UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO
Commission File Number: 001-14788
Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
345 Park Avenue, 42nd Floor
New York, New York 10154
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
(212) 655-0220
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨
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.
Large accelerated filer
x
Accelerated filer
¨
Non-accelerated filer
¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
The number of the Registrant’s outstanding shares of class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, as of October 18, 2016 was 93,913,194.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited):
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
OTHER INFORMATION
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
RISK FACTORS
ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
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ITEM 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
ITEM 5.
ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except share data)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Loans receivable, net
Equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries
Other assets
Total Assets
Liabilities and Equity
Secured debt agreements
Loan participations sold
Convertible notes, net
Other liabilities
Total Liabilities
Commitments and contingencies
Equity
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 93,912,936 and 93,702,326 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated deficit
Total Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. stockholders’ equity
Non-controlling interests
Total Equity
Total Liabilities and Equity
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Income from loans and other investments
Interest and related income
Less: Interest and related expenses
Income from loans and other investments, net
Other expenses
Management and incentive fees
General and administrative expenses
Total other expenses
Gain (loss) on investments at fair value
Income from equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries
Income before income taxes
Income tax provision
Net income
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
Net income attributable to Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc.
Net income per share of common stock basic and diluted
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding basic and diluted
Dividends declared per share of common stock
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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
Other comprehensive loss
Unrealized loss on foreign currency remeasurement
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests
Comprehensive income attributable to Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc.
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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Unaudited)
Balance at December 31, 2014
Shares of class A common stock issued, net
Restricted class A common stock earned
Dividends reinvested
Deferred directors’ compensation
Dividends declared on common stock
Distributions to non-controlling interests
Balance at September 30, 2015
Balance at December 31, 2015
Balance at September 30, 2016
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Gain on investments at fair value
Non-cash compensation expense
Distributions of income from unconsolidated subsidiaries
Amortization of deferred interest on loans
Amortization of deferred financing costs and premiums/discount on debt obligations
Changes in assets and liabilities, net
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Originations and fundings of loans receivable
Principal collections and sale proceeds from loans receivable and other assets
Origination and exit fees received on loans receivable
Change in restricted cash
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Borrowings under secured debt agreements
Repayments under secured debt agreements
Proceeds from sales of loan participations
Repayment of loan participations
Payment of deferred financing costs
Receipts under derivative financial instruments
Payments under derivative financial instruments
Net proceeds from issuance of class A common stock
Dividends paid on class A common stock
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Effects of currency translation on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
Supplemental disclosure of cash flows information
Payments of interest
Payments of income taxes
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities
Dividends declared, not paid
Participations sold, net
Loan principal payments held by servicer, net
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(Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION
References herein to “Blackstone Mortgage Trust,” “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. and its subsidiaries unless the context specifically requires otherwise.
Blackstone Mortgage Trust is a real estate finance company that originates and purchases senior loans collateralized by properties in North America and Europe. We are externally managed by BXMT Advisors L.L.C., or our Manager, a subsidiary of The Blackstone Group L.P., or Blackstone, and are a real estate investment trust, or REIT, traded on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the symbol “BXMT.” We are headquartered in New York City.
We conduct our operations as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on our taxable income to the extent that we annually distribute all of our net taxable income to stockholders and maintain our qualification as a REIT. We also operate our business in a manner that permits us to maintain an exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. We are organized as a holding company and conduct our business primarily through our various subsidiaries.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, are unaudited and exclude some of the disclosures required in audited financial statements. Management believes it has made all necessary adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring items, so that the consolidated financial statements are presented fairly and that estimates made in preparing its consolidated financial statements are reasonable and prudent. The operating results presented for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the entire year. The accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include, on a consolidated basis, our accounts, the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, majority-owned subsidiaries, and variable interest entities, or VIEs, of which we are the primary beneficiary. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain of the assets and credit of our consolidated subsidiaries are not available to satisfy the debt or other obligations of us, our affiliates, or other entities.
One of our subsidiaries, CT Legacy Partners, LLC, or CT Legacy Partners, accounts for its operations in accordance with industry-specific GAAP accounting guidance for investment companies, pursuant to which it reports its investments at fair value. We have retained this accounting treatment in consolidation and, accordingly, report the loans and other investments of CT Legacy Partners at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets.
Certain reclassifications have been made in the presentation of the prior period consolidated statement of cash flows to conform to the current period presentation.
Principles of Consolidation
We consolidate all entities that we control through either majority ownership or voting rights. In addition, we consolidate all VIEs of which we are considered the primary beneficiary. VIEs are defined as entities in which equity investors (i) do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest and/or (ii) do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The entity that consolidates a VIE is known as its primary beneficiary and is generally the entity with (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the right to receive benefits from the VIE or the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE.
As of both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we did not consolidate any VIEs.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may ultimately differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Interest income from our loans receivable portfolio is recognized over the life of each investment using the effective interest method and is recorded on the accrual basis. Recognition of fees, premiums, and discounts associated with these investments is deferred until the loan is advanced and is then recorded over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield. Income accrual is generally suspended for loans at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90 days past due or when, in the opinion of our Manager, recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful. Income is then recorded on the basis of cash received until accrual is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. In addition, for loans we originate, the related origination expenses are deferred and recognized as a component of interest income, however expenses related to loans we acquire are included in general and administrative expenses as incurred.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents represent cash held in banks, cash on hand, and liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. We may have bank balances in excess of federally insured amounts; however, we deposit our cash and cash equivalents with high credit-quality institutions to minimize credit risk exposure. We have not experienced, and do not expect, any losses on our cash or cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash
We classify the cash balances held by CT Legacy Partners as restricted because, while these cash balances are available for use by CT Legacy Partners for its operations, they cannot be used by us until our allocable share is distributed from CT Legacy Partners and cannot be commingled with any of our unrestricted cash balances.
Loans Receivable and Provision for Loan Losses
We originate and purchase commercial real estate debt and related instruments generally to be held as long-term investments at amortized cost. We are required to periodically evaluate each of these loans for possible impairment. Impairment is indicated when it is deemed probable that we will not be able to collect all amounts due to us pursuant to the contractual terms of the loan. If a loan is determined to be impaired, we write down the loan through a charge to the provision for loan losses. Impairment of these loans, which are collateral dependent, is measured by comparing the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, less costs to sell, to the book value of the respective loan. These valuations require significant judgments, which include assumptions regarding capitalization rates, leasing, creditworthiness of major tenants, occupancy rates, availability of financing, exit plan, loan sponsorship, actions of other lenders, and other factors deemed necessary by our Manager. Actual losses, if any, could ultimately differ from these estimates.
Our Manager performs a quarterly review of our portfolio of loans. In conjunction with this review, our Manager assesses the risk factors of each loan, and assigns a risk rating based on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, loan-to-value ratio, or LTV, debt yield, property type, geographic and local market dynamics, physical condition, cash flow volatility, leasing and tenant profile, loan structure and exit plan, and project sponsorship. Based on a 5-point scale, our loans are rated “1” through “5,” from less risk to greater risk, which ratings are defined as follows:
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During the second quarter of 2015, we acquired a portfolio of loans from General Electric Capital Corporation and certain of its affiliates, or the GE portfolio, for a total purchase price of $4.7 billion. We allocated the aggregate purchase price between each loan based on its fair value relative to the overall portfolio, which allocation resulted in purchase discounts or premiums determined on an asset-by-asset basis. Each loan will accrete from its allocated purchase price to its expected collection value over the life of the loan, consistent with the other loans in our portfolio.
Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
Our carried interest in CT Opportunity Partners I, LP, or CTOPI, is accounted for using the equity method. CTOPI’s assets and liabilities are not consolidated into our financial statements due to our determination that (i) it is not a VIE and (ii) the other investors in CTOPI have sufficient rights to preclude consolidation by us. As such, we report our allocable percentage of the net assets of CTOPI on our consolidated balance sheets. The recognition of income from CTOPI is generally deferred until cash is collected or appropriate contingencies have been eliminated.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We classify all derivative financial instruments as either other assets or other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value.
On the date we enter into a derivative contract, we designate each contract as (i) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, or net investment hedge, (ii) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability, or cash flow hedge, (iii) a hedge of a recognized asset or liability, or fair value hedge, or (iv) a derivative instrument not to be designated as a hedging derivative, or non-designated hedge. For all derivatives other than those designated as non-designated hedges, we formally document our hedge relationships and designation at the contract’s inception. This documentation includes the identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, its risk management objectives, strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction and our evaluation of the effectiveness of its hedged transaction.
On a quarterly basis, we also formally assess whether the derivative we designated in each hedging relationship is expected to be, and has been, highly effective in offsetting changes in the value or cash flows of the hedged items. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective at hedging the designated exposure, hedge accounting is discontinued. Changes in the fair value of the effective portion of our hedges are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on our consolidated financial statements. Changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion of our hedges are included in net income. Amounts are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and into net income when the hedged item is sold, substantially liquidated, or de-designated. To the extent a derivative does not qualify for hedge accounting and is deemed a non-designated hedge, the changes in its value are included in net income.
Repurchase Agreements
We record investments financed with repurchase agreements as separate assets and the related borrowings under any repurchase agreements are recorded as separate liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Interest income earned on the investments and interest expense incurred on the repurchase agreements are reported separately on our consolidated statements of operations.
Senior Loan Participations
In certain instances, we finance our loans through the non-recourse syndication of a senior loan interest to a third-party. Depending on the particular structure of the syndication, the senior loan interest may remain on our GAAP balance sheet or, in other cases, the sale will be recognized and the senior loan interest will no longer be included in our consolidated financial statements. When these sales are not recognized under GAAP we reflect the transaction by recording a loan participations sold liability on our consolidated balance sheet, however this gross presentation does not impact stockholders’ equity or net income. When the sales are recognized, our balance sheet only includes our remaining subordinate loan and not the non-consolidated senior interest we sold.
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Convertible Notes
The “Debt with Conversion and Other Options” Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, requires the liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion, including partial cash settlement, to be separately accounted for in a manner that reflects the issuer’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. The initial proceeds from the sale of convertible notes are allocated between a liability component and an equity component in a manner that reflects interest expense at the rate of similar nonconvertible debt that could have been issued at such time. The equity component represents the excess initial proceeds received over the fair value of the liability component of the notes as of the date of issuance. We measured the estimated fair value of the debt component of our convertible notes as of the issuance date based on our nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. The equity component of the convertible notes is reflected within additional paid-in capital on our consolidated balance sheet, and the resulting debt discount is amortized over the period during which the convertible notes are expected to be outstanding (through the maturity date) as additional non-cash interest expense. The additional non-cash interest expense attributable to the convertible notes will increase in subsequent periods through the maturity date as the notes accrete to their par value over the same period.
