This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities“Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, our operations and financial performance. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "outlook," "believe," "expect," "potential," "continue," "may," "should," "seek," "approximately," "predict," "intend," "will," "plan," "estimate," "anticipate,"“outlook,” “believe,” “expect,” “potential,” “continue,” “may,” “should,” “seek,” “approximately,” “predict,” “intend,” “will,” “plan,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” the negative version of these words, other comparable words or other statements that do not relate strictly to historical or factual matters. By their nature, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, are not statements of historical fact or guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions or changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict or quantify. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that management'smanagement’s expectations, beliefs and projections will result or be achieved and actual results may vary materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements.
Except where the context requires otherwise, the terms "Company," "we," "us," "our" and "KREF" refer to KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc., a Maryland corporation, and its subsidiaries; "Manager" refers to KKR Real Estate Finance Manager LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, our external manager; and "KKR" refers to KKR & Co. L.P.Inc., a Delaware limited partnership,corporation, and its subsidiaries.
PART I.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Our Company
KREF is a real estate finance company that focuses primarily on originating and acquiring acquiring transitional senior loans secured by institutional-quality Commercial Real Estatecommercial real estate ("CRE") properties that are owned and operated by experienced and well-capitalized sponsors and located in liquidtop markets with strong underlying fundamentals. Our target assets also include mezzanine loans, preferred equity and other debt-oriented instruments with these characteristics. Our investment objective is capital preservation and the generation of attractive risk-adjusted returns for our stockholders over the long term, primarily through dividends.
We began our investment activities in October 2014 with an initial commitment of $400.0 million from KKR. We raised an additional $438.1 million in equity commitments from third-party investors and certain current and former employees of, and consultants to, KKR that brought our total committed capital base to $838.1 million, which was fully drawn prior to our initial public offering ("IPO") that generated net proceeds of $225.9 million on May 5, 2017. We had a common book value of $1,059.1$1,077.0 million as of December 31, 20172023 and established a diversified investment portfolio of diversified investments,which totaled $7,752.3 million, consisting primarily of performing senior loans,and mezzanine loans, preferred equity and commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") B-Pieces, which had a value of $2,083.1 million.real estate loans.
We are organized as a holding company externally managed by our Manager, an indirect subsidiary of KKR, & Co. L.P., and operate our business primarily through various subsidiariessubsidiaries in a single segment that originates, acquires, and finances our target assets.
We conduct our operations as a REIT for federal income tax purposes while seekingoperating our business in a manner that allows us to avoidmaintain an exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the "Investment Company Act"). We generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on the portion of our annual net taxable income that we distribute to stockholders if we maintain our qualification as a REIT.
We are traded on the NYSE under the symbol “KREF.” We were incorporated in Maryland on October 2, 2014, and our principal executive offices are located at 9 West 57th Street,30 Hudson Yards, New York, New York.
Our Manager and KKR
We are externally managed by our Manager, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of KKR, & Co. L.P., a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions, with a 40-yearan over 45-year history of leadership, innovation and investment excellence. KKR manages multiple alternative asset classes includingsponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, energy, infrastructure,credit and real estate,assets, and credit, withas strategic manager partnershipspartners that manage hedge funds. KKR & Co. L.P. is listed on the NYSE (NYSE: KKR )KKR) and reported $168.5$552.8 billion of assets under management ("AUM") as of December 31, 2017.2023. KKR's "One-Firm" culture encourages collaboration and leveraging resources and relationships across KKR to help find creative solutions for clients seeking capital and strategic partnerships. We believe our Manager's relationship with KKR and its differentiated global investment management platform provides us with significant advantages in sourcing, evaluating, underwriting and managing our investments.
In connection with the performance of its duties, our Manager benefits from the resources, relationships and expertise of KKR's real estate group ("KKR Real Estate"), which provides equity and debt capital across a variety of real estate sectors and strategies. Established in 2011 under the leadership of Ralph F. Rosenberg, Global Head of KKR Real Estate and Chairman of our board of directors, KKR Real Estate had $6.4over $68 billion of AUM as of December 31, 2017.2023. Mr. Rosenberg, who has 29over 35 years of real estate equity and debt transactiontransactions experience, is supported at KKR Real Estate by a team of over 50approximately 150 dedicated investment and asset/portfolio management professionals across seven16 offices globally. We believe that KKR Real Estate's global relationships with property owners, managers, lenders, brokers and advisors and real-time knowledge derived from its broadly diversified real estate holdings provide our Manager with access to sourcing channels as well as operational and strategic insights to help our Manager evaluate and monitor individual investment opportunities. Additionally, our Manager leverages the proprietary information available to us through KKR's global investment platforms to conduct thorough underwriting and due diligence and develop a deeper understanding of the opportunities, risks and challenges of the investments that we review. Further, our Manager benefits from KKR Credit & Markets,KKR's capital markets team, comprised of a team of over 40 investmentapproximately 70 professionals that advise KKR's investment teams and portfolio companies on executing equity and debt capital markets solutions.
Our Manager is led by an experienced team of senior real estate investment professionals, including Christen E.J. Lee and Matthew A. Salem, our Co-ChiefChief Executive Officers and Co-Presidents,Officer, and W. Patrick Mattson, our President and Chief Operating Officer,
who collectively averageeach has over 1825 years of CRE experience. Our Manager's senior leadership team is supported by 1256 other investment professionals with significant expertise in executing our investment strategy. Our Manager's investment committee, which is comprised of Messrs.Ralph Rosenberg, KKR’s Global Head of Real Estate and Chairman of our board of directors, Chris Lee, Co-President of KKR Real Estate and Vice Chairman of our board of directors, Matt Salem, Head of KKR’s Real Estate Credit and Chief Executive Officer of KREF, Patrick Mattson, Chief Operating Officer of KKR’s Real Estate Credit and Jamie M. Weinstein, GlobalPresident and Chief Operating Officer of KREF, Joel Traut, Partner & Head of Originations, Jenny Box, Co-Head of KKRKKR’s Special Situations, Billy Butcher, Co-President of KKR Real Estate, Roger Morales, Head of KKR's Real Estate Acquisitions Americas and Justin Pattner, Head of KKR's Real Estate Equity Americas, advises and consults with our Manager and its investment professionals with respect to our investment strategy, portfolio construction, financing and investment guidelines and risk management and approves all of our investments.
Our Investment Strategy
Our investment strategy is to originate or acquire transitional senior loans collateralized by institutional-quality CRE assets that are owned and operated by experienced and well-capitalized sponsors and located in liquidtop markets with strong underlying fundamentals. We also intend to invest in mezzanine loans, preferred equity and other debt-oriented instruments with these characteristics. Through our Manager, we have access to KKR's integrated, global real estate investment platform and its established sourcing, underwriting and structuring capabilities to develop our own view on value and evaluate and structure credit risk from an owner's and a lender's perspective. In addition, we believe that we benefit from our access to KKR's global network and real estate and other investment holdings, which provide our Manager with access to information and market data that is not available to many of our competitors. In many instances, we are able to make investments where we believe we have a sourcing, underwriting or execution advantage by leveraging the KKR brand, industry knowledge and proprietary relationships.
We pursue opportunities for which we believe that we are lending at a substantial discount to our Manager's view of intrinsic real estate value, which our Manager substantiates through an independent assessment of value. We also seek investment opportunities where there is the potential to increase the value of the underlying loan collateral through improving property management or implementing strategic capital improvement initiatives, and as such, focus on lending to sponsors with histories of successful execution in their respective asset classes or markets. Additionally, we endeavor to make loans with covenants and structural features that align the incentives of us and our borrowers to the extent that the operating performance of the underlying collateral deteriorates.
Our financing strategy and investment process are discussed in more detail in "—Our"Our Financing Strategy" and "—Investment"Investment Guidelines" below.
Our Target Assets
Our target assets primarily include transitional senior loans, as well as mezzanine loans, preferred equity and other debt-oriented investments:
| |
• | •Senior Loans—We focus on originating and acquiring senior loans that are secured by CRE properties and evidenced by a first-priority mortgage. The loans may vary in duration, bear interest at a fixed or floating rate and amortize, and typically require a balloon payment of principal at maturity, but are typically anticipated to be floating rate and shorter-term duration. These investments may include whole loans or pari passu participations within such senior loans.
•We focus on originating and acquiring senior loans that are backed by CRE properties. These loans are secured by real estate and evidenced by a first-priority mortgage. The loans may vary in duration, bear interest at a fixed or floating rate and amortize, and typically require a balloon payment of principal at maturity, but are typically anticipated to be floating rate and shorter-term duration. These investments may include whole loans or pari passu participations within such senior loans. |
| |
• | Mezzanine Loans—We may syndicate senior participations in our originated senior loans to other investors and retain a subordinated debt position for our portfolio, typically a mezzanine loan. We may also directly originate or acquire mezzanine loans. These are loans (including pari passu participations in such loans) made to the owner of a mortgage borrower and secured by a pledge of equity interests in the mortgage borrower. These loans are subordinate to a senior loan, but senior to the owner's equity. These loans may be tranched into senior and junior mezzanine loans, with the junior mezzanine lenders secured by a pledge of the equity interests in the more senior mezzanine borrower. The mezzanine lender typically has different rights as compared to the more senior lenders, including the right to cure defaults under the senior loan and any senior mezzanine loan and purchase the senior loan and any senior mezzanine loan, in each case under certain circumstances following a default on the senior loan. Following a default on a mezzanine loan, and subject to negotiated terms with the mortgage lender or other mezzanine lenders, the mezzanine
lender generally has the right to foreclose on its equity interest and become the owner of the property, directly or indirectly, subject to the lien of the senior loan and any other debt senior to it including any outstanding senior mezzanine loans.
•Preferred Equity—We may make investments that are subordinate to any mortgage or mezzanine loan, but senior to the common equity of the mortgage borrower or owner of a mortgage borrower, as applicable. Preferred equity investments typically pay a preferred return from the investment's cash flow rather than interest payments and often have the right for such preferred return to accrue if there is insufficient cash flow for current payment. These interests in the mortgage borrower. These loans are subordinate to a senior loan, but senior to the owner's equity. These loans may be tranched into senior and junior mezzanine loans, with the junior mezzanine lenders secured by a pledge of the equity interests in the more senior mezzanine borrower. The mezzanine lender typically has additional rights as compared to the more senior lenders, including the right to cure defaults under the senior loan and any senior mezzanine loan and purchase the senior loan and any senior mezzanine loan, in each case under certain circumstances following a default on the senior loan. Following a default on a mezzanine loan, and subject to negotiated terms with the mortgage lender or other mezzanine lenders, the mezzanine lender generally has the right to foreclose on its equity interest and become the owner of the property, directly or indirectly, subject to the lien of the senior loan and any other debt senior to it including any outstanding senior mezzanine loans. |
| |
• | Preferred Equity—We may make investments that are subordinate to any mortgage or mezzanine loan, but senior to the common equity of the mortgage borrower or owner of a mortgage borrower, as applicable. Preferred equity investments typically pay a preferred return from the investment's cash flow rather than interest payments and often have the right for such preferred return to accrue if there is insufficient cash flow for current payment. These interests
|
are not secured by the underlying real estate, but upon the occurrence of a default, the preferred equity provider typically has the right to effect a change of control with respect to the ownership of the property.
| |
• | CMBS B-Pieces (New Issue)—We may also make investments that consist of below investment-grade bonds comprising some or all of the BB-rated, B-rated and unrated tranches of a CMBS securitization pool. The underlying loans are typically aggregated into a pool and sold as securities to different investors. Under the pooling and servicing agreements that govern these pools, the loans are administered by a trustee and servicers, who act on behalf of all investors and distribute the underlying cash flows to the different classes of securities in accordance with their seniority. The below-investment grade securities that comprise each CMBS B-Piece have generally in the past been acquired in aggregate. Due to their first loss position, these investments are typically offered at a discount to par. These investments typically carry a 10-year weighted average life due to prepayment restrictions. We generally intend to hold these investments through maturity, but may, from time to time, opportunistically sell positions should liquidity become available or be required. Under the risk retention rules under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") that went into effect in December 2016, CMBS B-Piece investments may also include BBB-rated securities and are subject to certain additional restrictions that, among other things, prohibit hedging CMBS B-Pieces or selling CMBS B-Pieces for a period of at least five years from the date the investment was made. We currently expect to make our CMBS B-Piece investments indirectly through our investment in an aggregator vehicle alongside KKR Real Estate Credit Opportunity Partners L.P. ("RECOP"), a recently established KKR-managed investment fund. See Part II, Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Our Portfolio."
|
| |
• | Other Real Estate Securities—We may make investments in real estate that take the form of CMBS (other than CMBS B-Pieces) or Collateralized Loan Obligations ("CLO") that are collateralized by pools of real estate debt instruments, often senior loans. We may also acquire the debt securities of other REITs or other entities engaged in real estate operating or financing activities, but generally not for the purpose of exercising control over such entities.
|
Our Portfolio
We began operations in October 2014 and have established a portfolio of diversified investments, consisting primarily of performing senior loans,and mezzanine loans and CMBS B-Pieces, which had a value of $2,083.1 millionloans. Our aggregate investment portfolio totaled $7.8 billion as of December 31, 2017.2023, which is primarily comprised of $7.6 billion of total outstanding principal of senior and mezzanine CRE loans, $158.6 million net investment in real estate owned assets (“REO”), and a $35.7 million investment in CMBS B-Pieces (indirectly-owned through RECOP I). We believe our current portfolio, comprised of target assets representative of our investment philosophy, validates our ability to execute on our stated market opportunity and investment strategy, including lending against high-quality real estate in liquidtop markets with strong fundamentals to experienced and well-capitalized sponsors. AsSince our IPO, we have continued to execute on our primary investment strategy of originating floating-rate transitional senior loans and, as we continue to scale our portfolio, we expect that our originations will continue to be heavily weighted toward floating-rate loans. We expect the majority of our future investment activity to focus on originating floating-rate senior loans that we finance with our repurchase facilities with a secondary focus on originatedand non-mark-to-market financing including term lending arrangements, asset based financing and collateralized loan obligations. In addition, we originate floating-rate loans for which we syndicate a senior position and retain a subordinated interest for our portfolio. As a result, we expect that the percentage of our target portfolio comprised of CMBS B-Pieces will decrease over time and the percentage of floating-rate investments, including senior loans, will increase over time. As of December 31, 2017, our portfolio had experienced no impairments and did not contain any legacy assets that were originated prior to October 2014. As of December 31, 2017,2023, all of our investments were located in the United States.
The following charts illustrate the size of our portfolio and related compound annual growth rate ("CAGR") and common book value, over the years ended December 31, 2023 and the preceding four years (dollars in millions):
(A) Common book value as of December 31, 2023 includes the impact of a CECL allowance of $212.5 million.
The map below illustrates the geographic distribution of the properties securing our loan portfolio as of December 31, 2023:
The following charts illustrate the diversification of our loan portfolio(A), based on type of investment, interest rate, underlying property type, and geographic location, vintage and loan to value ("LTV") as of December 31, 2017:2023:
The charts above are based on total assets. Total assets reflectloan exposure of our commercial real estate loans. (A) Excludes: (i) REO with net carrying value of $158.6 million, (ii) CMBS B-Piece investments held through an equity method investment and (iii) fully written off risk-rated 5 loans with a combined outstanding principal balance of $45.5 million.
(B) Senior loans include senior mortgages and similar credit quality loans, including related contiguous junior participations in senior loans where we have financed a loan with structural leverage through the non-recourse sale of a corresponding first mortgage.
(C) We classify a loan as life science if more than 50% of the gross leasable area is leased to, or will be converted to, life science-related space.
(D) Other property type includes Condo (Residential) (2%), Self-Storage (2%), Student Housing (1%) and Single Family Rental (1%).
(E) LTV is generally based on the initial loan amount divided by the as-is appraised value as of the date the loan was originated or by the current principal amount as of ourthe date of the most recent as-is appraised value. Weighted average LTV includes non-consolidated senior interests and mezzanine loans; and (ii) the cost basis of our CMBS B-Pieces, net of variable interest entity ("VIE") liabilities. In accordance with GAAP, we carry our CMBS B-Pieces at fair value, which we valued above our cost basis asexcludes risk-rated 5 loans.
Our senior loans as of December 31, 2017.
| |
(A) | Excludes CMBS B-Pieces. Our CMBS B-Piece portfolio diversification is as follows and is inclusive of our $14.0 million investment in RECOP, an unconsolidated VIE of which KREF is not the primary beneficiary: |
| |
• | Property Type: Office (26.7%), Retail (24.9%), Hospitality (15.2%), Multifamily (10.4%), and Other (22.8%). As of December 31, 2017, no other individual property type comprised more than 10% of our total CMBS B‑Piece portfolio.
|
| |
• | Geography: California (23.1%), Texas (12.0%), New York (10.2%), Illinois (6.6%), Florida (5.4%), and Other (42.7%). As of December 31, 2017, no other individual geography comprised more than 5% of our total CMBS B‑Piece portfolio.
|
| |
• | Vintage: 2015 (58.5%), 2016 (30.6%), and 2017 (10.9%).
|
Our senior loans2023 had a weighted average loan to value ratio ("LTV")LTV of 67% as of December 31, 2017,66%, and we have focused our portfolio on senior positions in the capital structure where the sponsor has meaningful cash or imputed equity subordinated to our position to provide what we believe is downside protection in the event of credit impairment at the asset level. As of December 31, 2017, we maintained a controlling position in all of our senior loans and subordinate debt positions (subject to the terms of our master repurchase agreements, as applicable).
For additional information regarding our portfolio as of December 31, 2017,2023, see Part II, Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
Our Financing Strategy
AsWe raise capital through offerings of our equity and debt securities to fund future investments. In addition, as part of our mortgageportfolio financing strategy, we may use both direct and structural leverage. Our use of direct leverage includes the utilization of repurchase facilities.facilities, term lending arrangements, asset based financing, collateralized loan obligations, secured term loan and revolving credit agreements. Term lending arrangements, asset based financing and collateralized loan obligations provide us with Non-Mark-to-Market financing sources, which reduces our exposure to market fluctuations. These Non-Mark-to-Market financing sources, which represented 76% of our secured financing as of December 31, 2023, are not subject to credit or capital markets mark-to-market provisions. The remaining 24% of our secured borrowings, which is primarily comprised of three master repurchase agreements, are only subject to credit marks. In addition, we may use structural leverage by syndicating senior mortgage interests in our originated senior loans to other investors and creatingcreate a subordinated interest that we retain for our portfolio. When utilizing direct leverage, our investment is secured by a first-mortgage lien on the real property underlying the loan and is subject to partial recourse by our lender under the repurchase facility. When utilizing structural leverage, our retained interest is generally a mezzanine loan, secured by a pledge of 100% of the equity ownership interests in the owner of the real property and is generally not subject to recourse. Our retained interest when utilizing structural leverage is subordinate to the lien of the third-party lender that owns the senior interest.
Master Repurchase Agreements
We have master repurchase agreements with Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley,
During the year ended and Goldman Sachs, which provided us with advances of up to $1.8 billion in the aggregate as of December 31, 2017. See Part II, Item 7. "Management's Discussion2023, we:
•Extended a $600.0 million master repurchase agreement and Analysisa $500.0 million warehouse facility maturity date to March 2026
•Upsized a $240.0 million master repurchase agreement to $400.0 million and extended the final maturity date to December 2027
•Repaid $143.8 million convertible notes in cash
•Had no corporate debt or final facility maturities due until the first quarter of Financial Condition and Results2026
As a result, our Non-Mark-to-Market financing was $4.8 billion as of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources" for a summaryDecember 31, 2023, representing 76% of our master repurchase agreementssecured financing.
The following table details our outstanding financing arrangements as of December 31, 2023 (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Portfolio Financing Outstanding Principal Balance | | Maximum Capacity |
| Master repurchase agreements | | $ | 1,477,227 | | | $ | 2,000,000 | |
| Collateralized loan obligation | | 1,942,750 | | | 1,942,750 | |
| Term lending agreements | | 1,329,390 | | | 1,977,399 | |
| Term loan facility | | 561,377 | | | 1,000,000 | |
| Asset specific financing | | 266,072 | | | 490,625 | |
| Warehouse facility | | — | | | 500,000 | |
| Secured term loan | | 343,000 | | | 343,000 | |
| Revolving credit agreement | | 160,000 | | | 610,000 | |
| Non-consolidated senior interests | | 188,611 | | | 188,611 | |
| Total portfolio financing | | $ | 6,268,427 | | | $ | 9,052,385 | |
The following chart illustrates our progress in diversifying our financing sources and otherexpanding our non-mark-to-market financing arrangements.sources to reduce our exposure to market volatility:
(1) Based on outstanding principal amount of secured financing, including non-consolidated senior interests, that resulted from non-recourse sales of senior loan interest in loans we originated
Financing Risk Management
The amount of leverage employed on our assets will depend on our Manager's assessment of the credit, liquidity, price volatility and other risks of those assets and the financing counterparties and availability of particular types of financing at any given time.
We plan to maintain leverage levels appropriate to our specific portfolio. On average, we are targeting a leverage ratio on our senior loansAs of 3-to-1 on a debt to equity basis, as compared toDecember 31, 2023, our total leverage ratio of 1-to-1 as of December 31, 2017.was 4.2-to-1. We will endeavor to match the terms and indices of our assets and liabilities and will also seek to minimize the risks associated with mark-to-market and recourse borrowing.
Investment Guidelines
Under the management agreement with our Manager, our Manager is required to manage our business in accordance with certain investment guidelines, which include:
•seeking to invest our capital in a broad range of investments in or relating to CRE debt;
•not making investments that would cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
•not making investments that would cause us or any of our subsidiaries to be required to be registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act;
•allowing allocation of investment opportunities sourced by our Manager to one or more KKR funds advised by our Manager or its affiliates in addition to us, in accordance with the allocation policy then in effect, as applied by our Manager in a fair and equitable manner;
•prior to the deployment of capital into investments, causing our capital to be invested in any short-term investments in money market funds, bank accounts, overnight repurchase agreements with primary federal reserve bank dealers collateralized by direct U.S. government obligations and other instruments or investments reasonably determined by our Manager to be of high quality; and
•investing not more than 25% of our "equity" in any individual investment without the approval of a majority of our board of directors or a duly constituted committee of our board of directors (it being understood, however, that for purposes of the foregoing concentration limit, in the case of any investment that is comprised (whether through a structured investment vehicle or other arrangement) of securities, instruments or assets of multiple portfolio issuers, such investment for purposes of the foregoing limitation will be deemed to be multiple investments in such underlying securities, instruments and assets and not such particular vehicle, product or other arrangement in which they are aggregated).
Impact of Rising Interest RatesRate Environment
Generally, our business model is such that rising interest rates will result in an increase to our earnings and dividend yield.net income, while declining interest rates will decrease our net income. As of December 31, 2017, 93.1%2023, 99.0% of our investments based on net equityloans by total loan exposure earned a floating rate of interest over a floating-rate index and of those investments that were financed, all were financed with liabilities that pay interest over a floating-rate index, which resulted in a positive correlationindexed to rising interest rates for our company.Term SOFR.
Additionally, floating-rate senior loans typically have lower interest rate sensitivity and less susceptibility to price declines than fixed-rate investments when short-term rates rise. As a result, we believe that our investment strategy, which is primarily focused on originating or acquiring LIBOR-basedfloating-rate senior loans, strategically positions our portfolio to earn attractive risk-adjusted yields in a rising interest rate environment.
With respect In a rising interest environment, our interest income on our current portfolio is expected to increase as rates increase. In a declining interest rate environment, our interest income is expected to decrease as index rates decrease; in certain circumstances, however, rate floors relating to our fixed-rate exposure in ourloan portfolio an increase in long-term interest rates could have a negativemay offset some of the impact on the market value of those investments. Several factors would impact the ultimate market value, including but not limited to, the remaining duration, underlying LTV and credit profile today, credit spreads and other factors.from declining rates.
With respect to our fixed-rate CMBS portfolio indirectly held through an equity method investment, rising interest rates could have a negative effect on the value of the securities in our portfolio. OurSuch CMBS securities are purchased at a substantial discount to their faceprincipal amount and are much more sensitive to changes in the underlying credit of the securities and credit
spreads than to fluctuations in interest rates. However, an increase in long-term rates, with other factors held constant, may have a negative impact on the market value of the CMBS portfolio.
(1) Assumes loans are drawn up to maximum approved advance rate based on current principal amount outstanding as of December 31, 2023.
| |
(1) | As of December 31, 2017. Assumes loans are drawn up to maximum approved advance rate based on current principal amount outstanding as of December 31, 2017. |
For a further discussion, see Part II, Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Interest Rate Risk."
On March 5, 2021, the Financial Conduct Authority of the U.K. (the “FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced (the “FCA Announcement”) that all relevant LIBOR tenors would cease to be published or would no longer be representative after June 30, 2023. The FCA Announcement coincided with the March 5, 2021 announcement of LIBOR’s administrator, the ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (the “IBA”), indicating that, as a result of not having access to input data necessary to calculate relevant LIBOR tenors on a representative basis after June 30, 2023, the IBA would have to cease publication of such LIBOR tenors immediately after the last publication on June 30, 2023. Further, on March 15, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, which includes the Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act, was signed into law in the United States. This legislation established a uniform benchmark replacement process for financial contracts maturing after June 30, 2023 that do not contain clearly defined or practicable fallback provisions. The legislation also created a safe harbor that shields lenders from litigation if they choose to utilize a replacement rate recommended by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve.
The Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rate Committee, a committee convened by the Federal Reserve that includes major market participants, identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or SOFR, an index calculated by short-term repurchase agreements, backed by Treasury securities, as its preferred alternative rate for LIBOR. There are significant differences between LIBOR and SOFR, such as LIBOR being an unsecured lending rate while SOFR is a secured lending rate, and SOFR is an overnight rate while LIBOR reflects term rates at different maturities. The differences between LIBOR and SOFR, could result in higher interest costs for us, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
As of December 31, 2023, our floating-rate loan portfolio and financing arrangements were all indexed to Term SOFR.
Taxation of the Company
We elected to be treated as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2014 and expect to continue to operate so as to qualify as a REIT. So long as we qualify as a REIT, we generally
will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on net taxable income that we distribute annually to our stockholders. In order to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the real estate qualification of sources of our income, the composition and values of our assets, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the diversity of ownership of our stock. In order to comply with REIT requirements, we may need to forego otherwise attractive opportunities and limit our expansion opportunities and limit the manner in which we conduct our operations.
See Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors—Risks Related to our REIT Status and Certain Other Tax Considerations."
Competition
We are engaged in a competitive business. In our lending and investing activities, we compete for opportunities with a variety of institutional lenders and investors, including other REITs, specialty finance companies, public and private funds (including funds that KKR or its affiliates may in the future sponsor, advise and/or manage), commercial and investment banks, commercial finance and insurance companies and other financial institutions. Several other REITs have raised, or are expected to raise, significant amounts of capital, and may have investment objectives that overlap with ours, which may create additional competition for lending and investment opportunities. Some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to us. Many of our competitors are not subject to the operating constraints associated with REIT rule compliance or maintenance of an exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of loans and investments, offer more attractive pricing or other terms and establish more relationships than us. Furthermore, competition for originations of and investments in our target assets may lead to the yields of such assets decreasing, which may further limit our ability to generate satisfactory returns.
In addition, changes in the financial regulatory regime could decrease the current restrictions on banks and other financial institutions and allow them to compete with us for investment opportunities that were previously not available to them. See Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Company—Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations, changes in the interpretation thereof or newly enacted laws or regulations and any failure by us to comply with these laws or regulations, could require changes to certain of our business practices, negatively impact our operations, cash flow or financial condition, impose additional costs on us, subject us to increased competition or otherwise adversely affect our business."
We believe access to our Manager's and KKR's professionals and their industry expertise and relationships provide us with competitive advantages in assessing risks and determining appropriate pricing for potential investments. We believe these relationships will enable us to compete more effectively for attractive investment opportunities. However, we may not be able to achieve our business goals or expectations due to the competitive risks that we face. For additional information concerning these competitive risks, see Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Lending and Investment Activities—We operate in a competitive market for lending and investment opportunities, and competition may limit our ability to originate or acquire desirable loans and investments or dispose of assets we target and could also affect the yields of these assets and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations."
EmployeesHuman Capital
We do not have any employees. We are externally managed by our Manager pursuant to the management agreement between our Manager and us. Our executive officers are employees of our Manager or one or more of its affiliates. See "—Our"Our Manager and KKR."
Additional Information Available
Our website address is www.kkrreit.com. Information on our website is not incorporated by reference herein and is not a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We make available free of charge on our website or provide a link on our website to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. To access these filings, go to the “Investor Relations” page on our website, then click on “SEC Filings”. You may also read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from the SEC’s internet site at http://www.sec.gov.
From time to time, we may use our website at www.kkrreit.com as a channel of distribution of material information. Financial and other material information regarding our company is routinely posted and accessible on our website. In addition, you may automatically receive e-mail alerts and other information about our company by enrolling your e-mail address by visiting the “E-mail Alerts” section of the “Investor Relations” page on our website.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The following risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations, and the
trading price of our common stock could decline. These risk factors do not identify all risks that we face, and our operations
could also be affected by factors that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial to our
operations. Due to risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, our past financial results may not be a reliable indicator of
future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods. Refer also to the
other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements and the related notes thereto.
Risks Related to Our Lending and Investment Activities
We operate in a competitive market for lending and investment opportunities, and competition may limit our ability to originate or acquire desirable loans and investments or dispose of assets we target and could also affect the yields of these assets and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
A number of entities compete with us to make the types of loans and investments we seek to originate or acquire. Our profitability depends, in large part, on our ability to originate or acquire target assets on attractive terms. In originating or acquiring target assets, we compete with a variety of institutional lenders and investors, including other REITs, specialty finance companies, public and private funds (including funds thatsponsored, advised and/or managed by KKR or its affiliates may in the future sponsor, advise and/or manage)affiliates), commercial and investment banks, commercial finance and insurance companies and other financial institutions. Several other REITs have raised, or are expected to raise, significant amounts of capital, and may have investment objectives that overlap with ours, which may create additional competition for lending and investment opportunities. Some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to us, such as the U.S. government. Many of our competitors are not subject to the operating constraints associated with REIT rule compliance or maintenance of an exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of loans and investments, offer more attractive pricing or other terms and establish more relationships than us. Furthermore, competition for originations of and investments in our target assets may lead to the yields of such assets decreasing, which may further limit our ability to generate satisfactory returns. In addition, changes in the financial regulatory regime resulting from the current administration could decrease the current restrictions on banks and other financial institutions and allow them to compete with us for investment opportunities that were previously not available to them. "—RisksSee “Risks Related to Our Company—Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations, changes in the interpretation thereof or newly enacted laws or regulations and any failure by us to comply with these laws or regulations, could require changes to certain of our business practices, negatively impact our operations, cash flow or financial condition, impose additional costs on us, subject us to increased competition or otherwise adversely affect our business."business” below.
As a result of this competition, desirable loans and investments in our target assets may be limited in the future and we may not be able to take advantage of attractive lending and investment opportunities from time to time. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to identify and originate loans or make investments that are consistent with our investment objectives. We cannot assure you that the competitive pressures we face will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, our investment strategy with respect to certain types of investments may depend, in part, on our ability to enter into satisfactory relationships with joint ventures, operating partners and/or strategic co-investors. There can be no assurance that current relationships with such parties such as SteepRock, will continue (whether on currently applicable terms or otherwise) or that we will be able to establish relationships with other such persons in the future if desired and on terms favorable to us.
Our loans and investments expose us to risks associated with debt-oriented real estate investments generally.
We seek to invest primarily in debt investments in or relating to real estate assets. Any deteriorationDeterioration of real estate fundamentals generally, and in the United States in particular, could negatively impact our performance, increasehas increased the default risk applicable to borrowers, and/or makeand made it relatively more difficult for us to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns.returns and comtinue to negatively impact our performance. Changes in general economic conditions will affecthave affected the creditworthiness of borrowers and/orand the value of underlying real estate collateral relating to our investmentsinvestments. Such changes and have included and/or may in the future include economic and/or market fluctuations, increases in remote working arrangements, changes in environmental, zoning and other laws, casualty or condemnation losses, regulatory limitations on rents, decreases in property values, changes in the appeal of properties to tenants, changes in supply and demand of real estate products, fluctuations in real estate fundamentals (including average occupancy and room rates for hotel properties), energy and supply shortages, various uninsured or uninsurable risks, natural
disasters, terrorism, acts of war, outbreaks of pandemic or contagious diseases such as COVID-19, changes in government regulations (such as rent control), political and legislative
uncertainty, changes in monetary policy, changes in real property tax rates and operating expenses, changes in interest rates, changes in the availability of debt financing and/or mortgage funds which may render the sale or refinancing of properties difficult or impracticable, increased mortgage defaults, increases in borrowing rates, escalating global trade tensions, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, deteriorating geopolitical conditions in the Middle East, the adoption or expansion of economic sanctions or trade restrictions, negative developments in the economy that depress travel activity, adverse changes in demand and/or real estate values generally and other factors that are beyond our control. In addition, our investments may be exposed to new or increased risks and liabilities associated with global climate change, such as increased frequency or intensity of adverse weather and natural disasters, which could negatively impact our and our borrowers' businesses and the value of the properties securing our investments.
We cannot predict the degree to which economic conditions generally, and the conditions for real estate debt investing in particular, will improve or decline. Any future declines in the performance of the U.S. and global economies or in the real estate debt markets could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
MezzanineFluctuations in interest rates and credit spreads could reduce our ability to generate income on our loans preferred equity and other investments, that are subordinated or otherwise juniorwhich could lead to a significant decrease in an issuer's capital structureour results of operations, cash flows and that involve privately negotiated structures expose us to greater riskthe market value of loss.
We invest in debt instruments (including CMBS B-Pieces)our investments and preferred equity that are subordinated or otherwise junior in an issuer's capital structure and that involve privately negotiated structures. Our investments in subordinated debt and mezzanine tranches of a borrower's capital structure andcould materially impair our remedies with respect thereto, including the ability to foreclosepay distributions to our stockholders.
Our primary interest rate exposures relate to the yield on our loans and other investments and the financing cost of our debt, as well as any collateral securinginterest rate swaps that we may utilize for hedging purposes. Changes in interest rates and credit spreads will affect our net income from loans and other investments, which is the difference between the interest and related income earned on interest-earning investments and the interest and related expense incurred in financing these investments. As of December 31, 2023, our floating-rate loan portfolio and financing arrangements were all indexed to Term SOFR. In a declining interest rate environment, our interest income generally decreases as index rates decrease. Also, in a declining interest rate environment, the value of our fixed-rate investments may increase and if interest rates were to increase, the value of these fixed-rate investments may fall; however, the interest income generated by these fixed-rate investments would not be affected by market interest rates. The interest rates we pay under our current financing facilities are floating-rate. Accordingly, our interest expense will generally increase as interest rates increase and decrease as interest rates decrease. Generally, the composition of our investments is such that rising interest rates will increase our net income, while declining interest rates will decrease our net income. However, rate floors relating to our floating-rate loans may offset some of the impact from declining rates. There can be no assurance that we will continue to utilize rate floors.
In recent years, interest rates had remained at relatively low levels on a historical basis. However, since January 2022, in light of increasing inflation, the U.S. Federal Reserve increased interest rates eleven times. These increases have increased our borrowers interest payments, and adversely affected commercial real estate property values, and could result in higher borrower default rates.
Notwithstanding the current period of relatively high interest rates, the U.S. Federal Reserve has indicated that it may decrease interest rates in 2024. In a period of declining interest rates, our interest income on floating-rate investments would generally decrease, while any decrease in the interest we are charged on our floating-rate debt may be subject to floors and may not compensate for such decrease in interest income. However, rate floors relating to our loan portfolio may offset some of the rights of any senior creditors and, to the extent applicable, contractual intercreditor and/or participation agreement provisions. Significant losses related toimpact from declining rates. In addition, interest we are charged on our fixed-rate debt would not change. Any such loans or investmentsscenario could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
InvestmentsOur operating results depend, in subordinated debt involve greaterpart, on differences between the income earned on our investments, net of credit risk of defaultlosses, and our financing costs. The yields we earn on our floating-rate assets and our borrowing costs tend to move in the same direction in response to changes in interest rates. However, one can rise or fall faster than the senior classes ofother, causing our net interest margin to expand or contract. In addition, we could experience reductions in the issue or series. As a result, with respect toyield on our investments and an increase in CMBS B-Pieces, mezzanine loans and other subordinated debt,the cost of our financing. Although we would potentially receive payments or interest distributions after, and must bear the effects of losses or defaults on the senior debt (including underlying senior loans, senior mezzanine loans, B-Notes, preferred equity or senior CMBS bonds, as applicable) before, the holders of other more senior tranches of debt instruments with respectseek to such issuer. Asmatch the terms of suchour liabilities to the expected lives of loans andthat we acquire or originate, circumstances may arise in which our liabilities are shorter in duration than our assets, resulting in their adjusting faster in response to changes in interest rates. For any period during which our investments are subjectnot match-funded, the income earned on such investments may respond more slowly to contractual relationships among lenders, co-lending agentsinterest rate fluctuations than the cost of our borrowings. Consequently, changes in interest rates, particularly short-term interest rates, may immediately and others, they can vary significantly decrease our results of operations and cash flows and the market value of our investments. Interest rate and credit spread fluctuations resulting in their structural characteristicsour interest and other risks.
Mezzanine loans are by their nature structurally subordinatedrelated expense exceeding interest and related income would result in operating losses for us, and any such reduction in our net interest income could materially impair our ability to more senior property-level financings. If a borrower defaults on our mezzanine loan or on debt seniorpay distributions to our loan,stockholders. Changes in the level of interest rates and credit spreads may also affect our ability to make loans or if the borrower is in bankruptcy, our mezzanine loan will be satisfied only after the property-level debtinvestments and other senior debt is paid in full. As a result, a partial loss in the value of the underlying collateral can result in a total loss of the value of the mezzanine loan. In addition, even if we are able to foreclose on the underlying collateral following a default on a mezzanine loan, we would be substituted for the defaulting borrower and, to the extent income generated on the underlying property is insufficient to meet outstanding debt obligations on the property, may need to commit substantial additional capital and/or deliver a replacement guarantee by a creditworthy entity, which could include us, to stabilize the property and prevent additional defaults to lenders with existing liens on the property.
Investments in preferred equity involve a greater risk of loss than conventional debt financing due to a variety of factors, including their non-collateralized nature and subordinated ranking to otherour loans and liabilitiesinvestments.
Furthermore, increases in which such preferred equity is held. Accordingly, if the issuer defaults on our investment, we would only be able to proceed against such entity in accordance with the terms of the preferred equity,interest rates and/or credit spreads may negatively affect demand for loans and not against any property owned by such entity. Furthermore, in the event of bankruptcy or foreclosure, we would only be able to recoup our investment after all lenders to, and other creditors of, such entity are paid in full. As a result, we may lose all or a significant part of our investment, which could result in significant losses.higher borrower default rates, while decreases in interest rates and/or credit spreads may decrease our interest income on floating-rate investments and may lead to higher prepayment rates on our loans.
In addition, our investments in senior loans may be effectively subordinated to the extent we borrow under a warehouse loan (which can be in the form of a repurchase agreement) or similar facility and pledge the senior loan as collateral. Under these arrangements, the lender has a right to repayment of the borrowed amount before we can collect on the value of the senior loan, and therefore if the value of the pledged senior loan decreases below the amount we have borrowed, we would experience a loss.
We may not have control over certain of our loans and investments.
Our ability to manage our portfolio of loans and investments may be limited by the form in which they are made. In certain situations, we may:
•acquire investments subject to rights of senior classes, special servicers or collateral managers under intercreditor, servicing agreements or securitization documents;
•pledge our investments as collateral for financing arrangements;
•acquire only a minority and/or a non-controlling participation in an underlying investment;
•co-invest with others through partnerships, joint ventures or other entities, thereby acquiring non-controlling interests; or
•rely on independent third-party management or servicing with respect to the management of an asset.
Therefore, we may not be able to exercise control over all aspects of our loans or investments. Such financial assets may involve risks not present in investments where senior creditors, junior creditors, servicers or third partiesthird-party controlling investors are not involved. Our rights to control the process following a borrower default may be subject to the rights of senior or junior creditors or servicers whose interests may not be aligned with ours. A partner or co-venturer may have financial difficulties resulting in a negative impact on such asset, may have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with ours, or may be in a position to take action contrary to our investment objectives. In addition, we will generally pay all or a portion of the expenses relating to our joint ventures and we may, in certain circumstances, be liable for the actions of our partners or co-venturers.
CRE-related investments that are secured, directly or indirectly, by real property are subject to delinquency, foreclosure and loss, which could result in losses to us.
CRE debt instruments (e.g., mortgages, mezzanine loans and preferred equity) that are secured by commercial property are subject to risks of delinquency and foreclosure and risks of loss that are greater than similar risks associated with loans made on the security of single-family residential property. The ability of a borrower to repay a loan secured by an income-producing property typically is dependent primarily upon the successful operation of the property rather than upon the existence of independent income or assets of the borrower. If the net operating income of the property is reduced, the borrower'sborrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. Net operating income of an income-producing property can be affected by, among other things:
•tenant mix and tenant bankruptcies;
•success of tenant businesses;
•property management decisions, including with respect to capital improvements, particularly in older building structures;
•property location and condition;
•competition from other properties offering the same or similar services;
•changes in laws that increase operating expenses or limit rents that may be charged;
•any liabilities relating to environmental matters at the property;
•changes in global, national, regional or local economic conditions and/or specific industry segments;
•increases in remote working arrangements and the subsequent effect on demand for CRE;
•global trade disruption, supply chain issues, significant introduction of trade barriers and bilateral trade frictions;
•labor shortages and increasing wages;
•higher inflation rates;
•declines in global, national, regional or local real estate values;
•declines in global, national, regional or local rental or occupancy rates;
•changes in interest rates and in the state of the credit and securitization markets and the debt and equity capital markets, including diminished availability or lack of debt financing for CRE;
•changes in real estate tax rates and other operating expenses;
•changes in governmental rules, regulations and fiscal policies, including environmental legislation, income tax regulations and environmentalother tax legislation;
•outbreaks of contagious or pandemic diseases, including COVID-19;
•acts of God, natural disasters, climate change related risks, terrorism, social unrest and civil disturbances, which may decrease the availability of or increase the cost of insurance or result in uninsured losses; and
•adverse changes in zoning laws.
In addition, we are exposed to the risk of judicial proceedings with our borrowers and entities in which we invest, including bankruptcy or other litigation, as a strategy to avoid foreclosure or enforcement of other rights by us as a lender or investor. In the event that any of the properties or entities underlying or collateralizing our loans or investments experiences any of the foregoing events or occurrences, the value of, and return on, such investments could decline and could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Fluctuations in interest rates could reduce our ability to generate income on our loans and other investments, which could lead to a significant decrease in our results of operations.
Our primary interest rate exposures will relate to the yield on our investments and the financing cost of debt, as well as any interest rate swaps that we utilize for hedging purposes. Changes in interest rates will affect our net income from loans and other investments, which is the difference between the interest and related income earned on interest-earning investments and the interest and related expense incurred in financing these investments. Interest rate fluctuations resulting in our interest and related expense exceeding interest and related income would result in operating losses for us. Changes in the level of interest rates may also affect our ability to make loans or investments and the value of our loans and investments. Changes in interest rates may also negatively affect demand for loans and could result in higher borrower default rates.
Loans on properties in transition will involve a greater risk of loss than conventional mortgage loans.
We mayprimarily invest in transitional loans to borrowers who are typically seeking short-term capital to be used in an acquisition or rehabilitation of a property. The typical borrower under a transitional loan has usually identified an undervalued asset that has been under-managed and/or is located in a recovering market. If the market in which the asset is located fails to improve according to the borrower'sborrower’s projections, or if the borrower fails to improve the quality of the asset'sasset’s management and/or the value of the asset, the borrower may not receive a sufficient return on the asset to satisfy the transitional loan, and we bear the risk that we may not recover some or all of our investment.
Furthermore, the renovation, refurbishment or expansion of a property by a borrower involves risks of cost overruns and noncompletion. Estimates of the costs of improvements to bring an acquired property up to standards established for the market position intended for that property may prove inaccurate. Other risks may include rehabilitation costs exceeding original estimates, possibly making a project uneconomical, environmental risks, delays in legal and other approvals (e.g., for condominiums) and rehabilitation and subsequent leasing of the property not being completed on schedule. If such renovation is not completed in a timely manner, or if it costs more than expected, the borrower may experience a prolonged reduction of net operating income and may not be able to make payments on our investment on a timely basis or at all, which could result in significant losses.
In addition, borrowers usually use the proceeds of a conventional mortgage to repay a transitional loan. Transitional loans therefore are subject to risks of a borrower'sborrower’s inability to obtain permanent financing to repay the transitional loan.loan and to the broader availability of conventional mortgages at amenable rates. In the event of any default under transitional loans that may be held by us, we bear the risk of loss of principal and non-payment of interest and fees to the extent of any deficiency between the value of the mortgage collateral and the principal amount and unpaid interest of the transitional loan. To the extent we suffer such losses with respect to these transitional loans, it could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Prepayment rates may adversely affect the value of our portfolio of assets.
Generally, our borrowers may repay their loans prior to their stated final maturities. In periods of declining interest rates and/or credit spreads, prepayment rates on loans generally increase. If general interest rates orand credit spreads decline at the same time, the proceeds of such prepayments received during such periods are likely to be reinvested by us in assets yielding less than the yields on the assets that were prepaid. We may not be able to reinvest the principal repaid at the same or higher yield of the original investment. Conversely, in periods of rising interest rates, prepayment rates are likely to decrease and the number of our borrowers who exercise extension options, which could extend beyond the term of certain secured financing agreements we use to finance our loan investments, is likely to increase. This could have a negative impact on our results of operations, and in some situations, we may be forced to sell assets to maintain adequate liquidity, which could cause us to incur losses.
In addition, the value of our assets may be affected by prepayment rates on loans. If we originate or acquire mortgage-related securities or a pool of mortgage securities, we anticipate that the underlying mortgages will prepay at a projected rate generating an expected yield. If we purchase assets at a premium to par value, when borrowers prepay their loans faster than expected, the corresponding prepayments on the mortgage-related securities may reduce the expected yield on such securities because we will have to amortize the related premium on an accelerated basis. Conversely, if we purchase assets at a discount to par value, when borrowers prepay their loans slower than expected, the decrease in corresponding prepayments on the mortgage-related securities may reduce the expected yield on such securities because we will not be able to accrete the related discount as quickly as originally anticipated. In addition, as a result of the risk of prepayment, the market value of the prepaid assets may benefit less than other fixed income securities from declining interest rates.
Prepayment rates on loans may be affected by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the then-current level of interest rates and credit spreads, fluctuations in asset values, the availability of mortgage credit, the relative economic vitality of the area in which the related properties are located, the servicing of the loans, possible changes in tax laws, other opportunities for investment, and other economic, social, geographic, demographic and legal factors and other factors beyond our control. Consequently, such prepayment rates cannot be predicted with certainty and no strategy can completely insulate us from prepayment or other such risks. If prepayment rates exceed our expectations, we may have greater difficulty in redeploying the proceeds into new investment opportunities, which may significantly increase our cash balance and exacerbate the risks related to our cash management strategy. For further discussion of the risks related to capital deployment, see “Difficulty in redeploying the proceeds from repayments of our existing loans and investments may cause our financial performance and returns to investors to suffer” below.
Difficulty in redeploying the proceeds from repayments of our existing loans and investments may cause our financial performance and returns to investors to suffer.
As our loans and investments are repaid, we may redeploy the proceeds we receive into new loans and investments, repay borrowings under our credit facilities, pay dividends to our stockholders or repurchase outstanding shares of our common stock. It is possible that we will fail to identify reinvestment options that would provide returns or a risk profile that is comparable to the asset that was repaid. If we fail to redeploy the proceeds we receive from repayment of a loan in equivalent or better alternatives in a timely manner, our financial performance and returns to investors could suffer.
In light of our investment strategy and the need to be able to deployinvest capital quickly to capitalize on potential investment opportunities, we may from time to time maintain cash pending deployment into investments, which may at times be significant. Such cash may be held in an account of ours for the benefit of stockholders or may be invested in money market accounts or other similar temporary investments. While the duration of such holding period is expected to be relatively short, in the event we are unable to find suitable investments, such cash positions may be maintained for longer periods. It is not anticipated that the temporary investment of such cash into money market accounts or other similar temporary investments pending deployment into investments will generate significant interest, and such low interest payments on the temporarily invested cash may adversely affect our financial performance and returns to investors.
In addition, we have also invested in CMBS, and may from time to time invest in CMBS and CRE CLO securities as part of our short-term cash management strategy. Subordinate interests such as CMBS, CRE CLO securities and similar structured finance investments generally are not actively traded and are relatively illiquid investments. Volatility in CMBS and CRE CLO trading markets may cause the value of these investments to decline. In addition, if the underlying mortgage portfolio has been overvalued by the originator, or if the values subsequently decline and, as a result, less collateral value is available to satisfy interest and principal payments and any other fees in connection with the trust or other conduit arrangement for such securities, we may incur significant losses. For further discussion of the risks related to such investments, see “Our investments in CMBS and other similarly structured finance investments, as well as those we structure, sponsor or arrange, would pose additional risks, including the risks of the securitization process, the risk that we will not be able to recover some or all of our investment, the possibility that the CMBS market will be significantly affected by current or future regulation and the risk that we will not be able to hedge or transfer our CMBS B-Piece investments for a significant period of time” below.
The due diligence process that our Manager undertakes in regard to investment opportunities may not reveal all facts that may be relevant in connection with an investment and if our Manager incorrectly evaluates the risks of our investments, we may experience losses.
Before making investments for us, our Manager conducts due diligence that it deems reasonable and appropriate based on the facts and circumstances relevant to each potential investment. When conducting due diligence, our Manager may be required to evaluate a number of important and complexissues, including but not limited to those relating to business, financial, tax, accounting, environmental, social & corporate governance ("ESG"), technology, cybersecurity, legal, regulatory and legal issues.macroeconomic trends. The nature and scope of our Manager’s ESG diligence, if any, will vary based on the investment opportunity, but may include a review of, among other things: energy management, air and water pollution, land contamination, diversity, human rights, employee health and safety, accounting standards and bribery and corruption. Outside consultants, legal advisors, accountants and investment banks may be involved in the due diligence process in varying degrees depending on the type of potential investment. Selecting and evaluating material ESG factors is subjective by nature, and there is no guarantee that the criteria utilized or judgment exercised by our Manager or a third-party ESG specialist (if any) will reflect the beliefs, values, internal policies or preferred practices of any particular investor or align with the beliefs or values or preferred practices of other asset managers or with market trends. The materiality of ESG risks and impacts on an individual potential investment or portfolio as a whole are dependent on many factors, including the relevant industry, country, asset class and investment style.
Our Manager'sManager’s loss estimates based on its due diligence process may not prove accurate, as actual results may vary from estimates. If our Manager underestimates the asset-level losses relative to the price we pay for a particular investment, we may experience losses with respect to such investment. Moreover, investment analyses and decisions by our Manager may frequently be required to be undertaken on an expedited basis to take advantage of investment opportunities. In such cases, the information available to our Manager at the time of making an investment decision may be limited, and it may not have access to detailed information regarding such investment. Further, certain considerations covered by our Manager’s diligence, such as ESG, are continuously evolving, including from an assessment, regulatory and compliance standpoint, and our Manager may not accurately or fully anticipate such evolution. Therefore, we cannot assure you that our Manager will have knowledge of all circumstances that may adversely affect such investment.
In addition, it is difficult for real estate debt investors in certain circumstances to receive full transparency with respect to underlying investments because transactions are often effectuated on an indirect basis through pools or conduit vehicles rather than directly with the borrower. Loan structures or the terms of investments may make it difficult for us to monitor and evaluate investments. Therefore, we cannot assure you that our Manager will have knowledge of all information that may adversely affect such investment.
CMBS B-Pieces, mezzanine loans, preferred equity and other investments that are subordinated or otherwise junior in an issuer’s capital structure and that involve privately negotiated structures expose us to greater risk of loss.
We invest in debt instruments (including, indirectly through RECOP I, in CMBS B-Pieces) and may invest in preferred equity that are subordinated or otherwise junior in an issuer’s capital structure and that involve privately negotiated structures. Our investments in subordinated debt and mezzanine tranches of a borrower’s capital structure and our remedies with respect thereto, including the ability to foreclose on any collateral securing such investments, are subject to the rights of any senior creditors and, to the extent applicable, contractual intercreditor and/or participation agreement provisions. Significant losses related to such loans or investments could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Investments in subordinated debt involve greater credit risk of default than the senior classes of the issue or series. As a result, with respect to our investments in CMBS B-Pieces, mezzanine loans and other subordinated debt, we would potentially receive
payments or interest distributions after, and must bear the effects of losses or defaults on the senior debt (including underlying senior loans, senior mezzanine loans, B-Notes, preferred equity or senior CMBS bonds, as applicable) before, the holders of other more senior tranches of debt instruments with respect to such issuer. As the terms of such loans and investments are subject to contractual relationships among lenders, co-lending agents and others, they can vary significantly in their structural characteristics and other risks.
Mezzanine loans are by their nature structurally subordinated to more senior property-level financings. If a borrower defaults on our mezzanine loan or on debt senior to our loan, or if the borrower is in bankruptcy, our mezzanine loan will be satisfied only after the property-level debt and other senior debt is paid in full. In addition, mezzanine loans may have higher loan-to-value ratios than conventional mortgage loans, resulting in less equity in the property and increasing the risk of loss of principal. As a result, a partial loss in the value of the underlying collateral can result in a total loss of the value of the mezzanine loan. Moreover, even if we are able to foreclose on the underlying collateral following a default on a mezzanine loan, we would be substituted for the defaulting borrower and, to the extent income generated on the underlying property is insufficient to meet outstanding debt obligations on the property, may need to commit substantial additional capital and/or deliver a replacement guarantee by a creditworthy entity, which could include us, to stabilize the property and prevent additional defaults to lenders with existing liens on the property. Significant losses related to our mezzanine loans and our indirect CMBS B-Piece investments could result in operating losses for us and may limit our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
Investments in preferred equity involve a greater risk of loss than conventional debt financing due to a variety of factors, including their non-collateralized nature and subordinated ranking to other loans and liabilities of the entity in which such preferred equity is held. Accordingly, if the issuer defaults on our investment, we would only be able to proceed against such entity in accordance with the terms of the preferred equity, and not against any property owned by such entity. Furthermore, in the event of bankruptcy or foreclosure, we would only be able to recoup our investment after all lenders to, and other creditors of, such entity are paid in full. As a result, we may lose all or a significant part of our investment, which could result in significant losses.
In addition, our investments in senior loans may be effectively subordinated to the extent we borrow under a warehouse loan (which can be in the form of a repurchase agreement) or similar facility and pledge the senior loan as collateral. Under these arrangements, the lender has a right to repayment of the borrowed amount before we can collect on the value of the senior loan, and therefore if the value of the pledged senior loan decreases below the amount we have borrowed, we would experience a loss.
Investments may be concentrated in terms of geography, asset types and sponsors, which could subject us to increased risk of loss.loss.
We are not required to observe specific diversification criteria, except as may be set forth in the investment guidelines adopted by our board of directors. Therefore, our investments in our target assets may at times be concentrated in certain property types that may be subject to higher risk of default or foreclosure, or secured by properties concentrated in a limited number of geographic locations.
To the extent that our assets are concentrated in any one region, sponsor or type of asset, economic and business downturns generally relating to such type of asset, sponsor or region may result in defaults on a number of our investments within a short time period, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, because of asset concentrations, even modest changes in the value of the underlying real estate assets could have a significant impact on the value of our investment. As a result of any high levels of concentration, any adverse economic, political, climate-related or other conditions that disproportionately affects those geographic areas or asset classes could have a magnified adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition, and the value of our stockholders'stockholders’ investments could vary more widely than if we invested in a more diverse portfolio of loans.
Our investment strategy may be changed without stockholder consent.
While we primarily seek to make real estate-related debt investments, our Manager may otherwise implement on our behalf strategies or discretionary approaches it believes from time to time may be best suited to prevailing market conditions in furtherance of that purpose, subject to the supervision and direction of our board of directors and the limitations set forth in our organizational documents and governing agreements. There can be no assurance that our Manager will be successful in implementing any particular investment strategy. Our Manager may change our investment strategy or asset allocation at any time without the consent of stockholders, which could result in our Manager making investments that are different from, and possibly riskier than, the investments described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. A change in our investment strategy may
also increase our exposure to interest rate and real estate market fluctuations and could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our investments in CMBS and other similarly structured finance investments, as well as those we structure, sponsor or arrange, would pose additional risks, including the risks of the securitization process, the risk that we will not be able to recover some or all of our investment, the possibility that the CMBS market will be significantly affected by current or future regulation and the risk that we will not be able to hedge or transfer our CMBS B-Piece investments for a significant period of time.
We have invested and may from time to time invest in pools or tranches of CMBS.CMBS and other similar securities. The collateral underlying CMBS generally consists of commercial mortgages or real property that have a multifamily or commercial use, such as retail space, office buildings, warehouse property and hotels. CMBS have been issued in a variety of issuances, with varying structures including senior and subordinated classes. Our investments in CMBS are subject to losses. In general, losses on a mortgaged property securing a senior loan included in a securitization will be borne first by the equity holder of the property, then by a cash reserve fund or letter of credit, if any, then by the holder of a mezzanine loan or B-Note, if any, then by the "first loss"“first loss” subordinated security holder (generally, the B-Piece buyer) and then by the holder of a higher-rated security. In the event of default and the exhaustion of any equity support, reserve fund, letter of credit, mezzanine loans or B-Notes, and any classes of securities junior
to those in which we invest, we will not be able to recover some or all of our investment in the securities we purchase. There can be no assurance that our CMBS underwriting practices will yield their desired results and there can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively achieve our investment objective or that projected returns will be achieved.
In addition, the CMBS market may be significantly affected by current or future regulation. The risk retention rules under the Dodd-Frank Act, which generally require a sponsor of a CMBS transaction to retain, directly or indirectly, at least 5% of the credit risk of the securitized assets collateralizing the CMBS, went into effect in December 2016. The impact of these current and future requirements on the CMBS securitization market generally are uncertain and may result in many CMBS market participants ceasing origination of and investment in CMBS, a lack of liquidity in the CMBS market and increased costs in CMBS transactions. As a result, there may be little or no CMBS investment opportunities available to us and any opportunities that are available may be less attractive than CMBS opportunities prior to the effectiveness of the risk retention rules. The rules may also negatively affect the market value of our current CMBS holdings as well as the larger commercial real estate debt markets.
If we invest in a CMBS B-Piece because a sponsor of a CMBS utilizes us as an eligible third-party purchaser to satisfy the risk retention rules under the Dodd-Frank Act, we will be required to meet certain conditions, including holding the related CMBS B-Piece, without transferring or hedging the CMBS B-Piece, for a significant period of time (at least five years), which could prevent us from mitigating losses on the CMBS B-Piece. Even if we seek to transfer the CMBS B-Piece after five years, any subsequent purchaser of the CMBS B-Piece will be required to satisfy the same conditions that we were required to satisfy when we acquired the interest from the CMBS sponsor. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any secondary market liquidity will exist for such CMBS B-Pieces.
We currently have and expect to make our CMBS B-Piece investments indirectly through our investment in an aggregator vehicle alongside RECOP I, a KKR-managed investment fund. See "—Risks“Risks Related to Our Relationship with Our Manager and Its Affiliates—There are various conflicts of interest in our relationship with KKR, including with our Manager and in the allocation of investment opportunities to KKR investment vehicles and us, which could result in decisions that are not in the best interests of our stockholders"stockholders” and Part II, Item 7. "Management's“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Our Portfolio."”
Any credit ratings assigned to our investments or to us will be subject to ongoing evaluations and revisions and we cannot assure you that those ratings will not be downgraded.
Some of our investments may be rated by rating agencies. Any credit ratings assigned to our investments or to us are subject to ongoing evaluation by credit rating agencies, and we cannot assure you that any such ratings will not be downgraded or withdrawn by a rating agency in the future if, in its judgment, circumstances warrant. If rating agencies assign a lower-than-expected rating or reduce or withdraw, or indicate that they may reduce or withdraw, their ratings of our investments in the future, the value and liquidity of our investments could significantly decline, which would adversely affect the value of our investment portfolio and could result in losses upon disposition or the failure of borrowers to satisfy their debt service obligations to us.
Further, any downgrade of the Company’s credit ratings by any of credit agencies that cover our debt may make it more difficult and costly for us to access capital. Our credit rating has been downgraded in the past and there can be no assurances that our credit ratings will not be downgraded in the future, whether as a result of deteriorating general economic conditions, failure to successfully implement our operating strategy or the adverse impact on our results of operations or liquidity position of any of the above, or otherwise.
We have in the past, and may in the future, need to foreclose on certain of the loans we originate or acquire, which could result in losses that harm our results of operations and financial condition.
We may find it necessary or desirable to foreclose on certain of the loans we originate or acquire, have acquired and may in the future further acquire through foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, the ownership of property securing our loans, and the foreclosure process may be lengthy and expensive. If we foreclose on an asset, we may take title to the property securing that asset, and if we do not or cannot sell the property, we would then come to own and operate it as “real estate owned”. Owning and operating real property involves risks that are different (and in many ways more significant) than the risks faced in owning a loan secured by that property. The costs associated with operating and redeveloping the property, including any operating shortfalls and significant capital expenditures, could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. In addition, at such time that we elect to sell such property, the liquidation proceeds upon sale of the underlying real estate may not be sufficient to recover our cost basis, resulting in a loss to us. Furthermore, any costs or delays involved in the maintenance or liquidation of the underlying property will further reduce the net proceeds and, thus, increase the loss.
Whether or not we have participated in the negotiation of the terms of any such loans, we cannot assure you as to the adequacy of the protection of the terms of the applicable loan, including the validity or enforceability of the loan and the maintenance of the anticipated priority and perfection of the applicable security interests. Furthermore, claims may be asserted by lenders or borrowers that might interfere with enforcement of our rights. Borrowers may resist foreclosure actions by asserting numerous claims, counterclaims and defenses against us, including, without limitation, lender liability claims and defenses, even when the assertions may have no basis in fact, in an effort to prolong the foreclosure action and seek to force the lender into a modification of the loan or a favorable buy-out of the borrower'sborrower’s position in the loan. In some states, foreclosure actions can take several years or more to litigate. At any time prior to or during the foreclosure proceedings, the borrower may file for bankruptcy, which would have the effect of staying the foreclosure actions and further delaying the foreclosure process and potentially resultsresulting in a reduction or discharge of a borrower'sborrower’s debt. Foreclosure may create a negative public perception of the related property, resulting in a diminution of its value.
Even if we are successful in foreclosing on a loan, the liquidation proceeds upon sale of the underlying real estate may not be sufficient to recover our cost basis in the loan, resulting in a loss.loss to us. Furthermore, any costs or delays involved in the foreclosure of the loan or a liquidation of the underlying property will further reduce the net sale proceeds and, thus,therefore, increase any such losslosses to us.
We may also be subject to environmental liabilities arising from such properties acquired in the foreclosure process. Under various U.S. federal, state and local laws, an owner or operator of real property may become liable for the costs of removal of certain hazardous substances released on its property. These laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release of such hazardous substances. If we assume ownership of any properties underlying our loans, the presence of hazardous substances on a property may adversely affect our ability to sell the property and we may incur substantial remediation costs. As a result, the discovery of material environmental liabilities attached to such properties could materially and adversely affect us.
We may be subject to lender liability claims, and if we are held liable under such claims, we could be subject to losses.
In recent years, a number of judicial decisions have upheld the right of borrowers to sue lending institutions on the basis of various evolving legal theories, collectively termed "lender“lender liability."” Generally, lender liability is founded on the premise that a lender has either violated a duty, whether implied or contractual, of good faith and fair dealing owed to the borrower or has assumed a degree of control over the borrower resulting in the creation of a fiduciary duty owed to the borrower or its other creditors or stockholders. No assurance can be given that such claims will not arise or that we will not be subject to significant liability if a claim of this type did arise.
Any distressed loans or investments we make, or loans and investments that later become distressed, may subject us to losses and other risks relating to bankruptcy proceedings.
While our investment strategy focuses primarily on investments in "performing"“performing” real estate-related interests, our investment program may include making distressed investments from time to time (e.g., investments in defaulted, out-of-favor or distressed bank loans and debt securities) or may involve investments that become "non-performing"“non-performing” following our origination or acquisition thereof. Certain of our investments may, therefore, include specific securities of companies that typically are highly leveraged, with significant burdens on cash flow and, therefore, involve a high degree of risk of substantial or total losses on our investments and in certain circumstances, may become subject to certain additional potential liabilities that may exceed the value of our original investment therein. For example, under certain circumstances, a lender who has inappropriately exercised control over the management and policies of a debtor may have its claims subordinated or disallowed or may be found liable for damages suffered by parties as a result of such actions. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to our investments, we may lose our entire investment, may be required to accept cash or securities with a value less than our original investment and/or may be required to accept payment over an extended period of time. In addition, under certain circumstances, payments to us and distributions by us to the stockholders may be reclaimed if any such payment or distribution is later determined to have been a fraudulent conveyance, preferential payment or similar transaction under applicable bankruptcy and insolvency laws. Furthermore, bankruptcy laws and similar laws applicable to administrative proceedings may delay our ability to realize on collateral for loan positions held by us or may adversely affect the priority of such loans through doctrines such as equitable subordination or may result in a restructure of the debt through principles such as the "cramdown" provisions of the bankruptcy laws.
We may experience a decline in the fair value of our assets.
A decline in the fair value of our assets may require us to recognize an "other-than-temporary" impairment against such assets under GAAP if we were to determine that, with respect to any assets in unrealized loss positions, we do not have the ability and intent to hold such assets to maturity or for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery to the original acquisition cost of such assets. If such a determination were to be made, we would recognize unrealized losses through earnings and write down the amortized cost of such assets to a new cost basis, based on the fair value of such assets on the date they are considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired. Such impairment charges reflect non-cash losses at the time of recognition; subsequent disposition or sale of such assets could further affect our future losses or gains, as they are based on the difference between the sale price received and adjusted amortized cost of such assets at the time of sale. If we experience a decline in the fair value of our assets, it could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Some of our portfolio investments may be recorded at fair value and, as a result, there will be uncertainty as to the value of these investments.
Some or all of our portfolio investments may be in the form of positions or securities that are not publicly traded and are recorded at their estimated fair value. The fair value of investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable. Our Manager will value these investments at fair value which may include unobservable inputs. Because such valuations are subjective, the fair value of certain of our assets may fluctuate over short periods of time and our Manager's determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these securities existed. Our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected if our Manager's determinations regarding the fair value of these investments were materially higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon their disposal.
We may invest in derivative instruments, which would subject us to increased risk of loss.
Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT, we may also invest in, or use as part of our investment strategy, certain derivative instruments, including swaps, futures, forwards and options. Generally, a derivative is a financial contract the value of which depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index and may relate to individual debt or equity instruments, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates, commodities, related indices or other assets. The gross returns to be exchanged or swapped between the parties under a derivative instrument are generally calculated with respect to a "notional amount," which may be significantly greater than the amount of cash or assets required to establish or maintain the derivative position. Accordingly, trading in derivative instruments can result in large amounts of leverage, which may magnify the gains and losses experienced by us in respect of derivative instruments and may result in a loss of capital that is more exaggerated than would have resulted from an investment that did not involve the use of leverage inherent in the derivative contract.
While the judicious use of derivative instruments can be beneficial, such instruments involve risks different from, and, in certain cases, greater than, the risks presented by more traditional investments. Many of the derivative instruments used by us will be privately negotiated in over-the-counter ("OTC") markets. Such derivatives are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with equities and bonds. The use of derivative instruments also requires an understanding not only of the underlying asset, reference rate or index but also of the derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions. The use of derivative instruments may also require us to sell or purchase portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices below or above the current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation we can realize on an investment or may cause us to hold a security that it might otherwise want to sell. We may also have to defer closing out certain derivative positions to avoid adverse tax consequences and there may be situations in which derivative instruments are not elected that result in losses greater than if such instruments had been used. Furthermore, amounts paid by us as premiums and cash or other assets held in margin accounts with respect to our derivative instruments would not be available to us for other investment purposes, which may result in lost opportunities for gain.
Investing in derivative instruments may present various additional market and counterparty-related risks including, but not limited to:
| |
• | Lack of Liquidity: Derivative instruments, especially when purchased in large amounts, may not be liquid in all circumstances, so that in volatile markets we may not be able to close out a position without incurring a loss. Although both OTC and exchange-traded derivative markets may experience the lack of liquidity, OTC non-standardized derivative transactions are generally less liquid than exchange-traded instruments, particularly because participants in OTC markets are not required to make continuous markets in the contracts they trade.
|
| |
• | Volatility: The prices of derivative instruments, including swaps, futures, forwards and options, are highly volatile and such instruments may subject us to significant losses. The value of such derivatives also depends upon the price of the underlying asset, reference rate or index, which may also be subject to volatility. In addition, actual or implied daily limits on price fluctuations and speculative position limits on the exchanges or OTC markets in which we may conduct our transactions in derivative instruments may prevent prompt liquidation of positions, subjecting us to the potential of greater losses. Derivative instruments that may be purchased or sold by us may include instruments not traded on an exchange. The risk of nonperformance by the obligor on such an instrument may be greater and the ease with which we can dispose of or enter into closing transactions with respect to such an instrument may be less than in the case of an exchange-traded instrument. In addition, significant disparities may exist between "bid" and "asked" prices for derivative instruments that are traded OTC and not on an exchange. Such OTC derivatives are also typically not subject to the same type of investor protections or governmental regulation as exchange traded instruments.
|
| |
• | Imperfect Correlation: When used for hedging purposes, an imperfect or variable degree of correlation between price movements of the derivative instrument and the underlying asset, reference rate or index sought to be hedged may prevent us from achieving the intended hedging effect or expose us to the risk of loss. The imperfect correlation between the value of a derivative and the underlying assets may result in losses on the derivative transaction that are greater than the gain in the value of the underlying assets in our portfolio.
|
| |
• | Valuation Risk: The derivative instruments used by us may be difficult to value or involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, especially where the markets for such derivatives instruments are illiquid and/or such derivatives involve complex structures, or where there is imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative instrument and the underlying asset, reference rate or index.
|
| |
• | Counterparty Risk: Derivative instruments also involve exposure to counterparty risk, since contract performance depends in part on the financial condition of the counterparty. See "—Risks Related to Our Financing and Hedging —We will be subject to counterparty risk associated with any hedging activities."
|
Additionally, our Manager may cause us to take advantage of investment opportunities with respect to derivative instruments that are neither presently contemplated nor currently available, but which may be developed in the future, to the extent such opportunities are both consistent with our investment objectives and legally permissible. Any such investments may expose us to unique and presently indeterminate risks, the impact of which may not be capable of determination until such instruments are developed and/or our Manager determines to make such an investment on our behalf.
We may invest in non-performing real estate loans and participations.
During an economic downturn or recession, securities of financially troubled or operationally troubled issuers are more likely to go into default than securities of other issuers. Securities of financially troubled issuers and operationally troubled issuers are less liquid and more volatile than securities of companies not experiencing financial difficulties. The market prices of such securities are subject to erratic and abrupt market movements and the spread between bid and ask prices may be greater than normally expected. Investment in the securities of financially troubled issuers and operationally troubled issuers involves a high degree of credit and market risk.
In certain limited cases (e.g., in connection with a workout, restructuring and/or foreclosing proceedings involving one or more of our debt investments), the success of our investment strategy with respect thereto will depend, in part, on our ability to effectuate loan modifications and/or restructures.restructures and improve the operations of our borrower entities. The activity of identifying and implementing any such restructuring programs entails a high degree of uncertainty. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully identify and implement such restructuring programs. Further, such modifications and/or restructuring may entail, among other things, a substantial reduction in the interest rate and a substantial writedownwrite-offs of the principal of such loan, debt securities or other interests. However, even if a restructuring were successfully accomplished, a risk exists that, upon maturity of such real estate loan, debt securities or other interests replacement "takeout"“takeout” financing will not be available.
These financial difficulties may never be overcome and may cause borrowers to become subject to bankruptcy or other similar administrative and operating proceedings. There is a possibility that we may incur substantial or total losses on our investments and in certain circumstances, become subject to certain additional potential liabilities that may exceed the value of our original investment therein. For example, under certain circumstances, a lender who has inappropriately exercised control over the management and policies of a debtor may have its claims subordinated or disallowed or may be found liable for damages suffered by parties as a result of such actions. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to our investments, we may lose our entire investment, may be required to accept cash or securities with a value less than our original investment and/or may be required to accept payment over an extended period of time. In addition, under certain circumstances, payments to us and distributions by us to the stockholders may be reclaimed if any such payment or distribution is later determined to have been a fraudulent conveyance, preferential payment or similar transaction under applicable bankruptcy and insolvency laws. Furthermore, bankruptcy laws and similar laws applicable to administrative proceedings may delay our ability to realize value on collateral for loan positions held by us or may adversely affect the priority of such loans through doctrines such as equitable subordination or may result in a restructure of the debt through principles such as the "cramdown"“cramdown” provisions of the bankruptcy laws.
A prolonged economic slowdown, a lengthy or severe recession or declining real estate values could impair our investments and harm our operations.
We believe the risks associated with our business will be more severe during periods of economic slowdown or recession if these periods are accompanied by declining real estate values. Declining real estate values will likely reduce the level of new mortgage and other real estate‑related loan originations since borrowers often use appreciation in the value of their existing properties to support the purchase or investment in additional properties. Borrowers may also be less able to pay principal and interest on our loans if the value of real estate weakens. Further, declining real estate values significantly increase the likelihood that we will incur losses on its loans in the event of default because the value of our collateral may be insufficient to cover its cost on the loan. Any sustained period of increased payment delinquencies, foreclosures or losses could adversely affect our Manager’s ability to invest in, sell and securitize loans, which would materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and business and our ability to pay dividends to stockholders. Market disruptions in a single country could cause a worsening of conditions on a regional and even global level, and economic problems in a single country are increasingly affecting other markets and economies. A continuation of this trend could result in problems in one country
adversely affecting regional and even global economic conditions and markets. For example, concerns about the fiscal stability and growth prospects of certain European countries in the last economic downturn had a negative impact on most economies of the Eurozone and global markets. More recently, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has disrupted energy prices and the movement of goods in Europe resulting in rising energy costs and inflation more generally, particularly in Europe. The occurrence of similar crises in the future could cause increased volatility in the economies and financial markets of countries throughout a region, or even globally. Additionally, global trade disruption, significant introductions of trade barriers and bilateral trade frictions, including due to war or other hostilities, together with any future downturns in the global economy resulting therefrom, could adversely affect our performance.
We may experience a decline in the value of our assets.
A decline in the value of our assets may require us to recognize an “other-than-temporary” impairment or write-offs against such assets under GAAP if we were to determine that, with respect to any assets in unrealized loss positions, we do not have the ability and intent to hold such assets to maturity or for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery to the original acquisition cost of such assets. If such a determination were to be made, we would recognize unrealized losses through earnings and write-offs the amortized cost of such assets to a new cost basis, based on the value of such assets on the date they are considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired. Such impairment charges reflect non-cash losses at the time of recognition; subsequent disposition or sale of such assets could further affect our future losses or gains, as they are based on the difference between the sale price received and adjusted amortized cost of such assets at the time of sale. If we experience a decline in the value of our assets, it could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Some of our portfolio investments may be recorded at fair value and, as a result, there will be uncertainty as to the value of these investments.
Some or all of our portfolio investments may be in the form of positions or securities that are not publicly traded and are recorded at their estimated fair value. The fair value of investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable. Our Manager will determine the fair value of these investments which may include unobservable inputs. Because such valuations are subjective, the fair value of certain of our assets may fluctuate over short periods of time and our Manager’s determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these securities existed. Our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected if our Manager’s determinations regarding the fair value of these investments were materially higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon their disposal.
We may invest in derivative instruments, which would subject us to increased risk of loss.
Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT, we may also invest in, or use as part of our investment strategy, certain derivative instruments, including swaps, futures, forwards and options. Generally, a derivative is a financial contract the value of which depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index and may relate to individual debt or equity instruments, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates, commodities, related indices or other assets. The gross returns to be exchanged or swapped between the parties under a derivative instrument are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” which may be significantly greater than the amount of cash or assets required to establish or maintain the derivative position. Accordingly, trading in derivative instruments can result in large amounts of leverage, which may magnify the gains and losses experienced by us in respect of derivative instruments and may result in a loss of capital that is more exaggerated than would have resulted from an investment that did not involve the use of leverage inherent in the derivative contract.
While the judicious use of derivative instruments can be beneficial, such instruments involve risks different from, and, in certain cases, greater than, the risks presented by more traditional investments. Many of the derivative instruments used by us will be privately negotiated in over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets. Such derivatives are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with equities and bonds. The use of derivative instruments also requires an understanding not only of the underlying asset, reference rate or index but also of the derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions. The use of derivative instruments may also require us to sell or purchase portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices below or above the current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation we can realize on an investment or may cause us to hold a security that it might otherwise want to sell. We may also have to defer closing out certain derivative positions to avoid adverse tax consequences and there may be situations in which derivative instruments are not elected that result in losses greater than if such instruments had been used. Furthermore, amounts paid by us as premiums and cash or other assets held in margin
accounts with respect to our derivative instruments would not be available to us for other investment purposes, which may result in lost opportunities for gain.
Investing in derivative instruments may present various additional market and counterparty-related risks including, but not limited to:
•Lack of Liquidity: Derivative instruments, especially when purchased in large amounts, may not be liquid in all circumstances, so that in volatile markets we may not be able to close out a position without incurring a loss. Although both OTC and exchange-traded derivative markets may experience the lack of liquidity, OTC non-standardized derivative transactions are generally less liquid than exchange-traded instruments, particularly because participants in OTC markets are not required to make continuous markets in the contracts they trade.
•Volatility: The prices of derivative instruments, including swaps, futures, forwards and options, are highly volatile and such instruments may subject us to significant losses. The value of such derivatives also depends upon the price of the underlying asset, reference rate or index, which may also be subject to volatility. In addition, actual or implied daily limits on price fluctuations and speculative position limits on the exchanges or OTC markets in which we may conduct our transactions in derivative instruments may prevent prompt liquidation of positions, subjecting us to the potential of greater losses. Derivative instruments that may be purchased or sold by us may include instruments not traded on an exchange. The risk of nonperformance by the obligor on such an instrument may be greater and the ease with which we can dispose of or enter into closing transactions with respect to such an instrument may be less than in the case of an exchange-traded instrument. In addition, significant disparities may exist between “bid” and “asked” prices for derivative instruments that are traded OTC and not on an exchange. Such OTC derivatives are also typically not subject to the same type of investor protections or governmental regulation as exchange traded instruments.
•Imperfect Correlation: When used for hedging purposes, an imperfect or variable degree of correlation between price movements of the derivative instrument and the underlying asset, reference rate or index sought to be hedged may prevent us from achieving the intended hedging effect or expose us to the risk of loss. The imperfect correlation between the value of a derivative and the underlying assets may result in losses on the derivative transaction that are greater than the gain in the value of the underlying assets in our portfolio.
•Valuation Risk: The derivative instruments used by us may be difficult to value or involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, especially where the markets for such derivatives instruments are illiquid and/or such derivatives involve complex structures, or where there is imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative instrument and the underlying asset, reference rate or index.
•Counterparty Risk: Derivative instruments also involve exposure to counterparty risk, since contract performance depends in part on the financial condition of the counterparty. See “Risks Related to Our Financing and Hedging —We may be subject to counterparty risk associated with any hedging activities.”
Additionally, our Manager may cause us to take advantage of investment opportunities with respect to derivative instruments that are neither presently contemplated nor currently available, but which may be developed in the future, to the extent such opportunities are both consistent with our investment objectives and legally permissible. Any such investments may expose us to unique and presently indeterminate risks, the impact of which may not be capable of determination until such instruments are developed and/or our Manager determines to make such an investment on our behalf.
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies may subject us to foreign currency risks.
Although we have not done so to date, we may originate, invest in or acquire assets denominated in foreign currencies, which may expose us to foreign currency risk. As a result, a change in foreign currency exchange rates may have an adverse impact on the valuation of our assets, as well as our income and distributions. Any such changes in foreign currency exchange rates may impact the measurement of such assets or income for the purposes of the REIT tests and may affect the amounts available for payment of dividends on our common stock. See "—Risks“Risks Related to Our REIT Status and Certain Other Tax Considerations."”
Loans or investments involving international real estate-related assets are subject to special risks that we may not manage effectively, which wouldcould have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
Our investment guidelines permit investments in non-U.S. assets, subject to the same guidelines as investments in U.S. assets. To the extent that we invest in non-U.S. real estate-related assets, we may be subject to certain risks associated with international investmentinvestments generally, including, among others:
•currency exchange matters, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates and costs associated with conversion of investment principal and income from one currency to another;
•less developed or efficient financial markets than in the United States, which may lead to potential price volatility and relative illiquidity;
•the burdens of complying with international regulatory requirements and prohibitions that differ between jurisdictions;
•changes in laws or clarifications to existing laws that could impact our tax treaty positions, which could adversely impact the returns on our investments;
•a less developed legal or regulatory environment, differences in the legal and regulatory environment or enhanced legal and regulatory compliance;
•political hostility to investments by foreign investors;
•higher inflation rates;
•higher transaction costs;
•difficulty enforcing contractual obligations;
•fewer investor protections;
•potentially adverse tax consequences; or
•other economic and political risks.risks, including potential exchange control regulations and restrictions on our non-U.S. investments and repatriation of profits from investments or of capital invested, the risks of political, economic or social instability, the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation and adverse economic or political developments.
If any of the foregoing risks were to materialize, they could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
The lack of liquidity in certain of our target assets may adversely affect our business.
The illiquidity of some or all of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if the need or desire arises. In addition, certain of our investments may become less liquid after investment as a result of periods of delinquencies, defaults or turbulent market conditions, which may make it more difficult for us to dispose of such assets at advantageous times or in a timely manner. Moreover, many of our investments will not be registered under the relevant securities laws, resulting in prohibitions againston their transfer, sale, pledge or their disposition except in transactions that are exempt from registration requirements or are otherwise in accordance with such laws. As a result, many of our investments are expected to be illiquid, and if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we previously recorded our investments. Further, we may face other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment to the extent that we or our Manager has or could be attributed as having material, non-public information regarding such business entity. As a result, our ability to vary our portfolio in response to changes in economic or other conditions may be relatively limited, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Should we choose to employ
We have utilized and may utilize in the future non-recourse long-term securitizations in the future, such structuresto finance our loans and investments, which may expose us to risks that could result in losses to our company.losses.
We have utilized and may seek to enhanceutilize in the returnsfuture, non-recourse securitizations of all or a senior portioncertain of our senior loans through securitizations. To securitize our portfolio investments we may createto generate cash for funding new loans and investments and other purposes. These transactions generally involve us creating a wholly owned subsidiary and contributespecial-purpose vehicle, contributing a pool of our assets to the subsidiary. This could include the sale ofentity, and selling interests in the subsidiaryentity on a non-recourse basis to purchasers whom(whom we would expect to be willing to accept a lower interest rate to invest in investment gradeinvestment-grade loan pools, and wepools). We would expect to retain all or a portion of the equity and potentially other tranches in the securitized pool of loans or investments. In addition, we have retained in the past and may in the future retain a pari passu participation in the securitized pool of loans.
Prior to any such financing, we may use short-term facilities to finance the acquisition of securities until a sufficient quantity of investments had been accumulated, at which time we would refinance these facilities through a securitization, such as a CMBS, or issuance of CLOs, or the private placement of loan participations or other long-term financing. As a result, we would be subject to the risk that we would not be able to acquire, during the period that our short-term facilities are available, a sufficient amount of eligible investments to maximize the efficiency of a CMBS, CLO or private placement issuance. We also would be subject to the risk that we would not be able to obtain short-term credit facilities or would not be able to renew any short-term credit facilities after they expire should we find it necessary to extend our short-term credit facilities to allow more time to seek and acquire the necessary eligible investments for a long-term financing. The inability to consummate securitizations of our portfolio investments. The successfulto finance our loans and investments on a long-term basis could require us to seek other forms of potentially less attractive financing or to liquidate assets at an inopportune time or price, which could adversely affect our performance and our ability to grow our business. Moreover, conditions in the capital markets which we are currently experiencing, including volatility and disruption in the capital and credit markets, may not permit a non-recourse securitization at any particular time or may make the issuance of any such securitization less attractive to us even when we do have sufficient eligible assets. We may also suffer losses if the value of the mortgage loans we acquire declines prior to securitization. Declines in the value of a mortgage loan can be due to, among other things, changes in interest rates and changes in the credit quality of the loan. In addition, we may suffer a loss due to the incurrence of transaction costs related to executing these transactions. To the extent that we incur a loss executing or participating in future securitizations for the reasons described above or for other reasons, it could materially and adversely impact our business and financial condition.
In addition, the securitization of our portfolio might magnify our exposure to losses because any equity interest we retain in the issuing entity would be subordinate to the notes issued to investors and we would, therefore, absorb all of the losses sustained with respect to a securitized pool of assets before the owners of the notes experience any losses. The inability to securitize our portfolio may hurt our performance and our ability to grow our business. At the same time, the securitization of our loans or investments might expose us to losses, as the CREresidual loans or investments in which we do not sell interests will tend to be those that are riskier and more likely to generate losses. Securitization financings could also restrict our abilityMoreover, the Dodd-Frank Act contains a risk retention requirement for all asset-backed securities, which requires both public and private securitizers to retain not less than 5% of the credit risk of the assets collateralizing any asset-backed security issuance. Significant restrictions exist, and additional restrictions may be added in the future, regarding who may hold risk retention interests, the structure of the entities that hold risk retention interests and when and how such risk retention interests may be transferred. Therefore such risk retention interests will generally be illiquid. As a result of the risk retention requirements, we have and may in the future be required to purchase and retain certain interests in a securitization into which we sell mortgage loans and/or when we act as issuer, may be required to sell assets when it would otherwise be advantageous to do so.
Risks Related to Our Company
Our investment strategycertain interests in a securitization at prices below levels that such interests have historically yielded and/or may be changed without stockholder consent.
Whilerequired to enter into certain arrangements related to risk retention that we primarily seekhave not historically been required to make real estate-related debt investments, our Managerenter into. Accordingly, the risk retention rules may otherwise implement on our behalf strategies or discretionary approaches it believes from time to time may be best suited to prevailing market conditions in furtherance of that purpose, subject to the supervision and direction of our board of directors and the limitations set forth in our organizational documents and governing agreements. There can be no assurance that our Manager will be successful in implementing any particular investment strategy. Our Manager may change our investment strategy or asset allocation at any time without the consent of stockholders, which could result in our Manager making investments that are different from, and possibly riskier than, the investments described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. A change in our investment strategy may
also increase our exposure to interest ratepotential liabilities and/or reduce our potential profits in connection with securitization of mortgage loans. It is likely, therefore, that these risk retention rules will increase the administrative and real estate market fluctuations and could adversely affect our resultsoperational costs of operations and financial condition.asset securitizations.
Accounting rules for certain of our transactions are highly complex and involve significant judgment and assumptions, which could impact our ability to timely prepare consolidated financial statements.
Accounting rules for loan impairment,current expected credit losses, transfers of financial assets, securitization transactions, consolidation of VIEs and other aspects of our operations are highly complex and involve significant judgment and assumptions. These complexities could lead to a delay in preparation of financial information and the delivery of this information to our stockholders. Changes in accounting interpretations or assumptions could also impact our consolidated financial statements and our ability to timely prepare our consolidated financial statements. Our inability to timely prepare our consolidated financial statements in the future would likely have a significant adverse effect on our stock price.
Operational risks may disrupt our business, result in
Provisions for credit losses or limit our growth.are difficult to estimate.
We rely heavilyOur provision for credit losses is evaluated on KKR's financial, accounting, communications and other data processing systems. Such systems may fail to operate properly or become disabled as a result of tampering or a breach of the network security systems or otherwise. In addition, such systems are from time to time subject to cyberattacks. Breachesquarterly basis. The determination of our network security systems could involve attacks thatprovision for credit losses requires us to make certain estimates and judgments, which may be difficult to determine. Our estimates and judgments are intended to obtain unauthorized access tobased on a number of factors, including projected cash flow from the collateral securing our proprietary information, destroy data or disable, degrade or sabotage our systems, often throughloans, debt structure, including the introductionavailability of computer viruses, cyberattacksreserves and other meansrecourse guarantees, likelihood of repayment in full at the maturity of a loan, potential for refinancing and could originate from a wide varietyexpected market discount rates for varying property types, all of sources, including unknown third parties outside the firm. Wewhich remain uncertain and our Manager's employees have beenare subjective. Our estimates and expect to continue to be the target of fraudulent calls, emails and other forms of activities. The costs related to cyber or other security threats or disruptionsjudgments may not be fully insured or indemnified by other means. In addition, cybersecurity has become a top priority for regulators around the world,correct and, some jurisdictions have enacted laws requiring companies to notify individualstherefore, our results of data security breaches involving certain types of personal data. Although KKR takes various measures to ensure the integrity of such systems, there canoperations and financial condition could be no assurance that these measures will provide protection. If such systems are compromised, do not operate properly or are disabled, or if we fail to comply with the relevant laws and regulations, we could suffer financial loss, a disruption of our businesses, liability to investors, regulatory intervention or reputational damage.severely impacted.
In addition, on January 1, 2020, we are highly dependentadopted Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, Measurement of Credit Losses on information systems and technology. Our information systems and technology may not continueFinancial Instruments (Topic 326),” which replaced the “incurred loss” model for recognizing credit losses with an “expected loss” model referred to be able to accommodate our growth, and the cost of maintaining such systems may increase from its current level. Such a failure to accommodate growth, or an increase in costs related to such information systems, could have a material adverse effect on us.
Furthermore, we depend on our headquarters in New York City, where most of our personnel are located, for the continued operation of our business. A disaster or a disruption in the infrastructure that supports our business, including a disruption involving electronic communications or other services used by us or third parties with whom we conduct business, or directly affecting our headquarters, could have a material adverse impact on our ability to continue to operate our business without interruption. KKR's disaster recovery programs may not be sufficient to mitigate the harm that may result from such a disaster or disruption. In addition, insurance and other safeguards might only partially reimburse us for our losses, if at all.
Finally, we rely on third-party service providers for certain aspects of our business, including for certain information systems, technology and administration. Any interruption or deterioration in the performance of these third parties or failures of their information systems and technology could impair the quality of our operations and could affect our reputation and hence adversely affect our business.
All of our assets may be subject to recourse.
All of our assets, including any investments made by us and any funds held by us, may be available to satisfy all of our liabilities and other obligations. If we become subject to a liability, parties seeking to have the liability satisfied may have recourse to our assets generally and not be limited to any particular asset, such as the asset representingCurrent Expected Credit Loss model, or CECL. Under the investment giving rise to the liability.
State licensing requirements will cause us to incur expenses and our failure to be properly licensed may have a material adverse effect on us and our operations.
Nonbank companies are generally required to hold licenses in a number of U.S. states to conduct lending activities. State licensing statutes vary from state to state and prescribe or impose various recordkeeping requirements; restrictions on loan origination and servicing practices, including limits on finance charges and the type, amount and manner of charging fees;
disclosure requirements; requirements that licensees submit to periodic examination; surety bond and minimum specified net worth requirements; periodic financial reporting requirements; notification requirements for changes in principal officers, stock ownership or corporate control; restrictions on advertising; and requirements that loan forms be submitted for review. Obtaining and maintaining licenses will cause us to incur expenses and failure to be properly licensed under state law or otherwise may have a material adverse effect on us and our operations.
Avoiding the need to register under the Investment Company Act imposes significant limits on our operations. Your investment return may be reduced ifCECL model, we are required to registerpresent certain financial assets carried at amortized cost, such as anloans held for investment, companyat the net amount expected to be collected. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. This measurement will take place at the time the financial asset is first added to the balance sheet and updated quarterly thereafter. This differs significantly from the “incurred loss” model previously required under GAAP, which delayed recognition until it was probable a loss has been incurred. Accordingly, the Investment Company Act.
We currently conduct,adoption of the CECL model has materially affected, and intend towill continue to conduct,materially affect, how we determine our operations so that we are not required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. We believe we are not an investment company under Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act because we do not engage primarily, or hold ourselves out as being engaged primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. In addition, we intend to conduct our operations so that we do not come within the definition of an investment company under Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act because less than 40% of our total assets on an unconsolidated basis will consist of "investment securities" (the "40% test"). Excluded from the term "investment securities" (as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act) are securities issued by majority-owned subsidiaries that are themselves not investment companiesallowance for loan losses and are not relying on the exclusion from the definition of investment company set forth in Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act.
To avoid the need to register as an investment company, the securities issued to us by any wholly owned or majority-owned subsidiaries that we may form in the future that are excluded from the definition of investment company under Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act, together with any other investment securities we may own, may not have a value in excess of 40% of the value of our total assets on an unconsolidated basis. We will monitor our holdings to ensure ongoing compliance with this test, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to avoid the need to register as an investment company. The 40% test limits the types of businesses in which we may engage through our subsidiaries. In addition, the assets we and our subsidiaries may originate or acquire are limited by the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations promulgated under the Investment Company Act, which may adversely affect our business.
We hold our assets primarily through direct or indirect wholly owned or majority-owned subsidiaries, certain of which are excluded from the definition of investment company pursuant to Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act. To qualify for the exclusion pursuant to Section 3(c)(5)(C) based on positions set forth by the staff of the SEC, each such subsidiary generally is required to hold at least (i) 55% of its assets in "qualifying" real estate assets and (ii) at least 80% of its assets in "qualifying" real estate assets and real estate-related assets. For our subsidiaries that maintain this exclusion or another exclusion or exception under the Investment Company Act (other than Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) thereof), our interests in these subsidiaries do not and will not constitute "investment securities."
As a consequence of our seeking to avoid the need to register under the Investment Company Act on an ongoing basis, we and/or our subsidiaries may be restricted from making certain investments or may structure investments in a manner that would be less advantageous to us than would be the case in the absence of such requirements. In particular, a change in the value of any of our assets could negatively affect our ability to avoid the need to register under the Investment Company Act and cause the need for a restructuring of our investment portfolio. For example, these restrictions may limit our and our subsidiaries' ability to invest directly in mortgage-backed securities that represent less than the entire ownership in a pool of senior loans, debt and equity tranches of securitizations and certain asset-backed securities, non-controlling equity interests in real estate companies or in assets not related to real estate; however, we and our subsidiaries may invest in such securities to a certain extent. In addition, seeking to avoid the need to register under the Investment Company Act may cause us and/or our subsidiaries to acquire or hold additional assets that we might not otherwise have acquired or held or dispose of investments that we and/or our subsidiaries might not have otherwise disposed of, which could result in higher costs or lower proceeds to us than we would have paid or received if we were not seeking to comply with such requirements. Thus, avoiding registration under the Investment Company Act may hinder our ability to operate solely on the basis of maximizing profits.
We will determine whether an entity is a majority-owned subsidiary of our company. The Investment Company Act defines a majority-owned subsidiary of a person as a company 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of which are owned by such person, or by another company which is a majority-owned subsidiary of such person. The Investment Company Act defines voting securities as any security presently entitling the owner or holder thereof to vote for the election of directors of a company. We treat entities in which we own at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities as majority-owned subsidiaries for purposes of the 40% test. We have not requested that the SEC or its staff approve our treatment of any entity as a majority-owned subsidiary, and neither has done so. If the SEC or its staff were to disagree with our treatment of one or more
subsidiary entities as majority-owned subsidiaries, we may need to adjust our strategy and our assets in order to continue to pass the 40% test. Any adjustment in our strategy or assets could have a material adverse effect on us.
We classify our assets for purposes of certain of our subsidiaries' Section 3(c)(5)(C) exclusion from the Investment Company Act based upon no-action positions taken by the SEC staff and interpretive guidance provided by the SEC and its staff. Based on such guidance, to qualify for the exclusion pursuant to Section 3(c)(5)(C), each such subsidiary generally is required to hold at least (i) 55% of its assets in "qualifying" real estate assets and (ii) 80% of its assets in "qualifying" real estate assets and real estate-related assets. "Qualifying" real estate assets for this purpose include senior loans, certain B-Notes and certain mezzanine loans that satisfy various conditions as set forth in SEC staff no-action letters and other guidance, and other assets that the SEC staff in various no-action letters and other guidance has determined are the functional equivalent of senior loans for the purposes of the Investment Company Act. We treat as real estate-related assets B-Notes and mezzanine loans that do not satisfy the conditions set forth in the relevant SEC staff no-action letters and other guidance, and debt and equity securities of companies primarily engaged in real estate businesses. Unless a relevant SEC no action letter or other guidance applies, we expect to treat preferred equity interests as real estate-related assets.The SEC has not published guidance with respect to the treatment of CMBS for purposes of the Section 3(c)(5)(C) exclusion. Unless the SEC or its staff issues guidance with respect to CMBS, we intend to treat CMBS as a real estate-related asset. These no-action positions are based on specific factual situations that may be substantially different from the factual situations we and our subsidiaries may face, and a number of these no-action positions were issued more than twenty years ago. There may be no guidance from the SEC staff that applies directly to our factual situations and as a result we may have to apply SEC staff guidance that relates to other factual situations by analogy. No assurance can be given that the SEC or its staff will concur with our classification of our assets. In addition, the SEC or its staff may, in the future, issue further guidance that may require us to re-classify our assets for purposes of the Investment Company Act, including for purposes of our subsidiaries' compliance with the exclusion provided in Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act. There is no guarantee that we will be able to adjust our assets in the manner required to avoid the need to register under the Investment Company Act and any adjustment in our strategy or assets could have a material adverse effect on us.
To the extent that the SEC or its staff provide more specific guidance regarding any of the matters bearing upon the definition of investment company and the exemptions to that definition, we may be required to adjust our strategy accordingly. On August 31, 2011, the SEC issued a concept release and request for comments regarding the Section 3(c)(5)(C) exclusion (Release No. IC-29778) in which it contemplated the possibility of issuing new rules or providing new interpretations of the exemption that might, among other things, define the phrase "liens on and other interests in real estate" or consider sources of income in determining a company's "primary business." Any additional guidance from the SEC or its staff could provide additional flexibility to us, or it could further inhibit our ability to pursue the strategies we have chosen.
There can be no assurance that we and our subsidiaries will be able to successfully avoid operating as an unregistered investment company. If it were established that we were an unregistered investment company, there would be a risk that we would be subject to monetary penalties and injunctive relief in an action brought by the SEC, that we would be unable to enforce contracts with third parties, that third parties could seek to obtain rescission of transactions undertaken during the period it was established that we were an unregistered investment company, and that we would be subject to limitations on corporate leverage that would have an adverse impact on our investment returns.
If we were required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we would become subject to substantial regulation with respect to our capital structure (including our ability to use borrowings), management, operations, transactions with affiliated persons (as defined in the Investment Company Act) and portfolio composition, including disclosure requirements and restrictions with respect to diversification and industry concentration and other matters. Compliance with the Investment Company Act would, accordingly, limit our ability to make certain investments and require us to significantly restructureincrease our business plan, which could materially adversely affect our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.
Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations, changesallowance and recognize provisions for credit losses earlier in the interpretation thereof or newly enacted laws or regulations and any failure by us to comply with these laws or regulations, could require changes to certainlending cycle. Moreover, the CECL model may create more volatility in the level of our business practices, negatively impact our operations, cash flow or financial condition, impose additional costs on us, subject us to increased competition or otherwise adversely affect our business.
The laws and regulations governing our operations, as well as their interpretation, may change from time to time, and new laws and regulations may be enacted. Accordingly, any change in these laws or regulations, changes in their interpretation, or newly enacted laws or regulations and any failure by us to comply with these laws or regulations, could require changes to certain of our business practices, negatively impact our operations, cash flow or financial condition, impose additional costs on us or otherwise adversely affect our business. For example, from time to time the marketallowance for real estate debt transactions has been adversely affected by a decrease in the availability of senior and subordinated financing for transactions, in part in response to
regulatory pressures on providers of financing to reduce or eliminate their exposure to such transactions. Furthermore, if regulatory capital requirements—whether under the Dodd-Frank Act, Basel III or other regulatory action—are imposed on private lenders that provide us with funds, or were to be imposed on us, they orcredit losses. If we may beare required to limit, or increase the cost of, financing they provide to us or that we provide to others. Among other things, this could potentiallymaterially increase our financing costs, reduce our ability to originate or acquire loans and reduce our liquidity or require us to sell assets at an inopportune time or price.
Various laws and regulations currently exist that restrict the investment activitieslevel of banks and certain other financial institutions but do not apply to us, which we believe creates opportunitiesallowance for us to participate in certain investments that are not available to these more regulated institutions. However, following the U.S. Presidential election in November 2016, there are several indications that the new administration will seek to deregulate the financial industry, including by amending the Dodd-Frank Act, which may decrease the restrictions on banks and other financial institutions and allow them to compete with uscredit losses for investment opportunities that were previously not available to them. See "—Risks Related to Our Lending and Investment Activities—We operate in a competitive market for lending and investment opportunities, and competition may limit our ability to originate or acquire desirable loans and investments or dispose of assets we target andany reason, such increase could alsoadversely affect the yields of these assets and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations."
There are increased risks involved with our construction lending activities.
There has been increasing commentary amongst regulators
We have invested and intergovernmental institutionsmay invest in mortgage loans and mezzanine loans in which the underlying real property was under construction, which may expose us to increased lending risks. Construction lending generally is considered to involve a higher degree of risk of non-payment and loss than other types of lending due to a variety of factors, including the difficulties in estimating construction costs and anticipating construction delays (or governmental shut-downs of construction activity) and, generally, the dependency on timely, successful completion and the rolelease-up and commencement of nonbank institutionsoperations post-completion. In addition, since such loans generally entail greater risk than mortgage loans collateralized by income-producing property, we may need to increase our allowance for loan losses in providingthe future to account for the likely increase in probable incurred credit and, particularly, so-called "shadow banking,"losses associated with such loans. Further, as the lender under a term generally takenconstruction loan, we may be obligated to refer to credit intermediation involving entities and activities outside the regulated banking system. For example, in August 2013, the Financial Stability Board issuedfund all or a policy framework for strengthening oversight and regulation of "shadow banking" entities. The report outlined initial steps to define the scopesignificant portion of the shadow banking systemloan at one or more future dates. We may not have the funds available at such future date(s) to meet our funding obligations under the loan. In that event, we would likely be in breach of the loan unless we are able to raise the funds from alternative sources, which we may not be able to achieve on favorable terms or at all.
If a borrower fails to complete the construction of a project or experiences cost overruns, there could be adverse consequences associated with the loan, including a decline in the value of the property securing the loan, a borrower claim against us for failure to perform under the loan documents if we choose to stop funding, increased costs to the borrower that the borrower is unable to pay, a bankruptcy filing by the borrower, and proposed general governing principlesabandonment by the borrower of the collateral for the loan.
Insurance on loans and real estate securities collateral may not cover all losses.
There are certain types of losses, generally of a monitoring and regulatory framework. A number of other regulators,catastrophic nature, such as the Federal Reserve,earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, terrorism or acts of war, which may be uninsurable or not economically insurable. Inflation, changes in building codes and international organizations, such as the International Organization of Securities Commissions, are studying the shadow banking system. At this time,ordinances, environmental considerations and other factors also might result in insurance proceeds insufficient to repair or replace a property if it is too early to assess whether any rulesdamaged or regulations will be proposed or to what extent any finalized rules or regulations will have ondestroyed. Under these circumstances, the nonbank lending market. If rules or regulations were to extend to us or our affiliates the regulatory and supervisory requirements, such as capital and liquidity standards, currently applicable to banks, then the regulatory and operating costs associated therewith could adversely impact the implementation of our investment strategy and our returns. In an extreme eventuality, it is possible that such regulations could render the continued operation of our company unviable.
In the United States, the process established by the Dodd-Frank Act for designation of systemically important nonbank firms has provided a means for ensuring that the perimeter of prudential regulation can be extended as appropriate to cover large shadow banking institutions. The Dodd-Frank Act established the Financial Stability Oversight Council (the "FSOC"), which is comprised of representatives of all the major U.S. financial regulators, to act as the financial system's systemic risk regulator. The FSOC has the authority to review the activities of nonbank financial companies predominantly engaged in financial activities and designate those companies determined to be "systemically important" for supervision by the Federal Reserve. Such designation is applicable to companies where material distress could pose risk to the financial stability of the United States. On December 18, 2014, the FSOC released a notice seeking public comment on the potential risks posed by aspects of the asset management industry, including whether asset management products and activities may pose potential risks to the U.S. financial system in the areas of liquidity and redemptions, leverage, operational functions, and resolution, or in other areas. On April 18, 2016, the FSOC released an update on its multi-year review of asset management products and activities and created an interagency working group to assess potential risks associated with certain leveraged funds. While it cannot be known at this time whether any regulation will be implemented or what form it will take, increased regulation of nonbank credit extension could negatively impact our operations, cash flows or financial condition, impose additional costs on us, intensify the regulatory supervision of us or otherwise adversely affect our business.
Changes in laws or regulations governing the operations of borrowers could affect our returnsinsurance proceeds received with respect to those borrowers.
Government counterparties or agencies may have the discretiona property relating to change or increase regulationone of a borrower's operations, or implement laws or regulations affecting a borrower's operations, separate from any contractual rights it may have. A borrower could alsoour investments might not be materially and adversely affected as a result of statutory or regulatory changes or judicial or administrative interpretations of existing laws and regulations that impose more comprehensive or stringent requirements on such company. Governments have considerable discretion in implementing regulations, including, for example, the possible imposition or increase of taxes on income earned by a borrower or gains recognized by us onadequate to restore our investment in such borrower, that could impact a borrower's business as well as our return on our investment with respect to such borrower.
We are subject to risks from litigation filed by or against us.
Legal or governmental proceedings brought by or on behalf of third parties may adversely affect our financial results. Our investment activities may include activities that are hostile in nature and will subject it to the risks of becoming involved in such proceedings. The expense of defending claims against us and paying any amounts pursuant to settlements or judgments would be borne by us and would reduce net assets. Our Manager will be indemnified by us in connection with such proceedings, subject to certain conditions. Similarly, we may from time to time institute legal proceedings on behalf of ourselves or others, the ultimate outcome of which could cause us to incur substantial damages and expenses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
The obligations associated with being a public company require significant resources and attention from our Manager's senior management team.
As a public company with listed equity securities, we must comply with laws, regulations and requirements, including the requirements of the Exchange Act, certain corporate governance provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act"), related regulations of the SEC and requirements of the NYSE, with which we were not required to comply as a private company. The Exchange Act requires that we file annual, quarterly and current reportseconomic position with respect to our business and financial condition. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we establish and maintain effective internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. These reporting and other obligations will place significant demandsinvestment. Any uninsured loss could result in the corresponding nonperformance of or loss on our Manager's senior management team, administrative, operational and accounting resources and will cause usinvestment related to incur significant expenses. We may need to upgrade our systems or create new systems, implement additional financial and other controls, reporting systems and procedures, and create or outsource an internal audit function. If we are unable to accomplish these objectives in a timely and effective fashion, our ability to comply with the financial reporting requirements and other rules that apply to reporting companies could be impaired.such property.
If we are unable to implement and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting in the future, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness
As a public company, we will be required to maintain internal controls over financial reporting and to report any material weaknesses in such internal controls. In addition, beginning with our second annual report on Form 10-K, we will be required to furnish a report by management on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Once we are no longer an emerging growth company, our independent registered public accounting firm will be required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting on an annual basis. The process of designing, implementing and testing the internal controls over financial reporting required to comply with this obligation is time consuming, costly and complicated. If we identify material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting, if we are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner or to assert that our internal controls over financial reporting is effective or if, once we are no longer an emerging growth company, our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock could be negatively affected. We could also become subject to investigations by the stock exchange on which our securities are listed, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.
We are an "emerging growth company," and we cannot be certain if the reduced reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are an "emerging growth company" as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act. We may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if we have more than $1.07 billion (as may be adjusted for inflation) in annual revenues as of the end of our fiscal year, we have more than $700.0 million in market value of our stock held by non-affiliates as of the end of our second fiscal quarter or we issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less
attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our per share trading price may be adversely affected and more volatile.
Risks Related to Our Financing and Hedging
Our indebtedness may subject us to increased risk of loss and could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We currently have outstanding indebtedness and, subject to market conditions and availability, we may incur a significant amount of additional debt through bank credit facilities (including term loans and revolving facilities), warehouse facilities and structured financing arrangements, public and private debt issuances (including through securitizations) and derivative instruments, in addition to transaction or asset-specific funding arrangements and additional repurchase agreements. We may also issue debt or equity securities to fund our growth. The percentage of leverage we employ will vary depending on our available capital, our ability to obtain and access financing arrangements with lenders, the type of asset we are funding, whether the financing is recourse or non-recourse, debt restrictions contained in those financing arrangements and the lenders'lenders’ and rating agencies'agencies’ estimate of the stability of our investment portfolio'sportfolio’s cash flow. We may significantly increase the amount of leverage we utilize at any time without approval of our board of directors. In addition, we may leverage individual assets at substantially higher levels. Incurring substantial debt could subject us to many risks that, if realized, would materially and adversely affect us, including the risk that:
•our cash flow from operations may be insufficient to make required payments of principal of and interest on our debt or we may fail to comply with covenants contained in our debt agreements, which is likely to result in (1)(i) acceleration of such debt (and any other debt containing a cross-default or cross-acceleration provision), which we then may be unable to repay from internal funds or to refinance on favorable terms, or at all, (2)(ii) our inability to borrow undrawn amounts under our financing arrangements, even if we are current in payments on borrowings under those arrangements, which would result in a decrease in our liquidity, and/or (3)(iii) the loss of some or all of our collateral assets to foreclosure or sale;
•our debt may increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions with no assurance that investment yields will increase in an amount sufficient to offset the higher financing costs;
•we may be required to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our debt, thereby reducing funds available for operations, future business opportunities, stockholder distributions or other purposes; and
•we may not be able to refinance any debt that matures prior to the maturity (or realization) of an underlying investment it was used to finance on favorable terms or at all.
There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful, and such strategy may subject us to increased risk of loss and could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We leverage certain of our target assets, which may adversely affect our return on our investments and may reduce cash available for distribution.
We leverage certain of our target assets through borrowings under our repurchase agreements. Leverage can enhance our potential returns but can also exacerbate losses. The return on our investments and cash available for distribution to stockholders may be reduced if market conditions cause the cost of our financing to increase relative to the income that can be derived from the assets acquired, which could adversely affect the price of our common stock. In addition, our debt service payments will reduce cash flow available for distributions to stockholders. As a borrower, we are also subject to the risk that we may not be able to meet our debt service obligations. To the extent that we cannot meet our debt service obligations, we risk the loss of some or all of our assets to foreclosure or sale to satisfy our debt obligations.
The utilization of any of our repurchase facilities is subject to the pre-approval of the lender.
We utilize repurchase agreements to finance the purchase of certain investments. In order for us to borrow funds under a repurchase agreement, our lender must have the right to review the potential assets for which we are seeking financing and approve such assets in its sole discretion. Accordingly, we may be unable to obtain the consent of a lender to finance an investment and alternate sources of financing for such asset may not exist.
Our master repurchase agreements impose, and additional lending facilities may impose, restrictive covenants, which would restrict our flexibility to determine our operating policies and investment strategy and to conduct our business.
We borrow funds under master repurchase agreements with various counterparties. The documents that govern these master repurchase agreements and the related guarantees contain, and additional lending facilities may contain, customary affirmative and negative covenants, including financial covenants applicable to us that may restrict our flexibility to determine our operating policies and investment strategy. In particular, our master repurchase agreements require us to maintain a certain amount of cash or set aside assets sufficient to maintain a specified liquidity position that would allow us to satisfy our collateral obligations. As a result, we may not be able to leverage our assets as fully as we would otherwise choose, which could reduce our return on assets. If we are unable to meet these collateral obligations, our financial condition and prospects could deteriorate rapidly. If we fail to meet or satisfy any of these covenants, we would be in default under these agreements, and our lenders could elect to declare outstanding amounts due and payable, terminate their commitments, require the posting of additional collateral and enforce their interests against existing collateral. We may also be subject to cross-default and acceleration rights in our other debt facilities. Further, this could also make it difficult for us to satisfy the requirements necessary to maintain our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes or to avoidmaintain our exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act. Our master repurchase agreements also grant certain consent rights to the lenders thereunder which give them the right to consent to certain modifications to the pledged collateral. This could limit our ability to manage a pledged investment in a way that we think would provide the best outcome for our stockholders.
These types of financing arrangements also involve the risk that the market value of the assets pledged or sold by us to the provider of the financing may decline in value, in which case the lender or counterparty may require us to provide additional collateral or lead to margin calls that may require us to repay all or a portion of the funds advanced. We may not have the funds available to repay our debt at that time, which would likely result in defaults unless we are able to raise the funds from alternative sources including by selling assets at a time when we might not otherwise choose to do so, which we may not be able to achieve on favorable terms or at all. Posting additional margin would reduce our cash available to make other, higher yielding investments (thereby decreasing our return on equity). If we cannot meet these requirements, the lender or counterparty could accelerate our indebtedness, increase the interest rate on advanced funds and terminate our ability to borrow funds from it, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and ability to implement our investment strategy. In the case of repurchase transactions, if the value of the underlying security has declined as of the end of that term, or if we default on our obligations under the repurchase agreement, we will likely incur a loss on our repurchase transactions.
We depend on, or may in the future depend on, repurchase agreements, and may depend on bank credit facilities, warehouse facilities and structured financing arrangements, public and private debt issuances (including through securitizations) and derivative instruments, in addition to transaction or asset-specific funding arrangements and other sources of financing to execute our business plan, and our inability to access funding could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and business.
Our ability to fund our investments may be impacted by our ability to secure bank credit facilities (including term loans and revolving facilities), warehouse facilities and structured financing arrangements, public and private debt issuances (including through securitizations) and derivative instruments, in addition to transaction or asset-specific funding arrangements and additional repurchase agreements on acceptable terms. We may also rely on short-term financing that would be especially exposed to changes in availability. Our access to sources of financing will depend upon a number of factors, over which we have little or no control, including:
•general economic or market conditions;
•the market'smarket’s view of the quality of our assets;
•the market'smarket’s perception of our growth potential;
•our current and potential future earnings and cash distributions; and
•the market price of the shares of our common stock.
We may need to periodically access the capital markets to raise cash to fund new investments. Unfavorable economic or capital market conditionsconditions may increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or couldor result in a decision by our potential lenders not to extend credit. An inability to successfully access the capital markets could limit our ability to grow our business and fully execute our business strategy and could decrease our earnings and liquidity. In addition, any dislocation or weakness
in the capital and credit markets could adversely affect our lenders and could cause one or more of our lenders to be unwilling or unable to provide us with financing or to increase the costs of that financing. In addition, as regulatory capital requirements imposed on our lenders are increased, they may be required to limit, or increase the cost of, financing they
provide to us. In general, this could potentially increase our financing costs and reduce our liquidity or require us to sell assets at an inopportune time or price. NoFurther, as the lender to our borrowers, we may be obligated to fund all or a significant portion of a loan we have agreed to at one or more future dates. If we are unable to access funding, we may not have the funds available at such future date(s) to meet our funding obligations under a loan. In that event, we would likely be in breach of our agreement under such loan. We cannot provide any assurance can be given that we will be able to obtain any such financing on favorable terms or at all.
Interest rate fluctuations could increase our financing costs, which could lead to a significant decrease in our results of operations, cash flows and the market value of our investments.
To the extent that our financing costs will beare determined by reference to floating rates, such as LIBORSOFR or a Treasury index, the amount of such costs will depend on the level and movement of interest rates. In recent years, interest rates had remained at relatively low levels on a historical basis. However, since January 2022, in light of increasing inflation, the U.S. Federal Reserve has increased interest rates eleven times. In a period of rising interest rates, our interest expense on floating-rate debt would increase, while any additional interest income we earn on our floating-rate investments may be subject to caps and may not compensate for such increase in interest expense. Specifically, in a rising interest environment, our interest income on our current portfolio is expected to increase. At the same time, the interest income we earn on our fixed-rate investments would not change, the duration and weighted average life of our fixed-rate investments would increase and the market value of our fixed-rate investments would decrease. Similarly,Notwithstanding the current period of relatively high interest rates, the U.S. Federal Reserve has indicated that it may decrease in interest rates in 2024. In a period of declining interest rates, our interest income on floating-rate investments would generally decrease, while any decrease in the interest we are charged on our floating-rate debt may be subject to floors and may not compensate for such decrease in interest income andincome. However, rate floors relating to our loan portfolio may offset some of the impact from declining rates. In addition, interest we are charged on our fixed-rate debt would not change. Any such scenario could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Changes in the method for determining LIBOR or a replacement of LIBOR may affect the value of the financial obligations to be held or issued by us that are linked to LIBOR and could affect our results of operations or financial condition.
In July 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit LIBOR rates after 2021. We are unable to predict the effect of any changes, any establishment of alternative reference rates or any other reforms to LIBOR or any replacement of LIBOR that may be enacted in the United Kingdom or elsewhere. Such changes, reforms or replacements relating to LIBOR could have an adverse impact on the market for or value of any LIBOR-linked securities, loans, derivatives and other financial obligations or extensions of credit held by or due to us or on our overall financial condition or results of operations.
We are subject to counterparty risk associated with our debt obligations.
Our counterparties for critical financial relationships may include both domestic and international financial institutions. These institutions could be severely impacted by credit market turmoil, changes in legislation, allegations of civil or criminal wrongdoing and may as a result experience financial or other pressures. In addition, if a lender or counterparty files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, our borrowings under financing agreements with them may become subject to bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, thus depriving us, at least temporarily, of the benefit of these assets. Such an event could restrict our access to financing and increase our cost of capital. If any of our counterparties were to limit or cease operation, it could lead to financial losses for us.
We may utilize a wide variety of derivative financial instruments for risk management purposes, the use of which may entail greater than ordinary investment risks.
While not anticipated to be a meaningful component of our investment strategy, we may, subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT, utilize a wide variety of derivative financial instruments for risk management purposes, the use of which is a highly specialized activity that may entail greater than ordinary investment risks. Any such hedging transactions may not be effective in mitigating risk in all market conditions or against all types of risk (including unidentified or unanticipated risks), thereby resulting in losses to us. Engaging in hedging transactions may result in a poorer overall performance for us than if we had not engaged in any such hedging transaction, and our Manager may not be able to effectively hedge against, or accurately anticipate, certain risks that may adversely affect our investment portfolio. In addition, our investment portfolio will always be exposed to certain risks that cannot be fully or effectively hedged, such as credit risk relating both to particular securities and counterparties.
Hedging against interest rate or currency exposure may adversely affect our earnings, which could reduce our cash available for distribution to stockholders.
Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT, we may pursue various hedging strategies to seek to reduce our exposure to adverse changes in interest rates and fluctuations in currencies. Our hedging activity willmay vary in scope based on the level and volatility of interest rates, exchange rates, the type of assets held and other changing market conditions. Interest rate and currency hedging may fail to protect or could adversely affect us because, among other things:
•interest rate, currency and/or credit hedging can be expensive and may result in us receivinggenerating less interestnet income;
•available interest rate or currency rate hedges may not correspond directly with the interest rate or currency risk for which protection is sought;
•due to a credit loss, prepayment or asset sale, the duration of the hedge may not match the duration of the related asset or liability;
•the amount of income that a REIT may earn from hedging transactions (other than hedging transactions that satisfy certain requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"“Code”) or that are done through a taxable REIT subsidiary) to offset interest rate losses is limited by U.S. federal income tax provisions governing REITs;
•the credit quality of the hedging counterparty owing money on the hedge may be downgraded to such an extent that it impairs our ability to sell or assign our side of the hedging transaction;
•we may fail to recalculate, readjust and execute hedges in an efficient manner; and
•legal, tax and regulatory changes could occur and may adversely affect our ability to pursue hedging strategies and/or increase the costs of implementing such strategies.
Any hedging activity in which we engage may materially and adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. Therefore, while we may enter into such transactions seeking to reduce risks, unanticipated changes in interest rates, credit spreads or currencies may result in poorer overall investment performance than if we had not engaged in any such hedging transactions. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio positions or liabilities being hedged may vary materially. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio positions or liabilities being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss.
In addition, some hedging instruments involve additional risk because they are not traded on regulated exchanges, guaranteed by an exchange or its clearing house, or regulated by any U.S. or foreign governmental authorities. Consequently, we cannot assure you that a liquid secondary market will exist for hedging instruments purchased or sold, and we may be required to maintain a position until exercise or expiration, which could result in significant losses. In addition, certain regulatory requirements with respect to derivatives, including record keeping, financial responsibility or segregation of customer funds and positions are still under development and could impact our hedging transactions and how we and our counterparty must manage such transactions.
We aremay be subject to counterparty risk associated with any hedging activities.
We aremay be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to derivative contracts (whether a clearing corporation in the case of exchange-traded instruments or to our hedge counterparty in the case of OTC instruments). If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, we may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a dissolution, assignment for the benefit of creditors, liquidation, winding-up, bankruptcy, or other analogous proceeding. In the event of the insolvency of a counterparty to a derivative transaction, the derivative transaction would typically be terminated at its fair market value. If we are owed this fair market value in the termination of the derivative transaction and our claim is unsecured, we will be treated as a general creditor of such counterparty, and will not have any claim with respect to the underlying security. We may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. In addition, the business failure of a hedging counterparty with whom we enter into a hedging transaction will most likely result in its default, which may result in the loss of unrealized profits and force us to cover our commitments, if any, at the then current market price.
Currently, certain categories of interest rate and credit default swaps are subject to mandatory clearing, and more are expected to be cleared in the future. The counterparty risk for cleared derivatives is generally lower than for uncleared OTC derivative transactions because generally a clearing organization becomes substituted for each counterparty to a cleared derivative contract and, in effect, guarantees the parties'parties’ performance under the contract as each party to a trade looks only to the clearing house for performance of financial obligations. However, there can be no assurance that a clearing house, or its members, will satisfy
the clearing house'shouse’s obligations to us. Counterparty risk with respect to certain exchange-traded and OTC derivatives may be further complicated by recently enacted U.S. financial reform legislation.
We may enter into hedging transactions that could expose us to contingent liabilities in the future.
Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT, part of our investment strategy may involve entering into hedging transactions that could require us to fund cash payments in certain circumstances (such as the early termination of the hedging instrument caused by an event of default or other early termination event, or the decision by a counterparty to request margin securities it is contractually owed under the terms of the hedging instrument). The amount due with respect to an early termination would generally be equal to the unrealized loss of such open transaction positions with the respective counterparty and could also include other fees and charges. These economic losses will be reflected in our results of operations, and our ability to fund these obligations will depend on the liquidity of our assets and access to capital at the time, and the need to fund these obligations could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
If we enter into certain hedging transactions or otherwise invest in certain derivative instruments, failure to obtain and maintain an exemption from being regulated as a commodity pool operator by our Manager could subject us to additional regulation and compliance requirements which could materially adversely affect our business and financial condition.
The Commodity Exchange Act of 1936, as amended, and rules promulgated thereunder (the "CFTC Rules"(“CFTC Rules”) by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC"(“CFTC”) establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for certain derivative instruments, including swaps, futures and foreign exchange derivatives ("(“Regulated CFTC Instruments"Instruments”). Under this regulatory framework, mortgage real estate investment trusts ("mREITs"(“mREITs”) that trade in Regulated CFTC Instruments are considered "commodity pools"“commodity pools” and the operators of such mREITs would be considered "commodity“commodity pool operators" ("CPOs"operators” (“CPOs”). Absent an exemption, a CPO of an mREIT must register with the CFTC and become subject to CFTC Rules applicable to registered CPOs, including with respect to disclosure, reporting, recordkeeping and business conduct in respect of the mREIT. We may from time to time, directly or indirectly, invest in Regulated CFTC Instruments, which may subject us to oversight by the CFTC.
Our Manager has qualified for the exemption from the CPO registration requirement in respect of our company pursuant to the no-action relief issued by the CFTC staff to operators of qualifying mREITs and has filed a notice of exemption with the CFTC. Our Manager qualifies for the exemption in respect of our company on the basis that we identify as a "mortgage REIT"“mortgage REIT” for U.S. federal income tax purposes and our trading in Regulated CFTC Instruments does not exceed a certain de minimis threshold identified in the no-action relief. Subject to any amendments to CFTC Rules or the position of the CFTC staff, including the continuing availability of the mREIT no-action relief, our Manager will seek to either comply with CFTC Rules without relying on any exemption from CPO registration or rely on other exemptions (which may prevent us from trading in Regulated CFTC Instruments in order to satisfy the conditions for the relevant exemption).
The CFTC has substantial enforcement power with respect to violations of the laws over which it has jurisdiction, including anti-fraud and anti-manipulation provisions. Among other things, the CFTC may suspend or revoke the registration of a person who fails to comply, prohibit such a person from trading or doing business with registered entities, impose civil money penalties, require restitution and seek fines or imprisonment for criminal violations. Additionally, a private right of action exists against those who violate the laws over which the CFTC has jurisdiction or who willfully aid, abet, counsel, induce or procure a violation of those laws. In the event we fail to receive interpretive relief from the CFTC on this matter, are unable to claim an exemption from registration and fail to comply with the regulatory requirements of these new rules, we may be unable to use certain types of hedging instruments or we may be subject to significant fines, penalties and other civil or governmental actions or proceedings, any of which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Risks Related to Our Relationship with Our Manager and Its Affiliates
We depend on our Manager and its personnel for our success. We may not find a suitable replacement for our Manager if the management agreement is terminated, or if key personnel cease to be employed by our Manager and its affiliates or otherwise become unavailable to us.
We do not have any employees and are externally managed and advised by our Manager, an indirect subsidiary of KKR. Our Manager has significant discretion as to the implementation of our investment and operating policies and strategies. Accordingly, our success depends on the efforts, experience, diligence, skill and network of business contacts of the officers and key personnel of our Manager and its affiliates. Our Manager is managed by senior professionals of KKR Real Estate. These individuals evaluate, negotiate, execute and monitor our loans and investments and advise us regarding maintenance of our qualification as a REIT and exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act; therefore, our success will
depend on their skill and management expertise and continued service with our Manager and its affiliates.affiliates.Our operating results are dependent upon, among other things, the availability of, as well as our Manager’s ability to identify, structure, consummate, leverage, manage and realize returns on our investments. We cannot assure you that our Manager will be successful in identifying and consummating investments that satisfy our rate of return objectives or that such investments, once made, will perform as anticipated. Furthermore, there is increasing competition among financial sponsors, investment banks and other real estate debt investors for hiring and retaining
qualified investment professionals and there can be no assurance that such professionals will continue to be associated with us, our Manager or its affiliates or that any replacements will perform well. The departure of any of the officers or key personnel of our Manager and its affiliates could have a material adverse effect on our performance. In addition, pursuant to the terms of our management agreement, our Manager retains, for and on our behalf and at our expense, the services of certain other persons and firms as our Manager deems necessary or advisable in connection with managing our operations. We expect that certain of these providers will include affiliates of KKR and its portfolio companies as we expand our business and leverage service providers to manage our growth.
In addition, we can offer no assurance that our Manager will remain our investment manager or that we will continue to have access to our Manager'sManager’s officers and key personnel. The current term of the management agreement extends to October 8, 2018December 31, 2024 and will be automatically renewed for additional one-year terms thereafter; provided, however, that our Manager may terminate the management agreement annually upon 180 days'days’ prior notice. If the management agreement is terminated and no suitable replacement is found to manage us, we may not be able to execute our business plan.
Termination of the management agreement would be costly.
Termination of the management agreement without cause will be difficult and costly. The management agreement may be terminated upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of our independent directors, based upon our determination that (1) our Manager's performance is unsatisfactory performance by our Manager thatand is materially detrimental to us and our subsidiaries taken as a whole or (2) our determination that the management fee and incentive fee payable to our Manager are not fair, subject to our Manager'sManager’s right to prevent any termination due to unfair fees by accepting a reduction of management and/or incentive fees agreed to by at least two-thirds of our independent directors. We must provide our Manager 180 days'days’ written notice of any termination. Additionally, upon such a termination, or if we materially breach the management agreement and our Manager terminates the management agreement, the management agreement provides that we will pay our Manager a termination fee equal to three times the sum of the average annual management fee and the average annual incentive fee, in each case earned by our Manager during the 24-month period immediately preceding the most recently completed calendar quarter prior to the date of termination. These provisions increase the cost to us of terminating the management agreement and adversely affect our ability to terminate the management agreement without cause.
Our Manager'sManager’s liability is limited under the management agreement and we have agreed to indemnify our Manager against certain liabilities.
Pursuant to the management agreement, our Manager does not assume any responsibility other than to render the services called for thereunder in good faith and is not responsible for any action of our board of directors in following or declining to follow any advice or recommendations of our Manager, including as set forth in the investment guidelines of the management agreement. Our Manager maintains a contractual as opposed to a fiduciary relationship with us. Under the terms of the management agreement, our Manager and its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, managers, trustees, control persons, partners, equityholders and stockholders are not liable to us, our directors, stockholders or any subsidiary of ours, or their directors, officers, employees or stockholders for any acts or omissions performed in accordance with and pursuant to the management agreement, whether by or through attempted piercing of the corporate veil, by or through a claim, by the enforcement of any judgment or assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding, or by virtue of any statute, regulation or other applicable law, or otherwise, except by reason of acts or omissions constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of their duties under the management agreement.
We have agreed to indemnify our Manager and its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees and stockholders with respect to all expenses, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, charges and claims arising from acts or omissions of our Manager not constituting bad faith, fraud, willful misconduct, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of duties, performed or not performed in good faith in accordance with and pursuant to the management agreement. As a result, we could experience poor performance or losses for which our Manager would not be liable.
The historical returns generated by funds managed by affiliates of our Manager should not be considered indicative of our future results or of any returns expected on an investment in shares of our common stock.
The past performance of vehicles and funds advised by affiliates of our Manager, as well as KKR'sKKR’s and its affiliates'affiliates’ other investment funds, vehicles and accounts, is not predictive of our performance, in particular because the investment objectives of such other funds, vehicles and accounts differ from our investment objectives. Investors should not assume that they will experience returns, if any, comparable to those experienced by investors in such vehicles. Moreover, we and the other vehicles advised by affiliates of our Manager are different in several respects, including:
•asset or instrument types targeted may differ;
•our use of leverage and hedging strategies may differ;
•our fee structures differ;
•we may not acquire or sell assets at similar times; and
•the other vehicles advised by affiliates of our Manager have operated under market conditions that may differ materially from market conditions that will exist at the time we make investments.
Our Manager has limited experience managing a REIT and avoiding registration under the Investment Company Act.
Our Manager has limited experience managing a portfolio of assets under guidelines designed to allow us to remain qualified as a REIT and to avoid our registration under the Investment Company Act, which may hinder its ability to achieve our investment objectives. Even though our Manager will be overseen by KKR, our investment focus, qualification as a REIT and exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act is different from those of other entities that are or have been managed by investment professionals associated with such affiliates. In addition, maintaining our REIT qualification and exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act will limit the types of investments we are able to make. If our Manager is unable to achieve our investment strategy and invest in our target assets as expected, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. We can offer no assurance that our Manager will be able to replicate the historical success of its affiliates or their management teams' success, and our Manager's investment returns could be substantially lower than the returns achieved by those funds.
Our Manager'sManager’s fee structure may not create proper incentives or may induce our Manager and its affiliates to make certain loans or investments, including speculative investments, which increase the risk of our loan and investment portfolio.
We pay our Manager base management fees regardless of the performance of our portfolio. Our Manager'sManager’s entitlement to base management fees, which are not based upon performance metrics or goals, might reduce its incentive to devote its time and effort to seeking loans and investments that provide attractive risk-adjusted returns for our portfolio. Because the base management fees are also based in part on our outstanding equity, our Manager may also be incentivized to advance strategies that increase our equity, and there may be circumstances where increasing our equity will not optimize the returns for our stockholders. Consequently, we are required to pay our Manager base management fees in a particular period despite experiencing a net loss or a decline in the value of our portfolio during that period.
In addition, ourOur Manager has the ability to earn incentive fees each quarter based on our earnings, which may create an incentive for our Manager to invest in assets with higher yield potential, which are generally riskier or more speculative, or sell an asset prematurely for a gain, in an effort to increase our short-term net income and thereby increase the incentive fees to which it is entitled. In addition, we are required to reimburse our Manager or its affiliates for documented costs and expenses incurred by it and its affiliates on our behalf, except those specifically required to be borne by our Manager under our Management Agreement. Accordingly, to the extent that our Manager retains other parties to provide services to us, expenses allocable to us will increase. If our interests and those of our Manager are not aligned, the execution of our business plan and our results of operations could be adversely affected, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
There are various conflicts of interest in our relationship with KKR, including with our Manager and in the allocation of investment opportunities to KKR investment vehicles and us, which could result in decisions that are not in the best interests of our stockholders.
