholders at a meeting thereof. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which date shall not be more than ten (10) days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board. If no record date has been fixed by the Board, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the Board is required by statute, shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. If no record date has been fixed by the Board and prior action by the Board is required by statute, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution taking such prior action.

 

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Section 10. List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote . The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting ( provided , however , if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than ten (10) days before the date of the meeting, the list shall reflect the stockholders entitled to vote as of the tenth day before the meeting date) showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting: (i) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (ii) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation. In the event that the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then a list of stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting.

Section 11. Inspectors . The Board, in advance of all meetings of the stockholders, may appoint one or more inspectors of stockholder votes, who may be employees or agents of the Corporation or stockholders or their proxies, but not directors of the Corporation or candidates for election as directors. In the event that the Board fails to so appoint one or more inspectors of stockholder votes or, in the event that one or more inspectors of stockholder votes previously designated by the Board fails to appear or act at the meeting of stockholders, the chairman of the meeting may appoint one or more inspectors of stockholder votes to fill such vacancy or vacancies. Inspectors of stockholder votes appointed to act at any meeting of the stockholders, before entering upon the discharge of their duties, shall take and sign an oath to faithfully execute the duties of inspector of stockholder votes with strict impartiality and according to the best of their ability and the oath so taken shall be subscribed by them. Inspectors of stockholder votes shall, subject to the power of the chairman of the meeting to open and close the polls, take charge of the polls, and, after the voting, shall make a certificate of the result of the vote taken.

Section 12. Notice of Stockholder Business and Nominations.

(A) Annual Meetings of Stockholders .

(1) Nominations of persons for election to the Board and the proposal of other business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders only (a) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) delivered pursuant to Article I, Section 3 of these By-Laws, (b) by or at the direction of the Board or any committee thereof or (c) by any stockholder of the Corporation who is entitled to vote on such election or such other business at the meeting, who complied with the notice procedures set forth in subparagraphs (2) and (3) of this paragraph (A) of this By-Law and who was a stockholder of record at the time such notice is delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation.

(2) For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation, and, in the case of business other than nominations of persons for election to the Board, such other business must be a proper matter for stockholder action. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than ninety (90) days nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided , however , that in the event that no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the date of the annual meeting is changed by more than thirty (30) days from such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made; and provided further , that for purposes of the application of Rule 14a-4(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”) (or any successor provision), the date for notice specified in this paragraph (A)(2) shall be the earlier of the date calculated as hereinbefore provided or the date specified in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 14a-4. For purposes of the first annual meeting following the adoption of these By-Laws, the date of the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting shall be deemed to be May 20, 2013.

 

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Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth (a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected; (b) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and, in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend these By-Laws, the language of the proposed amendment), the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; (c) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made (i) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, and of such beneficial owner, (ii) the class or series and number of shares of the Corporation which are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner, (iii) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such business or nomination, (iv) a representation whether the stockholder or the beneficial owner, if any, intends or is part of a group which intends (A) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock required to approve or adopt the proposal or elect the nominee and/or (B) otherwise to solicit proxies from stockholders in support of such proposal or nomination, (v) a certification regarding whether such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, have complied with all applicable federal, state and other legal requirements in connection with the stockholder’s and/or beneficial owner’s acquisition of shares of capital stock or other securities of the Corporation and/or the stockholder’s and/or beneficial owner’s acts or omissions as a stockholder of the Corporation and (vi) any other information relating to such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for, as applicable, the proposal and/or for the election of directors in an election contest pursuant to and in accordance with Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; (d) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding with respect to the nomination or proposal and/or the voting of shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation between or among the stockholder giving the notice, the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made, any of their respective affiliates or associates and/or any others acting in concert with any of the foregoing (collectively, “ proponent persons ”); and (e) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including without limitation any contract to purchase or sell, acquisition or grant of any option, right or warrant to purchase or sell, swap or other instrument) to which any proponent person is a party, the intent or effect of which may be (i) to transfer to or from any proponent person, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any security of the Corporation, (ii) to increase or decrease the voting power of any proponent person with respect to shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation and/or (iii) to provide any proponent person, directly or indirectly, with the opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from, or to otherwise benefit economically from, any increase or decrease in the value of any security of the Corporation. A stockholder providing notice of a proposed nomination for election to the Board or other business proposed to be brought before a meeting (whether given pursuant to this paragraph (A)(2) or paragraph (B) of this By-Law) shall update and supplement such notice from time to time to the extent necessary so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice shall be true and correct as of the record date for the meeting and as of the date that is fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof; such update and supplement shall be delivered in writing to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five (5) days after the record date for the meeting (in the case of any update and supplement required to be made as of the record date), and not later than ten (10) days prior to the date for the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof (in the case of any update and supplement required to be made as of fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof).

The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as it may reasonably require to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation and to determine the independence of such director under the Exchange Act and rules and regulations thereunder and applicable stock exchange rules.

 

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(3) Notwithstanding anything in paragraph (A)(2) of this By-Law to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board is increased, effective after the time period for which nominations would otherwise be due under paragraph (A)(2) of this By-Law, and there is no public announcement naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased Board made by the Corporation at least eighty (80) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice required by this By-Law shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which a public announcement of such increase is first made by the Corporation; provided that, if no such announcement is made at least ten (10) days before the meeting, then no such notice shall be required.

(B) Special Meetings of Stockholders . Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting pursuant to Article I, Section 3 of these By-Laws. Nominations of persons for election to the Board may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (a) by or at the direction of the Board or a committee thereof or (b) provided that the Board has determined that directors shall be elected at such meeting, by any stockholder of the Corporation who is entitled to vote on such election at the meeting who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this By-Law and who is a stockholder of record at the time such notice is delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation. In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board, any such stockholder entitled to vote in such election of directors may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be) for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting if the stockholder’s notice as required by paragraph (A)(2) of this By-Law shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board to be elected at such meeting.

(C) General .

(1) Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this By-Law shall be eligible to serve as directors and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this By-Law. In addition, nominations of persons by a stockholder for election to the Board and business proposed to be brought by a stockholder may not be brought before the meeting if such stockholder or any proponent persons, as applicable, takes action contrary to the representations made in the notice referred to in the second paragraph of subparagraph (2) of paragraph (A) of this By-Law applicable to such nomination or business or if such notice applicable to such nomination or business contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. Except as otherwise provided by law, the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation or these By-Laws, the chairman of the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that any nomination or business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the provisions of these By-Laws, and if he or she should so determine, the chairman shall so declare to the meeting, and any such nomination or business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 12, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to present a nomination or business, such nomination shall be disregarded and such proposed business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation. For purposes of this Section 12, to be considered a qualified representative of the stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting of stockholders.

(2) For purposes of this By-Law, “ public announcement ” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed or furnished by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

 

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(3) For purposes of this By-Law, no adjournment or postponement or notice of adjournment or postponement of any meeting shall be deemed to constitute a new notice of such meeting for purposes of this Section 12, and in order for any notification required to be delivered by a stockholder pursuant to this Section 12 to be timely, such notification must be delivered within the periods set forth above with respect to the originally scheduled meeting.

(4) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this By-Law, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this By-Law; provided , however , that to the fullest extent permitted by law, any references in these By-Laws to the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit any requirements applicable to nominations or proposals as to any other business to be considered pursuant to this By-Law (including paragraphs (A)(1)(c) and (B) hereof), and compliance with paragraphs (A)(1)(c) and (B) of this By-Law shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations or submit other business (other than, as provided in the last sentence of this paragraph (C)(4), matters properly brought under and in compliance with Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act as amended from time to time). Nothing in these By-Laws shall be deemed to affect any rights (a) of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, or (b) of the holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the Common Stock (as defined in the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation) as to dividends or upon liquidation to elect directors under specified circumstances. The foregoing notice requirements of this Section 12 shall be deemed satisfied by a stockholder with respect to business other than a nomination if the stockholder has notified the Corporation of his, her or its intention to present a proposal at an annual meeting in compliance with applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act and such stockholder’s proposal has been included in a proxy statement that has been prepared by the Corporation to solicit proxies for such annual meeting.

Section 13. Shares.

(A) The shares of stock of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of the Corporation’s stock shall be uncertificated shares. Any such resolution shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the Corporation. Every holder of stock in the Corporation represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of, the Corporation by the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, the President or a Vice President and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, representing the number and class of shares of stock in the Corporation owned by such holder. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. Whenever the Corporation shall be authorized to issue more than one class of stock or more than one series of any class of stock, and whenever the Corporation shall issue any shares of its stock as partly paid stock, the certificates representing shares of any such class or series or of any such partly paid stock shall set forth thereon the statements prescribed by the DGCL. Any restrictions on the transfer or registration of transfer of any shares of stock of any class or series shall be noted conspicuously on the certificate representing such shares. The Board shall have the power to appoint one or more transfer agents and/or registrars for the transfer or registration of certificates of stock of any class, and may require stock certificates to be countersigned or registered by one or more of such transfer agents and/or registrars.

(B) If the Board chooses to issue shares of stock without certificates, the Corporation, if required by the DGCL, shall, within a reasonable time after the issue or transfer of shares without certificates, send the stockholder a written statement of the information required on certificates by paragraph (A) of this Section 13 and any other information required by the DGCL. The Corporation may adopt a system of issuance, recordation and transfer of its shares of stock by electronic or other means not involving the issuance of certificates, provided the use of such system by the Corporation is permitted in accordance with applicable law.

 

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(C) Shares of stock of the Corporation shall be transferable upon its books by the holders thereof, in person or by their duly authorized attorneys or legal representatives, upon surrender of the certificate or certificates for such shares to the Corporation by delivery thereof to the person in charge of the stock and transfer books and ledgers, and the payment of all taxes due thereon. Certificates representing such shares, if any, shall be cancelled and new certificates, if the shares are to be certificated, shall thereupon be issued. Shares of capital stock of the Corporation that are not represented by a certificate shall be transferred in accordance with applicable law. A record shall be made of each transfer. Whenever any transfer of shares shall be made for collateral security, and not absolutely, it shall be so expressed in the entry of the transfer if, when the certificates are presented, both the transferor and transferee request the Corporation to do so. The Board shall have power and authority to make such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary or proper concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificates for shares of stock of the Corporation.

(D) A new certificate of stock may be issued in the place of any certificate previously issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, and the Board may, in its discretion, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his or her legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond, in such sum as the Board may direct, in order to indemnify the Corporation against any claims that may be made against it in connection therewith. A new certificate of stock may be issued in the place of any certificate previously issued by the Corporation that has become mutilated without the posting by the owner of any bond upon the surrender by such owner of such mutilated certificate.

(E) Prior to the surrender to the Corporation of the certificate or certificates for a share or shares of stock or notification to the Corporation of the transfer of uncertificated shares with a request to record the transfer of such share or shares, the Corporation may treat the registered owner as the person entitled to receive dividends, to vote, to receive notifications and otherwise to exercise all the rights and powers of an owner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Corporation shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof.

(F) The Corporation may, but shall not be required to, issue fractions of a share.

ARTICLE II

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Powers . The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of its Board. The Board may exercise all such authority and powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by the DGCL or the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

Section 2. Number; Quorum . The Board shall consist, subject to the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, of such number of directors as shall from time to time be fixed exclusively by resolution adopted by affirmative vote of the majority of the Board. Directors shall (except as hereinafter provided for the filling of vacancies and newly created directorships) be elected by the holders of a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of such directors. A majority of the total number of directors then in office (but not less than one-third of the number of directors constituting the entire Board) shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Except as otherwise provided by law, these By-Laws or by the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board. Directors need not be stockholders.

Section 3. Resignation; Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships . Any director may resign at any time upon written notice to the Corporation, and may be removed only in the manner provided in the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation. Subject to the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, unless otherwise required by law, any newly created directorship on the Board that results from an increase in the number of directors and any vacancy occurring in the Board shall be filled only by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director.

 

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Section 4. Meetings . Meetings of the Board shall be held at such place, if any, within or without the State of Delaware as may from time to time be fixed by resolution of the Board or as may be specified in the notice of any meeting. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held at such times as may from time to time be fixed by resolution of the Board and special meetings may be held at any time upon the call of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the Secretary or a majority of the directors, by oral or written notice, including facsimile, e-mail or other means of electronic transmission, duly served on or sent and delivered to each director to such director’s address, e-mail address or telephone or facsimile number as shown on the books of the Corporation not less than twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting. The notice of any meeting need not specify the purposes thereof. A meeting of the Board may be held without notice immediately after the annual meeting of stockholders at the same place, if any, at which such meeting is held. Notice need not be given of regular meetings of the Board held at times fixed by resolution of the Board. Notice of any meeting need not be given to any director who shall attend such meeting (except when the director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened), or who shall waive notice thereof, before or after such meeting, in writing (including by electronic transmission).

Section 5. Preferred Stock . Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock issued by the Corporation shall have the right, voting separately as a series or separately as a class with one or more such other series, to elect directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, removal, and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the terms of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock) applicable thereto. The number of directors that may be elected by the holders of any such series of Preferred Stock shall be in addition to the number fixed pursuant to the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation and these By-Laws. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the terms of such series, the number of directors that may be so elected by the holders of any such series of stock shall be elected for terms expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders, and vacancies among directors so elected by the separate vote of the holders of any such series of Preferred Stock shall be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors elected by such series, or, if there are no such remaining directors, by the holders of such series in the same manner in which such series initially elected a director.

Section 6. Absence of Quorum of Class or Series of Stock . If at any meeting for the election of directors, the Corporation has outstanding more than one class of stock, and one or more such classes or series thereof are entitled to vote separately as a class to elect directors, and there shall be a quorum of only one such class or series of stock, that class or series of stock shall be entitled to elect its quota of directors notwithstanding absence of a quorum of the other class or series of stock.

Section 7. Committees . The Board may designate, by resolution passed by the Board, one or more committees, each such committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee to replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation (if any) to be affixed to all papers which may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to the following matters of: (a) approving or adopting, or recommending to the stockholders, any action or matter (other than the election or removal of directors) expressly required by the DGCL to be submitted to stockholders for approval or (b) adopting, amending or repealing any By-Law of the Corporation. All committees of the Board shall keep minutes of their meetings and shall report their proceedings to the Board when requested or required by the Board. Each committee of the Board may fix its own rules of procedure and shall hold its meetings as provided by such rules, except as may otherwise be provided by a resolution of the Board designating such committee. Unless otherwise provided in such a resolution, the presence of at least a majority of the members of the committee shall be necessary to constitute a quorum. Unless otherwise provided in such a resolution, in the event that a member and that member’s alternate, if alternates are designated by the Board, of such committee is or are absent or disqualified, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board to act at the meeting in place of any such absent or disqualified member.