Deferred Financing Costs
The deferred financing costs that are included as a reduction in the net book value of the related liability on our consolidated balance sheets include issuance and other costs related to our debt obligations. These costs are amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method over the life of the related obligations.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” Topic, or ASC 820, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and requires certain disclosures about fair value measurements under GAAP. Specifically, this guidance defines fair value based on exit price, or the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or the transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability used in measuring financial instruments. Market price observability is affected by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, the characteristics specific to the financial instrument, and the state of the marketplace, including the existence and transparency of transactions between market participants. Financial instruments with readily available quoted prices in active markets generally will have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value.
Financial instruments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed based on the observability of inputs used in the determination, as follows:
Level 1: Generally includes only unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for identical financial instruments as of the reporting date.
Level 2: Pricing inputs include quoted prices in active markets for similar instruments, quoted prices in less active or inactive markets for identical or similar instruments where multiple price quotes can be obtained, and other observable inputs, such as interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, and default rates.
Level 3: Pricing inputs are unobservable for the financial instruments and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the financial instrument. These inputs require significant judgment or estimation by management of third-parties when determining fair value and generally represent anything that does not meet the criteria of Levels 1 and 2.
The estimated value of each asset reported at fair value using Level 3 inputs is determined by an internal committee composed of members of senior management of our Manager, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other senior officers.
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Certain of our other assets are reported at fair value either (i) on a recurring basis, as of each quarter-end, or (ii) on a nonrecurring basis, as a result of impairment or other events. Our assets that are recorded at fair value are discussed further in Note 14. We generally value our assets recorded at fair value by either (i) discounting expected cash flows based on assumptions regarding the collection of principal and interest and estimated market rates, or (ii) obtaining assessments from third-party dealers. For collateral-dependent loans that are identified as impaired, we measure impairment by comparing our Manager’s estimation of the fair value of the underlying collateral, less costs to sell, to the book value of the respective loan. These valuations may require significant judgments, which include assumptions regarding capitalization rates, leasing, creditworthiness of major tenants, occupancy rates, availability of financing, exit plan, loan sponsorship, actions of other lenders, and other factors deemed necessary by our Manager.
We are also required by GAAP to disclose fair value information about financial instruments, that are not otherwise reported at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet, to the extent it is practicable to estimate a fair value for those instruments. These disclosure requirements exclude certain financial instruments and all non-financial instruments.
The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments, for which it is practicable to estimate that value:
Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value.
Restricted cash: The carrying amount of restricted cash approximates fair value.
Loans receivable, net: The fair values for these loans were estimated by our Manager based on discounted cash flow methodology taking into consideration factors, including capitalization rates, discount rates, leasing, occupancy rates, availability and cost of financing, exit plan, sponsorship, actions of other lenders, and indications of market value from other market participants.
Derivative financial instruments: The fair value of our foreign currency contracts and interest rates caps was valued using advice from a third-party derivative specialist, based on contractual cash flows and observable inputs comprising foreign currency rates and credit spreads.
Secured debt agreements: The fair values for these instruments were estimated based on the rate at which a similar credit facility would have currently priced.
Loan participations sold: The fair value of these instruments were estimated based on the value of the related loan receivable asset.
Convertible notes, net: The convertible notes are actively traded and their fair values were obtained using quoted market prices for these instruments.
Income Taxes
Our financial results generally do not reflect provisions for current or deferred income taxes on our REIT taxable income. We believe that we operate in a manner that will continue to allow us to be taxed as a REIT and, as a result, we generally do not expect to pay substantial corporate level taxes other than those payable by our taxable REIT subsidiaries. If we were to fail to meet these requirements, we may be subject to federal, state, and local income tax on current and past income, and penalties. Refer to Note 12 for additional information.
Stock-Based Compensation
Our stock-based compensation consists of awards issued to our Manager and certain of its employees that vest over the life of the awards as well as deferred stock units issued to certain members of our Board of Directors. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized for these awards in net income on a variable basis over the applicable vesting period of the awards, based on the value of our class A common stock. Refer to Note 13 for additional information.
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Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share, or Basic EPS, is computed in accordance with the two-class method and is based on the net earnings allocable to our class A common stock, including restricted class A common stock and deferred stock units, divided by the weighted-average number of shares of our class A common stock, including restricted class A common stock and deferred stock units outstanding during the period. Our restricted class A common stock is considered a participating security, as defined by GAAP, and has been included in our Basic EPS under the two-class method as these restricted shares have the same rights as our other shares of class A common stock, including participating in any gains or losses.
Diluted earnings per share, or Diluted EPS, is determined using the treasury stock method, and is based on the net earnings allocable to our class A common stock, including restricted class A common stock and deferred stock units, divided by the weighted-average number of shares of our class A common stock, including restricted class A common stock and deferred stock units. Refer to Note 10 for additional discussion of earnings per share.
Foreign Currency
In the normal course of business, we enter into transactions not denominated in United States, or U.S., dollars. Foreign exchange gains and losses arising on such transactions are recorded as a gain or loss in our consolidated statements of operations. In addition, we consolidate entities that have a non-U.S. dollar functional currency. Non-U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities are translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rate prevailing at the reporting date and income, expenses, gains, and losses are translated at the average exchange rate over the applicable period. Cumulative translation adjustments arising from the translation of non-U.S. dollar denominated subsidiaries are recorded in other comprehensive income.
Underwriting Commissions and Offering Costs
Underwriting commissions and offering costs incurred in connection with common stock offerings are reflected as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. Costs incurred that are not directly associated with the completion of a common stock offering are expensed when incurred.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15 “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230),” or ASU 2016-15. ASU 2016-15 is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance addresses the classification of various transactions including debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, distributions received from equity method investments, beneficial interests in securitization transactions, and others. We adopted ASU 2016-15 in the third quarter of 2016 and its adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses – Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326),” or ASU 2016-13. ASU 2016-13 significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. ASU 2016-13 will replace the “incurred loss” model under existing guidance with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost, and require entities to record allowances for available-for-sale debt securities rather than reduce the carrying amount, as they do today under the other-than-temporary impairment model. It also simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and is to be adopted through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2016-13 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
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In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (Topic 718),” or ASU 2016-09. ASU 2016-09 requires all income tax effects of share-based payment awards to be recognized in the income statement relating to the period in which the awards vest or are settled. ASU 2016-09 also allows an employer to repurchase more of an employee’s shares for tax withholding purposes than is permitted under current guidance without triggering liability accounting. Finally, ASU 2016-09 allows a policy election to account for employee forfeitures as they occur. We adopted ASU 2016-09 in the second quarter of 2016 and its adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-05, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships,” or ASU 2016-05. ASU 2016-05 clarifies that the novation of a derivative contract in a hedge accounting relationship does not, in and of itself, require de-designation of that hedge accounting relationship. Hedge accounting relationships can continue as long as all of the other hedge accounting criteria are met, including the expectation that the hedge will be highly effective when the creditworthiness of the new counterparty to the derivative contract is considered. We adopted ASU 2016-05 in the third quarter of 2016 and its adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, however ASU 2016-05 may allow us to novate derivative contracts in the future without having to de-designate the hedge accounting relationship.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern,” or ASU 2014-15. ASU 2014-15 introduces an explicit requirement for management to assess and provide certain disclosures if there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016. We do not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2014-15 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” or ASU 2014-09. ASU 2014-09 broadly amends the accounting guidance for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2017, and is to be applied retrospectively. We do not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
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3. LOANS RECEIVABLE
The following table details overall statistics for our loans receivable portfolio ($ in thousands):
Number of loans
Principal balance
Net book value
Unfunded loan commitments(1)
Weighted-average cash coupon(2)
Weighted-average all-in yield(2)
Weighted-average maximum maturity (years)(3)
Unfunded commitments will primarily be funded to finance property improvements or lease-related expenditures by the borrowers. These future commitments will be funded over the term of each loan, subject in certain cases to an expiration date.
As of September 30, 2016, our floating rate loans were indexed to various benchmark rates, with 85% of floating rate loans indexed to USD LIBOR. In addition, $277.3 million of our floating rate loans earned interest based on floors that are above the applicable index, with an average floor of 1.13%, as of September 30, 2016. As of December 31, 2015, our floating rate loans were indexed to various benchmark rates, with 84% of floating rate loans indexed to USD LIBOR. In addition, $147.9 million of our floating rate loans earned interest based on floors that are above the applicable index, with an average floor of 1.80%, as of December 31, 2015. In addition to cash coupon, all-in yield includes the amortization of deferred origination fees, loan origination costs, purchase discounts, and accrual of both extension and exit fees. Cash coupon and all-in yield assume applicable floating benchmark rate for weighted-average calculation.
Maximum maturity assumes all extension options are exercised by the borrower, however our loans may be repaid prior to such date. As of September 30, 2016, 66% of our loans were subject to yield maintenance or other prepayment restrictions and 34% were open to repayment by the borrower without penalty. As of December 31, 2015, 64% of our loans were subject to yield maintenance or other prepayment restrictions and 36% were open to repayment by the borrower without penalty.
Activity relating to our loans receivable portfolio was as follows ($ in thousands):
December 31, 2015
Loan fundings
Loan repayments and sales
Unrealized (loss) gain on foreign currency translation
Deferred fees and other items(1)
Amortization of fees and other items(1)
September 30, 2016
Other items primarily consist of purchase discounts or premiums, exit fees, and deferred origination expenses.
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The tables below detail the property type and geographic distribution of the properties securing the loans in our portfolio ($ in thousands):
Property Type
Office
Hotel
Retail
Multifamily
Condominium
Manufactured housing
Other
Geographic Location
United States
Northeast
Southeast
West
Midwest
Southwest
Northwest
Subtotal
International
United Kingdom
Canada
Germany
Spain
Netherlands
Total
In certain instances, we finance our loans through the non-recourse sale of a senior loan interest that is not included in our consolidated financial statements. See Note 2 for further discussion. Total loan exposure encompasses the entire loan we originated and financed, including $1.1 billion of such non-consolidated senior interests as of September 30, 2016.
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In certain instances, we finance our loans through the non-recourse sale of a senior loan interest that is not included in our consolidated financial statements. See Note 2 for further discussion. Total loan exposure encompasses the entire loan we originated and financed, including $1.0 billion of such non-consolidated senior interests as of December 31, 2015.
Loan Risk Ratings
As further described in Note 2, our Manager evaluates our loan portfolio on a quarterly basis. In conjunction with our quarterly loan portfolio review, our Manager assesses the risk factors of each loan, and assigns a risk rating based on several factors. Factors considered in the assessment include, but are not limited to, risk of loss, current LTV, debt yield, collateral performance, structure, exit plan, and sponsorship. Loans are rated “1” (less risk) through “5” (greater risk), which ratings are defined in Note 2.
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The following table allocates the principal balance and net book value of our loans receivable based on our internal risk ratings ($ in thousands):
Risk Rating
In certain instances, we finance our loans through the non-recourse sale of a senior loan interest that is not included in our consolidated financial statements. See Note 2 for further discussion. Total loan exposure encompasses the entire loan we originated and financed, including $1.1 billion and $1.0 billion of such non-consolidated senior interests as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
The weighted-average risk rating of our total loan exposure was 2.5 and 2.2 as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The increase in weighted-average portfolio risk rating was primarily driven by repayments of loans with lower risk ratings and origination of loans with a “3” risk rating, and not rating downgrades in the existing portfolio.
