Ladder Capital Corp current report, 27 February 2017

Business Context and Reporting Period

This Form 8-K is a current report filed by Ladder Capital Corp on February 27, 2017, regarding a strategic investment event. The report details a transaction involving the company, Related Real Estate Fund II, L.P. (an affiliate of The Related Companies), and certain pre-IPO stockholders.

Key Financial Metrics

The filing does not provide standard financial performance metrics such as revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity for a specific reporting period. The primary financial figure disclosed is the transaction value of the strategic investment.

  • Investment Amount: $80.0 million
  • Instrument: Class A common stock
  • Seller: Pre-IPO stockholders (including affiliates of TowerBrook Capital Partners and GI Partners)
  • Buyer: Related Real Estate Fund II, L.P. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Related with over $1 billion in equity commitments)

Material Changes

The filing reports a material change in ownership structure and corporate governance:

  • Stock Purchase: Related agreed to purchase $80.0 million of Class A common stock from pre-IPO stockholders.
  • Board Composition: Upon closing, Richard O'Toole (Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Related) will replace Jonathan Bilzin (Managing Director of TowerBrook Capital Partners) as a Class II Director on Ladder's Board of Directors.
  • Agreements: The parties entered into a Stockholders Agreement granting Related a right of first offer on certain horizontal risk retention investments and standstill provisions. A Second Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement was also executed.

Guidance, Outlook, and Risks

Outlook and Closing: The transaction closing is expected to occur on March 3, 2017, subject to customary closing conditions. The company issued a press release on February 28, 2017, regarding these events.

Risks and Contingencies: The filing includes standard forward-looking statements disclaiming obligations to update predictions. It notes that actual events could differ materially due to risks discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. No specific new risks or unusual items were detailed beyond the standard disclaimer.

Investor Verification Checklist

  • Verify the actual closing date of the $80.0 million transaction (expected March 3, 2017).
  • Confirm the appointment of Richard O'Toole to the Board of Directors and the departure of Jonathan Bilzin.
  • Review the terms of the right of first offer granted to Related regarding horizontal risk retention investments.
  • Examine the press release filed as Exhibit 99.1 for additional details on the strategic partnership.