 

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Section 8. Action Without a Meeting . Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation or these By-Laws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing (including by electronic transmission), and the writing or writings (including any electronic transmissions) are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board.

Section 9. Remote Meeting . The members of the Board or any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of such Board or committee, as the case may be, by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this subsection shall constitute presence in person at such a meeting.

Section 10. Compensation . The Board may establish policies for the compensation of directors and for the reimbursement of the expenses of directors, in each case, in connection with services provided by directors to the Corporation.

Section 11. Reliance on Books and Records . A member of the Board, or a member of any committee designated by the Board shall, in the performance of such person’s duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon records of the Corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Corporation by any of the Corporation’s officers or employees, or committees of the Board, or by any other person as to matters the member reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation.

ARTICLE III

OFFICERS

Section 1. Number . The Board, at its next meeting following each annual meeting of the stockholders, shall elect officers of the Corporation, including a Chief Executive Officer and a Secretary. The Board may also from time to time elect such other officers (including, without limitation, a President, a Chief Financial Officer, a Chief Operating Officer, a Chief Commercial Officer, a Chief Accounting Officer, a Chief Legal Officer and/or General Counsel, one or more Vice Presidents, a Treasurer, one or more Assistant Vice Presidents, one or more Assistant Secretaries and one or more Assistant Treasurers) as it may deem proper or may delegate to any elected officer of the Corporation the power to appoint and remove any such other officers and to prescribe their respective terms of office, authorities and duties. Any Vice President may be designated Executive, Senior or Corporate, or may be given such other designation or combination of designations as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer may determine. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person. The Board may also elect or appoint a Chairman of the Board, who may or may not also be an officer of the Corporation. The Board may elect or appoint co-Chairmen of the Board, co-Presidents or co-Chief Executive Officers and, in such case, references in these By-Laws to the Chairman of the Board, the President or the Chief Executive Officer shall refer to either such co-Chairman of the Board, co-President or co-Chief Executive Officer, as the case may be.

Section 2. Term; Removal . All officers of the Corporation elected by the Board shall hold office for such terms as may be determined by the Board or, except with respect to his or her own office, the Chief Executive Officer, or until their respective successors are chosen and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. Any officer may be removed from office at any time either with or without cause by affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board then in office, or, in the case of appointed officers, by any elected officer upon whom such power of removal shall have been conferred by the Board.

Section 3. Powers . Each of the officers of the Corporation elected by the Board or appointed by an officer in accordance with these By-Laws shall have the powers and duties prescribed by law, by these By-Laws or by the Board and, in the case of appointed officers, the powers and duties prescribed by the appointing officer, and, unless otherwise prescribed by these By-Laws or by the Board or such appointing officer, shall have such further powers and duties as ordinarily pertain to that office. The Chief Executive Officer shall have authority over the general direction of the affairs of the Corporation.

 

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Section 4. Delegation of Powers and Duties . Unless otherwise provided in these By-Laws, in the absence or disability of any officer of the Corporation, the Board or the Chief Executive Officer may, during such period, delegate such officer’s powers and duties to any other officer or to any director and the person to whom such powers and duties are delegated shall, for the time being, hold such office.

ARTICLE IV

CORPORATE BOOKS

The books of the Corporation may be kept inside or outside of the State of Delaware at such place or places as the Board may from time to time determine. The Board shall have power to determine to what extent and at what times and places and under what conditions and regulations the accounts and books of the Corporation, or any of them, shall be open to the inspection of the stockholders; and no stockholder shall have any right to inspect any account or book or document of the Corporation, except as conferred by the laws of the State of Delaware, unless and until authorized so to by resolution of the Board or of the stockholders of the Corporation.

ARTICLE V

CHECKS, NOTES, PROXIES, ETC.

All checks and drafts on the Corporation’s bank accounts and all bills of exchange and promissory notes, and all acceptances, obligations and other instruments for the payment of money, shall be signed by such officer or officers or agent or agents as shall be authorized from time to time by the Board or such officer or officers who may be delegated such authority. Proxies to vote and consents with respect to securities of other corporations owned by or standing in the name of the Corporation may be executed and delivered from time to time on behalf of the Corporation by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, or by such officers as the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Board may from time to time determine.

ARTICLE VI

FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed, and shall be subject to change, by the Board.

ARTICLE VII

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 1. Indemnification Respecting Third Party Claims .

(A) Indemnification of Directors and Officers . The Corporation, to the fullest extent and in the manner permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware as in effect from time to time, shall indemnify in accordance with the following provisions of this Article VII any person (a “ Covered Person ”) who was or is made a party to, is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (including any appeal thereof), whether civil, criminal, administrative, regulatory or investigative in nature (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation), by reason of the fact that such Covered Person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or, at a time when he or she was a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of, or to represent the interests of, the Corporation as a director, officer, partner, member, trustee, fiduciary, employee or agent (a “ Subsidiary Officer ”) of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, including any charitable or not-for-profit public service organization or trade association (an “ Affiliated Entity ”), against expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements), costs, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such Covered Person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such Covered Person acted in good faith and in a manner such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to

 

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believe his or her conduct was unlawful; provided , however , that the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify against any amount paid in settlement unless the Corporation has consented to such settlement. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement or conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the Covered Person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, that such Covered Person had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, a Covered Person shall not be entitled, as a matter of right, to indemnification pursuant to this paragraph against costs or expenses incurred in connection with any action, suit or proceeding commenced by such Covered Person against the Corporation or any Affiliated Entity or any person who is or was a director, officer, partner, member, trustee, fiduciary, employee or agent of the Corporation or a Subsidiary Officer of any Affiliated Entity in their capacity as such unless such action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or consented to by the Board, but such indemnification may be provided by the Corporation in a specific case as permitted by Section 6 of this Article VII; provided that such Covered Person shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be entitled to indemnification in connection with any action, suit or proceeding commenced by such Covered Person to enforce his or her rights under this Article VII.

(B) Indemnification of Employees and Agents . The Corporation may indemnify any employee or agent of the Corporation in the manner and to the same or a lesser extent that it shall indemnify any director or officer under paragraph (A) above in this Section 1.

Section 2. Indemnification Respecting Derivative Claims .

(A) Indemnification of Directors and Officers . The Corporation, to the fullest extent and in the manner permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware as in effect from time to time, shall indemnify in accordance with the following provisions of this Article VII any Covered Person who was or is made a party to, is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any threatened, pending or completed action or suit (including any appeal thereof) brought by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such Covered Person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or, at a time when he or she was a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of, or to represent the interests of, the Corporation as a Subsidiary Officer of an Affiliated Entity against expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) and costs actually and reasonably incurred by such Covered Person in connection with such action or suit if such Covered Person acted in good faith and in a manner such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such Covered Person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless, and only to the extent that, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or the court in which such judgment was rendered shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such Covered Person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses and costs as the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or such other court shall deem proper. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, a Covered Person shall not be entitled, as a matter of right, to indemnification pursuant to this paragraph against costs and expenses incurred in connection with any action or suit in the right of the Corporation commenced by such Covered Person unless such action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or consented to by the Board, but such indemnification may be provided by the Corporation in any specific case as permitted by Section 6 of this Article VII; provided that such Covered Person shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be entitled to indemnification in connection with any action, suit or proceeding commenced by such Covered Person to enforce his or her rights under this Article VII.

(B) Indemnification of Employees and Agents . The Corporation may indemnify any employee or agent of the Corporation in the manner and to the same or a lesser extent that it shall indemnify any director or officer under paragraph (A) above in this Section 2.

Section 3. Determination of Entitlement to Indemnification; Claims . Any indemnification to be provided under Section 1 or 2 of this Article VII (unless ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification is proper under the circumstances because such Covered Person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in such paragraph. Such determination shall be made in accordance with any applicable procedures authorized by the Board

 

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and in accordance with the DGCL. If a claim for indemnification (following the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding) or advancement of expenses under this Article VII is not paid in full within ninety (90) days after a written claim therefor by a Covered Person has been received by the Corporation, such person may file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim. In any such action the Corporation shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, have the burden of proving that such person is not entitled to the requested indemnification or advancement of expenses under applicable law.

Section 4. Right to Indemnification in Certain Circumstances.

(A) Indemnification Upon Successful Defense . Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Article VII, to the extent that a director or officer of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in any of paragraphs (A) or (B) of Section 1 or 2 of this Article VII, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, or in any action, suit or proceeding brought by the director or officer to enforce rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses and costs granted pursuant to this Article VII, such Covered Person shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) and costs actually and reasonably incurred by such Covered Person in connection therewith.

(B) Indemnification for Service As a Witness . To the extent any Covered Person who is or was a director or officer of the Corporation has served or prepared to serve as a witness in any action, suit or proceeding (whether civil, criminal, administrative, regulatory or investigative in nature), including any investigation by any legislative body or any regulatory or self-regulatory body by which the Corporation’s business is regulated, by reason of his or her service as a director or officer of the Corporation or his or her service as a Subsidiary Officer of an Affiliated Entity at a time when he or she was a director or officer of the Corporation (assuming such Covered Person is or was serving at the request of, or to represent the interests of, the Corporation as a Subsidiary Officer of such Affiliated Entity), but excluding service as a witness in an action or suit commenced by such person (unless such expenses were incurred with the approval of the Board, a committee thereof or the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation), the Corporation shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify such Covered Person against out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) actually and reasonably incurred by such Covered Person in connection therewith and shall use its best efforts to provide such indemnity within forty-five (45) days after receipt by the Corporation from such Covered Person of a statement requesting such indemnification, averring such service and reasonably evidencing such expenses and costs; it being understood, however, that the Corporation shall have no obligation under this Article VII to compensate such Covered Person for such Covered Person’s time or efforts so expended. The Corporation may indemnify any employee or agent of the Corporation to the same or a lesser extent as it may indemnify any director or officer of the Corporation pursuant to the foregoing sentence of this paragraph.

Section 5. Advances of Expenses.

(A) Advances to Directors and Officers . To the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements and court costs) and costs incurred by any Covered Person referred to in paragraph (A) of Section 1 or 2 of this Article VII in defending a civil, criminal, administrative, regulatory or investigative action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding; provided , however , that to the extent required by law, such payment of expenses and costs in advance shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking in writing by or on behalf of such Covered Person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified in respect of such costs and expenses by the Corporation as authorized by this Article VII.

(B) Advances to Employees and Agents . To the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, expenses and costs incurred by any person referred to in paragraph (B) of Section 1 or 2 of this Article VII in defending a civil, criminal, administrative, regulatory or investigative action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding as authorized by the Board, a committee thereof or an officer of the Corporation authorized to so act by the Board upon receipt of an undertaking in writing by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation in respect of such costs and expenses as authorized by this Article VII.

 

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Section 6. Indemnification Not Exclusive.

(A) The provision of indemnification to or the advancement of expenses and costs to any Covered Person under this Article VII, or the entitlement of any Covered Person to indemnification or advancement of expenses and costs under this Article VII, shall not limit or restrict in any way the power of the Corporation to indemnify or advance expenses and costs to such Covered Person in any other way permitted by law or be deemed exclusive of, or invalidate, any right to which any Covered Person seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses and costs may be entitled under any law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such Covered Person’s capacity as an officer, director, employee or agent of the Corporation and as to action in any other capacity.

(B) Given that certain jointly indemnifiable claims (as defined below) may arise due to the service of the Covered Person as a director of the Corporation at the request of the indemnitee-related entities (as defined below), the Corporation shall be fully and primarily responsible for the payment to the Covered Person in respect of indemnification or advancement of expenses in connection with any such jointly indemnifiable claims, pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of this Article VII, irrespective of any right of recovery the Covered Person may have from the indemnitee-related entities. Under no circumstance shall the Corporation be entitled to any right of subrogation or contribution by the indemnitee-related entities and no right of advancement or recovery the Covered Person may have from the indemnitee-related entities shall reduce or otherwise alter the rights of the Covered Person or the obligations of the Corporation hereunder. In the event that any of the indemnitee-related entities shall make any payment to the Covered Person in respect of indemnification or advancement of expenses with respect to any jointly indemnifiable claim, the indemnitee-related entity making such payment shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of the Covered Person against the Corporation, and the Covered Person shall execute all papers reasonably required and shall do all things that may be reasonably necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents as may be necessary to enable the indemnitee-related entities effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights. Each of the indemnitee-related entities shall be third-party beneficiaries with respect to this Section 6(B) of Article VII, entitled to enforce this Section 6(B) of Article VII.

For purposes of this Section 6(B) of Article VII, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) The term “indemnitee-related entities” means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise (other than the Corporation or any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise for which the Covered Person has agreed, on behalf of the Corporation or at the Corporation’s request, to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent and which service is covered by the indemnity described herein) from whom a Covered Person may be entitled to indemnification or advancement of expenses with respect to which, in whole or in part, the Corporation may also have an indemnification or advancement obligation.

(2) The term “jointly indemnifiable claims” shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, any action, suit or proceeding for which the Covered Person shall be entitled to indemnification or advancement of expenses from both the indemnitee-related entities and the Corporation pursuant to Delaware law, any agreement or certificate of incorporation, by-laws, partnership agreement, operating agreement, certificate of formation, certificate of limited partnership or comparable organizational documents of the Corporation or the indemnitee-related entities, as applicable.

Section 7. Corporate Obligations; Reliance.

(A) The rights granted pursuant to the provisions of this Article VII shall vest at the time a person becomes a director or officer of the Corporation and shall be deemed to create a binding contractual obligation on the part of the Corporation to the persons who from time to time are elected as officers or directors of the Corporation, and such persons in acting in their capacities as officers or directors of the Corporation or Subsidiary Officers of any Affiliated Entity shall be entitled to rely on such provisions of this Article VII without giving notice thereof to the Corporation.

 

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(B) Without the consent of any affected Covered Person, the Corporation shall not, in connection with the settlement or resolution of any claim alleged against it in any action, suit or proceeding, seek or consent to entry of an order that releases, bars or otherwise affects the rights of indemnification and advancement of expenses provided in this Article VII.

Section 8. Amendment or Repeal . Any repeal or modification of the provisions of this Article VII shall not adversely affect any right or protection hereunder of any Covered Person in respect of any proceeding (regardless of when such proceeding is first threatened, commenced or completed) arising out of, or related to, any act or omissions occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification.