We did not have any impaired loans, nonaccrual loans, or loans in maturity default as of September 30, 2016 or December 31, 2015. During the third quarter of 2015, one of the loans in our portfolio experienced a maturity default as a result of not meeting certain loan covenants. The loan was subsequently modified to include, among other changes: a redetermination of asset release pricing; an additional contribution of capital by the borrower; and an extension of the maturity date to February 28, 2017. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, three of the assets collateralizing the $113.3 million loan were sold and the loan was partially repaid by $102.6 million, resulting in a net book value of $10.2 million as of September 30, 2016. The loan’s risk rating was upgraded from “4” as of December 31, 2015 to a “2” as of September 30, 2016 as a result of the collateral asset sales and resulting loan repayments, and positive leasing activity at the remaining collateral assets. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the borrower was current with all terms of the loan and we expect to collect all contractual amounts due thereunder.
4. EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
As of September 30, 2016, our equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries consisted solely of our carried interest in CTOPI, a fund sponsored and managed by an affiliate of our Manager. Activity relating to our equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries was as follows ($ in thousands):
Total as of December 31, 2015
Distributions
Income allocation(1)
Total as of September 30, 2016
In instances where we have not received cash or all appropriate contingencies have not been eliminated, we have deferred the recognition of promote revenue allocated to us from CTOPI in respect of our carried interest in CTOPI, and recorded an offsetting liability as a component of other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
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Our carried interest in CTOPI entitles us to earn promote revenue in an amount equal to 17.7% of the fund’s profits, after a 9% preferred return and 100% return of capital to the CTOPI partners. As of September 30, 2016, we had been allocated $1.7 million of promote revenue from CTOPI based on a hypothetical liquidation of the fund at its net asset value. Accordingly, we have recognized this allocation as an equity investment in CTOPI on our consolidated balance sheets. Generally, we defer recognition of income from CTOPI until cash is received or earned, pending distribution, and appropriate contingencies have been eliminated. We recognized $2.2 million of promote income from CTOPI in respect of our carried interest and recorded such amounts as income in our consolidated statement of operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $5.7 million during the same period in 2015. This carried interest was either received in cash, or was earned and available in cash at CTOPI pending future distribution as of each respective balance sheet date.
CTOPI Incentive Management Fee Grants
In January 2011, we created a management compensation pool for employees equal to 45% of the CTOPI promote distributions received by us. Approximately 68% of the pool is two-thirds vested as of September 30, 2016, with the remainder contingent on continued employment with an affiliate of our Manager and upon our receipt of promote distributions from CTOPI. The remaining 32% of the pool is fully vested as a result of an acceleration event. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recognized $1.1 million under the CTOPI incentive plan, compared to $2.6 million for the same period in 2015. Such amounts were recognized as a component of general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statement of operations.
5. OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
The following table details the components of our other assets ($ in thousands):
Loan portfolio payments held by servicer(1)
Accrued interest receivable
Real estate debt and equity investments, at fair value(2)
Prepaid expenses
Derivative assets
Prepaid taxes
Represents loan principal and interest payments held by our third-party loan servicer as of the balance sheet date which were remitted to us during the subsequent remittance cycle.
Real estate debt and equity investments consists of assets held by CT Legacy Partners and are measured at fair value.
As of September 30, 2016, our other liabilities primarily included $58.2 million of accrued dividends payable, $22.8 million of secured debt repayments pending servicer remittance as of the balance sheet date, and $13.7 million of accrued management and incentive fees payable to our Manager. As of December 31, 2015, our other liabilities primarily included $58.1 million of accrued dividends payable and $14.4 million of accrued management and incentive fees payable to our Manager.
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6. SECURED DEBT AGREEMENTS
Our secured debt agreements include revolving repurchase facilities, the GE portfolio acquisition facility, asset-specific financings, and a revolving credit agreement. The following table details our secured debt agreements ($ in thousands):
Revolving repurchase facilities
GE portfolio acquisition facility
Asset-specific financings
Revolving credit agreement
Total secured debt agreements
Deferred financing costs(1)
Net book value of secured debt
Costs incurred in connection with our secured debt agreements are recorded on our consolidated balance sheet when incurred and recognized as a component of interest expense over the life of each related agreement.
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Revolving Repurchase Facilities
The following table details our revolving repurchase facilities ($ in thousands):
Lender
Wells Fargo
MetLife
Bank of America
JP Morgan(4)
Citibank
Morgan Stanley(5)
Société Générale(6)
Maximum facility size represents the largest amount of borrowings available under a given facility once sufficient collateral assets have been approved by the lender and pledged by us.
Represents the principal balance of the collateral assets.
Potential borrowings represents the total amount we could draw under each facility based on collateral already approved and pledged. When undrawn, these amounts are immediately available to us at our sole discretion under the terms of each revolving credit facility.
As of September 30, 2016, the JP Morgan maximum facility size was composed of a general $500.0 million facility size, under which U.S. Dollars and British Pound Sterling borrowings are contemplated. As of December 31, 2015, the JP Morgan maximum facility was composed of general $250.0 million facility size plus a general £153.0 million ($226.7 million) facility size provided under a related agreement that contemplated U.S. Dollars and British Pound Sterling borrowings, and additional capacity of ₤32.3 million ($47.8 million) on the ₤153.0 million facility.
The Morgan Stanley maximum facility size represents a £250.0 million facility size that was translated to $324.2 million as of September 30, 2016, and $370.4 million as of December 31, 2015.
The Société Générale maximum facility size represents a €400.0 million facility size that was translated to $448.9 million as of September 30, 2016, and $437.3 million as of December 31, 2015.
The weighted-average outstanding balance of our revolving repurchase facilities was $2.9 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. As of September 30, 2016, we had aggregate borrowings of $3.0 billion outstanding under our revolving repurchase facilities, with a weighted-average cash coupon of LIBOR plus 1.82% per annum, a weighted-average all-in cost of credit, including associated fees and expenses, of LIBOR plus 2.01% per annum, and a weighted-average advance rate of 79.1%. As of September 30, 2016, outstanding borrowings under these facilities had a weighted-average maturity, excluding extension options and term-out provisions, of 1.4 years.
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The weighted-average outstanding balance of our revolving repurchase facilities was $2.5 billion for the nine months ended December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, we had aggregated borrowings of $2.5 billion outstanding under our revolving repurchase facilities, with a weighted-average cash coupon of LIBOR plus 1.83% per annum, a weighted-average all-in cost of credit, including associated fees and expenses, of LIBOR plus 2.05% per annum, and a weighted-average advance rate of 78.8%. As of December 31, 2015, outstanding borrowings under these facilities had a weighted-average maturity, excluding extension options and term-out provisions, of 1.3 years.
Borrowings under each facility are subject to the initial approval of eligible collateral loans by the lender and the maximum advance rate and pricing rate of individual advances are determined with reference to the attributes of the respective collateral loan.
The following table outlines the key terms of our revolving repurchase facilities as of September 30, 2016:
Currency
Rate(1)
Margin Call(4)
Term/Maturity
Collateral marks only
JP Morgan
Morgan Stanley
Société Générale
Represents weighted-average cash coupon based on borrowings outstanding. In instances where our borrowings are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar, interest accrues at a rate equivalent to a margin plus a base rate other than 1-month USD LIBOR, such as 3-month GBP LIBOR, 3-month EURIBOR, or 3-month CDOR.
Other than amounts guaranteed based on specific collateral asset types, borrowings under our revolving repurchase facilities are non-recourse to us.
Represents weighted-average advance rate based on the outstanding principal balance of the collateral assets pledged.
Margin call provisions under our revolving repurchase facilities do not permit valuation adjustments based on capital markets events, and are limited to collateral-specific credit marks.
These revolving repurchase facilities have various availability periods during which new advances can be made and which are generally subject to each lender’s discretion. Maturity dates for advances outstanding are tied to the term of each respective collateral asset.
Includes five one-year extension options which may be exercised at our sole discretion.
Includes two one-year extension options which may be exercised at our sole discretion.
GE Portfolio Acquisition Facility
During the second quarter of 2015, concurrently with our acquisition of the GE portfolio, we entered into an agreement with Wells Fargo to provide us with secured financing for the acquired portfolio. During the second quarter of 2016, we increased the facility size by $125.0 million. As of September 30, 2016, this facility provided for $1.8 billion of financing, of which $1.6 billion was outstanding and an additional $200.5 million was available to finance future loan fundings in the GE portfolio. The GE portfolio acquisition facility is non-revolving and consists of a single master repurchase agreement providing for both (i) asset-specific borrowings for each collateral asset as well as (ii) a sequential pay advance feature.
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Asset-Specific Borrowings
The asset-specific borrowings under the GE portfolio acquisition facility were advanced at a weighted-average rate of 80% of our purchase price of the collateral assets and will be repaid pro rata from collateral asset repayment proceeds. The asset-specific borrowings are currency matched to the collateral assets and accrue interest at a rate equal to the sum of (i) the applicable base rate plus (ii) a margin of 1.75%, which will increase to 1.80% and 1.85% in year four and year five, respectively. As of September 30, 2016, those borrowings were denominated in U.S. Dollars, Canadian Dollars, British Pounds Sterling, and Euros. The asset-specific borrowings are term matched to the underlying collateral assets with an outside maturity date of May 20, 2020, which may be extended pursuant to two one-year extension options. We guarantee obligations under the GE portfolio acquisition facility in an amount equal to the greater of (i) 25% of outstanding asset-specific borrowings, and (ii) $250.0 million. We had outstanding asset-specific borrowings of $1.6 billion and $3.1 billion under the GE portfolio acquisition facility as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
Sequential Pay Advance
The GE portfolio acquisition facility also included a sequential pay advance feature that provided for $237.2 million of borrowings, representing an additional 5% advance against each collateral asset pledged under the facility. As of September 30, 2016, the sequential pay advance borrowings under the GE portfolio acquisition facility had been fully repaid. As of December 31, 2015, we had outstanding sequential pay advance borrowings of $40.7 million. Borrowings under the sequential pay advance accrued interest at a rate equal to the sum of (i) 30-day LIBOR plus (ii) a margin of 3.10%. The sequential pay advance was denominated in U.S. Dollars and was repaid from collateral loan principal repayments, after repayment of the related asset-specific borrowing. The sequential pay advances each had a maturity date that was one year from the date of funding, and we had guaranteed 100% of outstanding borrowings of the sequential pay advance.
