Ladder Capital Corp is a leading commercial real estate finance company structured as an internally-managed real estate investment trust (REIT). Founded in 2008, the company operates primarily in the United States and focuses on delivering tailored capital solutions to middle-market commercial real estate borrowers.
Ladder Capital operates through three primary business segments: Loans, Securities, and Real Estate. The Loans segment is the company's core business, responsible for originating and acquiring balance sheet loans that provide interim financing for the acquisition or transition of commercial real estate. This segment also originates conduit loans for sale in commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) securitizations and invests in mezzanine debt and other structured finance products. The Securities segment focuses on investing in investment-grade securities secured by first mortgage loans, including CMBS, U.S. Agency securities, and corporate bonds, providing the company with liquidity and interest income. The Real Estate segment involves owning and operating a portfolio of physical real estate assets, predominantly net-leased commercial properties, which generate a steady stream of rental income.
By maintaining a diversified capital structure and focusing on senior secured assets, Ladder Capital aims to preserve shareholder capital while generating attractive risk-adjusted returns. The company's permanent capital base and internal management structure allow it to execute transactions with certainty and navigate market volatility effectively, distinguishing it from externally managed peers.