Section 9. Accrual of Claims; Successors . The indemnification provided or permitted under the foregoing provisions of this Article VII shall or may, as the case may be, apply in respect of any expense, cost, judgment, fine, penalty or amount paid in settlement, whether or not the claim or cause of action in respect thereof accrued or arose before or after the effective date of such provisions of this Article VII. The right of any Covered Person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation to indemnification or advancement of expenses as provided under the foregoing provisions of this Article VII shall continue after he or she shall have ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, distributees, executors, administrators and other legal representatives of such Covered Person.

Section 10. Insurance . The Corporation is authorized to purchase and shall maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of, or to represent the interests of, the Corporation as a Subsidiary Officer of any Affiliated Entity, against any expense, liability or loss asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the provisions of this Article VII or applicable law.

Section 11. Definitions of Certain Terms . For purposes of this Article VII, (a) references to “the Corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed into the Corporation in a consolidation or merger if such corporation would have been permitted (if its corporate existence had continued) under applicable law to indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request, or to represent the interests of, such constituent corporation as a Subsidiary Officer of any Affiliated Entity shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Article VII with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued; (b) references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; (c) references to “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, partner, member, trustee, fiduciary, employee or agent of the Corporation or as a Subsidiary Officer of any Affiliated Entity which service imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, partner, member, trustee, fiduciary, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and (d) a Covered Person who acted in good faith and in a manner such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interest of the Corporation” as referred to in this Article VII.

ARTICLE VIII

CORPORATE SEAL

The Corporation shall be authorized, but shall not be required, to obtain a corporate seal in such form as the Board shall prescribe.

 

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ARTICLE IX

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Waiver of Notice . Whenever notice is required to be given by law or under any provision of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation or these By-Laws, notice of any meeting need not be given to any person who shall attend such meeting (except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened), or who shall waive notice thereof, before or after such meeting, in writing (including by electronic transmission).

Section 2. Section Headings . Section headings in these By-Laws are for convenience of reference only and shall not be given any substantive effect in limiting or otherwise construing any provision herein.

Section 3. Inconsistent Provisions . In the event that any provision of these By-Laws is or becomes inconsistent with any provision of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation or the DGCL, the provision of these By-Laws shall not be given any effect to the extent of such inconsistency but shall otherwise be given full force and effect.

Section 4. Severability . If any provision or provisions of these By-Laws shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any circumstance for any reason whatsoever: (i) the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of these By-Laws (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of these By-Laws containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and (ii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of these By-Laws (including, without limitation, each such portion of any paragraph of these By-Laws containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to permit the Corporation to protect its directors, officers, employees and agents from personal liability in respect of their good faith service to or for the benefit of the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE X

AMENDMENTS

These By-Laws may be made, amended, altered, changed, added to or repealed as set forth in the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation.

The foregoing Bylaws were adopted by the Board of Directors on the      of         , 2014 and are effective as of the      of         , 2014.

 

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Exhibit 5.1

 

LOGO

601 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10022-4611

 

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Facsimile:

(212) 446-4900

December 23, 2013

Ladder Capital Corp

345 Park Avenue, 8th Floor

New York, NY 10154

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We are acting as special counsel to Ladder Capital Corp, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) in connection with the preparation and filing of a Registration Statement on Form S-1, first publicly filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on December 23, 2013 (File No. 333-            ), under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”) (such Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented, is hereinafter referred to as the “Registration Statement”), relating to the proposed registration by the Company of up to shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company (“Common Stock”), including shares of Common Stock to cover over-allotments, if any, for sale by the Company. The shares of Common Stock to be sold by the Company identified in the Registration Statement are referred to herein as the “Shares” and the issuance of the Shares is referred to herein as the “Issuance.”

In that connection, we have examined originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records and other instruments as we have deemed necessary for the purposes of this opinion, including (i) the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Charter”) of the Company in the form filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement, filed with the Commission on December 23, 2013 to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware prior to the sale of the Shares; (ii) the Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”) of the Company in the form filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration Statement, filed with the Commission on December 23, 2013; (iii) the form of Underwriting Agreement in the form filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Registration Statement (the “Underwriting Agreement”), filed with the Commission on December 23, 2013; (iv) resolutions of the board of directors and stockholders of the Company with respect to the Issuance (the “Resolutions”); and (v) the Registration Statement.

For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted to us as

 

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copies and the authenticity of the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies. We have also assumed the legal capacity of all natural persons, the genuineness of the signatures of persons signing all documents in connection with which this opinion is rendered, the authority of such persons signing on behalf of the parties thereto and the due authorization, execution and delivery of all documents by the parties thereto other than the Company. We have not independently established or verified any facts relevant to the opinion expressed herein, but have relied upon statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and others as to factual matters.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing qualifications, assumptions and limitations and the further limitations set forth below, we are of the opinion that, when (i) the final Underwriting Agreement is duly executed and delivered by the parties thereto, (ii) the Charter and Bylaws are filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and (iii) the Registration Statement becomes effective under the Act, the Shares will be duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

Our opinions expressed above are subject to the qualifications that we express no opinion as to the applicability of, compliance with, or effect of any laws except the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the heading “Legal Matters” in the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission.

We do not find it necessary for the purposes of this opinion, and accordingly we do not purport to cover herein, the application of the securities or “Blue Sky” laws of the various states to the Issuance.

This opinion is limited to the specific issues addressed herein, and no opinion may be inferred or implied beyond that expressly stated herein. We assume no obligation to revise or supplement this opinion should the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware be changed by legislative action, judicial decision or otherwise.

This opinion is furnished to you in connection with the filing of the Registration Statement, and is not to be used, circulated, quoted or otherwise relied upon for any other purposes.

Sincerely,

/s/ Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

 

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Exhibit 10.2

TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT

This TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of             , 2014, is hereby entered into by and among Ladder Capital Corp, a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”), Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP, a Delaware limited liability limited partnership (“ Holdings ”), and each of the TRA Members (as herein defined).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, on              , 2014, Holdings, the Corporation and Ladder Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Merger Sub ”), entered into an Agreement of Merger (the “ Merger Agreement ”) in connection with the initial public offering (the “ Ladder IPO ”) by the Corporation of Class A Shares (as herein defined), pursuant to which, as of the date hereof, Merger Sub has merged (the “ Merger ”) into Holdings, with Holdings as the surviving entity;

WHEREAS, as of the date hereof (the “ IPO Date ”), the Ladder IPO has been completed;

WHEREAS, reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Limited Partnership Agreement of Holdings, dated as of the date hereof, as may be amended and/or restated from time to time (the “ LLLP Agreement ”);

WHEREAS, as a result of the completion of the Merger and the Ladder IPO, as of the date hereof (i) the Corporation is the general partner of Holdings, (ii) the Corporation and certain direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Corporation own certain of Holdings’ issued and outstanding LP Units (as such term is defined in the LLLP Agreement) (“ LP Units ”) and (iii) the Exchangeable Limited Partners (as such term is defined in the LLLP Agreement) (the “ Exchangeable Limited Partners ”) own the remaining issued and outstanding LP Units;

WHEREAS, Holdings is treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes;

WHEREAS, the LP Units held by the Exchangeable Limited Partners are exchangeable for Class A Shares of the Corporation in the manner set forth in the LLLP Agreement;

WHEREAS, Holdings and each of its direct and indirect subsidiaries treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes will have in effect an election under Section 754 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), for each Taxable Year (as herein defined) in which an Exchange (as herein defined) of LP Units occurs, which election is intended to result in an adjustment (solely for the benefit of the Corporation) to the tax basis of the assets owned by Holdings and such subsidiaries as of the date (such date, the “ Exchange Date ”) of an Exchange of LP Units;

WHEREAS, the income, gain, loss, expense and other Tax (as herein defined) items of (i) the Corporation, as a partner of Holdings (and in respect of each of Holdings’ direct and indirect subsidiaries treated as disregarded entities or partnerships for United States federal income tax purposes), may be affected by the Basis Adjustments (as herein defined) and (ii) the Corporation may be affected by the Imputed Interest (as herein defined); and


WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement desire to make certain arrangements with respect to the actual or deemed effect of the Basis Adjustments and the Imputed Interest on the Corporation’s liability for Taxes.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective covenants and agreements set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS

1.1. Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the terms set forth in this Section 1.1 shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined).

Affiliate ” means, when used with reference to a specified Person, any Person that directly or indirectly controls or is controlled by or is under common control with the specified Person. As used in this definition, “control” (including, with its correlative meanings, “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities, by contract or otherwise). With respect to any Person who is an individual, “Affiliates” shall also include any member of such individual’s Family Group.

Agreed Rate ” means LIBOR plus 200 basis points.

Basis Adjustment ” means, in respect of an Exchanging TRA Member, the deemed adjustment to the Tax basis of an Exchange Reference Asset in respect of such Exchanging TRA Member, in each case, arising in respect of an Exchange by such Exchanging TRA Member, as calculated under Section 2.1 of this Agreement, under the principles of Sections 732 and 1012 of the Code (in a situation where, as a result of one or more Exchanges, Holdings becomes an entity that is disregarded as separate from its owner for tax purposes) or Sections 743(b) and 754 of the Code (including in situations where, following an Exchange, Holdings remains in existence as an entity for tax purposes) and, in each case, comparable sections of state, local and foreign Tax laws. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the amount of any Basis Adjustment resulting from an Exchange of one or more LP Units shall be determined without regard to any Pre-Exchange Transfer of such LP Units and as if any such Pre-Exchange Transfer had not occurred.

Beneficial Owner ” of a security is a Person who directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, such security and/or (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, such security. The terms “Beneficially Own” and “Beneficial Ownership” shall have correlative meanings.

Board ” means the board of directors of the Corporation.

 

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Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or other day on which commercial banks are authorized or required to close in the state of New York.

CC Valuation Assumptions ” means, in respect of an Exchanging TRA Member, the assumptions that (i) in each Taxable Year ending on or after the Change of Control Date, each Consolidated Group and the Corporation will have taxable income sufficient to fully use the deductions and/or losses (including, as applicable and for the avoidance of doubt, any deductions taken as a result of applying the CC Valuation Assumptions) arising from any Basis Adjustment or Imputed Interest in respect of such Exchanging TRA Member during such Taxable Year or future Taxable Years (including, as applicable and for the avoidance of doubt, Basis Adjustments and Imputed Interest that would result from future Tax Benefit Payments that would be paid in accordance with the CC Valuation Assumptions) in which such deductions would become available, (ii) any loss carryovers generated by any Basis Adjustment or Imputed Interest in respect of such Exchanging TRA Member and available as of the Change of Control Date will be used by the Corporation or such Consolidated Group on a pro rata basis from such Change of Control Date through the scheduled expiration date of such loss carryovers and (iii) any non-amortizable assets will be disposed of (A) in the case of short-term investments, after twelve (12) months, (B) in the case of all other non-amortizable assets, on the fifteenth anniversary of the Basis Adjustment for such Exchanging TRA Member (if applicable), provided, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, non-amortizable assets shall be deemed disposed of at the earlier of (x) the time of sale of the relevant asset as a result of such Change of Control or (y) as generally provided in this clause (iii).

Change of Control ” means the occurrence of any of the following events after the IPO Date:

(i) any Person or any group of Persons acting together which would constitute a “group” for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provisions thereto (excluding a corporation or other entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Corporation in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Corporation) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Corporation representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Corporation’s then outstanding voting securities; or

(ii) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any other corporation or other entity, and, immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, either (x) the Board immediately prior to the merger or consolidation does not constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the entity surviving the merger or, if the surviving entity is a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof, or (y) all of the Persons who were the respective Beneficial Owners of the voting securities of the Corporation immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not Beneficially Own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, except with respect to clause (ii)(x) above, a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders

 

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of the shares of common stock of the Corporation immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation immediately following such transaction or series of transactions.

Change of Control Date ” means the first date after the IPO Date on which a Change of Control occurs.

Class A Shares ” means shares of the Corporation’s Class A Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share.

Consolidated Group ” means any group of corporations filing consolidated, combined or unitary tax returns of which the Corporation is a member.

Corporation Return ” means the United States federal, state, local and/or foreign Tax Return, as applicable, of the Corporation or any Consolidated Group filed with respect to Taxes of any Taxable Year.

Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit ” means, in respect of an Exchanging TRA Member for a Taxable Year, the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Benefits in respect of such Exchanging TRA Member for all Taxable Years of the Corporation, up to and including such Taxable Year, net of the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Detriments in respect of such Exchanging TRA Member for the same period. The Realized Tax Benefit and Realized Tax Detriment in respect of an Exchanging TRA Member for each Taxable Year shall be determined based on the most recent Annual Schedule in respect of such Exchanging TRA Member, if any, in existence at the time of such determination.

Default Rate ” means twelve percent (12%) per annum.

Determination ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1313(a) of the Code or similar provision of state, local and foreign Tax law, as applicable, or any other event (including the execution of an IRS Form 870-AD) that finally and conclusively establishes the amount of any liability for Tax.

Early Termination Date ” means the date of an Early Termination Notice for purposes of determining the Early Termination Payment.

Early Termination Rate ” means LIBOR plus 100 basis points.

ET Determination Date ” means, with respect to any Early Termination Notice, the last day of the calendar month immediately preceding the month in which the Corporation delivers such Early Termination Notice to the applicable TRA Member.

Exchange ” means, with respect to any TRA Member, an Exchange (as such term is defined in the LLLP Agreement) of LP Units owned by such TRA Member, or any other acquisition by the Corporation from such TRA Member of LP Units owned by such TRA Member. The term “ Exchanged ” shall correlative meaning.

 

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Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Exchange Reference Asset ” means, in respect of an Exchanging TRA Member, an asset that is held by Holdings, or by any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries treated as a partnership or disregarded entity for purposes of the applicable Tax, at the time of an Exchange by such Exchanging TRA Member. An Exchange Reference Asset also includes any asset that is “substituted basis property” under Section 7701(a)(42) of the Code with respect to an Exchange Reference Asset.

Exchanging TRA Member ” means a TRA Member (i) that Exchanges, or has Exchanged, some or all of such TRA Member’s LP Units or (ii) that is an assignee of a Person that is or was an Exchanging TRA Member, pursuant to an assignment in accordance with Section 7.6(b) hereof with respect to certain LP Units that were Exchanged prior to such assignment.