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Asset-Specific Financings
The following table details statistics for our asset-specific financings ($ in thousands):
JP Morgan(3)
Collateral assets
Financing provided
Citibank(3)
Deutsche Bank
Bank of the Ozarks
These floating rate loans and related liabilities are indexed to the various benchmark rates relevant in each arrangement in terms of currency and payment frequency. Therefore the net exposure to each benchmark rate is in direct proportion to our net assets indexed to that rate. In addition to cash coupon, yield/cost includes the amortization of deferred origination fees / financing costs.
Other than amounts guaranteed on an asset-by-asset basis, borrowings under our asset-specific financings are non-recourse to us.
Borrowings under these asset specific financings are cross collateralized with the related revolving repurchase facility with the same lender.
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Wells Fargo(3)
The weighted-average outstanding balance of our asset-specific financings was $557.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and $574.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2015.
Revolving Credit Agreement
During the second quarter of 2016, we entered into a $125.0 million full recourse secured revolving credit agreement with Barclays that is designed to finance first mortgage originations for up to six months as a bridge to term financing or syndication. Advances under the agreement are subject to availability under a specified borrowing base and accrue interest at a per annum pricing rate equal to the sum of (i) an applicable base rate or Eurodollar rate and (ii) an applicable margin, in each case, dependent on the applicable type of loan collateral. The initial maturity date of the facility is April 4, 2018 and is subject to two one-year extension options, exercisable at our option.
During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the weighted-average outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit agreement were $24.5 million, and we recorded interest expense of $421,000, including $127,000 of amortization of deferred fees and expenses. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the weighted-average outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit agreement were $29.7 million and we recorded interest expense of $915,000, including $248,000 of amortization of deferred fees and expenses. As of September 30, 2016 we had $50.0 million outstanding borrowings under the agreement.
Debt Covenants
Each of the guarantees related to our secured debt agreements contain the following uniform financial covenants: (i) our ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, or EBITDA, to fixed charges, as defined in the agreements, shall be not less than 1.4 to 1.0; (ii) our tangible net worth, as defined in the agreements, shall not be less than $1.9 billion as of each measurement date plus 75% of the net cash proceeds of future equity issuances subsequent to September 30, 2016; (iii) cash liquidity shall not be less than the greater of (x) $10.0 million or (y) 5% of our recourse indebtedness; and (iv) our indebtedness shall not exceed 83.33% of our total assets. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with these covenants.
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7. LOAN PARTICIPATIONS SOLD
The financing of a loan by the non-recourse sale of a senior interest in the loan through a participation agreement generally does not qualify as a sale under GAAP. Therefore, in the instance of such sales, we present the whole loan as an asset and the loan participation sold as a liability on our consolidated balance sheet until the loan is repaid. The obligation to pay principal and interest on these liabilities is generally based on the performance of the related loan obligation. The gross presentation of loan participations sold does not impact stockholders’ equity or net income.
The following table details statistics for our loan participations sold ($ in thousands):
Loan Participations Sold
Total loan
Senior participation(3)(4)
Our floating rate loans and related liabilities were indexed to the various benchmark rates relevant in each arrangement in terms of currency and payment frequency. Therefore the net exposure to each benchmark rate is in direct proportion to our net assets indexed to that rate. In addition to cash coupon, yield/cost includes the amortization of deferred fees / financing costs.
Other than one instance where we entered into a related guarantee agreement for £24.0 million ($31.1 million as of September 30, 2016), our loan participations sold are non-recourse to us.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded $3.4 million and $10.7 million, respectively, of interest expense related to our loan participations sold, of which $3.2 million and $10.3 million was paid in cash. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded $5.2 million and $14.4 million, respectively, of interest expense related to our loan participations sold, of which $4.5 million and $13.2 million was paid in cash.
The difference between principal balance and book value of loan participations sold is due to deferred financing costs of $1.8 million and $2.0 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
8. CONVERTIBLE NOTES, NET
In November 2013, we issued $172.5 million of 5.25% convertible senior notes due on December 1, 2018, or Convertible Notes. The Convertible Notes’ issuance costs are amortized through interest expense over the life of the Convertible Notes using the effective interest method. Including this amortization, our all-in cost of the Convertible Notes is 5.87% per annum.
The Convertible Notes are convertible at the holders’ option into shares of our class A common stock, only under specific circumstances prior to the close of business on August 31, 2018, at the applicable conversion rate in effect on the conversion date. Thereafter, the Convertible Notes are convertible at the option of the holder at any time until the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. The Convertible Notes were not convertible as of September 30, 2016. The conversion rate was initially set to equal 34.8943 shares of class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes, which was equivalent to an initial conversion price of $28.66 per share of class A common stock, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. As a result of exceeding the cumulative dividend threshold as defined in the Convertible Notes Supplemental Indenture, the conversion rate was adjusted on September 28, 2016 to 35.7236 shares of Class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes, which is equivalent to a conversion price of $27.99 per share of class A common stock. We may not redeem the Convertible Notes prior to maturity. The average share price of our Class A common stock of $28.95 during the three months ended September 30, 2016 was greater than the per share conversion price of the Convertible Notes. We have the intent and ability to settle the Convertible Notes in cash and, as a result, the Convertible Notes did not have any impact on our diluted earnings per share.
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Upon issuance of the Convertible Notes, we recorded a $9.1 million discount based on the implied value of the conversion option and an assumed effective interest rate of 6.50%, as well as $4.1 million of initial issuance costs. Including the amortization of this discount and the issuance costs, our total cost of the Convertible Notes is 7.16% per annum. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we incurred total interest on our convertible notes of $3.0 million, of which $2.3 million related to cash coupon and $691,000 related to the amortization of discount and certain issuance costs. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we incurred total interest on our convertible notes of $8.8 million, of which $6.8 million related to cash coupon and $2.0 million related to the amortization of discount and certain issuance costs. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, we incurred total interest on our convertible notes of $2.9 million, of which $2.3 million related to cash coupon and $649,000 related to the amortization of discount and certain issuance costs. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we incurred total interest on our convertible notes of $8.7 million, of which $6.8 million related to cash coupon and $1.9 million related to the amortization of discount and certain issuance costs.
As of September 30, 2016, the Convertible Notes were carried on our consolidated balance sheet at $166.1 million, net of an unamortized discount of $6.2 million and deferred financing costs of $231,000. As of December 31, 2015, the Convertible Notes were carried on our consolidated balance sheet at $164.0 million, net of an unamortized discount of $8.2 million and deferred financing costs of $305,000. Accrued interest payable for the Convertible Notes was $3.0 million and $755,000 as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Refer to Note 2 for additional discussion of our accounting policies for the Convertible Notes.
9. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The sole objective of our use of derivative financial instruments is to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with our investments and/or financing transactions. These derivatives may or may not qualify as net investment, cash flow, or fair value hedges under the hedge accounting requirements of ASC 815 – “Derivatives and Hedging.” Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage our exposure to interest rate movements and other identified risks. For more information on the accounting for designated and non-designated hedges, refer to Note 2.
The use of derivative financial instruments involves certain risks, including the risk that the counterparties to these contractual arrangements do not perform as agreed. To mitigate this risk, we only enter into derivative financial instruments with counterparties that have appropriate credit ratings and are major financial institutions with which we and our affiliates may also have other financial relationships. We do not anticipate that any of the counterparties will fail to meet their obligations.
Net Investment Hedges of Foreign Currency Risk
Certain of our international investments expose us to fluctuations in foreign interest rates and currency exchange rates. These fluctuations may impact the value of our cash receipts and payments in terms of our functional currency, the U.S. Dollar. We use foreign currency forward contracts to protect the value or fix the amount of certain investments or cash flows in terms of the U.S. Dollar.
The following table details our outstanding foreign exchange derivatives that were designated as net investment hedges of foreign currency risk (notional amount in thousands):
Derivatives
Sell CAD Forward
Sell GBP Forward
Sell EUR Forward
Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
Certain of our financing transactions expose us to a fixed versus floating rate mismatch between our assets and liabilities. We use derivative financial instruments, which include interest rate caps and swaps, and may also include interest rate options, floors, and other interest rate derivative contracts, to hedge interest rate risk associated with our borrowings where there is potential for an index mismatch.
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The following tables detail our outstanding interest rate derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk (notional amount in thousands):
Interest Rate Derivatives
Interest Rate Swaps
Interest Rate Caps
Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our floating rate debt. During the twelve months following September 30, 2016, we estimate that an additional $1.4 million will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income as an increase to interest expense. Additionally, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, we did not record any hedge ineffectiveness in our consolidated statements of operations.
Non-designated Hedges
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded unrealized losses of $528,000 and $2.2 million, respectively, related to non-designated hedges that were reported as a component of interest expense in our consolidated financial statements. We recorded losses of $748,000 and $759,000 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.
The following table summarizes our non-designated hedges (notional amount in thousands):
Buy GBP / Sell EUR
Buy GBP / Sell EUR Forward
Buy USD / Sell CAD
Buy GBP / Sell USD Forward
Buy CAD / Sell USD
Buy USD / Sell GBP Forward
Buy CAD / Sell USD Forward
Buy USD / Sell CAD Forward
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Valuation of Derivative Instruments
The following table summarizes the fair value of our derivative financial instruments ($ in thousands):
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts
Interest rate derivatives
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Total Derivatives
Included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
Included in other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
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The following table presents the effect of our derivative financial instruments on our consolidated statements of operations ($ in thousands):
Derivatives in Hedging Relationships
Net Investment
Foreign exchange contracts(1)
Cash Flow Hedges
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we received net cash settlements of $19.2 million and $17.4 million, respectively, on our foreign currency forward contracts, compared to receiving $10.8 million and $13.7 million during the same periods in 2015. Those amounts are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on our consolidated balance sheets.
Credit-Risk Related Contingent Features
We have entered into agreements with certain of our derivative counterparties that contain provisions where if we were to default on any of our indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, we may also be declared in default on our derivative obligations. In addition, certain of our agreements with our derivative counterparties require that we post collateral to secure net liability positions. As of September 30, 2016, we were in a net asset position of $48,000 with one of our derivative counterparties and a net liability position of $921,000 with another of our derivative counterparties. While we were in a net liability position with one counterparty as of September 30, 2016, we were not required to post collateral as our liability position was below the threshold defined in our agreement with this counterparty.
10. EQUITY
Stock and Stock Equivalents
Authorized Capital
As of September 30, 2016, we had the authority to issue up to 300,000,000 shares of stock, consisting of 200,000,000 shares of class A common stock and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Subject to applicable NYSE listing requirements, our board of directors is authorized to cause us to issue additional shares of authorized stock without stockholder approval. In addition, to the extent not issued, currently authorized stock may be reclassified between class A common stock and preferred stock. We did not have any shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2016.
Class A Common Stock and Deferred Stock Units
Holders of shares of our class A common stock are entitled to vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders and are entitled to receive such dividends as may be authorized by our board of directors and declared by us, in all cases subject to the rights of the holders of shares of outstanding preferred stock, if any.