We are subject to conflictsAs of interest arising out of our relationship with KKR, including our Manager and its affiliates. Until such time as (1)December 31, 2023, KKR and its affiliates cease to own at least 25% of the outstandingbeneficially owned shares of our common stock (2) KKR REFT Asset Holdings LLC ("KKR REFT Asset Holdings") elects to convertproviding them with an aggregate 14.4% of the sharetotal voting power of our special voting preferredcompany. By virtue of KKR’s stock into one shareownership, KKR has the power to significantly influence our business and affairs and is able to influence the outcome of our common stock or (3) beneficial and/or record ownership of the share of our special voting preferred stock is transferredmatters required to any person other than KKR or its affiliates, the share of our special voting preferred stock gives KKR REFT Asset Holdings the right, solely with respectbe submitted to stockholders for approval, including the election of members of our board of directors, to vote the number of votes necessary to equal a majority of the votes entitled to be cast in an election of directors and thereby control our policy and operations. In addition, pursuantamendments to our stockholders agreement, so long as KKR REFT Asset Holdings and its affiliates own at least 25%charter, mergers or sales of the outstanding shares of our common stock, KKR REFT Asset Holdings will have the right to nominate at least half of the directors to our board of directors.assets. In addition, we are managed by our Manager, a KKR affiliate, and our executive officers are employees of our Manager or one or more of its affiliates. Our Bylaws provide that, so long as our Manager or any of its affiliates serve as our manager, in order for an individual to be qualified to be nominated for election as a director or to serve as a director, the nominee together with all other individuals nominated for election and any individuals who will continue to serve as a director after such election must include at least one individual that is or was designated by KKR Group Holdings L.P. (successor to KKR Fund Holdings L.P.).
There is no guarantee that the policies and procedures adopted by us, the terms and conditions of the management agreement or the policies and procedures adopted by our Manager, KKR and their affiliates, will enable us to identify, adequately address or mitigate these conflicts of interest.
Some examples of conflicts of interest that may arise by virtue of our relationship with our Manager and KKR include:
| |
• | Fees and expenses. KKR may earn fees and/or other compensation from us, our holding vehicles and other entities through which we invest, and, in connection with equity investments made by us, if any, entities in which we invest ("portfolio entities"). In particular, KKR may act as underwriter or placement agent in connection with an offering of securities or instruments by us and other entities in which we invest and may also provide syndication services to such
|
•Fees and expenses. KKR may earn fees and/or other compensation from us, our holding vehicles and other entities through which we invest, and, in connection with equity investments made by us, if any, entities in which we invest (“portfolio entities”). In particular, KKR has in the past and may in the future act as underwriter or placement agent in connection with an offering of securities or instruments by us and other entities in which we invest and may also provide syndication services to such entities, including in respect of co-investments in transactions in which we participate. The fee potential inherent in a particular investment or transaction could be viewed as an incentive for our Manager to seek to refer, allocate or recommend an investment or transaction to us. In addition, we or our portfolio entities may engage consultants, including KKR Capstone, a group of entities that are not KKR affiliates or subsidiaries but operate under several consulting agreements with KKR, and our Manager'sManager’s network of senior advisors, industry advisors and real estate consultants. We will directly bear, or indirectly bear through portfolio entities, the cost of operating and consulting services provided by these consultants. While our Manager believes that the fees, reimbursable expenses and other compensation paid to these consultants are reasonable and generally at market rates for the relevant activities, such compensation is not negotiated at arm'sarm’s length and from time to time may be in excess of fees, reimbursable expenses or other compensation that may be charged by comparable third parties. In addition, we may provide loans or otherwise invest alongside one or more KKR investment vehicles or with KKR (investing for their own account) and other co-investors. We and KKR investment vehicles may also pursue similar real estate credit investment strategies. Our Manager and KKR will determine, in their sole discretion, the appropriate allocation of investment-related expenses, including broken deal expenses incurred in respect of unconsummated investments and expenses more generally relating to a particular investment strategy, among the funds, vehicles and accounts participating or that would have participated in such investments or that otherwise participate in the relevant investment strategy, as applicable, which may result in us bearing more or less of these expenses than other participants or potential participants in the relevant investments.
| |
• | KKR's investment advisory and proprietary activities. KKR may make strategic investments or enter into transactions for operational funding purposes, which, in each case, will be investments or transactions that are not offered to us, and also may make opportunistic investments pursuant to investment strategies that mirror, or are similar to in whole or in part, investment strategies implemented by us and KKR on behalf of itself and KKR investment vehicles. Therefore, KKR and its affiliates may compete with, and have interests adverse to us. The existence of KKR, its affiliates and KKR investment vehicles investing in the same or similar investments that may be made by us could, among other adverse consequences, affect the terms of loans and other investments pursued by us and the demand for such financing. In such circumstances, KKR's•KKR’s investment advisory and proprietary activities. KKR may make strategic investments or enter into transactions for operational funding purposes, which, in each case, will be investments or transactions that are not offered to us, and also may make opportunistic investments pursuant to investment strategies that mirror, or are similar to in whole or in part, investment strategies implemented by us and KKR on behalf of itself and KKR investment vehicles. For example, in February 2021, KKR acquired Global Atlantic Financial Group Limited (“Global Atlantic”), a leading retirement and life insurance company. Therefore, KKR and its affiliates (including Global Atlantic) may compete with, and have interests adverse to us. The existence of KKR, its affiliates and KKR investment vehicles investing in the same or similar investments that may be made by us could, among other adverse consequences, affect the terms of loans and other investments pursued by us and the demand for such financing. In such circumstances, KKR’s interest in maximizing the investment return of its proprietary entities creates a conflict of interest in that our Manager may be motivated to allocate more attractive investments to the proprietary entities under its management and allocate less attractive investments to us. Similarly, KKR may be motivated to allocate scarce investment opportunities to the proprietary entities under its management rather than to us. In the case of KKR’s allocation of investment opportunities between us and Global Atlantic, for example, we will continue to be KKR's primary vehicle for transitional senior loans, receiving first priority with respect to those investments, which have been our primary target asset since our IPO, while Global Atlantic will receive priority with respect to stabilized senior loan opportunities. Additionally, KKR has in the past given and is expected to continue to give advice or take action (including entering into short sales or other “opposite way trading” activities) with respect to the investments held by, and transactions of, KKR investment vehicles or proprietary entities of KKR that are different from or otherwise inconsistent with, the advice given or timing or nature of any action taken with respect to the investments held by us and our transactions. Additionally, the investment programs employed by KKR for KKR investment vehicles or proprietary entities of KKR could conflict with the transactions and strategies employed by our Manager in managing our company. Where our company, proprietary entities of KKR and KKR investment vehicles have provided financing to the same borrower, their interests may be in conflict irrespective of whether their investments are at different levels of the capital structure.
•Other KKR activities. Conflicts of interest may arise in allocating time, services or resources among our investment activities, KKR investment vehicles, KKR, other entities affiliated with KKR and the senior officers of KKR. Although members of the KKR Real Estate team intend to devote such time as may be necessary to conduct our business affairs in an appropriate manner, our Manager and KKR will continue to devote the resources necessary to manage the investment activities of KKR, KKR investment vehicles, other entities affiliated with
KKR and the executives of KKR and, therefore, conflicts may arise in the allocation of time, services and resources. KKR is not precluded from conducting activities unrelated to us. In addition, KKR may expand the range of services that it provides over time. Except as and to the extent expressly provided in the management agreement with our Manager, our Manager and KKR will not be restricted in the scope of their business or in the performance of any such services (whether now offered or undertaken in the future) even if such activities could give rise to conflicts of interest.
•No assurance of ability to participate in investment opportunities. As indicated above, certain KKR investment vehicles, including any seed investments, do and may in the future pursue the same investment opportunities as us. Subject to our organizational documents and governing agreements, KKR has sole discretion to determine the manner in which investment opportunities are allocated between us, KKR and KKR investment vehicles. This allocation presents inherent conflicts of interest where demand exceeds available supply. As a result, our share of investment opportunities may be materially affected by competition from KKR investment vehicles and from proprietary entities of KKR. The conflicts inherent in making such allocation decisions may not always be resolved to our advantage. Generally, and subject to our organizational documents and governing agreements, our Manager will allocate more attractive investments to the proprietary entities under its management and allocate less attractive investments to us. Similarly, KKR may be motivated to allocate scarce investment opportunities to the proprietary entities under its management rather than to us. Additionally, KKR has in the past given and is expected to continue to give advice or take action (including entering into short sales or other "opposite way trading" activities) with respect to the investments held by, and transactions of, KKR investment vehicles or proprietary entities of KKR that are different from or otherwise inconsistent with, the advice given or timing or nature of any action taken with respect to the investments held by us and our transactions. Additionally, the investment programs employed by KKR for KKR investment vehicles or proprietary entities of KKR could conflict with the transactions and strategies employed by our Manager in managing our company. Where our company, proprietary entities of KKR and KKR investment vehicles have provided financing to the same borrower, their interests may be in conflict irrespective of whether their investments are at different levels of the capital structure. |
| |
• | Other KKR activities. Conflicts of interest may arise in allocating time, services or resources among our investment activities, KKR investment vehicles, KKR, other entities affiliated with KKR and the senior officers of KKR. Although members of the KKR Real Estate team intend to devote such time as may be necessary to conduct our business affairs in an appropriate manner, our Manager and KKR will continue to devote the resources necessary to manage the investment activities of KKR, KKR investment vehicles, other entities affiliated with KKR and the executives of KKR and, therefore, conflicts may arise in the allocation of time, services and resources. KKR is not precluded from conducting activities unrelated to us. In addition, KKR may expand the range of services that it provides over time. Except as and to the extent expressly provided in the management agreement with our Manager, our Manager and KKR will not be restricted in the scope of their business or in the performance of any such services (whether now offered or undertaken in the future) even if such activities could give rise to conflicts of interest.
|
| |
• | No assurance of ability to participate in investment opportunities. As indicated above, certain KKR investment vehicles, including any seed investments, do and may in the future pursue the same investment opportunities as us. Subject to our organizational documents and governing agreements, KKR has sole discretion to determine the manner in which investment opportunities are allocated between us, KKR and KKR investment vehicles. This allocation presents inherent conflicts of interest where demand exceeds available supply. As a result, our share of investment opportunities may be materially affected by competition from KKR investment vehicles and from proprietary entities of KKR. The conflicts inherent in making such allocation decisions may not always be resolved to our advantage. Generally, and subject to our organizational documents and governing agreements, our Manager will allocate
|
investment opportunities between us and KKR investment vehicles in a manner that is consistent with an allocation methodology established by our Manager reasonably designed to help ensure allocations of opportunities are made over time on a fair and equitable basis. However, we will not necessarily have any priority in respect of any category of investments, and the allocation of investment opportunities in accordance with our Manager'sManager’s allocation methodology may result in us being allocated less than a pro rata share of an investment opportunity or none of such opportunity. For example, on January 10, 2017 we made a $40.0 million commitment to an aggregator vehicle alongside RECOP I, a recently established KKR-managed investment fund. During the aggregator vehicle'svehicle’s investment period, investment opportunities available to KKR that fall within the primary investment strategy of acquiring newly issued CMBS B-Pieces will be shared pro rata between such aggregator vehicle and another KKR aggregator vehicle based on capital commitments. In respect of investments that are within the vehicles'vehicles’ investment objective but outside the primary investment strategy that are suitable for us or other KKR investment vehicles, KKR will allocate such opportunities among the aggregators, us and such other KKR investment vehicles in their sole discretion. For more information, see Part II, Item 7. "Management's“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Our Portfolio."” In addition, certain KKR investment vehicles have priority investment rights to certain investment opportunities that may be suitable for us, and such vehicles with priority investment rights could be established by KKR in the future. These include, but are not limited to, KKR'sKKR’s special situations, mezzanine and real estate funds.
| |
• | •Duties owed to KKR investment vehicles. KKR, including our Manager, may structure an investment as a result of which one or more KKR investment vehicles are offered the opportunity to participate in the same or separate debt tranche of an investment allocated to us. As advisor to such KKR investment vehicles, KKR, including our Manager, may owe a fiduciary or other duty to the KKR investment vehicles and may face a conflict of interest in respect of the advice they give to, or the decisions made with regard to, us and such KKR investment vehicles.
•Co-investments. We may co-invest together with KKR investment vehicles and/or KKR proprietary balance sheet entities in some or all of our investment opportunities. KKR may also offer co-investment opportunities to vehicles in which KKR personnel, non-employee consultants and other associated persons of KKR or any of its affiliate entities may invest and to third-party co-investors. In such circumstances, the size of the investment opportunity otherwise available to us may be less than it would otherwise have been, and we may participate in such opportunities on different and potentially less favorable economic terms than such parties if our Manager deems such participation as being otherwise in our best interests. Furthermore, when KKR proprietary entities or KKR investment vehicles have interests or requirements that do not align with our interests, including differing liquidity needs or desired investment horizons, conflicts may arise in the manner in which any voting or control rights are exercised with respect to the relevant investment, potentially resulting in an adverse impact on us. Generally, such transactions are not required to be presented to our board of directors for approval, and there can be no assurances that any conflicts will be resolved in our favor.
•Investments in which KKR and/or KKR investment vehicles have a different principal interest. Without the approval of KKR’s global conflicts and compliance committee, we will not acquire a controlling interest in any class or tranche of debt securities of any borrower in which KKR or any KKR investment vehicle has a pre-existing controlling equity interest (excluding any investments shared by us and such parties upon initial investment or any related follow-on investment). However, in circumstances where KKR’s global conflicts and compliance committee approves a transaction of this type, approval by our board of directors is generally not
required, and our interests and those of KKR or such KKR investment vehicle may not always be aligned, which may give rise to actual or potential conflicts of interest and actions taken for us may be adverse to KKR or such KKR investment vehicle, or vice versa.
•Competing interests; allocation of resources. KKR may make investments on behalf of itself and/or KKR investment vehicles that are competitive with our investments. In providing advice and recommendations to, or with respect to, such investments and in dealing in such investments on behalf of such KKR investment vehicles or KKR, to the extent permitted by law, KKR will not take into consideration our interests or our Manager’s investments. Accordingly, such advice, recommendations and dealings may result in adverse consequences to us and our investments. Conflicts of interest may also arise with respect to the allocation of our Manager’s time and resources between our investments and other investments. In addition, conflicts of interest may arise where KKR personnel and non-employee consultants serve as directors or interim executives of, or otherwise are associated with, our portfolio entities (e.g., if the entity is in financial difficulty) or entities that are competitors of certain of our portfolio entities.
•Information sharing. Although we have leveraged, and plan to continue to leverage KKR’s firm-wide resources to help source, conduct due diligence on, structure, syndicate and create value for our investments, the information-sharing policies and procedures of KKR relating to confidential information and the information barrier between the public and private side of KKR, as well as a result of which one or more KKR investment vehicles are offered the opportunity to participate in the same or separate debt tranche of an investment allocated to us. As advisor to such KKR investment vehicles, KKR, including our Manager, may owe a fiduciary or other duty to the KKR investment vehicles and may face a conflict of interest in respect of the advice they give to, or the decisions made with regard to, us and such KKR investment vehicles. |
| |
• | Co-investments. We may co-invest together with KKR investment vehicles and/or KKR proprietary balance sheet entities in some or all of our investment opportunities. KKR may also offer co-investment opportunities to vehicles in which KKR personnel, non-employee consultants and other associated persons of KKR or any of its affiliate entities may invest and to third-party co-investors. In such circumstances, the size of the investment opportunity otherwise available to us may be less than it would otherwise have been, and we may participate in such opportunities on different and potentially less favorable economic terms than such parties if our Manager deems such participation as being otherwise in our best interests. Furthermore, when KKR proprietary entities or KKR investment vehicles have interests or requirements that do not align with our interests, including differing liquidity needs or desired investment horizons, conflicts may arise in the manner in which any voting or control rights are exercised with respect to the relevant investment, potentially resulting in an adverse impact on us. Generally, such transactions are not required to be presented to our board of directors for approval, and there can be no assurances that any conflicts will be resolved in our favor.
|
| |
• | Investments in which KKR and/or KKR investment vehicles have a different principal interest. Without the approval of KKR's global conflicts and compliance committee, we will not acquire a controlling interest in any class or tranche of debt securities of any borrower in which KKR or any KKR investment vehicle has a pre-existing controlling equity interest (excluding any investments shared by us and such parties upon initial investment or any related follow-on investment). However, in circumstances where KKR's global conflicts and compliance committee approves a transaction of this type, approval by our board of directors is generally not required, and our interests and those of KKR or such KKR investment vehicle may not always be aligned, which may give rise to actual or potential conflicts of interest and actions taken for us may be adverse to KKR or such KKR investment vehicle, or vice versa.
|
| |
• | Competing interests; allocation of resources. KKR may make investments on behalf of itself and/or KKR investment vehicles that are competitive with our investments. In providing advice and recommendations to, or with respect to, such investments and in dealing in such investments on behalf of such KKR investment vehicles or KKR, to the extent permitted by law, KKR will not take into consideration our interests or our Manager's investments. Accordingly, such advice, recommendations and dealings may result in adverse consequences to us and our investments. Conflicts of interest may also arise with respect to the allocation of our Manager's time and resources between our investments and other investments. In addition, conflicts of interest may arise where KKR personnel and non-employee consultants serve as directors or interim executives of, or otherwise are associated with, our portfolio entities (e.g., if the entity is in financial difficulty) or entities that are competitors of certain of our portfolio entities.
|
| |
• | Information sharing. Although we plan to leverage KKR's firm-wide resources to help source, conduct due diligence on, structure, syndicate and create value for our investments, the information-sharing policies and procedures of KKR relating to confidential information and the information barrier between the public and private side of KKR, as well as
|
certain legal and contractual and tax constraints, could significantly limit our ability to do so. In addition, in providing services in respect of our investments and other investments, our Manager may come into possession of information that it is prohibited from acting on (including on our behalf) or disclosing as a result of applicable confidentiality requirements or applicable law, even though such action or disclosure would be in our interests. Furthermore, to the extent not restricted by confidentiality requirements or applicable law, KKR may apply experience and information gained in providing services to our investments to provide services to competing investments of KKR investment vehicles, which may have adverse consequences for us or our investments.
| |
• | •Other affiliate transactions.We may borrow money from multiple lenders, including KKR. Although our Manager will approve such transactions only on terms, including the consideration to be paid, that are determined by our Manager in good faith to be appropriate for us, it is possible that the interests of such affiliated lender could be in conflict with ours and the interests of our stockholders. KKR may also, on our behalf, effect transactions, including transactions in the secondary markets where KKR is also acting as a broker or other advisor on the other side of the same transaction. Notwithstanding that KKR may not receive commissions from such agency cross-transactions, it may nonetheless have a potential conflict of interest with respect to us and the other parties to those transactions to the extent it receives commissions or other compensation from such other parties.
•KKR stakes in third-party hedge fund managers. KKR has stakes in third-party hedge fund managers. Funds and accounts managed by such third-party managers and underlying portfolio funds and accounts may invest in securities or other financial instruments of companies in which we may also have an interest, or in competitors of ours or our investments. Actions taken by any of these third-party hedge fund managers in respect of any of the foregoing may adversely impact our company.
•Transactions with any KKR fund or affiliate. Pursuant to the terms of the management agreement, and subject to applicable law, our Manager will not consummate on our behalf any transaction that involves (i) the sale of any investment to or (ii) the acquisition of any investment from KKR, any KKR fund or any of their affiliates unless such transaction (A) is on terms no less favorable to us than could have been obtained on an arm’s length basis from an unrelated third party and (B) has been approved in advance by a majority of our independent directors. Although our Manager will seek to resolve any conflicts of interest in a fair and equitable manner in accordance with the allocation policy and its prevailing policies and procedures with respect to conflicts resolution among KKR funds generally, only those transactions set forth in this paragraph will be required to be presented for approval by the independent directors.
•Management agreement. The management agreement was negotiated between related parties and its terms, including fees payable to our Manager, may not be as favorable to us as if they had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party. In addition, we may choose not to enforce, or to enforce less vigorously, our rights under the management agreement because of our desire to maintain an ongoing relationship with our Manager.
•Service providers. Certain advisors and other service providers, or their affiliates (including accountants, administrators, lenders, bankers, brokers, attorneys, consultants and investment or commercial banking firms), to us and our investments may also provide goods or services to or have business, personal, political, financial or other relationships with KKR (including our Manager). Such advisors and service providers may be investors in KKR investment vehicles, sources of investment opportunities for KKR, our company or KKR investment vehicles or may otherwise be co-investors with or counterparties to transactions involving the foregoing. These relationships may influence our Manager in deciding whether to select or recommend such a service provider to perform services for us or a borrower (the cost of which will generally be borne directly or indirectly by us or such borrower, as applicable).
We may borrow money from multiple lenders, including KKR. Although our Manager will approve such transactions only on terms, including the consideration to be paid, that are determined by our Manager in good faith to be appropriate for us, it is possible that the interests of such affiliated lender could be in conflict with ours and the interests of our stockholders. KKR may also, on our behalf, effect transactions, including transactions in the secondary markets where KKR is also acting as a broker or other advisor on the other side of the same transaction. Notwithstanding that KKR may not receive commissions from such agency cross-transactions, it may nonetheless have a potential conflict of interest with respect to us and the other parties to those transactions to the extent it receives commissions or other compensation from such other parties.
|
| |
• | KKR stakes in third-party hedge fund managers. KKR has stakes in third-party hedge fund managers. Funds and accounts managed by such third-party managers and underlying portfolio funds and accounts may invest in securities or other financial instruments of companies in which we may also have an interest, or in competitors of ours or our investments. Actions taken by any of these third-party hedge fund managers in respect of any of the foregoing may adversely impact our company.
|
| |
• | Transactions with any KKR fund or affiliate. Pursuant to the terms of the management agreement, and subject to applicable law, our Manager will not consummate on our behalf any transaction that involves (i) the sale of any investment to or (ii) the acquisition of any investment from KKR, any KKR fund or any of their affiliates unless such transaction (A) is on terms no less favorable to us than could have been obtained on an arm's length basis from an unrelated third party and (B) has been approved in advance by a majority of our independent directors. Although our Manager will seek to resolve any conflicts of interest in a fair and equitable manner in accordance with the allocation policy and its prevailing policies and procedures with respect to conflicts resolution among KKR funds generally, only those transactions set forth in this paragraph will be required to be presented for approval by the independent directors.
|
| |
• | Management agreement. The management agreement was negotiated between related parties and its terms, including fees payable to our Manager, may not be as favorable to us as if they had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party. In addition, we may choose not to enforce, or to enforce less vigorously, our rights under the management agreement because of our desire to maintain an ongoing relationship with our Manager.
|
| |
• | Service providers. Certain advisors and other service providers, or their affiliates (including accountants, administrators, lenders, bankers, brokers, attorneys, consultants and investment or commercial banking firms), to us and our investments may also provide goods or services to or have business, personal, political, financial or other relationships with KKR (including our Manager). Such advisors and service providers may be investors in KKR investment vehicles, sources of investment opportunities for KKR, our company or KKR investment vehicles or may otherwise be co-investors with or counterparties to transactions involving the foregoing. These relationships may influence our Manager in deciding whether to select or recommend such a service provider to perform services for us or a borrower (the cost of which will generally be borne directly or indirectly by us or such borrower, as applicable).
|
Our Manager manages our portfolio pursuant to very broad investment guidelines and is not required to seek the approval of our board of directors for each investment, financing, asset allocation or hedging decision made by it, which may result in riskier loans and investments and which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our Manager is authorized to follow very broad investment guidelines that provide it with broad discretion inover investment, financing, asset allocation and hedging decisions. Our board of directors will periodically review our investment guidelines and our loan and investment portfolio but will not, and will not be required to, review and approve in advance all of our proposed loans and investments or our Manager'sManager’s financing, asset allocation or hedging decisions. In addition, in conducting periodic reviews, our directors may rely primarily on information provided to them by our Manager or its affiliates. Subject to maintaining our REIT qualification and our exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act, our Manager has significant latitude within the broad investment guidelines in determining the types of loans and investments it makes for us, and how such loans and investments are financingfinanced or hedged, which could result in investment returns that are substantially below expectations or that result in losses, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We do not own the KKR name, but we will use it as part of our corporate name pursuant to a license agreement with KKR. Use of the name by other parties or the termination of our license agreement may harm our business.
We entered into a license agreement with KKR pursuant to which it granted us a fully paid-up, royalty-free, non-exclusive license to use the name "KKR“KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc."” and the ticker symbol "KREF"“KREF”. Under this agreement, we have a right to use this name and ticker symbol for so long as our Manager (or another affiliate of KKR) serves as our Manager pursuant to the management agreement and our Manager (or another managing entity) remains an affiliate of KKR under the license agreement. The license agreement may also be earlier terminated by either party as a result of certain breaches or for convenience upon 90 days'days’ prior written notice. KKR and its affiliates retain the right to continue using the "KKR"“KKR” name. We are also unable to preclude KKR and its affiliates from licensing or transferring ownership of the "KKR"“KKR” name to third parties, some of whom may compete with us. Consequently, we are unable to prevent any damage to goodwill that may occur as a result of the activities of KKR or others. Furthermore, in the event that the license agreement is terminated, we will be required to change our name and ticker symbol and cease using the "KKR"“KKR” name. Any of these events could disrupt our recognition in the marketplace, damage any goodwill we may have generated and otherwise harm our business.
Legal and Regulatory Risks
State licensing requirements will cause us to incur expenses and our failure to be properly licensed may have a material adverse effect on us and our operations.
Nonbank companies are generally required to hold licenses in a number of U.S. states to conduct lending activities. State licensing statutes vary from state to state and prescribe or impose various recordkeeping requirements; restrictions on loan origination and servicing practices, including limits on finance charges and the type, amount and manner of charging fees; disclosure requirements; requirements that licensees submit to periodic examination; surety bond and minimum specified net worth requirements; periodic financial reporting requirements; notification requirements for changes in principal officers, stock ownership or corporate control; restrictions on advertising; and requirements that loan forms be submitted for review. Obtaining and maintaining licenses will cause us to incur expenses and failure to be properly licensed under state law or otherwise may have a material adverse effect on us and our operations.
Maintaining an exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act imposes significant limits on our operations. Your investment return may be reduced if we are required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.
We currently conduct, and intend to continue to conduct, our operations so that we are not required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. We believe we are not an investment company under Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act because we do not engage primarily, or hold ourselves out as being engaged primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. In addition, we intend to conduct our operations so that we do not come within the definition of an investment company under Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act because less than 40% of our total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis will consist of “investment securities” (the “40% test”). Excluded from the term “investment securities” (as defined in the Investment Company Act) are securities issued by majority-owned subsidiaries that are themselves not investment companies and are not relying on the exclusion from the definition of investment company set forth in Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act. Our interests in wholly-owned or majority-owned subsidiaries that qualify for the exclusion pursuant to Section 3(c)(5)(C), or Rule 3a-7, each as described below, or another exemption or exclusion under the Investment Company Act other than Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) thereof, do not constitute “investment securities.”
To maintain an exclusion from registration as an investment company, the securities issued to us by any wholly-owned or majority-owned subsidiaries that we may form in the future that are excluded from the definition of investment company under Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act, together with any other investment securities we may own, may not have a value in excess of 40% of the value of our total assets on an unconsolidated basis (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items). We will monitor our holdings to ensure ongoing compliance with this 40% test, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain an exclusion from registration as an investment company. The 40% test limits the types of businesses in which we may engage through our subsidiaries. In addition, the assets we and our subsidiaries may originate or acquire are limited by the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations promulgated under the Investment Company Act, which may adversely affect our business.
We hold our assets primarily through direct or indirect wholly-owned or majority-owned subsidiaries, certain of which are excluded from the definition of investment company pursuant to Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act. To qualify for the exclusion pursuant to Section 3(c)(5)(C) based on positions set forth by the staff of the SEC, each such subsidiary generally is required to hold at least (i) 55% of its assets in “qualifying” real estate assets and (ii) at least 80% of its assets in “qualifying” real estate assets and real estate-related assets. "Qualifying” real estate assets for this purpose include senior loans, certain B-Notes and certain mezzanine loans that satisfy various conditions as set forth in SEC staff no-action letters and other guidance, and other assets that the SEC staff in various no-action letters and other guidance has determined are the functional equivalent of senior loans for the purposes of the Investment Company Act. We treat as real estate-related assets B-Notes and mezzanine loans that do not satisfy the conditions set forth in the relevant SEC staff no-action letters and other guidance, and debt and equity securities of companies primarily engaged in real estate businesses. Unless a relevant SEC staff no-action letter or other guidance applies, we expect to treat preferred equity interests as real estate-related assets. The SEC has not published guidance with respect to the treatment of CMBS for purposes of the Section 3(c)(5)(C) exclusion. Unless the SEC or its staff issues guidance with respect to CMBS, we intend to treat CMBS as a real estate-related asset. These no-action positions are based on specific factual situations that may be substantially different from the factual situations we and our subsidiaries may face, and a number of these no-action positions were issued more than twenty years ago. There may be no guidance from the SEC staff that applies directly to our factual situations and as a result we may have to apply SEC staff guidance that relates to other factual situations by analogy. No assurance can be given that the SEC or its staff will concur with our classification of our assets. In addition, the SEC or its staff may, in the future, issue further guidance that may require us to re-classify our assets for purposes of the Investment Company Act, including for purposes of our subsidiaries’ compliance with the exclusion provided in Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act. There is no guarantee that we will be able to adjust our assets in the manner required to maintain an exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act and any adjustment in our strategy or assets could have a material adverse effect on us.
Certain of our subsidiaries rely on the exclusion from the definition of investment company set forth in Rule 3a-7 under the Investment Company Act. We refer to these subsidiaries as our “CLO subsidiaries.” Rule 3a-7 under the Investment Company Act is available to certain structured financing vehicles that are engaged in the business of holding financial assets that, by their terms, convert into cash within a finite time period and that issue fixed income securities entitling holders to receive payments that depend primarily on the cash flows from these assets, provided that, among other things, the structured finance vehicle does not engage in certain portfolio management practices resembling those employed by management investment companies (e.g., mutual funds). Accordingly, each of these CLO subsidiaries is subject to an indenture (or similar transaction documents) that contains specific guidelines and restrictions limiting the discretion of the CLO subsidiary and its collateral manager, if
applicable. In particular, these guidelines and restrictions prohibit the CLO subsidiary from acquiring and disposing of assets primarily for the purpose of recognizing gains or decreasing losses resulting from market value changes. Thus, a CLO subsidiary cannot acquire or dispose of assets primarily to enhance returns to the owner of the equity in the CLO subsidiary; however, subject to this limitation, sales and purchases of assets may be made so long as doing so does not violate guidelines contained in the CLO subsidiary’s relevant transaction documents. A CLO subsidiary generally can, for example, sell an asset if the collateral manager believes that its credit characteristic qualifies it as an impaired asset, subject to fulfilling the requirements set forth in Rule 3a-7 under the Investment Company Act and the CLO subsidiary’s relevant transaction documents. As a result of these restrictions, our CLO subsidiaries may suffer losses on their assets and we may suffer losses on our investments in those CLO subsidiaries.
As a consequence of our seeking to maintain an exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act on an ongoing basis, we and/or our subsidiaries may be restricted from making certain investments or may structure investments in a manner that would be less advantageous to us than would be the case in the absence of such requirements. In particular, a change in the value of any of our assets could negatively affect our ability to maintain an exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act and cause the need for a restructuring of our investment portfolio. For example, these restrictions may limit our and our subsidiaries’ ability to invest directly in mortgage-backed securities that represent less than the entire ownership in a pool of senior loans, debt and equity tranches of securitizations and certain asset-backed securities, non-controlling equity interests in real estate companies or in assets not related to real estate; however, we and our subsidiaries may invest in such securities to a certain extent. In addition, seeking to maintain an exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act may cause us and/or our subsidiaries to acquire or hold additional assets that we might not otherwise have acquired or held or dispose of investments that we and/or our subsidiaries might not have otherwise disposed of, which could result in higher costs or lower proceeds to us than we would have paid or received if we were not seeking to comply with such requirements. Thus, maintaining an exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act may hinder our ability to operate solely on the basis of maximizing profits.
We will determine whether an entity is a majority-owned subsidiary of our company. The Investment Company Act defines a majority-owned subsidiary of a person as a company 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of which are owned by such person, or by another company which is a majority-owned subsidiary of such person. The Investment Company Act defines voting securities as any security presently entitling the owner or holder thereof to vote for the election of directors of a company. We treat entities in which we own at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities as majority-owned subsidiaries for purposes of the 40% test. We have not requested that the SEC or its staff approve our treatment of any entity as a majority-owned subsidiary, and neither has done so. If the SEC or its staff were to disagree with our treatment of one or more subsidiary entities as majority-owned subsidiaries, we may need to adjust our strategy and our assets in order to continue to pass the 40% test. Any adjustment in our strategy or assets could have a material adverse effect on us.
SEC staff no-action positions are based on specific factual situations that may be substantially different from the factual situations we and our subsidiaries may face, and a number of the no-action positions relevant to our business were issued more than twenty years ago. There may be no guidance from the SEC staff that applies directly to our factual situations and as a result we may have to apply SEC staff guidance that relates to other factual situations by analogy. No assurance can be given that the SEC or its staff will concur with our classification of our assets. In addition, the SEC or its staff may, in the future, issue further guidance that may require us to re-classify our assets for purposes of the Investment Company Act, including for purposes of our subsidiaries’ compliance with the exclusion provided in Section 3(c)(5)(C) of, or Rule 3a-7 under, the Investment Company Act. There is no guarantee that we will be able to adjust our assets in the manner required to maintain an exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act and any adjustment in our strategy or assets could have a material adverse effect on us.
To the extent that the SEC or its staff provide new specific guidance regarding any of the matters bearing upon the definition of investment company and the exemptions or exclusions to that definition, we may be required to adjust our strategy accordingly. Any additional guidance from the SEC or its staff could provide additional flexibility to us, or it could further inhibit our ability to pursue the strategies we have chosen.
There can be no assurance that we and our subsidiaries would be able to successfully avoid operating as an unregistered investment company. If it were established that we were an unregistered investment company, there would be a risk that we would be subject to monetary penalties and injunctive relief in an action brought by the SEC, that we would be unable to enforce contracts with third parties, that third parties could seek to obtain rescission of transactions undertaken during the period it was established that we were an unregistered investment company.
If we were required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we would become subject to substantial regulation with respect to our capital structure (including our ability to use borrowings or corporate leverage, which would have an adverse impact on our investment returns), management, operations, transactions with affiliated persons (as defined in the Investment Company Act) and portfolio composition, including disclosure requirements and restrictions with respect to diversification and industry concentration and other matters. Compliance with the Investment Company Act would, accordingly, limit our ability to make certain investments and require us to significantly restructure our business plan, which could materially adversely affect our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.
Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations, changes in the interpretation thereof or newly enacted laws or regulations and any failure by us to comply with these laws or regulations, could require changes to certain of our business practices, negatively impact our operations, cash flow or financial condition, impose additional costs on us, subject us to increased competition or otherwise adversely affect our business.
The laws and regulations governing our operations, as well as their interpretation, may change from time to time, and new laws and regulations may be enacted. Accordingly, any change in these laws or regulations, changes in their interpretation, or newly enacted laws or regulations and any failure by us to comply with these laws or regulations, could require changes to certain of our business practices, negatively impact our operations, cash flow or financial condition, impose additional costs on us or otherwise adversely affect our business. For example, from time to time the market for real estate debt transactions has been adversely affected by a decrease in the availability of senior and subordinated financing for transactions, in part in response to regulatory pressures on providers of financing to reduce or eliminate their exposure to such transactions. Furthermore, if regulatory capital requirements-whether under the Dodd-Frank Act, Basel III (i.e., the framework for a comprehensive set of capital and liquidity standards for internationally active banking organizations, which was adopted in June 2011 by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, an international body comprised of senior representatives of bank supervisory authorities and central banks from 27 countries, including the United States) or other regulatory action-are imposed on private lenders that provide us with funds, or were to be imposed on us, they or we may be required to limit, or increase the cost of, financing they provide to us or that we provide to others. Among other things, this could potentially increase our financing costs, reduce our ability to originate or acquire loans and reduce our liquidity or require us to sell assets at an inopportune time or price.
Various laws and regulations currently exist that restrict the investment activities of banks and certain other financial institutions but do not apply to us, which we believe creates opportunities for us to participate in certain investments that are not available to these more regulated institutions. Any deregulation of the financial industry, including by amending the Dodd-Frank Act, may decrease the restrictions on banks and other financial institutions and would create more competition for investment opportunities that were previously not available to the financial industry. See “Risks Related to Our Lending and Investment Activities—We operate in a competitive market for lending and investment opportunities, and competition may limit our ability to originate or acquire desirable loans and investments or dispose of assets we target and could also affect the yields of these assets and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.” Efforts by the current administration could have further impacts on our industry if previously enacted laws are amended or if new legislative or regulatory reforms are adopted. In addition, the change in administration has led and will lead to leadership changes at a number of U.S. federal regulatory agencies with oversight over the U.S. financial services industry. This poses uncertainty with respect to such agencies’ policy priorities and may lead to increased regulatory enforcement activity in the financial services industry. Although there is a substantial lack of clarity regarding the likelihood, timing and details of potential changes or reforms by the new administration and U.S. Congress, such changes or reforms may impose additional costs on our current or future investments, require the attention of senior management or result in other limitations on our business or investments. We are unable to predict at this time the effect of any such reforms.
In recent years, there has been increasing commentary amongst regulators and intergovernmental institutions on the role of nonbank institutions in providing credit and, particularly, so-called “shadow banking,” a term generally taken to refer to credit intermediation involving entities and activities outside the regulated banking system. For example, the Financial Stability Board has issued a policy framework for strengthening oversight and regulation of “shadow banking” entities. The report outlined initial steps to define the scope of the shadow banking system and proposed general governing principles for a monitoring and regulatory framework. A number of other regulators, such as the Federal Reserve, and international organizations, such as the International Organization of Securities Commissions, are studying the shadow banking system. It is not possible to assess whether any rules or regulations will be proposed or to what extent any finalized rules or regulations will have on the nonbank lending market. If rules or regulations were to extend to us or our affiliates the regulatory and supervisory requirements, such as capital and liquidity standards, currently applicable to banks, then the regulatory and operating costs associated therewith could adversely impact the implementation of our investment strategy and our returns. In an extreme eventuality, it is possible that such regulations could render the continued operation of our company unviable.
In the United States, the process established by the Dodd-Frank Act for designation of systemically important nonbank firms has provided a means for ensuring that the perimeter of prudential regulation can be extended as appropriate to cover large shadow banking institutions. The Dodd-Frank Act established the Financial Stability Oversight Council (the “FSOC”), which is comprised of representatives of all the major U.S. financial regulators, to act as the financial system’s systemic risk regulator. The FSOC has the authority to review the activities of nonbank financial companies predominantly engaged in financial activities and designate those companies as “systematically important financial institutions” (“SIFIs”) for supervision by the Federal Reserve. Such designation is applicable to companies where material distress or failure could pose risk to the financial stability of the United States. On December 18, 2014, the FSOC released a notice seeking public comment on the potential risks posed by aspects of the asset management industry, including whether asset management products and activities may pose potential risks to the U.S. financial system in the areas of liquidity and redemptions, leverage, operational functions, and resolution, or in other areas. On April 18, 2016, the FSOC released an update on its multi-year review of asset management products and activities and created an interagency working group to assess potential risks associated with certain leveraged funds. On December 4, 2019, the FSOC issued final guidance regarding the FSOC’s procedures for designating nonbank financial companies as SIFIs. This guidance implemented a number of reforms to the FSOC’s prior SIFI designation approach by shifting from an “entity-based” approach to an “activities-based” approach whereby the FSOC will primarily focus on regulating activities that pose systematic risk to the financial stability of the United States, rather than designations of individual firms. Under the guidance, designation of a nonbank financial company as a SIFI would only occur if the FSOC determined that the expected benefits justify the expected costs of the designation. While the impact of this guidance cannot be known at this time, increased regulation of nonbank credit extension could negatively impact our operations, cash flows or financial condition, impose additional costs on us, intensify the regulatory supervision of us or otherwise adversely affect our business.
Changes in laws or regulations governing the operations of borrowers could affect our returns with respect to those borrowers.
Government counterparties or agencies may have the discretion to change or increase regulation of a borrower’s operations, or implement laws or regulations affecting a borrower’s operations, separate from any contractual rights it may have. A borrower could also be materially and adversely affected as a result of statutory or regulatory changes or judicial or administrative interpretations of existing laws and regulations that impose more comprehensive or stringent requirements on such company. Governments have considerable discretion in implementing regulations, for example, the possible imposition or increase of taxes on income earned by a borrower or gains recognized by us on our investment in such borrower, that could impact a borrower’s business as well as our return on our investment with respect to such borrower. Changes in government rules, regulations and fiscal policies, including increases in property taxes, changes in zoning laws and increasing costs to comply with environmental law could increase operating expenses for our borrowers. Likewise, changes in rent control or rent stabilization laws or other residential landlord/tenant laws could result in lower revenue growth or significant unanticipated expenditures for our borrowers. For example, in 2016, voters in Mountain View, California passed a referendum that limits rent increases on existing tenants (but not on new move-ins) in communities built before 1995. These initiatives and any other future enactments of rent control or rent stabilization laws or other laws regulating multifamily housing may reduce our borrowers’ rental revenues or increase their operating costs. Such laws and regulations may limit our borrowers’ ability to charge market rents, increase rents, evict tenants or recover increases in their operating costs, which may, in turn, impact our return on our investment with respect to such borrowers.
Climate change, climate change-related initiative and regulation and the increased focus on environmental, social and governance issues, may adversely affect our business and financial results and damage our reputation.
Recently, there has been growing concern from advocacy groups, government agencies and the general public over the effects of climate change on the environment. Transition risks, such as government restrictions, standards or regulations intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and potential climate change impacts, are emerging and may increase in the future in the form of restrictions or additional requirements on the development of commercial real estate. Such restrictions and requirements could increase our costs or require additional technology and capital investment by our borrowers, which could adversely affect our results of operations. This is a particular concern in the western and northeastern United States, where some of the most extensive and stringent environmental laws and building construction standards in the U.S. have been enacted, and where we have properties securing our investment portfolio.
Additionally, ESG and other sustainability matters and our response to these matters could harm our business, including in areas such as diversity, equity and inclusion, human rights, climate change and environmental stewardship, support for local communities, corporate governance and transparency and considering ESG factors in our investment processes. Increasing governmental, investor and societal attention to ESG matters, including expanding mandatory and voluntary reporting, diligence, and disclosure on topics such as climate change, human capital, labor and risk oversight, could expand the nature,
scope, and complexity of matters that we are required to control, assess and report. These factors may alter the environment in which we do business and may increase the ongoing costs of compliance and adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows. If we are unable to adequately address such ESG matters or we or our borrowers fail or are perceived to fail to comply with all laws, regulations, policies and related interpretations, it could negatively impact our reputation and our business results.
Further, significant physical effects of climate change including extreme weather events such as hurricanes or floods, can also have an adverse impact on certain of our borrowers’ properties. As the effects of climate change increase, we expect the frequency and impact of weather and climate related events and conditions to increase as well. While the geographic distribution of our portfolio somewhat limits our physical climate risk, some physical risk is inherent in the properties of our borrowers, particularly in certain borrowers’ locations and in the unknown potential for extreme weather or other events that could occur related to climate change.
We are subject to risks from litigation filed by or against us.
Legal or governmental proceedings brought by or on behalf of third parties may adversely affect our financial results. Our investment activities may include activities that are hostile in nature and will subject it to the risks of becoming involved in such proceedings. The expense of defending claims against us and paying any amounts pursuant to settlements or judgments would be borne by us and would reduce net assets. Our Manager will be indemnified by us in connection with such proceedings, subject to certain conditions. Similarly, we may from time to time institute legal proceedings on behalf of ourselves or others, the ultimate outcome of which could cause us to incur substantial damages and expenses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
The obligations associated with being a public company require significant resources and attention from our Manager’s senior management team.
As a public company with listed equity securities, we must comply with laws, regulations and requirements, including the requirements of the Exchange Act, certain corporate governance provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), related regulations of the SEC and requirements of the NYSE, with which we were not required to comply as a private company. The Exchange Act requires that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and financial condition. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we establish and maintain effective internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. These reporting and other obligations place significant demands on our Manager’s senior management team, administrative, operational and accounting resources and cause us to incur significant expenses. We may need to upgrade our systems or create new systems, implement additional financial and other controls, reporting systems and procedures, and create or outsource an internal audit function. If we are unable to accomplish these objectives in a timely and effective fashion, our ability to comply with the financial reporting requirements and other rules that apply to reporting companies could be impaired.
If we are unable to implement and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting in the future, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock may be negatively affected.
As a public company, we are required to maintain internal controls over financial reporting and to report any material weaknesses in such internal controls. In addition, we are required to furnish a report by management on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Our independent registered public accounting firm is required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting on an annual basis. The process of designing, implementing and testing the internal controls over financial reporting required to comply with this obligation is time consuming, costly and complicated. If we identify material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting, if we are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner or to assert that our internal controls over financial reporting is effective or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock could be negatively affected. We could also become subject to investigations by the stock exchange on which our securities are listed, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.
Risks Related to Our REIT Status and Certain Other Tax Considerations
If we do not maintain our qualification as a REIT, we will be subject to tax as a regular corporation and could face a substantial tax liability.
We expect to continue to operate so as to qualify as a REIT under the Code. However, qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Code provisions for which only a limited number of judicial or administrative interpretations exist. Our continued qualification as a REIT will depend on our continuing ability to meet various requirements concerning, among other things, our sources of income, the nature of our investments, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of our stock. We also own interests in entities that have elected to be taxed as REITs. If any such entity were to fail to qualify as a REIT, it could negatively impact our ability to satisfy the REIT requirements.Notwithstanding the availability of cure provisions in the Code, various compliance requirements could be failed and could jeopardize our REIT status. Furthermore, new tax legislation, administrative guidance or court decisions, in each instance potentially with retroactive effect, could make it more difficult or impossible for us to continue to qualify as a REIT. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any tax year, then:
•we would be taxed as a regular domestic corporation, which under current laws,law, among other things, means being unable to deduct distributions to stockholders in computing taxable income and being subject to U.S. federal income tax on taxable income at regular corporate income tax rates (at a 35% rate through 2017 and a 21% rate in subsequent years); rates;
•any resulting tax liability could be substantial and could have a material adverse effect on our book value;
•unless we were entitled to relief under applicable statutory provisions, we would be required to pay taxes as described above, and thus, our cash available for distribution to stockholders would be reduced for each of the years during which we do not qualify as a REIT and for which we had taxable income; and
•we generally would not be eligible to elect to be taxed as a REIT for the subsequent four full taxable years.
Even if we maintain our qualification as a REIT, we may incur tax liabilities that would reduce our cash available for distribution to stockholders.
Even if we maintain our qualification as a REIT, we may become subject to U.S. federal income taxes and related state and local taxes, and foreign taxes. For example, net income from the sale of properties that are "dealer"“dealer” properties sold by a REIT (a "prohibited transaction"“prohibited transaction” under the Code) will be subject to a 100% tax. WeOur distributions may not makebe sufficient distributions to avoid excise taxes applicable to REITs. Similarly, if we were to fail an income or asset test (and did not lose our REIT status because such failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect), we would have to pay a penalty tax, which could be material. We also may decide to retain net capital gain we earn from the sale or other disposition of our investments and pay income tax directly on such income. In that event, our stockholders would be treated as if they earned that income and paid the tax on it directly. However, stockholders that are tax-exempt, such as charities or qualified pension plans, would have no benefit from their deemed payment of such tax liability unless they file U.S. federal income tax returns and thereon seek a refund of such tax.tax on such return. We also may be subject to state and local or foreign taxes on our income or property, including franchise, payroll, mortgage recording and transfer taxes, either directly or at the level of the other companies through which we indirectly own assets. For example, our domestic taxable REIT subsidiaries are subject to full U.S. federal, state, local and foreign corporate-level income taxes. Any taxes we pay directly or indirectly will reduce our cash available for distribution to stockholders.
Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to forego otherwise attractive opportunities and limit our expansion opportunities.
In order to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, our sources of income, the nature of our investments in real estate and related assets, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of our stock. We may also be required to make distributions to stockholders at disadvantageous times or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution.distribution, requiring us to borrow funds or sell a portion of our investments at disadvantageous prices. Thus, compliance with REIT requirements may hinder our ability to operate solely on the basis of maximizing profits.
Complying with REIT requirements may force us to liquidate or restructure otherwise attractive investments.
In order to qualify as a REIT, we must also ensure that at the end of each calendar quarter, at least 75% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash items, government securities and qualified REIT real estate assets. The remainder of our investments in securities cannot include more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer or 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer unless we and such issuer jointly elect for such issuer to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary under the Code. The total value of all of our investments in taxable REIT subsidiaries cannot exceed 20% of the value of our total assets. In addition, no more than 5% of the value of our assets can consist of the securities of any one issuer other than a taxable REIT subsidiary, and no more than 25% of our assets can consist of debt of "publicly offered"“publicly offered” REITs (i.e., REITs that are required to file annual and periodic reports with the SEC under the Exchange Act) that is not secured by real property or interests in real property. If we fail to comply with these requirements, we must dispose of a portion of our assets or otherwise come into compliance within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter in order to avoid losing our REIT status and suffering adverse tax consequences. As a result, we may be required to liquidate or restructure otherwise attractive investments. These actions could have the effect of reducing our income and amounts available for distribution to our stockholders.
Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively and may cause us to incur tax liabilities.
The REIT provisions of the Code substantially limit our ability to hedge liabilities and assets. Any income from a properly identified hedging transaction we enter into to manage risk of interest rate changes with respect to borrowings made or to be made to acquire or carry real estate assets or to manage risk of currency fluctuations with respect to our REIT qualifying income, or to offset any such hedging transaction, does not constitute "gross income"“gross income” for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income tests that we must satisfy in order to maintain our qualification as a REIT. To the extent that we enter into other types of hedging transactions, the income from those transactions is likely to be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of both of these gross income tests. As a result of these rules, we intend to limit our use of advantageous hedging techniques or implement those hedges through a taxable REIT subsidiary. This could increase the cost of our hedging activities because our taxable REIT subsidiaries would be subject to tax on gains or expose us to greater risks associated with changes in interest rates than we would otherwise want to bear. In addition, losses in our taxable REIT subsidiaries generally will generally not provide any tax benefit, except for being carried forward against future taxable income in the taxable REIT subsidiaries.
Tax laws may lessen the relative competitive advantage of operating as a REIT rather than as a C corporation.
The recently passed tax law informally known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) made many significant changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to businesses and their owners, including REITs and their stockholders, and may lessen the relative competitive advantage of operating as a REIT rather than as a C corporation. Pursuant to this legislation, as of January 1, 2018, (1) the federal income tax rate applicable to corporations is reduced to 21%, (2) the highest marginal individual income tax rate is reduced to 37%, (3) the corporate alternative minimum tax is repealed, and (4) the backup withholding rate for U.S. holders is reduced to 24%. In addition, individuals, estates and trusts may deduct up to 20% of certain pass-through income, including ordinary REIT dividends that are not “capital gain dividends” or “qualified dividend income,” subject to certain limitations. For taxpayers qualifying for the full deduction, the effective maximum tax rate on ordinary REIT dividends would be 29.6% (through taxable years ending in 2025). The maximum rate of withholding with respect to our distributions to non-U.S. holders that are treated as attributable to gains from the sale or exchange of U.S. real property interests is also reduced from 35% to 21%. In certain circumstances, the ability to deduct net interest expense may be limited.
Under the TCJA, we generally will be required to take certain amounts in income no later than the time such amounts are reflected on certain financial statements. The application of this rule may require the accrual of income with respect to our debt instruments, such as original issue discount ("OID") or market discount, earlier than would be the case under the general tax rules, although the precise application of this rule is unclear at this time. This rule generally will be effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 or, for debt instruments or mortgage backed securities issued with original issue discount, for tax years beginning after December 31, 2018. To the extent that this rule requires the accrual of income earlier than under the general tax rules, it could increase our “phantom income,” which may make it more likely that we could be required to
borrow funds or take other action to satisfy the REIT distribution requirements for the taxable year in which this “phantom income” is recognized.
Our charter does not permit any person (including certain entities treated as individuals for this purpose) to own more than 9.8% of any class or series of our outstanding capital stock, and attempts to acquire shares of any class or series of our capital stock in excess of this 9.8% limit would not be effective without an exemption from those prohibitions by our board of directors.
To maintain our qualification as a REIT, not more than 50% in value of our outstanding capital stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities). Our charter provides that no person may beneficially or constructively own more than 9.8% in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of any class or series of our outstanding capital stock, provided that KKR and certain of its affiliates are excluded from this limitation. Our board of directors, in its sole discretion, may exempt (prospectively or retroactively) a person from this limitation if it obtains such representations, covenants and undertakings as it deems appropriate to conclude that granting the exemption will not cause us to lose our status as a REIT. The constructive ownership rules under the Code and our charter are complex and may cause shares of our outstanding stock owned by a group of related individuals or entities to be deemed to be constructively owned by one individual. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% of any class or series of our outstanding capital stock by an individual or entity could cause an individual to own constructively in excess of 9.8% of such class or series of our outstanding capital stock, and thus violate the ownership limit. Any attempted transfer of our capital stock that, if effective, would result in a violation of the ownership limit, will cause the number of shares causing the violation to automatically be transferred to a trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable beneficiaries designated by us and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in the shares. Despite these restrictions, it is possible that there could be five or fewer individuals who own more than 50% in value of our outstanding capital stock, which could cause us to fail to continue to qualify as a REIT. In addition, there can be no assurance that our board of directors, as permitted in our charter, will not decrease this ownership limit in the future (provided, however, that a decreased stock ownership limit will not be effective for any person whose ownership of our stock is in excess of the decreased ownership limit until such person'sperson’s ownership percentage of our stock equals or falls below the decreased ownership limit).
The ownership limit could have the effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction in which holders of our common stock might receive a premium for their shares over the then prevailing market price or which holders might believe to be otherwise in their best interests (and even if such change in control would not reasonably jeopardize our REIT status). The exemptions to
the ownership limit granted to date may limit our board of directors'directors’ power to increase the ownership limit or grant further exemptions in the future.
We may choose to make distributions in the form of shares of our own stock, in which case stockholders may be required to pay income taxes without receiving any cash dividends.
In connection with our qualification as a REIT, we are required to annually distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (which does not equal net income, as calculated in accordance with GAAP), determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gain. To satisfy this requirement, we may make distributions that are payable in cash and/or shares of our common stock at the election of each stockholder. Under IRS Revenue Procedure 2017-45, asAs a publicly offered REIT, as long as at least 20% of the total dividend is available in cash and certain other requirements are satisfied, the IRS will treat the stock distribution as a dividend (to the extent applicable rules treat such distribution as being made out of our earnings and profits). This threshold has been temporarily reduced in the past and may be reduced in the future by IRS guidance. Taxable stockholders receiving such distributions will be required to include the full amount of such distributions as ordinary dividend income to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, U.S. holders may be required to pay income taxes with respect to such distributions in excess of the cash portion of the distribution received. Accordingly, U.S. holders receiving a distribution of our shares may be required to sell shares received in such distribution or may be required to sell other stock or assets owned by them, at a time that may be disadvantageous, in order to satisfy any tax imposed on such distribution. If a U.S. holder sells the stock that it receives as part of the distribution in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount it must include in income with respect to the distribution, depending on the value of our shares at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to certain non-U.S. holders, we may be required to withhold U.S. tax with respect to such distribution, including in respect of all or a portion of such distribution that is payable in stock, by withholding or disposing of part of the shares included in such distribution and using the proceeds of such disposition to satisfy the withholding tax imposed. In addition, if a significant number of our stockholders determine to sell shares of our common stock in order to pay taxes owed on dividend income, such sale may put downward pressure on the market price of our common stock.
Dividends payable by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates available for some dividendsdividends.
.
TheUnder current law, the maximum U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income payable to certain non-corporate U.S. holders is 20%. Dividends payable by REITs, however, generally are not eligible for the reduced qualified dividend rates. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, under the TCJA,however, non-corporate taxpayers may deduct up to 20% of certain pass-through business income, including “qualified REIT dividends” (generally, dividends received by a REIT shareholder that are not designated as capital gain dividends or qualified dividend income), subject to certain limitations, resulting in an effective maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 29.6% on such income. Although the reduced U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income does not adversely affect the taxation of REITs or dividends payable by REITs, the more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate qualified dividends and the reduced corporate tax rate (currently 21%) could cause certain non-corporate investors to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could adversely affect the value of the shares of REITs, including our common stock.
We may be subject to adverse legislative or regulatory tax changes that could increase our tax liability, reduce our operating flexibility and reduce the price of our common stock.
In recent years, numerous legislative, judicial and administrative changes have been made in the provisions of U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to investments similar to an investment in shares of our common stock. The TCJA significantly changes the U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to businesses and their owners, including REITs and their stockholders. Technical corrections or other amendments to the TCJA or administrative guidance interpreting the TCJA may be forthcoming at any time. We cannot predict the long-term effect of the TCJA or any future law changes on REITs and their stockholders.
Any such changes could have an adverse effect on an investment in our shares or on the market value or the resale potential of our assets. You are urged to consult with your tax advisor with respect to the impact of recent legislation on your investment in our shares and the status of legislative, regulatory or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on an investment in our shares. Although REITs generally receive certain tax advantages compared to entities taxed as regular corporations, it is possible that the TCJA and future legislation would result in a REIT having fewer tax advantages, and it could become more advantageous for a company that invests in real estate to elect to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a corporation. Our charter provides our board of directors with the power, under certain circumstances, to revoke or otherwise terminate our REIT election and cause us to be taxed as a regular corporation, without the vote of our stockholders. Our board of directors has duties to us and could only cause such changes in our tax treatment if it determines in good faith that such changes are in the best interest of our company.
Our taxable income may be greater than our cash flow available for distribution, including as a result of our investments in certain debt instruments, causing us to recognize "phantom income"“phantom income” for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and certain modifications of debt instruments by us could cause the modified debt to not qualify as a good REIT asset, thereby jeopardizing our REIT qualification.
To qualify as a REIT, we generally must distribute annually to our stockholders at least 90% of our net taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and excluding net capital gains. We will be subject to regular corporate income taxes on any undistributed REIT taxable income each year, including net capital gains. Additionally, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on any amount by which distributions paid by us in any calendar year are less than the sum of 85% of our ordinary income, 95% of our capital gain net income and 100% of our undistributed income from previous years.
Our taxable income may substantially exceed our net income as determined based on GAAP, or differences in timing between the recognition of taxable income and the actual receipt of cash may occur. For example, we may acquire assets, including debt securities requiring us to accrue OIDoriginal issue discount or recognize market discount income, that generate taxable income in excess of economic income or in advance of the corresponding cash flow from the assets referred to as "phantom income," and this may be more likely under the new rules regarding the timing of income on such assets that apply beginning in 2018 (or, with respect to debt securities with OID, 2019).“phantom income.” In addition, if a borrower with respect to a particular debt instrument encounters financial difficulty rendering it unable to pay
stated interest as due, we may nonetheless be required to continue to recognize the unpaid interest as taxable income with the effect that we will recognize income but will not have a corresponding amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders. Finally, we may be required under the terms of indebtedness that we incur to use cash received from interest payments to make principal payments on that indebtedness, with the effect of recognizing income but not having a corresponding amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders. Also, in certain circumstances, our ability to deduct interest expenses for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be limited.
As a result of the foregoing, we may generate less cash flow than taxable income in a particular year and find it difficult or impossible to meet the REIT distribution requirements in certain circumstances. In such circumstances, we may be required to (a) sell assets in adverse market conditions, (b) borrow on unfavorable terms, (c) distribute amounts that would otherwise be used for future acquisitions or used to repay debt, or (d) make a taxable distribution of our common stock as part of a distribution in which stockholders may elect to receive shares of our common stock or (subject to a limit measured as a percentage of the total distribution) cash, in order to comply with the REIT distribution requirements.
We may agree to modify the terms of distressed and other debt instruments that we hold. If the amendments to the outstanding debt are "significant modifications"“significant modifications” under the applicable U.S. Treasury regulations, the modified debt may be considered to have been reissued to us in a debt-for-debt taxable exchange with the borrower. In certain circumstances, this deemed reissuance may prevent the modified debt from qualifying as a good REIT asset if the underlying security has declined in value and could cause us to recognize income to the extent the principal amount of the modified debt exceeds our adjusted tax basis in the unmodified debt.
The failure of a mezzanine loan to qualify as a real estate asset could adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT.
We originate and acquire mezzanine loans, for which the IRS has provided a safe harbor but not rules of substantive law. Pursuant to the safe harbor, if a mezzanine loan meets certain requirements, it will be treated by the IRS as a real estate asset for purposes of the REIT asset tests, and interest derived from the mezzanine loan will be treated as qualifying mortgage interest for purposes of the REIT 75% income test. Our mezzanine loans typically domay not meet all of the requirements of this safe harbor. In the event we own a mezzanine loan that does not meet the safe harbor, the IRS could challenge such loan'sloan’s treatment as a real estate asset for purposes of the REIT asset and income tests and, if such a challenge were sustained, we could fail to qualify as a REIT, unless we are able to qualify for a statutory REIT "savings"“savings” provision, which may require us to pay a significant penalty tax to maintain our REIT qualification.
Our investments in certain loans may require us to make estimates about the fair value of landreal property improvements that may be challenged by the IRS.
We have invested and may invest in mortgage loans and mezzanine loans in which the underlying real property was under construction. Such mortgage loans (and mezzanine loans, to the extent they are otherwise qualifying) generally will generally be treated as real estate assets for purposes of the REIT asset tests, and interest derived from such loans will be treated as qualifying mortgage interest for purposes of the REIT 75% income test, provided that the “loan value” of the real property securing the loan is equal to or greater than the highest outstanding principal amount of the loan during any taxable year. With respect to construction loans, the value of the real property securing the loan is the fair value of the land plus the reasonably estimated cost of improvements or developments (other than personal property) that secure the loan and that are to be constructed from the proceeds of the loan. The IRS could challenge our estimates as to the loan value of the real property associated with such construction loans. If such a challenge were sustained and all or a portion of the loan was not treated as a real estate asset, we could fail to qualify as a REIT, unless we are able to qualify for a statutory REIT “savings” provision, which may require us to pay a significant penalty tax to maintain our REIT qualification.
We may fail to qualify as a REIT if the IRS successfully challenges the treatment of our mezzanine loans as debtcharacterization for U.S. federal income tax purposes or successfully challenges the treatment of our mezzanine loans or preferred equity investments.
We have invested and may invest in the future in preferred equity investments as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
and mezzanine loans. There is limited case law and administrative guidance addressing whether instruments similar to our mezzanine loans and preferred equity investments will be treated as equity or debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We expect that our mezzanine loans generally will be treated as debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and our preferred equity investments generally will be treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but we typically do not anticipate obtaining private letter rulings from the IRS or opinions of counsel on the characterization of those investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the IRS successfully recharacterizes a mezzanine loan is treatedor preferred equity investment as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we would be treated as owning the assets held by the partnership or limited liability company that issued the mezzanine loansecurity and we would be treated as receiving our proportionate share of the income of that entity. If that partnership or limited liability company owned nonqualifying assets or earned nonqualifying income, we may not be able to satisfy all of the REIT income or
asset tests. Alternatively, if the IRS successfully assertswe are treating a mezzanine loan or preferred equity investment is debtas equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes and the IRS successfully recharacterizes the investment as debt, then that investment may be treated as a nonqualifying asset for purposes of the 75% asset test and as producing nonqualifying income for 75% gross income test. In addition, such an investment may be subject to the 10% value test and the 5% asset test, and it is possible that a preferred equity investment that is treated as debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes could cause us to fail one or more of the foregoing tests. Accordingly, we could fail to qualify as a REIT if the IRS does not respectsuccessfully challenges our classificationcharacterization of our mezzanine loans or preferred equity investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless we are able to qualify for a statutory REIT "savings"“savings” provision, which may require us to pay a significant penalty tax to maintain our REIT qualification.
The tax on prohibited transactions will limit our ability to engage in transactions, including certain methods of securitizing or syndicating mortgage loans that would be treated as sales for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
A REIT'sREIT’s net income from prohibited transactions is subject to a 100% tax with no offset for losses. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of property, other than foreclosure property, but including mortgage loans, held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. We might be subject to this tax if we dispose of, securitize or syndicate loans in a manner that was treated as a sale of the loans, if we frequently buy and sell securities in a manner that is treated as dealer activity with respect to such securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Therefore, in order to avoid the prohibited transactions tax, we may choose to engage in certain sales of loansassets through a taxable REIT subsidiary and not at the REIT level, and may limit the structures we utilize for our securitization transactions, even though the sales or structures might otherwise be beneficial to us.
The failure of assets subject to repurchase agreements to qualify as real estate assets could adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT.
We have entered into financing arrangements that are structured as sale and repurchase agreements pursuant to which we nominally sell certain of our assets to a counterparty and simultaneously enter into an agreement to repurchase these assets at a later date in exchange for a purchase price. Economically, these agreements are financings that are secured by the assets sold pursuant thereto. We believe that we are treated for REIT asset and income test purposes as the owner of the assets that are the subject of such sale and repurchase agreements notwithstanding that such agreements may transfer record ownership of the assets to the counterparty during the term of the agreement. It is possible, however, that the IRS could assert that we do not own the assets during the term of the related sale and repurchase agreement, in which case we could fail to qualify as a REIT.
Liquidation of assets may jeopardize our REIT qualification.
To qualify as a REIT, we must comply with requirements regarding our assets and our sources of income. If we are compelled to liquidate our investments to repay obligations to our lenders, we may be unable to comply with these requirements, ultimately jeopardizing our qualification as a REIT, or we may be subject to a 100% tax on any resultant gain if we sell assets that are treated as dealer property or inventory.
Certain financing activities may subject us to U.S. federal income tax and could have negative tax consequences for our stockholders.
We may enter into securitization transactions and other financing transactions that could result in us, or a portion of our assets, being treated as a taxable mortgage pool for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If we enter into such a transaction in the future, we could be taxable at the highest corporate income tax rate on a portion of the income arising from a taxable mortgage pool, referred to as "excess“excess inclusion income,"” that is allocable to the percentage of our shares held in record name by disqualified organizations (generally tax-exempt entities that are exempt from the tax on unrelated business taxable income, such as state pension plans and charitable remainder trusts and government entities). In that case, we could reduce distributions to such stockholders by the amount of tax paid by us that is attributable to such stockholder'sstockholder’s ownership.
If we were to realize excess inclusion income, IRS guidance indicates that the excess inclusion income would be allocated among our stockholders in proportion to the dividends paid. Excess inclusion income cannot be offset by losses of a stockholder. If the stockholder is a tax-exempt entity and not a disqualified organization, then this income would be fully taxable as unrelated business taxable income under Section 512 of the Code. If the stockholder is a foreign person, it would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the maximum tax rate and withholding will be required on this income without reduction or exemption pursuant to any otherwise applicable income tax treaty.
Our qualification as a REIT may be dependent on the accuracy of legal opinions or advice rendered or given or statements by the issuers of assets that we acquire, and the inaccuracy of any such opinions, advice or statements may adversely affect our REIT qualification and result in significant corporate-level tax.