Family Group ” means, with respect to any Person who is an individual, (i) such Person’s spouse, siblings, former spouse, ancestors and descendants (whether natural or adopted), parents and their descendants and any spouse of the foregoing persons (collectively, “ relatives ”), (ii) the trustee, fiduciary or personal representative of such Person and any trust solely for the benefit of such Person and/or such Person’s relatives or (iii) any limited partnership, limited liability company or corporation the governing instruments of which provide that such Person shall have the exclusive, nontransferable power to direct the management and policies of such entity and of which the sole owners of partnership interests, membership interests or any other equity interests are limited to such Person and such Person’s relatives.

GI Partners Holdco ” means GI Ladder Holdco LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. As of the date hereof, GI Partners Holdco is a TRA Member.

Hypothetical Tax Liability ” means, in respect of an Exchanging TRA Member, with respect to any Taxable Year, the liability for Taxes without duplication, of (i) any Consolidated Group and the Corporation and (ii) Holdings, but only with respect to the Corporation’s and any other Consolidated Group members’ proportionate share of the Taxes imposed on Holdings, in each case using the same methods, elections, conventions and similar practices used on the relevant Corporation Return, but (A) using the Non-Stepped Up Tax Basis in respect of such Exchanging TRA Member (as reflected on the applicable Exchange Basis Schedule and any subsequent Annual Schedule) and (B) excluding any deduction attributable to Imputed Interest in respect of such Exchanging TRA Member for the Taxable Year. For the avoidance of doubt, Hypothetical Tax Liability shall be determined without taking into account the carryover or carryback of any Tax item (or portions thereof) that is attributable to the Basis Adjustment or Imputed Interest, as applicable.

Imputed Interest ” means, in respect of an Exchanging TRA Member, any interest imputed under Section 1272, 1274 or 483 or other provision of the Code and any similar provision of state, local and foreign Tax law with respect to the Corporation’s payment obligations in respect of such Exchanging TRA Member under this Agreement.

 

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Joinder ” means a Joinder to this Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A .

IRS ” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

LIBOR ” means for each month (or portion thereof) during any period, an interest rate per annum equal to the rate per annum reported, on the date two days prior to the first day of such month, on the Telerate Page 3750 (or if such screen shall cease to be publicly available, as reported on Reuters Screen page “LIBOR07” or by any other publicly available source of such market rate) for London interbank offered rates for United States dollar deposits for such month (or portion thereof).

Market Value ” of a Class A Share as of a particular date for purpose of clause (v) of the definition of “Valuation Assumptions” set forth in this Agreement, means the VWAP of a Class A Share as of such particular date.

Non-Stepped Up Tax Basis ” in respect of any Exchanging TRA Member means, with respect to any asset at any time, the Tax basis that such asset would have had at such time if no Basis Adjustment had been made in respect of such Exchanging TRA Member.

Payment Date ” means any date on which a payment is required to be made pursuant to this Agreement.

Permitted Transferee ” has the meaning given to such term in the LLLP Agreement.

Person ” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity or organization.

Pre-Exchange Transfer ” means any transfer (including upon the death of a TRA Member) or distribution of one or more LP Units (i) that occurs prior to an Exchange of such LP Units, and (ii) to which Section 743(b) of the Code applies.

Realized Tax Benefit ” means, in respect of any Exchanging TRA Member, for a Taxable Year and for all Taxes collectively, the net excess, if any, of the Hypothetical Tax Liability in respect of such Exchanging TRA Member over the “actual” liability for Taxes of (i) any Consolidated Group and the Corporation and (ii) Holdings, but only with respect to Taxes imposed on Holdings and allocable to the Consolidated Group or the Corporation, for such Taxable Year, such “actual” liability to be computed in accordance with Section 2.1. If all or a portion of the actual liability for Taxes of any Consolidated Group or the Corporation (or Holdings, but only with respect to Taxes imposed on Holdings and allocable to the Consolidated Group or the Corporation) for such Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Benefit unless and until there has been a Determination.

 

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Realized Tax Detriment ” means, in respect of any Exchanging TRA Member, for a Taxable Year and for all Taxes collectively, the net excess, if any, of the “actual” liability for Taxes of (i) any Consolidated Group or the Corporation and (ii) Holdings, but only with respect to Taxes imposed on Holdings and allocable to the Consolidated Group or the Corporation, for such Taxable Year, such “actual” liability to be computed in accordance with Section 2.1, over the Hypothetical Tax Liability for such Taxable Year. If all or a portion of the actual liability for Taxes of the Consolidated Group or the Corporation (or Holdings, but only with respect to Taxes imposed on Holdings and allocable to the Consolidated Group or the Corporation) for such Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Detriment unless and until there has been a Determination.

Reconciliation Procedures ” shall mean those procedures set forth in Section 7.9 of this Agreement.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, association or other business entity of which (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof, or (ii) if a partnership, association or other business entity, a majority of the partnership or other similar ownership interest thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any Person or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons shall be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a partnership, association or other business entity if such Person or Persons shall be allocated a majority of partnership, association or other business entity gains or losses or shall be or control the managing director or a general partner of such partnership, association or other business entity.

Tax Return ” means any return, declaration, report or similar statement required to be filed with respect to Taxes (including any attached schedules), including, without limitation, any information return, claim for refund, amended return and declaration of estimated Tax.

Taxable Year ” means a taxable year of the Corporation as defined in Section 441(b) of the Code or comparable section of state, local or foreign Tax law, as applicable (and, therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, may include a period of less than twelve (12) months for which a Tax Return is prepared), ending on or after the IPO Date.

Taxes ” means any and all United States federal, state, local and foreign taxes, assessments or similar charges that are based on or measured with respect to net income or profits, whether as an exclusive or on an alternative basis, and any interest related thereto.

Taxing Authority ” shall mean any domestic, foreign, federal, national, state, county or municipal or other local government, any subdivision, agency, commission or authority thereof, or any quasi-governmental body exercising any taxing authority or any other authority exercising Tax regulatory authority.

TowerBrook Holdings ” means TI II Ladder Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. As of the date hereof, TowerBrook Holdings is a TRA Member.

 

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TRA Deemed Units ” means, as of any date, the sum of (i) the LP Units owned by the TRA Members as of such date and (ii) any and all LP Units previously Exchanged for which a TRA Member continues to have a right to receive, or to potentially receive, Tax Benefit Payments and/or an Early Termination Payment pursuant to this Agreement. Solely for purposes of this definition, to the extent on a particular date a TRA Member is entitled to receive, or to potentially receive, Tax Benefit Payments and/or an Early Termination Payment with respect to any LP Unit that was previously Exchanged, for purposes of clause (ii) of this definition, such TRA Member shall be deemed to be the holder of the LP Units that were previously Exchanged and resulted in such TRA Member being so entitled to receive, or to potentially receive, such Tax Benefit Payments and/or an Early Termination Payment.

TRA Members ” means (i) the Exchangeable Limited Partners that are a party to this Agreement as of the date hereof, (ii) each Exchangeable Limited Partner that after the date hereof executes and delivers to the Corporation a Joinder in accordance with the terms of Section [15] of the Merger Agreement and (iii) each transferee of a TRA Member who from time to time after the date hereof becomes a party to this Agreement by executing and delivering to the Corporation a Joinder pursuant to Section 7.6 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, any Person that is a TRA Member at any time shall cease to be a “TRA Member” for all purposes of this Agreement (A) at such time that such Person has assigned pursuant to Section 7.6 of this Agreement, all of such Person’s rights to receive, or to potentially receive, payments pursuant to this Agreement or (B) at such time that such Person has received from the Corporation an Early Termination Payment pursuant to this Agreement.

TRA Requisite Members ” means all of (i) TRA Members which are deemed to hold a majority of the number of TRA Deemed Units that are then deemed held by all of the TRA Members at such time, (ii) TowerBrook Holdings (or a Permitted Transferee of TowerBrook Holdings); provided that this clause (ii) shall only continue to be applicable for so long as the TowerBrook Holdings and its Permitted Transferees collectively continue to be deemed to hold at least 10% of the number of TRA Deemed Units deemed held by all of the TRA Members at such time, (iii) GI Partners Holdco (or a Permitted Transferee of GI Partners Holdco); provided that this clause (iii) shall only continue to be applicable for so long as the GI Partners Holdco and its Permitted Transferees collectively continue to be deemed to hold at least 10% of the number of TRA Deemed Units deemed held by all of the TRA Members at such time and (iv) if Brian Harris is employed by Holdings or any Subsidiary of Holdings as Chief Executive Officer as of such time, then either Brian Harris or the Betsy A. Harris 2012 Family Trust.

Treasury Regulations ” means the final, temporary and proposed regulations under the Code promulgated from time to time (including corresponding provisions and succeeding provisions) as in effect for the relevant taxable period.

Valuation Assumptions ” means, in respect of the determination of an Early Termination Payment for any TRA Member, the assumptions that (i) in each Taxable Year ending on or after such ET Determination Date, each Consolidated Group and the Corporation will have taxable income sufficient to fully use the deductions and/or losses (including, as applicable and for the avoidance of doubt, any deductions taken as a result of applying the Valuation Assumptions) arising from any Basis Adjustment or Imputed Interest in respect of such TRA Member during such Taxable Year or future Taxable Years (including, as applicable and for the avoidance of

 

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doubt, Basis Adjustments and Imputed Interest that would result from future Tax Benefit Payments that would be paid in accordance with the Valuation Assumptions) in which such deductions would become available, (ii) the federal income tax rates and state, local and foreign income tax rates that will be in effect for each such Taxable Year will be those specified for each such Taxable Year by the Code and other law as in effect on such ET Determination Date, (iii) any loss carryovers generated by any Basis Adjustment or Imputed Interest in respect of such TRA Member and available as of such ET Determination Date will be used by the Corporation or such Consolidated Group on a pro rata basis from such ET Determination Date through the scheduled expiration date of such loss carryovers, (iv) any non-amortizable assets will be disposed of (A) in the case of short-term investments, after twelve (12) months and (B) in the case of all other non-amortizable assets, on the fifteenth anniversary of the earlier of the Basis Adjustment for such TRA Member (if applicable) and such ET Determination Date and (v) if, at such ET Determination Date, there are LP Units that have not been Exchanged, then each such LP Unit shall be deemed to be Exchanged for the Market Value of a Class A Share as of such ET Determination Date (unless such LP Unit was Exchanged by such TRA Member during the period beginning on such ET Determination Date and ending on the date on which the Corporation delivered the applicable Early Termination Notice to such TRA Member, in which case, as of the date of such Exchange).

VWAP ” means, as of a particular day, the daily per share volume-weighted average price of the Class A Shares as displayed under the heading Bloomberg VWAP on the Bloomberg page designated for the Class A Shares (or its equivalent successor if such page is not available) in respect of the period from the open of trading on such day until the close of trading on such day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, (x) the per share volume-weighted average price of the Class A Shares on such day (determined without regard to afterhours trading or any other trading outside the regular trading session or trading hours), or (y) if such determination is not feasible, the fair market value per Class A Share as of such day, in either case, as determined by the Corporation).

1.2. Other Definitions . The following additional terms are defined in the Sections of this Agreement indicated below:

 

Term

 

Section

Agreement

  Preamble

Annual Schedule

  2.4

Code

  Recitals

Corporation

  Preamble

Default Interest

  5.2

Early Termination Notice

  4.2

Early Termination Schedule

  4.2

Exchange Basis Schedule

  2.2

Exchange Date

  Recitals

Exchange Payment

  5.1

Exchangeable Limited Partners

  Recitals

 

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Term

 

Section

Expert   7.9
Holdings   Preamble
Interest Amount   3.1(b)
IPO Date   Recitals
Ladder IPO   Recitals
LLLP Agreement   Recitals
LP Units   Recitals
Material Objection Notice   4.2
Merger   Recitals
Merger Agreement   Recitals
Merger Sub   Recitals
Net Tax Benefit   3.1(b)
Objection Notice   2.5
Reconciliation Dispute   7.9
Schedule   2.5
Senior Obligations   5.1
Tax Benefit Payment   3.1(b)
Tax Benefit Schedule   2.3
TRA Objecting Member(s)   2.5 and 4.2

ARTICLE II.

DETERMINATION OF CUMULATIVE REALIZED TAX BENEFIT

2.1. Applicable Calculation Principles . Subject to Section 3.3(a) and Section 4.1 hereof, the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment in respect of each Exchanging TRA Member for each Taxable Year is intended to measure the decrease or increase in the actual liability for Taxes of, without duplication, each Consolidated Group, the Corporation and Holdings (as applicable) for such Taxable Year attributable to the Basis Adjustments and Imputed Interest, as applicable, determined using a “with and without” methodology. For the avoidance of doubt, the actual liability for Taxes will take into account the deduction of the portion of the Tax Benefit Payment that must be accounted for as interest under the Code based upon the characterization of Tax Benefit Payments as additional consideration payable by the Corporation for the LP Units acquired in an Exchange. Carryovers or carrybacks of any Tax item attributable to the Basis Adjustments and Imputed Interest, as applicable, shall be considered to be subject to the rules of the Code and the Treasury Regulations or the appropriate provisions of U.S. state and local income and franchise tax law, as applicable, governing the use, limitation and expiration of carryovers or carrybacks of the relevant type. If a carryover or carryback of any Tax item includes a portion that is attributable to the Basis Adjustments or Imputed Interest, as applicable, and another portion that is not, such portions shall be considered to be used in accordance with the “with and without” methodology. The parties agree that (i)

 

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any Tax Benefit Payment exceeding $100 in respect of an Exchanging TRA Member attributable to the Basis Adjustments in respect of such Exchanging TRA Member (other than amounts accounted for as interest under the Code) will (A) be treated as a subsequent upward purchase price adjustment and (B) have the effect of creating additional Basis Adjustments in respect of such Exchanging TRA Member to Exchange Reference Assets in the year of payment, and (ii) as a result, such additional Basis Adjustments in respect of such Exchanging TRA Member will be incorporated into the current year calculation and into future year calculations, as appropriate.

2.2. Exchange Basis Schedule . Within sixty (60) days after the filing of the United States federal income tax return of the Corporation or any Consolidated Group for each Taxable Year, the Corporation shall deliver to each Exchanging TRA Member that Exchanged any LP Units during such Taxable Year a schedule (an “ Exchange Basis Schedule ”) that shows, in reasonable detail, for purposes of Taxes, (i) the Non-Stepped Up Tax Basis of the Exchange Reference Assets attributable to such Exchanging TRA Member as of each applicable Exchange Date, (ii) the Basis Adjustment attributable to such Exchanging TRA Member with respect to the Exchange Reference Assets as a result of the Exchanges effected in such Taxable Year by such Exchanging TRA Member, calculated in the aggregate, (iii) the period or periods, if any, over which the Exchange Reference Assets are estimated to be amortizable and/or depreciable, (iv) the period or periods, if any, over which each Basis Adjustment attributable to such Exchanging TRA Member is estimated to be amortizable and/or depreciable, and (v) the amount of any Basis Adjustment allocated to non-amortizable assets.