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We also issue restricted class A common stock under our stock-based incentive plans. Refer to Note 13 for additional discussion of these long-term incentive plans. In addition to our class A common stock, we also issue deferred stock units to certain members of our board of directors in lieu of cash compensation for services rendered. These deferred stock units are non-voting, but carry the right to receive dividends in the form of additional deferred stock units in an amount equivalent to the cash dividends paid to holders of shares of class A common stock.
The following table details the movement in our outstanding shares of class A common stock, including restricted class A common stock and deferred stock units:
Common Stock Outstanding(1)
Beginning balance
Issuance of class A common stock
Issuance of restricted class A common stock, net
Issuance of deferred stock units
Ending balance
Deferred stock units held by members of our board of directors totaled 162,371 and 135,207 as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan
On March 25, 2014, we adopted a dividend reinvestment and direct stock purchase plan, under which we registered and reserved for issuance, in the aggregate, 10,000,000 shares of class A common stock. Under the dividend reinvestment component of this plan, our class A common stockholders can designate all or a portion of their cash dividends to be reinvested in additional shares of class A common stock. The direct stock purchase component allows stockholders and new investors, subject to our approval, to purchase shares of class A common stock directly from us. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we issued 262 shares and 812 shares, respectively, of class A common stock under the dividend reinvestment component of the plan compared to 145 shares and 418 shares for the same periods in 2015. As of September 30, 2016, a total of 9,998,585 shares of class A common stock remained available for issuance under the dividend reinvestment and direct stock purchase plan.
At the Market Stock Offering Program
On May 9, 2014, we entered into equity distribution agreements, or ATM Agreements, pursuant to which we may sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate sales price of $200.0 million of our class A common stock. On July 29, 2016, in connection with filing a new universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3, we entered into amendments to each of the ATM Agreements. Sales of class A common stock made pursuant to the ATM Agreements may be made in negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Actual sales will depend on a variety of factors including market conditions, the trading price of our class A common stock, our capital needs, and our determination of the appropriate sources of funding to meet such needs. We did not sell any shares of our class A common stock under the ATM Agreements during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. As of September 30, 2016, sales of our class A common stock with an aggregate sales price of $188.6 million remained available for issuance under the ATM Agreements.
Dividends
We generally intend to distribute substantially all of our taxable income, which does not necessarily equal net income as calculated in accordance with GAAP, to our stockholders each year to comply with the REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Internal Revenue Code. Our dividend policy remains subject to revision at the discretion of our board of directors. All distributions will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our taxable income, our financial condition, our maintenance of REIT status, applicable law, and other factors as our board of directors deems relevant.
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On September 13, 2016, we declared a dividend of $0.62 per share, or $58.2 million, that was paid on October 14, 2016 to stockholders of record as of September 30, 2016. The following table details our dividend activity ($ in thousands, except per share data):
Total dividends declared
Earnings Per Share
We calculate our basic and diluted earnings per share using the two-class method for all periods presented as the unvested shares of our restricted class A common stock qualify as participating securities, as defined by GAAP. These restricted shares have the same rights as our other shares of class A common stock, including participating in any dividends, and therefore have been included in our basic and diluted net income per share calculation. Our Convertible Notes are excluded from dilutive earnings per share as we have the intent and ability to settle these instruments in cash.
The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share of class A common stock based on the weighted-average of both restricted and unrestricted class A common stock outstanding ($ in thousands, except per share data):
Net income(1)
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic and diluted
Per share amount, basic and diluted
Represents net income attributable to Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc.
Other Balance Sheet Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
As of September 30, 2016, total accumulated other comprehensive loss was $46.4 million, primarily representing (i) $83.3 million of cumulative unrealized currency translation adjustments on assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and (ii) offsetting $36.9 million realized and unrealized gains related to changes in the fair value of derivative instruments. As of December 31, 2015, total accumulated other comprehensive loss was $32.8 million, primarily representing (i) $57.8 million of cumulative unrealized currency translation adjustment on assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and (ii) an offsetting $25.0 million unrealized gain related to changes in the fair value of derivative instruments.
Non-Controlling Interests
The non-controlling interests included on our consolidated balance sheets represent the equity interests in CT Legacy Partners that are not owned by us. A portion of CT Legacy Partners’ consolidated equity and results of operations are allocated to these non-controlling interests based on their pro rata ownership of CT Legacy Partners. As of September 30, 2016, CT Legacy Partners’ total equity was $1.9 million, of which $786,000 was owned by Blackstone Mortgage Trust, and $1.1 million was allocated to non-controlling interests. As of December 31, 2015, CT Legacy Partners’ total equity was $22.5 million, of which $9.4 million was owned by Blackstone Mortgage Trust, and $13.1 million was allocated to non-controlling interests.
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11. OTHER EXPENSES
Our other expenses consist of the management and incentive fees we pay to our Manager and our general and administrative expenses.
Management and Incentive Fees
Pursuant to our management agreement, our Manager earns a base management fee in an amount equal to 1.50% per annum multiplied by our outstanding equity balance, as defined in the management agreement. In addition, our Manager is entitled to an incentive fee in an amount equal to the product of (i) 20% and (ii) the excess of (a) our Core Earnings (as defined in our management agreement) for the previous 12-month period over (b) an amount equal to 7.00% per annum multiplied by our outstanding Equity, provided that our Core Earnings over the prior three-year period is greater than zero. Core Earnings, as defined in our management agreement, is generally equal to our net income (loss) prepared in accordance with GAAP, excluding (i) certain non-cash items (ii) the net income (loss) related to our legacy portfolio and (iii) incentive management fees.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we incurred $9.5 million and $28.4 million, respectively, of management fees payable to our Manager, compared to $9.4 million and $22.9 million during the same periods in 2015. In addition, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we incurred $4.2 million and $14.8 million, respectively, of incentive fees payable to our Manager, compared to $4.5 million and $5.7 million during the same periods in 2015.
As of September 30, 2016 we had accrued management and incentive fees payable to our Manager of $13.7 million, compared to $14.4 million as of December 31, 2015.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consisted of the following ($ in thousands):
Professional services
Operating and other costs
GE transaction costs
Non-cash and CT Legacy Portfolio compensation expenses
Management incentive awards plan - CTOPI(1)
Management incentive awards plan - CT Legacy Partners(2)
Director stock-based compensation
Total BXMT expenses
Expenses of consolidated subsidiaries
Total general and administrative expenses
Represents the portion of CTOPI promote revenue accrued under compensation awards. See Note 4 for further discussion.
Represents the accrual of amounts payable under the CT Legacy Partners management incentive awards during the period. See below for discussion of the CT Legacy Partners management incentive awards plan.
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CT Legacy Partners Management Incentive Awards Plan
In conjunction with our March 2011 restructuring, we created an employee pool for up to 6.75% of the distributions paid to the common equity holders of CT Legacy Partners (subject to certain caps and priority distributions). Approximately 50% of the pool was 75% vested as of September 30, 2016, with the remainder contingent on continued employment with an affiliate of our Manager and our receipt of distributions from CT Legacy Partners. Of the remaining 50% of the pool, 27% is fully vested as a result of an acceleration event, and 23% vest only upon our receipt of distributions from CT Legacy Partners. We accrue a liability for the amounts due under these grants based on the value of CT Legacy Partners and the periodic vesting of the awards granted. Accrued payables for these awards were $114,000 as of September 30, 2016 and $1.3 million as of December 31, 2015.
12. INCOME TAXES
We elected to be taxed as a REIT, effective January 1, 2003, under the Internal Revenue Code for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We generally must distribute annually at least 90% of our net taxable income, subject to certain adjustments and excluding any net capital gain, in order for U.S. federal income tax not to apply to our earnings that we distribute. To the extent that we satisfy this distribution requirement, but distribute less than 100% of our net taxable income, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our undistributed taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax if the actual amount that we pay out to our stockholders in a calendar year is less than a minimum amount specified under U.S. federal tax laws.
Our qualification as a REIT also depends on our ability to meet various other requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Code, which relate to organizational structure, diversity of stock ownership, and certain restrictions with regard to the nature of our assets and the sources of our income. Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal income and excise taxes and state and local taxes on our income and assets. If we fail to maintain our qualification as a REIT for any taxable year, we may be subject to material penalties as well as federal, state, and local income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate rates and we would not be able to qualify as a REIT for the subsequent four full taxable years. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all REIT requirements.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded an income tax provision of $194,000 and an income tax provision of $281,000, respectively, primarily related to various state and local taxes. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded an income tax provision of $81,000 and $431,000, respectively. We did not have any deferred tax assets or liabilities as of September 30, 2016 or December 31, 2015.
As a result of our issuance of 25,875,000 shares of class A common stock in May 2013, the availability of our net operating losses, or NOLs, and net capital losses, or NCLs, is generally limited to $2.0 million per annum by change of control provisions promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the ownership of Blackstone Mortgage Trust. As of December 31, 2015, we had NOLs of $159.0 million and NCLs of $602,000 available to be carried forward and utilized in current or future periods. If we are unable to utilize our NOLs, they will expire in 2029. If we are unable to utilize our NCLs, they will expire in 2017.
As of September 30, 2016, tax years 2013 through 2015 remain subject to examination by taxing authorities.
13. STOCK-BASED INCENTIVE PLANS
We do not have any employees as we are externally managed by our Manager. However, as of September 30, 2016, our Manager, certain individuals employed by an affiliate of our Manager, and certain members of our board of directors were compensated, in part, through the issuance of stock-based instruments.
We had stock-based incentive awards outstanding under seven benefit plans as of September 30, 2016: (i) our amended and restated 1997 non-employee director stock plan, or 1997 Plan; (ii) our 2007 long-term incentive plan, or 2007 Plan; (iii) our 2011 long-term incentive plan, or 2011 Plan; (iv) our 2013 stock incentive plan, or 2013 Plan; (v) our 2013 manager incentive plan, or 2013 Manager Plan; (vi) our 2016 stock incentive plan, or 2016 Plan; and (vii) our 2016 manager incentive plan, or 2016 Manager Plan. We refer to our 1997 Plan, our 2007 Plan, our 2011 Plan, our 2013 Plan, and our 2013 Manager Plan, collectively, as our Expired Plans and we refer to our 2016 Plan and 2016 Manager Plan, collectively, as our Current Plans.
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Our Expired Plans have expired and no new awards may be issued under them. Under our Current Plans, a maximum of 2,400,000 shares of our class A common stock may be issued to our Manager, our directors and officers, and certain employees of affiliates of our Manager. As of September 30, 2016, there were 2,389,910 shares available under the Current Plans.
The following table details the movement in our outstanding shares of restricted class A common stock and the weighted-average grant date fair value per share:
Balance as of December 31, 2015
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Balance as of September 30, 2016
These shares generally vest in quarterly installments over a three-year period, pursuant to the terms of the respective award agreements and the terms of the Current Plans. The 810,857 shares of restricted class A common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2016 will vest as follows: 127,932 shares will vest in 2016; 446,781 shares will vest in 2017; and 236,144 shares will vest in 2018. As of September 30, 2016, total unrecognized compensation cost relating to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements was $23.9 million based on the September 30, 2016 closing price of our class A common stock of $29.45. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.0 years from September 30, 2016.