When purchasing securities, we may rely on opinions or advice of counsel for the issuer of such securities, or statements made in related offering documents, for purposes of determining whether such securities represent debt or equity securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the value of such securities, and also to what extent those securities constitute qualified real estate assets for purposes of the REIT asset tests and produce income that qualifies under the 75% gross income test. The inaccuracy of any such opinions, advice or statements may adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT and result in significant corporate-level tax (at a 35% rate through 2017 and a 21% rate in subsequent years).tax.
Any taxable REIT subsidiaries owned by us are subject to corporate-level taxes and our dealings with our taxable REIT subsidiaries may be subject to 100% excise tax.
A REIT may own up to 100% of the stock of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries. Both the subsidiary and the REIT must jointly elect to treat the subsidiary as a taxable REIT subsidiary. A corporation of which a taxable REIT subsidiary directly or indirectly owns more than 35% of the voting power or value of the stock will automatically be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary. Overall, no more than 20% of the gross value of a REIT'sREIT’s assets may consist of stock or securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries. The value of our interests in and, therefore, the amount of assets held in a taxable REIT subsidiary may also be restricted by our need to qualify for an exclusion from regulation as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. A taxable REIT subsidiary will pay U.S. federal, state and local income tax at regular corporate rates on any income that it earns. In addition, the taxable REIT subsidiary rules limit the deductibility of interestamounts paid or accrued by a taxable REIT subsidiary to its parent REIT to assure that the taxable REIT subsidiary is subject to an appropriate level of corporate taxation. The rules also impose a 100% excise tax on certain transactions between a taxable REIT subsidiary and its parent REIT that are not conducted on an arm'sarm’s length basis.
Domestic taxable REIT subsidiaries that we own or may form will pay U.S. federal, state and local income tax on their taxable income, and their after-tax net income will be available for distribution to us but will not be required to be distributed to us, unless necessary to maintain our REIT qualification. In certain circumstances, the ability of our taxable REIT subsidiaries to deduct interest expenses for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be limited. While we plan to monitor the aggregate value of the securities of our taxable REIT subsidiaries and intend to conduct our affairs so that such securities will represent less than 20% of the value of our total assets, there can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the taxable REIT subsidiary limitation or avoid the application of the 100% excise tax discussed above in all market conditions.
Risks RelatedFailure of our subsidiary REIT to Ownershipqualify as a REIT could adversely impact our ability to qualify as a REIT.
We indirectly own an interest in an entity that has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the U.S. federal income tax laws, and may own interests in additional entities that elect to be taxed as REITs in the future (together, “Subsidiary REITs”). Subsidiary REITs are subject to the various REIT qualification requirements that are applicable to us. If any Subsidiary REIT were to fail to qualify as a REIT, then (i) that Subsidiary REIT would become subject to regular U.S. federal, state, and local corporate income tax, (ii) our interest in such Subsidiary REIT would cease to be a qualifying asset for purposes of the REIT asset tests, and (iii) it is possible that we would fail certain of the REIT asset tests, in which event we also would fail to maintain our qualification as a REIT unless we could avail ourselves of certain relief provisions. While we believe that the our Subsidiary REIT has qualified as a REIT under the Code, we have joined the Subsidiary REIT in filing a “protective” taxable REIT subsidiary election under Section 856(l) of the Code. We cannot assure you that such “protective” taxable REIT subsidiary elections would be effective to avoid adverse consequences to us. Moreover, even if the “protective” election were to be effective, the Subsidiary REIT would be subject to regular corporate income tax, and we cannot assure you that we would not fail to satisfy the requirement that not more than 20% of the value of our total assets may be represented by the securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries.
We may be subject to adverse legislative or regulatory tax changes that could increase our tax liability, reduce our operating flexibility and reduce the price of our common stock.
The present U.S. federal income tax treatment of REITs may be modified, possibly with retroactive effect, by legislative, judicial, or administrative action at any time, which could affect the U.S. federal income tax treatment of an investment in us. The U.S. federal income tax rules dealing with REITs constantly are under review by persons involved in the legislative process, the IRS, and the U.S. Treasury, which results in statutory changes as well as frequent revisions to regulations and interpretations. We cannot predict when or if any new U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation,
or any amendment to any existing U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation, will be adopted, promulgated or become effective and any such law, regulation or interpretation may take effect retroactively. Future revisions in the U.S. federal tax laws and interpretations thereof could affect or cause us to change our investments and commitments and affect the tax considerations of an investment in us.
Any such revisions could have an adverse effect on an investment in our shares or on the market value or the resale potential of our assets. You are urged to consult with your tax advisor with respect to the impact of such revisions on your investment in our shares and the status of legislative, regulatory or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on an investment in our shares.
On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, or the IRA. The IRA includes numerous tax provisions that impact corporations, including the implementation of a corporate alternative minimum tax as well as a 1% excise tax on certain stock repurchases and economically similar transactions. However, REITs are excluded from the definition of an “applicable corporation” and therefore are not subject to the corporate alternative minimum tax. Additionally, the 1% excise tax specifically does not apply to stock repurchases by REITs. Any taxable REIT subsidiaries of ours operate as standalone corporations and therefore could be adversely affected by the IRA. We will continue to analyze and monitor the application of the IRA to our business; however, the effect of these changes on the value of our assets, shares of our common stock or market conditions generally, is uncertain.
Although REITs generally receive certain tax advantages compared to entities taxed as regular corporations, it is possible that future legislation would result in a REIT having fewer tax advantages, and it could become more advantageous for a company that invests in real estate to elect to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a corporation. Our Common Stockcharter provides our board of directors with the power, under certain circumstances, to revoke or otherwise terminate our REIT election and cause us to be taxed as a regular corporation, without the vote of our stockholders. Our board of directors has duties to us and could only cause such changes in our tax treatment if it determines in good faith that such changes are in our best interest.
Structural, Organizational and Operational Risks
Operational risks, including the risk of cyberattacks, may disrupt our business, result in losses or limit our growth.
We rely heavily on KKR’s financial, accounting, communications and other data processing systems. Such systems may fail to operate properly or become disabled as a result of tampering or a breach of the network security systems or otherwise. In addition, such systems are from time to time subject to cyberattacks, which may continue to increase in sophistication and frequency in the future. Attacks of our network security systems and those of KKR, our affiliates and service providers could involve, and in some instances have in the past involved, attacks that are intended to obtain unauthorized access to our proprietary information or personal identifying information of our stockholders, destroy data or disable, degrade or sabotage our systems, or divert or otherwise steal funds, often through the introduction of "phishing" attempts and other forms of social engineering, computer viruses and other malicious code.
Our information and technology systems as well as those of KKR, its portfolio entities and other related parties, such as service providers, may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from cybersecurity breaches, computer viruses or other malicious code, network failures, computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and other security breaches, usage errors by their respective professionals or service providers, power, communications or other service outages and catastrophic events such as fires, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. Cyberattacks, ransomware and other security threats could originate from a wide variety of sources, including cyber criminals, nation state hackers, hacktivists and other unknown parties outside the firm. Cyberattacks and other security threats could also originate from the malicious or accidental acts of insiders. There has been an increase in the frequency and sophistication of the cyber and security threats KKR faces, with attacks ranging from those common to businesses generally to those that are more advanced and persistent, which may target KKR because KKR holds a significant amount of confidential and sensitive information about its and our investors, its portfolio companies and potential investments. As a result, we and KKR may face a heightened risk of a security breach or disruption with respect to this information. If successful, these types of attacks on our or KKR’s network or other systems could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations, due to, among other things, the loss of investor or proprietary data, interruptions or delays in the operation of our business and damage to our reputation. There can be no assurance that measures KKR takes to ensure the integrity of its systems will provide protection, especially because cyberattack techniques used change frequently or are not recognized until successful.
If unauthorized parties gain access to such information and technology systems, they may be able to steal, publish, delete or modify private and sensitive information, including nonpublic personal information related to shareholders (and their beneficial
owners) and material nonpublic information. Although we and KKR have implemented, and our service providers may implement, various measures to manage risks relating to these types of events, such systems could prove to be inadequate and, if compromised, could become inoperable for extended periods of time, cease to function properly or fail to adequately secure private information. Neither we nor KKR control the cyber security plans and systems put in place by third party service providers, and such third party service providers may have limited indemnification obligations to KKR and us, each of which could be negatively impacted as a result. Breaches such as those involving covertly introduced malware, impersonation of authorized users and industrial or other espionage may not be identified even with sophisticated prevention and detection systems, potentially resulting in further harm and preventing them from being addressed appropriately. The failure of these systems or of disaster recovery plans for any reason could cause significant interruptions in KKR’s, its affiliates’ or our operations and result in a failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data, including personal information relating to shareholders, material nonpublic information and the intellectual property and trade secrets and other sensitive information in the possession of KKR and us. We and KKR could be required to make a significant investment to remedy the effects of any such failures, harm to their reputations, legal claims that they and their respective affiliates may be subjected to, regulatory action or enforcement arising out of applicable privacy and other laws, adverse publicity and other events that may affect their business and financial performance.
The costs related to cyber or other security threats or disruptions may not be fully insured or indemnified by other means. In addition, cybersecurity has become a top priority for regulators around the world. In addition, cybersecurity has become a top priority for regulators around the world. The SEC recently proposed amendments to its rules related to cybersecurity risk management, strategy, governance, and incident reporting, and many jurisdictions in which we and KKR operate have, or are considering adopting, laws and regulations relating to data privacy, cybersecurity and protection of personal information, including the General Data Protection Regulation in the European Union that went into effect in May 2018 and the California Consumer Privacy Act that became effective on January 1, 2020 and is being amended by the California Privacy Rights Act, which became effective on January 1, 2023. Virginia, Colorado, Utah and Connecticut recently enacted similar data privacy legislation that will go into effect in 2023. Some jurisdictions have also enacted laws requiring companies to notify individuals of data security breaches involving certain types of personal data. Breaches in security, whether malicious in nature or through inadvertent transmittal or other loss of data, could potentially jeopardize our or KKR’s, its employees’, or our investors’ or counterparties’ confidential, proprietary and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our or KKR’s computer systems and networks, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our or KKR’s, its employees’, or our investors’, our counterparties’ or third parties’ operations, which could result in significant losses, increased costs, disruption of our business, liability to our investors and other counterparties, regulatory intervention or reputational damage.
Furthermore, if we or KKR fail to comply with the relevant laws and regulations or fail to provide the appropriate regulatory or other notifications of a breach in a timely manner, it could result in regulatory investigations and penalties, which could lead to negative publicity and may cause our investors or KKR’s fund investors and clients to lose confidence in the effectiveness of our or KKR’s security measures. Although KKR takes various measures to ensure the integrity of such systems, there can be no assurance that these measures will provide protection. If such systems are compromised, do not operate properly or are disabled, or if we fail to comply with the relevant laws and regulations, we could suffer financial loss, a disruption of our businesses, liability to investors, regulatory intervention or reputational damage. Generally, our Manager will not be liable for losses incurred due to the failure of any such systems.
In addition, we are highly dependent on information systems and technology. Our information systems and technology may not continue to be able to accommodate our growth, and the cost of maintaining such systems may increase from its current level.
Such a failure to accommodate growth, or an increase in costs related to such information systems, could have a material adverse effect on us.
Furthermore, we depend on our headquarters in New York City, where most of our Manager’s personnel are located, for the continued operation of our business. A disaster or a disruption in the infrastructure that supports our business, including a disruption involving electronic communications or other services used by us or third parties with whom we conduct business, or directly affecting our headquarters, could have a material adverse impact on our ability to continue to operate our business without interruption. KKR’s disaster recovery programs may not be sufficient to mitigate the harm that may result from such a disaster or disruption. In addition, insurance and other safeguards might only partially reimburse us for our losses, if at all.
Finally, we rely on third-party service providers for certain aspects of our business, including for certain information systems, technology and administration. Any interruption or deterioration in the performance of these third parties or failures of their information systems and technology could impair the quality of our operations and could affect our reputation and hence adversely affect our business.
KKR controlshas significant influence over us and its interests may conflict with ours or those of our stockholders in the future.
As of December 31, 2017,2023, KKR and its affiliates beneficially owned shares of our common stock providing them with an aggregate 44.1%14.4% of the total voting power of our company. Furthermore, until such time as (1) KKR and its affiliates cease to own at least 25% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, (2) KKR REFT Asset Holdings elects to convert the share of our special voting preferred stock into one share of our common stock or (3) beneficial and/or record ownership of the share of our special voting preferred stock is transferred to any person other than KKR or its affiliates, the share of our special voting preferred stock gives KKR REFT Asset Holdings the right, solely with respect to the election of members of our board of directors, to vote the number of votes necessary to equal a majority of the votes entitled to be cast in an election of directors and thereby control our policy and operations. In addition, pursuant to our stockholders agreement, so long as KKR REFT Asset Holdings and its affiliates own at least 25% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, KKR REFT Asset Holdings will have the right to nominate at least half of the directors to our board of directors. See "—Risks Related to Our Relationship with Our Manager and Its Affiliates."
By virtue of KKR'sKKR’s stock ownership and voting power, in addition to its board designation rights, KKR has the power to significantly influence our business and affairs and is able to influence the outcome of matters required to be submitted to stockholders for approval, including the election of our directors, amendments to our charter, mergers or sales of assets. The influence exerted by KKR over our business and affairs might not be consistent with the interests of some or all of our stockholders. In addition, the concentration of ownership in our officers or directors or stockholders associated with them may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of our company, including transactions that would be in the best interests of our stockholders and would result in receipt of a premium to the price of our shares of common stock (and even if such change in control would not reasonably jeopardize our qualification as a REIT), and might negatively affect the market price of our common stock.
We are a "controlled company" within the meaning of the rules of the NYSE and, as a result, will qualify for, and rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements. You will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to such requirements.
KKR and its affiliates control a majority of the combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. As a result, we will be a "controlled company" within the meaning of the corporate governance standards of the NYSE. Under these rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power in the election of directors is held by an individual, group or another company is a "controlled company" and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements. For example, controlled companies:
are not required to have a board of directors that is comprised of a majority of "independent directors," as defined under the rules of such exchange;
are not required to have a compensation committee that is comprised entirely of independent directors; and
are not required to have a nominating and corporate governance committee that is comprised entirely of independent directors.
We intend to utilize these exemptions. Accordingly, for so long as we utilize these exemptions, you will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of the NYSE.
Certain of our pre-IPO stockholders also hold interests in our Manager, which may influence the incentives that such pre-IPO stockholders have with respect to matters between us and our Manager and such interest may not be consistent with the interest of some or all of our stockholders
Certain of our pre-IPO stockholders collectively hold, as of December 31, 2017, a 29.2% interest in our Manager through their ownership of a class of non-voting limited liability company interests in our Manager (the "Non-Voting Manager Units"). This interest means that these pre-IPO stockholders indirectly share in the fees paid by us to our Manager, which may influence the incentives that such stockholders have with respect to matters between us and our Manager and which interests may not be consistent with our interests of some or all of our stockholders.
Provisions of our charter and bylaws and Maryland law may deter takeover attempts, which may limit the opportunity of our stockholders to sell their shares at a favorable price.
Some of the provisions of Maryland law and our charter and bylaws discussed below could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so might be beneficial to our stockholders by providing them with the opportunity to sell their shares at a premium to the then current market price.
Issuance of stock without stockholder approval. Our charter authorizes our board of directors, without stockholder approval, to authorize the issuance of up to 300,000,000 shares of common stock and up to 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of December 31, 2023, 13,160,000 shares of preferred stock are classified as 6.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock and one share of special voting preferred stock and one share ofis classified as special non-voting preferred stock. Our charter also authorizes our board of directors, without stockholder approval, to classify or reclassify any unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock into other classes or series of stock and to amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that are authorized by the charter to be issued. Preferred stock may be issued in one or more classes or series, the terms of which may be determined by our board of directors without further action by stockholders. Prior to issuance of any such class or series, our board of directors will set the terms of any such class or series, including the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption. The issuance of any preferred stock could materially adversely affect the rights of holders of common stock and, therefore, could reduce the value of the common stock. In addition, specific rights granted to future holders of our preferred stock could be used to restrict our ability to merge with, or sell assets to, a third party. The power of our board of directors to cause us to issue preferred stock could, in certain circumstances, make it more difficult, delay, discourage, prevent or make it more costly to acquire or effect a change in control thereby preservingunder circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of shares of our common stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then current stockholders' control.market price.
Advance notice bylaw. Our bylaws contain advance notice procedures for the introduction by a stockholder of new business and the nomination of directors by a stockholder. These provisions could, in certain circumstances, discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other stockholders to elect stockholder-nominated directors and to propose and, consequently, approve stockholder proposals opposed by management.
Maryland takeover statutes. We are subject to theThe Maryland Business Combination Act which could delay or prevent an unsolicited takeover of us. The statute substantially restricts the power of third parties who acquire, or seek to acquire, control of us without the approval of our board of directors to complete mergers and other business combinations even if such transaction would be beneficial to stockholders. "Business combinations"“Business combinations” between such a third-party acquirer or its affiliate and us are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the acquirer becomes an "interested“interested stockholder."” An "interested stockholder"“interested stockholder” is defined as any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of our outstanding voting stock or an affiliate or associate of ours who, at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of our then outstanding stock. If our board of directors approved in advance the transaction that would otherwise give rise to the acquirer attaining such status, the acquirer would not become an interested stockholder and, as a result, it could enter into a business combination with us. Our board of directors may, however, provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms and conditions determined by it. Even after the lapse of the five-year prohibition period, any business combination with an interested stockholder must be recommended by our board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of at least:
•80% of the votes entitled to be cast by stockholders; and
•two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by stockholders other than the interested stockholder and affiliates and associates thereof.
The super-majority vote requirements do not apply if, among other considerations, the transaction complies with a minimum price and form of consideration requirements prescribed by the statute. The statute permits various exemptions from its provisions, including business combinations that are exempted by the board of directors prior to the time that an interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Our board of directors has by resolution exempted business combinations between us and any other person, provided that such business combination is first approved by our board of directors.
The Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act of the Maryland General Corporation Law provides that a holder of control shares of a Maryland corporation acquired in a control share acquisition has no voting rights with respect to the control shares except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Shares owned by the acquiror, by officers or by employees who are directors of the corporation are excluded from shares entitled to vote on the matter. Control shares are voting shares of stock that, if aggregated with all other shares of stock owned by the acquiror or in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power:
•one-tenth or more but less than one-third;
•one-third or more but less than a majority; or
•a majority or more of all voting power.
Control shares do not include shares the acquiror is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval or shares acquired directly from the corporation. A control share acquisition means the acquisition of issued and outstanding control shares, subject to certain exceptions.
A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition may compel the board of directors of the corporation to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. The right to compel the calling of a special meeting is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including an undertaking to pay the expenses of the meeting. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders meeting.
If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiror does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then the corporation may, subject to certain limitations and conditions, redeem for fair value any or all of the control shares, except those for which voting rights have previously been approved. Fair value is determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of the shares are considered and not approved or, if no meeting is held, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquiror. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to exercise or direct the exercise of a majority of the voting power, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquiror in the control share acquisition.
The control share acquisition statute does not apply to (a) shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or (b) acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation.
Our bylaws contain a provision exempting any acquisition of our stock by any person from the foregoing provisions on control shares, which may be amended by our board of directors. In the event that our bylaws are amended to modify or eliminate this provision, acquisitions of our common stock may constitute a control share acquisition.
The Maryland Unsolicited Takeovers Act ("MUTA"(“MUTA”) permits the board of directors of a Maryland corporation with at least three independent directors and a class of stock registered under the Exchange Act, without stockholder approval and notwithstanding any contrary provision in its charter or bylaws, to implement certain takeover defenses, including adopting a classified board, increasing the vote required to remove a director or providing that each vacancy on the board of directors may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum. These provisions could have the effect of limiting or precluding a third party from making an unsolicited acquisition proposal
for our company or of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control under circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of shares of our common stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then current market price. Our
charter contains a provision whereby we have elected to be subject to the provisions of MUTA relating to the filling of vacancies on our board of directors.
In addition, our charter includes certain limitations on the ownership and transfer of our common stock. See "—Risks“Risks Related to Our REIT Status and Certain Other Tax Items—Considerations—Our charter does not permit any person (including certain entities treated as individuals for this purpose) to own more than 9.8% of any class or series of our outstanding capital stock, and attempts to acquire shares of any class or series of our capital stock in excess of this 9.8% limit would not be effective without a prioran exemption from those prohibitions by our board of directors."”
Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to take action against our directors and officers are limited, which could limit your recourse in the event of actions not in your best interests.
Our charter limits the liability of our present and former directors and officers to us and our stockholders for money damages to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. Under Maryland law, our present and former directors and officers will not have any liability to us and our stockholders for money damages other than liability resulting from:
•actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services; or
•active and deliberate dishonesty by the director or officer that was established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action adjudicated.
Our charter authorizesand bylaws require us to indemnify our present and former directors and officers for actions taken by them in those capacities to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. Our bylaws require us to indemnify each present and former director or officer, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of his or her service to us. In addition, we may be obligated to pay or reimburse the defense costs incurred by our present and former directors and officers without requiring a preliminary determination of their ultimate entitlement to indemnification.
Our charter contains provisions that make removal of our directors difficult, which could make it difficult for our stockholders to effect changes to our management.
Our charter provides that, subject to the rights of any series of preferred stock, a director may be removed only for cause upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. Under our charter, cause means conviction of a felony or a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction holding that a director caused demonstrable, material harm to our company through bad faith or active and deliberate dishonesty. Vacancies may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors in office, even if less than a quorum. These requirements make it more difficult to change our management by removing and replacing directors and may prevent a change in control of our company that is in the best interests of our stockholders.
Our charter contains provisions that are designed to reduce or eliminate duties of KKR and its affiliates and our directors with respect to corporate opportunities and competitive activities.
Our charter contains provisions designed to reduce or eliminate duties of KKR and its affiliates and of our directors or any person our directors control to refrain from competing with us or to present to us business opportunities that otherwise may exist in the absence of such charter provisions. Under our charter, KKR and its affiliates and our directors or any person our directors control will not be obligated to present to us opportunities unless those opportunities are expressly offered to such person in his or her capacity as a director or officer of our company and those persons will be able to engage in competing activities without any restriction imposed as a result of KKR'sKKR’s or its affiliates'affiliates’ status as a stockholder or KKR affiliates'affiliates’ status as officers or directors of our company.
We have not established a minimum distribution payment level and we cannot assure you of our ability to pay distributions in the future.
We are generally required to distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gain, each year for us to qualify as a REIT under the Code, which requirement we currently intend to satisfy through quarterly distributions of all or substantially allat least 90% of our net taxable income in such year, subject to certain adjustments. Although we intend to make regular quarterly distributions to holders of our common
stock and we currently expect to distribute substantially allat least 90% of our net taxable income to our stockholders on an annual basis, we have not established a minimum distribution payment level and our ability to pay distributions may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including the risk factors described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any distributions we make to our
stockholders will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our earnings, financial condition, liquidity, debt covenants, maintenance of our REIT qualification, applicable law and such other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant from time to time. We believe that a change in any one of the following factors could adversely affect our results of operations and impair our ability to pay distributions at current levels or at all to our stockholders:
•our ability to make profitable investments;
•margin calls or other expenses that reduce our cash flow;
•defaults in our asset portfolio or decreases in the value of our portfolio;
•the impact of declining interest rates on our net interest income; and
•the fact that anticipated operating expense levels may not prove accurate, as actual results may vary from estimates.
As a result, no assurance can be given that the level of any distributions we make to our stockholders will achieve a market yield or increase or even be maintained over time, any of which could materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock. We may use net operating losses, to the extent available and subject to certain limitations, carried forward to offset future net taxable income, and therefore reduce our dividend requirements. In addition, some of our distributions may include a return of capital, which would reduce the amount of capital available to operate our business.
In addition, distributions that we make to our stockholders will generally be taxable to our stockholders as ordinary income. REIT dividends (other than capital gain dividends) received by non-corporate stockholders may be eligible for a 20% reduction. However, a portion of our distributions may be designated by us as long-term capital gains to the extent that they are attributable to capital gain income recognized by us or may constitute a return of capital to the extent that they exceed our earnings and profits as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A return of capital is not taxable, but has the effect of reducing the basis of a stockholder'sstockholder’s investment in our common stock.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY
KREF is externally managed by our Manager. As an indirect subsidiary of KKR, our Manager is subject to and participates in KKR’s processes for assessing, identifying, and managing risks from cybersecurity threats, as detailed below.
KKR has a Chief Information Security Officer (the “KKR CISO”), who leads an information security team (the “KKR information security team”) that is responsible for information security at KKR’s asset management business, including its cybersecurity strategy and program, which includes, among other things, annual employee training about cybersecurity risks and new employee onboarding about KKR’s security policies. The KKR information security team’s mandates can be broadly grouped into three categories: (i) operations and engineering, (ii) threat detection and response and (iii) governance.
The KKR information security team members have a variety of relevant skill sets and expertise. For example, prior to joining KKR, KKR’s CISO was the CISO at another large financial institution where he was responsible for their global information security program. KKR’s CISO also has prior experience in various information security roles, including security architecture, application security, engineering and operations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science from the New York University Polytechnic School of Engineering, is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and holds a Series 99 – Operations Professional Exam certification. In addition, KKR information security team members have various backgrounds in information security, including in financial services and critical infrastructure, and the team maintains various levels of certifications – including CISSP, GIAC security operations certification, certified information security manager, and other certifications focused on specific technologies.
The KKR CISO chairs the technology and information security risk committee for KKR’s asset management business, which consists of employees from the KKR’s technology group and other groups, including risk, legal and compliance. The technology and information security risk committee is responsible for overseeing the cybersecurity risk environment for KKR’s asset management business, which includes identifying and monitoring KKR’s technology risks, including those related to
information security, business disruption, fraud and privacy related risks, and also promoting cybersecurity awareness at the firm.
Periodically, at least annually, KKR’s CISO and/or other members of the KKR information security team will present to the KREF audit committee on various topics relating to KKR's technology risks, including KKR’s cybersecurity program (including the results of cybersecurity table top exercises), cybersecurity issues (including those relating to data protection, insider threats, regulatory changes, and geopolitical cyber threat management), and risk management (including the results of periodic technology audits). For a discussion of how risks from cybersecurity threats affect KREF’s business, see “Part 1. Item 1A. Risk Factors – Structural, Organizational and Operational Risks – Operational risks, including the risk of cyberattacks, may disrupt our business, result in losses or limit our growth” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy
KKR’s asset management business has a cybersecurity incident response plan as a key component of its cybersecurity program, which is generally incorporated as part of KKR’s enterprise risk management program. The KKR CISO and KKR’s Chief Compliance Officer co-chair a cybersecurity incident response team (“KKR CIRT”), which aims to manage and mitigate the impact of cybersecurity breach events at KKR’s asset management business, including those arising from third-party service providers, including but not limited to, those providers that have access to KKR’s customer and employee data. Members of the KKR CIRT include members of the firm’s legal, technology, risk, public affairs, fundraising and finance groups. KREF has established a notification decision framework to determine when the KKR CIRT will provide notifications regarding certain cybersecurity incidents, with different severity thresholds triggering notifications to different recipient groups, including members of KREF management, and the KREF audit committee.
The KKR information security team undertakes a variety of measures to monitor and manage the cybersecurity risks of KKR’s asset management business. For example, the KKR information security team monitors KKR’s technology infrastructure with tools designed to detect suspicious behavior. KKR’s technology platforms and applications are designed to enable it to monitor user and network behavior at KKR’s asset management business, identify threats using certain analytics, and mitigate attacks across various layers of the enterprise. The KKR information security team conducts regular internal and external audits with third-party cybersecurity experts to identify and evaluate potential weaknesses in its cybersecurity systems. Some of these third-party monitoring functions continue throughout the year while other third-party security experts are periodically retained to audit specific areas of the cybersecurity program. In addition, the KKR information security team conducts periodic phishing simulations, and they also conduct periodic employee training on KKR’s security policies and controls and provide other security trainings as part of new employee onboarding. Additionally, the KKR CIRT conducts periodic tabletop exercises simulating a cybersecurity breach at KKR.
As of the date of this filing, we do not believe that our business strategy, results of operations or financial conditions have been materially affected by any cybersecurity incidents for the reporting period covered by this report. However, institutions like us, as well as our employees, service providers and other third parties, have experienced information security and cybersecurity attacks in the past and will likely continue to be the target of increasingly cyber actors. For a discussion of how risks from cybersecurity threats affect KREF’s business, see “Part 1. Item 1A. Risk Factors – Structural, Organizational and Operational Risks – Operational risks, including the risk of cyberattacks, may disrupt our business, result in losses or limit our growth” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our principal executive offices are located in leased office space at 9 West 57th Street,30 Hudson Yards, New York, New York. We do not own any real property. We consider these facilities to be suitable and adequate for the management and operations of our business.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we may be involvedThe section entitled “Litigation” appearing in various claims and legal actions arisingNote 13 of our consolidated financial statements included in the ordinary course of business. As of December 31, 2017, we were not involved in any material legal proceedings.this Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
On May 5, 2017, our common stock began trading on the NYSE under the symbol “KREF.“KREF.” The table below sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the reported intraday high and low sale prices for our common stock as reported on the NYSE on and after May 5, 2017.
|
| | | | | |
| | 2017 |
| | High | | Low |
| First Quarter | $ n.a. |
| | $ n.a. |
|
| Second Quarter (on and after May 5, 2017) | 23.99 |
| | 20.50 |
|
| Third Quarter | 22.15 |
| | 19.57 |
|
| Fourth Quarter | 21.63 |
| | 19.68 |
|
The last reported sale price of our common stock on February 23, 2018 as reported on the NYSE was $19.70. AsAs of February 23, 2018 there2, 2024, there were 38 20 holders of record of our common stock. This does not include the number of stockholders that hold shares in “street name” through banks or broker-dealers.
Dividends
We intend to make regular quarterly distributions to holders of our common stock. U.S. federal income tax law generally requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, and that it pay tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that it annually distributes less than 100% of its REIT taxable income, as adjusted. We currently expect to distribute substantially all of our net taxable income to our stockholders on an annual basis.
Any distributions we make to our stockholders will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our earnings, financial condition, liquidity, debt covenants, maintenance of our REIT qualification, applicable law and such other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant from time to time. Our earnings, financial condition and liquidity will be affected by various factors, including the net interest and other income from our portfolio, our operating expenses and any other expenditures.
We anticipate that Based on current market conditions, macroeconomic factors, and the status of our distributions generally will be taxable as ordinary incomeloan portfolio, we reduced our common stock dividend for the first quarter of 2024 to our stockholders, although a portion$0.25 per share. This level should support coverage of the distributions may be designated by usdividend with operating earnings from our performing loan portfolio, while simultaneously managing our REO assets, as qualified dividend income or capital gain, or may constitute a return of capital. We will furnish annually to each of our stockholders a statement setting forth distributions paid during the preceding year and their characterizationwell as ordinary income, return of capital, qualified dividend income or capital gain.expectations for future interest rate reductions.
To the extent that in respect of any calendar year, cash available for distribution is less than our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gain, we could be required to sell assets or borrow funds to make cash distributions or make a portion of the required distribution in the form of a taxable stock distribution or distribution of debt securities. For more information regarding risk factors that could materially adversely affect our actual results of operations, see Part I. Item IA. “Risk Factors.”Factors”.
The following table sets forth the dividends declared on our common stock during each calendar quarter for 20172023 and 2016:2022:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Declaration Date | | Record Date | | Payment Date | | Per Share |
| 2023 | | | | | | |
| March 17, 2023 | | March 31, 2023 | | April 14, 2023 | | $ | 0.43 | |
| June 15, 2023 | | June 30, 2023 | | July 14, 2023 | | 0.43 | |
| September 15, 2023 | | September 29, 2023 | | October 13, 2023 | | 0.43 | |
| December 15, 2023 | | December 29, 2023 | | January 12, 2024 | | 0.43 | |
| 2022 | | | | | | |
| March 15, 2022 | | March 31, 2022 | | April 15, 2022 | | $ | 0.43 | |
| June 15, 2022 | | June 30, 2022 | | July 15, 2022 | | 0.43 | |
| September 13, 2022 | | September 30, 2022 | | October 14, 2022 | | 0.43 | |
| December 13, 2022 | | December 30, 2022 | | January 13, 2023 | | 0.43 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | Declaration Date | | Record Date | | Payment Date | | Amount per Share |
| 2016 | | | | | | | |
| | February 3, 2016 | | February 3, 2016 | | February 5, 2016 | | $ | 0.36 |
|
| | May 12, 2016 | | May 12, 2016 | | May 12, 2016 | | 0.34 |
|
| | August 11, 2016 | | August 11, 2016 | | August 11, 2016 | | 0.29 |
|
| | November 23, 2016 | | November 23, 2016 | | November 23, 2016 | | 0.23 |
|
| | | | | | | | |
| 2017 | | | | | | | |
| | February 3, 2017 | | February 3, 2017 | | February 3, 2017 | | 0.35 |
|
| | April 18, 2017 | | April 18, 2017 | | April 18, 2017 | | 0.28 |
|
| | June 14, 2017 | | June 30, 2017 | | July 14, 2017 | | 0.25 |
|
| | September 14, 2017 | | September 30, 2017 | | October 12, 2017 | | 0.37 |
|
| | December 14, 2017 | | December 29, 2017 | | January 12, 2018 | | 0.37 |
|
On February 28, 2017, we issued 7,386,208 shares of our common stock to investors in the private placements completed during the year ended December 31, 2016 at a price of $20.00 per share, for net proceeds of $147.7 million. On the same date, we also issued one share of special non-voting preferred stock for $0.01 per share to the investor that subscribed for shares of our common stock in the October 2016 private placement to facilitate compliance by such investor with regulatory requirements applicable to such investor.
On April 19, 2017, we issued 10,379,738 shares of our common stock to investors in the private placements completed during the year ended December 31, 2016 at a price of $20.00 per share, for net proceeds of $207.6 million.
Each of the foregoing equity issuances was effected in reliance on the exemption contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, as transactions by issuers not involving a public offering. No general solicitation or underwriters was involved in such issuances.
Stockholder Return Performance
The following graph is a comparison of the cumulative total stockholder return on shares of our common stock, the Russell 2000 Index (the “Russell 2000”), and the Bloomberg REIT Mortgage Index, a published industry index, from May 5, 2017 (the date our common stock began trading on the NYSE)December 31, 2018 to December 31, 2017.2023. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on May 5, 2017December 31, 2018 in our common stock, the Russell 2000 and the Bloomberg REIT Mortgage Index and that all dividends were reinvested without the payment of any commissions. There can be no assurance that the performance of our shares will continue in line with the same or similar trends depicted in the graph below.
Total Return Performance
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Period Ended |
| | 12/31/2018 | | 12/31/2019 | | 12/31/2020 | | 12/31/2021 | | 12/31/2022 | | 12/31/2023 |
| KKR Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc. | | $ | 100.0 | | | $ | 116.1 | | | $ | 113.1 | | | $ | 142.8 | | | $ | 106.0 | | | $ | 115.6 | |
| Russell 2000 | | 100.0 | | | 125.5 | | | 150.5 | | | 172.7 | | | 137.4 | | 160.6 |
| Bloomberg REIT Mortgage Index | | 100.0 | | | 123.6 | | | 96.2 | | | 113.1 | | | 85.5 | | 97.9 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Period Ending |
| | 5/5/2017 | | 6/30/2017 | | 9/30/2017 | | 12/31/2017 |
| KKR Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc. | 100.0 |
| | 106.08 |
| | 105.64 |
| | 102.31 |
|
| Russell 2000 | 100.0 |
| | 102.18 |
| | 107.97 |
| | 111.56 |
|
| Bloomberg REIT Mortgage Index | 100.0 |
| | 104.22 |
| | 107.85 |
| | 107.76 |
|
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table summarizes information, as of December 31, 2017,2023, relating to our equity compensation plans pursuant to which shares of our common stock or other equity securities may be granted from time to time:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Plan Category | | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants, and rights(1) | | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights(2) | | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column 1) |
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | | 1,220,635 | | | $ | — | | | 1,852,009 | |
| Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Total | | 1,220,635 | | | $ | — | | | 1,852,009 | |
(1) Reflects the aggregate number of equity-based awards granted under our Amended and Restated KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan that remained outstanding as of December 31, 2023. All of these awards were in the form of restricted stock units.
(2) Restricted stock units are not exercisable for consideration.
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Plan Category | | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants, and rights(1) | | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights(2) | | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column 1) |
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | | 154,878 |
| | $ | — |
| | 3,873,509 |
|
| Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Total | | 154,878 |
| | $ | — |
| | 3,873,509 |
|
| |
(1) | Reflects the aggregate number of equity-based awards granted under our Amended and Restated KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan that remained outstanding as of December 31, 2017. All of these awards were in the form of restricted stock units. |
| |
(2) | Restricted stock units are not exercisable for consideration. |
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our board of directorsUnder the Company’s current share repurchase program, which was announced on June 15, 2020 and has authorizedno expiration date, the Company may repurchase of up to $100.0 million of ourits common stock over the 12 month period commencing June 12, 2017. Of this amount, a totalbeginning July 1, 2020, of which up to $50.0 million is covered bymay be repurchased under a pre-set trading plan meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act (the "10b5-1 plan"), whichthat provides for repurchases of our common stock when the market price per share of our common stock is below book value per share (calculated in accordance with GAAP as of the end of the most recent quarterly period for which financial statements are available), withand the remaining $50.0 million availablemay be used for repurchases that can be made from time to time during the repurchase period in the open market, pursuant to pre-set trading plans meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, in privateprivately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing, manner, price and amount of any common stock repurchases will be determined by the Company in its discretion and will depend on a variety of factors, including legal requirements, price, liquidity and economic considerations, and market conditions. The program does not require the Company to repurchase any specific number of shares of common stock. The program does not have an expiration date and may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time.
There were no purchases ofWe did not repurchase any shares of our common stock made by us or on our behalf during the three monthsyear ended December 31, 2017.2023.
As of December 31, 2017, a total of $99.5 million remained available for repurchases under our repurchase program, $49.5 million of which is available under the 10b5-1 plan.
Between January 1, 2018 and February 23, 2018, we repurchased a total of 496,809 shares of our common stock for $9.7 million at a weighted average price per share of $19.49.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATARESERVED
The following table sets forth our selected consolidated financial data as of the dates and for the periods indicated. The selected consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 and for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.
The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with Part II, Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included within Part II, Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Year Ended December 31, |
| (in thousands, except ratio, share, and per share data) | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Operating Data: | | | | | | |
| Net Interest Income | | | | | | |
| Interest income | | $ | 83,145 |
| | $ | 32,659 |
| | $ | 12,536 |
|
| Interest expense | | 21,224 |
| | 7,432 |
| | 554 |
|
| Total net interest income | | 61,921 |
| | 25,227 |
| | 11,982 |
|
| Other Income | | 17,688 |
| | 15,968 |
| | 10,328 |
|
| Operating Expenses | | 18,428 |
| | 8,569 |
| | 4,745 |
|
| Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interests and Preferred Dividends | | 61,181 |
| | 32,626 |
| | 17,565 |
|
| Income tax expense | | 1,102 |
| | 354 |
| | 393 |
|
| Net Income (Loss) | | 60,079 |
| | 32,272 |
| | 17,172 |
|
| Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Income (Loss) of Consolidated Joint Venture | | 216 |
| | 302 |
| | 272 |
|
| Noncontrolling Interests in Income (Loss) of Consolidated Joint Venture | | 801 |
| | 813 |
| | 137 |
|
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries | | 59,062 |
| | 31,157 |
| | 16,763 |
|
| Preferred Stock Dividends | | 244 |
| | 16 |
| | 15 |
|
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders | | $ | 58,818 |
| | $ | 31,141 |
| | $ | 16,748 |
|
| Per Share Data: | | | | | | |
| Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock | | | | | | |
| Basic | | $ | 1.30 |
| | $ | 1.61 |
| | $ | 1.95 |
|
| Diluted | | $ | 1.30 |
| | $ | 1.61 |
| | $ | 1.95 |
|
| Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding | | | | | | |
| Basic | | 45,320,358 |
| | 19,299,597 |
| | 8,605,876 |
|
| Diluted | | 45,321,360 | | 19,299,597 | | 8,605,876 |
Dividends declared per share of common stock(A) | | $ | 1.62 |
| | $ | 1.22 |
| | $ | 0.73 |
|
| Shares of common stock issued and outstanding at period end | | 53,685,440 |
| | 24,158,392 |
| | 13,636,416 |
|
Book value per share of common stock(B) | | $ | 19.73 |
| | $ | 20.60 |
| | $ | 20.78 |
|
Share price(C) | | $ | 20.01 |
| | n.a. | | n.a. |
Price to book(D) | | 1.01 |
| | n.a. | | n.a. |
Dividend yield(E) | | 7.40 | % | | n.a. | | n.a. |
Leverage ratio(F) | | 1.0 |
| | 0.7 |
| | 0.3 |
|
| Balance Sheet Data (at period end): | | | | | | |
Total assets(G) | | $ | 2,137,967 |
| | $ | 951,829 |
| | $ | 420,090 |
|
| Secured financing agreements, net | | 964,800 |
| | 439,144 |
| | 122,133 |
|
| Redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated joint venture | | 3,090 |
| | 3,030 |
| | 4,643 |
|
| Redeemable preferred stock | | 949 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Preferred stock | | — |
| | 125 |
| | 125 |
|
| Total KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. stockholders' equity | | 1,059,145 |
| | 497,698 |
| | 281,460 |
|
| Noncontrolling interest in equity of consolidated joint venture | | — |
| | 7,339 |
| | 4,914 |
|
Total equity(H) | | $ | 1,063,184 |
| | $ | 508,067 |
| | $ | 291,017 |
|
| |
(A) | Equal to dividends declared on shares of common stock divided by the shares outstanding as of the dividend record date. |
| |
(C) | Represents the closing price of our common stock reported on the NYSE on the last trading day of the fiscal year. |
| |
(D) | Represents the closing price of our common stock reported on the NYSE on the declaration date of the last dividend declared by our board of directors in each period divided by the book value per share at each period end. |
| |
(E) | Represents the annualized fourth quarter dividend divided by the closing stock price on the last trading day of the fiscal year. |
| |
(F) | Represents (i) total outstanding secured debt agreements, loan participations sold, and non-consolidated senior interests, less cash, to (ii) total stockholders’ equity, at each period end. |
| |
(G) | Includes senior loans held in VIEs, net of VIE liabilities. |
| |
(H) | Represents (i) temporary equity, which includes redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated joint venture and redeemable preferred stock, and (ii) permanent equity, which includes total KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. stockholders' equity and noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated joint venture. |
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The historical consolidated financial data discussed below reflects the historical results and financial position of KREF. In addition, this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements and involves numerous risks and uncertainties, including those described under “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements," and Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
Introduction
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. is a real estate finance company that focuses primarily on originating and acquiring senior loans secured by CRE assets. We are externally managed by KKR Real Estate Finance Manager LLC, an indirect subsidiary of KKR, and are a REIT traded on the NYSE under the symbol “KREF.” 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 allat least 90% 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 avoidmaintain an exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act. We are organized as a holding company and conduct our business primarily through our various subsidiaries.
20172023 Highlights
Completed our IPOOperating Results:
•Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders of 11.8$53.9 million, sharesor $(0.78) per diluted share of common stock raising net proceeds
•Distributable Earnings of $225.9$57.6 million, bringingor $0.83 per diluted share of common stock
•Declared dividends of $1.72 per common share. The fourth quarter dividend of $0.43 per common share produced an annualized yield of 13.00% on our book valueclosing stock price as of December 31, 2023
•Based on current market conditions, macroeconomic factors, and the status of our loan portfolio, we reduced our common stock dividend for the first quarter of 2024 to $1.1$0.25 per share. This level should support coverage of the dividend with operating earnings from our performing loan portfolio, while simultaneously managing our REO assets, as well as expectations for future interest rate reductions.
Investment Activity:
•Funded $684.3 million for loans closed in previous years and received loan repayments of $766.6 million
•$7.6 billion predominantly senior loan portfolio is 99% floating rate with a weighted average unlevered all-in-yield of 9.0% as of December 31, 2023
•Multifamily and industrial assets represent 55% of loan portfolio
•In December, we took title to the collateral of one defaulted senior office loan with an outstanding principal balance of $149.8 million (after a $6.0 million partial repayment). Accordingly, a $58.7 million, or ($0.85) per diluted share, realized loss was recognized
Portfolio Financing:
•Non-mark-to-market financing is $4.8 billion as of December 31, 2017,2023, representing 76% of our secured financing.
•Extended a 113% increase over 2016$600.0 million master repurchase agreement and a $500.0 million warehouse facility maturity date to March 2026
| |
• | Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders of $58.8•Upsized a $240.0 million master repurchase agreement to $400.0 million or $1.30 per basic and diluted share of common stock and extended the final maturity date to December 2027
•Repaid $143.8 million convertible notes in cash •Had no corporate debt or final facility maturities due until the first quarter of 2026
Table of ContentsNet Core Earnings of $55.5 million, or $1.22 per diluted share of common stock increased 89% and 100%, respectively, compared to 2016 |
Current portfolio of $2,083.1 million is 100% performing and 93% floating-rate with a weighted average LTV of 67% as of December 31, 2017. Current portfolio is up 148% over 2016
Committed $1,482.5 million to new floating-rate senior loans and funded an additional $49.7 million for loans that closed prior to 2017. Loans committed during 2017 represents a 175% increase over 2016
Increased our borrowing capacity to $1.8 billion at the end of 2017, compared to $1.5 billion at the end of 2016
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, Net CoreDistributable Earnings and book value per share.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share and Dividends Declared
The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share and dividends declared per share (amounts in thousands, except share and per share data):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended
December 31, | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | 2017 | | 2017 | | 2016 |
Net income(A) | | $ | 17,034 |
| | $ | 58,818 |
| | $ | 31,141 |
|
| Weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding | | | | | | |
| Basic | | 53,685,440 |
| | 45,320,358 |
| | 19,299,597 |
|
| Diluted | | 53,688,027 |
| | 45,321,360 | | 19,299,597 |
| Net income per share, basic | | $ | 0.32 |
| | $ | 1.30 |
| | $ | 1.61 |
|
| Net income per share, diluted | | $ | 0.32 |
| | $ | 1.30 |
| | $ | 1.61 |
|
Dividends declared per share(B) | | $ | 0.37 |
| | $ | 1.62 |
| | $ | 1.22 |
|
(A) Represents net income attributable to common stockholders.
| |
(B) | During the three months ended December 31, 2017, we declared a dividend of $0.37 per share of common stock paid on January 12, 2018 to shareholders of record on December 29, 2017 related to income generated during the three months ended December 31, 2017. During February 2016, we declared a dividend of $0.36 per share of common stock paid on February 5, 2016 to shareholders of record on February 3, 2016 related to income generated during the three months ended December 31, 2015. During February 2017, we declared a dividend of $0.35 per share of common stock paid on February 3, 2017 to shareholders of record on February 3, 2017 related to income generated during the three months ended December 31, 2016. |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | | $ | (18,738) | | | $ | (53,919) | | | $ | 15,371 | |
| Weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding, basic and diluted | | 69,384,309 | | 69,180,039 | | 67,553,578 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Net income (loss) per share, basic and diluted | | $ | (0.27) | | | $ | (0.78) | | | $ | 0.23 | |
| | | | | | |
| Dividends declared per share | | $ | 0.43 | | | $ | 1.72 | | | $ | 1.72 | |
Core Earnings and Net Core Earnings
We use Core
Distributable Earnings, and Net Core Earnings to evaluate our performance excluding the effects of certain transactions and GAAP adjustments we believe are not necessarily indicative of our current loan activity and operations. Core Earnings and Net Core Earnings are measuresa measure that areis not prepared in accordance with GAAP. GAAP, is a key indicator of our ability to generate sufficient income to pay our quarterly dividends and in determining the amount of such dividends, which is the primary focus of yield/income investors who comprise a significant portion of our investor base. Accordingly, we believe providing Distributable Earnings on a supplemental basis to our net income as determined in accordance with GAAP is helpful to our stockholders in assessing the overall performance of our business.
We define CoreDistributable Earnings as net income (loss) attributable to our stockholders or, without duplication, owners of our subsidiaries, computed in accordance with GAAP, including realized losses not otherwise included in GAAP net income (loss) and excluding (i) non-cash equity compensation expense, (ii) the incentive compensation payable to our Manager, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv)(iii) any unrealized gains or losses or other similar non-cash items that are included in net income for the applicable reporting period, regardless of whether such items are included in other comprehensive income or loss, or in net income, and (v)(iv) one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP and certain material non-cash income or expense items agreed upon after discussions between our Manager and our board of directors (and subject to theand after approval by a majority of our independent directors).directors. The exclusion of depreciation and amortization from the calculation of CoreDistributable Earnings only applies to debt investments related to real estate to the extent we foreclose upon the property or properties underlying such debt investments.
Net Core Earningsis Core Earningsless incentive compensation payable to our Manager.
We believe providing CoreWhile Distributable Earnings and Net Core Earnings on a supplemental basis to our net income as determined in accordance with GAAP is helpful to stockholders in assessingexcludes the overall performanceimpact of our business. Coreunrealized current provision for (reversal of) credit losses, any loan losses are charged off and realized through Distributable Earnings and when deemed non-recoverable. Non-recoverability is generally determined (i) upon the resolution of a loan (i.e. when the loan is repaid, fully or partially, or, in the case of foreclosure, when the underlying asset is sold), or (ii) if, in our determination, it is nearly certain that all amounts due under a loan will not be collected.
Net Core
Distributable Earnings should not be considered as a substitute for GAAP net income or taxable income. We caution readers that our methodology for calculating CoreDistributable Earnings and Net Core Earnings may differ from the methodologies employed by other REITs to calculate the same or similar supplemental performance measures, and as a result, our Corereported Distributable Earnings and Net Core Earnings may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other REITs.
We also use CoreDistributable Earnings (before incentive compensation payable to our Manager) to determine the management and incentive feescompensation we pay our Manager. For information on the fees we payits services to KREF, our Manager see Note 10is entitled to a quarterly management fee equal to the greater of $62,500 or 0.375% of weighted average adjusted equity and quarterly incentive compensation equal to 20.0% of the excess of (a) the trailing 12-month Distributable Earnings (before incentive compensation payable to our consolidated financial statements includedManager) over (b) 7.0% of the trailing 12-month weighted average adjusted equity(1) (“Hurdle Rate”), less incentive compensation KREF already paid to the Manager with respect to the first three calendar quarters of such trailing 12-month period. The quarterly incentive compensation is calculated and paid in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(1) For purposes of calculating incentive compensation under our Management Agreement, adjusted equity excludes: (i) the effects of equity issued that provides for fixed distributions or other debt characteristics and (ii) the unrealized provision for (reversal of) credit losses.
The following tables providetable provides a reconciliation of GAAP net income attributable to common stockholders to CoreDistributable Earnings and Net Core Earnings (amounts in thousands, except share and per share data):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders | | $ | (18,738) | | | $ | (53,919) | | | $ | 15,371 | |
| Adjustments | | | | | | |
| Non-cash equity compensation expense | | 1,565 | | | 8,075 | | | 7,835 | |
| Unrealized (gains) or losses, net | | 419 | | | 1,859 | | | (1,326) | |
| Provision for (reversal of) credit losses, net | | 49,500 | | | 175,116 | | | 112,373 | |
| Non-cash convertible notes discount amortization | | — | | | 133 | | | 361 | |
Loan write-offs(A) | | (58,706) | | | (73,706) | | | (25,000) | |
| Distributable Earnings (Loss) | | $ | (25,960) | | | $ | 57,558 | | | $ | 109,614 | |
| Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding | | | | | | |
| Basic and Diluted | | 69,384,309 | | 69,180,039 | | 67,553,578 |
| | | | | | |
| Distributable Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Weighted Average Share | | $ | (0.37) | | | $ | 0.83 | | | $ | 1.62 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended December 31, | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | 2017 | | 2017 | | 2016 |
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders | | $ | 17,034 |
| | $ | 58,818 |
| | $ | 31,141 |
|
| Adjustments | | | | | | |
| Non-cash equity compensation expense | | 25 |
| | 65 |
| | — |
|
| Incentive compensation to affiliate | | — |
| | — |
| | 365 |
|
| Depreciation and amortization | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Unrealized (gains) or losses | | 79 |
| | (3,375 | ) | | (3,363 | ) |
Core Earnings(A) | | 17,138 |
| | 55,508 |
| | 28,143 |
|
| Incentive compensation to affiliate | | — |
| | — |
| | (365 | ) |
| Net Core Earnings | | $ | 17,138 |
| | $ | 55,508 |
| | $ | 27,778 |
|
| Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding | | | | | | |
| Basic | | 53,685,440 |
| | 45,320,358 |
| | 19,299,597 |
| Diluted | | 53,688,027 | | 45,321,360 | | 19,299,597 |
| Core Earnings per Diluted Weighted Average Share | | $ | 0.32 |
| | $ | 1.22 |
| | $ | 1.46 |
|
| Net Core Earnings per Diluted Weighted Average Share | | $ | 0.32 |
| | $ | 1.22 |
| | $ | 1.44 |
|
| |
(A) | Excludes $1.1 million, or $0.02 per diluted weighted average share outstanding, of net original issue discount on CMBS B-Pieces accreted as a component of taxable income during the three months ended December 31, 2017. Excludes $4.0 million and $3.4 million, or $0.09 and $0.17 per diluted weighted average share outstanding of net original issue discount on CMBS B-Pieces accreted as a component of taxable income during the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. |
Book Value per Share
We believe that book value per share is helpful to stockholders in evaluating the growth of our company as we have scaled our equity capital base and continue to invest in our target assets. The following table calculates our book value per share of common stock (amounts in thousands, except share and per share data):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, | | |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | |
| KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. stockholders' equity | | $ | 1,404,767 | | | $ | 1,571,538 | | | |
| Series A preferred stock (liquidation preference of $25.00 per share) | | (327,750) | | | (327,750) | | | |
| Common stockholders' equity | | $ | 1,077,017 | | | $ | 1,243,788 | | | |
| Shares of common stock issued and outstanding at period end | | 69,313,860 | | | 69,095,011 | | | |
| Add: Deferred stock units | | 72,708 | | | — | | | |
| Total shares outstanding at period end | | 69,386,568 | | | 69,095,011 | | | |
| Book value per share | | $ | 15.52 | | | $ | 18.00 | | | |
Book value as of December 31, 2023 included the impact of an estimated CECL credit loss allowance of $212.5 million, or ($3.06) per share. See Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K for detailed discussion of allowance for credit losses.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2017 | | December 31, 2016 |
| KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. stockholders' equity | | $ | 1,059,145 |
| | $ | 497,698 |
|
| Shares of common stock issued and outstanding at period end | | 53,685,440 |
| | 24,158,392 |
|
| Book value per share of common stock | | $ | 19.73 |
| | $ | 20.60 |
|
Our Portfolio
We have established a$7,752.3 million portfolio of diversified investments, consisting primarily of performing senior commercial real estate loans mezzanine loans, preferred equity and CMBS B-Pieces, which had a value of $2,083.1 million as of December 31, 2017.2023.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we collected 97.6% of interest payments due on our loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2023, the average risk rating of our loan portfolio was 3.2, weighted by total loan exposure. As of December 31, 2023, the average loan commitment in our portfolio was $121.6 million and multifamily and industrial loans comprised 55% of our loan portfolio.
In addition, as a result of taking title to the collateral of defaulted senior loans, we owned REO assets with a net carrying value of $158.6 million, comprised of the fair value of the acquired properties and capitalized redevelopment costs, as of December 31, 2023. These properties are reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Since our IPO, we have continued to execute on our primary investment strategy of originating floating-rate transitional senior loans and, as we continue to scale our loan portfolio, we expect that our originations will continue to be heavily weighted toward floating-rate loans. As of December 31, 2023, 99% of our loans by total loan exposure earned a floating rate of interest. We expect the majority of our future investment activity to focus on originating floating-rate senior loans that we finance with our repurchase and other financing facilities, with a secondary focus on originatedoriginating floating-rate loans for which we syndicate a senior position and retain a subordinated interest for our portfolio. As a result, we expect that the percentage of our target portfolio comprised of CMBS B-Pieces will decrease over time and the percentage of floating-rate investments, including senior loans, will increase over time. As of December 31, 2017, our portfolio had experienced no impairments and did not contain any legacy assets that were originated prior to October 2014. As of December 31, 2017,2023, all of our investments were located in the United States.
The following charts illustrate the diversification and composition of our loan portfolio(A), based on type of investment, interest rate, underlying property type, and geographic location, vintage and LTV as of December 31, 2017:2023:
The charts above are based on total assets. Total assets reflectloan exposure of our commercial real estate loans.
(A) Excludes: (i) REO with net carrying value of $158.6 million, (ii) CMBS B-Piece investments held through an equity method investment and (iii) fully written off risk-rated 5 loans with a combined outstanding principal balance of $45.5 million.
(B) Senior loans include senior mortgages and similar credit quality loans, including related contiguous junior participations in senior loans where we have financed a loan with structural leverage through the non-recourse sale of a corresponding first mortgage.
(C) We classify a loan as life science if more than 50% of the gross leasable area is leased to, or will be converted to, life science-related space.
(D) "Other" property type includes Condo (Residential) (2%), Self-Storage (2%), Student Housing (1%) and Single Family Rental (1%).
(E) LTV is generally based on the initial loan amount divided by the as-is appraised value as of the date the loan was originated or by the current principal amount of our senior and mezzanine loans; and (ii) the cost basis of our CMBS B-Pieces, net of VIE liabilities. In accordance with GAAP, we carry our CMBS B-Pieces at fair value, which we valued above our cost basis as of December 31, 2017.the date of the most recent as-is appraised value. Weighted average LTV includes non-consolidated senior interests and excludes risk-rated 5 loans.
(A) Excludes CMBS B-Pieces. Our CMBS B-Piece portfolio diversification is as follows and is inclusive of our $14.0 million investment in RECOP:
| |
• | Property Type: Office (26.7%), Retail (24.9%), Hospitality (15.2%), Multifamily (10.4%), and Other (22.8%). As of December 31, 2017, no other individual property type comprised more than 10% of our total CMBS B‑Piece portfolio.
|
| |
• | Geography: California (23.1%), Texas (12.0%), New York (10.2%), Illinois (6.6%), Florida (5.4%), and Other (42.7%). As of December 31, 2017, no other individual geography comprised more than 5% of our total CMBS B‑Piece portfolio.
|
| |
• | Vintage: 2015 (58.5%), 2016 (30.6%), and 2017 (10.9%).
|
The following table details our quarterly loan activity (dollars in thousands): |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended | | Year Ended |
| | | December 31, 2017 | | December 31, 2017 | | December 31, 2016 |
Loan originations(A) | | $ | 331,800 |
| | $ | 1,476,075 |
| | $ | 539,600 |
|
| Loan fundings | | $ | 285,291 |
| | $ | 1,294,700 |
| | $ | 454,239 |
|
Loan repayments(B) | | (19,598 | ) | | (68,015 | ) | | (7,403 | ) |
| Net fundings | | 265,693 |
| | 1,226,685 |
| | 446,836 |
|
| Loan participations sold | | (81,472 | ) | | (81,472 | ) | | — |
|
| Non-consolidated senior interest | | — |
| | (60,991 | ) | | — |
|
| Total activity | | $ | 184,221 |
| | $ | 1,084,222 |
| | $ | 446,836 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | December 31, 2023 | | September 30, 2023 | | June 30, 2023 | | March 31, 2023 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Loan originations | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,705,900 | |
Loan fundings(A) | | $ | 138,655 | | | $ | 164,882 | | | $ | 177,162 | | | $ | 203,612 | | | $ | 684,311 | | | $ | 2,469,378 | |
Loan repayments(B) | | (188,106) | | | (152,301) | | | (339,288) | | | (86,928) | | | (766,623) | | | (1,323,011) | |
| Net fundings | | (49,451) | | | 12,581 | | | (162,126) | | | 116,684 | | | (82,312) | | | 1,146,367 | |
| PIK interest | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,870 | |
Write-offs(C) | | (58,706) | | | (15,000) | | | — | | | — | | | (73,706) | | | (25,000) | |
| Transfer to REO | | (86,422) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (86,422) | | | — | |
| Total activity | | $ | (194,579) | | | $ | (2,419) | | | $ | (162,126) | | | $ | 116,684 | | | $ | (242,440) | | | $ | 1,123,237 | |
| |
(A) | Includes new loan originations and additional commitments made under existing loans. |
| |
(B) | Includes our share of the redemption payment from our preferred equity investment. |
(A) Includes initial funding of new loans and additional fundings made under existing loans.
(B) Includes $4.7 million of cost recovery interest applied as a reduction to loan principal during the three months ended December 31, 2023.
(C) Includes a $58.7 million write-off on a defaulted senior loan upon deed-in-lieu of foreclosure during the three months ended December 31, 2023, and a $15.0 million write-off of a subordinated loan during the three months ended September 30, 2023. Includes a $25.0 million partial write-off of a defaulted senior loan during the year ended December 31, 2022.
The following table details overall statistics for our loan portfolio as of December 31, 20172023 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Total Loan Exposure(A)(B) |
| | Balance Sheet Portfolio(A) | | Total Loan Portfolio | | Floating Rate Loans | | Fixed Rate Loans(C) |
| Number of loans | | 69 | | 69 | | 69 | | — |
| Principal balance | | $ | 7,369,425 | | | $ | 7,558,036 | | | $ | 7,480,579 | | | $ | 77,457 | |
| Amortized cost | | $ | 7,343,548 | | | $ | 7,532,159 | | | $ | 7,458,989 | | | $ | 73,170 | |
Unfunded loan commitments(D) | | $ | 816,400 | | | $ | 816,428 | | | $ | 809,484 | | | $ | 6,943 | |
Weighted average cash coupon(E) | | 8.7 | % | | 8.7 | % | | S + 3.4% | | * |
Weighted average all-in yield(E) | | 9.0 | % | | 9.0 | % | | S + 3.6% | | * |
Weighted average maximum maturity (years)(F) | | 2.7 | | 2.7 | | 2.7 | | 1.6 |
LTV(G) | | 66 | % | | 66 | % | | 66 | % | | n/a |
* Rounds to zero
(A) Excludes fully written off risk-rated 5 loans with a combined outstanding principal balance of $45.5 million.
(B) In certain instances, we finance our loans through the non-recourse sale of a senior interest that is not included in our consolidated financial statements. Total loan exposure includes the entire loan we originated and financed.
(C) Represents mezzanine notes with commitments of $79.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively, accompanying two senior loans. $77.5 million of loan principal was funded, of which $74.4 million was placed on nonaccrual status, as of December 31, 2023. The remaining $3.1 million funded principal earned a fixed interest rate of 10.0% as of December 31, 2023. Refer to Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
(D) Unfunded commitments will primarily be funded to finance property improvements and renovations 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.
(E) In addition to cash coupon, all-in yield includes the amortization of deferred origination fees, loan origination costs and purchase discounts. The calculations of weighted average cash coupon and all-in yield excludes loans accounted for under the cost recovery method.
(F) Maximum maturity assumes all extension options are exercised by the borrower; however, our loans may be repaid prior to such date. As of December 31, 2023, based on total loan exposure, 13.3% of our loans were subject to yield maintenance or other prepayment restrictions and 86.7% were open to repayment by the borrower without penalty.