2.3. Tax Benefit Schedule . Within sixty (60) days after the filing of the United States federal income tax return of the Corporation or any Consolidated Group for any Taxable Year in which there is a Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment, the Corporation shall provide to each Exchanging TRA Member a schedule showing, in reasonable detail, the calculation of the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment attributable to such Exchanging TRA Member for such Taxable Year (a “ Tax Benefit Schedule ”). Each such Tax Benefit Schedule will become final as provided in Section 2.5.

2.4. Annual Schedule . Within sixty (60) days after the filing of the United States federal income tax return of the Corporation or any Consolidated Group for any Taxable Year in which there is a Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment, the Corporation shall provide to each Exchanging TRA Member a schedule (an “ Annual Schedule ”) showing, in reasonable detail, (i) any increase or changes in items (ii) through (v) of Section 2.2 as shown on the Exchange Basis Schedule delivered to the applicable Exchanging TRA Member as a result of payments made to such Exchanging TRA Member pursuant to this Agreement, (ii) changes to any relevant items in connection with a Determination affecting such Exchange Basis Schedule, (iii) changes to any relevant items to correct material inaccuracies in such Exchange Basis Schedule identified as a result of the receipt of additional factual information relating to a Taxable Year after the date the initial Exchange Basis Schedule was provided to such Exchanging TRA Member pursuant to Section 2.2, (iv) changes to any relevant items to comply with the Expert’s determination under the Reconciliation Procedures with respect to the resolution of any issues between the Corporation and such Exchanging TRA Member that have been resolved by such Expert’s determination, (v) information necessary to provide such Exchanging TRA Member notice of a material change in the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment in respect of such Exchanging TRA Member attributable to a carryback or

 

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carryforward of a loss or other tax item to such Taxable Year and (vi) information necessary to provide such Exchanging TRA Member notice of a material change in the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment in respect of such Exchanging TRA Member attributable to an amended Tax Return filed in such Taxable Year. The Annual Schedule shall be subject to approval procedures of Section 2.5. References to an Exchange Basis Schedule in this Section 2.4 shall refer to the Exchange Basis Schedule delivered pursuant to Section 2.2 together with each Annual Schedule delivered to the applicable Exchange TRA Member.

2.5. Procedures for Exchange Basis Schedules, Tax Benefit Schedules and Annual Schedules . Every time the Corporation delivers to an Exchanging TRA Member an applicable Exchange Basis Schedule, Tax Benefit Schedule or Annual Schedule (each, a “ Schedule ”) under this Agreement, the Corporation shall also (i) deliver to such Exchanging TRA Member schedules and work papers, as determined by the Corporation or reasonably requested by such Exchanging TRA Member, providing reasonable detail regarding the preparation of such Schedule and (ii) during the thirty (30) day calendar period after the date on which such Schedule is delivered to such Exchanging TRA Member, allow such Exchanging TRA Member reasonable access (at no cost to such Exchanging TRA Member) to the appropriate representatives at and advisors to the Corporation in connection with a review of such Schedule. Without limiting the application of the preceding sentence, each time the Corporation delivers to an Exchanging TRA Member a Tax Benefit Schedule, in addition to the Tax Benefit Schedule duly completed, the Corporation shall deliver to such Exchanging TRA Member a reasonably detailed calculation by the Corporation of the applicable Hypothetical Tax Liability in respect of such Exchanging TRA Member, a reasonably detailed calculation by the Corporation of the actual liability for Taxes (determined as specified in Section 2.1), as well as any other work papers as determined by the Corporation or reasonably requested by such Exchanging TRA Member during the thirty (30) day calendar period after the date on which such Tax Benefit Schedule is delivered to such Exchanging TRA Member. As of the date thirty (30) calendar days after the date on which a Schedule is delivered to an Exchanging TRA Member, such Schedule shall become final and binding on such Exchanging TRA Member (and on the Corporation as to that Exchanging TRA Member) unless such Exchanging TRA Member (a “ TRA Objecting Member ”), within thirty (30) calendar days after the Corporation delivers such Schedule to such Exchanging TRA Member, provides the Corporation with written notice of an objection to such Schedule made in good faith by such TRA Objecting Member (an “ Objection Notice ”). If the Corporation and such TRA Objecting Member, for any reason, are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised by such TRA Objecting Member in such Objection Notice within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt by the Corporation of such Objection Notice, the Corporation and such TRA Objecting Member shall employ the Reconciliation Procedures in order to resolve such issues.

ARTICLE III.

TAX BENEFIT PAYMENTS

3.1. Payments .

(a) Payments . Within fifteen (15) calendar days of a Tax Benefit Schedule that was delivered to an Exchanging TRA Member becoming final in accordance with Section 2.5, the Corporation shall pay to such Exchanging TRA Member for such Taxable Year the Tax

 

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Benefit Payment determined pursuant to Section 3.1(b). Each such Tax Benefit Payment shall be made by wire transfer (or as otherwise directed by such Exchanging TRA Member) of immediately available funds to a bank account of such Exchanging TRA Member previously designated by such Exchanging TRA Member to the Corporation. For the avoidance of doubt, no Tax Benefit Payment shall be made in respect of estimated tax payments, including, without limitation, federal estimated income tax payments.

(b) A “ Tax Benefit Payment ” in respect of an Exchanging TRA Member means an amount, not less than zero, equal to the sum of the Net Tax Benefit and the Interest Amount attributable to such Exchanging TRA Member. For the avoidance of doubt, for Tax purposes, the Interest Amount shall not be treated as interest but instead shall be treated as additional consideration for the acquisition of LP Units or other assets in Exchanges unless otherwise required by law. The “ Net Tax Benefit ” for each Taxable Year shall be an amount equal to the excess, if any, of 85% of the Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit in respect of the Exchanging TRA Member as of the end of such Taxable Year over the total amount of payments previously payable under this Section 3.1 in respect of such Exchanging TRA Member, excluding payments attributable to the Interest Amount; provided, however, that for the avoidance of doubt, no Exchanging TRA Member shall be required to return any portion of any previously made Tax Benefit Payment. The “ Interest Amount ” for a given Taxable Year shall equal the interest on the Net Tax Benefit for such Taxable Year calculated at the Agreed Rate from the due date (without extensions) for filing the Corporation Return with respect to Taxes for the most recently ended Taxable Year until the Payment Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for each Taxable Year ending on or after the Change of Control Date, all Tax Benefit Payments in respect of an Exchanging TRA Member, whether paid with respect to LP Units that were Exchanged (i) prior to the Change of Control Date or (ii) on or after the Change of Control Date shall be calculated by using the CC Valuation Assumptions. The Net Tax Benefit and the Interest Amount shall be determined separately with respect to each separate Exchange, on a LP Unit-by-LP Unit basis by reference to the resulting Basis Adjustment to the Corporation.

3.2. No Duplicative Payments . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, it is intended that the provisions of this Agreement will not result in duplicative payment of any amount (including interest) required under this Agreement. It is also intended that the provisions of this Agreement will result in 85% of the Corporation’s Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit, and the Interest Amount thereon, being paid to the applicable Exchanging TRA Member pursuant to this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in the appropriate manner so that these fundamental results are achieved.

3.3. Pro Rata Payments; Coordination of Benefits .

(a) Notwithstanding anything in Section 3.1 to the contrary, to the extent that the aggregate tax benefit of the Corporation or any Consolidated Group’s deduction with respect to the Basis Adjustments or Imputed Interest in respect of all Exchanging TRA Members under this Agreement is limited in a particular Taxable Year because the Corporation or applicable Consolidated Group does not have sufficient taxable income, the limitation on the tax benefit for the Corporation or the applicable Consolidated Group shall be allocated among the Exchanging TRA Members in proportion to the respective amounts of Realized Tax Benefits that would have been determined under this Agreement in respect of each Exchanging TRA Member if the Corporation or applicable Consolidated Group had sufficient taxable income so that there were no such limitation.

 

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(b) If for any reason the Corporation does not fully satisfy its payment obligations to make all Tax Benefit Payments due under this Agreement in respect of a particular Taxable Year and such failure is not a breach of this Agreement under Section 5.2, then the Corporation and the Exchanging TRA Members agree that (i) the Corporation shall pay the same proportion of each Tax Benefit Payment due under this Agreement in respect of such Taxable Year, without favoring one obligation over the other, and (ii) no Tax Benefit Payment shall be made in respect of any Taxable Year until all Tax Benefit Payments in respect of prior Taxable Years have been made in full.

ARTICLE IV.

TERMINATION

4.1. Early Termination .

(a) All TRA Members . The Corporation may terminate this Agreement with respect to all of the LP Units held (or previously held and Exchanged, or deemed previously held and Exchanged as a result of any permitted assignment of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.6(b) hereof) by all TRA Members at any time by paying to each TRA Member the Early Termination Payment attributable to such TRA Member; provided , however , that this Agreement shall only terminate with respect to any such TRA Member upon the payment by the Corporation of the Early Termination Payment to such TRA Member, and provided , further , that the Corporation may withdraw any notice to execute its termination rights under this Section 4.1(a) prior to the time at which any Early Termination Payment has been paid. Upon payment of the Early Termination Payment by the Corporation to a TRA Member, the Corporation shall have no further payment obligations to such TRA Member under this Agreement, other than for any (i) Tax Benefit Payment agreed to by the Corporation and such TRA Member as due and payable but unpaid as of the Early Termination Notice and (ii) any Tax Benefit Payment due to such TRA Member for the Taxable Year ending on or including the date of the Early Termination Notice (except to the extent that the amount described in this clause (ii) is included in the Early Termination Payment). For the avoidance of doubt, if an Exchange occurs by a TRA Member after the Corporation makes the Early Termination Payment to such TRA Member, the Corporation shall have no obligations under this Agreement with respect to such Exchange, and its only obligations under this Agreement in such case shall be its obligation under Section 4.3(a) to pay the Early Termination Payment to such TRA Member.

(b) Any Exchanging TRA Member . The Corporation may terminate this Agreement with respect to the LP Units previously held and Exchanged (or deemed previously held and Exchanged as a result of any permitted assignment of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.6(b) hereof) by any Exchanging TRA Member at any time by paying to such Exchanging TRA Member the Early Termination Payment attributable to such Exchanging TRA Member; provided , however , that this Agreement shall only terminate with respect to such Exchanging TRA Member upon the payment by the Corporation of the Early Termination Payment to such Exchanging TRA Member, and provided , further , that the Corporation may withdraw any notice to execute its termination rights under this Section 4.1(b) prior to the time at

 

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which any Early Termination Payment has been paid. Upon payment of the Early Termination Payment by the Corporation to an Exchanging TRA Member, the Corporation shall have no further payment obligations to such Exchanging TRA Member under this Agreement, other than for any (i) Tax Benefit Payment agreed to by the Corporation and such Exchanging TRA Member as due and payable but unpaid as of the Early Termination Notice and (ii) any Tax Benefit Payment due to such Exchanging TRA Member for the Taxable Year ending on or including the date of the Early Termination Notice (except to the extent that the amount described in this clause (ii) is included in the Early Termination Payment). Each TRA Member hereby acknowledges and agrees that to the extent the Corporation elects to exercise the Corporation’s rights under this Section 4.1(b), such TRA Member shall have no rights hereunder or otherwise in connection therewith unless such TRA Member is the particular Exchanging TRA Member with respect to which the Corporation is exercising the Corporation’s rights under this Section 4.1(b).

4.2. Early Termination Notice . If the Corporation chooses to exercise its right of early termination under Section 4.1 above with respect to one or more TRA Members, then the Corporation shall deliver to each applicable TRA Member written notice of such intention to exercise such right (an “ Early Termination Notice ”) and a schedule (an “ Early Termination Schedule ”) specifying the Corporation’s intention to exercise such right and showing in reasonable detail the calculation of the Early Termination Payment for such TRA Member. As of the date thirty (30) calendar days after the date on which an Early Termination Notice and an Early Termination Schedule is delivered to a TRA Member, such Early Termination Notice and Early Termination Schedule shall become final and binding on such TRA Member (and on the Corporation as to that TRA Member, but subject to the Corporation’s ability to withdraw such Early Termination Notice in the manner described in Section 4.1) unless such TRA Member (or, in the case of an early termination for all TRA Members pursuant to Section 4.1(a), unless holders of a majority of the then TRA Deemed Units, on behalf of all TRA Members) (in either case, “ TRA Objecting Members ”), within thirty (30) calendar days after the Corporation delivers such Early Termination Notice and Early Termination Schedule to such TRA Members, provides the Corporation with written notice of a material objection to such Early Termination Schedule made in good faith by such TRA Objecting Members (a “ Material Objection Notice ”). If the Corporation and such TRA Objecting Members, for any reason, are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised by such TRA Objecting Members in such Material Objection Notice within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt by the Corporation of such Material Objection Notice, the Corporation and such TRA Objecting Members shall employ the Reconciliation Procedures in order to resolve such issues.

4.3. Payment upon Early Termination .

(a) Within thirty (30) calendar days after agreement between a TRA Member and the Corporation of an Early Termination Schedule (or a deemed agreement as a result of such Early Termination Schedule becoming final and binding in the manner provided for in Section 4.2 hereof), the Corporation shall pay to such TRA Member an amount equal to the Early Termination Payment set forth in such Early Termination Schedule. Such payment of an Early Termination Payment shall be made by wire transfer (or as otherwise directed by the Exchanging TRA Member) of immediately available funds to a bank account designated by such TRA Member, and upon payment by the Corporation of such Early Termination Payment to such TRA Member, such TRA Member shall have no further rights under this Agreement.

 

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(b) With respect to any TRA Member to which the Corporation has delivered an Early Termination Notice, the amount of the “ Early Termination Payment ” for such TRA Member shall equal the sum of (i) the present value, discounted at the Early Termination Rate as of the applicable ET Determination Date, of all Tax Benefit Payments that would be required to be paid by the Corporation to the TRA Member at any time on or after such ET Determination Date assuming that the Valuation Assumptions are applied and (ii) without duplication of any amounts referred to in clause (i) above, any Tax Benefit Payments due and payable to such TRA Member (without regard to the terms of Section 5.2 hereof) prior to such ET Determination Date that have not previously been paid by the Corporation, as well as any and all Default Interest that may have accrued and is owed to such TRA Member pursuant to the terms of Section 5.2 hereof.