14. FAIR VALUES
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
The following table summarizes our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis ($ in thousands):
Other assets(1)
Liabilities
Other assets include loans, securities, equity investments, and other receivables measured at fair value.
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The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs ($ in thousands):
January 1,
Proceeds from investment realizations
Transfers out of level 3
Adjustments to fair value included in earnings
September 30,
During the second quarter of 2016, $20.7 million of collateralized debt obligations, or CDOs, were transferred out of Level 3 and into Level 1 as a result of a binding agreement to sell the underlying collateral assets of the CDO to an independent third-party. These investments were realized in the third quarter of 2016. Refer to Note 2 for further discussion regarding fair value measurement.
As discussed in Note 2, GAAP requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the statement of financial position, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. The following table details the carrying amount, face amount, and fair value of the financial instruments described in Note 2 ($ in thousands):
Financial assets
Financial liabilities
Estimates of fair value for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and convertible notes are measured using observable, quoted market prices, or Level 1 inputs. All other fair value significant estimates are measured using unobservable inputs, or Level 3 inputs. See Note 2 for further discussion regarding fair value measurement of certain of our assets and liabilities.
15. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
We are managed by our Manager pursuant to a management agreement, the current term of which expires on December 19, 2016, and will be automatically renewed for a one-year term each anniversary thereafter unless earlier terminated.
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As of September 30, 2016, our consolidated balance sheet included $13.7 million of accrued management and incentive fees payable to our Manager. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we paid $15.8 million and $43.8 million, respectively, of management and incentive fees to our Manager, compared to $8.1 million and $21.0 million during the same periods of 2015. In addition, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we reimbursed our Manager for $82,000 and $462,000, respectively, of expenses incurred on our behalf. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we reimbursed our Manager for $139,000 of expenses incurred on our behalf. We did not reimburse our Manager for any expenses incurred on our behalf during the three months ended September 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2016, our consolidated balance sheet includes $31,000 of preferred distributions payable by CT Legacy Partners to an affiliate of our Manager, compared to $83,000 as of December 31, 2015. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, CT Legacy Partners made aggregate preferred distributions of $146,000 and $491,000, respectively, to such affiliate, compared to $216,000 and $1.1 million during the same periods of 2015.
As of September 30, 2016, our Manager held 391,871 shares of unvested restricted class A common stock, which had an aggregate grant date fair value of $10.9 million. We did not issue any shares of restricted class A common stock to our Manager during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The shares of restricted class A common stock vest ratably in quarterly installments over three years from the date of issuance. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded non-cash expense related to shares granted to our Manager of $2.5 million and $7.1 million, respectively, compared to $1.6 million and $4.9 million during the same periods of 2015. Refer to Note 13 for further discussion of our restricted class A common stock.
During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we originated a loan to a borrower who engaged an affiliate of our Manager to act as title insurance agent in connection with the transaction. The borrower paid the title insurance agent a fee of $196,000 for its services. We did not incur any expenses or receive any revenues as a result of this transaction.
On May 8, 2015, a joint venture of CT Legacy Partners, certain affiliates of our Manager, and other non-affiliated parties, which we refer to as the Three-Pack JV, sold a hotel portfolio it owned to an investment vehicle managed by an affiliate of our Manager. We consented to the sale of the hotel portfolio by the Three-Pack JV, which will result in the ultimate liquidation of the Three-Pack JV and distribution of net sale proceeds to CT Legacy Partners in respect of its investment therein. An aggregate of $40.1 million of net sales proceeds has been received to date by CT Legacy Partners, of which $2.4 million was received during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. As a result of the sale transaction, employees of our Manager, including certain of our executive officers, received incentive compensation payments totaling $2.7 million under the CT Legacy Partners Management Incentive Awards Plan, of which $2.5 million was paid during 2015, and the remaining $162,000 was paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. See Note 11 for further discussion of the CT Legacy Partners Management Incentive Awards Plan.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we incurred $112,000 and $282,000, respectively, of expenses for various administrative and capital market data services to third-party service providers that are affiliates of our Manager, compared to $178,000 and $307,000 during the same periods of 2015.
16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Unfunded Commitments Under Loans Receivable
As of September 30, 2016, we had unfunded commitments of $929.0 million related to 58 loans receivable, which amounts will generally be funded to finance lease-related or capital expenditures by our borrowers. These future commitments will expire variously over the next three years.
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Income Tax Audits of CTIMCO
The State of New York is currently examining the income tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 of our former subsidiary, CT Investment Management Co., LLC, or CTIMCO. The examination is on-going, and no final adjustments have been made or agreed to. When we sold CTIMCO in December 2012, we provided certain indemnifications related to its operations, and any amounts determined to be owed by CTIMCO would ultimately be paid by us. As of September 30, 2016, there were no reserves recorded for the CTIMCO examination. The Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, separately examined the income tax return of CTIMCO for the year ended December 31, 2012. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the IRS completed its examination with no adjustments.
Litigation
From time to time, we may be involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. As of September 30, 2016, we were not involved in any material legal proceedings.
Board of Directors’ Compensation
As of September 30, 2016, of the eight members of our board of directors, our five independent directors are entitled to annual compensation of $125,000 each. The other three board members, including our chairman and our chief executive officer, serve as directors with no compensation. As of September 30, 2016, the annual compensation for our directors was paid 40% in cash and 60% in the form of deferred stock units. In addition, the member of our board of directors that serves as the chairperson of the audit committee of our board of directors receives additional annual cash compensation of $12,000. Compensation to the board of directors is payable in four equal quarterly installments.
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References herein to “Blackstone Mortgage Trust,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. and its subsidiaries unless the context specifically requires otherwise.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. In addition to historical data, this discussion contains forward-looking statements about our business, operations and financial performance based on current expectations that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those in this discussion as a result of various factors, including but not limited to those discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, Item 1A of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016, and elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
Introduction
I. Key Financial Measures and Indicators
As a real estate finance company, we believe the key financial measures and indicators for our business are earnings per share, dividends declared, Core Earnings, and book value per share. For the three months ended September 30, 2016 we recorded earnings per share of $0.69, declared a dividend of $0.62 per share, and reported $0.71 per share of Core Earnings. In addition, our book value per share as of September 30, 2016 was $26.61. As further described below, Core Earnings is a measure that is not prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP. We use Core Earnings to evaluate our performance excluding the effects of certain transactions and GAAP adjustments that we believe are not necessarily indicative of our current loan activity and operations.
Earnings Per Share and Dividends Declared
The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share and dividends per share ($ in thousands, except per share data):
Net income (1)
Net income per share, basic and diluted
Dividends per share
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Core Earnings
Core Earnings is a non-GAAP measure, which we define as GAAP net income (loss), including realized gains and losses not otherwise included in GAAP net income (loss), and excluding (i) net income (loss) attributable to our CT Legacy Portfolio, (ii) non-cash equity compensation expense, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) unrealized gains (losses), and (v) certain non-cash items. Core Earnings may also be adjusted from time to time to exclude one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP and certain other non-cash charges as determined by our Manager, subject to approval by a majority of our independent directors.
We believe that Core Earnings provides meaningful information to consider in addition to our net income and cash flow from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP. This adjusted measure helps us to evaluate our performance excluding the effects of certain transactions and GAAP adjustments that we believe are not necessarily indicative of our current loan portfolio and operations. Although, according to our management agreement, we calculate the incentive and base management fees due to our Manager using Core Earnings before incentive fees expense, we report Core Earnings after incentive fee expense, as we believe this is a more meaningful presentation of the economic performance of our class A common stock.
Core Earnings does not represent net income or cash generated from operating activities and should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP net income, or an indication of our GAAP cash flows from operations, a measure of our liquidity, or an indication of funds available for our cash needs. In addition, our methodology for calculating Core Earnings may differ from the methodologies employed by other companies to calculate the same or similar supplemental performance measures, and accordingly, our reported Core Earnings may not be comparable to the Core Earnings reported by other companies.
The following table provides a reconciliation of Core Earnings to GAAP net income ($ in thousands, except per share data):
CT Legacy Portfolio net income
GE purchase discount accretion adjustment(2)
Other items
Core Earnings per share, basic and diluted
Represents net income attributable to Blackstone Mortgage Trust.
Adjustment in respect of the deferral in Core Earnings of the accretion of a total $9.1 million of purchase discount attributable to a certain pool of GE portfolio loans pending the repayment of those loans.
Book Value Per Share
The following table calculates our book value per share ($ in thousands, except per share data):
Stockholders’ equity
Shares
Class A common stock
Deferred stock units
Total outstanding
Book value per share
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II. Loan Portfolio
During the quarter ended September 30, 2016, we originated $956.6 million of loans. Loan fundings during the quarter totaled $925.8 million, including $27.1 million of non-consolidated senior interests. Loan repayments and sales during the quarter totaled $1.6 billion, which included the repayment of an aggregate $865.1 million from four related loans to a single sponsor, contributing to decreases in the manufactured housing and fixed rate loan components of our overall portfolio. We generated interest income of $128.2 million and incurred interest expense of $45.4 million during the quarter, which resulted in $82.8 million of net interest income during the three months ended September 30, 2016.
Portfolio Overview
The following table details our loan origination activity ($ in thousands):
Loan originations(1)
Loan fundings(2)
Loan repayments and sales(3)
Total net fundings
Includes new loan originations and additional commitments made under existing loans.
Loan fundings during the three months ended September 30, 2016 include $27.1 million of additional fundings under related non-consolidated senior interests, and loan fundings during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 include $92.1 million of additional fundings under related non-consolidated senior interests.
Loan repayments and sales during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 include $20.2 million of additional repayments under related non-consolidated senior interests.
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The following table details overall statistics for our loan portfolio as of September 30, 2016 ($ in thousands):
Unfunded loan commitments(2)
Weighted-average cash coupon(3)
Weighted-average all-in yield(3)
Weighted-average maximum maturity (years)(4)
Loan to value (LTV)(5)
In certain instances, we finance our loans through the non-recourse sale of a senior loan interest that is not included in our consolidated financial statements. Total loan exposure encompasses the entire loan we originated and financed, including $1.1 billion of such non-consolidated senior interests.
As of September 30, 2016, our floating rate loans were indexed to various benchmark rates, with 86% of floating rate loans indexed to USD LIBOR based on total loan exposure. In addition, $277.3 million of our floating rate loans earned interest based on floors that are above the applicable index, with an average floor of 1.13%, as of September 30, 2016. In addition to cash coupon, all-in yield includes the amortization of deferred origination fees, loan origination costs, and accrual of both extension and exit fees. Coupon and all-in yield for the total portfolio assume applicable floating benchmark rate for weighted-average calculation.
Maximum maturity assumes all extension options are exercised by the borrower, however our loans may be repaid prior to such date. As of September 30, 2016, 70% of our loans were subject to yield maintenance or other prepayment restrictions and 30% were open to repayment by the borrower without penalty, based on total loan exposure.