(G) LTV is generally based on the initial loan amount divided by the as-is appraised value as of the date the loan was originated or by the current principal amount as of the date of the most recent as-is appraised value. Weighted average LTV includes non-consolidated senior interests and excludes risk-rated 5 loans.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Total Loan Exposure(A) |
| | | Balance Sheet Portfolio | | Total Loan
Portfolio | | Floating Rate Loans | | Fixed Rate Loans |
| Number of loans | | 28 |
| | 28 |
| | 22 |
| | 6 |
|
| Principal balance | | $ | 1,901,693 |
| | $ | 1,964,645 |
| | $ | 1,938,415 |
| | $ | 26,230 |
|
| Carrying value | | $ | 1,888,510 |
| | $ | 1,951,462 |
| | $ | 1,925,232 |
| | $ | 26,230 |
|
Unfunded loan commitments(B) | | $ | 316,222 |
| | $ | 316,222 |
| | $ | 316,222 |
| | $ | — |
|
Weighted-average cash coupon(C) | | 6.1 | % | | 6.0 | % | | L + 4.5 | % | | 10.6 | % |
All-in yield(C) | | 6.5 | % | | 6.4 | % | | L + 4.8 | % | | 11.4 | % |
Weighted-average maximum maturity (years)(D) | | 3.7 |
| | 3.7 |
| | 3.7 |
| | 5.8 |
|
LTV(E) | | 67 | % | | 67 | % | | 67 | % | | 72 | % |
| |
(A) | In certain instances, we finance our loans through the non-recourse sale of a senior interest that is not included in our consolidated financial statements. Total loan exposure includes the entire loan we originated and financed, including $63.0 million of such non-consolidated interests that are not included within our balance sheet portfolio. |
| |
(B) | 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. |
| |
(C) | As of December 31, 2017, 100.0% of floating rate loans by principal balance are indexed to one-month USD LIBOR. In addition to cash coupon, all-in yield includes the amortization of deferred origination fees, loan origination costs and purchase discounts. Cash coupon and all-in yield for the total portfolio assume applicable floating benchmark rates as of December 31, 2017. |
| |
(D) | Maximum maturity assumes all extension options are exercised by the borrower; however, our loans may be repaid prior to such date. As of December 31, 2017, based on total loan exposure, 94.8% of our loans were subject to yield maintenance or other prepayment restrictions and 5.2% were open to repayment by the borrower without penalty. |
| |
(E) | Based on LTV as of the dates loans were originated or acquired by us. |
The table below sets forth additional information relating to our portfolio as of December 31, 20172023 (dollars in millions):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investment(A) | | Location | | Property Type | | Investment Date | | Total Whole Loan(B) | | Committed Principal Amount(B) | | Current Principal Amount | | Net Equity(C) | | Coupon(D)(E) | | Max Remaining Term (Years)(D)(F) | | Loan Per SF / Unit / Key(G) | | LTV(D)(H) | | Risk Rating |
| Senior Loans(I) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 1 | Senior Loan | | Arlington, VA | | Multifamily | | 9/30/2021 | | $ | 381.0 | | | $ | 381.0 | | | $ | 369.0 | | | $ | 74.1 | | | + | 3.3 | | 2.8 | | | $332,439 / unit | | 69 | % | | 3 |
| 2 | Senior Loan | | Boston, MA | | Life Science | | 8/3/2022 | | 312.5 | | | 312.5 | | | 195.4 | | | 27.3 | | | + | 4.2 | | 3.6 | | | $747 / SF | | 56 | | | 3 |
| 3 | Senior Loan | | Bellevue, WA | | Office | | 9/13/2021 | | 520.8 | | | 260.4 | | | 182.5 | | | 47.7 | | | + | 3.7 | | 3.3 | | | $855 / SF | | 63 | | | 3 |
| 4 | Senior Loan | | Various | | Industrial | | 4/28/2022 | | 504.5 | | | 252.3 | | | 252.3 | | | 50.6 | | | + | 2.7 | | 3.4 | | | $98 / SF | | 64 | | | 3 |
| 5 | Senior Loan | | Mountain View, CA | | Office | | 7/14/2021 | | 362.8 | | | 250.0 | | | 200.9 | | | 118.5 | | | + | 3.4 | | 2.6 | | | $654 / SF | | n.a. | | 5 |
| 6 | Senior Loan | | Bronx, NY | | Industrial | | 8/27/2021 | | 381.2 | | | 228.7 | | | 198.9 | | | 43.0 | | | + | 4.2 | | 2.7 | | | $277 / SF | | 52 | | | 3 |
| 7 | Senior Loan | | Los Angeles, CA | | Multifamily | | 2/19/2021 | | 220.0 | | | 220.0 | | | 220.0 | | | 33.9 | | | + | 2.9 | | 2.2 | | | $410,430 / unit | | 68 | | | 3 |
| 8 | Senior Loan | | Various | | Multifamily | | 5/31/2019 | | 206.5 | | | 206.5 | | | 206.5 | | | 41.9 | | | + | 4.0 | | 1.4 | | | $192,991 / unit | | 74 | | | 3 |
| 9 | Senior Loan | | Minneapolis, MN | | Office | | 11/13/2017 | | 199.4 | | | 199.4 | | | 194.4 | | | 89.0 | | | + | 2.3 | | 1.5 | | | $182 / SF | | n.a. | | 5 |
| 10 | Senior Loan | | Various | | Industrial | | 6/15/2022 | | 375.5 | | | 187.8 | | | 173.3 | | | 37.7 | | | + | 2.9 | | 3.5 | | | $125 / SF | | 50 | | | 3 |
| 11 | Senior Loan | | Boston, MA | | Office | | 2/4/2021 | | 375.0 | | | 187.5 | | | 187.5 | | | 37.5 | | | + | 3.4 | | 2.1 | | | $506 / SF | | 71 | | | 4 |
| 12 | Senior Loan | | The Woodlands, TX | | Hospitality | | 9/15/2021 | | 183.3 | | | 183.3 | | | 180.9 | | | 33.0 | | | + | 4.3 | | 2.8 | | | $199,015 / key | | 64 | | | 3 |
| 13 | Senior Loan | | Washington, D.C. | | Office | | 11/9/2021 | | 181.0 | | | 181.0 | | | 163.4 | | | 54.8 | | | + | 2.9 | | 3.9 | | | $458 / SF | | 55 | | | 3 |
| 14 | Senior Loan(J) | | Washington, D.C. | | Office | | 12/20/2019 | | 175.5 | | | 175.5 | | | 173.4 | | | 83.4 | | | + | 3.5 | | 1.0 | | | $848 / SF | | 58 | | | 3 |
| 15 | Senior Loan | | West Palm Beach, FL | | Multifamily | | 12/29/2021 | | 171.5 | | | 171.5 | | | 170.9 | | | 26.1 | | | + | 2.8 | | 3.0 | | | $210,456 / unit | | 73 | | | 3 |
| 16 | Senior Loan | | Various | | Self-Storage | | 12/21/2022 | | 336.6 | | | 168.3 | | | 129.6 | | | 26.1 | | | + | 3.8 | | 4.0 | | | $19,498 / unit | | 64 | | | 3 |
| 17 | Senior Loan | | Boston, MA | | Life Science | | 4/27/2021 | | 332.3 | | | 166.2 | | | 161.1 | | | 31.5 | | | + | 3.7 | | 2.4 | | | $669 / SF | | 66 | | | 3 |
| 18 | Senior Loan(J) | | New York, NY | | Condo (Residential) | | 12/20/2018 | | 151.3 | | | 151.3 | | | 149.9 | | | 55.6 | | | + | 3.7 | | — | | | $2,498,416 / unit | | 69 | | | 3 |
| 19 | Senior Loan | | Plano, TX | | Office | | 2/6/2020 | | 150.7 | | | 150.7 | | | 150.7 | | | 23.3 | | | + | 2.8 | | 1.1 | | | $208 / SF | | 64 | | | 3 |
| 20 | Senior Loan | | Redwood City, CA | | Life Science | | 9/30/2022 | | 580.7 | | | 145.2 | | | — | | | (1.0) | | | + | 4.5 | | 3.8 | | | $885 / SF | | 53 | | | 3 |
| 21 | Senior Loan | | Seattle, WA | | Life Science | | 10/1/2021 | | 188.0 | | | 140.3 | | | 116.8 | | | 45.6 | | | + | 3.2 | | 2.8 | | | $745 / SF | | n.a. | | 5 |
| 22 | Senior Loan | | Dallas, TX | | Office | | 12/10/2021 | | 138.0 | | | 138.0 | | | 138.0 | | | 25.8 | | | + | 3.7 | | 2.9 | | | $439 / SF | | 68 | | | 3 |
| 23 | Senior Loan | | Boston, MA | | Multifamily | | 3/29/2019 | | 137.0 | | | 137.0 | | | 137.0 | | | 27.8 | | | + | 3.4 | | 0.3 | | | $351,282 / unit | | 64 | | | 3 |
| 24 | Senior Loan | | Arlington, VA | | Multifamily | | 1/20/2022 | | 135.3 | | | 135.3 | | | 133.1 | | | 30.6 | | | + | 2.9 | | 3.1 | | | $443,550 / unit | | 78 | | | 3 |
| 25 | Senior Loan | | Fontana, CA | | Industrial | | 5/11/2021 | | 132.0 | | | 132.0 | | | 109.4 | | | 42.9 | | | + | 4.7 | | 2.4 | | | $113 / SF | | 64 | | | 3 |
| 26 | Senior Loan | | Fort Lauderdale, FL | | Hospitality | | 11/9/2018 | | 127.5 | | | 127.5 | | | 127.5 | | | 65.5 | | | + | 5.0 | | 0.2 | | | $368,497 / key | | 66 | | | 3 |
| 27 | Senior Loan | | San Carlos, CA | | Life Science | | 2/1/2022 | | 195.9 | | | 125.0 | | | 102.8 | | | 30.5 | | | + | 3.6 | | 3.1 | | | $702 / SF | | 68 | | | 3 |
| 28 | Senior Loan | | Cambridge, MA | | Life Science | | 12/22/2021 | | 401.3 | | | 115.7 | | | 87.6 | | | 21.3 | | | + | 4.0 | | 3.0 | | | $1,072 / SF | | 51 | | | 3 |
| 29 | Senior Loan(K) | | Philadelphia, PA | | Office | | 6/19/2018 | | 114.3 | | | 114.3 | | | 114.3 | | | 20.4 | | | + | 2.8 | | 3.1 | | | $117 / SF | | 64 | | | 3 |
| 30 | Senior Loan | | Pittsburgh, PA | | Student Housing | | 6/8/2021 | | 112.5 | | | 112.5 | | | 112.5 | | | 17.3 | | | + | 3.0 | | 2.4 | | | $155,602 / unit | | 74 | | | 3 |
| 31 | Senior Loan | | West Hollywood, CA | | Multifamily | | 1/26/2022 | | 107.0 | | | 107.0 | | | 105.1 | | | 18.6 | | | + | 3.1 | | 3.1 | | | $2,839,392 / unit | | 65 | | | 4 |
| 32 | Senior Loan | | Las Vegas, NV | | Multifamily | | 12/28/2021 | | 106.3 | | | 106.3 | | | 102.0 | | | 17.4 | | | + | 2.8 | | 3.0 | | | $193,182 / unit | | 75 | | | 3 |
| 33 | Senior Loan(L) | | Chicago, IL | | Office | | 7/15/2019 | | 105.0 | | | 105.0 | | | 88.4 | | | 19.9 | | | + | 2.3 | | 4.6 | | | $85 / SF | | 57 | | | 3 |
| 34 | Senior Loan | | San Diego, CA | | Multifamily | | 10/20/2021 | | 103.5 | | | 103.5 | | | 103.5 | | | 18.9 | | | + | 2.9 | | 2.9 | | | $448,052 / unit | | 71 | | | 4 |
| 35 | Senior Loan | | Boston, MA | | Industrial | | 6/28/2022 | | 285.5 | | | 100.0 | | | 99.3 | | | 20.5 | | | + | 3.0 | | 3.5 | | | $198 / SF | | 52 | | | 3 |
| 36 | Senior Loan | | Washington, D.C. | | Office | | 1/13/2022 | | 228.5 | | | 100.0 | | | 65.8 | | | 13.1 | | | + | 3.3 | | 4.1 | | | $241 / SF | | 55 | | | 3 |
| 37 | Senior Loan | | Phoenix, AZ | | Industrial | | 1/13/2022 | | 195.3 | | | 100.0 | | | 58.1 | | | 14.1 | | | + | 4.0 | | 3.1 | | | $57 / SF | | 57 | | | 3 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Investment(A) | | Investment Date | | Committed Principal Amount | | Current Principal Amount | | Net Equity(B) | | Location | | Property Type | | Coupon(C)(D) | | Max Remaining Term (Years)(C)(E) | | LTV(C)(F) |
| | Senior Loans(G) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 1 | Senior Loan | | 8/4/2017 | | $ | 239.2 |
| | $ | 205.5 |
| | $ | 112.2 |
| | New York, NY | | Condo (Residential) | | L + 4.8% | | 2.6 |
| | 69 | % |
| 2 | Senior Loan | | 11/13/2017 | | 181.8 |
| | 133.7 |
| | 132.4 |
| | Minneapolis, MN | | Office | | L + 3.8 | | 4.9 |
| | 75 |
|
| 3 | Senior Loan | | 10/26/2015 | | 177.0 |
| | 119.8 |
| | 43.8 |
| | Portland, OR | | Retail | | L + 5.5 | | 2.8 |
| | 61 |
|
| 4 | Senior Loan | | 9/9/2016 | | 168.0 |
| | 146.8 |
| | 43.1 |
| | San Diego, CA | | Office | | L + 4.2 | | 3.8 |
| | 71 |
|
| 5 | Senior Loan | | 4/11/2017 | | 162.1 |
| | 131.0 |
| | 33.3 |
| | Irvine, CA | | Office | | L + 3.9 | | 4.3 |
| | 62 |
|
| 6 | Senior Loan | | 10/23/2017 | | 150.0 |
| | 135.6 |
| | 134.2 |
| | North Bergen, NJ | | Multifamily | | L + 4.3 | | 4.8 |
| | 57 |
|
| 7 | Senior Loan | | 9/27/2016 | | 138.6 |
| | 121.4 |
| | 39.5 |
| | Brooklyn, NY | | Retail | | L + 5.0 | | 3.8 |
| | 59 |
|
| 8 | Senior Loan | | 3/30/2017 | | 132.3 |
| | 100.9 |
| | 27.0 |
| | Brooklyn, NY | | Office | | L + 4.4 | | 4.3 |
| | 68 |
|
| 9 | Senior Loan | | 8/15/2017 | | 119.0 |
| | 95.3 |
| | 13.2 |
| | Atlanta, GA | | Office | | L + 3.0 | | 4.7 |
| | 66 |
|
| 10 | Senior Loan | | 8/23/2017 | | 105.0 |
| | 100.0 |
| | 24.3 |
| | Honolulu, HI | | Multifamily | | L + 4.0 | | 4.7 |
| | 66 |
|
| 11 | Senior Loan | | 9/14/2016 | | 103.5 |
| | 80.6 |
| | 26.2 |
| | Crystal City, VA | | Office | | L + 4.5 | | 3.8 |
| | 59 |
|
| 12 | Senior Loan | | 2/28/2017 | | 85.9 |
| | 78.7 |
| | 15.6 |
| | Denver, CO | | Multifamily | | L + 3.8 | | 4.2 |
| | 75 |
|
| 13 | Senior Loan | | 8/4/2017 | | 81.0 |
| | 81.0 |
| | 19.7 |
| | Denver, CO | | Multifamily | | L + 4.0 | | 4.6 |
| | 73 |
|
| 14 | Senior Loan | | 2/15/2017 | | 79.2 |
| | 61.2 |
| | 16.4 |
| | Austin, TX | | Multifamily | | L + 4.2 | | 4.2 |
| | 71 |
|
| 15 | Senior Loan | | 7/21/2017 | | 75.1 |
| | 61.3 |
| | 14.8 |
| | Queens, NY | | Industrial | | L + 3.7 | | 4.6 |
| | 72 |
|
| 16 | Senior Loan | | 10/7/2016 | | 74.5 |
| | 67.9 |
| | 18.8 |
| | New York, NY | | Multifamily | | L + 4.4 | | 3.8 |
| | 68 |
|
| 17 | Senior Loan | | 12/17/2015 | | 73.0 |
| | 67.5 |
| | 18.1 |
| | Atlanta, GA | | Industrial | | L + 4.0 | | 3.0 |
| | 73 |
|
| 18 | Senior Loan | | 5/12/2017 | | 61.9 |
| | 46.0 |
| | 13.9 |
| | Atlanta, GA | | Office | | L + 4.0 | | 4.4 |
| | 71 |
|
| 19 | Senior Loan | | 5/19/2016 | | 55.0 |
| | 52.8 |
| | 13.3 |
| | Nashville, TN | | Office | | L + 4.3 | | 4.0 |
| | 70 |
|
| | Total/Weighted Average Senior Loans Unlevered | | | | $ | 2,262.0 |
| | $ | 1,886.9 |
| | $ | 759.9 |
| | | | | | L + 4.2% | | 4.0 |
| | 67 | % |
| | Mezzanine Loans | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 1 | Mezzanine Loan | | 1/22/2015 | | $ | 35.0 |
| | $ | 35.0 |
| | $ | 33.3 |
| | Clearwater, FL | | Hospitality | | L + 9.8% | | 2.1 |
| | 73 | % |
| 2 | Mezzanine Loan | | 6/23/2015 | | 16.5 |
| | 16.5 |
| | 16.4 |
| | Chicago, IL | | Retail | | L + 9.2 | | 2.5 |
| | 82 |
|
| 3-8 | Other Mezzanine Loans | | Various | | 26.2 |
| | 26.2 |
| | 24.9 |
| | Various | | Various | | 10.6 | | 7.4 |
| | 77 |
|
| | Total/Weighted Average Mezzanine Loans Unlevered | | | | $ | 77.7 |
| | $ | 77.7 |
| | $ | 74.6 |
| | | | | | 11.0% | | 4.0 |
| | 76 | % |
| | CMBS B-Pieces | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 1 | CMBS B-Piece | | 2/10/2016 | | $ | 86.0 |
| | $ | 86.0 |
| | $ | 36.4 |
| | Various | | Various | | 4.6% | | 8.0 |
| | 64 | % |
| 2 | CMBS B-Piece | | 10/23/2015 | | 46.2 |
| | 46.2 |
| | 20.9 |
| | Various | | Various | | 4.7 | | 7.8 |
| | 64 |
|
| 3 | CMBS B-Piece | | 8/15/2015 | | 52.7 |
| | 52.7 |
| | 17.6 |
| | Various | | Various | | 4.6 | | 7.6 |
| | 69 |
|
| 4 | CMBS B-Piece | | 6/24/2015 | | 66.1 |
| | 66.1 |
| | 16.7 |
| | Various | | Various | | 3.3 | | 8.0 |
| | 66 |
|
| 5 | CMBS B-Piece | | 5/21/2015 | | 58.2 |
| | 58.2 |
| | 12.9 |
| | Various | | Various | | 3.0 | | 7.4 |
| | 65 |
|
| 6 | RECOP(H) | | 2/13/2017 | | 40.0 |
| | 14.0 |
| | 14.0 |
| | Various | | Various | | 4.5 | | 9.8 |
| | 59 |
|
| | Total/Weighted Average CMBS B-Pieces Unlevered | | | | $ | 349.2 |
| | $ | 323.2 |
| | $ | 118.5 |
| | | | | | 4.3% | | 8.1 |
| | 64 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investment(A) | | Location | | Property Type | | Investment Date | | Total Whole Loan(B) | | Committed Principal Amount(B) | | Current Principal Amount | | Net Equity(C) | | Coupon(D)(E) | | Max Remaining Term (Years)(D)(F) | | Loan Per SF / Unit / Key(G) | | LTV(D)(H) | | Risk Rating |
| 38 | | Senior Loan | | Cary, NC | | Multifamily | | 11/21/2022 | | 100.0 | | | 100.0 | | | 95.0 | | | 18.2 | | | + | 3.4 | | 3.9 | | | $243,656 / unit | | 63 | | | 3 |
| 39 | | Senior Loan | | Orlando, FL | | Multifamily | | 12/14/2021 | | 97.4 | | | 97.4 | | | 89.3 | | | 23.3 | | | + | 3.1 | | 3.0 | | | $235,601 / unit | | 74 | | | 3 |
| 40 | | Senior Loan | | Brisbane, CA | | Life Science | | 7/22/2021 | | 95.0 | | | 95.0 | | | 90.8 | | | 18.0 | | | + | 3.1 | | 2.6 | | | $784 / SF | | 71 | | | 3 |
| 41 | | Senior Loan | | Brandon, FL | | Multifamily | | 1/13/2022 | | 90.3 | | | 90.3 | | | 67.4 | | | 10.1 | | | + | 3.1 | | 3.1 | | | $193,586 / unit | | 75 | | | 3 |
| 42 | | Senior Loan | | Dallas, TX | | Multifamily | | 12/23/2021 | | 90.0 | | | 90.0 | | | 80.1 | | | 17.2 | | | + | 2.9 | | 3.0 | | | $246,511 / unit | | 67 | | | 3 |
| 43 | | Senior Loan | | Miami, FL | | Multifamily | | 10/14/2021 | | 89.5 | | | 89.5 | | | 89.5 | | | 17.4 | | | + | 2.9 | | 2.9 | | | $304,422 / unit | | 76 | | | 3 |
| 44 | | Senior Loan | | Dallas, TX | | Office | | 1/22/2021 | | 87.0 | | | 87.0 | | | 87.0 | | | 14.6 | | | + | 3.4 | | 2.1 | | | $294 / SF | | 63 | | | 3 |
| 45 | | Senior Loan | | San Antonio, TX | | Multifamily | | 6/1/2022 | | 246.5 | | | 86.3 | | | 80.3 | | | 19.8 | | | + | 2.8 | | 3.4 | | | $103,007 / unit | | 68 | | | 3 |
| 46 | | Senior Loan | | Scottsdale, AZ | | Multifamily | | 5/9/2022 | | 169.0 | | | 84.5 | | | 84.5 | | | 13.0 | | | + | 2.9 | | 3.4 | | | $457,995 / unit | | 64 | | | 3 |
| 47 | | Senior Loan | | Raleigh, NC | | Multifamily | | 4/27/2022 | | 82.9 | | | 82.9 | | | 80.1 | | | 16.7 | | | + | 3.0 | | 3.4 | | | $250,170 / unit | | 68 | | | 4 |
| 48 | | Senior Loan | | Hollywood, FL | | Multifamily | | 12/20/2021 | | 81.0 | | | 81.0 | | | 81.0 | | | 15.1 | | | + | 3.1 | | 3.0 | | | $327,935 / unit | | 74 | | | 3 |
| 49 | | Senior Loan | | Charlotte, NC | | Multifamily | | 12/14/2021 | | 79.3 | | | 79.3 | | | 75.5 | | | 12.0 | | | + | 3.1 | | 3.0 | | | $205,055 / unit | | 74 | | | 3 |
| 50 | | Senior Loan(M) | | Various | | Industrial | | 6/30/2021 | | 153.0 | | | 76.5 | | | 63.7 | | | 27.1 | | | + | 5.5 | | 2.5 | | | $74 / SF | | 59 | | | 3 |
| 51 | | Senior Loan | | Phoenix, AZ | | Single Family Rental | | 4/22/2021 | | 72.1 | | | 72.1 | | | 67.7 | | | 17.7 | | | + | 4.9 | | 2.4 | | | $157,092 / unit | | 50 | | | 3 |
| 52 | | Senior Loan | | Denver, CO | | Multifamily | | 9/14/2021 | | 70.3 | | | 70.3 | | | 70.3 | | | 10.7 | | | + | 2.8 | | 2.8 | | | $290,496 / unit | | 78 | | | 3 |
| 53 | | Senior Loan | | Washington, D.C. | | Multifamily | | 12/4/2020 | | 69.0 | | | 69.0 | | | 66.8 | | | 10.7 | | | + | 3.6 | | 1.9 | | | $267,000 / unit | | 63 | | | 3 |
| 54 | | Senior Loan | | Dallas, TX | | Multifamily | | 8/18/2021 | | 68.2 | | | 68.2 | | | 68.2 | | | 10.2 | | | + | 3.9 | | 2.7 | | | $189,444 / unit | | 70 | | | 3 |
| 55 | | Senior Loan | | Manassas Park, VA | | Multifamily | | 2/25/2022 | | 68.0 | | | 68.0 | | | 68.0 | | | 13.3 | | | + | 2.7 | | 3.2 | | | $223,684 / unit | | 73 | | | 3 |
| 56 | | Senior Loan | | Plano, TX | | Multifamily | | 3/31/2022 | | 67.8 | | | 67.8 | | | 67.4 | | | 19.0 | | | + | 2.8 | | 3.3 | | | $253,226 / unit | | 75 | | | 3 |
| 57 | | Senior Loan | | Nashville, TN | | Hospitality | | 12/9/2021 | | 66.0 | | | 66.0 | | | 64.7 | | | 10.1 | | | + | 3.7 | | 3.0 | | | $281,237 / key | | 68 | | | 3 |
| 58 | | Senior Loan | | Oakland, CA | | Office | | 10/23/2020 | | 205.5 | | | 64.4 | | | 45.8 | | | 7.2 | | | + | 4.4 | | 1.9 | | | $141 / SF | | 55 | | | 2 |
| 59 | | Senior Loan | | Atlanta, GA | | Multifamily | | 12/10/2021 | | 61.5 | | | 61.5 | | | 59.3 | | | 14.8 | | | + | 3.0 | | 3.0 | | | $196,421 / unit | | 67 | | | 3 |
| 60 | | Senior Loan | | Durham, NC | | Multifamily | | 12/15/2021 | | 60.0 | | | 60.0 | | | 56.5 | | | 10.1 | | | + | 3.0 | | 3.0 | | | $163,879 / unit | | 67 | | | 3 |
| 61 | | Senior Loan | | San Antonio, TX | | Multifamily | | 4/20/2022 | | 57.6 | | | 57.6 | | | 56.4 | | | 10.6 | | | + | 2.7 | | 3.4 | | | $164,950 / unit | | 79 | | | 3 |
| 62 | | Senior Loan | | Queens, NY | | Industrial | | 2/22/2022 | | 55.3 | | | 55.3 | | | 54.7 | | | 13.9 | | | + | 4.0 | | 0.7 | | | $89 / SF | | 68 | | | 3 |
| 63 | | Senior Loan | | Sharon, MA | | Multifamily | | 12/1/2021 | | 51.9 | | | 51.9 | | | 51.9 | | | 7.7 | | | + | 2.9 | | 2.9 | | | $270,443 / unit | | 70 | | | 3 |
| 64 | | Senior Loan | | Reno, NV | | Industrial | | 4/28/2022 | | 140.4 | | | 50.5 | | | 50.5 | | | 11.4 | | | + | 2.7 | | 3.4 | | | $117 / SF | | 74 | | | 3 |
| 65 | | Senior Loan | | Carrollton, TX | | Multifamily | | 4/1/2022 | | 48.5 | | | 48.5 | | | 47.5 | | | 13.8 | | | + | 2.9 | | 3.3 | | | $148,428 / unit | | 74 | | | 3 |
| 66 | | Senior Loan | | Dallas, TX | | Multifamily | | 4/1/2022 | | 43.9 | | | 43.9 | | | 42.6 | | | 11.6 | | | + | 2.9 | | 3.3 | | | $119,706 / unit | | 73 | | | 3 |
| 67 | | Senior Loan | | Georgetown, TX | | Multifamily | | 12/16/2021 | | 41.8 | | | 41.8 | | | 41.8 | | | 10.3 | | | + | 3.4 | | 3.0 | | | $199,048 / unit | | 68 | | | 3 |
| 68 | | Senior Loan | | San Diego, CA | | Multifamily | | 4/29/2022 | | 203.0 | | | 40.0 | | | 39.7 | | | 6.2 | | | + | 2.6 | | 3.4 | | | $455,485 / unit | | 63 | | | 3 |
| 69 | | Senior Loan | | Denver, CO | | Industrial | | 12/11/2020 | | 15.4 | | | 15.4 | | | 12.1 | | | 4.4 | | | + | 3.8 | | 2.0 | | | $47 / SF | | 61 | | | 2 |
| Total/Weighted Average
Senior Loans Unlevered | | $ | 11,842.2 | | | $ | 8,390.1 | | | $ | 7,558.0 | | | $ | 1,821.0 | | | | 3.3% | | 2.7 | | | | | 66 | % | | 3.2 |
| Non-Senior Loans | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| CMBS B-Pieces | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 1 | RECOP I(N) | | Various | | Various | | 2/13/2017 | | n.a. | | 40.0 | | | 35.7 | | | 35.7 | | | | 4.7 | | 5.5 | | | n.a. | | 58 | | | n.a. |
| Total/Weighted Average
CMBS B-Pieces Unlevered | | | | $ | 40.0 | | | $ | 35.7 | | | $ | 35.7 | | | | 4.7% | | 5.5 | | | | | 58 | % | | |
| Real Estate Owned | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 1 | | Real Estate Asset | | Portland, OR | | Retail | | 12/16/2021 | | n.a. | | n.a. | | 82.1 | | | 82.1 | | | | n.a. | | n.a. | | n.a. | | n.a. | | n.a. |
64
| |
* | Numbers presented may not foot due to rounding. |
| |
(A) | Our total portfolio represents the current principal amount on senior and mezzanine loans and the net equity of our CMBS B-Piece investments. |
| |
(B) | Net equity reflects (i) the amortized cost basis of our loans, net of borrowings and a 5% noncontrolling interest in the entity that holds certain of our mezzanine loans; (ii) the cost basis of our CMBS B-Pieces, net of VIE liabilities; and (iii) the cost basis of our investment in RECOP. |
| |
(C) | Weighted average is weighted by current principal amount for our senior and mezzanine loans and by net equity for our CMBS B-Pieces. Weighted average coupon calculation includes one-month USD LIBOR for floating-rate mezzanine loans. |
| |
(D) | L = one-month USD LIBOR rate; spot rate of 1.56% included in mezzanine loan and portfolio-wide averages represented as fixed rates. |
| |
(E) | Max remaining term (years) assumes all extension options are exercised, if applicable. |
| |
(F) | For our senior and mezzanine loans, the LTV is based on the initial loan amount divided by the as-is appraised value as of the date the loan was originated. For Senior Loan 1, LTV is based on the total loan amount of $239.2 million divided by the appraised net sell-out value of $345.4 million. For Mezzanine Loan 1, LTV is based on the total loan amount divided by the as-is appraised value at March 17, 2017. For our CMBS B-Pieces, LTV is based on the weighted average LTV of the underlying loan pool at issuance. |
| |
(G) | Senior loans include senior mortgages and similar credit quality investments, including junior participations in our originated senior loans for which we have syndicated the senior participations and retained the junior participations for our portfolio. |
| |
(H) | Represents our investment in an aggregator vehicle alongside RECOP that invests in CMBS. Committed principal represents our total commitment to the aggregator vehicle whereas current principal represents the current funded amount. |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investment(A) | | Location | | Property Type | | Investment Date | | Total Whole Loan(B) | | Committed Principal Amount(B) | | Current Principal Amount | | Net Equity(C) | | Coupon(D)(E) | | Max Remaining Term (Years)(D)(F) | | Loan Per SF / Unit / Key(G) | | LTV(D)(H) | | Risk Rating |
| 2 | Real Estate Asset | | Philadelphia, PA | | Office | | 12/22/2023 | | n.a. | | n.a. | | $ | 76.5 | | | $ | 26.5 | | | | n.a. | | n.a. | | n.a. | | n.a. | | n.a. |
| Total/Weighted Average
Real Estate Owned | | | | | | $ | 158.6 | | | $ | 108.6 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Grand Total / Weighted Average | | | | $ | 8,430.1 | | | $ | 7,752.3 | | | $ | 1,965.2 | | | | 8.7% | | 2.7 | | | | | 66 | % | | 3.2 |
* Numbers presented may not foot due to rounding.
(A) Our total portfolio represents the current principal amount on senior and mezzanine loans, net equity in RECOP I, which holds CMBS B-Piece investments, and net carrying value of our REO investments. Excludes one mezzanine loan with an outstanding principal of $5.5 million that was fully written off.
For Senior Loan 9, the total whole loan is $199.4 million, including (i) a fully funded senior mortgage loan of $120.0 million, at an interest rate of S+2.25% and (ii) a mezzanine note with a commitment of $79.4 million, of which $74.4 million was funded as of December 31, 2023, at a fixed interest rate of 4.5%. The mezzanine note interest is payment-in-kind (“PIK Interest”), which is capitalized, compounded, and added to the outstanding principal balance of the respective loans.
For Senior Loan 11, the total whole loan is $375.0 million, co-originated and co-funded by us and a KKR affiliate. Our interest is 50% of the loan or $187.5 million, of which $150.0 million in senior notes were syndicated to a third party. Post syndication, we retained a mezzanine loan with a commitment of $37.5 million, fully funded as of December 31, 2023, at an interest rate of S+7.96%.
For Senior Loan 31, the total whole loan is $107.0 million, including (i) a fully funded senior mortgage loan of $102.0 million, at an interest rate of S+3.06%, (ii) a senior mezzanine note with $2.3 million funded as of December 31, 2023, at a fixed interest rate of 10.0% and (iii) a fully funded junior mezzanine note of $0.8 million, at a fixed interest rate 10.0% with certain profit share provisions, as defined in the loan agreement.
For Senior Loan 58, the total whole loan is $205.5 million, co-originated and co-funded by us and a KKR affiliate. Our interest is 31% of the loan or $64.4 million, of which $54.3 million in senior notes were syndicated to third party lenders. Post syndication, we retained a mezzanine loan with a commitment of $10.1 million, of which $7.2 million was funded as of December 31, 2023, at an interest rate of S+13.02%.
(B) Total Whole Loan represents total commitment of the entire whole loan originated. Committed Principal Amount includes participations by KKR affiliated entities and third parties that are syndicated/sold.
(C) Net equity reflects (i) the amortized cost basis of our loans, net of borrowings; and (ii) the cost basis of our investments in RECOP I and REO.
(D) Weighted average is weighted by the current principal amount for our senior and mezzanine loans and by net equity for our RECOP I CMBS B-Pieces. Risk-rated 5 loans are excluded from the weighted average LTV.
(E) Coupon expressed as spread over Term SOFR.
(F) Max remaining term (years) assumes all extension options are exercised, if applicable.
(G) Loan Per SF / Unit / Key is based on the current principal amount divided by the current SF / Unit / Key. For Senior Loans 2, 3, 6, 20, 25, 28, 37, 50, 51, and 69, Loan Per SF / Unit / Key is calculated as the total commitment amount of the loan divided by the proposed SF / Unit / Key.
(H) For senior loans, LTV is generally based on the initial loan amount divided by the as-is appraised value as of the date the loan was originated or by the current principal amount as of the date of the most recent as-is appraised value; for mezzanine loans, LTV is based on the current balance of the whole loan divided by the as-is appraised value as of the date the loan was originated; for RECOP I CMBS B-Pieces, LTV is based on the weighted average LTV of the underlying loan pool at issuance. Weighted Average LTV excludes risk-rated 5 loans.
For Senior Loan 18, LTV is based on the current principal amount divided by the adjusted appraised gross sellout value net of sales cost.
For Senior Loans 2, 3, 6, 20, 25, 28, 37, 50, 51, and 69, LTV is calculated as the total commitment amount of the loan divided by the as-stabilized value as of the date the loan was originated.
(I) Senior loans include senior mortgages and similar credit quality investments, including junior participations in our originated senior loans for which we have syndicated the senior participations and retained the junior participations for our portfolio and excludes vertical loan participations.
(J) Senior Loan 14 and Senior Loan 18 were fully repaid in January 2024.
(K) For Senior Loan 29, the Total Whole Loan, Committed Principal Amount, and Current Principal Amount excludes junior mezzanine notes with a total outstanding principal of $25.0 million that was fully written off.
(L) For Senior Loan 33, the Total Whole Loan, Committed Principal Amount, and Current Principal Amount excludes a subordinated note with a total outstanding principal of $15.0 million that was fully written off.
(M) For Senior Loan 50, the total whole loan facility is $153.0 million co-originated and co-funded by us and a KKR affiliate. Our interest was 50% of the facility, or $76.5 million. The facility is comprised of
individual cross-collateralized whole loans. As of December 31, 2023, there were five underlying senior loans in the facility with a commitment of $76.5 million and outstanding principal of $63.7 million
(N) Represents our investment in an aggregator vehicle alongside RECOP I that invests in CMBS B-Pieces. Committed principal represents our total commitment to the aggregator vehicle whereas current principal represents the current funded amount.
Portfolio Surveillance and Credit Quality
Senior and Mezzanine Loans
Our Manager actively manages our portfolio and assesses the risk of any loan impairmentdeterioration in credit quality by quarterly evaluating the performance of the underlying property, the valuation of comparable assets as well as the financial wherewithal of the associated borrower. Our loan documents generally give us the right to receive regular property, borrower and guarantor financial statements; approve annual budgets and tenant leases; and enforce loan covenants and remedies. In addition, our Manager evaluates the macroeconomic environment, prevailing real estate fundamentals and micro-market dynamics where the underlying property is located. Through site inspections, local market experts and various data sources, as part of its risk assessment, our Manager monitors criteria such as new supply and tenant demand, market occupancy and rental rate trends, and capitalization rates and valuation trends.
We maintain a robust asset management relationship with our borrowers and have utilized these relationships to maximize the performance of our portfolio, including during periods of volatility.
We believe our loan sponsors are generally committed to supporting assets collateralizing our loans through additional equity investments, and that we will benefit from our long-standing core business model of originating senior loans collateralized by large assets in major markets with experienced, well-capitalized institutional sponsors. While we believe the principal amounts of our loans are generally adequately protected by underlying collateral value, there is a risk that we will not realize the entire principal value of certain investments.
In addition to ongoing asset management, our Manager performs a quarterly review of our portfolio whereby each loan is assigned a risk rating of 1 through 5, from lowest risk to highest risk. Our Manager is responsible for reviewing, assigning and updating the risk ratings for each loan on a quarterly basis.at least once per quarter. The risk ratings are based on many factors, including, but not limited to, underlying real estate performance, and asset value, values of comparable properties, durability and quality of property cash flows, sponsor experience and financial wherewithal, and the existence of a risk-mitigating loan structure. Additional key considerations include LTVs, debt service coverage ratios, real estate and credit market dynamics, and risk of default or principal loss. In performing this review and assigning a risk rating with respect to each loan, our Manager assesses these various factors holistically and considers these factors on a case-by-case basis, determining whether to give additional weight to any of these factors based upon the specific facts and circumstances of each loan. Based on a five-point scale, our loans are rated "1" through "5," from less risk to greater risk, which ratings are defined as follows:
1—Very 1 (Very Low Risk—The underlying property performance has surpassed underwritten expectations, and the sponsor’s business plan is generally complete. The property demonstrates stabilized occupancy and/or rental rates resulting in strong current cash flow and/or a very low LTV (<65%). At the level of performance, it is very likely that the underlying loan can be refinanced easily in the period’s prevailing capital market conditions.
2—Low Risk—The underlying property performance has matched or exceeded underwritten expectations, and the sponsor’s business plan may be ahead of schedule or has achieved some or many of the major milestones from a risk mitigation perspective. The property has achieved improving occupancy at market rents, resulting in sufficient current cash flow and/or a low LTV (65%-70%). Operating trends are favorable, and the underlying loan can be refinanced in today’s prevailing capital market conditions. The sponsor/manager is well capitalized or has demonstrated a history of success in owning or operating similar real estate.
3—Average Risk—The underlying property performance is in-line with underwritten expectations, or the sponsor may be in the early stages of executing its business plan. Current cash flow supports debt service payments, or there is an ample interest reserve or loan structure in place to provide the sponsor time to execute the value-improvement plan. The property exhibits a moderate LTV (<75%). Loan structure appropriately mitigates additional risks. The sponsor/manager has a stable credit history and experience owning or operating similar real estate.
4—HighRisk); 2 (Low Risk); 3 (Medium Risk); 4 (High Risk/Potential for Loss: A loan that has a risk of realizing a principal loss. The underlying property performance is behind underwritten expectations, or the sponsor is behind schedule in executing its business plan. The underlying market fundamentals may have deteriorated, comparable property valuations may be declining or property occupancy has been volatile, resulting in current cash flow that may not support debt service payments. The loan exhibits a high LTV (>80%),Loss); and the loan covenants are unlikely to fully mitigate some risks. Interest payments may come from an interest reserve or sponsor equity.5 (Impaired/Loss Likely).
5—Impaired/Loss Likely: A loan that has a very high risk of realizing a principal loss or has otherwise incurred a principal loss. The underlying property performance is significantly behind underwritten expectations, the sponsor has failed to execute its business plan and/or the sponsor has missed interest payments. The market fundamentals have deteriorated, or property performance has unexpectedly declined or valuations for comparable properties have declined meaningfully since loan origination. Current cash flow does not support debt service payments. With the current capital structure, the sponsor might not be incentivized to protect its equity without a restructuring of the loan. The loan exhibits a very high LTV (>90%), and default may be imminent.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (dollars in thousands) | | December 31, 2017 |
| Risk Rating | | Number of Loans | | Net Book Value | | Total Loan Exposure(A) |
| 1 | | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
| 2 | | 4 |
| | 155,092 |
| | 156,123 |
|
| 3 | | 23 |
| | 1,717,000 |
| | 1,792,022 |
|
| 4 | | 1 |
| | 16,418 |
| | 16,500 |
|
| 5 | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| |
(A) | In certain instances, we finance our loans through the non-recourse sale of a senior interest that is not included in our consolidated financial statements. Total loan exposure includes the entire loan we originated and financed, including $63.0 million of such non-consolidated interests as of December 31, 2017. |
As of December 31, 2017,2023, the average risk rating of KREF'sour loan portfolio was 2.9 (Average Risk),3.2, weighted by investment carrying value,total loan exposure, consistent with 99.1%that as of commercialDecember 31, 2022.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2023 | | | | December 31, 2022 |
| Risk Rating | | Number of Loans(A) | | Carrying Value | | Total Loan Exposure(A) | | Total Loan Exposure %* | | | | Number of Loans(A) | | Carrying Value | | Total Loan Exposure(B) | | Total Loan Exposure %* |
| 1 | | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | — | % | | | | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | — | % |
| 2 | | 2 | | | 19,392 | | | 57,925 | | | 1 | | | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| 3 | | 60 | | | 6,493,506 | | | 6,511,894 | | | 86 | | | | | 70 | | | 6,560,166 | | | 6,864,941 | | | 88 | |
| 4 | | 4 | | | 325,286 | | | 476,112 | | | 6 | | | | | 3 | | | 443,957 | | | 446,322 | | | 6 | |
| 5 | | 3 | | | 505,364 | | | 512,105 | | | 7 | | | | | 3 | | | 490,015 | | | 489,214 | | | 6 | |
| Total loan receivable | | 69 | | | $ | 7,343,548 | | | $ | 7,558,036 | | | 100 | % | | | | 76 | | | $ | 7,494,138 | | | $ | 7,800,477 | | | 100 | % |
| Allowance for credit losses | | (210,470) | | | | | | | | | | | (106,974) | | | | | |
| Loan receivable, net | | | | $ | 7,133,078 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 7,387,164 | | | | | |
*Numbers presented may not foot due to rounding.
(A) Excludes three fully written off risk-rated 5 loans with a combined outstanding principal balance of $45.5 million as of December 31, 2023.
Excludes one fully written off risk-rated 5 loan with an outstanding principal balance of $5.5 million as of December 31, 2022.
(B) In certain instances, KREF finances its loans through the non-recourse sale of a senior interest that is not included in the consolidated financial statements. Total loan exposure includes the entire loan KREF originated and financed, including $188.6 million and $263.1 million of such non-consolidated interests as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
In January 2023, we completed the modification of a risk-rated 5 senior office loan located in Philadelphia, PA, with an outstanding principal balance of $161.0 million. The terms of the modification included, among others, a $25.0 million principal repayment and a restructure of the $136.0 million senior loan (after the $25.0 million repayment) into (i) a $116.5 million committed senior mortgage loans held-for-investment, rated 3 (Average Risk) or betterloan (with $5.5 million in unfunded commitment) and (ii) a $25.0 million junior mezzanine note. The restructured senior loan earns a coupon rate of S+2.75% and has a new term of up to four years, assuming all extension options are exercised. The $25.0 million junior mezzanine note is subordinate to a new $41.5 million committed senior mezzanine note held by our Manager.the sponsor (with $16.5 million in unfunded commitment). As of December 31, 20172022, $25.0 million of the loan was deemed uncollectible and written off, which was applied to the junior mezzanine note upon completion of the modification. This loan modification was accounted for as a new loan for GAAP purposes. The restructured senior loan with an outstanding principal balance of $114.3 million was risk-rated 3 as of December 31, 2016, no investments were rated2023.
In June 2023, we completed the modification of a risk-rated 4 senior multifamily loan located in West Hollywood, CA, with an outstanding principal balance of $102.0 million as of March 31, 2023. The terms of the modification included, among others, an additional borrower deposit in escrow in exchange for an upsize in the loan commitment structured as (i) an accompanying senior mezzanine note with a commitment of $4.2 million, at a fixed interest rate of 10.0%, and (ii) an accompanying junior mezzanine note with a commitment of $0.8 million, at a fixed interest rate of 10.0% with certain profit share provisions, as defined in the loan agreement. As of December 31, 2023, the senior mezzanine note had an outstanding principal balance of $2.3 million, while the junior mezzanine note was fully funded. The restructured whole loan with an outstanding principal balance of $105.1 million was risk-rated 4 as of December 31, 2023.
In June 2023, we completed the modification of a risk-rated 5 (Impaired/Loss Likely)senior office loan located in Minneapolis, MN, with an outstanding principal balance of $194.4 million as of March 31, 2023. The terms of the modification included, among others, a restructure of the $194.4 million senior loan into (i) a $120.0 million senior mortgage loan (fully funded) and (ii) a $79.4 million mezzanine note (with $5.0 million in unfunded commitment). The restructured senior loan earns a coupon rate of S+2.25% and the mezzanine note earns a fixed 4.5% PIK interest rate. Post modification, the whole loan’s maximum maturity is July 2025, assuming all extension options are exercised. The restructured whole loan with an outstanding principal balance of $194.4 million was risk-rated 5 as of December 31, 2023.
In September 2023, we completed the modification of a risk-rated 4 senior office loan located in Chicago, IL, with an outstanding principal balance of $118.4 million. The terms of the modification included, among others, a $15.0 million principal repayment, a $15.0 million reduction in unfunded loan commitment, and a restructure of the $103.4 million senior loan (after the $15.0 million repayment) into (i) a $105.0 million committed senior mortgage loan (with $16.6 million in unfunded commitment) and (ii) a $15.0 million subordinated note. The restructured senior loan earns a coupon rate of S+2.25% and has a new term of five years. The $15.0 million subordinated note is subordinate to a new $18.5 million sponsor interest and was deemed uncollectible and written off. The restructured senior loan with an outstanding principal balance of $88.4 million was risk-rated 3 as of December 31, 2023.
CMBS B-Piece Investments
Our current CMBS exposure is through RECOP I, an equity method investment. Our Manager has processes and procedures in place to monitor and assess the credit quality of our CMBS B-Piece investments and promote the regular and active management of these investments. This includes reviewing the performance of the real estate assets underlying the loans that collateralize the investments and determining the impact of such performance on the credit and return profile of the investments. Our Manager holds monthlymonthly surveillance calls with the special servicer of our CMBS B-Piece investments to monitor the performance of our portfolio and discuss issues associated with the loans underlying our CMBS B-Piece investments. At each meeting, our Manager is provided with a due diligence submission for each loan underlying our CMBS B-Piece investments, which includes both property- and loan-level information. These meetings assist our Manager in monitoring our portfolio, identifying any potential loan issues, determining if a re-underwriting of any loan is warranted and examining the timing and severity of any potential losses or impairments.
In addition to monthly surveillance, our Manager is involved in major decision approval requests by borrowers relating to the loans that collateralize our CMBS B-Piece investments. Our Manager engages a third-party special servicer to administer each request, which in turn presents each request to our Manager for review and approval. This process helps our Manager anticipate potential loan issues and proactively formulate responses as it relates to each loan approval request. As part of this process, our Manager receives updated financial information, rent rolls and performance metrics for each loan, which allows our Manager to regularly assess the performance of our loan collateral. In addition to monitoring loans that collateralize our CMBS B-Piece investments, our Manager also actively monitors watch list loans, loans that have been transferred into special servicing, and loan defaults in the CMBS B-Piece market generally, which helps our Manager anticipate potential market- and/or asset-specific issues that may affect our portfolio.
Valuations for our CMBS B-Piece investments are prepared using inputs from an independent valuation firm and confirmed by our Manager via quotes from two or more broker-dealers that actively make markets in CMBS. As part of the quarterly valuation process, our Manager also reviews pricing indications for comparable CMBS and monitors the credit metrics of the loans that collateralize our CMBS B-Piece investments.
Total Financing
Our financing arrangements include our term loan facility, term lending agreements, collateralized loan obligations, secured term loan, warehouse facility, asset specific financing, corporate revolving credit agreement ("Revolver"), non-consolidated senior interest (collectively “Non-Mark-to-Market Financing Sources”) and master repurchase agreements.
Our Non-Mark-to-Market Financing Sources, which accounted for 76% of our total financing as of December 31, 2017, there were no delinquencies greater than 60 days associated with any loans underlying2023, are not subject to credit or capital markets mark-to-market provisions. The remaining 24% of our CMBS B-Piece investments.total financing, which is primarily comprised of three master repurchase agreements, are only subject to credit marks.
Secured Financing Agreements
The following table detailssummarizes our secured financing agreements (dollars in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2017 |
| | | Maximum | | Collateral | | Secured Financing Borrowings |
| Lender | | Facility Size(A) | | Assets(B) | | Potential(C) | | Outstanding | | Available |
| Wells Fargo | | $ | 750,000 |
| | $ | 686,335 |
| | $ | 499,898 |
| | $ | 485,250 |
| | $ | 14,648 |
|
Morgan Stanley(D) | | 600,000 |
| | 676,325 |
| | 474,254 |
| | 423,347 |
| | 50,907 |
|
| Goldman Sachs | | 400,000 |
| | 81,000 |
| | 60,750 |
| | 60,750 |
| | — |
|
| Barclays | | 75,000 |
|
| n.a. |
|
| 75,000 |
|
| — |
|
| 75,000 |
|
| | | $ | 1,825,000 |
| | $ | 1,443,660 |
| | $ | 1,109,902 |
| | $ | 969,347 |
| | $ | 140,555 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | December 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
| | | | Maximum | | Collateral | | | | Borrowings | | Borrowings |
| | Non-/Mark-to-Market | | Facility Size(A) | | Assets(B) | | | | Outstanding | | Available(C) | | Outstanding |
| Master Repurchase Agreements | | Mark-to-Credit | | $ | 2,000,000 | | | $ | 2,231,723 | | | | | $ | 1,477,227 | | | $ | 35,610 | | | $ | 1,436,166 | |
| Collateralized loan obligations | | Non-Mark-to-Market | | 1,942,750 | | | 2,300,000 | | | | | 1,942,750 | | | — | | | 1,942,750 | |
| Term Lending Agreements | | Non-Mark-to-Market | | 1,977,399 | | | 1,737,431 | | | | | 1,329,390 | | | 8,394 | | | 1,530,105 | |
| Term Loan Facility | | Non-Mark-to-Market | | 1,000,000 | | | 718,739 | | | | | 561,377 | | | — | | | 631,557 | |
| Warehouse Facility | | Non-Mark-to-Market | | 500,000 | | | — | | | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Asset Specific Financing | | Non-Mark-to-Market | | 490,625 | | | 320,379 | | | | | 266,072 | | | — | | | 172,873 | |
| Revolver | | Non-Mark-to-Market | | 610,000 | | | n.a. | | | | 160,000 | | | 450,000 | | | — | |
| Secured term loan | | Non-Mark-to-Market | | 343,000 | | | n.a. | | | | 343,000 | | | — | | | 346,500 | |
| Non-consolidated senior interests | | Non-Mark-to-Market | | 188,611 | | | 188,611 | | | | | 188,611 | | | — | | | 263,086 | |
| Total financing | | | | $ | 9,052,385 | | | | | | | $ | 6,268,427 | | | $ | 494,004 | | | $ | 6,323,037 | |
| |
(A) | 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. |
| |
(B) | (A) 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. (B) Represents the principal balance of the collateral assets. |
| |
(C) | Potential borrowings represents the total amount we could draw under each facility based on collateral already approved and pledged. When undrawn, these amounts are available to us under the terms of each credit facility. |
| |
(D) | The maximum facility size can be further increased to $750.0 million upon our request and subject to customary conditions. |
Loan Participations Sold
The following table details our loan participations sold (dollars in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2017 |
| Loan Participations Sold | | Count | | Principal Balance | | Carrying Value | | Yield/Cost(A) | | Guarantee(B) | Term |
| Total loan | | 1 |
| | $ | 95,250 |
| | $ | 94,755 |
| | L + 3.0% | | n.a. | September 2022 |
Senior participation(C) | | 1 |
| | 82,000 |
| | 81,472 |
| | L + 1.8% | | n.a. | September 2022 |
| |
(A) | Our floating rate loans and related liabilities were indexed to one-month LIBOR. Our net interest rate exposure is in direct proportion to our net assets. |
| |
(B) | As of December 31, 2017, our loan participation sold was subject to partial recourse of $10.0 million, which amount may be reduced to zero upon achievement of certain property performance metrics. |
| |
(C) | During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded $0.0 million of interest income and $0.0 million of interest expense related to the loan participation we sold, but continue to consolidate under GAAP. |
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 sheets and in our statements of income. The following table details the subordinate interests retained on our balance sheet and the related non-consolidated senior interests as of December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2017 |
| Non-Consolidated Senior Interests | | Count | | Principal Balance | | Carrying Value | | Yield/Cost(A) | | Guarantee | | Term |
| Total loan | | 1 |
| | $ | 78,702 |
| | n.a. | | L + 3.8% | | n.a. | | March 2022 |
| Senior participation | | 1 |
| | 62,952 |
| | n.a. | | L + 2.1% | | n.a. | | March 2022 |
| |
(A) | Our floating rate loans and related liabilities were indexed to one-month LIBOR. Our net interest rate exposure is in direct proportion to our net assets. |
Results of Operations
The following table summarizes the changes in our the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Year Ended December 31, | | | | Year Ended December 31, | | |
| | | 2017 | | 2016 | | Increase (Decrease) | | 2016 | | 2015 | | Increase (Decrease) |
| Net Interest Income | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest income | | $ | 83,145 |
| | $ | 32,659 |
| | $ | 50,486 |
| | $ | 32,659 |
| | $ | 12,536 |
| | $ | 20,123 |
|
| Interest expense | | 21,224 |
| | 7,432 |
| | 13,792 |
| | 7,432 |
| | 554 |
| | 6,878 |
|
| Total net interest income | | 61,921 |
| | 25,227 |
| | 36,694 |
| | 25,227 |
| | 11,982 |
| | 13,245 |
|
| Other Income | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Realized gain on sale of investments | | — |
| | 285 |
| | (285 | ) | | 285 |
| | 1,155 |
| | (870 | ) |
| Change in net assets related to consolidated variable interest entities | | 15,845 |
| | 15,461 |
| | 384 |
| | 15,461 |
| | 8,868 |
| | 6,593 |
|
| Income from equity method investments | | 875 |
| | — |
| | 875 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Other income | | 968 |
| | 222 |
| | 746 |
| | 222 |
| | 305 |
| | (83 | ) |
| Total other income (loss) | | 17,688 |
| | 15,968 |
| | 1,720 |
| | 15,968 |
| | 10,328 |
| | 5,640 |
|
| Operating Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| General and administrative | | 4,936 |
| | 2,270 |
| | 2,666 |
| | 2,270 |
| | 1,994 |
| | 276 |
|
| Management fees to affiliate | | 13,492 |
| | 5,934 |
| | 7,558 |
| | 5,934 |
| | 2,620 |
| | 3,314 |
|
| Incentive compensation to affiliate | | — |
| | 365 |
| | (365 | ) | | 365 |
| | 131 |
| | 234 |
|
| Total operating expenses | | 18,428 |
| | 8,569 |
| | 9,859 |
| | 8,569 |
| | 4,745 |
| | 3,824 |
|
| Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interests and Preferred Dividends | | 61,181 |
| | 32,626 |
| | 28,555 |
| | 32,626 |
| | 17,565 |
| | 15,061 |
|
| Income tax expense | | 1,102 |
| | 354 |
| | 748 |
| | 354 |
| | 393 |
| | (39 | ) |
| Net Income (Loss) | | 60,079 |
| | 32,272 |
| | 27,807 |
| | 32,272 |
| | 17,172 |
| | 15,100 |
|
| Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Income (Loss) of Consolidated Joint Venture | | 216 |
| | 302 |
| | (86 | ) | | 302 |
| | 272 |
| | 30 |
|
| Noncontrolling Interests in Income (Loss) of Consolidated Joint Venture | | 801 |
| | 813 |
| | (12 | ) | | 813 |
| | 137 |
| | 676 |
|
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries | | 59,062 |
| | 31,157 |
| | 27,905 |
| | 31,157 |
| | 16,763 |
| | 14,394 |
|
| Preferred Stock Dividends | | 244 |
| | 16 |
| | 228 |
| | 16 |
| | 15 |
| | 1 |
|
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders | | $ | 58,818 |
| | $ | 31,141 |
| | $ | 27,677 |
| | $ | 31,141 |
| | $ | 16,748 |
| | $ | 14,393 |
|
Net Interest Income
Compared to the year ended December 31, 2016, net interest income increased $36.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 in connection with additional capital deployed in investments as we continued to scale our portfolio, based on the interest income earned on our loan portfolio that had a weighted-average principal balance of $1.2 billionthe collateral assets.
(C) Available borrowings represents the undrawn amount we could draw under the terms of each credit facility, based on collateral already approved and $0.5 billion, partially offset by the interest expense on our secured financing arrangement we used to finance those investments that had an average daily amount outstanding of $0.6 billion and $0.2 billion, during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Interest income includes $3.6 million and $1.0 million in amortization of net deferred loan fees and origination discounts during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2017, loan and preferred interest repayments of $70.9 million partially offset the increase in interest income by $3.5 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.
Net interest income increased $13.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily attributed to increased interest income in connection with increased investments made with capital raised from the private placements of our common stock as we continued to scale our portfolio, partially offset by increased interest expense resulting from interest on amounts outstanding under our repurchase facilities used to finance investments in senior loans. The partial offset to interest income is inclusive of $1.0 million and $0.2 million of accretion of net deferred loan fees and origination discounts during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Other Income
Total other income increased $1.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2016, primarily attributable to a $0.9 million increase in income from equity method investments in which we entered during the year ended December 31, 2017, a $0.7 million increase in other income, and a $0.4 million increase from income on our purchase of a CMBS B-Piece during the year ended December 31, 2016. We realized a $0.3 million gain on the
sale of an investment during the year ended December 31, 2016, but did not realize a gain or loss on the sale of investments in the year ended December 31, 2017, which partially offset the increase in other income.
Total other income increased $5.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily attributed to increased income earned on our investments in CMBS B-Pieces resulting from an increased amount of CMBS B-Piece investments, partially offset by smaller realized gains during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses increased $9.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase is primarily attributed to increased management fees of $7.6 million, resulting from an increase in our equity from the private placement of our common stock and our IPO, as well as an additional $2.7 million of general and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily consisting of legal, audit, insurance, information technology, and other increased costs as we scaled our portfolio and became a public company. This increase was partially offset by decreased incentive compensation expense payable to our Manager resulting from the time required to invest our proceeds received from equity issuances.
Total operating expenses increased $3.8 million during the
year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily attributed to increased management fees resulting from an increase in our equity from the private placements of our common stock and increased incentive compensation resulting from increased Core Earnings.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Our primary liquidity needs include: our ongoing commitments to repay the principal of and interest on our borrowings and pay other financing costs; financing our assets; meeting future funding obligations; making distributions to our stockholders; funding our operations, which includes making payments to our Manager in accordance with the management agreement; and satisfying other general business needs.
Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources through December 31, 2017 have been derived from: $1,060.9 million in net proceeds from equity issuances; $969.3 million in net advances from our repurchase facilities; $152.4 million in proceeds from syndicated financing; and cash flows from operations. We may seek additional sources of liquidity from repurchase facilities, syndicated financing, other borrowings (including borrowings not related to a specific investment) and future offerings of equity and debt securities. In addition, we may apply our existing cash and cash equivalents and cash flows from operations to any liquidity needs. As of December 31, 2017, our cash and cash equivalents were $103.1 million.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio and Total Leverage Ratio
The following table presents our debt-to-equity ratio and total leverage ratio:
|
| | | | |
| | December 31, 2017 | | December 31, 2016 |
Debt-to-equity ratio(A)
| | 0.8x | | 0.7x |
Total leverage ratio(B)
| | 1.0x | | 0.7x |
| |
(A) | Represents (i) total outstanding secured debt agreements less cash to (ii) total stockholders’ equity, in each case, at period end. |
| |
(B) | Represents (i) total outstanding secured debt agreements, loan participations sold, non-consolidated senior interests, less cash to (ii) total stockholders’ equity, in each case, at period end. |
Sources of Liquidity
Our primary sources of liquidity include cash and cash equivalents and available borrowings under our secured financing agreements. Amounts available under these sources as of the date presented are summarized in the following table (dollars in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2017 | | December 31, 2016 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 103,120 |
| | $ | 96,189 |
|
| Available borrowings under master repurchase agreements | | 65,555 |
| | 139,818 |
|
| Available borrowings under revolving credit agreements | | 75,000 |
| | — |
|
Loan principal payments receivable, net(A) | | 4,557 |
| | — |
|
| |
(A) | Represents loan principal paid by the borrower to our third-party servicer, but not yet received by us as of December 31, 2017. We generally receive these loan principal repayments from our third-party servicer in the following month's remittance, net of amounts we repay under our financing agreements. |
Consolidated Debt Obligations
The following table summarizes our secured financing agreements and other consolidated debt obligations in place as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2017 | | December 31, 2016 |
| | | Facility | | Collateral | | Facility |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | Weighted Average(B) | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Month Issued | | Outstanding Face Amount | | Carrying Value(A) | | Maximum Facility Size | | Final Stated Maturity | | Funding Cost | | Life (Years) | | Outstanding Face Amount | | Amortized Cost Basis | | Carrying Value | | Weighted Average Life (Years)(C) | | Carrying Value(A) |
| Secured Financing Agreements | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Master Repurchase Agreements(D) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Wells Fargo(E) | | Oct 2015 | | $ | 485,250 |
| | $ | 482,146 |
| | $ | 750,000 |
| | Apr 2022 | | 3.8 | % | | 1.6 | | $ | 686,335 |
| | $ | 681,955 |
| | $ | 681,955 |
| | 3.8 | | $ | 262,883 |
|
Morgan Stanley(F) | | Dec 2016 | | 423,347 |
| | 421,904 |
| | 600,000 |
| | Dec 2021 | | 4.0 |
| | 2.0 | | 676,325 |
| | 671,422 |
| | 671,422 |
| | 3.6 | | 177,764 |
|
JPMorgan(G) | | Oct 2015 | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | n.a | | n.a. |
| | n.a. | | n.a. |
| | n.a. |
| | n.a. |
| | n.a. | | (1,503 | ) |
Goldman Sachs(H) | | Sep 2016 | | 60,750 |
| | 60,750 |
| | 400,000 |
| | Oct 2020 | | 3.6 |
| | 1.6 | | 81,000 |
| | 80,442 |
| | 80,442 |
| | 4.6 | | — |
|
| Revolving Credit Agreement | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Barclays(I) |
| May 2017 |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| 75,000 |
|
| May 2020 |
| 1.5 |
|
| 0.0 |
| n.a. |
|
| n.a. |
|
| n.a. |
|
| n.a. |
| n.a. |
|
| | | | | 969,347 |
| | 964,800 |
| | 1,825,000 |
| | | | 3.9 | % | | 1.7 | | | | | | | | | | 439,144 |
|
| VIE Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CMBS(J) | | Various | | 4,996,817 |
| | 5,256,926 |
| | n.a. |
| | Mar 2048 to Feb 2049 | | 4.3 | % | | 7.2 | | 5,305,976 |
| | n.a. |
| | 5,372,811 |
| | 7.2 | | 5,313,574 |
|
| | | | | 4,996,817 |
| | 5,256,926 |
| | n.a. |
| | | | 4.3 |
| | 7.2 | | | | | | | | | | 5,313,574 |
|
| Total / Weighted Average | | | | $ | 5,966,164 |
| | $ | 6,221,726 |
| | $ | 1,825,000 |
| | | | 4.2 | % | | 6.2 | | | | | | | | | | $ | 5,752,718 |
|
(A) Net of $4.5 million and $6.4 million unamortized debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
| |
(B) | Average weighted by the outstanding face amount of borrowings. |
| |
(C) | Average based on the fully extended loan maturity, weighted by the outstanding face amount of the collateral. |
| |
(D) | Borrowings under these repurchase agreements are collateralized by senior loans, held-for-investment, and bear interest equal to the sum of (i) a floating rate index, equal to one-month LIBOR, subject to certain floors of not less than zero, or an index approximating LIBOR, and (ii) a margin, based on the collateral. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the percentage of the outstanding face amount of the collateral sold and not borrowed under these repurchase agreements, or average "haircut" weighted by outstanding face amount of collateral, was 32.9% and 28.8%, respectively (or 27.3% and 25.9%, respectively, if we had borrowed the maximum amount approved by its repurchase agreement counterparties as of such dates). |
| |
(E) | In April 2017, we and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo") amended and restated the master repurchase agreement to extend the facility maturity date and to increase the maximum facility size from $500.0 million to $750.0 million. In September 2017, we and Wells Fargo amended the amended and restated master repurchase agreement to make certain operational changes. The current stated maturity of the facility is April 2020, which does not reflect two, twelve-month facility term extensions available to us, which is contingent upon certain covenants and thresholds. As of December 31, 2017, the collateral-based margin was between 1.80% and 2.15%. |
| |
(F) | In November 2017, we and Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A. ("Morgan Stanley") amended and restated the master repurchase agreement to extend the facility maturity date and to increase the maximum facility size from $500.0 million to $600.0 million and, subject to customary conditions, permits us to request the facility be further increased to $750.0 million. The current stated maturity of the facility is December 2020, which does not reflect one, twelve-month facility term extension available to us, which is contingent upon certain covenants and thresholds and, even if such covenants and thresholds are satisfied, is at the sole discretion of Morgan Stanley. As of December 31, 2017, the collateral-based margin was between 2.00% and 2.45%. |
| |
(G) | In November 2017, we terminated the master repurchase facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association ("JP Morgan"). The negative carrying value at December 31, 2016 reflects unamortized debt issuance costs presented in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the recognized debt liability in accordance with ASU 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.
|
| |
(H) | In November 2017, we and Goldman Sachs Bank USA ("Goldman Sachs") amended and restated the master repurchase agreement to extend the facility maturity date and to increase the maximum facility size from $250.0 million to $400.0 million. The amended and restated facility includes a $250.0 million term facility with a maturity date of October 2020 and a $150.0 million swingline facility with a revolving period of one year, and a three-year term on a per-asset basis as those assets are pledged to the facility. As of December 31, 2017, the carrying value excluded $0.8 million unamortized debt issuance costs presented as " — Other assets" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2017, the collateral-based margin was 2.00%. |
| |
(I) | In May 2017, we entered into a $75.0 million corporate secured revolving credit facility administered by Barclays Bank PLC ("Barclays"). The current stated maturity of the facility is May 2019, which does not reflect one, twelve-month facility term extension available to us at the discretion of Barclays. Borrowings under the facility bears interest at a per annum rate equal to the sum of (i) a floating rate index and (ii) a fixed margin. Amounts borrowed under this facility are 100% recourse to us. As of December 31, 2017, the carrying value excluded $1.2 million unamortized debt issuance costs presented as " — Other assets" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
| |
(J) | Facility amounts represent CMBS issued by five trusts that we consolidate, but that are not beneficially owned by our stockholders. The facility and collateral carrying amounts included $18.7 million accrued interest payable and $19.7 million accrued interest receivable as of December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2016, the facility and collateral carrying amounts included $18.8 million accrued interest payable and $19.9 million accrued interest receivable. The final stated maturity date represents the rated final distribution date of CMBS issued by trusts that we consolidate, but that are not beneficially owned by our stockholders. Refer to Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements for additional discussion of our VIE assets and liabilities. |
The preceding table excludes loan participations sold (refer to Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for discussion of our loan participations sold).
Master Repurchase Agreements
Currently, our primary source of financing is ourWe utilize master repurchase facilities which we use to finance the origination of senior loans. After a mortgage asset is identified by us, the lender agrees to advance a certain percentage of the face valueprincipal of the mortgage to us in exchange for a secured interest in the mortgage. We have not received any margin calls on any of our master repurchase facilities to date.
Repurchase agreements effectively allow us to borrow against loans participations and securitiesparticipations that we own in an amount generally equal to (i) the market value of such loans participations and/or securitiesparticipations multiplied by (ii) the applicable advance rate. Under these agreements, we sell our loans participations and securitiesparticipations to a counterparty and agree to repurchase the same loans and securitiesparticipations from the counterparty at a price equal to the original sales price plus an interest factor. The transaction is treated as a secured loan from the financial institution for GAAP purposes. During the term of a repurchase agreement, we receive the principal and interest on the related loans participations and securitiesparticipations and pay interest to the lender under the master repurchase agreement. At any point in time, the amounts and the cost of our repurchase borrowings will be based upon the assets being financed—higher risk assets will result in lower advance rates (i.e., levels of leverage) at higher borrowing costs and vice versa. In addition, these facilities include various financial covenants and limited recourse guarantees, including those described below.
Each of our existing master repurchase facilities includes "credit mark"mark-to-market" features. "Credit mark"mark-to-market" provisions in repurchase facilities are designed to keep the lenders' credit exposure generally constant as a percentage of the underlying collateral value of the assets pledged as security to them. If the credit underlying collateral value decreases, the gross amount of leverage available to us will be reduced as our assets are marked to market,marked-to-market, which would reduce our liquidity. The lender under the applicable repurchase facility sets the valuation and any revaluation of the collateral assets in its sole, good faith discretion.