ARTICLE V.

SUBORDINATION AND BREACH OF PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS

5.1. Subordination . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, any Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment required to be made by the Corporation to the TRA Members under this Agreement (an “ Exchange Payment ”) shall rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to any principal, interest or other amounts due and payable in respect of any obligations in respect of indebtedness for borrowed money of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries (“ Senior Obligations ”) and shall rank pari passu with all current or future unsecured obligations of the Corporation that are not Senior Obligations.

5.2. Breach of Payment Obligations by the Corporation . Notwithstanding any other provision set forth in this Agreement, in the event that the Corporation breaches any of its obligations under this Agreement to make any payment to a TRA Member when due, and such breach is not cured by the Corporation within thirty (30) days after such breach, then the amount of such payment shall accrue interest at the Default Rate (“ Default Interest ”) until such date as such payment (along with such Default Interest) is paid by the Corporation to such TRA Member, and the accrual of such Default Interest will be such TRA Member’s sole and exclusive remedy under this Agreement as a result of such breach by the Corporation, unless (i) such breach is not cured by the Corporation prior to the first to occur of (A) the date three (3) years after the date of such breach or (B) the Change of Control Date, (ii) such breach occurs on or after the Change of Control Date or (iii) such breach is with respect to an Early Termination Payment, in which case, such TRA Member will have the right to bring an enforcement action against the Corporation in order to collect such payment (along with all accrued and unpaid Default Interest thereon).

ARTICLE VI.

TAX MATTERS; CONSISTENCY; COOPERATION

6.1. The Corporation’s and Holdings’ Tax Matters . The Corporation shall have full responsibility for, and sole discretion over, all Tax matters concerning the Corporation, Consolidated Group and Holdings, including without limitation the preparation, filing or amending of any Tax Return and defending, contesting or settling any issue pertaining to Taxes.

 

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6.2. Consistency . Except for items that are explicitly described as “deemed” or in similar manner by the terms of this Agreement, the Corporation and each TRA Member agree to report and cause to be reported for all purposes, including federal, state, and local Tax purposes and financial reporting purposes, all Tax-related items (including without limitation the Basis Adjustment and each Tax Benefit Payment) in a manner consistent with that specified by the Corporation in any Annual Schedule or Early Termination Schedule for such TRA Member provided by or on behalf of the Corporation to such TRA Member under this Agreement.

6.3. Cooperation . Each Exchanging TRA Member shall (a) furnish to the Corporation in a timely manner such information, documents and other materials as the Corporation may reasonably request for purposes of making any determination or computation necessary or appropriate under this Agreement, preparing any Tax Return or contesting or defending any audit, examination or controversy with any Taxing Authority, (b) make itself available to the Corporation and its representatives to provide explanations of documents and materials and such other information as the Corporation or its representatives may reasonably request in connection with any of the matters described in clause (a) above, and (c) reasonably cooperate in connection with any such matter, and the Corporation shall reimburse any Exchanging TRA Member for any reasonable third-party costs and expenses incurred by such Exchanging TRA Member pursuant to this Section 6.3.

ARTICLE VII.

MISCELLANEOUS

7.1. Notices . All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given and received (a) if delivered personally, on the date of delivery, or, if delivered by facsimile, upon confirmation of transmission by the sender’s fax machine if sent on a Business Day (or otherwise, on the Business Day following confirmation of transmission by the sender’s fax machine) or (b) on the first Business Day following the date of dispatch if delivered by a recognized next-day courier service. All notices hereunder shall be delivered as set forth below, or pursuant to such other instructions as may be designated in writing by the party to receive such notice:

if to the Corporation, to:

Ladder Capital Corp

345 Park Avenue, 8th Floor

New York, New York 10154

Attention: General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer

Fax: 212-715-3199

if to Holdings, to:

Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP

345 Park Avenue, 8th Floor

New York, New York 10154

Attention: General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer

Fax: 212-715-3199

 

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If to a TRA Member, to the address and facsimile number set forth in Holdings’ records.

Any party may change its address or fax number by giving the other party written notice of its new address or fax number in the manner set forth above.

7.2. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same counterpart. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile transmission or electronic mail shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.

7.3. Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

7.4. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflicts of laws principles thereof that would mandate the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.

7.5. Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

7.6. Successors; Assignment; Amendments; Waivers .

(a) If a TRA Member transfers any LP Units owned by such TRA Member to a Person in accordance with the terms of the LLLP Agreement (including to a Permitted Transferee of such TRA Member) (other than pursuant to an Exchange), then, as a condition to the completion of such transfer, such transferring TRA Member must assign to the transferee of such LP Units the transferring TRA Member’s rights under this Agreement with respect to such transferred LP Units by causing such transferee to execute and deliver to the Corporation a Joinder agreeing to become a “TRA Member” for all purposes of this Agreement, in such form a shall be reasonably acceptable to the Corporation.

 

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(b) Once an Exchange has occurred, any and all payments that may become payable to an Exchanging TRA Member pursuant to this Agreement with respect to the LP Units so Exchanged may be assigned by such Exchanging TRA Member to (i) any Person with the prior written approval of the Corporation or (ii) any Person that qualifies as a Permitted Transferee of such Exchanging TRA Member, but only if, in connection with such assignment, such assignee has executed and delivered to the Corporation a Joinder agreeing to become an “Exchanging TRA Member” and a “TRA Member” for all purposes of this Agreement, in such form a shall be reasonably acceptable to the Corporation.

(c) No TRA Member may assign this Agreement, or any rights under this Agreement, to any Person except as expressly permitted by, and in compliance with, the terms of Section 7.6(a) or 7.6(b) hereof, and any such assignment by any TRA Member that is not expressly permitted by, and in compliance with, the terms of Section 7.6(a) or 7.6(b) hereof shall be null and void.

(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.6, (i) no assignee described in Section 7.6(a) hereof that is not a Permitted Transferee of the applicable assignor shall have the right to enforce the provisions of Section 2.5 or 4.2 of this Agreement (in which case, any Annual Schedule or Early Termination Schedule that is delivered by the Corporation to such assignee shall be final and binding on such assignee when delivered by the Corporation to such assignee), and (ii) no assignee described in Section 7.6(a) hereof that is not a Permitted Transferee of the applicable assignor shall have any rights under this Agreement except for the right to enforce such assignee’s rights to receive payments under this Agreement (in which case, any Annual Schedule or Early Termination Schedule that is delivered by the Corporation to such assignee shall be final and binding on such assignee when delivered by the Corporation to such assignee).

(e) This Agreement and any provision hereof may be modified, amended or restated only upon the written approval of the Corporation, Holdings and the TRA Requisite Members, and any such modification, amendment or restatement to which such written approval is obtained will be binding upon the Corporation, Holdings and each TRA Member; provided , that no such modification, amendment or restatement shall be effective if such modification, amendment or restatement will have a disproportionate effect on the payments certain TRA Members will or may receive under this Agreement as compared to other TRA Members unless all such TRA Members disproportionately affected consent in writing to such modification, amendment or restatement.

(f) Subject to Section 7.6(d) hereof, all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors, permitted assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives. The Corporation shall require and cause any direct or indirect successor (whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Corporation, by written agreement, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Corporation would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.

7.7. Titles and Subtitles . The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement.

 

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7.8. Venue and Submission to Jurisdiction . EXCEPT FOR MATTERS COVERED BY THE TERMS OF SECTION 7.9 HEREOF (FOR WHICH SECTION 7.9 HEREOF SHALL BE SOLELY APPLICABLE), ANY AND ALL SUITS, LEGAL ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT ONLY IN THE COURT OF CHANCERY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY SUBMITS TO AND ACCEPTS THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURT FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUCH SUITS, LEGAL ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION WHICH HE OR IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR ANY SUCH SUIT, LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH COURT AND HEREBY FURTHER WAIVES ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUIT, LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.

7.9. Reconciliation . In the event that the Corporation and any TRA Objecting Member(s) are unable to resolve a disagreement with respect to the matters governed by Sections 2.5 and 4.2 within the relevant period designated in this Agreement (“ Reconciliation Dispute ”), the Reconciliation Dispute shall be submitted for determination to a nationally recognized expert (the “ Expert ”) in the particular area of disagreement mutually acceptable to both parties. The Expert shall be a partner in a nationally recognized accounting firm or a law firm, and the Expert shall not, and, unless such TRA Objecting Member(s) agree otherwise, the firm that employs the Expert shall not, have any material relationship with either the Corporation, or such TRA Objecting Member(s) or other actual or potential conflict of interest. If the parties are unable to agree on an Expert within fifteen (15) days of receipt by the respondent(s) of written notice of a Reconciliation Dispute, the Expert shall be appointed by the International Chamber of Commerce Centre for Expertise. The Expert shall resolve any matter relating to any Exchange Basis Schedule, Tax Benefit Schedule, Annual Schedule or Early Termination Schedule within thirty (30) calendar days or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, in each case after the matter has been submitted to the Expert for resolution. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if the matter is not resolved before any payment that is the subject of a disagreement would be due (in the absence of such disagreement) or any Tax Return reflecting the subject of a disagreement is due, the undisputed amount shall be paid on such date and such Tax Return may be filed as prepared by the Corporation, subject to adjustment or amendment upon resolution. The costs and expenses with respect to the engagement of such Expert or amending any Tax Return shall be borne 50% by the Corporation and 50% by the applicable TRA Objecting Member(s). Except as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, the Corporation and a TRA Objecting Member(s) shall each bear its own costs and expenses of such proceeding. Any dispute as to whether a dispute is a Reconciliation Dispute within the meaning of this Section 7.9 shall be decided by the Expert. The Expert shall finally determine any Reconciliation Dispute and the determinations of the Expert pursuant to this Section 7.9 shall be binding on the Corporation and such TRA Objecting Member(s) and may be entered and enforced in any court having jurisdiction.

7.10. Withholding . The Corporation shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any payment payable pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as the Corporation is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code or any

 

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provision of state, local or foreign tax law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld and paid over to the appropriate Taxing Authority by the Corporation, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the applicable TRA Member.

7.11. Tax Covenant . The Corporation, Holdings and each TRA Member hereby acknowledge that, as of the date of this Agreement, the aggregate value of the Tax Benefit Payments cannot reasonably be ascertained for United States federal income tax or other applicable Tax purposes.

7.12. Admission of the Corporation into a Consolidated Group; Transfers of Corporate Assets .

(a) If the Corporation becomes a member of an affiliated or consolidated group of corporations that files a consolidated income tax return pursuant to Sections 1501 et seq. of the Code or any corresponding provisions of state, local or foreign law, then: (i) the provisions of this Agreement shall be applied with respect to the group as a whole; and (ii) Tax Benefit Payments, Early Termination Payments and other applicable items hereunder shall be computed with reference to the consolidated taxable income of the group as a whole.

(b) If any entity that is obligated to make an Exchange Payment hereunder transfers one or more assets to a corporation with which such entity does not file a consolidated tax return pursuant to Section 1501 of the Code in a transaction pursuant to Section 351 of the Code or described in Section 368(a) of the Code, such entity, for purposes of calculating the amount of any Exchange Payment (e.g., calculating the gross income of the entity and determining the Realized Tax Benefit of such entity) due hereunder, shall be treated as having disposed of such asset in a fully taxable transaction on the date of such contribution. The consideration deemed to be received by such entity shall be equal to the fair market value of the contributed asset, plus (i) the amount of debt to which such asset is subject, in the case of a contribution of an encumbered asset or (ii) the amount of debt allocated to such asset, in the case of a contribution of a partnership interest.

7.13. Confidentiality . Each TRA Member acknowledges and agrees that the information of the Corporation is confidential and, except in the course of performing any duties as necessary for the Corporation and its Affiliates, as required by law or legal process or to enforce the terms of this Agreement, such person shall keep and retain in confidence and not disclose to any Person any confidential information of which knowledge was obtained pursuant to this Agreement, of the Corporation and its Affiliates and successors, concerning Holdings and its Affiliates and successors or the other TRA Members. This Section 7.13 shall not apply to (i) any information that has been made publicly available by the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, becomes public knowledge (except as a result of an act of such TRA Member in violation of this Agreement) or is generally known to the business community, (ii) the disclosure of information to the extent necessary for a TRA Member to prepare and file his or her Tax Returns, to respond to any inquiries regarding the same from any Taxing Authority or to prosecute or defend any action, proceeding or audit by any Taxing Authority with respect to such returns or (iii) in the case of any TRA Member that is (or is controlled by) a private equity fund or other investment fund, the disclosure in a customary manner by such TRA Member of any such information in confidence to such TRA Member’s investors. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein,

 

21


each TRA Member (and each employee, representative or other agent of such TRA Member, as applicable) may disclose to any and all Persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the Corporation, Holdings, the TRA Members and their Affiliates, and any of their transactions, and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to the TRA Members relating to such tax treatment and tax structure. If a TRA Member or assignee commits a breach, or threatens to commit a breach, of any of the provisions of this Section 7.13, the Corporation shall have the right and remedy to have the provisions of this Section 7.13 specifically enforced by injunctive relief or otherwise by any court of competent jurisdiction without the need to post any bond or other security, it being acknowledged and agreed that any such breach or threatened breach shall cause irreparable injury to the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries or the other TRA Members and the accounts and funds managed by the Corporation and that money damages alone shall not provide an adequate remedy to such Persons. Such rights and remedies shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available at law or in equity.

7.14. Independent Nature of TRA Members’ Rights and Obligations . The obligations of each TRA Member hereunder are several and not joint with the obligations of any other TRA Member, and no TRA Member shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other TRA Member hereunder. The decision of each TRA Member to enter into this Agreement has been made by such TRA Member independently of any other TRA Member. Nothing contained herein, and no action taken by any TRA Member pursuant hereto, shall be deemed to constitute the TRA Members as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the TRA Members are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated hereby and the Corporation acknowledges that the TRA Members are not acting in concert or as a group, and the Corporation will not assert any such claim, with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated hereby.

7.15. Headings . The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

7.16. Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION IN ANY COURT WITH RESPECT TO, IN CONNECTION WITH, OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT OR THE VALIDITY, PROTECTION, INTERPRETATION, COLLECTION OR ENFORCEMENT THEREOF.

 

22


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation, Holdings and the other parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

LADDER CAPITAL CORP
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
[OTHER SIGNATORIES TO BE ADDED]


EXHIBIT A

JOINDER TO TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT

This JOINDER (this “ Joinder ”) to Tax Receivable Agreement, by and among Ladder Capital Corp, a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”), Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP, a Delaware limited liability limited partnership (“ Holdings ”) and                      (“ Additional Signatory ”), is dated as of              , 20    .