Based on LTV as of the dates loans were originated or acquired by us.
The charts below detail the geographic distribution and types of properties securing these loans, as of September 30, 2016:
Refer to section VI of this Item 2 for details of our loan portfolio, on a loan-by-loan basis.
Asset Management
We actively manage the investments in our loan portfolio and exercise the rights afforded to us as a lender, including collateral level budget approvals, lease approvals, loan covenant enforcement, escrow/reserve management/collection, collateral release approvals and other rights that we may negotiate.
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As discussed in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements, our Manager performs a quarterly review of our loan portfolio, assesses the performance of each loan, and assigns it a risk rating between “1” and “5,” from less risk to greater risk. The following table allocates the principal balance and total loan exposure balances based on our internal risk ratings ($ in thousands):
RiskRating
In certain instances, we finance our loans through the non-recourse sale of a senior loan interest that is not included in our consolidated financial statements. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion. Total loan exposure encompasses the entire loan we originated and financed, including $1.1 billion of such non-consolidated senior interests as of September 30, 2016.
The weighted-average risk rating of our total loan exposure was 2.5 and 2.3 as of September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively. The increase in weighted-average risk rating was primarily driven by repayments of loans with lower risk ratings, and not rating downgrades in the existing portfolio.
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Portfolio Financing
Our portfolio financing arrangements include revolving repurchase facilities, the GE portfolio acquisition facility, asset-specific financings, a revolving credit agreement, loan participations sold, and non-consolidated senior interests.
The following table details our portfolio financing ($ in thousands):
Non-consolidated senior interests
Total portfolio financing
The JP Morgan maximum facility size was composed of a general $500.0 million facility size, under which U.S. Dollars and British Pound Sterling borrowings are contemplated.
The Morgan Stanley maximum facility size represents a £250.0 million facility size that was translated to $324.2 million as of September 30, 2016.
The Société Générale maximum facility size represents a €400.0 million facility size that was translated to $448.9 million as of September 30, 2016.
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As of September 30, 2016, the sequential pay advance borrowings under the GE portfolio acquisition facility had been fully repaid.
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During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we entered into four asset-specific financings providing an additional $512.9 million of credit capacity. The following table details statistics for our asset-specific financings ($ in thousands):
Refer to Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for additional terms and details of our secured debt agreements, including certain financial covenants.
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During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded $3.4 million and $10.7 million, respectively, of interest expense related to our loan participations sold, of which $3.2 million and $10.3 million was paid in cash.
The difference between principal balance and book value of loan participations sold is due to deferred financing costs of $1.8 million as of September 30, 2016.
Refer to Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements for additional details related to our loan participations sold.
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Non-Consolidated Senior Interests
In certain instances, we finance our loans through the non-recourse sale of a senior loan interest that is not included in our consolidated financial statements. These non-consolidated senior interests provide structural leverage for our net investments which are reflected in the form of mezzanine loans or other subordinate interests on our balance sheet and our results of operations. The following table details the subordinate interests retained on our balance sheet and the related non-consolidated senior interests as of September 30, 2016 ($ in thousands):
Senior participation
Our floating rate loans and related liabilities were indexed to the various benchmark rates relevant in each arrangement in terms of currency and payment frequency. Therefore the net exposure to each benchmark rate is in direct proportion to our net assets indexed to that rate. In addition to cash coupon, all-in yield/cost includes the amortization of deferred fees / financing costs.
Floating Rate Portfolio
Generally, our business model is such that rising interest rates will increase our net income, while declining interest rates will decrease net income. As of September 30, 2016, 86% of our loans by principal balance earned a floating rate of interest and were financed with liabilities that pay interest at floating rates, which resulted in an amount of net equity that is positively correlated to rising interest rates, subject to the impact of interest rate floors on certain of our floating rate loans. As of September 30, 2016, the remaining 14% of our loans by principal balance earned a fixed rate of interest, but are financed with liabilities that pay interest at floating rates, which resulted in a negative correlation to rising interest rates to the extent of our financing. In certain instances where we have financed fixed rate assets with floating rate liabilities, we have purchased interest rate swaps or caps to limit our exposure to increases in interest rates on such liabilities.
Our liabilities are generally currency and index-matched to each collateral asset, resulting in a net exposure to movements in benchmark rates that varies by currency silo based on the relative proportion of floating rate assets and liabilities. The following table details our loan portfolio’s net exposure to interest rates by currency as of September 30, 2016 ($/£/€/C$ in thousands):
Floating rate loans(1)
Floating rate debt(1)(2)(3)
Net floating rate exposure(4)
Our floating rate loans and related liabilities are indexed to the various benchmark rates relevant in each case in terms of currency and payment frequency. Therefore the net exposure to each benchmark rate is in direct proportion to our net assets indexed to that rate.
Includes borrowings under secured debt agreements, loan participations sold, and non-consolidated senior interests.
Liabilities balance includes a C$17.3 million ($13.2 million as of September 30, 2016) interest rate swap used to hedge a portion of our fixed rate debt.
In addition, we have interest rate caps of $1.1 billion, £15.1 million, €152.7 million, and C$491.9 million to limit our exposure to increases in interest rates.
In November 2013, we issued $172.5 million of 5.25% convertible senior notes due on December 1, 2018, or the Convertible Notes. The Convertible Notes issuance costs, including underwriter discounts, are amortized through interest expense over the life of the Convertible Notes using the effective interest method. Including this amortization, our all-in cost of the Convertible Notes is 5.87%.
Refer to Notes 2 and 8 to our consolidated financial statements for additional discussion of our Convertible Notes.
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Debt-to-Equity Ratio and Total Leverage
The following table presents our debt-to-equity ratio and total leverage:
Debt-to-equity ratio(1)
Total leverage(2)
Represents (i) total debt outstanding, less cash to (ii) stockholders’ equity. Excludes structural leverage provided by loan participations sold and non-consolidated senior interests.
Represents (i) total debt outstanding, loan participations sold, and non-consolidated senior interests, less cash to (ii) stockholders’ equity.
CT Legacy Portfolio
As of September 30, 2016, our CT Legacy Portfolio consists of (i) our interests in CT Legacy Partners, LLC and (ii) our carried interest in CT Opportunity Partners I, LP, or CTOPI, a private investment fund that was previously under our management and is now managed by an affiliate of our Manager.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 we recognized (i) $13.4 million of gain on investments at fair value, (ii) $2.2 million of income from equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries, (iii) $2.3 million of general and administrative expenses, and (iv) $8.1 million of net income attributable to non-controlling interest related to our CT Legacy Portfolio. In addition, we received $22.2 million of distributions related to assets in the CT Legacy Portfolio.
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III. Our Results of Operations
Operating Results
The following table sets forth information regarding our consolidated results of operations and certain key operating metrics ($ in thousands, except per share data):
Net income per share - basic and diluted
Dividends declared per share
Income from loans and other investments, net decreased $4.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period in 2015. The decrease was primarily due to repayments of the loans in the GE portfolio, which closed during the second quarter of 2015. This was partially offset by the reduction of interest expense incurred on the GE portfolio acquisition facility.
Income from loans and other investments, net increased $65.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period in 2015. The increase was primarily due to the accretive effects of the GE portfolio acquisition and the resulting increase in the total size of our loan portfolio. This was partially offset by the additional interest expense incurred on the GE portfolio acquisition facility.
Other expenses are composed of management and incentive fees payable to our Manager and general and administrative expenses. Other expenses increased by $2.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the corresponding period in 2015 due to (i) an increase of $1.8 million of additional non-cash restricted stock amortization related to shares awarded under our long-term incentive plans, and (ii) an increase of $1.2 million of compensation expenses associated with our CT Legacy Portfolio incentive plans. These were offset by (i) a decrease of $467,000 of general operating expenses, (ii) a decrease of $370,000 of transaction costs related the GE loan portfolio acquisition, and (iii) a decrease of $263,000 of incentive fees payable to our Manager.
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Other expenses increased by $7.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015 due to (i) an increase of $9.1 million of incentive fees payable to our Manager, primarily as a result of Core Earnings (before any incentive fees) exceeding the performance hurdle, (ii) an increase of $5.5 million of management fees payable to our Manager, primarily as a result of additional net proceeds received from the sale of our class A common stock in 2015, and (iii) an increase of $4.6 million of additional non-cash restricted stock amortization related to shares awarded under our long-term incentive plans. These were offset by (i) a decrease of $9.6 million of transaction costs related the GE loan portfolio acquisition, (ii) a decrease of $2.5 million of compensation expenses associated with our CT Legacy Portfolio incentive plans and (iii) a decrease of $132,000 of additional general operating expenses.
During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we recognized $2.8 million of net gains, primarily on investments held by CT Legacy Partners compared to $82,000 of net losses during the three months ended September 30, 2015.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recognized $13.4 million of net gains, primarily on investments held by CT Legacy Partners compared to $22.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we recognized $2.1 million of promote income from CTOPI compared to $17,000 of promote income during the three months ended September 30, 2015.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recognized $2.2 million of promote income from CTOPI compared to $5.7 million of promote income during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we recognized $1.6 million of net income attributable to non-controlling interests compared with $890,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2015. The non-controlling interests represent the portion of CT Legacy Partners net income that is not owned by us. The increase in income attributable to non-controlling interests is primarily a result of the increase of $2.9 million of gain on investments at fair value recognized by CT Legacy Partners during the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2015.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recognized $8.1 million of net income attributable to non-controlling interests compared with $14.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The decrease in income attributable to non-controlling interests is primarily a result of the decrease of $8.7 million of gain on investments at fair value recognized by CT Legacy Partners during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we declared a dividend of $0.62 per share, or $58.2 million, which was paid on October 14, 2016 to common stockholders of record as of September 30, 2016. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, we declared a dividend of $0.62 per share, or $57.8 million.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we declared aggregate dividends of $1.86 per share, or $174.7 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we declared aggregate dividends of $1.66 per share, or $136.7 million.
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IV. Liquidity and Capital Resources
Capitalization
We have capitalized our business to date through, among other things, the issuance and sale of shares of our class A common stock, borrowings under secured debt agreements, and the issuance and sale of Convertible Notes. As of September 30, 2016, we had 93,912,936 shares of our class A common stock outstanding representing $2.5 billion of stockholders’ equity, $5.3 billion of outstanding borrowings under secured debt agreements, and $172.5 million of Convertible Notes outstanding.
As of September 30, 2016, our secured debt agreements consisted of revolving repurchase facilities with an outstanding balance of $3.0 billion, the GE portfolio acquisition facility with an outstanding balance of $1.6 billion, and $653.7 million of asset-specific financings. We also finance our business through the sale of loan participations and non-consolidated senior interests. As of September 30, 2016 we had $411.4 million of loan participations sold and $1.1 billion of non-consolidated senior interests outstanding.
See Notes 6, 7, and 8 to our consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding our secured debt agreements, loan participations sold, and Convertible Notes.