As a contractual matter, the lender has the right to reset the value of the assets at any time based on then-current market conditions, but the market convention is to reassess valuations on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis using the financial information delivered pursuant to the facility documentation regarding the real property, borrower and guarantor under such underlying loans. Generally, if the lender determines (subject to certain conditions) that the market value of the collateral in a repurchase transaction has decreased by more than a defined minimum amount, the lender may require us to provide additional collateral or lead to margin calls that may require us to repay all or a portion of the funds advanced. We closely monitor our liquidity and intend to maintain sufficient liquidity on our balance sheet in order to meet any margin calls in the event of any significant decreases in asset values. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016,2023, the weighted average haircut under our repurchase agreements was 32.9% and 28.8%, respectivelyagreements was 33.8% (or 27.3% and 25.9%32.2%, respectively, if we had borrowed the maximum amount approved by its repurchase agreement counterparties as of such dates). In addition, our existing master repurchase facilities are not entirely term-matched financings and may mature before our CRE debt investments that represent underlying collateral to those financings. As we negotiate renewals and extensions of these liabilities, we may experience lower advance rates and higher pricing under the renewed or extended agreements.
Term Lending Agreements
In August 2018, we entered into a $200.0 million loan financing facility with BMO Harris Bank (the "BMO Facility”). In May 2019, we increased the borrowing capacity to $300.0 million. The facility provides financing on a non-mark-to-market basis with match-term up to five years with partial recourse to us.
In June 2019, we entered into a Master Repurchase and Securities Contract Agreement ("KREF Lending V Facility") with Morgan Stanley Mortgage Capital Holdings LLC ("Administrative Agent"), as administrative agent on behalf of Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A. ("Initial Buyer"), which provides non-mark-to-market financing. In June 2023, the current stated maturity was extended to June 2024, subject to two additional one-year extension options, which we may exercise upon the satisfaction of certain customary conditions and thresholds. The Initial Buyer subsequently syndicated a portion of the facility to multiple financial institutions. As of December 31, 2023, the Initial Buyer held 23% of the total commitment under the facility.
In July 2021, we entered into a $500.0 million Master Repurchase and Securities Contract Agreement with a financial institution (“KREF Lending IX Facility”). In March 2022, we increased the borrowing capacity to $750.0 million. In August 2022, we further increased the borrowing capacity to $1,000.0 million. The facility, which provides financing on a non-mark-to-market basis with partial recourse to us, has a three-year draw period and match- term to the underlying loans.
In June 2022, we entered into a $350.0 million Master Repurchase Agreement and Securities Contract with a financial institution (“KREF Lending XII Facility”). The facility, which provides financing on a non-mark-to-market basis with partial recourse to KREF, has a two-year draw period and match-term to the underlying loans. In addition, we have the option to increase the facility amount to $500.0 million.
Term Loan Facility
In April 2018, we entered into a term loan financing agreement with third party lenders for an initial borrowing capacity of $200.0 million that was increased to $1.0 billion in October 2018 (“Term Loan Facility”). The facility provides us with asset-based financing on a non-mark-to-market basis with match-term up to five years, with additional two-year extension available, and is non-recourse to us.
Warehouse Facility
In March 2020, we entered into a $500.0 million Loan and Security Agreement with HSBC Bank USA, National Association (“HSBC Facility”). In March 2023, we extended the facility maturity date to March 2026. The facility provides warehouse financing on a non-mark-to-market basis with partial recourse to us.
Asset Specific Financing
In April 2022, we entered into a $100.0 million loan financing facility with a financial institution ("KREF Lending XI Facility"). The facility provides non-recourse match-term asset-based financing on a non-mark-to-market basis.
In August 2022, we entered into a $265.6 million loan financing facility with a financial institution ("KREF Lending XIII Facility"). The facility provides non-recourse match-term asset-based financing on a non-mark-to-market basis.
In October 2022, we entered into a $125.0 million loan financing facility with a financial institution ("KREF Lending XIV Facility"). The facility provides non-recourse match-term asset-based financing on a non-mark-to-market basis.
Revolving Credit Agreement
In March 2022, we upsized our corporate revolving credit agreement (“Revolver”), administered by Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., to $520.0 million and extended the maturity date to March 2027. In April 2022, we further upsized our Revolver to $610.0 million. We may also use our secured revolving credit facilityRevolver as a source of financing, which is designed to provide short termshort-term liquidity to purchaseoriginate or de-lever loans, or other eligible assets, pay operating expenses and borrow amounts for general corporate purposes. Any amounts borrowed are full recourseOur Revolver is secured by corporate level guarantees and includes net equity interests in the investment portfolio.
Collateralized Loan Obligations
In August 2021, we financed a pool of loan participations from our existing loan portfolio through a managed collateralized loan obligation ("CLO" or "KREF 2021-FL2") and, in February 2022, we financed a pool of loan participations from our existing multifamily loan portfolio through a managed CLO ("KREF 2022-FL3"). The CLOs provide us with match-term financing on a non-mark-to-market and non-recourse basis. The CLOs have a two-year reinvestment feature that allows principal proceeds of the collateral assets to us. Borrowings under the facility bear interest at a per annum rate equalbe reinvested in qualifying replacement assets, subject to the sumsatisfaction of (i) a floating rate index and (ii) a fixed margin.
Borrowing Activities
The following tables provide additional information regarding our borrowingstable outlines the CLO collateral assets and respective borrowing (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2023 |
| | Count | | Outstanding Principal | | Amortized Cost | | Carrying Value | | Wtd. Avg. Yield/Cost(A) | | Wtd. Avg. Term(B) |
| KREF 2021-FL2 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collateral assets(C) | | 18 | | $ | 1,300,000 | | | $ | 1,300,000 | | | $ | 1,288,464 | | | S + 3.1% | | July 2026 |
| Financing provided | | 1 | | 1,095,250 | | | 1,095,128 | | | 1,095,128 | | | S + 1.5% | | February 2039 |
| KREF 2022-FL3 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collateral assets(C)(D) | | 16 | | $ | 1,000,000 | | | $ | 1,000,000 | | | $ | 990,320 | | | S + 3.0% | | September 2026 |
| Financing provided | | 1 | | 847,500 | | | 847,043 | | | 847,043 | | | S + 2.2% | | February 2039 |
(A)In addition to cash coupon, yield/cost includes the amortization of deferred origination/financing costs.
(B)Loan term represents weighted-average final maturity, assuming all extension options are exercised by the borrower, weighted by outstanding principal. Repayments of CLO notes are dependent on timing of underlying collateral loan asset repayments post reinvestment period. The term of the CLO notes represents the rated final distribution date.
(C)Collateral assets represent 31.0% of the principal of our commercial real estate loans as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, 100% of our loans financed through the CLOs are floating-rate loans.
(D)Including $5.0 million cash held in the KREF 2021-FL3 as of December 31, 2023.
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 on a non-mark-to-market, match-term basis for our net investments, which are typically reflected in the form of mezzanine loans or other subordinate interests on our consolidated balance sheet and in our consolidated statement of income.
The following table details the subordinate interests retained on our balance sheet and the related non-consolidated senior interests (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2023 |
| Non-Consolidated Senior Interests | | Count | | Principal Balance | | Carrying Value | | Wtd. Avg. Yield/Cost | | Guarantee | | Wtd. Avg. Term |
| Total loan | | 2 | | $ | 233,278 | | | n.a | | S + 3.6% | | n.a. | | January 2026 |
| Senior participation | | 2 | | 188,611 | | | n.a | | S + 2.3% | | n.a. | | January 2026 |
| Interests retained | | | | 44,667 | | | | | S + 8.8% | | | | January 2026 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Year Ended |
| | | | | December 31, 2017 |
| | | Outstanding Face Amount at December 31, 2017 | | Average Daily Amount Outstanding(A) | | Maximum Amount Outstanding | | Weighted Average Daily Interest Rate |
| Wells Fargo | | $ | 485,250 |
| | $ | 353,160 |
| | $ | 485,250 |
| | 3.1 | % |
| Morgan Stanley | | 423,347 |
| | 202,151 |
| | 423,347 |
| | 3.5 |
|
| Goldman Sachs | | 60,750 |
| | 35,530 |
| | 60,750 |
| | 3.4 |
|
| Barclays |
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| — |
|
| Total/Weighted Average | | $ | 969,347 |
| | $ | 563,334 |
| | | | 3.3 | % |
(A) RepresentsIn September 2020, we entered into a $300.0 million secured term loan at a price of 97.5%. The secured term loan is partially amortizing, with an amount equal to 1.0% per annum of the averageprincipal balance due in quarterly installments. In November 2021, we completed a repricing of a $297.8 million existing secured term loan and a $52.2 million add-on, for an aggregate principal amount of $350.0 million, which was issued at par. In June 2023, the periodsecured term loan was amended to transition the debt was outstanding.benchmark rate from LIBOR to SOFR. The new secured term loan bears coupon interest at Adjusted Term SOFR, as defined in the secured term loan agreements, plus a 3.50% margin, and is subject to a 0.50% SOFR floor.
The secured term loan matures on September 1, 2027 and contains restrictions relating to liens, asset sales, indebtedness, investments and transactions with affiliates. Our secured term loan is secured by corporate level guarantees and does not include asset-based collateral. Refer to Notes 2 and 7 to our consolidated financial statements for additional discussion of our secured term loan. |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Average Daily Amount Outstanding(A) |
| | | Three Months Ended |
| | | December 31, 2017 | | September 30, 2017 | | June 30, 2017 | | March 31, 2017 |
| Wells Fargo | | $ | 485,250 |
| | $ | 388,620 |
| | $ | 248,436 |
| | $ | 287,775 |
|
| Morgan Stanley | | 374,727 |
| | 163,883 |
| | 86,743 |
| | 181,548 |
|
| JPMorgan | | n.a. |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Goldman Sachs | | 39,788 |
| | 10,000 |
| | 30,000 |
| | 30,000 |
|
| Barclays | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | n.a. |
|
(A) Represents the average for the period the debt was outstanding.
Covenants—Each of our repurchase facilities, containsterm lending agreements, warehouse facility and our Revolver contain customary terms and conditions, for repurchase facilities of this type, including, but not limited to, negative covenants relating to restrictions on our operations with respect to our status as a REIT, and financial covenants, such as:
an•a trailing four quarter interest income to interest expense ratio covenant (1.5(1.4 to 1.0);
•a minimum consolidated tangible net worth covenant (75.0% of the aggregate net cash proceeds of any equity issuances made and any capital contributions received by us and KKR Real Estate Finance Holdings L.P. (our "Operating Partnership")); or up to approximately $1,307.7 million, depending on the agreement;
•a cash liquidity covenant (the greater of $10.0 million or 5.0% of our recourse indebtedness, dependent upon the facility)indebtedness);
•a total indebtedness covenant (75.0%(83.3% of our Total Assets, as defined in the applicable financing agreements);
With respect to our secured term loan, we are required to comply with customary loan covenants and event of default provisions that include, but are not limited to, negative covenants relating to restrictions on operations with respect to our status as a REIT, and financial covenants. Such financial covenants include a minimum consolidated tangible net worth of $650.0 million and a maximum total debt to total assets netratio of VIE liabilities);83.3% (the “Leverage Covenant”).
a maximum debt-to-equity ratio covenant (3.5 to 1.0); and
a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio covenant (1.5 to 1.0).
As of December 31, 2017,2023, we were in compliance with the covenants of our repurchase facility covenants.financing facilities.
Guarantees—In connection with eachour financing arrangements including; master repurchase agreement,agreements, our term lending agreements, and our asset specific financing, our Operating Partnership has entered into a limited guarantee in favor of each lender, under which our Operating Partnership guarantees the obligations of the borrower under the respective master repurchasefinancing agreement (i) in the case of certain defaults, up to a maximum liability of 25.0% of the then-outstanding repurchase price of the eligible loans, participations or securities, as applicable, or (ii) up to a maximum liability of 100.0% in the case of certain "bad boy" defaults. The borrower in each case is a special purpose subsidiary of the Company. ours. In addition, some guarantees include certain full recourse insolvency-related trigger events.
With respect to our secured revolving credit facility, theRevolver, amounts borrowed are full recourse to us.certain guarantor wholly-owned subsidiaries of ours.
CMBS-related Liabilities
In connection2015, we originated a $177.0 million senior loan secured by a retail property in Portland, Oregon. In December 2021, we took title to the retail property; such acquisition was accounted for as an asset acquisition under ASC 805. Accordingly, we recognized the property on our balance sheet as REO with our investmentsa carrying value of $78.6 million, which included the estimated fair value of the property. In addition, we assumed $2.0 million in CMBS B-Pieces,other net assets of the REO.
Concurrently with taking the title to the REO asset, we consolidatecontributed a portion of the trust entities, called VIEs, that holdREO asset to a joint venture (the "REO JV") with a third party local development operator (“JV Partner”), whereby we have a 90% interest and the poolsJV Partner has a 10% interest. As of December 31, 2023, the REO JV held REO assets with a net carrying value of $72.4 million. We have priority of distributions up to $78.1 million before the JV Partner can participate in the economics of the REO JV.
In 2019, we originated a $182.6 million senior loans underlyingloan secured by an office property in Philadelphia, PA. In December 2022, this loan was placed on nonaccrual status and subsequent interest collections were accounted for under the CMBS becausecost recovery method. As of September 30, 2023, the loan had a risk rating of 5 with an amortized cost of $151.1 million. On December 22, 2023, we are consideredreceived a $6.0 million partial repayment and then took title to the primary beneficiaryoffice property through a deed-in-lieu of such entities.foreclosure. The transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition under ASC 805. Accordingly, we recorded the property with its net assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet with an estimated fair value of $86.4 million, which included $1.3 million of cash received and $76.5 million, $24.6 million and $15.9 million allocated to REO held for sale, lease intangible and other assets, and leasing and other liabilities, respectively. As a result, we recognized a $58.7 million loan write-off for the difference between the carrying value of this consolidation,the foreclosed loan and the fair value of the REO’s net assets. As of December 31, 2023, the REO's assets and liabilities met the criteria to be classified as held for sale under ASC 360. As such, depreciation on the building and building improvements was suspended.
Results of Operations
The following table summarizes the changes in our results of operations for years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (dollars in thousands, except per share data):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Year Ended December 31, | | Increase (Decrease) | | For the Year Ended
December 31, | | Increase (Decrease) |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | Dollars | | Percentage | | 2022 | | 2021 | | Dollars | | Percentage |
| Net Interest Income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest income | | $ | 640,412 | | | $ | 421,968 | | | $ | 218,444 | | | 52 | % | | $ | 421,968 | | | $ | 279,950 | | | $ | 142,018 | | | 51 | % |
| Interest expense | | 458,802 | | | 236,095 | | | 222,707 | | | 94 | | | 236,095 | | | 114,439 | | | 121,656 | | | 106 | |
| Total net interest income | | 181,610 | | | 185,873 | | | (4,263) | | | (2) | | | 185,873 | | | 165,511 | | | 20,362 | | | 12 | |
| Other Income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Revenue from real estate owned operations | | 8,545 | | | 8,971 | | | (426) | | | (5) | | | 8,971 | | | — | | | 8,971 | | | 100 | |
| Income (loss) from equity method investments | | 1,417 | | | 4,655 | | | (3,238) | | | (70) | | | 4,655 | | | 6,371 | | | (1,716) | | | (27) | |
| Other income | | 11,237 | | | 5,568 | | | 5,669 | | | 102 | | | 5,568 | | | 686 | | | 4,882 | | | 712 | |
| Gain on sale of investments | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 5,126 | | | (5,126) | | | (100) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total other income | | 21,199 | | | 19,194 | | | 2,005 | | | 10 | | | 19,194 | | | 12,183 | | | 7,011 | | | 58 | |
| Operating Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| General and administrative | | 18,788 | | | 17,616 | | | 1,172 | | | 7 | | | 17,616 | | | 14,235 | | | 3,381 | | | 24 | |
| Provision for (reversal of ) credit losses, net | | 175,116 | | | 112,373 | | | 62,743 | | | 56 | | | 112,373 | | | (4,059) | | | 116,432 | | | 2,868 | |
| Management fee to affiliate | | 26,171 | | | 25,680 | | | 491 | | | 2 | | | 25,680 | | | 19,378 | | | 6,302 | | | 33 | |
| Incentive compensation to affiliate | | 2,491 | | | 634 | | | 1,857 | | | 293 | | | 634 | | | 10,273 | | | (9,639) | | | (94) | |
| Expenses from real estate owned operations | | 11,190 | | | 11,113 | | | 77 | | | 1 | | | 11,113 | | | — | | | 11,113 | | | 100 | |
| Total operating expenses | | 233,756 | | | 167,416 | | | 66,340 | | | 40 | | | 167,416 | | | 39,827 | | | 127,589 | | | 320 | |
| Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interests, Preferred Dividends, Redemption Value Adjustment and Participating Securities' Share in Earnings | | (30,947) | | | 37,651 | | | (68,598) | | | (182) | | | 37,651 | | | 137,867 | | | (100,216) | | | (73) | |
| Income tax expense | | 710 | | | 58 | | | 652 | | | 1,124 | | | 58 | | | 684 | | | (626) | | | (92) | |
| Net Income (Loss) | | (31,657) | | | 37,593 | | | (69,250) | | | (184) | | | 37,593 | | | 137,183 | | | (99,590) | | | (73) | |
| Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | | (806) | | | (510) | | | (296) | | | 58 | | | (510) | | | — | | | (510) | | | 100 | |
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries | | (30,851) | | | 38,103 | | | (68,954) | | | (181) | | | 38,103 | | | 137,183 | | | (99,080) | | | (72) | |
| Preferred stock dividends and redemption value adjustment | | 21,304 | | | 21,304 | | | — | | | — | | | 21,304 | | | 11,369 | | | 9,935 | | | 87 | |
| Participating securities' share in earnings | | 1,764 | | | 1,428 | | | 336 | | | 24 | | | 1,428 | | | 179 | | | 1,249 | | | 698 | |
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders | | $ | (53,919) | | | $ | 15,371 | | | $ | (69,290) | | | (451) | | | $ | 15,371 | | | $ | 125,635 | | | $ | (110,264) | | | (88) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | | $ | (0.78) | | | $ | 0.23 | | | $ | (1.01) | | | (439) | | | $ | 0.23 | | | $ | 2.22 | | | $ | (1.99) | | | (90) | |
| Diluted | | $ | (0.78) | | | $ | 0.23 | | | $ | (1.01) | | | (439) | | | $ | 0.23 | | | $ | 2.21 | | | $ | (1.98) | | | (90) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | | 69,180,039 | | | 67,553,578 | | | 1,626,461 | | | 2 | | | 67,553,578 | | | 56,571,200 | | | 10,982,378 | | | 19 | |
| Diluted | | 69,180,039 | | | 67,553,578 | | | 1,626,461 | | | 2 | | | 67,553,578 | | | 56,783,388 | | | 10,770,190 | | | 19 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Dividends Declared per Share of Common Stock | | $ | 1.72 | | | $ | 1.72 | | | $ | — | | | — | | | $ | 1.72 | | | $ | 1.72 | | | $ | — | | | — | |
Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022
Net Interest Income
Net interest income decreased by $4.3 million, during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year. This decrease was primarily due to the suspension of interest income accrual on loans accounted for under the cost recovery method. Otherwise, both interest income and interest expense increased due to higher index rates. During the year ended December 31, 2023, $9.8 million of interest collections on nonaccrual loans were applied as a cost reduction to the loan amortized cost.
Interest income included $3.0 million in prepayment penalty income in connection with loan repayments during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $8.3 million during the prior year. We recognized $23.6 million of deferred loan fees and origination discounts accreted into interest income during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $25.1 million during the prior year. We recorded $26.2 million of deferred financing costs amortization into interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $23.9 million during the prior year.
Other Income
Total other income increased by $2.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year. This increase was primarily due to a $6.7 million increase in interest income earned on our cash balances, as compared to the prior year, resulting from higher market rates. The increase was partially offset by (i) a $3.2 million change in an unrealized mark-to-market adjustment on our RECOP I's underlying CMBS investments, as compared to the prior year, and (ii) a nonrecurring $1.3 million of profit sharing income in connection with the repayment of an industrial senior loan during the prior year.
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses increased by $66.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year period. This increase was primarily due to a net increase of $62.7 million in the provision for credit losses.
Year ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year ended December 31, 2021
Net Interest Income
Net interest income increased by $20.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. Interest income and interest expense both increased due to higher index rates. The increases were further due to increases in the weighted average principal of our loan portfolio and financing facilities for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021.
Interest income included $8.3 million in prepayment penalty income in connection with loan repayments during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. We recognized $25.1 million of deferred loan fees and origination discounts accreted into interest income during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $23.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. We recorded $23.9 million of deferred financing costs amortization into interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $15.7 million during the prior year.
Other Income
Total other income increased by $7.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. This increase was primarily due to (i) a $9.0 million increase in REO operating revenue, (ii) a $2.1 million increase in money market fund dividend income resulting from higher market rates and (iii) $1.3 million of profit sharing income in connection with the repayment of a senior loan. The increase was partially offset by a $5.1 million nonrecurring gain from the redemption of non-voting manager units during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses increased by $127.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the prior year. This increase was primarily due to a net increase of $116.4 million in the provision for credit losses, and a $11.1 million increase in REO operating expenses.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
We have capitalized our business to date primarily through the issuance and sale of our common stock and preferred stock, borrowings from our Non-Mark-to-Market Financing Sources(1), and borrowings from three master repurchase agreements. Our Non-Mark-to-Market Financing Sources, which accounted for 76% of our total financing as of December 31, 2023, are not subject to credit or capital markets mark-to-market provisions. The remaining 24% of our total financing, which are comprised of three master repurchase agreements, are only subject to credit marks. We have not received any margin calls on our master repurchase agreements to date.
Our primary sources of liquidity include $135.9 million of cash on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, $450.0 million of available capacity on our corporate Revolver, $44.0 million of available borrowings under our financing arrangements based on existing collateral, and cash flows from operations. In addition, we had $43.1 million of unencumbered senior loans that can be financed, as of December 31, 2023. Our corporate Revolver and secured term loan are secured by corporate level guarantees and include net equity interests in the investment portfolio. We may seek additional sources of liquidity from syndicated financing, other borrowings (including borrowings not related to a specific investment) and future offerings of equity and debt securities.
Our primary liquidity needs include our ongoing commitments to repay the principal and interest on our borrowings and to pay other financing costs, financing our assets, meeting future funding obligations, making distributions to our stockholders, funding our operations that includes making payments to our Manager in accordance with the management agreement, and other general business needs. We believe that our cash position and sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet anticipated requirements for financing, operating and other expenditures in both the short- and long-term, based on current conditions. Based on current market conditions, macroeconomic factors, and the status of our loan portfolio, we reduced our common stock dividend for the first quarter of 2024 to $0.25 per share. This level should support coverage of the dividend with operating earnings from our performing loan portfolio, while simultaneously managing our REO assets, as well as expectations for future interest rate reductions.
As described in Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements, includewe have off-balance sheet arrangements related to VIEs that we account for using the liabilitiesequity method of these VIEs. However, these liabilities are not recourse to us,accounting and ourin which we hold an economic interest or have a capital commitment. Our maximum risk of loss associated with our interests in these VIEs is limited to the carrying value of our investment in the related CMBS B-Piece. entity and any unfunded capital commitments. As of December 31, 2023, we held $35.1 million of interests in such entities, which does not include a remaining commitment of $4.3 million to RECOP I that we are required to fund if called.
The year ended December 31, 2023 witnessed significant volatility in the banking sector as a result of disruptions to the banking system and financial market volatility resulting from multiple bank failures. While we maintained no accounts at these failed banks, substantially all of our cash currently on deposit with other major financial institutions exceeds insured limits. We limit exposure relating to our short-term financial instruments by diversifying these financial instruments among various counterparties. Generally, deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit and therefore we believe bear minimal credit risk.
To facilitate future offerings of equity, debt and other securities, we have in place an effective shelf registration statement (the “Shelf”) with the SEC. The amount of securities to be issued pursuant to this Shelf 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 Shelf include: (i) common stock, (ii) preferred stock, (iii) depository shares, (iv) debt securities, (v) warrants, (vi) subscription rights, (vii) purchase contracts, and (viii) units. 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 material, at the time of any offering.
We have also entered into an equity distribution agreement with certain sales agents, pursuant to which we may sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate sales price of $100.0 million of our common stock, pursuant to a continuous offering program (the “ATM”), under the Shelf. Sales of our common stock made pursuant to the ATM 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. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we did not sell any shares of common stock under the ATM. As of December 31, 2023, $93.2 million remained available for issuance under the ATM.
(1) Comprised of collateralized loan obligations, term lending agreements, term loan facility, secured term loan, asset specific financing, warehouse facility, corporate revolver and non-consolidated senior interests.
See Notes 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 to our consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding our secured financing agreements, collateralized loan obligations, secured term loan, convertible notes and stock activity.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio and Total Leverage Ratio
The following table presents our debt-to-equity ratio and total leverage ratio:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
Debt-to-equity ratio(A) | | 2.3x | | 2.0x |
Total leverage ratio(B) | | 4.2x | | 3.8x |
(A) Represents (i) total outstanding debt agreements (excluding non-recourse facilities), secured term loan and convertible notes, less cash to (ii) total permanent equity, in each case, at period end.
(B) Represents (i) total outstanding debt agreements, secured term loan, convertible notes, and collateralized loan obligations, less cash to (ii) total permanent equity, in each case, at period end.
Sources of Liquidity
Our primary sources of liquidity include cash and cash equivalents and available borrowings under our secured financing agreements, inclusive of our Revolver. Amounts available under these sources as of the date presented are summarized in the following table under "Consolidated Debt Obligations" above for a summary(dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 135,898 | | | $ | 239,791 | |
| Available borrowings under revolving credit agreement | | 450,000 | | | 610,000 | |
| Available borrowings under master repurchase agreements | | 35,610 | | | 94,426 | |
| | | | |
| Available borrowings under term lending agreements | | 8,394 | | | 7,583 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 629,902 | | | $ | 951,800 | |
We also had $43.1 million and $179.4 million of these liabilitiesunencumbered senior loans that can be pledged to financing facilities subject to lender approval, as of December 31, 2017.2023 and 2022, respectively. In addition to our primary sources of liquidity, we have the ability to access further liquidity through our ATM program and public offerings of debt and equity securities. Our existing loan portfolio also provides us with liquidity as loans are repaid or sold, in whole or in part, and the proceeds from repayment become available for us to invest.
Loan Participations Sold
In connection with our investments in senior loans, we finance certain investments through the syndication of a non-recourse, or limited-recourse, loan participation to an unaffiliated third party. Our presentation of the senior loan and related financing involved in the syndication depends upon whether GAAP recognized the transaction as a sale, though such differences in presentation do not generally impact our net stockholders’ equity or net income aside from timing differences in the recognition of certain transaction costs.
To the extent that GAAP recognizes a sale resulting from the syndication, we derecognize the participation in the senior loan that we sold and continue to carry the retained portion of the loan as an investment. While we do not generally expect to recognize a material gain or loss on these sales, we would realize a gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the net proceeds received from the third party purchaser and our carrying value of the loan participation we sold at time of sale. Furthermore, we recognize interest income only on the portion of the senior loan that we retain as a result of the sale.
To the extent that GAAP does not recognize a sale resulting from the syndication, we do not derecognize the participation in the senior loan that we sold. Instead, we recognize a loan participation sold liability in an amount equal to the principal of the loan participation syndicated less any unamortized discounts or financing costs resulting from the syndication. We continue to recognize interest income on the entire senior loan, including the interest attributable to the loan participation sold, as well as interest expense on the loan participation sold liability.
Cash Flows
The following table sets forth changes in cash and cash equivalents for the years ended December 31, 20172023, 2022 and 20162021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Cash Flows From Operating Activities | | $ | 155,715 | | | $ | 141,125 | | | $ | 124,793 | |
| Cash Flows From Investing Activities | | 13,487 | | | (1,177,133) | | | (1,540,836) | |
| Cash Flows From Financing Activities | | (271,510) | | | 1,012,859 | | | 1,578,981 | |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash | | $ | (102,308) | | | $ | (23,149) | | | $ | 162,938 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Cash Flows From Operating Activities | $ | 53,801 |
| | $ | 25,406 |
| | $ | 11,542 |
|
| Cash Flows From Investing Activities | (1,083,677 | ) | | (456,448 | ) | | (364,307 | ) |
| Cash Flows From Financing Activities | 1,037,050 |
| | 500,602 |
| | 379,490 |
|
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash | $ | 7,174 |
| | $ | 69,560 |
| | $ | 26,725 |
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Our cash flows from operating activities were primarily driven by our net interest income, which is driven by the income generated by our investments less financing costs, and activities related to our commercial mortgage loans held-for-sale.costs. The following table sets forth interest received by,from, and paid for, our investments for the twelve monthsyears ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 20152021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Interest Received: | | | | | | |
| Commercial real estate loans | | $ | 612,046 | | | $ | 362,178 | | | $ | 249,564 | |
| | | | | | |
| | 612,046 | | | 362,178 | | | 249,564 | |
| Interest Paid: | | | | | | |
| Interest expense | | 430,275 | | | 201,007 | | | 95,256 | |
| Net interest collections | | $ | 181,771 | | | $ | 161,171 | | | $ | 154,308 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Interest Received: | | | | | |
| Senior and mezzanine loans | $ | 69,835 |
| | $ | 25,327 |
| | $ | 10,660 |
|
| CMBS B-Pieces | 12,660 |
| | 11,787 |
| | 4,489 |
|
Preferred equity interest(A) | 1,986 |
| | 2,182 |
| | — |
|
| | 84,481 |
| | 39,296 |
| | 15,149 |
|
| Interest Paid: | | | | | |
| Borrowings secured by senior loans | 17,322 |
| | 5,442 |
| | — |
|
| Net interest collections | $ | 67,159 |
| | $ | 33,854 |
| | $ | 15,149 |
|
| |
(A) | Excludes an early termination fee of $1.1 million reflected as interest income in KREF's Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2017.
|
Our net interest collections were partially offset by cash used to pay management and incentive fees, as follows (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Management Fees to affiliate | | $ | 26,225 | | | $ | 24,391 | | | $ | 18,341 | |
| Incentive Fees to affiliate | | 2,491 | | | 634 | | | 10,273 | |
| Total management and incentive fee payments | | $ | 28,716 | | | $ | 25,025 | | | $ | 28,614 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Management fees to affiliate | $ | 11,317 |
| | $ | 5,082 |
| | $ | 2,620 |
|
| Incentive compensation to affiliate | — |
| | 496 |
| | — |
|
General and administrative expenses(A) | 3,162 |
| | 2,566 |
| | 1,994 |
|
| Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | $ | 14,479 |
| | $ | 8,144 |
| | $ | 4,614 |
|
| |
(A) | Includes $0.4 million, $0.3 million, and $0.0 million reimbursement to our Manager for the salary and benefits earned by our Chief Financial Officer for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. |
In addition to these operating cash flows, we originated and sold two loans totaling $91.5 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Our cash flows from investing activities were primarily driven by the amountsconsisted of cash usedoutflows to originatefund new loan originations and fund or purchase new investments. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, we funded or purchased $1,201.8 million of senior and mezzanine loans, received $61.0 millionour commitments under existing loan investments, partially offset by cash inflows from the sale of a commercial mortgage loan and received $70.9 million of principal repayments on certain mezzanine loans and sale/syndication of our preferred equity interests. We also made a net investment in CMBS, held through an equity method investee, of $13.8 million.loan investments. During the year ended December 31, 2016,2023, we funded or purchased $448.3 million, $36.4 million and $10.2$677.3 million of seniorCRE loans and mezzanine loans, CMBS and preferred equity interests, respectively, and we received $7.4$691.3 million and $31.5 millionfrom repayments of principal repayments and sales proceeds on certain mezzanine loans, respectively. CRE loans.
During the year ended December 31, 2015,2022, we funded or purchased $308.0 million, $150.8 million, and $23.9$2,419.7 million of senior and mezzanineCRE loans CMBS and preferred equity interests, respectively, and received $13.3 million of principal repayments on certain mezzanine loans. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we also received proceeds of $83.8 million and $21.6$1,244.3 million from the salerepayments of CMBS and a mezzanine loan, respectively.CRE loans.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Our cash flows from financing activities were primarily driven by the issuance of our common stock for net proceeds of $581.3 million, $210.0 million, and $256.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we received proceeds from borrowings under repurchaseour financing agreements of $984.2$811.1 million $520.4 million, and $123.9 million, respectively. During the yearsduring year ended December 31, 20172023, partially offset by (i) repayments of $791.3 million on borrowings under our financing agreements, (ii) repayment of $143.75 million convertible notes, and 2016, we made principal payments on our repurchase agreements of $460.4 million and $198.7 million, respectively. As a result of the(iii) payment of common and preferred stock dividends,$140.2 million in dividends.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, our cash flows from financing activities decreasedwere primarily driven by $50.7proceeds from borrowings under our financing agreements of $2,483.9 million, $21.9proceeds from CLO KREF 2022-FL3 issuance of $847.5 million and $7.6net proceeds from Series A Preferred and Common stock issuance of $345.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2022, partially offset by (i) repayments of $2,454.6 million on borrowings under our financing agreements, (ii) payment of $136.9 million in dividends, and 2015, respectively.(iii) payment of $35.8 million for share repurchases.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The following table presents our contractual obligations and commitments (including interest payments) as of December 31, 20172023 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total | | Less than 1 year | | 1 to 3 years | | 3 to 5 years | | Thereafter |
Master Repurchase Facilities(A) | $ | 1,477,227 | | | $ | 89,186 | | | $ | 1,248,693 | | | $ | 139,347 | | | $ | — | |
Term Lending Agreements(A) | 1,329,390 | | | 94,256 | | | 538,690 | | | 696,444 | | | — | |
| Warehouse Facility | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Term Loan Facility | 561,377 | | | 61,950 | | | 215,523 | | | 283,904 | | | — | |
| Asset Specific Facility | 266,072 | | | — | | | 100,000 | | | 166,072 | | | — | |
Revolver(B) | 160,000 | | | 160,000 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Total secured financing agreements | 3,794,066 | | | 405,392 | | | 2,102,906 | | | 1,285,767 | | | — | |
| Collateralized Loan Obligations | 1,942,750 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,942,750 | |
| Secured Term Loan | 343,000 | | | 3,500 | | | 7,000 | | | 332,500 | | | — | |
Interest payable(C) | 1,513,606 | | | 434,470 | | | 740,932 | | | 338,204 | | | — | |
Future funding obligations(D) | 816,428 | | | 470,414 | | | 338,301 | | | 7,713 | | | — | |
| RECOP I commitment | 4,324 | | | 4,324 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Total | $ | 8,414,174 | | | $ | 1,318,100 | | | $ | 3,189,139 | | | $ | 1,964,184 | | | $ | 1,942,750 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Total | | Less than 1 year | | 1 to 3 years | | 3 to 5 years | | Thereafter |
| Recourse Obligations: | | | | | | | | | |
Master Repurchase Facilities(A): | | | | | | | | | |
| Wells Fargo | $ | 534,703 |
| | $ | 16,469 |
| | $ | 518,234 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
| Morgan Stanley | 471,427 |
| | 15,912 |
| | 455,515 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Goldman Sachs | 67,118 |
| | 2,121 |
| | 64,997 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Revolving Credit Agreement(B): | | | | | | | | | |
| Barclays | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Total secured financing agreements | 1,073,248 |
| | 34,502 |
| | 1,038,746 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Future funding obligations(C) | 316,222 |
| | 164,302 |
| | 151,920 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
RECOP commitment(D) | 26,000 |
| | 26,000 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Total recourse obligations | 1,415,470 |
| | 224,804 |
| | 1,190,666 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Non-Recourse Obligations(E): | | | | | | | | | |
| CMBS | 6,548,402 |
| | 268,304 |
| | 953,615 |
| | 552,842 |
| | 4,773,641 |
|
| Total | $ | 7,963,872 |
| | $ | 493,108 |
| | $ | 2,144,281 |
| | $ | 552,842 |
| | $ | 4,773,641 |
|
| |
(A) | The allocation of repurchase facilities is based on the current maturity date of each individual borrowing under the facilities. The amounts include the related future interest payment obligations, which are estimated by assuming the amounts outstanding under our repurchase facilities and the interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2017 will remain constant into the future. This is only an estimate, as actual amounts borrowed and rates may vary over time. Amounts borrowed are subject to a maximum 25.0% recourse limit. |
| |
(B) | Amounts borrowed are 100.0% recourse to us. |
| |
(C) | (B) Any amounts borrowed are full recourse to certain subsidiaries of KREF. Amounts are estimated based on the amount outstanding under the Revolver and the interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2023. This is only an estimate as actual amounts borrowed, the timing of repayments and interest rates may vary over time. The Revolver matures in March 2027. (C) The amounts are estimated by assuming the amounts outstanding under these facilities and the interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2023 will remain constant into the future. The actual amounts borrowed and rates may vary over time. (D) We have future funding obligations related to our investments in senior loans. These future funding obligations primarily relate to construction projects, capital improvements, tenant improvements and leasing commissions. Generally, funding obligations are subject to certain conditions that must be met, such as customary construction draw certifications, minimum debt service coverage ratios, minimal debt yield tests, or executions of new leases before advances are made to the borrower. As such, the allocation of our future funding obligations is based on the earlier of the expected funding or commitment expiration date. |
| |
(D) | Amounts committed to invest in an aggregator vehicle alongside RECOP, which has a two year investment period ending February 2019. |
| |
(E) | Amounts relate to VIE liabilities that represent securities not beneficially owned by our stockholders. |
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. See Note 1014 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional terms and details of the fees payable under our management agreement.
As a REIT, we generally must distribute substantially allat least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, to stockholders in the form of dividends to comply with the REIT provisions of the Code. Our taxable income does not necessarily equal our net income as calculated in accordance with GAAP, or our CoreDistributable Earnings as described above under " — Key"Key Financial Measures and Indicators — Core Earnings and Net Core Earnings."Distributable Earnings".
Subsequent Events
The followingOur subsequent events occurred subsequent to December 31, 2017:
Investing Activities
We originated the following senior loan subsequent to December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Description/ Location | Property Type | Month Originated | Maximum Face Amount | Initial Face Amount Funded | Interest Rate(A) | Maturity Date(B) | LTV |
| St. Paul, Minnesota | Office | January 2018 | $ | 75,500 |
| $ | 70,000 |
| L + 3.6% | February 2023 | 73% |
| |
(A) | Floating rate based on one-month USD LIBOR. |
| |
(B) | Maturity date assumes all extension options are exercised, if applicable. |
Funding of Previously Closed Loans
Between January 1, 2018 and February 23, 2018, we funded approximately $19.1 million for previously closed loans subsequent to December 31, 2017.
Loan Repayments
In February 2018, we received approximately $33.3 million from loan repayments, which represents our 95% interest in a $35.0 million mezzanine loan.
Funding of Capital Commitments
In February 2018, we funded $4.0 million related to our investment in RECOP.
Financing Activities
In February 2018, we borrowed $4.0 million in proceeds under the Morgan Stanley master repurchase facility.
Corporate Activities
Dividends
In January 2018, we paid a $19.9 million dividend on our common and special voting preferred stock, or $0.37 per share, with respect to the fourth quarter of 2017, to stockholders of record on December 29, 2017.
Share Buyback
Between January 1, 2018 and February 23, 2018, we repurchased 496,809 shares of our common stock for $9.7 million at a weighted average price per share of $19.49.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As describedare detailed in Note 617 to our consolidated financial statements, we have off-balance sheet arrangements related to VIEs that we account for using the equity method of accounting and in which we hold an economic interest or have a capital commitment. Our maximum risk of loss associated with our interests in VIEs is limited to the carrying value of our investment in the entity and any unfunded capital commitments. As of December 31, 2017, we held $14.4 million of interests in such entities, which does not include a remaining commitment of $26.0 million to RECOP that we are required to fund when called. See "—Subsequent Events" for RECOP capital call subsequent to December 31, 2017.statements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which requires the use of estimates and assumptions that involve the exercise of judgment and use of assumptions as to future uncertainties. Accounting estimates and assumptions discussed in this section are those that we consider to be the most critical to understanding our financial statements because they involve significant judgments and uncertainties that could affect our reported assets and liabilities, as well as our reported revenue and expenses. All of these estimates reflect our best judgment about current, and for some estimates, future economic and market conditions and their effects based on information available as of the date of the financial statements. If conditions change from those expected, it is possible that the judgments and estimates described below could change, which may result in a change in our interest income recognition, allowance for loancredit losses, tax liability, future impairmentwrite-offs of our investments, and valuation of our investment
portfolio, among other effects. We believe that the following accounting policies are among the most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments:judgments.
Interest Income RecognitionReal Estate Owned
In estimating interest income,Upon the acquisition of a property, we makeassess the fair value of the acquired tangible and intangible assets (including land, buildings, tenant improvements, favorable and unfavorable leases, acquired in-place leases, other identified intangible assets and assumed liabilities) and allocate the purchase price to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, which are on a relative fair value basis. The most significant portion of the allocation is to building and land and requires the use of market based estimates and assumptions. We assess and consider fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and/or capitalization rates, as well as other available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of assumptionsfactors including the historical operating results, known and anticipated trends, and market and economic conditions.
The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property as if it were vacant. We also consider an allocation of purchase price of other acquired intangibles, including acquired in-place leases that may have a customer relationship intangible value, including (but not limited to) the nature and extent of the existing relationship with the tenants, the tenants’ credit quality and expectations of lease renewals.
Acquired favorable and unfavorable leases are recorded at their fair values (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) equal to the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for each corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease for favorable leases and the initial term plus the term of any below-market fixed rate renewal options for unfavorable leases. Other intangible assets acquired include amounts for in-place lease values that are subject to uncertainties and contingencies, including interest rate and timing of principal payments. Loans where we expect to collect all contractually required principal and interest payments are considered performing loans. We accrue interest income on performing loans based on the outstanding principal amount and contractual termsour evaluation of the loan. Interest income also includes origination discount and direct loan origination costs for loans that we originate, but where we did not elect the fair value option, as a yield adjustment using the effective interest method over the loan term. We expense origination discount and direct loan origination costs for loans acquired but not originated by us, as well as loans for which we elected the fair value option, as incurred. We also include income, including the amortizationspecific characteristics of premiums and discounts, arising from our preferred interests in joint ventures held-to-maturity.
We consider loanseach tenant’s lease. Factors to be past due when a monthly payment is dueconsidered include estimates of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions, and unpaid for 60 days or more. Loans are placed on nonaccrual statuscosts to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, we include real estate taxes, insurance and considered non-performing when full paymentother operating expenses and estimates of principal and interest is in doubt, which generally occurs when principal or interest is 120 days or more past due unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. We may return a loan to accrual status when repayment of principal and interest is reasonably assured under the terms of the restructured loan. We did not hold any loans that we placed on nonaccrual status or otherwise considered past duelost rentals at market rates during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 or 2015.expected lease-up periods, depending on local market conditions. In estimating costs to execute similar leases, we consider leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses.
Income Taxes
We elected to be taxed as a REIT under the U.S. federal income tax laws beginning with our taxable year ended December 31, 2014. We believe that we have operated in a manner qualifying us as a REIT since our election and intend to continue to so operate. Accordingly, we do not believe we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of our net taxable income that is distributed to our stockholders as long as certain asset, income and share ownership tests are met.
If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we generally will not be permitted to qualify for treatment as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification is lost. We may also be subject to state or local income or franchise taxes as we consolidate subsidiaries that incur state and local income taxes, based on the tax jurisdiction in which each subsidiary operates.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we did not have any material deferred tax assets or liabilities arising from future tax consequences attributable to differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities in accordance with GAAP and their respective tax bases. In addition, we recognize tax benefits for uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the position is sustainable based on its technical merits. Interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions are included as a component of the provision for income taxes in our consolidated statements of income. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we did not have any material uncertain tax positions.
Allowance for LoanCredit Losses
We originate and purchase CRE debt and related instruments generally to be held as long-term investments at amortized cost. We performadopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, and subsequent amendments (“ASU 2016-13”), which replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss model known as the Current Expected Credit Loss or CECL model. CECL amends the previous credit loss model to reflect our current estimate of all expected credit losses, not only based on historical experience and current conditions, but also by including reasonable and supportable forecasts incorporating forward-looking information.
We have implemented loan loss forecasting models for estimating expected life-time credit losses, at the individual loan level, for our commercial mortgage loan portfolio. The CECL forecasting methods used by us include (i) a quarterly evaluationprobability of default and loss given default method using underlying third-party CMBS/CRE loan database with historical loan losses from 1998 through 2023, and (ii) a probability weighted expected cash flow method, depending on the type of loan and the availability of relevant historical market loan loss data. We might use other acceptable alternative approaches in the future depending on, among other factors, the type of loan, underlying collateral, and availability of relevant historical market loan loss data.
We estimate our CECL allowance for our loan portfolio, including unfunded loan commitments, at the individual loan level. Significant inputs to our forecasting methods include (i) key loan-specific inputs such as vintage year, loan-term, underlying property type, geographic location, and expected timing and amount of future loan fundings, (ii) performance against the underwritten business plan and our internal loan risk rating and (iii) a macro-economic forecast. In certain instances, we consider relevant loan-specific qualitative factors to certain loans classified as held-for-investment for impairment on a loan-by-loan basis. Ifto estimate its CECL allowance.
For collateral dependent loans that we deem that itdetermine foreclosure of the collateral is probable, that we will be unable to collect all amounts owed according tomeasure the contractual terms of a loan, impairment of that loan is indicated. If we consider a loan to be impaired, we establish an allowance for loanexpected losses through a valuation provision in earnings that reduces carrying value ofbased on the loan to the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's contractual effective rate ordifference between the fair value of the collateral and the amortized cost basis of the loan as of the measurement date. For collateral dependent loans where we determine foreclosure is not probable, we apply a practical expedient to estimate expected losses using the difference between the collateral’s fair value (less costs to sell the asset if repayment is expected solely fromthrough the collateral. Significantsale of the collateral) and the amortized cost basis of the loan. A loan is determined to be collateral dependent if (i)
a borrower or sponsor is experiencing financial difficulty, and (ii) the loan is expected to be substantially repaid through the sale of the underlying collateral; such determination requires the use of significant judgment is required in determining impairment and in estimating the resulting loss allowance, and actual losses, if any, could materially differ from those estimates.can be based on several factors subject to uncertainty.
We perform a quarterly review of our portfolio. In conjunction with this review, we assessreviewing commercial real estate loans held-for-investment for impairment, the Manager evaluates our commercial real estate loans at least once per quarter, assesses the risk factors of each loan, and assigns a risk rating based on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, LTV,underlying real estate performance, values of comparable properties, durability and quality of property cash flows, sponsor experience and financial wherewithal, and the existence of a risk-mitigating loan structure. Additional key considerations include debt yield, property type, geographicservice coverage ratios, loan structure, real estate and localcredit market dynamics, physical condition, cash flow volatility, leasing and tenant profile, loan structure and exit plan, and project sponsorship.
Fair Value
General - GAAP requires the categorizationrisk of the fair value of financial instruments into three broad levels that formdefault or principal loss. Based on a hierarchy based on the transparency of inputs to the valuation.
Level 1 — Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.
Level 2 — Inputs are other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.
Level 3 — Inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.
We follow this hierarchy forfive-point scale, our financial instruments. The classifications are based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Valuation Process - Our Manager reviews the valuation of Level 3 financial instruments as part of our quarterly process. Our Manager's valuation process for Level 3 measurements, as described below, is subject to the review and oversight of various KKR committees. KKR has a global valuation committee assisted by the asset class-specific valuation committees, including a real estate valuation committee that reviews and approves all preliminary Level 3 valuations for real estate assets including the financial instruments held by us. KKR's global valuation committee is responsible for coordinating and implementing KKR's valuation process to ensure consistency in the application of valuation principles across portfolio investments and between periods. All Level 3 valuations are also subject to approval by KKR's global valuation committee.
Valuation of Consolidated VIEs - We have elected the fair value option for financial assets and liabilities of each CMBS trust that we consolidate, and we have adopted the measurement alternative included in Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-13, Measuring the Financial Assets and the Financial Liabilities of a Consolidated Collateralized Financing Entity ("ASU 2014-13"). Pursuant to ASU 2014-13, we measure both the financial assets and financial liabilities of the CMBS trusts we consolidate using the fair value of the financial liabilities, which we consider more observable than the fair value of the financial assets. As a result, we present the CMBS issued by the consolidated trust, but not beneficially owned by our stockholders, as financial liabilities in our consolidated financial statements, measured at their estimated fair value; we measure the financial assets as the total estimated fair value of the CMBS issued by the consolidated trust, regardless of whether such CMBS represent interests beneficially owned by our stockholders. Under the measurement alternative prescribed by ASU 2014-13, our "Net income (loss)" reflects the economic interests in the consolidated CMBS beneficially owned by our stockholders, presented as "Change in net assets related to consolidated variable interest entities" in our consolidated statements of income, which includes applicable (i) changes in the fair value of CMBS beneficially owned by us, (ii) interest and servicing fees earned from the CMBS trust and (iii) other residual returns or losses of the CMBS trust, if any.
Other Valuation Matters - For Level 3 financial assets originated, or otherwise acquired, and financial liabilities assumed during the calendar month immediately preceding a quarter end that were conducted in an orderly transaction with an unrelated party, we generally believe that the transaction price provides the most observable indication of fair value given the illiquid nature of these financial instruments, unless we are aware of any circumstances that may cause a material change in the fair value through the remainder of the reporting period. For instance, significant changes to the underlying property or its planned operations may cause material changes in the fair value of senior loans acquired, or originated, by us.
Our determination of fair value is based upon the best information available for a given circumstance and may incorporate assumptions that are our best estimates after consideration of a variety of internal and external factors. When an independent valuation firm expresses an opinion on the fair value of a financial instrument in the form of a range, we select a value within the range provided by the independent valuation firm, generally the midpoint, to assess the reasonableness of our estimated fair value for that financial instrument.
Valuation Methodologies
Commercial Mortgage Loans - We generally consider our senior loans and mezzanine loans as Level 3 assets in the fair value hierarchy as such assets are illiquid, structured investments that are specific to the property and its operating performance. These loans are valued using a discounted cash flow model using discount rates derivedrated "1" through "5," from observable market data appliedless risk to the capital structure of the respective sponsor and estimated property value. On a quarterly basis, we engage an independent valuation firm to express an opinion on the fair value of each loan categorized as a Level 3 asset in the form of a range based upon the unpaid principal balance of the loan. We select a value within the range provided by the independent valuation firm, generally the midpoint, to assess the reasonableness of the fair value as determined by us. In the event that our estimate of fair value differs from the opinion of fair value provided by the independent valuation firm, we ultimately rely solely upon the valuation prepared by the investment personnel of our Manager.greater risk.
Preferred Equity Investments - We categorize our preferred equity investments as Level 3 assets in the fair value hierarchy. Preferred equity investments are valued using a discounted cash flow model using discount rates derived from observable market data applied to the internal rate of return implied by the expected contractual cash flows. On a quarterly basis, we engage an independent valuation firm to express an opinion on the fair value of our preferred equity investments in the form of a range based upon the unpaid principal balance of the security. We select a value within the range provided by the independent valuation firm, generally the midpoint, to assess the reasonableness of the fair value, as determined by us, of the security. In the event that our estimate of fair value differs from the opinion of fair value provided by the independent valuation firm, we ultimately rely solely upon the valuation prepared by the investment personnel of our Manager.
CMBS - We categorize our CMBS investments as Level 3 assets and liabilities in the fair value hierarchy and obtain prices from an independent valuation firm, which uses a discounted cash flow model, to value each CMBS. The key input is the expected yield of each CMBS using both observable and unobservable factors, which may include recently offered or completed trades and published yields of similar securities, security-specific characteristics (e.g., security ratings issued by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, credit support by other subordinate securities issued by the CMBS and coupon type), performance of the underlying collateral (e.g., delinquency, loan losses) and other relevant characteristics.
We perform quarterly reviews of the inputs received from the independent valuation firm based on consideration given to a number of observable market data points including, but not limited to, trading activity in the marketplace of like-kind securities, benchmark security evaluations and bid list results from various sources. If prices received from the independent valuation firm are inconsistent with values determined in connection with our independent review, we will make inquiries to the independent valuation firm about the prices received and related methods. In the event we determine the price obtained from an independent valuation firm to be unreliable or an inadequate representation of the fair value of the CMBS (based on consideration given to the observable market data points detailed above), we will then compile evidence independently and present the independent valuation firm with such evidence supporting a different value. As a result, the independent valuation firm may revise their price. However, if we continue to disagree with the price from the independent valuation firm, in light of evidence presented that we compiled independently and believe to be compelling, we will consider the quotation unreliable or an inadequate representation of the fair value of the CMBS.
In the event that the quotation from the independent valuation firm is not available or determined to be unreliable or an inadequate representation of the fair value of the CMBS (based on the procedures detailed above), valuations are prepared using inputs based on non-binding broker quotes obtained from independent, well-known, major financial brokers that make markets in CMBS. In validating any non-binding broker quote used in this circumstance, management compares the non-binding quote to the observable market data points at such time and used to validate prices received from the independent valuation firm in addition to understanding the valuation methodologies used by the market makers. These market participants utilize a similar methodology as the independent valuation firm to value each CMBS, with the key input of expected yield determined independently based on both observable and unobservable factors (as described above). To avoid reliance on any single broker-dealer, we receive a minimum of two non-binding quotes, of which the average is used.
The fair values of the CMBS not beneficially owned by our stockholders do not impact our net assets or the net income attributable to our stockholders.
Repurchase Facilities - We generally consider our repurchase facilities Level 3 liabilities in the fair value hierarchy as such liabilities represent borrowings on illiquid collateral with terms specific to each borrower. Given the short to moderate term of the floating-rate facilities, we generally expect the fair value of our repurchase facilities to approximate their outstanding principal balances. On a quarterly basis, we engage an independent valuation firm to express an opinion on the fair value of our repurchase facilities using a market-based methodology to assess the reasonableness of the fair value, as determined by us, of the repurchase facility.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis - Certain assets not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment, are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. For senior loans held-for-sale, we apply the lower of cost or fair value accounting and may be required, from time to time, to record a nonrecurring fair value adjustment. For senior loans held-for-investment and preferred interests in joint ventures held-to-maturity, we apply the amortized cost method of accounting, but may be required, from time to time, to record a nonrecurring fair value adjustment in the form of a valuation provision or impairment. We did not report any financial assets or liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis for the periods covered by the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Assets and Liabilities for Which Fair Value is Only Disclosed - We do not carry our repurchase facilities at fair value as we do not elect the fair value option for these liabilities. As of the periods covered by the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the fair value of our floating-rate repurchase facilities approximated the outstanding principal balances.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
ForIn March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the US GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens of the expected market transition from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. The guidance is effective upon issuance and generally may be elected over time through December 31, 2024, as extended under ASU No. 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848. We have not adopted any of the optional expedients or exceptions through December 31, 2023, but will continue to evaluate the possible adoption of any such expedients or exceptions during the effective period as circumstances evolve.
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-02, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures, which eliminates the recognition and measurement guidance for a discussiontroubled debt restructuring for creditors that have adopted CECL and requires public business entities to present gross write-offs by year of recently issued accounting pronouncements, see Note 2 toorigination in their vintage disclosures. On January 1, 2023, we adopted ASU 2022-02 on a prospective basis and the adoption had no significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires a public entity to disclose significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis and to provide in interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually. Public entities with a single reportable segment are required to provide the new disclosures and all the disclosures required under ASC 280. The guidance is effective for our 2024 annual reporting. The guidance is applied retrospectively to all periods presented in the financial statements, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.unless it is impracticable. We are evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-07.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We seek to manage our risks related to the credit quality of our assets, interest rates, liquidity, prepayment rates and market value, while at the same time seeking to provide an opportunity to stockholders to realize attractive risk-adjusted returns. While risks are inherent in any business enterprise, we seek to quantify and justify risks in light of available returns and to maintain capital levels consistent with the risks we undertake.
Credit Risk
Our investments are subject to credit risk, including the risk of default. The performance and value of our 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 reviews our investment portfolio and is in regular contact with the sponsors, monitoring performance of the collateral and enforcing our rights as necessary.
Inflation, rising interest rates and increasing costs may dampen consumer spending and slow corporate profit growth, which may negatively impact the value of underlying real estate collateral relating to KREF’s investments and impair KREF's borrowers’ ability to execute on their business plans and potentially their ability to perform under the terms of their loan obligations.
Credit Yield Risk
Credit yields measure the return demanded on financial instruments by the lending market based on their risk of default. Increasing supply of credit-sensitive financial instruments and reduced demand will generally cause the market to require a higher yield on such financial instruments, resulting in a lower price for the financial instruments we hold.
As of December 31, 2017, a 100 basis point increase in credit yields would decrease our net book value by approximately $5.8 million, and a 100 basis point decrease in credit yields would increase our net book value by approximately $6.2 million, based on the investments we held on that date.
Interest Rate Risk
Generally, theThe composition of our investments is such that rising interest rates will increase our net income, while declining interest rates will generally decrease our net income. Rate floors relating to our loan portfolio may offset some of the impact from declining rates. There can be no assurance that we will continue to utilize rate floors. There can be no assurance of how our net income may be affected in future quarters, which will depend on, among other things, the interest rate environment and our then-current portfolio.
In light of increasing inflation in recent years, the U.S. Federal Reserve has raised interest rates eleven times since January 2022.
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 cash flows of the collateral real estate assets may not be sufficient to pay debt service due under our loans, which may contribute to non-performance or, in severe cases, default.
Notwithstanding the current period of relatively high interest rates, the U.S. Federal Reserve has indicated that it may decrease in interest rates in 2024. In a period of declining interest rates, our interest income on floating-rate investments would generally decrease, while any decrease in the interest we are charged on our floating-rate debt may be subject to floors and may not compensate for such decrease in interest income. However, rate floors relating to our loan portfolio may offset some of the impact from declining rates. In addition, interest we are charged on our fixed-rate debt would not change.
As of December 31, 2017, 93.1% of2023, our investmentsaccruing loan portfolio and related portfolio financing by total assetsprincipal amount earned or paid a floating rate of interest. The remaining 6.9% of our investments earned a fixed rate of interest. If interest rates wereindexed to decline, the value of these fixed-rate investments may increase and if interest rates were to increase, the value of these fixed-rate investments may fall; however, the interest income generated by these investments would not be affected by market interest rates. The interest rates we pay under our current repurchase agreements are floating rate.Term SOFR. Accordingly, our interest income and expense will generally change directionally with index rates; however, in certain circumstances, rate floors relating to our loan portfolio may partially offset the impact from changing rates. As of December 31, 2023, a 50 basis point and a 100 basis point decrease in the index rates would decrease our expected cash flows by approximately $1.1 million and $2.2 million, or ($0.02) and ($0.03) per common share, respectively, for the following three-month period. Conversely, a 50 basis point and a 100 basis point increase in the index rates would increase our expected cash flows by approximately $1.1 million and $2.2 million, or $0.02 and $0.03 per common share, respectively, for the same period.
LIBOR Transition
On March 5, 2021, the Financial Conduct Authority of the U.K. (the “FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced (the “FCA Announcement”) that all relevant LIBOR tenors would cease to be published or would no longer be representative after June 30, 2023. The FCA Announcement coincided with the March 5, 2021 announcement of LIBOR’s administrator, the ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (the “IBA”), indicating that, as a result of not having access to input data necessary to calculate relevant LIBOR tenors on a representative basis after June 30, 2023, the IBA would have to cease publication of such LIBOR tenors immediately after the last publication on June 30, 2023. Further, on March 15, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, which includes the Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act, was signed into law in the United States. This legislation established a uniform benchmark replacement process for financial contracts maturing after June 30, 2023 that do not contain clearly defined or practicable fallback provisions. The legislation also created a safe harbor that shields lenders from litigation if they choose to utilize a replacement rate recommended by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve.
The Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rate Committee, a committee convened by the Federal Reserve that includes major market participants, identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or SOFR, an index calculated by short-term repurchase agreements, backed by Treasury securities, as its preferred alternative rate for LIBOR. There are significant differences between LIBOR and SOFR, such as LIBOR being an unsecured lending rate while SOFR is a secured lending rate, and SOFR is an overnight rate while LIBOR reflects term rates at different maturities. The differences between LIBOR and SOFR, could result in higher interest rates increase and decrease and interest rates decrease.costs for us, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
As of December 31, 2017, a 50 basis point increase in short-term interest rates, based on a shift in the yield curve, would increase2023, our cash flows by approximately $2.8 million during the 2017 fiscal year, whereas a 50 basis point decrease in short-term interest rates would decrease our cash flows by approximately $2.8 million during the 2017 fiscal year, based on the net floating-rate exposure of the investments we held on that date.loan portfolio and financing arrangements were all indexed to Term SOFR.
Prepayment Risk
Prepayment risk is the risk that principal will be repaid at an earlier date than anticipated, potentially causing the return on certain investments to be less than expected. As we receive prepayments of principal on our assets, any premiums paid on such assets are amortized against interest income. In general, an increase in prepayment rates accelerates the amortization of purchase premiums, thereby reducing the interest income earned on the assets. Conversely, discounts on such assets are accreted into interest income. In general, an increase in prepayment rates accelerates the accretion of purchase discounts, thereby increasing the interest income earned on the assets. Additionally, we may not be able to reinvest the principal repaid at the same or higher yield of the original investment.
Higher interest rates imposed by the Federal Reserve may lead to a decrease in prepayment speeds and an increase in the number of our borrowers who exercise extension options, which could extend beyond the term of certain secured financing agreements we use to finance our loan investments. This could have a negative impact on our results of operations, and in some situations, we may be forced to sell assets to maintain adequate liquidity, which could cause us to incur losses.
Financing Risk
We finance our target assets with borrowed funds underusing our repurchase facilities, our term lending agreements, our Term Loan Facility, Warehouse Facility, Asset Based Financing, secured term loan, collateralized loan obligations and bythrough syndicating senior participations in our originated senior loans. Over time, as market conditions change, we may use other forms of leverage in addition to these methods of financing. Weakness or volatility in the financial markets, the commercial real estateCRE and mortgage markets andor the economy generally could adversely affect one or more of our lenders or potential lenders and could cause one or more of our lenders or potential lenders to be unwilling or unable to provide us with financing, or to decrease the amount of our available financing through a market to market, or to increase the costs of that financing.
Real Estate Risk
The market values of commercial mortgagereal estate assets are subject to volatility and may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, national, regional and local economic conditions (which may be adversely affected by industry slowdowns and other factors); local real estate conditions; changes or continued weakness in specific industry segments; construction quality, age and design; demographic factors; and retroactive changes to building or similar codes. In
addition, decreases in property values reduce the value of the collateral and the potential proceeds available to a borrower to repay the underlying loans, which could also cause us to suffer losses.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholdersStockholders and the Board of Directors of
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
New York, NY
OpinionOpinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, the related consolidated statements of income, changes in equity and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017,2023, and the related notes and Schedule IVthe schedule listed in Index at Item 815(a) (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017,2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
Basis for OpinionOpinions
TheseThe Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, are the responsibilityfor maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the Company's management.effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company'sthese financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America.PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the auditaudits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding offraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectivenesswas maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our auditsstatements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures thatto respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Allowance for Credit Losses – Estimation of Economic Conditions – Refer to Notes 2 and 3 of the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company estimates the allowance for credit losses for its loan portfolio, including unfunded loan commitments, at the individual loan level. The CECL forecasting methods used by KREF include a probability of default and loss given default method using a third-party Commercial Mortgage Back Securities and Commercial Real Estate loan database with historical loan losses from 1998 to 2023. In determining the CECL allowance, the Company considers various factors including (i) historical loss experience in the commercial real estate lending market, (ii) timing of expected repayments, (iii) expected future funding, (iv) capital subordinate to the Company when they are the senior lender, (v) capital senior to the Company when they are the subordinate lender, and (vi) the Company’s current and future view of the macroeconomic environment. Management’s estimation of the current and future economic conditions that may impact the performance of the commercial real estate properties securing the Company’s assets include factors such as the unemployment rate, commercial real estate prices, and market liquidity. The Company uses projections, obtained from third-party service providers, of each factor to approximate the impact the macroeconomic outlook may have on the loss rate.
We identified the macroeconomic factors within the CECL allowance as a critical audit matter because of the subjectivity, complexity, and estimation uncertainty in determining the impact of the factors on the Company’s loss rate. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort when performing audit procedures to evaluate whether the macroeconomic factors determined by management reasonably and appropriately quantify the current and future macroeconomic risks associated with the Company’s loan portfolio.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures to assess the macroeconomic factors applied by management to the CECL allowance to account for current and future economic conditions included, among others: Our audit procedures to assess the macroeconomic factors applied by management to the CECL allowance to account for current and future economic conditions included, among others:
•We tested the effectiveness of controls over management’s review of the macroeconomic factors applied to the loss rate.
•With the assistance of our credit specialist, we evaluated the reasonableness of the methodology and significant assumptions used to determine the macroeconomic factors by considering relevant industry trends and economic conditions.
•We tested the accuracy and completeness of quantitative data used by management to estimate the current and future view of macroeconomic conditions.We tested the effectiveness of controls over management’s review of the macroeconomic factors applied to the loss rate.With the assistance of our credit specialist, we evaluated the reasonableness of the methodology and significant assumptions used to determine the macroeconomic factors by considering relevant industry trends and economic conditions. We tested the accuracy and completeness of quantitative data used by management to estimate the current and future view of macroeconomic conditions.
Allowance for Credit Losses Allowance – Determination of Collateral Value – Refer to Notes 2 and 3 of the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company determines a loan to be collateral dependent if (i) a borrower or sponsor is experiencing financial difficulty, and (ii) the loan is expected to be substantially repaid through the sale of the underlying collateral. For collateral dependent loans, the Company estimates expected losses using the difference between the collateral’s fair value and the amortized cost basis of the loan.
We identified the determination of the CECL allowance for collateral dependent loans as a critical audit matter due to the significant judgment and assumptions relating to the determination of the fair value of the collateral. A high degree of auditor judgement and increased extent of effort was required when performing audit procedures, including the use of our specialists to evaluate management’s CECL assessment.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the determination of the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans, among others:
•We tested the effectiveness of controls over management’s determination of fair value of the collateral.
•We evaluated the Company’s determination of fair value by performing the following:
◦With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the reasonableness of the (1) valuation methodology; (2) significant assumptions made, including whether the significant inputs used to determine the fair value were appropriate and consistent with what market participants would use to value the collateral; and (3) mathematical accuracy of the overall valuation model.
◦We tested the underlying data used to determine fair value to determine that the information used in the analysis was accurate and complete.
Real Estate Owned — Refer to Notes 2 and 4 of the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company accounts for the acquisition of properties by recording the purchase price of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values. The value of the tangible assets, consisting of land, tenant improvements, and buildings is determined as if these assets are vacant. Intangible assets may include the value of in-place leases and favorable lease intangibles, which are each recorded at their relative fair values. Intangible liabilities may include the value of unfavorable leases which are recorded at their relative fair values.