WHEREAS, reference is hereby made to the Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of              , 2014 by and among the Corporation, Holdings and the other parties thereto, as such agreement may be amended and/or restated from time to time (the “ Tax Receivable Agreement ”). Capitalized terms used in this Joinder and not otherwise defined in this Joinder shall have the respective meanings given to such capitalized terms in the Tax Receivable Agreement; and

[WHEREAS, as a result of the Merger, Additional Signatory is the owner of [        ] LP Units (collectively, “ Applicable LP Units ”) and the corresponding number of shares of the Corporation’s Class B common stock, and Additional Signatory is executing and delivering this Joinder pursuant to Section [15] of the Merger Agreement.]

[WHEREAS, on                             , Additional Signatory acquired (the “ Acquisition ”) [        ] LP Units (collectively, “ Applicable LP Units ”) and the corresponding number of shares of the Corporation’s Class B common stock from [                             (“ Transferor ”)], and Transferor, in connection with the Acquisition, has required Additional Signatory to execute and deliver this Joinder pursuant to Section 7.6(a) of the Tax Receivable Agreement.]

[WHEREAS, on                             , Additional Signatory acquired (the “ Acquisition ”) from [                     (“ Transferor ”)], the right to receive all payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement with respect to the [        ] LP Units that were previously Exchanged (collectively, “ Applicable LP Units ”), and in connection with the Acquisition, Additional Signatory (i) is required to execute and deliver this Joinder pursuant to Section 7.6(b) of the Tax Receivable Agreement and (ii) will, for purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreement, be deemed to be an “Exchanging TRA Member” with respect to such Applicable LP Units.]

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the agreements contained herein, Additional Signatory hereby agrees as follows:

Section 1.1. Joinder to Tax Receivable Agreement . Additional Signatory hereby (i) acknowledges that Additional Signatory has received and reviewed a complete copy of the Tax Receivable Agreement and (ii) agrees that upon execution of this Joinder, Additional Signatory (A) will become a party to the Tax Receivable Agreement and shall be fully bound by, and subject to, all of the covenants, terms and conditions of the Tax Receivable Agreement in the manner set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreement, with respect to the Applicable LP Units and (B) will be a “TRA Member” for all purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreement.


Section 1.2. LLLP Agreement . Additional Signatory hereby (i) acknowledges that Additional Signatory has received and reviewed a complete copy of the LLLP Agreement and (ii) agrees that Additional Signatory either is, or as a result of the execution and delivery of this Joinder has become, a party to the LLLP Agreement and, as a result thereof, is fully bound by, and subject to, all of the covenants, terms and conditions of the LLLP Agreement and shall is a Limited Partner (as such term is defined in the LLLP Agreement for all purposes of the LLLP Agreement. [ NOTE : THIS SECTION 1.2 ONLY TO INCLUDED IF THE ADDITIONAL SIGNATORY ALSO OWNS/IS ACQUIRING LP UNITS]

Section 1.3. Counterparts; Headings . This Joinder may be executed in separate counterparts each of which shall be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. The descriptive headings of this Joinder are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Joinder.

Section 1.4. Governing Law . THIS JOINDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

[ NOTE : IF REQUESTED BY THE CORPORATION, THE JOINDER AS COMPLETED BY AN ADDITIONAL SIGNATORY WILL ALSO INCLUDE A SECTION 1.5 IN WHICH SUCH ADDITIONAL SIGNATORY REPRESENTS TO THE CORPORATION SUCH ADDITIONAL SIGNATORY’S CONTACT INFORMATION AND WIRE INSTRUCTIONS, ALONG WITH A COVENANT BY SUCH ADDITIONAL SIGNATURE TO PROMPTLY PROVIDE THE CORPORATION WITH UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION AND WIRE INSTRUCTIONS TO THE EXTENT SUCH INFORMATION CHANGES FROM TIME TO TIME.]

 

2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Joinder to Tax Receivable Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the parties hereto as of the date first above written.

 

LADDER CAPITAL CORP
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
LADDER CAPITAL FINANCE HOLDINGS LLLP
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
[ADDITIONAL SIGNATORY]
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Ladder Capital Corp of our report dated June 27, 2013 and our report of Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP dated March 28, 2013, except for Note 14, the Master Repurchase Agreement paragraph in Note 16, the financial statement schedules and the effects of the Registration paragraph described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, as to which the date is April 29, 2013, except for the earnings per unit information included in Note 15 and the consolidated statements of income, as to which the date is June 27, 2013, except for the effects of the revisions for Agency interest-only securities discussed in the revision of previously issued financial statements paragraph in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, as to which the date is August 16, 2013, and except for the effects of the revisions for Intercompany Loans and presentation of certain cash accounts held by brokers discussed in the revision of previously issued financial statements paragraph described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, as to which the date is December 4, 2013, relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedules of Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP, our reports dated April 29, 2013, relating to the statements of revenue and certain expenses for the Abingdon, Aiken, Johnson City, Ooltewah, Palmview, Middleburg and Satsuma properties for the year ended December 31, 2011, and our report dated December 23, 2013, relating to the statement of revenue and certain expenses for the Richmond Properties for the year ended December 31, 2012, which appear in such Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York

December 23, 2013

Exhibit 23.3

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the inclusion in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Ladder Capital Corp of our report dated December 23, 2013, relating to the statements of revenue and certain expenses of the Minneapolis Property for the year ended December 31, 2012, which report appears in this Form S-1 of Ladder Capital Corp filed on December 23, 2013. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in the Registration Statement.

Our report on the statement of revenue and certain expenses of the Minneapolis Property contains a paragraph that states the statement of revenue and certain expenses was prepared for the purpose of complying with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as described in Note 1 to the statement of revenue and certain expenses, and it is not intended to be a complete presentation of the Minneapolis Property revenue and expenses.

/s/ BAKER TILLY VIRCHOW KRAUSE, LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

December 23, 2013

Exhibit 99.2

Independent Auditor’s Report

To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of

Ladder Capital Corp

We have audited the accompanying statement of revenue and certain expenses for the Richmond Properties (the “Properties”) for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Management’s Responsibility for the Statement of Revenue and Certain Expenses

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the statement of revenue and certain expenses in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the statement of revenue and certain expenses that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the statement of revenue and certain expenses based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the statement of revenue and certain expenses is free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the statement of revenue and certain expenses. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the statement of revenue and certain expenses, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the Properties’ preparation and fair presentation of the statement of revenue and certain expenses in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Properties’ internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the statement of revenue and certain expenses. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, the statement of revenue and certain expenses of the Properties present fairly, in all material respects, the revenue and certain expenses described in Note 2 of the Properties’ Statement of Revenue and Certain Expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Emphasis of Matter

We draw attention to Note 2 to the statement of revenue and certain expenses, which describes that the accompanying statement of revenue and certain expenses was prepared for the purpose of complying with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not intended to be a complete presentation of the Properties’ revenue and expenses. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York

December 23, 2013


Richmond Properties

Statements of Revenue and Certain Expenses

 

     Period from January 1, 2013      Year Ended  
     to March 31, 2013      December 31, 2012  
     (unaudited)         
     (dollars in thousands)  

Revenue

     

Rental revenue

   $ 3,414       $ 13,743   

Tenant recoveries

     852         3,508   

Other income

     57         242   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenue

   $ 4,323       $ 17,493   

Certain expenses

     

Operating expenses

   $ 1,278       $ 4,451   

Taxes and insurance

     280         1,097   

Loss on collections

     —           106   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total certain expenses

     1,558         5,654   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenue in excess of certain expenses

   $ 2,765       $ 11,839   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part to the statements of revenue and certain expenses.


Richmond Properties

Notes to Statements of Revenue and Certain Expenses

(dollars in thousands)

(1) Organization

The Richmond Properties (the “ Properties”), consists of eleven multi-story office buildings and three single-story office buildings located in Richmond, VA. Prior to June 7, 2013, the Properties were owned by Richmond Green Properties, LLC, a Delaware limited partnership. On June 7, 2013, the Properties were acquired by Lingerfelt Office Properties LLC, an entity consolidated by Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP (the “Company”). The accompanying statements of revenue and certain expenses (“Statements”) relate to the operations of the Properties. The Properties’ operations are presented on a combined basis as a result of being under common management and ownership during all of the periods presented.

(2) Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Statements have been prepared for the purpose of complying with Rule 3-14 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and accordingly, are not representative of the actual results of operations of the Properties, due to the exclusion of the following revenue and expenses which may not be comparable to the proposed future operations of the Properties:

 

    Depreciation and amortization

 

    Interest income and expense

 

    Amortization of above and below market leases

 

    Other miscellaneous revenue and expenses not directly related to the proposed future operations of the Properties.

Except as noted above, the Company is not aware of any material factors relating to the Properties other than those discussed that would cause the reported financial information not to be indicative of future operating results.

(b) Revenue Recognition

The Properties recognize rental revenue from tenants on a straight-line basis over the lease term when collectability is reasonably assured and the tenant has taken possession or controls the physical use of the leased asset. Tenant recoveries related to reimbursement of real estate taxes, insurance, repairs, maintenance, and other operating expenses are recognized as revenue in the period the applicable expenses are incurred. The reimbursements are recognized and presented gross, as the Properties are generally the primary obligor with respect to purchasing goods and services from third-party suppliers, have discretion in selecting suppliers and bear the associated credit risk related to the reimbursement from the tenant.

Rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related leases when collectability is reasonably assured. Differences between rental revenue earned and amounts due under the leases are charged or credited, as applicable, to accrued rental revenue. All straight-line rent adjustments associated with the Properties are reflected in financial statements for the period from January 1, 2013 to March 31, 2013 (unaudited) and for the year ended December 31, 2012. All certain expenses and costs are paid by the property owner, and then reimbursed by the tenant.

(c) Use of Estimates

Management has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting and disclosure of revenue and certain expenses during the reporting period to prepare the Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(d) Unaudited Interim Statement

The statement of revenue and certain expenses for the period from January 1, 2013 to March 31, 2013 for the Properties is unaudited. In the opinion of management, the statement reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim period. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.


Richmond Properties

Notes to Statements of Revenue and Certain Expenses

(dollars in thousands)

(3) Description of Leasing Arrangements

The Properties are leased to numerous tenants under non-cancelable operating leases which the last lease expiration date is April 30, 2021.

Future minimum base rentals over the next five years on the non-cancelable operating leases at March 31, 2013 are as follows:

 

     Amount  

2013

     9,828   

2014

     12,428   

2015

     11,247   

2016

     8,135   

2017

     5,817   

Thereafter

     8,998   
  

 

 

 

Total

     56,453   
  

 

 

 

The above future minimum lease payments exclude tenant recoveries, amortization of accrued rental revenue and above/below-market lease intangibles.

The Properties have one tenant that rents 9% of the total rentable space and paid approximately 10% of the total base rental revenue for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012.

(4) Commitments and Contingencies

The Properties are subject to legal claims and disputes in the ordinary course of business. Management believes that the ultimate settlement of any existing potential claims and disputes would not have a material impact on the Properties’ revenue and certain operating expenses.

(5) Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated the events and transactions that have occurred through December 23, 2013 the date which the Statements were available to be issued, and noted no items requiring adjustment of the Statements or additional disclosure.


MINNEAPOLIS PROPERTY

New York, NY

STATEMENTS OF REVENUE AND CERTAIN EXPENSES

Including Independent Auditors’ Report

For the Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2013 (Unaudited)

and the Year Ended December 31, 2012


MINNEAPOLIS PROPERTY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

For the Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2013 (Unaudited) and the Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

 

Independent Auditors’ Report

     1 - 2   

Financial Statements

  

Statements of Revenue and Certain Expenses

     3   

Notes to Statements of Revenue and Certain Expenses

     4 - 6   


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

To Management and the Board of Directors

Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP

New York, NY

We have audited the accompanying statement of revenue and certain expenses of the Minneapolis Property (the “Property”) for the year ended December 31, 2012, and the related notes (the financial statement).

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statement

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of this financial statement in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statement that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditors’ Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement is free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement. The procedures selected depend on the auditors’ judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statement, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statement in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statement.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

 

Page 1


To Management and the Board of Directors

Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP

December 23, 2013

Page 2

Opinion

In our opinion, the financial statement referred to above presents fairly, in all material respects, the revenue and certain expenses, as described in Note 1, of the Property for the year ended December 31, 2012, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Emphasis of Matter

We draw attention to Note 1 to the financial statement, which describes that the accompanying financial statement was prepared for the purpose of complying with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (for the inclusion in Form S-1 of Ladder Capital Corp) and is not intended to be a complete presentation of the Property’s revenue and expenses. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.

/s/ BAKER TILLY VIRCHOW KRAUSE, LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

December 23, 2013

 

Page 2


MINNEAPOLIS PROPERTY

STATEMENTS OF REVENUE AND CERTAIN EXPENSES

 

 

     Nine-month
period ended
September 30,

2013
(Unaudited)
     Year ended
December 31,

2012
 

REVENUE

     

Commercial rental income

   $ 2,665,558       $ 3,355,647   

Operating expense reimbursements

     2,702,537         2,785,384   

Parking rental income

     126,073         118,482   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Revenue

     5,494,168         6,259,513   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

CERTAIN EXPENSES

     

Other operating expenses

     1,238,901         1,500,138   

Maintenance

     978,462         1,321,249   

Utilities

     1,307,420         1,679,037   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Certain Expenses

     3,524,783         4,500,424   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenue in Excess of Certain Expenses

   $ 1,969,385       $ 1,759,089   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the statements of revenue and certain expenses.

 

Page 3


MINNEAPOLIS PROPERTY

NOTES TO STATEMENTS OF REVENUE AND CERTAIN EXPENSES

For the Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2013 (Unaudited) and the Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

 

 

NOTE 1 - Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Nature of Operations - The Minneapolis Property (the “Property”) is a twenty-six story multi-tenant office building located at 120 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Property has 393,902 net rentable square feet and 130 rentable underground parking spaces. The accompanying statements of revenue and certain expenses (“Statements”) relate to the operations of the Property.

On October 9, 2013, the Propety was acquired by CanPac Owner, LLC (“CanPac”), a limited liability company majority owned and consolidated by Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP. Prior to October 9, 2013, the Property was owned by an unaffiliated third party.

Basis of Presentation - The accompanying Statements have been prepared for the purpose of complying with Rule 3-14 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and accordingly, exclude the following certain expenses which may not be comparable to the proposed future operations of the Property: depreciation and amortization; mortgage interest expense; amortization of above and below market leases; corporate overhead; and other miscellaneous revenue and expenses.