Sources of Liquidity
Our primary sources of liquidity include cash and cash equivalents and available borrowings under our revolving repurchase facilities and revolving credit agreement, which are set forth in the following table ($ in thousands):
Available borrowings under secured debt agreements
In addition to our current sources of liquidity, we have access to liquidity through public offerings of debt and equity securities. To facilitate such offerings, in July 2016, we filed a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, that is effective for a term of three years and expires in July 2019. The amount of securities to be issued pursuant to this shelf registration statement was not specified when it was filed and there is no specific dollar limit on the amount of securities we may issue. The securities covered by this registration statement include: (i) class A common stock, (ii) preferred stock, (iii) debt securities, (iv) depositary shares representing preferred stock, (v) warrants, (vi) subscription rights, (vii) purchase contracts, and (viii) units consisting of one or more of such securities or any combination of these securities. The specifics of any future offerings, along with the use of proceeds of any securities offered, will be described in detail in a prospectus supplement, or other offering materials, at the time of any offering.
We may also access liquidity through a dividend reinvestment plan and direct stock purchase plan, under which 9,998,585 shares of class A common stock were available for issuance as of September 30, 2016, and our at-the-market stock offering program, pursuant to which we may sell, from time to time, up to $188.6 million of additional shares of our class A common stock as of September 30, 2016. Refer to Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements for additional details.
Our existing loan portfolio also provides us with liquidity as loans are repaid or sold, in whole or in part, and the proceeds from such repayments become available for us to reinvest.
Liquidity Needs
In addition to our ongoing loan origination activity, our primary liquidity needs include interest and principal payments under our $5.3 billion of outstanding borrowings under secured debt agreements, our Convertible Notes, our unfunded loan commitments, dividend distributions to our stockholders, and operating expenses.
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Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Our contractual obligations and commitments as of September 30, 2016 were as follows ($ in thousands):
Secured debt agreements(2)(3)
Other liabilities(4)
Total(5)
The allocation of our unfunded loan commitments is based on the earlier of the commitment expiration date or the loan maturity date.
The allocation of our revolving repurchase facilities is based on the current maturity date of each individual borrowing under the facilities. Includes the related future interest payment obligations, which are estimated by assuming the amounts outstanding under our revolving repurchase facilities and the interest rates in effect as of September 30, 2016 will remain constant into the future; this is only an estimate, as actual amounts borrowed and rates will vary over time.
Assumes repayment date based on initial maturity of each instrument. Future interest payment obligations are determined using the relevant benchmark rates in effect as of September 30, 2016, as applicable.
Other liabilities consist of secured debt repayments pending servicer remittance as of the balance sheet date.
Total does not include $411.4 million of loan participations sold and $1.1 billion of non-consolidated senior interests as the satisfaction of these liabilities will not require cash outlays from us.
We are also required to settle our foreign currency forward contracts and interest rate swaps with our derivative counterparties upon maturity which, depending on foreign exchange and interest rate movements, may result in cash received from or due to the respective counterparty. The table above does not include these amounts as they are not fixed and determinable. Refer to Note 9 to our consolidated financial statement for details regarding our derivative contracts.
We are required to pay our Manager a base management fee, an incentive fee, and reimbursements for certain expenses pursuant to our Management Agreement. The table above does not include the amounts payable to our Manager under our Management Agreement as they are not fixed and determinable. Refer to Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements for additional terms and details of the fees payable under our Management Agreement.
As a REIT, we generally must distribute substantially all of our net taxable income to shareholders in the form of dividends to comply with the REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Internal Revenue Code. Our taxable income does not necessarily equal our net income as calculated in accordance with GAAP, or our Core Earnings as described above.
Cash Flows
The following table provides a breakdown of the net change in our cash and cash equivalents ($ in thousands):
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We experienced a net decrease in cash of $3.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to a net increase of $84.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we originated and funded $2.3 billion of loans and repaid $3.0 billion under secured debt agreements. This decrease in cash was offset by $3.1 billion of principal collections and sales of loans receivable and $2.2 billion of borrowings under secured debt agreements.
Refer to Notes 6 and 7 to our consolidated financial statements for additional discussion of our secured debt obligations and participations sold. Refer to Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our loan activity.
V. Other Items
Our qualification as a REIT also depends on our ability to meet various other requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Code, which relate to organizational structure, diversity of stock ownership, and certain restrictions with regard to the nature of our assets and the sources of our income. Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal income and excise taxes and state and local taxes on our income and assets. If we fail to maintain our qualification as a REIT for any taxable year, we may be subject to material penalties as well as federal, state and local income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate rates and we would not be able to qualify as a REIT for the subsequent four full taxable years. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all REIT requirements.
Refer to Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements for additional discussion of our income taxes.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires our Manager to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies described in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 16, 2016.
Refer to Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for the description of our significant accounting policies.
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VI. Loan Portfolio Details
The following table provides details of our loan portfolio, on a loan-by-loan basis, as of September 30, 2016 ($ in millions):
Loan Type(1)
OriginationDate(2)
MaximumMaturity(5)
Location
PropertyType
Loan PerSQFT / Unit /Key
1
continued…
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55
56
57
58
59
60
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
Senior loans include senior mortgages and similar credit quality loans, including related contiguous subordinate loans and pari passu participations in senior mortgage loans.
Date loan was originated or acquired by us, and the LTV as of such date. Dates are not updated for subsequent loan modifications or upsizes.
In certain instances, we finance our loans through the non-recourse sale of a senior loan interest that is not included in our consolidated financial statements. As of September 30, 2016, four loans in our portfolio have been financed with an aggregate $1.1 billion of non-consolidated senior interest, which are included in the table above.
As of September 30, 2016, our floating rate loans were indexed to various benchmark rates, with 86% of floating rate loans indexed to USD LIBOR. In addition, $277.3 million of our floating rate loans earned interest based on floors that are above the applicable index, with an average floor of 1.13%, as of September 30, 2016. In addition to cash coupon, all-in yield includes the amortization of deferred origination fees, loan origination costs, and accrual of both extension and exit fees.
Maximum maturity assumes all extension options are exercised, however our loans may be repaid prior to such date.
Loan consists of one or more floating and fixed rate tranches. Coupon and all-in yield assume applicable floating benchmark rate for weighted-average calculation.
Interest Rate Risk
Loan Portfolio Net Interest Income
The following table projects the impact on our interest income and expense for the twelve month period following September 30, 2016, assuming an immediate increase or decrease of both 25 and 50 basis points in the applicable interest rate benchmark by currency ($ in thousands):
USD(2)
GBP(2)
EUR
CAD(3)
Liabilities balance includes two interest rate swaps totaling C$17.3 million ($13.2 million as of September 30, 2016) that are used to hedge a portion of our fixed rate debt.
Loan Portfolio Value
As of September 30, 2016, 14% of our loans earned a fixed rate of interest and as such, the values of such loans are sensitive to changes in interest rates. We generally hold all of our loans to maturity and so do not expect to realize gains or losses on our fixed rate loan portfolio as a result of movements in market interest rates.
Risk of Non-Performance
In addition to the risks related to fluctuations in cash flows and asset values associated with movements in interest rates, there is also the risk of non-performance on floating rate assets. In the case of a significant increase in interest rates, the additional debt service payments due from our borrowers may strain the operating cash flows of the collateral real estate assets and, potentially, contribute to non-performance or, in severe cases, default. This risk is partially mitigated by various facts we consider during our underwriting process, which in certain cases include a requirement for our borrower to purchase an interest rate cap contract.
Credit Risks
Our loans and investments are also subject to credit risk. The performance and value of our loans and investments depend upon the sponsors’ ability to operate the properties that serve as our collateral so that they produce cash flows adequate to pay interest and principal due to us. To monitor this risk, our Manager’s asset management team reviews our investment portfolios and in certain instances is in regular contact with our borrowers, monitoring performance of the collateral and enforcing our rights as necessary.
In addition, we are exposed to the risks generally associated with the commercial real estate market, including variances in occupancy rates, capitalization rates, absorption rates, and other macroeconomic factors beyond our control. We seek to manage these risks through our underwriting and asset management processes.
Capital Market Risks
We are exposed to risks related to the equity capital markets, and our related ability to raise capital through the issuance of our class A common stock or other equity instruments. We are also exposed to risks related to the debt capital markets, and our related ability to finance our business through borrowings under credit facilities or other debt instruments. As a REIT, we are required to distribute a significant portion of our taxable income annually, which constrains our ability to accumulate operating cash flow and therefore requires us to utilize debt or equity capital to finance our business. We seek to mitigate these risks by monitoring the debt and equity capital markets to inform our decisions on the amount, timing, and terms of capital we raise.
Counterparty Risk
The nature of our business requires us to hold our cash and cash equivalents and obtain financing from various financial institutions. This exposes us to the risk that these financial institutions may not fulfill their obligations to us under these various contractual arrangements. We mitigate this exposure by depositing our cash and cash equivalents and entering into financing agreements with high credit-quality institutions.
The nature of our loans and investments also exposes us to the risk that our counterparties do not make required interest and principal payments on scheduled due dates. We seek to manage this risk through a comprehensive credit analysis prior to making an investment and active monitoring of the asset portfolios that serve as our collateral.
Currency Risk
Our loans and investments that are denominated in a foreign currency are also subject to risks related to fluctuations in currency rates. We mitigate this exposure by matching the currency of our foreign currency assets to the currency of the borrowings that finance those assets. As a result, we substantially reduce our exposure to changes in portfolio value related to changes in foreign currency rates. In certain circumstances, we may also enter into foreign currency derivative contracts to further mitigate this exposure.
The following table outlines our assets and liabilities that are denominated in a foreign currency (£/€/C$ in thousands):
Foreign currency assets(1)
Foreign currency liabilities(1)
Foreign currency contracts - notional
Net exposure to exchange rate fluctuations
Balances include non-consolidated senior interests of £302.0 million.
We estimate that a 10% appreciation of the United States Dollar relative to the British Pound Sterling and the Euro would result in a decline in our net assets in U.S. Dollar terms of $27.0 million and $14.1 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2016. Substantially all of our net asset exposure to the Canadian Dollar has been hedged with foreign currency forward contracts.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q was made under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (a) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by SEC rules and forms and (b) include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed under Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as updated by the information disclosed under Item 1A of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016.
None.
Not applicable.
Section 13(r) Disclosure
Pursuant to Section 219 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, or ITRA, which added Section 13(r) of the Exchange Act, we hereby incorporate by reference herein Exhibit 99.1 of this report, which includes disclosures publicly filed by NCR Corporation, which may be considered an affiliate of Blackstone and therefore our affiliate.
This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liability of that Section. Such exhibit shall not be deemed incorporated into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act.
The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this report are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by us in these agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
October 25, 2016
/s/ Stephen D. Plavin
Date
Stephen D. Plavin
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Anthony F. Marone, Jr.
Anthony F. Marone, Jr.
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)