We identified the determination of the relative fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as a critical audit matter. This fair value analysis required management to make estimates related to the future expected cash flows, including market information as well as discount rates and capitalization rates. We performed audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of these estimates which required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the relative fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed by the Company included the following, among others:
•We tested the effectiveness of controls over management’s critical assumptions including:
◦The selection of the methods and valuation techniques used to determine that fair value is appropriate and consistent with industry standards.
◦The assumptions for allocating the purchase price to tangible and intangible assets and liabilities.
•We obtained and evaluated the purchase price allocation report prepared by management’s expert along with relevant supporting documentation in order to corroborate our understanding of the substance of the acquisition and assess the completeness of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of the acquisition.
•With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the reasonableness of the valuation methodology, costs to replace certain assets, and significant assumptions used in the cash flow models, including testing the mathematical accuracy of the calculation and comparing the key inputs used in the projections to external market sources.
•We tested the reasonableness of management's capitalization and discount rates by comparing the assumptions used to external market sources.
•We tested the reasonableness of management's projections of the property's net operating income by comparing the assumptions used in the projections to external market sources, executed lease agreements, historical data, and results from other areas of the audit.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, NYNew York
February 6, 2024
February 28, 2018
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2016.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries
ConsolidatedBalance Sheets
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Assets | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents(A) | | $ | 135,898 | | | $ | 239,791 | |
| Commercial real estate loans, held-for-investment | | 7,343,548 | | | 7,494,138 | |
| Less: Allowance for credit losses | | (210,470) | | | (106,974) | |
| Commercial real estate loans, held-for-investment, net | | 7,133,078 | | | 7,387,164 | |
| Real estate owned assets, held for sale | | 101,017 | | | — | |
| Real estate owned, held for investment, net | | 82,091 | | | 80,231 | |
| Accrued interest receivable | | 41,003 | | | 39,005 | |
| Equity method investments | | 35,076 | | | 36,849 | |
| Other assets | | 19,455 | | | 19,281 | |
| Total Assets | | $ | 7,547,618 | | | $ | 7,802,321 | |
| | | | |
| Liabilities and Equity | | | | |
| Liabilities | | | | |
| Secured financing agreements, net | | $ | 3,782,419 | | | $ | 3,748,691 | |
| Collateralized loan obligations, net | | 1,942,171 | | | 1,935,592 | |
| Secured term loan, net | | 335,331 | | | 336,828 | |
| Convertible notes, net | | — | | | 143,237 | |
| | | | |
| Dividends payable | | 29,805 | | | 29,711 | |
| Accrued interest payable | | 20,207 | | | 17,859 | |
| Real estate owned liabilities, held for sale | | 15,883 | | | — | |
| | | | |
| Due to affiliates | | 8,270 | | | 8,722 | |
| Other liabilities | | 9,350 | | | 10,245 | |
| Total Liabilities | | 6,143,436 | | | 6,230,885 | |
| | | | |
| Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13) | | — | | | — | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| Equity | | | | |
| Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized | | | | |
| | | | |
| Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stock, (13,110,000 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022); liquidation preference of $25.00 per share | | 131 | | | 131 | |
| Common stock, $0.01 par value, 300,000,000 authorized (75,299,556 and 75,080,707 shares issued; 69,313,860 and 69,095,011 shares outstanding; as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively) | | 693 | | | 691 | |
| Additional paid-in capital | | 1,815,077 | | | 1,808,983 | |
| Accumulated deficit | | (314,370) | | | (141,503) | |
| Repurchased stock (5,985,696 shares repurchased as of December 31, 2023 and 2022) | | (96,764) | | | (96,764) | |
| Total KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. Stockholders’ Equity | | 1,404,767 | | | 1,571,538 | |
| Noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated joint venture | | (585) | | | (102) | |
| Total Equity | | 1,404,182 | | | 1,571,436 | |
| Total Liabilities and Equity | | $ | 7,547,618 | | | $ | 7,802,321 | |
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31,
2017 | | December 31,
2016 |
| Assets | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 103,120 |
| | $ | 96,189 |
|
| Restricted cash and cash equivalents | | 400 |
| | 157 |
|
| Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-investment, net | | 1,888,510 |
| | 674,596 |
|
| Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, net | | — |
| | 26,230 |
|
| Preferred interest in joint venture, held-to-maturity | | — |
| | 36,445 |
|
| Equity method investments, at fair value | | 14,390 |
| | — |
|
| Accrued interest receivable | | 8,423 |
| | 2,974 |
|
| Other assets | | 7,239 |
| | 2,728 |
|
| Commercial mortgage loans held in variable interest entities, at fair value | | 5,372,811 |
| | 5,426,084 |
|
| Total Assets | | $ | 7,394,893 |
| | $ | 6,265,403 |
|
| | |
| | |
| Liabilities and Equity | |
| | |
| Liabilities | | | | |
| Secured financing agreements, net | | $ | 964,800 |
| | $ | 439,144 |
|
| Loan participations sold, net | | 81,472 |
| | — |
|
| Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | | 2,465 |
| | 2,297 |
|
| Dividends payable | | 19,981 |
| | — |
|
| Accrued interest payable | | 1,623 |
| | 593 |
|
| Due to affiliates | | 4,442 |
| | 1,728 |
|
| Variable interest entity liabilities, at fair value | | 5,256,926 |
| | 5,313,574 |
|
| Total Liabilities | | 6,331,709 |
| | 5,757,336 |
|
| | | | | |
| Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9) | |
| |
|
| | | | | |
| Temporary Equity | | | | |
| Redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated joint venture | | 3,090 |
| | 3,030 |
|
| Redeemable preferred stock | | 949 |
| | — |
|
| | | | | |
| Permanent Equity | | | | |
| Preferred stock, 50,000,000 authorized (1 share with par value of $0.01 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, and 125 shares with stated value of $1,000.00 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016) | | — |
| | 125 |
|
| Common stock, 300,000,000 authorized (53,685,440 and 24,158,392 shares with par value of $0.01 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively) | | 537 |
| | 242 |
|
| Additional paid-in capital | | 1,052,851 |
| | 479,417 |
|
| Retained earnings | | 6,280 |
| | 17,914 |
|
| Repurchased stock, 26,398 shares repurchased as of December 31, 2017 | | (523 | ) | | — |
|
| Total KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. stockholders’ equity | | 1,059,145 |
| | 497,698 |
|
| Noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated joint venture | | — |
| | 7,339 |
|
| Total Permanent Equity | | 1,059,145 |
| | 505,037 |
|
| Total Liabilities and Equity | | $ | 7,394,893 |
| | $ | 6,265,403 |
|
(A) Includes $5.0 million and $151.0 million of cash held in collateralized loan obligation as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Net Interest Income | | | | | | |
| Interest income | | $ | 640,412 | | | $ | 421,968 | | | $ | 279,950 | |
| Interest expense | | 458,802 | | | 236,095 | | | 114,439 | |
| Total net interest income | | 181,610 | | | 185,873 | | | 165,511 | |
| Other Income | | | | | | |
| Revenue from real estate owned operations | | 8,545 | | | 8,971 | | | — | |
| Income from equity method investments | | 1,417 | | | 4,655 | | | 6,371 | |
| Other income | | 11,237 | | | 5,568 | | | 686 | |
| Gain on sale of investments | | — | | | — | | | 5,126 | |
| | | | | | |
| Total other income | | 21,199 | | | 19,194 | | | 12,183 | |
| Operating Expenses | | | | | | |
| General and administrative | | 18,788 | | | 17,616 | | | 14,235 | |
| Provision for (reversal of) credit losses, net | | 175,116 | | | 112,373 | | | (4,059) | |
| Management fees to affiliate | | 26,171 | | | 25,680 | | | 19,378 | |
| Incentive compensation to affiliate | | 2,491 | | | 634 | | | 10,273 | |
| Expenses from real estate owned operations | | 11,190 | | | 11,113 | | | — | |
| Total operating expenses | | 233,756 | | | 167,416 | | | 39,827 | |
| Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interests, Preferred Dividends, Redemption Value Adjustment and Participating Securities' Share in Earnings | | (30,947) | | | 37,651 | | | 137,867 | |
| Income tax expense | | 710 | | | 58 | | | 684 | |
| Net Income (Loss) | | (31,657) | | | 37,593 | | | 137,183 | |
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling
interests | | (806) | | | (510) | | | — | |
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries | | (30,851) | | | 38,103 | | | 137,183 | |
| Preferred stock dividends and redemption value adjustment | | 21,304 | | | 21,304 | | | 11,369 | |
| Participating securities' share in earnings | | 1,764 | | | 1,428 | | | 179 | |
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders | | $ | (53,919) | | | $ | 15,371 | | | $ | 125,635 | |
| | | | | | |
| Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock | | | | | | |
| Basic | | $ | (0.78) | | | $ | 0.23 | | | $ | 2.22 | |
| Diluted | | $ | (0.78) | | | $ | 0.23 | | | $ | 2.21 | |
| | | | | | |
| Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding | | | | | | |
| Basic | | 69,180,039 | | | 67,553,578 | | | 56,571,200 | |
| Diluted | | 69,180,039 | | | 67,553,578 | | | 56,783,388 | |
| | | | | | |
| Dividends Declared per Share of Common Stock | | $ | 1.72 | | | $ | 1.72 | | | $ | 1.72 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Net Interest Income | | | | | | |
| Interest income | | $ | 83,145 |
| | $ | 32,659 |
| | $ | 12,536 |
|
| Interest expense | | 21,224 |
| | 7,432 |
| | 554 |
|
| Total net interest income | | 61,921 |
| | 25,227 |
| | 11,982 |
|
| Other Income | | | | | | |
| Realized gain on sale of investments | | — |
| | 285 |
| | 1,155 |
|
| Change in net assets related to consolidated variable interest entities | | 15,845 |
| | 15,461 |
| | 8,868 |
|
| Income from equity method investments | | 875 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Other income | | 968 |
| | 222 |
| | 305 |
|
| Total other income (loss) | | 17,688 |
| | 15,968 |
| | 10,328 |
|
| | | | | | | |
| Operating Expenses | | | | | | |
| General and administrative | | 4,936 |
| | 2,270 |
| | 1,994 |
|
| Management fees to affiliate | | 13,492 |
| | 5,934 |
| | 2,620 |
|
| Incentive compensation to affiliate | | — |
| | 365 |
| | 131 |
|
| Total operating expenses | | 18,428 |
| | 8,569 |
| | 4,745 |
|
| | |
| |
| | |
| Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interests and Preferred Dividends | | 61,181 |
| | 32,626 |
| | 17,565 |
|
| Income tax expense | | 1,102 |
| | 354 |
| | 393 |
|
| Net Income (Loss) | | 60,079 |
| | 32,272 |
| | 17,172 |
|
| Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Income (Loss) of Consolidated Joint Venture | | 216 |
| | 302 |
| | 272 |
|
| Noncontrolling Interests in Income (Loss) of Consolidated Joint Venture | | 801 |
| | 813 |
| | 137 |
|
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries | | 59,062 |
| | 31,157 |
| | 16,763 |
|
| Preferred Stock Dividends | | 244 |
| | 16 |
| | 15 |
|
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders | | $ | 58,818 |
| | $ | 31,141 |
| | $ | 16,748 |
|
| | | | | | | |
| Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock | | | | | | |
| Basic | | $ | 1.30 |
| | $ | 1.61 |
| | $ | 1.95 |
|
| Diluted | | $ | 1.30 |
| | $ | 1.61 |
| | $ | 1.95 |
|
| Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding | | | | | | |
| Basic | | 45,320,358 |
| | 19,299,597 |
| | 8,605,876 |
|
| Diluted | | 45,321,360 |
| | 19,299,597 |
| | 8,605,876 |
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Temporary Equity |
| | | |
| | Preferred Stock | | Series A Preferred Stock | | Common Stock | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Shares | | Par Value | | Shares | | Par Value | | Shares | | Par Value | | Additional
Paid-In Capital | | Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) | | Repurchased Stock | | Total KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. Stockholders' Equity | | Noncontrolling Interests in Equity of Consolidated Joint Venture | | Total Permanent Equity | | Redeemable Preferred Stock |
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | | 1 | | | $ | — | | | — | | | $ | — | | | 55,619,428 | | | $ | 556 | | | $ | 1,169,695 | | | $ | (65,698) | | | $ | (60,999) | | | $ | 1,043,554 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,043,554 | | | $ | 1,852 | |
| Issuance of common stock | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 5,547,361 | | | 55 | | | 120,655 | | | — | | | — | | | 120,710 | | | — | | | 120,710 | | | — | |
| Issuance of Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stock (liquidation preference of $25.00 per share) | | — | | | — | | | 6,900,000 | | | 69 | | | — | | | — | | | 166,997 | | | — | | | — | | | 167,066 | | | — | | | 167,066 | | | — | |
| Offering costs | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (953) | | | — | | | — | | | (953) | | | — | | | (953) | | | — | |
| Conversion of special voting preferred stock | | (1) | | | * | | — | | | — | | | 1 | | | * | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Redemption of special non-voting preferred stock | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (5,126) | |
| Contribution by noncontrolling interests | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 147 | | | 147 | | | — | |
| Special non-voting preferred dividends declared | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (650) | |
| Series A preferred dividends declared, $1.08 per share | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (7,444) | | | — | | | (7,444) | | | — | | | (7,444) | | | — | |
| Common dividends declared, $1.72 per share | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (98,153) | | | — | | | (98,153) | | | — | | | (98,153) | | | — | |
| Participating security dividends declared, $0.43 per share | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (172) | | | — | | | (172) | | | — | | | (172) | | | — | |
| Stock-based compensation, net | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 203,942 | | | 2 | | | 3,565 | | | — | | | — | | | 3,567 | | | — | | | 3,567 | | | — | |
| Adjustment of redeemable preferred stock to redemption value | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (3,274) | | | — | | | (3,274) | | | — | | | (3,274) | | | 3,274 | |
| Net income (loss) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 136,533 | | | — | | | 136,533 | | | — | | | 136,533 | | | 650 | |
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | | — | | | $ | — | | | 6,900,000 | | | $ | 69 | | | 61,370,732 | | | $ | 613 | | | $ | 1,459,959 | | | $ | (38,208) | | | $ | (60,999) | | | $ | 1,361,434 | | | $ | 147 | | | $ | 1,361,581 | | | $ | — | |
| Issuance of common stock | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 9,584,613 | | | 97 | | | 194,128 | | | — | | | — | | | 194,225 | | | — | | | 194,225 | | | — | |
| Issuance of Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stock (liquidation preference of $25.00 per share) | | — | | | — | | | 6,210,000 | | | 62 | | | — | | | — | | | 151,105 | | | — | | | — | | | 151,167 | | | — | | | 151,167 | | | — | |
| Offering costs | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (1,384) | | | — | | | — | | | (1,384) | | | — | | | (1,384) | | | — | |
| Contribution by noncontrolling interest | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 261 | | | 261 | | | — | |
| Repurchase of common stock | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (2,085,370) | | | (21) | | | — | | | — | | | (35,765) | | | (35,786) | | | — | | | (35,786) | | | — | |
| Series A preferred dividends declared, $1.63 per share | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (21,304) | | | — | | | (21,304) | | | — | | | (21,304) | | | — | |
| Common dividends declared, $1.72 per share | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (118,688) | | | — | | | (118,688) | | | — | | | (118,688) | | | — | |
| Participating security dividends declared, $1.72 per share | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (1,406) | | | — | | | (1,406) | | | — | | | (1,406) | | | — | |
| Stock-based compensation, net | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 225,036 | | | 2 | | | 5,175 | | | — | | | — | | | 5,177 | | | — | | | 5,177 | | | — | |
| Net income (loss) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 38,103 | | | — | | | 38,103 | | | (510) | | | 37,593 | | | — | |
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | | — | | | $ | — | | | 13,110,000 | | | $ | 131 | | | 69,095,011 | | | $ | 691 | | | $ | 1,808,983 | | | $ | (141,503) | | | $ | (96,764) | | | $ | 1,571,538 | | | $ | (102) | | | $ | 1,571,436 | | | $ | — | |
| Contribution by noncontrolling interest | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 323 | | | 323 | | | — | |
| Series A preferred dividends declared, $1.63 per share | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (21,304) | | | — | | | (21,304) | | | — | | | (21,304) | | | — | |
| Common dividends declared, $1.72 per share | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (118,948) | | | — | | | (118,948) | | | — | | | (118,948) | | | — | |
| Participating security dividends declared, $1.72 per share | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (1,764) | | | — | | | (1,764) | | | — | | | (1,764) | | | — | |
| Stock-based compensation, net | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 218,849 | | | 2 | | | 6,094 | | | — | | | — | | | 6,096 | | | — | | | 6,096 | | | — | |
| Net income (loss) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (30,851) | | | — | | | (30,851) | | | (806) | | | (31,657) | | | — | |
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | | — | | | $ | — | | | 13,110,000 | | | $ | 131 | | | 69,313,860 | | | $ | 693 | | | $ | 1,815,077 | | | $ | (314,370) | | | $ | (96,764) | | | $ | 1,404,767 | | | $ | (585) | | | $ | 1,404,182 | | | $ | — | |
* Rounds to zero.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(Amounts in thousands, except share data) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Permanent Equity | | Temporary Equity |
| | KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. | | | | | | | | |
| | Preferred Stock | | Common Stock | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Shares | | Stated Value | | Shares | | Par Value | | Additional Paid-In Capital | | Retained Earnings | | Repurchased Stock | | Total KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. Stockholders' Equity | | Noncontrolling Interests in Equity of Consolidated Joint Venture | | Total Permanent Equity | | Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Equity of Consolidated Joint Venture | | Redeemable Preferred Stock |
| Balance at December 31, 2014 | — |
| | $ | — |
| | 795,145 |
| | $ | 8 |
| | $ | 15,895 |
| | $ | (522 | ) | | $ | — |
| | $ | 15,381 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 15,381 |
| | $ | 809 |
| | $ | — |
|
| Issuance of stock | 125 |
| | 125 |
| | 12,841,271 |
| | 128 |
| | 256,697 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 256,950 |
| | — |
| | 256,950 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Offering costs | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (74 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (74 | ) | | — |
| | (74 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
| Preferred dividends declared | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (15 | ) | | — |
| | (15 | ) | | — |
| | (15 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
| Common dividends declared | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (7,545 | ) | | — |
| | (7,545 | ) | | — |
| | (7,545 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
| Capital contributions | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 4,777 |
| | 4,777 |
| | 3,768 |
| | — |
|
| Capital distributions | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (206 | ) | | — |
|
| Net income (loss) | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 16,763 |
| | — |
| | 16,763 |
| | 137 |
| | 16,900 |
| | 272 |
| | — |
|
| Balance at December 31, 2015 | 125 |
| | $ | 125 |
| | 13,636,416 |
| | $ | 136 |
| | $ | 272,518 |
| | $ | 8,681 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 281,460 |
| | $ | 4,914 |
| | $ | 286,374 |
| | $ | 4,643 |
| | $ | — |
|
| Issuance of stock | 1 |
| | — |
| | 10,521,976 |
| | 106 |
| | 209,898 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 210,004 |
| | — |
| | 210,004 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Offering costs | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (2,999 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (2,999 | ) | | — |
| | (2,999 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
| Preferred dividends declared | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (16 | ) | | — |
| | (16 | ) | | — |
| | (16 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
| Common dividends declared | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (21,908 | ) | | — |
| | (21,908 | ) | | — |
| | (21,908 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
| Capital contributions | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2,049 |
| | 2,049 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Capital distributions | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (437 | ) | | (437 | ) | | (1,915 | ) | | — |
|
| Net income (loss) | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 31,157 |
| | — |
| | 31,157 |
| | 813 |
| | 31,970 |
| | 302 |
| | — |
|
| Balance at December 31, 2016 | 126 |
| | $ | 125 |
| | 24,158,392 |
| | $ | 242 |
| | $ | 479,417 |
| | $ | 17,914 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 497,698 |
| | $ | 7,339 |
| | $ | 505,037 |
| | $ | 3,030 |
| | $ | — |
|
| Issuance of stock | — |
| | — |
| | 29,553,446 |
| | 295 |
| | 580,011 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 580,306 |
| | — |
| | 580,306 |
| | — |
| | 949 |
|
| Repurchase of common stock | — |
| | — |
| | (26,398 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (523 | ) | | (523 | ) | | — |
| | (523 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
| Redemption of preferred stock | (125 | ) | | (125 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (125 | ) | | — |
| | (125 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
| Offering costs | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (6,642 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (6,642 | ) | | — |
| | (6,642 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
| Preferred dividends declared | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (6 | ) | | — |
| | (6 | ) | | — |
| | (6 | ) | | — |
| | (238 | ) |
| Common dividends declared | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (70,452 | ) | | — |
| | (70,452 | ) | | — |
| | (70,452 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
| Capital distributions | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (8,140 | ) | | (8,140 | ) | | (156 | ) | | — |
|
| Equity compensation | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 65 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 65 |
| | — |
| | 65 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Net income (loss) | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 58,824 |
| | — |
| | 58,824 |
| | 801 |
| | 59,625 |
| | 216 |
| | 238 |
|
| Balance at December 31, 2017 | 1 |
| | $ | — |
| | 53,685,440 |
| | $ | 537 |
| | $ | 1,052,851 |
| | $ | 6,280 |
| | $ | (523 | ) | | $ | 1,059,145 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 1,059,145 |
| | $ | 3,090 |
| | $ | 949 |
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Amounts in thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Cash Flows From Operating Activities | | | | | | |
| Net income (loss) | | $ | (31,657) | | | $ | 37,593 | | | $ | 137,183 | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | | | | | | |
| Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and discounts | | 26,182 | | | 23,858 | | | 15,731 | |
| Accretion of net deferred loan fees and discounts | | (23,597) | | | (25,064) | | | (22,851) | |
| Payment-in-kind interest | | — | | | (1,870) | | | (2,094) | |
| Loss (gain) on sale of investment | | — | | | — | | | (5,126) | |
| Loss (income) from equity method investments | | 1,773 | | | (1,312) | | | (3,150) | |
| Provision for (reversal of) credit losses, net | | 175,116 | | | 112,373 | | | (4,059) | |
| Stock-based compensation expense | | 8,075 | | | 7,835 | | | 7,427 | |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | |
| Accrued interest receivable, net | | (1,998) | | | (23,764) | | | 171 | |
| Other assets | | 244 | | | 421 | | | (1,112) | |
| Accrued interest payable | | 2,350 | | | 11,232 | | | 1,246 | |
| Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | | (619) | | | (898) | | | 621 | |
| Due to affiliates | | (154) | | | 721 | | | 806 | |
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | 155,715 | | | 141,125 | | | 124,793 | |
| | | | | | |
| Cash Flows From Investing Activities | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from principal repayments and sale/syndication of commercial real estate loans, held-for-investment | | 691,346 | | | 1,244,262 | | | 2,362,442 | |
| Origination of commercial real estate loans, held-for-investment | | (677,287) | | | (2,419,733) | | | (3,904,580) | |
| Investment in real estate owned | | (1,860) | | | (1,662) | | | — | |
| Net cash assumed from investment in real estate owned and related joint venture | | 1,288 | | | — | | | 1,302 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | | 13,487 | | | (1,177,133) | | | (1,540,836) | |
| | | | | | |
| Cash Flows From Financing Activities | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from borrowings under secured financing agreements | | 811,119 | | | 2,483,907 | | | 3,641,991 | |
| Proceeds from issuance of collateralized loan obligations | | — | | | 847,500 | | | 1,095,250 | |
| Net proceeds from issuance of secured term loan | | — | | | — | | | 52,250 | |
| Net proceeds from issuances of common stock | | — | | | 194,225 | | | 120,711 | |
| Net proceeds from issuances of preferred stock | | — | | | 151,167 | | | 167,066 | |
| Proceeds from noncontrolling interest contributions | | 323 | | | 261 | | | — | |
| Payments of common stock dividends | | (118,854) | | | (115,366) | | | (95,680) | |
| Payments of preferred stock dividends | | (21,304) | | | (21,540) | | | (8,266) | |
| Principal repayments on borrowings under secured financing agreements | | (791,254) | | | (2,454,599) | | | (2,487,673) | |
| Principal repayments on borrowings under convertible notes | | (143,750) | | | — | | | — | |
| Principal repayments on borrowings under collateralized loan obligations | | — | | | — | | | (810,000) | |
| Payments of debt and collateralized debt obligation issuance costs | | (5,811) | | | (32,870) | | | (24,192) | |
| Principal repayments on loan participations | | — | | | — | | | (66,248) | |
| Payments of stock issuance costs | | — | | | (1,384) | | | (647) | |
| Payments to reacquire common stock | | — | | | (35,786) | | | — | |
| Tax withholding on stock-based compensation | | (1,979) | | | (2,656) | | | (5,581) | |
| | | | | | |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | | (271,510) | | | 1,012,859 | | | 1,578,981 | |
| | | | | | |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash | | (102,308) | | | (23,149) | | | 162,938 | |
| Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period | | 250,621 | | | 273,770 | | | 110,832 | |
| Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period | | $ | 148,313 | | | $ | 250,621 | | | $ | 273,770 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | For the Year Ended December 31, |
| | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Cash Flows From Operating Activities | | | | | | |
| Net income (loss) | | $ | 60,079 |
| | $ | 32,272 |
| | $ | 17,172 |
|
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | | | | | | |
| Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and discounts | | 3,142 |
| | 2,044 |
| | 175 |
|
| Accretion of net deferred loan fees and discounts | | (3,588 | ) | | (1,021 | ) | | (171 | ) |
| Interest paid-in-kind | | (864 | ) | | (1,799 | ) | | (681 | ) |
| Change in noncash net assets of consolidated variable interest entities | | (3,375 | ) | | (3,363 | ) | | (3,653 | ) |
| Gain on sale of investment securities | | — |
| | — |
| | (1,101 | ) |
| Gain on sale of commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale | | — |
| | (285 | ) | | (54 | ) |
| (Income) from equity method investments | | (875 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
| Equity compensation | | 65 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Origination and purchase of commercial loans, held-for-sale | | (91,475 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
| Proceeds from sale of commercial loans, held-for-sale | | 91,467 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | |
| Accrued interest receivable, net | | (5,453 | ) | | (1,647 | ) | | (1,053 | ) |
| Other assets | | 2,792 |
| | 4,826 |
| | (4,545 | ) |
| Due to affiliates | | 2,714 |
| | (398 | ) | | 1,330 |
|
| Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | | (1,858 | ) | | (5,677 | ) | | 3,984 |
|
| Accrued interest payable | | 1,030 |
| | 454 |
| | 139 |
|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | | 53,801 |
| | 25,406 |
| | 11,542 |
|
| | | | | | | |
| Cash Flows From Investing Activities | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from sales of commercial mortgage-backed securities | | — |
| | — |
| | 83,773 |
|
| Proceeds from principal repayments of commercial mortgage loans, held-for-investment | | 33,609 |
| | 7,403 |
| | 13,284 |
|
| Proceeds from principal repayments of preferred interest in joint venture, held-to-maturity | | 37,310 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Proceeds from sale of commercial mortgage loans | | 60,991 |
| | 31,539 |
| | 21,554 |
|
| Origination and purchase of commercial mortgage loans, held-for-investment | | (1,201,778 | ) | | (448,344 | ) | | (307,970 | ) |
| Investment in commercial mortgage-backed securities, equity method investee | | (33,588 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
| Proceeds from commercial mortgage-backed securities, equity method investee | | 19,779 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Purchases of commercial mortgage-backed securities | | — |
| | (36,351 | ) | | (150,787 | ) |
| Investment in preferred interest in joint venture | | — |
| | (10,240 | ) | | (23,887 | ) |
| Purchases of other capitalized assets | | — |
| | (455 | ) | | (274 | ) |
| Net cash used in investing activities | | (1,083,677 | ) | | (456,448 | ) | | (364,307 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | | | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 135,898 | | | $ | 239,791 | | | $ | 271,487 | |
| Restricted cash | | 12,415 | | | 10,830 | | | 2,283 | |
| Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | | $ | 148,313 | | | $ | 250,621 | | | $ | 273,770 | |
| | | | | | |
| Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information | | | | | | |
| Cash paid during the period for interest | | $ | 430,275 | | | $ | 201,007 | | | $ | 95,256 | |
| Cash paid during the period for income taxes | | 296 | | | 708 | | | 409 | |
| | | | | | |
| Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities | | | | | | |
| Dividend declared, not yet paid | | $ | 29,805 | | | $ | 29,711 | | | $ | 26,561 | |
| | | | | | |
| Assumption of real estate owned | | 76,461 | | | — | | | 76,960 | |
| | | | | | |
| Assumption of other assets related to real estate owned | | 24,556 | | | — | | | 4,123 | |
| Assumption of other liabilities related to real estate owned | | 15,883 | | | — | | | 3,567 | |
| Transfer of senior loans to real estate owned | | 86,422 | | | — | | | 77,516 | |
| Loan principal payments held by servicer | | — | | | — | | | |
| Modifications accounted for as repayments and new loans, net of write-offs | | 199,439 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Amounts in thousands)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | For the Year Ended December 31, |
| | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Cash Flows From Financing Activities | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from borrowings under secured financing agreements | | 984,197 |
| | 520,408 |
| | 123,900 |
|
| Proceeds from issuances of common stock | | 581,255 |
| | 210,004 |
| | 256,825 |
|
| Proceeds from issuances of preferred stock | | — |
| | — |
| | 125 |
|
| Redemption of preferred stock | | (125 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
| Proceeds from redeemable noncontrolling interest contributions | | — |
| | — |
| | 3,768 |
|
| Proceeds from noncontrolling interest contributions | | — |
| | 2,049 |
| | 4,777 |
|
| Payments of common stock dividends | | (50,579 | ) | | (21,908 | ) | | (7,545 | ) |
| Payments of preferred stock dividends | | (137 | ) | | (16 | ) | | (15 | ) |
| Principal repayments on borrowings under secured financing agreements | | (460,432 | ) | | (198,726 | ) | | — |
|
| Payments of debt issuance costs | | (3,412 | ) | | (4,652 | ) | | (2,065 | ) |
| Payments of stock issuance costs | | (4,898 | ) | | (4,205 | ) | | (74 | ) |
| Payments of redeemable noncontrolling interest distributions | | (156 | ) | | (1,915 | ) | | (206 | ) |
| Payments of noncontrolling interest distributions | | (8,140 | ) | | (437 | ) | | — |
|
| Payments to reacquire common stock | | (523 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
| Net cash provided by financing activities | | 1,037,050 |
| | 500,602 |
| | 379,490 |
|
| | | | | | | |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash | | 7,174 |
| | 69,560 |
| | 26,725 |
|
| Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period | | 96,346 |
| | 26,786 |
| | 61 |
|
| Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at End of Period | | $ | 103,520 |
| | $ | 96,346 |
| | $ | 26,786 |
|
| | | | | | | |
| Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information | | | | | | |
| Cash paid during the period for interest expense | | $ | 17,322 |
| | $ | 5,546 |
| | $ | 239 |
|
| Cash paid during the period for income tax expense | | 806 |
| | 521 |
| | — |
|
| | | | | | | |
| Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities | | | | | | |
| Loan participations sold, net (Note 6) | | $ | 81,467 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
| Funding of commercial loans, held-for-investment | | (81,467 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
| Consolidation of variable interest entities (incremental assets and liabilities) | | — |
| | 940,806 |
| | 4,119,235 |
|
| Loan principal payments held by servicer | | 4,557 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Dividend declared, not yet paid | | 19,981 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 1. Business and Organization
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, referred to throughout this report as the "Company" or "KREF") is a Maryland corporation that was formed and commenced operations on October 2, 2014 as a mortgage "realreal estate investment trust"trust ("REIT") that focuses primarily on originating and acquiring transitional senior loans secured by commercial real estate ("CRE") assets.
KREF has elected and intends to maintain its qualification to be taxed as a REIT under the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"), for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such, KREF will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on that portion of its income that it distributes to stockholders if it distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gains. See Note 1216 regarding taxes applicable to KREF.
KREF is externally managed by KKR Real Estate Finance Manager LLC ("Manager"), an indirect subsidiary of KKR & Co. L.P.Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, "KKR"), through a management agreement ("Management Agreement") pursuant to which the Manager provides a management team and other professionals who are responsible for implementing KREF’s business strategy, subject to the supervision of KREF’s board of directors. For its services, the Manager is entitled to management fees and incentive compensation, both defined in, and in accordance with the terms of, the Management Agreement (Note 10)14).
As of December 31, 2017,2023, KKR beneficially owned 23,758,61610,000,001 shares, or 14.4% of KREF's outstanding common stock, of which 3,758,616 shares were held by KKR on behalf of a third-party investor.stock.
As of December 31, 2017, KREF's principal business activities are related to the origination and purchase of credit investments related to commercial real estate.CRE. Management assesses the performance of KREF's current portfolio of leveraged and unleveraged commercial mortgagereal estate loans and commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") as a whole and makes operating decisions accordingly. As a result, management presents KREF's operations within a single reporting segment.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation — The accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes of KREF are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of KREF and its consolidated subsidiaries, and all intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of KREF’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been included and are of a normal and recurring nature.
Risks and Uncertainties — The coronavirus pandemic ("COVID-19") has adversely impacted global commercial activity and has contributed to significant volatility in financial markets. Since its onset in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has created disruption in global supply chains, increased rates of unemployment and adversely impacted many industries, including industries related to the collateral underlying certain of our loans. In response to the pandemic, several countries took drastic measures to limit the spread of the virus by instituting quarantines or lockdowns, imposing travel restrictions and limiting operations of non-essential offices and retail centers.
While the global economy has re-opened, the longer-term macro-economic effects of the pandemic continue to impact many industries, including those of certain of KREF’s borrowers. In particular, the increase in remote working arrangements in response to the pandemic has contributed to a decline in commercial real estate values and reduced demand for commercial real estate compared to pre-pandemic levels, which have adversely impacted and may continue to adversely impact certain of KREF's borrowers and has persisted even as the pandemic continues to subside. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to global supply chain disruptions, labor shortages and has broad inflationary pressures, each of which has a potential negative impact on KREF's borrowers’ ability to execute on their business plans and potentially their ability to perform under the terms of their loan obligations. The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates eleven times since January 2022. Higher interest rates imposed by the Federal Reserve to address inflation may adversely impact real estate asset values and increase our interest expense, which expense may not be fully offset by any resulting increase in interest income, and may lead to decreased prepayments from KREF's borrowers and an increase in the number of KREF's borrowers who exercise extension options. The Federal Reserve has indicated that it may decrease in interest rates in 2024. In a period of declining interest rates, our interest income on floating-rate investments would generally decrease, while any decrease in the interest we are charged on our floating-rate debt may be subject to floors and may not compensate for such decrease in interest income.
Use of Estimates — The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Management makes subjective estimates to project cash flows KREF expects to receive on its investments in loans and securities as well as the related market discount rates, which significantly impact the interest income, impairments, allowance for loan loss and fair values recorded or disclosed. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.
Consolidation — KREF consolidates those entities for whichthat (i) it controls significant operating, financial and investing decisions of the entitythrough either majority ownership or voting rights or (ii) management determines that KREF is the primary beneficiary of entities deemed to be variable interest entities ("VIEs").
Variable Interest Entities — VIEs are defined as entities (i) in which equity investors do not have an interest with the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, or(ii) that do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties.parties or (iii) established with non-substantive voting rights. A VIE is required to be consolidated only by its primary beneficiary, which is defined as the party that has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact itsthe VIE’s economic performance and that has the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could be potentially significant to the VIE (Note 7)9).
To assess whether KREF has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, KREF considers all the facts and circumstances, including its role in establishing the VIE and its ongoing rights and responsibilities. This assessment includes, first, identifying the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and second, identifying which party, if any, has power to direct those activities. To assess whether KREF has the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, KREF considers all of its economic interests and applies judgment in determining whether these interests, in the aggregate, are considered potentially significant to the VIE.
CMBS— KREF consolidates those trusts that issue beneficial ownership interests in mortgage loans secured by commercial real estate (commonly known as CMBS) when KREF holds a variable interest in, and management considers KREF to be the primary beneficiary of, those trusts. Management believes the performance of the assets that underlie CMBS issuances most significantly impacts the economic performance of the trust, and the primary beneficiary is generally the entity that conducts
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
activities that most significantly impact the performance of the underlying assets. In particular, the most subordinate tranches of CMBS expose the holder to the greater variability of economic performance when compared to more senior tranches since the subordinate tranches absorb a disproportionately higher amount of the credit risk related to the underlying assets. Generally, a trust designates the most junior subordinate tranche outstanding as the controlling class, which entitles the holder of the controlling class to unilaterally appoint and remove the special servicer for the trust. The special servicer is responsible for the servicing and administration of delinquent and nonperforming loans as well as real estate owned ("REO") properties held as collateral delivered on foreclosed loans. While the special servicer cannot prevent losses, its services to the trust are designed to mitigate credit losses to holders of the CMBS.
For the trusts thatCollateralized Loan Obligations — KREF consolidates KREF holds non-investment grade ratedcollateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) when it determines that the CLO issuers are VIEs and unrated CMBS that represent the most subordinated tranches of the CMBS issued by those trusts, which include the controlling class. As the holder of the most subordinate tranche, KREF is in a first loss position and has the right to receive benefits. As the holder of the controlling class, KREF has the ability to unilaterally appoint and remove the special servicer for the trust. In these cases, management considers KREF to be the primary beneficiary and consolidates the CMBS trusts.
For VIEs in which management determines KREF is the primary beneficiary all of the underlying assets, liabilities and equity of the trusts are recorded on KREF's books, and the initial investment, along with any associated unrealized holding gains and losses, are eliminated in consolidation. Similarly, the interest income earned from these trusts is eliminated in consolidation.
Management elected the fair value option for KREF's initial and subsequent recognition of the
The collateral assets and liabilities of KREF's consolidated CMBS VIEsCLOs, comprised of a pool of loan participations, are included in order to provide users of the financial statements with better information regarding the effects of credit risk and other market factors“Commercial real estate loans, held-for-investment, net” on the CMBS beneficially held by KREF's stockholders. Since the changes in fair value include the interest income and interest expense associated with these CMBS VIEs, management does not consider the separate presentation of the components of fair value changes to be relevant. Management has elected to present these items in aggregate as "Other Income — Change in net assets related to consolidated variable interest entities" in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income; the residual difference between the fair value of the trusts' assets and liabilities represents KREF's beneficial interest in the CMBS VIEs.
Management separately presents the assets and liabilities of KREF's consolidated VIEs as individual line items on KREF's Consolidated Balance Sheets for entities in which the VIEs assets can only be used to settle the VIE’s obligations.Sheets. The liabilities of KREF's consolidated VIEsCLOs consist solely of obligations to the CMBS holders of the consolidated trusts,senior CLO noteholders, excluding CMBSsubordinated CLO tranches held by KREF as such interests are eliminated in consolidation, and are presented in “Collateralized loan obligations, net” on the interest accrued thereon, presented as "Liabilities — Variable interest entity liabilities, at fair value."Consolidated Balance Sheets. The collateral assets of KREF's consolidated VIEs consist principally of commercial mortgage loans and the interest accrued thereon, and are likewise presented as a single line item entitled "Assets — Commercial mortgage loans held in variable interest entities, at fair value."
Assets of a CMBS trust, as a whole,CLOs can only be used to settle the obligations of the consolidated CMBS VIE.CLOs. The assets of KREF's CMBS VIEs are not individually accessible by, and obligations ofinterest income from the CMBS VIEs are not recourse to, the bondholders.
REO assets generally represent a small percentage of the overall asset pool of a CMBS trust. In a new issue CMBS trust there are no REOCLOs’ collateral assets and no REO existedthe interest expense on the CLOs’ liabilities are presented on a gross basis in “Interest income” and “Interest expense”, respectively, in KREF's consolidated VIE assets asConsolidated Statements of December 31, 2017. KREF derives the fair value of its Level 3 CMBS VIE assets from its Level 3 CMBS VIE liabilities, which management considers to possess more observable market value data than the CMBS VIE assets. See "— Fair Value — Income.
Valuation of Consolidated VIEs" for additional discussion regarding management's valuation of consolidated CMBS VIEs.
Commercial Mezzanine LoanReal Estate Owned Joint Venture — KREF consolidates a joint venture that holds the majority of KREF’s investment in a portionreal estate owned (“REO”) retail property that was acquired in the fourth quarter of KREF's investments in commercial mezzanine loans, and2021, in which a third-partythird party owns a 5.0% redeemable10% noncontrolling interest (Note 7)9). Management determined the joint venture to be a VIE as the third-party owners of the redeemable noncontrolling interest do not have substantive participating or kick-out rights.joint venture had insufficient equity at risk. KREF owns 95.0%90% of the equity interestsinterest in the joint venture and participates in the profits and losses. Management considersconcluded that KREF to beis the primary beneficiary of the joint venture as KREF holds decision-making power over the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the joint venture.
Preferred Interest in Joint Venture— KREF consolidated aventure and has the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the joint venture that held a lending agreement with an entity engaged in the management of a multi-family tower, and in which a third party owned a 20.0% noncontrolling interest (Note 4). Management determinedcould be potentially significant to the joint venture to be a VIE as the third party owners of the noncontrolling interest did not have substantive participating or kick-out rights. KREF owned 80.0% of the equity interests in the joint venture and participated inventure.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
the profits and losses. Management considered KREF to be the primary beneficiary of the joint venture as KREF held decision-making power over the activities that most significantly impacted the economic performance of the joint venture.
Noncontrolling Interests — Noncontrolling interests represent the ownership interests in certain consolidated subsidiaries held by entities or persons other than KREF. ThoseThese noncontrolling interests that allow the holder to redeem before liquidation or termination of the entity that issued those interestsdo not include redemption features and are considered redeemable noncontrolling interests.
The redeemable noncontrolling interests issued by subsidiaries of KREF are subject to certain restrictions and require KREF to transfer assets or issue equity to satisfy the redemption. As KREF does not control the circumstances under which the noncontrolling interests may redeem their interests, management considers these redeemable noncontrolling interests as temporary equity, presented as "Temporary Equity — Redeemable noncontrolling"Noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated joint venture" inon the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and their share of "Net Income (Loss)" as "Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Income (Loss) of Consolidated Joint Venture" in the Consolidated Statements of Income. KREF recorded the redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value upon issuance by subsidiaries of KREF, and accretes to the redemption values at each subsequent reporting period date if KREF determines the noncontrolling interests are redeemable or probable to become redeemable. As of December 31, 2017, KREF determined that the redeemable noncontrolling interests were not currently redeemable or probable to become redeemable, and as a result did not adjust the value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests.Sheets.
KREF reflects noncontrolling interests that are not redeemable as permanent equity that is not attributable to KREF's stockholders. KREF presents these interests as "Permanent Equity — Noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated joint venture" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and their share of "Net Income (Loss)" as "Noncontrolling Interests in Income (Loss) of Consolidated Joint Venture" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Equity method investments, at fair valueMethod Investments— Investments are accounted for under the equity method when KREF has significant influence over the operations of an investee but KREF does not consolidate that investment. Equity method investments, for which management has not elected a fair value option, are initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for KREF's share of net income or loss and cash contributions and distributions each period.
Management determined that KREF's investment in the Manager is an interest in a VIE as KREF did not have substantive participating or kick-out rights. KREF does not have the power to direct activities and the obligation to absorb losses of the Manager that could be significant to the Manager. KREF accounts for its investment in the Manager using the equity method since KREF is not the primary beneficiary of the Manager (Note 7).
Management determined that its investment in an aggregator vehicle alongside KKR Real Estate Credit Opportunity Partners L.P. ("RECOP")RECOP I ") is an interest in a VIE, however KREF is not the primary beneficiary and does not have substantive participating or kick-out rights. Management elected the fair value option for KREF's investment in RECOP. KREF records its share of net asset value in RECOP asI in “Equity method investments, at fair value” ininvestments” on its Consolidated Balance Sheets and its share of unrealized gains or losses in "Income“Income (loss) from equity method investments"investments” in its Consolidated Statements of Income (Note 7).
Risks
KREF classifies distributions received from equity method investees using the cumulative earnings approach. Distributions received up to the cumulative earnings from each equity method investee are considered returns on investment and Uncertainties — In the normal course of business, KREF primarily encounters two significant types of economic risk: credit and market. Credit risk is the risk of default on KREF’s investments that resultspresented within “Cash Flows from a borrower’s or counterparty’s inability or unwillingness to make contractually required payments. Market risk reflects changesOperating Activities” in the valueConsolidated Statements of investments due to changes in interest rates, spreads or other market factors, including risks that impact the valueCash Flows; excess distributions received are considered returns of the collateral underlying KREF’s investments. Management believes that the carrying values of its investments are reasonable taking into consideration these risks along with estimated financings, collateral valuesinvestment and other information.
Tax Risks— KREF is subject to significant tax risks. If KREF fails to maintain its qualification as a REIT in a given taxable year, it may be subject to penalties as well as federal, state and local income tax on its taxable income, which could be material. It will also not be able to qualify as a REIT for the subsequent four taxable years, unless entitled to relief under certain statutory provisions.
A REIT must distribute at least 90% of its taxable income to its stockholders. In addition to the 90% distribution requirement, a REIT is subject to a nondeductible excise tax if it fails to make certain minimum distributions by calendar year-end. The excise tax imposed is equal to 4% of the excess of the required distribution (generally, the sum of 85% of the REIT’s ordinary income and 95% of the REIT’s capital gain net income for the calendar year) over the distributed amount for such year. Distribution of
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
the remaining balance may extend until timely filing of the REIT's tax returnpresented within “Cash Flows From Investing Activities” in the subsequent taxable year. Qualifying distributionsConsolidated Statements of taxable income are deductible by a REIT in computing taxable income.
In addition to the distribution requirements, qualification as a REIT also depends on the ability to comply with several organizational requirements, including various restrictions on ownership, continuing compliance with tests concerning the nature of the assets and sources of income, and the maintenance of records. KREF has not operated, but may operate, various securitization vehicles and makes certain investments through taxable REIT subsidiary ("TRSs") that are subject to regular corporate income taxes. KREF and its subsidiaries file income tax returns with the U.S. federal government and various state and local jurisdictions. Generally, these income tax returns will be subject to tax examinations by tax authorities for a period of three years after the date of filing.
Regulatory Risks
— KREF is subject to significant regulatory risks. If KREF were unable to rely upon an exemption from registration available under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. KREF could be required to restructure its assets or activities, including the disposition of assets during periods of adverse market conditions that could result in material losses to KREF.
Use of Estimates — The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Management makes subjective estimates to project cash flows KREF expects to receive on its investments in loans and securities as well as the related market discount rates, which significantly impacts the interest income, impairments, allowance for loan loss and fair values recorded or disclosed. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value — GAAP requires the categorization of the fair value of financial instruments into three broad levels that form a hierarchy based on the transparency of inputs to the valuation.
| |
Level 1 | - Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. |
Level 1 — Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.
| |
Level 2 | - Inputs are other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. |
Level 2 — Inputs are other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.
| |
Level 3 | - Inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. |
Level 3 — Inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.
KREF follows this hierarchy for its financial instruments. The classifications are based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Valuation Process — The Manager reviews the valuation of Level 3 financial instruments as part of KKR's quarterly process. As of December 31, 2017,2023, KKR’s valuation process for Level 3 measurements, as described below, subjected valuations to the review and oversight of various committees. KKR has a global valuation committee assisted by the asset class-specific valuation committees, including a real estate valuation committee that reviews and approves all preliminary Level 3 valuations for real estate assets, including the financial instruments held by KREF. The global valuation committee is responsible for coordinating and implementing KKR’s valuation process to ensure consistency in the application of valuation principles across portfolio investments and between periods. All Level 3 valuations are also subject to approval by the global valuation committee.
Valuation of Consolidated VIEsCommercial Real Estate Loans — Management categorizes the financial assets and liabilities of the CMBS trusts that KREF consolidates as Level 3 assets and liabilities in the fair value hierarchy and has elected the fair value option for financial assets and liabilities of each CMBS trust. Management has adopted the measurement alternative included in Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-13, Measuring the Financial Assets and the Financial Liabilities of a Consolidated Collateralized Financing Entity ("ASU 2014-13"). Pursuantconsiders KREF's commercial real estate loans to ASU 2014-13, management measures both the financial assets and financial liabilities of the CMBS trusts consolidated by KREF using the fair value of the financial liabilities, which management considers more observable than the fair value of the financial assets. As a result, KREF presents the CMBS issued by the consolidated trust, but not beneficially owned by KREF's stockholders, as financial liabilities in KREF's consolidated financial statements, measured at their estimated fair value; KREF measures the financial assets as the total estimated fair value of the CMBS issued by the consolidated trust, regardless of whether such CMBS represent interests beneficially owned by KREF's
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
stockholders. Under the measurement alternative prescribed by ASU 2014-13, KREF's "Net Income (Loss)" reflects the economic interests in the consolidated CMBS beneficially owned by KREF's stockholders, presented as "Change in net assets related to consolidated variable interest entities" in the Consolidated Statements of Income, which includes applicable (i) changes in the fair value of CMBS beneficially owned by KREF, (ii) interest and servicing fees earned from the CMBS trust and (iii) other residual returns or losses of the CMBS trust, if any (Note 7).
Management categorizes the preferred interest and commercial mezzanine loans held by separate joint ventures, VIEs consolidated by KREF as primary beneficiary, asbe Level 3 assets in the fair value hierarchy as such assets are illiquid, structured instrumentsinvestments that are specific to the propertiessponsor, underlying property and their correspondingits operating performance (Note 11)15). For financial statement disclosure purposes, on a quarterly basis, management generally engages an independent valuation firm to estimate the fair value of each loan categorized as a Level 3 asset. These loans are generally valued using a discounted cash flow model based on assumptions regarding the collection of principal and interest and estimated market rates. Management reviews the quarterly loan valuation estimates provided by the independent valuation firm. For collateral dependent loans, KREF may apply alternative valuation methods based on the fair value of the underlying collateral. Determination of collateral value involves significant judgment, including assumptions regarding capitalization rates, discount rates, leasing, occupancy rates, and other factors.
Valuation of CLO Consolidated VIEs— Management estimates the fair value of the CLO liabilities using prices obtained from an independent valuation firm. If prices received from the independent valuation firm are inconsistent with values determined in connection with management’s independent review, management makes inquiries to the independent valuation firm about the prices received and related methods. In the event management determines the price obtained from an independent valuation firm to be unreliable or an inaccurate representation of the fair value of the CLO liabilities (based on considerations given to observable market data), management then compiles evidence independently and presents the independent valuation firm with such evidence supporting a different value. As a result, the independent valuation firm may revise their price after evaluating any additional evidence.
However, if management continues to disagree with the price from the independent valuation firm, in light of evidence that management compiled independently and believes to be compelling, valuations are then prepared using inputs based on non-binding broker quotes obtained from independent, well-known, major financial brokers that are CLO market makers. In validating any non-binding broker quote used in this circumstance, management compares the non-binding quote to the observable market data points in addition to understanding the valuation methodologies used by the market makers. These market participants may utilize a similar methodology as the independent valuation firm to value the CLO liabilities, with the key input of expected yield determined independently based on both observable and unobservable factors. To avoid reliance on any single broker-dealer, management receives a minimum of two non-binding quotes, of which the average is used.
Other Valuation Matters — For Level 3 financial assets originated, or otherwise acquired, and financial liabilities assumed during the current calendar month immediately preceding a quarter end that were conducted in an orderly transaction with an unrelated party, management generally believes that the transaction price provides the most observable indication of fair value given the illiquid nature of these financial instruments, unless management is aware of any circumstances that may cause a material change in the fair value through the remainder of the reporting period. For instance, significant changes to the underlying property or its planned operations may cause material changes in the fair value of commercial mortgagereal estate loans acquired, or originated, by KREF.
KREF’s determination of fair value is based upon the best information available for a given circumstance and may incorporate assumptions that are management’s best estimates after consideration of a variety of internal and external factors. When an independent valuation firm expresses an opinion on the fair value of a financial instrument in the form of a range, management selects a value within the range provided by the independent valuation firm, generally the midpoint, to assess the reasonableness of management’s estimated fair value for that financial instrument.
See Note 1115 for additional information regarding the valuation of KREF's financial assets and liabilities.
Sales of Financial Assets and Financing Agreements — KREF will, from time to time, selltransfer loans, securities and other assets as well as finance assets in the form of secured borrowings. In each case, management evaluates whether the transaction constitutes a sale through legal isolation of the transferred financial asset from KREF, the ability of the transferee to pledge or exchange the transferred asset without constraint and the transfer of control of the transferred asset. For transfers that constitute
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
sales, KREF (i) recognizes the financial assets it retains and liabilities it has incurred, if any, (ii) derecognizes the financial assets it has sold, and derecognizes liabilities when extinguished and (iii) recognizes a realized gain, or loss, based upon the excess, or deficient, proceeds received over the carrying value of the transferred asset. KREF does not recognize a gain, or loss, on interests retained, if any, where management elected the fair value option prior to sale.
Derivative Instruments
— KREF may invest in derivative instruments, such as interest rate swaps or cap agreements, or certain other agreements that may include embedded derivative instruments (collectively referred to as derivatives), to mitigate the effects of market fluctuations on results of operations and financial condition. KREF records derivative instruments as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. KREF may elect hedge accounting for derivative instruments that are designated and qualifying as a hedge of changes in the fair value or cash flows of an asset or liability attributable to a particular risk. Hedge accounting allows for changes in the fair value of the effective portion of a derivative instrument to be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion of a derivative instrument are included in net income. Amounts are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and into net income when the hedged item is either sold or substantially liquidated. To the extent a derivative does not qualify for hedge accounting and is deemed a freestanding derivative, the changes in its value are included in net income. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, KREF did not have any material investments in derivative instruments.
Balance Sheet Measurement
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cashand Cash Equivalents — KREF considers cash equivalents as highly liquid short-term investments with maturities of 90 days or less when purchased. KREF maintains its cash deposits with major financial institutions. Substantially all such amounts on deposit with major financial institutions exceed insured limits.
As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, KREF held $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of restricted cash related to good faith deposits and surety bond deposits. KREF receives good faith deposits from potential borrowers when originating or acquiring commercial mortgage loans, which KREF must return to the borrower in the event of a successful
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
transaction or use to pay the costs it incurs in the event of a broken deal. Management considers these deposits restricted until the good faith deposit is returned to the borrower or management considers the deal broken.
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
|
| | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2017 | | December 31, 2016 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 103,120 |
| | $ | 96,189 |
|
| Restricted cash and cash equivalents | 400 |
| | 157 |
|
| Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | $ | 103,520 |
| | $ | 96,346 |
|
KREF must also maintain sufficient cash and cash equivalents to satisfy liquidity covenants related to its secured financing agreements. However, such amounts are not restricted from use in KREF's current operations, and KREF does not present these cash and cash equivalents as restricted. As of December 31, 20172023 and December 31, 2016,2022, KREF was required to maintain unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of at least $12.1$60.2 million and $11.1$54.4 million, respectively, to satisfy its liquidity covenants (Note 5).
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, KREF had $12.4 million and $10.8 million of restricted cash held in lender-controlled bank accounts, respectively. Such amounts are presented within "Other Assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Commercial MortgageReal Estate Loans Held‑For‑InvestmentHeld-For-Investment and ProvisionAllowance for LoanCredit Losses — KREF recognizes its investments in commercial real estate loans based on management's intent, and KREF's ability, to hold those investments through their contractual maturity. Management classifies those loans that management does not intend to sell in the foreseeable future, and KREF is able to hold until maturity, as held-for-investment. Loans that are held‑for‑investmentheld-for-investment are carried at their aggregate outstanding face amount,principal, net of applicable (i) unamortized origination or acquisition premiums and discounts, (ii) unamortized deferred nonrefundable fees and other direct loan origination costs, and (iii) allowance for loancredit losses, and (iv) charge-offs or write-downsnet of write-offs of impaired loans.loans. If a loan is determined to be impaired, management writes downoff the loan through a charge to the provision"Allowance for credit losses" and to the respective loan losses. See "—balance.Expense Recognition — Loan Impairment— Commercial Mortgage Loans, Held-For-Investment" for additional discussion regarding management’s determination for loan losses. KREF applies the effective interest method to amortize origination or acquisition premiums and discounts and deferred nonrefundable fees or other direct loan origination costs.costs, or on a straight-line basis when it approximates the interest method. Loans for which management elects the fair value option at the time of origination, or acquisition, are carried at fair value on a recurring basis (Note 3).
KREF recognizes and measures the allowance for credit losses under the Current Expected Credit Loss ("CECL") model which amended the previous credit loss model to reflect a reporting entity's current estimate of all expected credit losses, not only based on historical experience and current conditions, but also by including reasonable and supportable forecasts incorporating forward-looking information. The measurement of expected credit losses under CECL is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, and off-balance sheet credit exposures such as unfunded loan commitments. The allowance for credit losses required under ASU 2016-13 is deducted from the respective loans’ amortized cost basis on KREF's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The allowance for credit losses attributed to unfunded loan commitments is included in “Other liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
KREF has implemented loan loss forecasting models for estimating expected life-time credit losses, at the individual loan level, for its commercial real estate loan portfolio. The CECL forecasting methods used by KREF include (i) a probability of default and loss given default method using an underlying third-party CMBS/CRE loan database with historical loan losses from 1998 through 2023 and (ii) a probability weighted expected cash flow method, depending on the type of loan and the availability of relevant historical market loan loss data. KREF might use other acceptable alternative approaches in the future depending on, among other factors, the type of loan, underlying collateral and availability of relevant historical market loan loss data.
KREF estimates the CECL allowance for its loan portfolio, including unfunded loan commitments, at the individual loan level. Significant inputs to KREF’s forecasting methods include (i) key loan-specific inputs such as vintage year, loan term, underlying property type, geographic location, most recent appraisal, and expected timing and amount of future loan fundings, (ii) performance against the underwritten business plan and KREF's internal loan risk rating and (iii) a macro-economic forecast. These estimates may change in future periods based on available future macro-economic data and might result in a material change in KREF’s future estimates of expected credit losses for its loan portfolio. KREF considers the individual loan internal risk rating as the key credit quality indicator in assessing the CECL allowance. KREF may also consider relevant loan-specific qualitative factors for certain loans.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
For collateral dependent loans for which KREF determines foreclosure of the collateral is probable, KREF measures the expected losses based on the difference between the fair value of the collateral and the amortized cost basis of the loan as of the measurement date. For collateral dependent loans for which KREF determines foreclosure is not probable, KREF applies a practical expedient to estimate expected losses using the difference between the collateral’s fair value (less costs to sell the asset if repayment is expected through the sale of the collateral) and the amortized cost basis of the loan. A loan is determined to be collateral dependent if (i) a borrower or sponsor is experiencing financial difficulty, and (ii) the loan is expected to be substantially repaid through the sale of the underlying collateral. Such determination requires the use of significant judgment and can be based on several factors subject to uncertainty. Considerations used in determination of financial difficulty may include, but are not limited to, whether the borrower's operating cash flow is sufficient to cover the current and future debt service requirements, the borrower’s ability to refinance the loan, market liquidity and other circumstances that can affect the borrower’s ability to satisfy its contractual obligations under the loan agreement.
See "Expense Recognition — Commercial Real Estate Loans, Held-For-Investment" for additional discussion regarding management’s determination for loan losses.
Commercial MortgageReal Estate Loans Held‑For‑SaleHeld-For-Sale — Loans that KREF originates or acquires, which KREF is unable to hold, or management intends to sell or otherwise dispose of, in the foreseeable future are classified as held‑for‑saleheld-for-sale and are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value.
Preferred InterestReal Estate Owned — To maximize recovery from a defaulted loan, KREF may assume legal title or physical possession of the underlying collateral through foreclosure or the execution of a deed in Joint Venture Held-To-Maturity—lieu of foreclosure. Foreclosed properties are initially recognized at fair value in accordance with ASC 805 on KREF's Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Real Estate Owned" when KREF investedassumes either legal title or physical possession. KREF’s cost basis in preferred equity issued byREO equals the estimated fair value on the acquisition date. The value of acquired REO is allocated based on the relative fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including, but not limited to, land, building, furniture and fixtures, and intangibles.
REO assets held for investment, except for land, are depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives. Renovations and/or replacements that improve or extend the life of the REO asset are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. The cost of ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
REO assets held for investment are evaluated for impairment on a limited liability company engagedquarterly basis. KREF considers the following factors when performing the impairment analysis: (i) significant underperformance relative to anticipated operating results; (ii) significant negative industry and economic outlook or trends; (iii) expected material costs necessary to extend the life or operate the REO asset; and (iv) KREF’s ability to hold and dispose of the REO asset in commercial real estate activities that KREF accountsthe ordinary course of business. A REO asset is considered for as a debt security. Management held this investment until it was repaid in fullimpairment when the sum of estimated future undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the borrower in August 2017. Accordingly, KREF presented this preferred interest in joint venture held‑to‑maturity for which management did not electREO asset over the estimated remaining holding period is less than the carrying value of such REO asset. An impairment charge is recorded when the carrying value of the REO exceeds the fair value option, at cost, net of unamortized premiums and discounts; KREF applied the effective interest method to amortize applicable premiums and discounts through interest income. In the event thatvalue. When determining the fair value of a REO asset, KREF makes certain assumptions including, but not limited to, projected operating cash flows, comparable selling prices and projected cash flows from the preferred interest in joint venture held‑to‑maturity was less than its amortized cost, management considered whethereventual disposition of the unrealized holding loss represented an other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI"). For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, KREF did not recognize an OTTI related to its investment in preferred interest in joint venture held-to-maturity (Note 4).REO asset.
REO assets are classified as held for sale in the period when they meet the criteria under ASC 360. Once a REO is classified as held for sale, depreciation is suspended and the asset is reported at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less cost to sell. The actual sales price of the REO could differ from the estimated fair value. If circumstances arise that were previously considered unlikely and, as a result, KREF decides not to sell the real estate asset previously classified as held for sale, the real estate asset is reclassified as held for investment. Upon reclassification, the real estate asset is measured at the lower of (i) its carrying amount prior to classification as held for sale, adjusted for depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the real estate been classified as held for investment, and (ii) its estimated fair value at the time of reclassification.
For all REO assets, KREF may opportunistically transact as suitable opportunities emerge.
Secured Financing Agreements — KREF's secured financing agreements, including uncommitted repurchase facilities, term lending agreements, warehouse facility, asset specific financings and term loan facility, are treated as floating-rate collateralized financing transactions and consist of floating rate, uncommitted repurchase facilitiesarrangements carried at their contractual amounts, net of unamortized debt issuance costs (Note 5). Included within KREF's secured financing agreements is KREF's corporate revolving credit agreement ("Revolver"), which is full recourse to certain guarantor wholly-owned subsidiaries of KREF.
Loan Participations Sold— In connection with its investments in senior loans, KREF finances certain investments through the syndication of a non-recourse, or limited-recourse, loan participation to unaffiliated third parties. KREF’s presentation of the senior loan and related financing involved in the syndication depends upon whether GAAP recognized the transaction as a sale, though such differences in presentation do not generally impact KREF’s net stockholders’ equity or net income aside from timing differences in the recognition of certain transaction costs.
To the extent that GAAP recognizes a sale resulting from the syndication, KREF derecognizes the participation in the senior loan that KREF sold and continue to carry the retained portionKKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Convertible Notes, Net— KREF soldaccounted for its convertible debt with a cash conversion feature in accordance with ASC 470-20, which 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 were allocated between a liability component and an equity component in a manner that reflects interest expense at timethe rate of sale. Furthermore,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. KREF recognizes interest income onlymeasured the estimated fair value of the debt component of the 6.125% convertible senior notes due May 15, 2023 (“Convertible Notes”) as of the issuance date based on KREF’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. The equity component of the Convertible Notes was reflected within "Additional paid-in capital" on the portionConsolidated Balance Sheets, and the resulting debt discount was amortized over the period during which such Convertible Notes were expected to be outstanding (through the maturity date) as additional non-cash interest expense using the interest method, or on a straight line basis when it approximates the interest method. The additional non-cash interest expense attributable to such convertible notes increased in subsequent periods through the maturity date as the notes accrete to their par value over the same period (Note 8). The entire $143.75 million principal balance of the senior loan that it retains as a resultConvertible Notes matured and was repaid in cash on May 15, 2023. As of the sale.December 31, 2023, there were no convertible notes outstanding.
To the extent that GAAP does not recognize a sale resulting from the syndication, KREF does not derecognize the participation in the senior loan that it sold. Instead, KREF recognizes a loan participation sold liability in an amount equal to the principal of the loan participation syndicated less any unamortized discounts or financing costs resulting from the syndication. KREF continues to recognize interest income on the entire senior loan, including the interest attributable to the loan participation sold, as well as interest expense on the loan participation sold liability (Note 6).
Other Assets and Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities — As of December 31, 2017,2023, other assets included a $4.6$12.4 million loan principal payment receivable from a third-party servicerof restricted cash and $2.1$3.7 million of deferred debt issuancefinancing costs related to credit facilities, net of $0.5 million accumulated amortization.KREF's Revolver (Note 5). As of December 31, 2016,2022, other assets included $1.3$10.8 million of restricted cash,$4.9 million ofdeferred stock issuance costs. Accounts payable, accrued expensesfinancing costs related to KREF's Revolver and $1.1 million of prepaid expenses.
As of December 31, 2023, other liabilities included $1.6$2.1 million and $1.5of allowance for credit losses related to KREF's unfunded loan commitments, $5.4 million of miscellaneous accountsREO, held for investment, liabilities (Note 4) and $1.8 million of accrued expenses. As of December 31, 2022, other liabilities included $4.1 million of allowance for credit losses related to KREF's unfunded loan commitments, $3.7 million of REO, held for investment, liabilities and $2.1 million of accrued expenses.
Dividends Payable — KREF records dividends payable on its common stock and preferred stock upon declaration of such dividends. In December 2023, KREF's board of directors declared a dividend of $0.43 per share of common stock to stockholders of record as of December 29, 2023, which was accrued expensesin “Dividends payable” on KREF’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016, respectively.
Special Non-Votingwas subsequently paid on January 12, 2024. In October 2023, KREF's board of directors declared a dividend of $0.41 per each issued and outstanding share of the Company’s 6.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, ("SNVPS")which represents an annual dividend of $1.625 per share. The dividend was paid on December 15, 2023 to KREF’s preferred stockholders of record as of November 30, 2023.
Repurchased Stock — Equity instrumentsKREF accounts for repurchases of its common stock based on the settlement date and presents repurchased stock in “Repurchased stock” on its Consolidated Balance Sheets (Note 10). Payments for stock repurchases that are redeemable for cash or other assets are classifiednot yet settled as temporary equity if the instrument is redeemable, at the option of the holder, at a fixed or determinable pricereporting date are presented within “Other assets” on a fixed or determinable date or upon the occurrence of an event that is not solely within the control of the issuer. Redeemable equity instruments are initially carried at the fair value of the equity instrument at the issuance date, which is subsequently adjusted at each balance sheet date if the instrument is currently redeemable or probable of becoming redeemable. The fair value of the instrument is adjusted to reflect the instrument’s redemption amount at each balance sheet date if KREF determines the SNVPS is redeemable or it is probable that the SNVPS will become redeemable. KREF accounted for the SNVPS as redeemable preferred stock since a third party holds a redemption option, exercisable after May 5, 2018, and such redemption is not solely within KREF’s control.Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2017,2023, KREF determined that the SNVPS was neither currently redeemable nor was it probable that the SNVPS would become redeemable, and didhad not adjust its value as a result. KREF presents the SNVPS as “Temporary Equity — Redeemable preferred stock” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets (Note 8).retired any repurchased stock.