Revenue Recognition - Rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the non-cancelable portion of the related leases. Differences between rental revenue earned and amounts due under the leases are charged or credited, as applicable, to deferred rental revenue. The impact of the straight-line rent adjustment increased rental revenue by approximately $328,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, and increased rental revenue by approximately $916,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012. Lease incentives, including moving and tenant improvement allowances, are charged against rental revenues on a straight-line basis over the terms of the applicable lease. Tenant leases also provide for recoveries from tenants of common area maintenance, real estate taxes, and other operating expenses. These recoveries are recognized as revenue in the period the applicable costs are incurred.

Use of Estimates - Management has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting and disclosure of revenue and certain expenses during the reporting periods to prepare the Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Unaudited Interim Statement - The statement of revenue and certain expenses for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 is unaudited. In the opinion of management, the statement reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim period. All such adjustments are of normal recurring nature.

 

Page 4


MINNEAPOLIS PROPERTY

NOTES TO STATEMENTS OF REVENUE AND CERTAIN EXPENSES

For the Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2013 (Unaudited) and the Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

 

 

NOTE 2 - Management Fee Agreements and Related Party Transactions

 

The Property entered into a property and asset management agreement with NorthStar Equity Services, LLC (dba - Hempel), an entity related by common ownership. The Property is required to pay Hempel a monthly management fee of 4% of the gross rents collected. Hempel will also be paid a fee of 3% of the hard costs incurred for certain construction management activities of the Property. The Property is also required to pay salary, bonus and cost of employment for management employees allocated to and working at the Property.

Total management fees for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012 were $194,372 and $203,841 respectively. Other management firm employee covered costs were $127,255 and $171,966 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012, respectively.

Subsequent to September 30, 2013, CanPac entered into a property and asset management agreement with Hempel under similar terms.

 

 

NOTE 3 - Tenant and Leasing Information

 

The Property rents office space to tenants under long-term operating lease agreements that provide for monthly payments based on a minimum rent plus recoveries for certain operating expenses and real estate taxes. Tenant leases expire at various dates through August 31, 2027.

Future approximate minimum rentals under these agreements for the five years ending after December 31, 2012 are as follows:

 

2013

   $ 3,581,345   

2014

     3,328,833   

2015

     3,093,752   

2016

     2,792,547   

2017

     2,702,980   

Thereafter

     14,133,759   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 29,633,216   
  

 

 

 

Future approximate minimum rentals under these agreements for the five years ending after September 30, 2013 are as follows:

 

2013 - period from October 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013

   $ 869,357   

2014

     3,760,321   

2015

     3,898,426   

2016

     3,698,508   

2017

     3,544,472   

Thereafter

     16,948,674   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 32,719,758   
  

 

 

 

The Property has two tenants that rent approximately 42% of the total rentable space and paid approximately 52% of the total base rental revenue for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013. The Property had two tenants that rented approximately 38% of the total rentable space and paid approximately 51% of the total base rental revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

Page 5


MINNEAPOLIS PROPERTY

NOTES TO STATEMENTS OF REVENUE AND CERTAIN EXPENSES

For the Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2013 (Unaudited) and the Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

 

 

NOTE 4 - Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Property has various contracts with unrelated third parties to provide services for the Property including janitorial, elevator maintenance, security, and parking garage facilities. These agreements expire at various dates through August 2014, and have termination clauses which typically only require 30 days notice. Certain of the agreements are currently under month-to-month terms. Under the terms of the parking facility agreement, the Company pays a monthly fee equal to 4% of gross revenues collected. The minimum future amounts to be paid under these contracts for the years ending after December 31, 2012 are as follows (assuming no termination during the contract periods): 2013 - $565,774; and 2014 - $383,040.

Effective November 1, 2013, CanPac entered into a parking garage service agreement with a new operator for an intial five year term. Under the agreement, the operator is required to pay CanPac $370,000 per year for the right to operate the parking garage, plus potential additional consideration as defined in the agreement.

The Property is subject to legal claims and disputes in the ordinary course of business. Management believes that the ultimate settlement of any existing potential claims and disputes would not have a material impact on the Property’s revenue and certain operating expenses.

 

 

NOTE 5 - Subsequent Events

 

The Property has evaluated subsequent events through December 23, 2013, the date on which the statement of revenue and certain expenses was available to be issued.

 

Page 6


The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements have been prepared to provide pro forma information with regard to real estate acquisitions, as applicable, under Article 11 of Regulation S-X Rule 3-14.

The accompanying unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013 combine our historical operations with the purchase of the real estate acquisitions described below, which occurred subsequent to September 30, 2013, as if those transactions had occurred on September 30, 2013.

The accompanying unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012 combine our historical operations with the purchase of each of the real estate acquisitions described below, as if those transactions had occurred on January 1, 2012.

This pro forma information should be read in conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements of the Company as of September 30, 2013, and the notes thereto, the financial statement of revenue and certain expenses for the Richmond Properties for the year ended December 31, 2012, and the notes thereto and the financial statement of revenue and certain expenses for the Minneapolis Property for the year ended December 31, 2012, and the notes thereto. The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet and statements of income have been prepared by our management based upon our historical financial statements and certain historical financial information of the acquired properties. These pro forma statements may not be indicative of the results that actually would have occurred if these transactions had not been in effect on the dates indicated, nor do they purport to represent our future financial results. The accompanying unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet and statements of income do not contemplate certain amounts that are not readily determinable, such as additional general and administrative expenses that are probable, or interest income that would be earned on cash balances.


Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP

Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

 

     Company            Company Pro  
     Historical      Acquisitions     Forma  

Assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 62,527,331       $ (447,340   $ 62,079,991   

Cash collateral held by broker

     36,188,694           36,188,694   

Mortgage loan receivables held for investment, at amortized cost

     369,609,166           369,609,166   

Mortgage loan receivables held for sale

     93,031,322           93,031,322   

Real estate securities, available-for-sale:

          —     

Investment grade commercial mortgage backed securities

     877,467,235           877,467,235   

GN construction securities

     10,398,166           10,398,166   

GN permanent securities

     106,078,762           106,078,762   

Interest-only securities

     323,032,277           323,032,277   

Real estate, net

     510,146,878         51,520,000        561,666,878   

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures

     12,074,319           12,074,319   

FHLB stock

     36,400,000           36,400,000   

Derivative instruments

     1,642,073           1,642,073   

Due from brokers

     23,404,631           23,404,631   

Accrued interest receivable

     11,433,271           11,433,271   

Other assets

     32,733,573         2,045,917        34,779,490   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 2,506,167,698       $ 53,118,577      $ 2,559,286,275   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Capital

       

Liabilities

       

Repurchase agreements

   $ 6,151,000       $ 52,425,528      $ 58,576,528   

Long-term financing

     291,238,247           291,238,247   

Borrowings from the FHLB

     608,000,000           608,000,000   

Senior unsecured notes

     325,000,000           325,000,000   

Due to brokers

     18,153,020           18,153,020   

Derivative instruments

     19,473,262           19,473,262   

Accrued expenses

     46,390,267           46,390,267   

Other liabilities

     14,440,977         179,232        14,620,209   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,328,846,773         52,604,760        1,381,451,533   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

       

Capital

       

Partners’ capital

       

Series A preferred units

     820,956,465         (529,260     820,427,205   

Series B preferred units

     289,133,997         (186,400     288,947,597   

Common units

     57,866,450         (178,915     57,687,535   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total partners’ capital

     1,167,956,912         (894,575     1,167,062,337   

Noncontrolling interest

     9,364,013         1,408,392        10,772,405   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capital

     1,177,320,925         513,817        1,177,834,742   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and capital

   $ 2,506,167,698       $ 53,118,577      $ 2,559,286,275   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

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


Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP

Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Income (unaudited)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

 

     Company           Company Pro  
     Historical     Acquisitions     Forma  

Net interest income

      

Interest income

   $ 91,062,175      $ 1,637      $ 91,063,812   

Interest expense

     35,703,283        —          35,703,283   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income

     55,358,892        1,637        55,360,529   

Provision for loan losses

     450,000        —          450,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income

     54,908,892        1,637        54,910,529   

Operating lease income

     26,599,973        13,154,984        39,754,957   

Sale of loans, net

     141,046,263        —          141,046,263   

Gain (loss) on securities

     4,481,847        —          4,481,847   

Sale of real estate, net

     10,887,448        —          10,887,448   

Fee income

     5,324,872        —          5,324,872   

Net result from derivative transactions

     16,635,489        —          16,635,489   

Earnings from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

     2,351,878        —          2,351,878   

Unrealized gain (loss) on agency interest only securities, net

     (1,849,924     —          (1,849,924
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income

   $ 205,477,846      $ 13,154,984      $ 218,632,830   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and expenses

      

Salaries and employee benefits

   $ 47,937,276      $ —        $ 47,937,276   

Operating expenses

     11,336,738        —          11,336,738   

Real estate operating expenses

     11,309,438        6,508,407        17,817,845   

Fee expense

     5,754,432        (2,205,253     3,549,179   

Depreciation and amortization

     11,608,986        5,603,467        17,212,453   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

     87,946,870        9,906,621        97,853,491   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before taxes

     172,439,868        3,250,000        175,689,868   

Tax expense

     3,450,948        —          3,450,948   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     168,988,920        3,250,000        172,238,920   

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (697,721     (112,175     (809,896
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to preferred and common unit holders/Ladder Capital Corp stockholders

   $ 168,291,199      $ 3,137,825      $ 171,429,024   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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


Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP

Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Income (unaudited)

For the Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

     Company           Company Pro  
     Historical     Acquisitions     Forma  

Net interest income

      

Interest income

   $ 136,198,204      $ —        $ 136,198,204   

Interest expense

     36,440,373        —          36,440,373   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income

     99,757,831        —          99,757,831   

Provision for loan losses

     448,833        —          448,833   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income

     99,308,998        —          99,308,998   

Operating lease income

     8,331,338        23,754,759        32,086,097   

Sale of loans, net

     151,661,150        —          151,661,150   

Gain (loss) on securities

     19,013,960        —          19,013,960   

Sale of real estate, net

     1,275,235        —          1,275,235   

Fee income

     8,787,695        —          8,787,695   

Net result from derivative transactions

     (35,650,989     —          (35,650,989

Earnings from investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

     1,256,109        —          1,256,109   

Unrealized gain (loss) on agency interest only securities, net

     (5,680,893     —          (5,680,893
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income

   $ 148,993,605      $ 23,754,759      $ 172,748,364   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and expenses

      

Salaries and employee benefits

   $ 51,090,424      $ —        $ 51,090,424   

Operating expenses

     9,571,881        10,154,670        19,726,551   

Fee expense

     11,961,400        —          11,961,400   

Depreciation and amortization

     3,640,619        5,059,091        8,699,710   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

     76,264,324        15,213,761        91,478,085   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before taxes

     172,038,279        8,540,998        180,579,277   

Tax expense

     2,583,999        —          2,583,999   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     169,454,280        8,540,998        177,995,278   

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

     49,084        (18,705     30,379   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to preferred and common unit holders/Ladder Capital Corp stockholders

   $ 169,503,364      $ 8,522,293      $ 178,025,657   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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


Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP

Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet and Statement of Income (Unaudited)

As of and for Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and the Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

1. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AND STATEMENT OF INCOME

Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP serves as the holding company for its wholly-owned subsidiaries that collectively operate as a specialty finance company that provides comprehensive financing solutions to the commercial real estate industry.

The Company’s pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013 is presented as if the acquisition of our properties located in Richmond, VA and Minneapolis, MN occurred on September 30, 2013.

The Company’s pro forma consolidated statements of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012 are presented as if the acquisition of our properties located in Richmond, VA and Minneapolis, MN occurred on January 1, 2012. The Richmond Properties were acquired on June 7, 2013 and as such are already included in the historical results for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, for the period past June 7, 2013, and as of September 30, 2013.

Company Historical

Reflects the Company’s historical consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013 and statements of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012.

Acquisition

Reflects the acquisition adjustments made to present the Company’s balance sheet as of September 30, 2013 as though the acquisitions above had occurred on September 30, 2013 and statements of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012 as though the acquisitions above had occurred on January 1, 2012.

Balance Sheet Adjustments

The most significant adjustments made in preparing the unaudited pro forma information for the consolidated balance sheet were to: (i) include the real estate acquired, (ii) include escrow deposits on real estate (included in other assets), (iii) include the repurchase agreement financing, net of cash received from operations of the Properties, and (iv) reflect additional allocation of net income to the components of Total Capital. The details are provided below.

 

    As of September 30, 2013  
    Cash and
Cash
Equivalents
    Real Estate, net     Other Assets     Repurchase
Agreements
    Other
Liabilities
    Total
Partners’
    Noncontrolling
interest
 

Office Building in Minneapolis, MN

  $ (447,340   $ 51,520,000      $ 2,045,917      $ 52,425,528      $ 179,232      $ (894,575   $ 1,408,392   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ (447,340   $ 51,520,000      $ 2,045,917      $ 52,425,528      $ 179,232      $ (894,575   $ 1,408,392   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Statement of Income Adjustments

The most significant adjustments made in preparing the unaudited pro forma information for the consolidated statements of income were to: (i) include the operating lease income, (ii) include the incremental depreciation, (iii) include operating expenses and, (iv) exclude transaction costs. The details are provided below.

Included in operating lease income is base rent, presented on a straight-line basis, which approximates actual rent.


     For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013  
     Operating
Lease Income
     Interest
Income
     Depreciation      Operating
Expenses
     Acquisition
Cost
    Net (income) loss
attributable to
noncontrolling
interest
 

Office Building in Richmond, VA

   $ 7,660,816       $ 1,637       $ 4,708,181       $ 2,983,624       $ (2,205,253   $ (4,765

Office Building in Minneapolis, MN

     5,494,168         —           895,286         3,524,783         —          (107,410
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 13,154,984       $ 1,637       $ 5,603,467       $ 6,508,407       $ (2,205,253   $ (112,175
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     For the Year Ended December 31, 2012  
     Operating
Lease Income
     Interest
Income
     Depreciation      Operating
Expenses
     Acquisition
Cost
     Net (income) loss
attributable to
noncontrolling
interest
 

Office Building in Richmond, VA

   $ 17,495,246       $ —         $ 3,865,376       $ 5,654,246       $ —         $ (17,467

Office Building in Minneapolis, MN

     6,259,513         —           1,193,714         4,500,424         —           (1,238
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 23,754,759       $ —         $ 5,059,091       $ 10,154,670       $ —         $ (18,705 )