Income Recognition
Interest Income — Loans where management expects to collect all contractually required principal and interest payments are considered performing loans. KREF accrues interest income on performing loans based on the outstanding principal amount and contractual terms of the loan. Interest income also includes origination fees, and direct loan origination costs and related exit fees for loans that KREF originates, but where management did not elect the fair value option, as a yield adjustment using the effective interest method over the loan term.term, or on a straight line basis when it approximates the interest method. KREF expenses origination fees and direct loan origination costs for loans acquired, but not originated, by KREF as well as loans for which management elected the fair value option, as incurred.
Revenue from Real Estate Owned Operations — Revenue from REO operations is primarily comprised of rental income, including base rent and reimbursements of property operating expenses. For leases that have fixed and measurable base rent escalations, KREF also includedrecognizes base rent on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable lease terms. The difference between such rental income earned and the cash rent amount is recorded as straight-line rent receivable and presented within "Other
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Reimbursement of property operating expenses arises from tenant leases which provide for the recovery of certain operating expenses and real estate taxes of the respective property. This revenue is accrued in the same periods as the expenses are incurred. Rental income is presented within “Revenue from real estate owned operations” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Other Income— KREF recognizes interest income arising fromearned on its preferred interestcash balances and miscellaneous fee income in joint venture held-to-maturity.“Other income” on its Consolidated Statements of Income.
Realized Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments — KREF recognizes the excess, or deficiency, of net proceeds received, less the net carrying value of such investments, as realized gains or losses, respectively. KREF reverses cumulative, unrealized gains or losses previously reported in its Consolidated Statements of Income with respect to the investment sold at the time of sale.
Expense Recognition
Expense Recognition
Loan Impairment— KREF holds commercial mortgage loans for both investment and sale, which management periodically evaluates for impairment.
Commercial MortgageReal Estate Loans, Held-For-Investment —— For each loan in KREF's portfolio, management performs aan evaluation, at least quarterly, evaluation of impairmentcredit quality indicators of loans classified as held‑for‑investmentheld-for-investment using applicable loan, property, market and sponsor information obtained from borrowers, loan servicers and local market participants. Such indicators may include the net present value of the underlying collateral, property operating cash flows, the sponsor’s financial wherewithal and competency in managing the property, macroeconomic trends, and property submarket-specificsubmarket—specific economic factors. The evaluation of these credit quality indicators of impairment requires significant judgment by management to determine whether failure to collect contractual amounts is probable.
If management deems that it is probable that KREF will be unable to collect all amounts owed according to the contractual terms of a loan, impairmentdeterioration in credit quality of that loan is indicated. Management evaluates all available facts and circumstances that might impact KREF’s ability to collect outstanding loan balances when determining loan write-offs. These facts and circumstances may vary and may include, but are not limited to, (i) the underlying collateral performance and/or value, (ii) communications with the borrower, (iii) compliance with debt covenants, (iv) events of default by the borrower, or (v) other facts that impact the borrower’s ability to pay the contractual amounts due under the terms of the loan.
If management considers a loan to be impaired, management establishes an allowance forwrites off the loan losses, through a valuation provision in earnings, which reducescharge to "Allowance for credit losses" based on the carrying value of the loan to the
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s contractual effective rate or the fair value of the collateral, if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Significant judgment is required in determining impairment and in estimating the resulting credit loss allowance, and actual losses, if any, could materially differ from those estimates.
Management considers loans to be past due when a monthly payment is due and unpaid for 60 days or more. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status and considered non-performing when full payment of principal and interest is in doubt, which generally occurs when principal or interest is 12090 days or more past due unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection.collection, or when repayment of interest and principal is, in management's judgment, in doubt. Interest received on loans placed on nonaccrual status may be accounted for under the cost-recovery method under certain circumstances, whereby interest collected on a loan is a reduction to its amortized cost. Management may return a loan to accrual status when repayment of principal and interest is reasonably assured under theassured.
In certain circumstances, KREF may also modify terms of the restructured loan. Asa loan agreement to accommodate a borrower experiencing financial difficulty. Such modifications typically include interest rate reductions, payment extension and modification of December 31, 2017, KREF did not hold any loans that management placed on nonaccrual status or otherwise considered past due.loan covenants.
In addition toconjunction with reviewing commercial mortgagereal estate loans held-for-investment for impairment, managementthe Manager evaluates KREF's commercial mortgagereal estate loans to determine if an allowance for loan loss should be established. In conjunction with this review, managementat least once per quarter, assesses the risk factors of each loan, and assigns a risk rating based on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, underlying real estate performance, and asset value, values of comparable properties, durability and quality of property cash flows, sponsor experience and financial wherewithal, and the existence of a risk-mitigating loan structure. Additional key considerations include loan-to-value ratios, debt service coverage ratios, loan structure, real estate and credit market dynamics, and risk of default or principal loss. Based on a five-point scale, KREF's loans are rated "1" through "5," from less risk to greater risk, which ratings are defined as follows:
1—Very 1 (Very Low Risk—The underlying property performance has surpassed underwritten expectations, and the sponsor’s business plan is generally complete. The property demonstrates stabilized occupancy and/or rental rates resulting in strong current cash flow and/or a very low loan-to-value ratio (<65%). At the level of performance, it is very likely that the underlying loan can be refinanced easily in the period’s prevailing capital market conditions.
2—Low Risk—The underlying property performance has matched or exceeded underwritten expectations, and the sponsor’s business plan may be ahead of schedule or has achieved some or many of the major milestones from a risk mitigation perspective. The property has achieved improving occupancy at market rents, resulting in sufficient current cash flow and/or a low loan-to-value ratio (65%-70%). Operating trends are favorable, and the underlying loan can be refinanced in today’s prevailing capital market conditions. The sponsor/manager is well capitalized or has demonstrated a history of success in owning or operating similar real estate.
3—Average Risk—The underlying property performance is in-line with underwritten expectations, or the sponsor may be in the early stages of executing its business plan. Current cash flow supports debt service payments, or there is an ample interest reserve or loan structure in place to provide the sponsor time to execute the value-improvement plan. The property exhibits a moderate loan-to-value ratio (<75%). Loan structure appropriately mitigates additional risks. The sponsor/manager has a stable credit history and experience owning or operating similar real estate.
4—HighRisk); 2 (Low Risk); 3 (Medium Risk); 4 (High Risk/Potential for Loss: A loan that has a risk of realizing a principal loss. The underlying property performance is behind underwritten expectations, or the sponsor is behind schedule in executing its business plan. The underlying market fundamentals may have deteriorated, comparable property valuations may be declining or property occupancy has been volatile, resulting in current cash flow that may not support debt service payments. The loan exhibits a high loan-to-value ratio (>80%),Loss); and the loan covenants are unlikely to fully mitigate some risks. Interest payments may come from an interest reserve or sponsor equity.
5—Impaired/Loss Likely: A loan that has a very high risk of realizing a principal loss or has otherwise incurred a principal loss. The underlying property performance is significantly behind underwritten expectations, the sponsor has failed to execute its business plan and/or the sponsor has missed interest payments. The market fundamentals have deteriorated, or property performance has unexpectedly declined or valuations for comparable properties have declined meaningfully since loan origination. Current cash flow does not support debt service payments. With the current capital structure, the sponsor might not be incentivized to protect its equity without a restructuring of the loan. The loan exhibits a very high loan-to-value ratio (>90%), and default may be imminent.
As of December 31, 2017, the average risk rating of KREF's portfolio was 2.9 (Average Risk), weighted by investment carrying value, with 99.1% of commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment rated 3 (Average Risk) or better by the Manager. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, no investments were rated 5 (Impaired/Loss Likely).
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Commercial MortgageReal Estate Loans, Held-For-Sale — For commercial mortgagereal estate loans held-for-sale, KREF applies the lower of cost or fair value accounting and may be required, from time to time, to record a nonrecurring fair value adjustment.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Accrued Interest Receivables— KREF elected not to measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivables. KREF generally writes off an accrued interest receivable balance when interest is 90 days or more past due unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. Write-offs of accrued interest receivable are recognized as “Provision for (reversal of) credit losses, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Tenant Receivables — KREF periodically reviews its REO tenant receivables for collectability, taking into consideration changes in factors such as the tenant’s payment history, the financial condition of the tenant, business conditions in the industry in which the tenant operates and economic conditions in the area where the property is located. Tenant receivables, including receivables arising from the straight-lining of rents, are written-off directly when management deems that the collectability of substantially all future lease payments from a specified lease is not probable, at which point, KREF will begin recognizing revenue on a cash basis, based on actual amounts received. Any receivables that are deemed to be uncollectible are recognized as a reduction to “Revenue from real estate owned operations” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Interest Expense — ManagementKREF expenses contractual interest due in accordance with KREF's financing agreements as incurred.
Deferred Debt Issuance Costs — ManagementKREF capitalizes and amortizes deferred debt facilityfinancing costs incurred when entering repurchase agreementsin connection with financing arrangements over their respective expected term using the interest method, or on a straight-linestraight line basis overwhen it approximates the expected term of the facility and incremental costs incurred when KREF draws on those facilities using the effective interest method over the expected term of the draw.method. KREF presents such expensed amounts, as well as deferred amounts written off, as additional interest expense in its Consolidated Statements of Income.
General and Administrative Expenses — ManagementKREF expenses general and administrative costs, including legal diligence and audit fees; information technology costs;fees, insurance premiums;premiums, and other costs as incurred.
Management and Incentive Compensation to Affiliate — ManagementKREF expenses management fees and incentive compensation earned by the Manager on a quarterly basis in accordance with the Management Agreement (Note 10)14).
Income Taxes — Certain activities of KREF are conducted through joint ventures that are formed as limited liability companies, taxed as partnerships, and consolidated by KREF. Some of these joint ventures are subject to state and local income taxes, based on the tax jurisdictions in which they operate. In addition, certain activities of KREF are conducted through taxable REIT subsidiaries consolidated by KREF. Taxable REIT subsidiaries are subject to federal, state and local income taxes (Note 12)16).
As of December 31, 20172023 and December 31, 2016,2022, KREF did not have any material deferred tax assets or liabilities arising from future tax consequences attributable to differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities in accordance with GAAP and their respective tax bases.
KREF recognizes tax benefits for uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the position is sustainable based on its technical merits. Interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions are included as a component of the provision for income taxes in KREF's Consolidated Statements of Income. As of December 31, 2017,2023, KREF did not have any material uncertain tax positions.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014,
KREF's stock-based compensation consists of awards issued to employees of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")Manager or its affiliates that vest over the life of the awards, as well as restricted stock units issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenuesto certain members of KREF's board of directors. KREF recognizes the compensation cost of stock-based awards to its directors and employees of the Manager or its affiliates on a straight-line basis over the awards’ term at their grant date fair value. Certain stock-based awards are entitled to nonforfeitable dividends, at the same rate as those declared on the common stock, during the vesting period. Such nonforteitable dividends are deducted from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers"Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit)" in an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under current guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. The ASU is effective for KREF in the first quarter of 2018. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified approach to adopt the guidance in the ASU. KREF expects to apply ASU 2014-09 using a modified approach, but does not expect the adoption of this new guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. KREF accounts for forfeitures as they occur. Refer to Note 11 for additional information.
In January 2016,
KREF calculates basic earnings per share ("EPS") using the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, two-class method, which defines unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends as participating securities. The two-class method is an allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each share of common stock and participating securities according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under this method, all earnings (distributed and undistributed) are allocated to
Table of ContentsFinancial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10) - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The standard: (i) requires that certain equity investments be measured at fair value, and modifies the assessment of impairment for certain other equity investments, (ii) changes certain disclosure requirements related to the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost, (iii) changes certain disclosure requirements related to liabilities measured at fair value, (iv) requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset, and (v) clarifies that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. ASU No. 2016-01 is effective for KREF in the first quarter of 2018. Early adoption is permitted subject to certain application guidance. An entity should apply ASU No. 2016-01 by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. KREF does not expect the adoption of this new guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. The standard amends the existing credit loss model to reflect a reporting entity's current estimate of all expected credit losses and requires a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at a net amount expected to be collected through deduction of an allowance for credit losses from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s). ASU No. 2016-13 is effective
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
On January 1, 2022, KREF adopted ASU No. 2020-06, Debt — Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity, which requires KREF to include convertible instruments in the diluted EPS calculation, regardless of a company's intent and ability to settle such debt in cash. As of December 31, 2023, KREF had no outstanding convertible instruments and, as a result, no potentially issuable shares related to convertible instruments have been included in the dilutive EPS calculations for year ended December 31, 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2022, 6,316,174 potentially issuable shares related to the Convertible Notes were excluded from the calculation of dilutive EPS as the effect was anti-dilutive.
KREF presents diluted EPS under the more dilutive of the treasury stock and if-converted methods or the two-class method. Under the treasury stock and if-converted methods, the denominator includes weighted average common stock outstanding plus the incremental dilutive shares issuable from restricted stock units and an assumed conversion of convertible instruments. The numerator includes any changes in income (loss) attributable to common stockholders that would result from the assumed conversion of these potential shares of common stock. Refer to Note 12 for additional discussion of earnings per share.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the US GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens of the expected market transition from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. The guidance is effective upon issuance and generally may be elected over time through December 31, 2024, as extended under ASU No. 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848. KREF has not adopted any of the optional expedients or exceptions through December 31, 2023, but will continue to evaluate the possible adoption of any such expedients or exceptions during the effective period as circumstances evolve.
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-02, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures, which eliminates the recognition and measurement guidance for a troubled debt restructuring for creditors that have adopted CECL and requires public business entities to present gross write-offs by year of origination in their vintage disclosures. On January 1, 2023, KREF adopted ASU 2022-02 on a prospective basis and the adoption had no significant impact on KREF's consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires a public entity to disclose significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis and to provide in interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually. Public entities with a single reportable segment are required to provide the new disclosures and all the disclosures required under ASC 280. The guidance is effective for KREF in the first quarter of 2020. Early adoptionits 2024 annual reporting. The guidance is permitted beginningapplied retrospectively to all periods presented in the first quarter of 2019.financial statements, unless it is impracticable. KREF is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on its consolidated financial statements.
The FASB has recently issued or discussed a number of proposed standards on such topics as consolidation, financial statement presentation, financial instruments, share-based payments and hedging. Some of the proposed changes are significant and could have a material impact on KREF’s reporting. KREF has not yet fully evaluated the potential impact of these proposals, but will make such an evaluation as the standards are finalized.ASU 2023-07.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 3. Commercial MortgageReal Estate Loans
KREF recognizes its investments in commercial mortgage loans based on management's intent, and KREF's ability, to hold those investments through their contractual maturity. Management classifies those loans that management does not intend to sell in the foreseeable future, and KREF is able to hold until maturity, as held-for-investment. Management classifies remaining loans as held-for-sale. See Note 2 for additional information regarding KREF's accounting for its investments in commercial mortgage loans. The following table summarizes KREF's investments in commercial mortgagereal estate loans as of December 31, 20172023 and2022:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Weighted Average(C) |
| Loan Type | | Outstanding Principal | | Amortized Cost(A) | | Carrying Value(B) | | Loan Count | | Floating Rate Loan % | | Coupon(D) | | Life (Years)(E) |
| December 31, 2023 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans held-for-investment(F) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Senior loans(G) | | $ | 7,324,758 | | | $ | 7,298,844 | | | $ | 7,089,930 | | | 67 | | | 98.9 | % | | 8.7 | % | | 2.7 |
| Mezzanine loans | | 44,667 | | | 44,704 | | | 43,148 | | | 2 | | | 100.0 | | | 14.1 | | | 2.1 |
| Total/Weighted Average | | $ | 7,369,425 | | | $ | 7,343,548 | | | $ | 7,133,078 | | | 69 | | | 98.9 | % | | 8.7 | % | | 2.7 |
| December 31, 2022 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans held-for-investment(F) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Senior loans(G) | | $ | 7,463,459 | | | $ | 7,395,463 | | | $ | 7,288,635 | | | 73 | | | 100.0 | % | | 7.7 | % | | 3.3 |
Mezzanine and other loans(H) | | 98,933 | | | 98,675 | | | 98,529 | | | 3 | | | 100.0 | | | 15.0 | | | 3.0 |
| Total/Weighted Average | | $ | 7,562,392 | | | $ | 7,494,138 | | | $ | 7,387,164 | | | 76 | | | 100.0 | % | | 7.8 | % | | 3.3 |
(A) Amortized cost represents the outstanding principal of loan, net of applicable unamortized discounts, loan origination fees, cost recovery interest and write-offs on uncollectible loan balances.
(B) Carrying value represents the amortized cost of loan, net of applicable allowance for credit losses.
(C) Average weighted by outstanding loan principal.
(D) Weighted average coupon assumes the greater of applicable index rate, including one-month Term SOFR and LIBOR, or the applicable contractual rate floor. Excludes loans accounted for under the cost recovery method.
(E) The weighted average life assumes all extension options are exercised by the borrowers.
(F) Excludes three fully written off risk-rated 5 loans with a combined outstanding principal balance of $45.5 million as of December 31, 2016:2023. Excludes one fully written off risk-rated 5 mezzanine loan with an outstanding principal balance of $5.5 million as of December 31, 2022.
(G) Senior loans may include accommodation mezzanine loans in connection with the senior mortgage financing.
(H) Includes one real estate corporate loan to a multifamily operator with a principal and a carrying value of $40.4 million and $40.1 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2022. This loan was fully repaid during the first quarter of 2023.
Activity — For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the loan portfolio activity was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Amortized Cost | | Allowance for
Credit Losses | | Carrying Value |
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | 6,316,733 | | | $ | (22,244) | | | $ | 6,294,489 | |
Originations and future fundings, net(A) | 2,419,733 | | | — | | | 2,419,733 | |
| Proceeds from sales and loan repayments | (1,244,262) | | | — | | | (1,244,262) | |
| Accretion of loan discount and other amortization, net | 25,064 | | | — | | | 25,064 | |
| Payment-in-kind interest | 1,870 | | | — | | | 1,870 | |
| (Provision for) Reversal of credit losses | — | | | (109,730) | | | (109,730) | |
Write-offs charged(B) | (25,000) | | | 25,000 | | | — | |
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | 7,494,138 | | | $ | (106,974) | | | $ | 7,387,164 | |
Originations and future fundings, net(A)(C) | 876,726 | | | — | | | 876,726 | |
Proceeds from loan repayments and cost recovery interest(C)(D) | (890,785) | | | — | | | (890,785) | |
| Accretion of loan discount and other amortization, net | 23,597 | | | — | | | 23,597 | |
| | | | | |
| (Provision for) Reversal of credit losses | — | | | (177,202) | | | (177,202) | |
Write-offs charged(B) | (73,706) | | | 73,706 | | | — | |
| Transfer to real estate owned | (86,422) | | | — | | | (86,422) | |
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | 7,343,548 | | | $ | (210,470) | | | $ | 7,133,078 | |
(A) Net of applicable premiums, discounts and deferred loan origination costs. Includes fundings on previously originated loans.
(B) Includes a $58.7 million write-off on a defaulted senior loan upon deed-in-lieu of foreclosure during the three months ended December 31, 2023, and a $15.0 million write-off of a subordinated loan during the three months ended September 30, 2023. Includes a $25.0 million partial write-off of a defaulted senior loan during the year ended December 31, 2022.
(C) Includes $199.4 million of amortized cost for loan modifications accounted for as new loans for GAAP purposes.
(D) Includes $9.8 million of cost recovery interest collections applied as a reduction to loan amortized cost during the year ended December 31, 2023.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | Weighted Average |
| Loan Type | | Outstanding Face Amount | | Carrying Value | | Loan Count | | Floating Rate Loan %(A) | | Coupon(A) | | Life (Years)(B) |
| December 31, 2017 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Loans held-for-investment | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Senior loans(C) | | $ | 1,794,963 |
| | $ | 1,782,054 |
| | 18 |
| | 100.0 | % | | 5.8 | % | | 3.7 |
Mezzanine loans(D) | | 106,730 |
| | 106,456 |
| | 10 |
| | 75.4 |
| | 11.3 |
| | 3.7 |
| | | $ | 1,901,693 |
| | $ | 1,888,510 |
| | 28 |
| | 98.6 | % | | 6.1 | % | | 3.7 |
| December 31, 2016 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Loans held-for-investment | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Senior loans | | $ | 625,638 |
| | $ | 618,779 |
| | 7 |
| | 100.0 | % | | 4.4 | % | | 4.1 |
| Mezzanine loans | | 55,932 |
| | 55,817 |
| | 3 |
| | 100.0 |
| | 9.5 |
| | 2.9 |
| | | 681,570 |
| | 674,596 |
| | 10 |
| | 100.0 |
| | 4.8 |
| | 4.0 |
| Loans held-for-sale | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Mezzanine loans | | 26,230 |
| | 26,230 |
| | 6 |
| | — |
| | 10.6 |
| | 6.5 |
| | | 26,230 |
| | 26,230 |
| | 6 |
| | — |
| | 10.6 |
| | 6.5 |
| | | $ | 707,800 |
| | $ | 700,826 |
| | 16 |
| | 96.3 | % | | 5.0 | % | | 4.1 |
| |
(A) | Average weighted by outstanding face amount of loan. Weighted average coupon assumes applicable one-month LIBOR rates of 1.56% and 0.78% as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. |
| |
(B) | The weighted average life of each loan is based on the expected timing of the receipt of contractual cash flows. |
| |
(C) | Includes loan participations sold with a face amount of $82.0 million and a carrying value of $81.5 million as of December 31, 2017. |
| |
(D) | A joint venture consolidated as a VIE in which a third party owns a 5.0% redeemable noncontrolling interest (Note 7) holds seven commercial mezzanine loans, held-for-investment, with a $61.2 million outstanding face amount and carrying value as of December 31, 2017. |
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there was $20.8 million and $43.3 million, respectively, of unamortized origination discounts and deferred fees included in "Commercial real estate loans, held-for-investment, net" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the year ended December 31, 2023, KREF recognized prepayment fee income of $3.0 million and net accelerated fee income of $1.9 million, relating to loan repayments.During the year ended December 31, 2022, KREF recognized prepayment fee income of $9.6 million and net accelerated fee income of $1.8 million.
KREF may enter into loan modifications that include, among other changes, incremental capital contributions or partial repayments from certain borrowers, repurposing of reserves, and a temporary partial deferral for a portion of the coupon as payment-in-kind interest (“PIK Interest”) due, which is capitalized, compounded, and added to the outstanding principal balance of the respective loans.
In January 2023, KREF completed the modification of a risk-rated 5 senior office loan located in Philadelphia, PA, with an outstanding principal balance of $161.0 million. The terms of the modification included, among others, a $25.0 million principal repayment and a restructure of the $136.0 million senior loan (after the $25.0 million repayment) into (i) a $116.5 million committed senior mortgage loan (with $5.5 million in unfunded commitment) and (ii) a $25.0 million junior mezzanine note. The restructured senior loan earns a coupon rate of S+2.75% and has a new term of up to four years, assuming all extension options are exercised. The $25.0 million junior mezzanine note is subordinate to a new $41.5 million committed senior mezzanine note held by the sponsor (with $16.5 million in unfunded commitment). As of December 31, 2022, $25.0 million of the loan was deemed uncollectible and written off, which was applied to the junior mezzanine note upon completion of the modification. This loan modification was accounted for as a new loan for GAAP purposes. The restructured senior loan with an outstanding principal balance of $114.3 million was risk-rated 3 as of December 31, 2023.
In June 2023, KREF completed the modification of a risk-rated 4 senior multifamily loan located in West Hollywood, CA, with an outstanding principal balance of $102.0 million as of March 31, 2023. The terms of the modification included, among others, an additional borrower deposit in escrow in exchange for an upsize in the loan commitment structured as (i) an accompanying senior mezzanine note with a commitment of $4.2 million, at a fixed interest rate of 10.0%, and (ii) an accompanying junior mezzanine note with a commitment of $0.8 million, at a fixed interest rate of 10.0% with certain profit share provisions, as defined in the loan agreement. As of December 31, 2023, the senior mezzanine note had an outstanding principal balance of $2.3 million, while the junior mezzanine note was fully funded. The restructured whole loan with an outstanding principal balance of $105.1 million was risk-rated 4 as of December 31, 2023.
In June 2023, KREF completed the modification of a risk-rated 5 senior office loan located in Minneapolis, MN, with an outstanding principal balance of $194.4 million as of March 31, 2023. The terms of the modification included, among others, a restructure of the $194.4 million senior loan into (i) a $120.0 million senior mortgage loan (fully funded) and (ii) a $79.4 million mezzanine note (with $5.0 million in unfunded commitment). The restructured senior loan earns a coupon rate of S+2.25% and the mezzanine note earns a fixed 4.5% PIK interest rate. Post modification, the whole loan’s maximum maturity is July 2025, assuming all extension options are exercised. The restructured whole loan with an outstanding principal balance of $194.4 million was risk-rated 5 as of December 31, 2023.
In September 2023, KREF completed the modification of a risk-rated 4 senior office loan located in Chicago, IL, with an outstanding principal balance of $118.4 million. The terms of the modification included, among others, a $15.0 million principal repayment, a $15.0 million reduction in unfunded loan commitment, and a restructure of the $103.4 million senior loan (after the $15.0 million repayment) into (i) a $105.0 million committed senior mortgage loan (with $16.6 million in unfunded commitment) and (ii) a $15.0 million subordinated note. The restructured senior loan earns a coupon rate of S+2.25% and has a new term of five years. The $15.0 million subordinated note is subordinate to a new $18.5 million sponsor interest and was deemed uncollectible and written off. This loan modification was accounted for as a new loan for GAAP purposes. The restructured senior loan with an outstanding principal balance of $88.4 million was risk-rated 3 as of December 31, 2023.
Loan Risk Ratings — As further described in Note 2, our Manager evaluates KREF's commercial real estate loan portfolio at least once per quarter. In conjunction with its commercial real estate loan portfolio review, KREF's Manager assesses the risk factors of each loan and assigns a risk rating based on a variety of factors. Loans are rated “1” (Very Low Risk) through “5” Impaired/Loss Likely), which ratings are defined in Note 2.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
The following tables summarize the carrying value of the loan portfolio based on KREF's internal risk ratings:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2023 | | | | December 31, 2022 |
| Risk Rating | | Number of Loans(A) | | Carrying Value | | Total Loan Exposure(B) | | Total Loan Exposure %* | | | | Number of Loans(A) | | Carrying Value | | Total Loan Exposure(B) | | Total Loan Exposure %* |
| 1 | | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | — | % | | | | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | — | % |
| 2 | | 2 | | | 19,392 | | | 57,925 | | | 1 | | | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| 3 | | 60 | | | 6,493,506 | | | 6,511,894 | | | 86 | | | | | 70 | | | 6,560,166 | | | 6,864,941 | | | 88 | |
| 4 | | 4 | | | 325,286 | | | 476,112 | | | 6 | | | | | 3 | | | 443,957 | | | 446,322 | | | 6 | |
| 5 | | 3 | | | 505,364 | | | 512,105 | | | 7 | | | | | 3 | | | 490,015 | | | 489,214 | | | 6 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total loan receivable | | 69 | | | $ | 7,343,548 | | | $ | 7,558,036 | | | 100 | % | | | | 76 | | | $ | 7,494,138 | | | $ | 7,800,477 | | | 100 | % |
| Allowance for credit losses | | (210,470) | | | | | | | | | | | (106,974) | | | | | |
| Loan receivable, net | | | | $ | 7,133,078 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 7,387,164 | | | | | |
*Numbers presented may not foot due to rounding.
(A) Excludes three fully written off risk-rated 5 loans with a combined outstanding principal balance of $45.5 million as of December 31, 2023. Excludes a fully written off risk-rated 5 loan with an outstanding principal balance of $5.5 million as of December 31, 2022.
(B) In certain instances, KREF finances its loans through the non-recourse sale of a senior interest that is not included in the consolidated financial statements. Total loan exposure includes the entire loan KREF originated and financed, including $188.6 million and $263.1 million of such non-consolidated interests as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
As of December 31, 2023, the average risk rating of KREF's portfolio was 3.2, weighted by total loan exposure, consistent with that as of December 31, 2022.
Loan Vintage — The following tables present the amortized cost of the loan portfolio by KREF's internal risk rating and year of origination. The risk ratings are updated as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 in the corresponding table.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2023 |
| | | | | | Amortized Cost by Year of Origination(A) | | |
| Risk Rating | | Number of Loans(B) | | Outstanding Principal(B) | | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | Prior | | Total | | |
| Commercial Real Estate Loans | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 1 | | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | |
| 2 | | 2 | | | 19,314 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 19,392 | | | — | | | — | | | 19,392 | | | |
| 3 | | 60 | | | 6,511,894 | | | 203,576 | | | 1,953,866 | | | 3,323,800 | | | 217,375 | | | 517,491 | | | 277,398 | | | 6,493,506 | | | |
| 4 | | 4 | | | 326,112 | | | — | | | 184,539 | | | 140,748 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 325,286 | | | |
| 5 | | 3 | | | 512,105 | | | — | | | — | | | 315,240 | | | — | | | — | | | 190,123 | | | 505,364 | | | |
| | 69 | | | $ | 7,369,425 | | | $ | 203,576 | | | $ | 2,138,405 | | | $ | 3,779,788 | | | $ | 236,767 | | | $ | 517,491 | | | $ | 467,521 | | | $ | 7,343,548 | | | |
| Current period gross write-offs | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 73,706 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 73,706 | | | |
(A) Represents the date a loan was originated or acquired. Origination dates are subsequently updated to reflect material loan modifications.
(B) Excludes three fully written off risk-rated 5 loans with a combined outstanding principal balance of $45.5 million.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2022 |
| | | | | | Amortized Cost by Year of Origination | | |
| Risk Rating | | Number of Loans(A) | | Outstanding Principal(A) | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 | | Prior | | Total | | |
| Commercial Real Estate Loans | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 1 | | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | |
| 2 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | |
| 3 | | 70 | | | 6,601,856 | | | 1,812,576 | | | 3,594,235 | | | 353,506 | | | 472,125 | | | 307,582 | | | 20,142 | | | 6,560,166 | | | |
| 4 | | 3 | | | 446,322 | | | 101,469 | | | 193,883 | | | — | | | 148,605 | | | — | | | — | | | 443,957 | | | |
| 5 | | 3 | | | 514,214 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 158,698 | | | 136,825 | | | 194,492 | | | 490,015 | | | |
| | 76 | | | $ | 7,562,392 | | | $ | 1,914,045 | | | $ | 3,788,118 | | | $ | 353,506 | | | $ | 779,428 | | | $ | 444,407 | | | $ | 214,634 | | | $ | 7,494,138 | | | |
| Current period gross write-offs | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 25,000 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 25,000 | | | |
(A) Excludes a fully written off risk-rated 5 loan with an outstanding principal balance of $5.5 million.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Allowance for Credit Losses — The following tables present the changes to the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Commercial
Real Estate Loans | | Unfunded Loan Commitments | | Total |
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | | $ | 22,244 | | | $ | 1,495 | | | $ | 23,739 | |
| Provision for (reversal of) credit losses, net | | 109,730 | | | 2,643 | | | 112,373 | |
| Write-offs charged | | (25,000) | | | — | | | (25,000) | |
| | | | | | |
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | | $ | 106,974 | | | $ | 4,138 | | | $ | 111,112 | |
| Provision for (reversal of) credit losses, net | | 177,202 | | | (2,086) | | | 175,116 | |
| Write-offs charged | | (73,706) | | | — | | | (73,706) | |
| | | | | | |
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | | $ | 210,470 | | | $ | 2,052 | | | $ | 212,522 | |
As of December 31, 2023, the allowance for credit losses was $212.5 million. The CECL provision of $175.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily due to additional reserves on risk-rated 5 senior loan predominantly in the office sector, as well as macroeconomic conditions.
KREF had a risk-rated 5 senior office loan located in Mountain View, CA, originated in July 2021, with an outstanding principal balance of $200.9 million and an unfunded commitment of $49.1 million as of December 31, 2023. The loan had an amortized cost of $198.9 million as of December 31, 2023. The property is located in a challenged leasing market. In June 2023, this loan was placed on nonaccrual status and subsequent interest collections are accounted for under the cost recovery method. This loan's maximum maturity is August 2026, assuming all extension options are exercised. During the year ended December 31, 2023, KREF recognized $7.3 million of interest income on this loan. During the year ended December 31, 2023, an additional $0.8 million of contractual interest payments was received and applied as a reduction to the loan amortized cost under the cost recovery method of accounting.
KREF had a risk-rated 5 senior office loan located in Minneapolis, MN, originated in November 2017, with an outstanding principal balance of $194.4 million and an unfunded commitment of $5.0 million as of December 31, 2023. The loan had an amortized cost of $190.1 million as of December 31, 2023. The property is located in a challenged leasing market. In June 2023, KREF restructured the $194.4 million senior loan into (i) a $120.0 million senior mortgage loan (fully funded) and (ii) a $79.4 million mezzanine note (with $5.0 million in unfunded commitment). The restructured senior loan earns a coupon rate of S+2.25% and the mezzanine note earns a fixed 4.5% PIK interest rate. Post modification, the whole loan’s maximum maturity is July 2025, assuming all extension options are exercised. During the year ended December 31, 2023, KREF recognized $7.9 million of interest income on this loan. During the year ended December 31, 2023, an additional $4.3 million of contractual interest payments was received and applied as a reduction to the loan amortized cost under the cost recovery method of accounting. Beginning in June 2023, the senior loan was solely on nonaccrual status.
KREF had a risk-rated 5 senior life science loan located in Seattle, WA, originated in October 2021, with an outstanding principal balance of $116.8 million and an unfunded commitment of $23.5 million as of December 31, 2023. The loan had an amortized cost of $116.3 million as of December 31, 2023. The property is located in a challenged leasing market. In December 2023, this loan was placed on nonaccrual status and subsequent interest collections are accounted for under the cost recovery method. This loan's maximum maturity is October 2026, assuming all extension options are exercised. During the year ended December 31, 2023, KREF recognized $9.2 million of interest income on this loan.
The 5-rated loans were determined to be collateral dependent as of December 31, 2023. KREF estimated expected losses based on each loan’s collateral fair value, which was determined by applying a capitalization rate between 7.0% and 8.7% and a discount rate between 9.0% and 12.0%, respectively.
As of December 31, 2022, the allowance for credit losses was $111.1 million. The CECL provision of $112.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily due to increased uncertainty in the macroeconomic outlook, as well as volatility and reduced liquidity in the office sector.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Concentration of Credit Risk — The following tables present the geographies and property types of collateral underlying KREF's commercial mortgagereal estate loans as a percentage of the loans' carrying values, net of noncontrolling interests:principal amounts:
Loans Held-for-Investment
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2017 | | December 31, 2016 | | | | December 31, 2017 | | December 31, 2016 |
| Geography | |
| | Collateral Property Type | |
|
| New York | | 29.3 | % | | 25.9 | % | | Office | | 41.7 | % | | 39.2 | % |
| California | | 14.9 |
| | 20.3 |
| | Multifamily | | 24.7 |
| | 8.8 |
|
| Georgia | | 11.0 |
| | 9.8 |
| | Retail | | 13.8 |
| | 37.2 |
|
| New Jersey | | 7.1 |
| | — |
| | Condo (Residential) | | 10.8 |
| | — |
|
| Minnesota | | 7.0 |
| | — |
| | Industrial | | 6.8 |
| | 9.8 |
|
| Oregon | | 6.3 |
| | 17.6 |
| | Hospitality | | 2.2 |
| | 5.0 |
|
| Hawaii | | 5.3 |
| | — |
| | Total | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % |
| Colorado | | 5.1 |
| | — |
| | | | | | |
| Washington D.C. | | 4.2 |
| | 10.6 |
| | | | | | |
| Texas | | 3.4 |
| | — |
| | | | | | |
| Tennessee | | 2.8 |
| | 7.9 |
| |
| |
| |
|
| Florida | | 2.2 |
| | 5.1 |
| |
| |
| |
|
| Illinois | | 0.9 |
| | 2.4 |
| |
| |
| |
|
| South Carolina | | — |
| | 0.2 |
| |
| |
| |
|
| Alabama | | — |
| | 0.2 |
| | | | | | |
| Other U.S. | | 0.5 |
| | — |
| |
| |
| |
|
| Total | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | |
| |
| |
|
Loans Held-for-Sale
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2017 | | December 31, 2016 | | | | December 31, 2017 | | December 31, 2016 |
| Geography | |
| | Collateral Property Type | |
|
| Florida | | — | % | | 30.5 | % | | Multifamily | | — | % | | 32.2 | % |
| California | | — |
| | 21.2 |
| | Hospitality | | — |
| | 30.5 |
|
| Michigan | | — |
| | 16.3 |
| | Retail | | — |
| | 21.0 |
|
| Texas | | — |
| | 11.1 |
| | Office | | — |
| | 16.3 |
|
| Iowa | | — |
| | 8.9 |
| | Total | | — | % | | 100.0 | % |
| Illinois | | — |
| | 5.9 |
| | | | | | |
| Oklahoma | | — |
| | 3.9 |
| | | | | | |
| Missouri | | — |
| | 2.2 |
| | | | | | |
| Total | | — | % | | 100.0 | % | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022(A) | | | | December 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 | | | | |
| Geography | | | | Collateral Property Type | | | | | | |
| California | | 17.7 | % | | 16.9 | % | | Multifamily | | 41.9 | % | | 46.8 | % | | | | |
| Texas | | 15.3 | | | 16.1 | | | Office | | 22.2 | | | 23.0 | | | | | |
| Massachusetts | | 10.4 | | | 8.3 | | | Industrial | | 14.5 | | | 12.7 | | | | | |
| Florida | | 8.7 | | | 11.1 | | | Life Science | | 10.2 | | | 7.7 | | | | | |
| Virginia | | 7.7 | | | 8.4 | | | Hospitality | | 5.0 | | | 4.8 | | | | | |
| Washington D.C. | | 6.3 | | | 5.9 | | | Condo (Residential) | | 2.0 | | | 2.6 | | | | | |
| New York | | 6.1 | | | 5.6 | | | Self-Storage | | 1.7 | | | 0.3 | | | | | |
| Washington | | 4.2 | | | 2.9 | | | Student Housing | | 1.5 | | | 1.5 | | | | | |
| North Carolina | | 4.1 | | | 4.0 | | | Single Family Rental | | 0.9 | | | 0.5 | | | | | |
| Pennsylvania | | 3.5 | | | 5.7 | | | Retail | | 0.1 | | | 0.1 | | | | | |
| Arizona | | 3.3 | | | 2.6 | | | Total | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | | | |
| Georgia | | 2.7 | | | 2.5 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Minnesota | | 2.6 | | | 2.7 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nevada | | 2.1 | | | 2.0 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Illinois | | 1.4 | | | 1.6 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Colorado | | 1.1 | | | 1.0 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Other U.S. | | 2.8 | | | 2.7 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | | | | | | | | | |
Activities
— Activities related
(A) Excludes one real estate corporate loan to the carrying valuea multifamily operator with an outstanding principal amount of $40.4 million, representing 0.5% of KREF’s commercial mortgagereal estate loans, were as follows:of December 31, 2022. This loan was fully repaid during the first quarter of 2023.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Held-for-Investment | | Held-for-Sale | | Total |
| Balance at December 31, 2015 | | $ | 290,128 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 290,128 |
|
Purchases and originations, net(A) | | 448,344 |
| | — |
| | 448,344 |
|
Transfer to held-for-sale(B) | | (57,490 | ) | | 57,490 |
| | — |
|
| Proceeds from principal repayments | | (7,398 | ) | | (5 | ) | | (7,403 | ) |
| Proceeds from principal repaid upon loan sale | | — |
| | (31,264 | ) | | (31,264 | ) |
Accretion of loan discount and other amortization, net(C) | | 1,012 |
| | 9 |
| | 1,021 |
|
| Balance at December 31, 2016 | | $ | 674,596 |
| | $ | 26,230 |
| | $ | 700,826 |
|
Purchases and originations, net(A) | | 1,201,778 |
| | 91,475 |
| | 1,293,253 |
|
Transfer to held-for-investment(B) | | 107,814 |
| | (107,814 | ) | | — |
|
Proceeds from principal repayments(D) | | (38,166 | ) | | — |
| | (38,166 | ) |
| Proceeds from principal repaid upon loan sale | | (60,991 | ) | | (10,000 | ) | | (70,991 | ) |
Accretion of loan discount and other amortization, net(C) | | 3,479 |
| | 109 |
| | 3,588 |
|
| Balance at December 31, 2017 | | $ | 1,888,510 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 1,888,510 |
|
| |
(B) | Non-cash transfer of commercial mortgage loans, as management no longer intends to sell, and has the ability to hold-to-maturity, the loans originally placed for sale as well as loan participations sold that did not qualify for sale treatment in accordance with GAAP. |
| |
(C) | Includes amortization and accretion of applicable premiums, discounts and deferred loan origination costs. |
| |
(D) | Includes $4.6 million of loan principal payments receivable from KREF's third-party servicer. |
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 4. Preferred InterestReal Estate Owned
As of December 31, 2023, REO assets and liabilities consisted of a retail property in Joint VenturePortland, OR and an office property in Philadelphia, PA.
DuringPortland Retail — In 2015, KREF investedoriginated a $177.0 million senior loan secured by a retail property in Portland, OR. In December 2021, KREF took title to the retail property. The transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition under ASC 805. Accordingly, KREF recognized the property on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as REO with a carrying value of $78.6 million, which included the estimated fair value of the property.
Concurrently with taking title to the REO, KREF contributed a portion of the REO asset with a carrying value of $68.9 million to a joint venture that(the "REO JV") with a third party local developer operator (“JV Partner”), whereby KREF has a 90% interest and the JV Partner has a 10% interest. In September 2023, the REO JV submitted a conceptual master plan to the City of Portland’s Bureau of Development Services in an application for a Design Advice Request (DAR) meeting with the City's Design Commission.
Philadelphia Office — In 2019, KREF originated a $182.6 million senior loan secured by an office property in Philadelphia, PA. In December 2022, this loan was placed on nonaccrual status and subsequent interest collections were accounted for under the cost recovery method. As of September 30, 2023, the loan had a risk rating of 5 with an amortized cost of $151.1 million. On December 22, 2023, KREF received a $6.0 million partial repayment and then took title to the office property through a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. The transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition under ASC 805. Accordingly, KREF recorded the property with its net assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet with an estimated fair value of $86.4 million, which included $1.3 million of cash received and $76.5 million, $24.6 million and $15.9 million allocated to REO held for sale, lease intangible and other assets, and leasing and other liabilities, respectively. As a result, KREF recognized a $58.7 million loan write-off for the difference between the carrying value of the foreclosed loan and the fair value of the REO’s net assets. As of December 31, 2023, the REO's assets and liabilities met the criteria to be classified as held for sale under ASC 360. As such, depreciation and amortization on the REO and related lease intangibles were suspended.
KREF assumed certain legacy lease arrangements upon the acquisition of the REO assets and entered into a lending agreement with an entity engaged inlease arrangements during the management of a multi-family tower. The consolidated joint venture classifies that lending agreement as a debt security held-to-maturity. See Note 2hold period. These arrangements entitle KREF to receive contractual rent payments during the lease periods and tenant reimbursements for additional information regarding KREF's accounting forcertain property operating expenses, including common area costs, insurance, utilities and real estate taxes. KREF elects the joint venture's investment treated as a debt security under GAAP.
During 2016, KREF invested an additional $12.0 million inpractical expedient to not separate the preferred interest for a total of $35.0 million.
In August 2017, the joint venture in which KREF invested received a redemption payment of $37.3 million, representing repaymentlease and non-lease components of the investment in full,rent payments and all redemption obligations were satisfied. KREF also received a guaranteed minimum return paymentaccounts for these lease arrangements as operating leases.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 5. Debt
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Real estate owned, held for investment | | | | |
| Assets | | | | |
| Real estate owned - land | | $ | 78,569 | | | $ | 78,569 | |
| Real estate owned - land improvements | | 3,522 | | | 1,662 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| Real estate owned, net | | 82,091 | | | 80,231 | |
| Cash | | 2,152 | | | 781 | |
In-place lease intangibles(A) | | 201 | | 268 |
Tenant receivables(A) | | 692 | | | 541 | |
Other assets(A) | | 1,256 | | | 1,304 | |
| Total | | $ | 86,392 | | | $ | 83,125 | |
| Liabilities | | | | |
Unfavorable lease intangibles(B) | | $ | 1,095 | | | $ | 1,460 | |
Other liabilities(B) | | 4,268 | | | 2,254 | |
| Total | | $ | 5,363 | | | $ | 3,714 | |
| | | | |
Real estate owned, held for sale(C) | | | | |
| Assets | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| Real estate owned, held for sale | | $ | 76,461 | | | $ | — | |
| | | | |
| In-place lease intangibles | | 15,928 | | — | |
| Favorable lease intangibles | | 3,885 | | | — | |
| Other assets | | 4,743 | | | — | |
| Total | | $ | 101,017 | | | $ | — | |
| Liabilities | | | | |
| Unfavorable lease intangibles | | $ | 1,087 | | | $ | — | |
| Other liabilities | | 14,796 | | | — | |
| Total | | $ | 15,883 | | | $ | — | |
(A) Included in “Other assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(B) Included in “Other liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(C) Represents assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of December 22, 2023.
The following table summarizes KREF's secured financing agreementspresents the REO operations and other consolidated debt obligationsrelated income (loss) included in place asKREF’s Consolidated Statements of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:Income:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | For the Year Ended December 31, |
| | | | | | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Rental income | | | | | | | $ | 7,038 | | | $ | 7,589 | |
| Other operating income | | | | | | | 1,507 | | | 1,382 | |
| Revenue from rest estate owned operations | | | | | | | 8,545 | | | 8,971 | |
| Expenses from real estate owned operations | | | | | | | (11,190) | | | (11,113) | |
| Other income | | | | | | | 1,722 | | | 1,382 | |
| Total | | | | | | | $ | (923) | | | $ | (760) | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2017 | | December 31, 2016 |
| | | Facility | | Collateral | | Facility |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | Weighted Average(B) | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | Month Issued | | Outstanding Face Amount | | Carrying Value(A) | | Maximum Facility Size | | Final Stated Maturity | | Funding Cost | | Life (Years) | | Outstanding Face Amount | | Amortized Cost Basis | | Carrying Value | | Weighted Average Life (Years)(C) | | Carrying Value(A) |
| Secured Financing Agreements | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Master Repurchase Agreements(D) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Wells Fargo(E) | | Oct 2015 | | $ | 485,250 |
| | $ | 482,146 |
| | $ | 750,000 |
| | Apr 2022 | | 3.8 | % | | 1.6 | | $ | 686,335 |
| | $ | 681,955 |
| | $ | 681,955 |
| | 3.8 | | $ | 262,883 |
|
Morgan Stanley(F) | | Dec 2016 | | 423,347 |
| | 421,904 |
| | 600,000 |
| | Dec 2021 | | 4.0 |
| | 2.0 | | 676,325 |
| | 671,422 |
| | 671,422 |
| | 3.6 | | 177,764 |
|
JPMorgan(G) | | Oct 2015 | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | n.a | | n.a. |
| | n.a. | | n.a. |
| | n.a. |
| | n.a. |
| | n.a. | | (1,503 | ) |
Goldman Sachs(H) | | Sep 2016 | | 60,750 |
| | 60,750 |
| | 400,000 |
| | Oct 2020 | | 3.6 |
| | 1.6 | | 81,000 |
| | 80,442 |
| | 80,442 |
| | 4.6 | | — |
|
| Revolving Credit Agreement | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Barclays(I) | | May 2017 | | — |
| | — |
| | 75,000 |
| | May 2020 | | 1.5 |
| | 0.0 | | n.a. |
| | n.a. |
| | n.a. |
| | n.a. | | n.a. |
|
| | | | | 969,347 |
| | 964,800 |
| | 1,825,000 |
| | | | 3.9 | % | | 1.7 | | | | | | | | | | 439,144 |
|
| VIE Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CMBS(J) | | Various | | 4,996,817 |
| | 5,256,926 |
| | n.a. |
| | Mar 2048 to Feb 2049 | | 4.3 | % | | 7.2 | | 5,305,976 |
| | n.a. |
| | 5,372,811 |
| | 7.2 | | 5,313,574 |
|
| | | | | 4,996,817 |
| | 5,256,926 |
| | n.a. |
| | | | 4.3 |
| | 7.2 | | | | | | | | | | 5,313,574 |
|
| Total / Weighted Average | | $ | 5,966,164 |
| | $ | 6,221,726 |
| | $ | 1,825,000 |
| | | | 4.2 | % | | 6.2 | | | | | | | | | | $ | 5,752,718 |
|
| |
(A) | Net of $4.5 million and $6.4 million unamortized debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. |
| |
(B) | Average weighted by the outstanding face amount of borrowings. |
| |
(C) | Average based on the fully extended loan maturity, weighted by the outstanding face amount of the collateral. |
| |
(D) | Borrowings under these repurchase agreements are collateralized by senior loans, held-for-investment, and bear interest equal to the sum of (i) a floating rate index, equal to one-month LIBOR, subject to certain floors of not less than zero, or an index approximating LIBOR, and (ii) a margin, based on the collateral. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the percentage of the outstanding face amount of the collateral sold and not borrowed under these repurchase agreements, or average "haircut" weighted by outstanding face amount of collateral, was 32.9% and 28.8%, respectively (or 27.3% and 25.9%, respectively, if KREF had borrowed the maximum amount approved by its repurchase agreement counterparties as of such dates). |
| |
(E) | In April 2017, KREF and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo") amended and restated the master repurchase agreement to extend the facility maturity date and to increase the maximum facility size from $500.0 million to $750.0 million. In September 2017, KREF and Wells Fargo amended the amended and restated repurchase agreement to make certain operational changes.The current stated maturity of the facility is April 2020, which does not reflect two, twelve-month facility term extensions available to KREF, which is contingent upon certain covenants and thresholds. As of December 31, 2017, the collateral-based margin was between 1.80% and 2.15%. |
| |
(F) | In November 2017, KREF and Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A. ("Morgan Stanley") amended and restated the master repurchase agreement to extend the facility maturity date and to increase the maximum facility size from $500.0 million to $600.0 million and, subject to customary conditions, permits KREF to request the facility be further increased to $750.0 million. The current stated maturity of the facility is December 2020, which does not reflect one, twelve-month facility term extension available to KREF, which is contingent upon certain covenants and thresholds and, even if such covenants and thresholds are satisfied, is at the sole discretion of Morgan Stanley. As of December 31, 2017, the collateral-based margin was between 2.00% and 2.45%. |
| |
(G) | In November 2017, KREF terminated the master repurchase facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association ("JP Morgan"). The negative carrying value at December 31, 2016 reflects unamortized debt issuance costs presented in KREF's Consolidated Balance Sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the recognized debt liability in accordance with ASU 2015-03,
Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.
|
| |
(H) | In November 2017, KREF and Goldman Sachs Bank USA ("Goldman Sachs") amended and restated the master repurchase agreement to extend the facility maturity date and to increase the maximum facility size from $250.0 million to $400.0 million. The amended and restated facility includes a $250.0 million term facility with a maturity date of October 2020 and a $150.0 million swingline facility with a revolving period of one year, and a three-year term on a per-asset basis as those assets are pledged to the facility. As of December 31, 2017, the carrying value excluded $0.8 million unamortized debt issuance costs presented as " — Other assets" in KREF's Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2017, the collateral-based margin was 2.00%. |
| |
(I) | In May 2017, KREF entered into a $75.0 million corporate secured revolving credit facility administered by Barclays Bank PLC ("Barclays "). The current stated maturity of the facility is May 2019, which does not reflect one, twelve-month facility term extension available to KREF at the discretion of Barclays. Borrowings under the facility bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the sum of (i) a floating rate index and (ii) a fixed margin. Amounts borrowed under this facility are 100% recourse to KREF. As of December 31, 2017, the carrying value excluded $1.2 million unamortized debt issuance costs presented as " — Other assets" in KREF's Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
| |
(J) | Facility amounts represent CMBS issued by five trusts that KREF consolidates, but that are not beneficially owned by KREF's stockholders. The facility and collateral carrying amounts included $18.7 million accrued interest payable and $19.7 million accrued interest receivable as of December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2016, the facility and collateral carrying amounts included $18.8 million accrued interest payable and $19.9 million accrued interest receivable. The final stated maturity date represents the rated final distribution date of CMBS issued by trusts that KREF consolidates, but that are not beneficially owned by KREF's stockholders. Refer to Note 7 for additional discussion of KREF's VIE assets and liabilities. |
The precedingfollowing table excludes loan participations sold (Note 6).presents the amortization of lease intangibles included in KREF’s Consolidated Statements of Income:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | For the Year Ended December 31, |
| | Income Statement Location | | | | | | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Asset | | | | | | | | | | | |
| In-place lease intangibles | | Expenses from real estate owned operations | | | | | | | $ | 67 | | | $ | 67 | |
| Liability | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Unfavorable lease intangibles | | Revenue from real estate owned operations | | | | | | | 365 | | | 365 | |
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
The following table presents the amortization of lease intangibles related to REO, held for investment for each of the succeeding fiscal years:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year | | In-place Lease Intangible Assets | | | | Unfavorable Lease Intangible Liabilities |
| | | | | | |
| 2024 | | 67 | | | | | 365 | |
| 2025 | | 67 | | | | | 365 | |
| 2026 | | 67 | | | | | 365 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Future Minimum Lease Payments — The following table presents the future minimum lease payments to be collected under non-cancelable operating leases, excluding tenant reimbursements of expenses:
| | | | | | | | |
| Year | | Contractual
Lease Payments |
| | |
| 2024 | | 11,731 | |
| 2025 | | 8,030 | |
| 2026 | | 6,211 | |
| 2027 | | 4,618 | |
| 2028 | | 3,237 | |
| Thereafter | | 5,067 | |
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 5. Debt Obligations
The following table summarizes KREF's secured master repurchase agreements and other financing arrangements in place as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2023 | | | | December 31, 2022 |
| | Facility | | | | Collateral | | | | Facility |
| | Current Maturity | | Final Stated Maturity(A) | | Maximum Facility Size | | Outstanding Principal | | Carrying Value(B) | | Weighted Average Funding Cost(C) | | | | Outstanding Principal | | | | Carrying Value | | | | Carrying Value(B) |
Master Repurchase Agreements(D) |
| Wells Fargo | | Sep 2024 | | Sep 2026 | | $ | 1,000,000 | | | $ | 646,559 | | | $ | 645,091 | | | 7.1 | % | | | | $ | 981,708 | | | | | $ | 891,969 | | | | | $ | 670,824 | |
| Morgan Stanley | | Mar 2026 | | Mar 2026 | | 600,000 | | | 483,339 | | | 483,055 | | | 7.6 | | | | | 730,304 | | | | | 684,371 | | | | | 593,136 | |
| Goldman Sachs | | Dec 2025 | | Dec 2027 | | 400,000 | | | 347,329 | | | 346,464 | | | 8.2 | | | | | 519,711 | | | | | 513,900 | | | | | 168,369 | |
| Term Loan Facility |
KREF Lending VII(E) | | Match-term | | Match-term | | 1,000,000 | | | 561,377 | | | 560,945 | | | 7.3 | | | | | 718,739 | | | | | 709,760 | | | | | 630,757 | |
| Term Lending Agreements |
| KREF Lending IX | | Match-term | | Match-term | | 1,000,000 | | | 696,605 | | | 693,458 | | | 7.7 | | | | | 872,516 | | | | | 862,127 | | | | | 719,000 | |
| KREF Lending V | | Jun 2024 | | Jun 2026 | | 327,399 | | | 327,399 | | | 327,163 | | | 7.5 | | | | | 459,844 | | | | | 441,846 | | | | | 502,539 | |
| KREF Lending XII | | Match-term | | Match-term | | 350,000 | | | 166,771 | | | 166,308 | | | 7.2 | | | | | 225,470 | | | | | 223,442 | | | | | 159,784 | |
| BMO Facility | | Match-term | | Match-term | | 300,000 | | | 138,615 | | | 137,752 | | | 7.4 | | | | | 179,601 | | | | | 178,557 | | | | | 137,170 | |
| Warehouse Facility |
| HSBC Facility | | Mar 2026 | | Mar 2026 | | 500,000 | | | — | | | (11) | | | — | | | | | — | | | | | — | | | | | — | |
| Asset Specific Financing |
| KREF Lending XIII | | Aug 2026 | | Aug 2027 | | 265,625 | | | 166,072 | | | 163,836 | | | 8.7 | | | | | 195,379 | | | | | 193,123 | | | | | 69,777 | |
| KREF Lending XIV | | Oct 2026 | | Oct 2027 | | 125,000 | | | — | | | (1,216) | | | — | | | | | — | | | | | (999) | | | | | (1,655) | |
| KREF Lending XI | | Sep 2024 | | Sep 2026 | | 100,000 | | | 100,000 | | | 99,574 | | | 8.7 | | | | | 125,000 | | | | | 123,947 | | | | | 98,990 | |
| Revolving Credit Agreement |
Revolver(F) | | Mar 2027 | | Mar 2027 | | 610,000 | | | 160,000 | | | 160,000 | | | 7.5 | | | | | n.a. | | | | n.a. | | | | — | |
| Total / Weighted Average | | | | | $ | 6,578,024 | | | $ | 3,794,066 | | | $ | 3,782,419 | | | 7.6 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 3,748,691 | |
(A) Final Stated Maturity is determined based on the maximum maturity of the underlying financing agreements or corresponding loans, assuming all extension options in KREF's discretion are exercised. The weighted average life of the match-term facilities was 1.2 and 3.0 years, based on the current and final stated maturities, respectively, of the average weighted outstanding principal of collateral loans as of December 31, 2023.
(B) Net of $11.6 million and $22.0 million unamortized deferred financing costs as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(C) Including deferred financing costs and applicable index in effect as of December 31, 2023. Average weighted by the outstanding principal of the collateral.
(D) Borrowings under these repurchase agreements are collateralized by senior loans, held-for-investment, and bear interest equal to the sum of (i) Term SOFR, and (ii) a financing spread. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the percentage of the outstanding principal of the collateral sold and not borrowed under these repurchase agreements, or average "haircut" weighted by outstanding principal of collateral, was 33.8% and 31.5%, respectively (or 32.2% and 25.6%, respectively, if KREF had borrowed the maximum amount approved by its repurchase agreement counterparties as of such dates).
(E) The term loan facility provides asset-based financing on a non-mark-to-market basis with match-term up to five years, with additional two-year extension available to KREF.
(F) As of December 31, 2023, the revolver carrying value excluded $3.7 million unamortized debt issuance costs presented within "Other assets" on KREF's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
As of December 31, 20172023 and December 31, 2016,2022, KREF had outstanding repurchase agreements and term lending agreements where the amount at risk with any individual counterparty, or group of related counterparties, exceeded 10.0% of KREF’s stockholders' equity. The amount at risk under repurchasethese agreements is the net counterparty exposure, defined as the excess of the carrying amount (or market value, if higher than the carrying amount)amount, for repurchase agreements) of the assets sold under agreement to repurchase, including accrued interest plus any cash or other assets on deposit to secure the repurchase obligation, over the amount of the repurchase liability, adjusted for accrued interest.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
The following table summarizes certain characteristics of KREF's repurchase agreements where the amount at risk with any individual counterparty, or group of related counterparties, exceeded 10.0% of KREF’s stockholders' equity as of December 31, 20172023 and 2022:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Outstanding Principal | | Net Counterparty Exposure | | Percent of Stockholders' Equity | | Weighted Average Life (Years)(A) |
| December 31, 2023 | | | | | | | | |
| Wells Fargo | | $ | 646,559 | | | $ | 248,891 | | | 17.7 | % | | 2.7 |
| Morgan Stanley | | 483,339 | | | 203,080 | | | 14.5 | | | 1.6 |
| KREF Lending IX | | 696,605 | | | 172,462 | | | 12.3 | | | 3.1 |
| Goldman Sachs | | 347,329 | | | 170,236 | | | 12.1 | | | 2.9 |
| Total / Weighted Average | | $ | 2,173,832 | | | $ | 794,669 | | | 56.6 | % | | 2.6 |
| December 31, 2022 | | | | | | | | |
| Wells Fargo | | $ | 672,556 | | | $ | 240,897 | | | 15.3 | % | | 2.5 |
| Morgan Stanley | | 594,537 | | | 199,485 | | | 12.7 | | | 0.8 |
| Goldman Sachs | | 169,073 | | | 190,917 | | | 12.1 | | | 2.1 |
KREF Lending V(B) | | 502,878 | | | 182,774 | | | 11.6 | | | 0.3 |
| KREF Lending IX | | 727,472 | | | 177,358 | | | 11.3 | | | 2.2 |
| Total / Weighted Average | | $ | 2,666,516 | | | $ | 991,431 | | | 63.0 | % | | 1.6 |
(A) Average weighted by the outstanding principal of borrowings under the secured financing agreement.
(B) There were multiple counterparties to the KREF Lending V Facility. Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A. represented 2.8% of the net counterparty exposure as a percent of stockholders' equity as of December 31, 2016:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Outstanding Face Amount | | Net Counterparty Exposure | | Percent of Stockholders' Equity | | Weighted Average Life (Years)(A) |
| December 31, 2017 | | | | | | | | |
| Wells Fargo | | $ | 485,250 |
| | $ | 203,303 |
| | 19.2 | % | | 1.6 |
| Morgan Stanley | | 423,347 |
| | 251,463 |
| | 23.7 |
| | 2.0 |
| Total / Weighted Average | | $ | 908,597 |
| | $ | 454,766 |
| | 42.9 | % | | 1.8 |
| December 31, 2016 | | | | | | | | |
| Wells Fargo | | $ | 265,650 |
| | $ | 107,664 |
| | 21.6 | % | | 2.0 |
| Morgan Stanley | | 179,932 |
| | 65,533 |
| | 13.2 |
| | 3.0 |
| Total / Weighted Average | | $ | 445,582 |
| | $ | 173,197 |
| | 34.8 | % | | 2.4 |
| |
(A) | Average weighted by the outstanding face amount of borrowings under the secured financing agreement. |
Debt obligations included in the tables above are obligations of KREF’s consolidated subsidiaries, which own the related collateral, and such collateral is generally not available to other creditors of KREF. In particular, holders of CMBS, including KREF, are unable to directly own the mortgages, properties or other collateral held by the issuing trust that KREF presents as "Assets — Commercial mortgage loans held in variable interest entities, at fair value" in its Consolidated Balance Sheets.
While KREF is generally not required to post margin under certain repurchase agreement terms for changes in general capital market conditions such as changes in credit spreads or interest rates, KREF may be required to post margin for changes in conditions to specific to loans that serve as collateral for those repurchase agreements. Such changes may include declines in the appraised value of property that secures a loan or a negative change in the borrower's ability or willingness to repay a loan. To the extent that KREF is required to post margin, KREF's liquidity could be significantly impacted. Both KREF and its lenders work cooperatively to monitor the performance of the properties and operations related to KREF's loan investments to mitigate investment-specific credit risks. Additionally, KREF incorporates terms in the loans it originates to further mitigate risks related to loan nonperformance.
Activity — For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the activity related to the carrying value of KREF’s secured financing agreements were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Secured Financing Agreements, Net |
| Balance as of December 31, 2021 | | $ | 3,726,593 | |
| Principal borrowings | | 2,483,907 | |
| Principal repayments/sales | | (2,451,099) | |
| Deferred debt issuance costs | | (22,181) | |
| Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs | | 11,471 | |
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | | $ | 3,748,691 | |
| Principal borrowings | | 811,119 | |
| Principal repayments/sales | | (787,754) | |
| Deferred debt issuance costs | | (4,889) | |
| Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs | | 15,252 | |
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 | | $ | 3,782,419 | |
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Activities — Activities related to the carrying value of KREF’s secured financing agreements and other consolidated debt obligations were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Secured Financing Agreements, Net | | Variable Interest Entity Liabilities, at Fair Value | | Total |
| Balance at December 31, 2015 | | $ | 122,133 |
| | $ | 4,296,837 |
| | $ | 4,418,970 |
|
Principal assumed in consolidation(A) | | — |
| | 940,806 |
| | 940,806 |
|
| Principal borrowings | | 520,408 |
| | — |
| | 520,408 |
|
| Principal repayments | | (198,726 | ) | | (31,206 | ) | | (229,932 | ) |
| Deferred debt issuance costs | | (6,715 | ) | | — |
| | (6,715 | ) |
| Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs | | 2,044 |
| | — |
| | 2,044 |
|
| Fair value adjustment | | — |
| | 103,614 |
| | 103,614 |
|
Other(B) | | — |
| | 3,523 |
| | 3,523 |
|
| Balance at December 31, 2016 | | 439,144 |
| | 5,313,574 |
| | 5,752,718 |
|
| Principal borrowings |
| 984,197 |
|
| — |
|
| 984,197 |
|
| Principal repayments |
| (460,432 | ) |
| (45,562 | ) |
| (505,994 | ) |
| Deferred debt issuance costs |
| (1,468 | ) |
| — |
|
| (1,468 | ) |
| Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs |
| 2,548 |
|
| — |
|
| 2,548 |
|
| Fair value adjustment |
| — |
|
| (10,942 | ) |
| (10,942 | ) |
Other(B) |
| 811 |
|
| (144 | ) |
| 667 |
|
| Balance at December 31, 2017 |
| $ | 964,800 |
|
| $ | 5,256,926 |
|
| $ | 6,221,726 |
|
| |
(A) | Represents the aggregate unpaid principal balance of CMBS, issued by COMM-2016 CCRE28, that KREF consolidates, but did not acquire at the time of securitization. |
(B) Amounts principally consist of changes in accrued interest payable and cost adjustments.
Maturities — KREF’s secured financing agreements, term loan facility and other consolidated debt obligations in place as of December 31, 20172023 had current contractual maturities as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year | | Nonrecourse(A) | | Recourse(B) | | Total |
| 2018 | | $ | 49,610 |
| | $ | 162,900 |
| | $ | 212,510 |
|
| 2019 | | 61,593 |
| | 511,847 |
| | 573,440 |
|
| 2020 | | 455,101 |
| | 294,600 |
| | 749,701 |
|
| 2021 | | 75,545 |
| | — |
| | 75,545 |
|
| Thereafter | | 4,354,968 |
| | — |
| | 4,354,968 |
|
| | | $ | 4,996,817 |
| | $ | 969,347 |
| | $ | 5,966,164 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year | | Nonrecourse(A) | | Recourse(A)(B) | | Total |
| 2024 | | $ | 199,532 | | | $ | 45,861 | | | $ | 245,392 | |
| 2025 | | 241,231 | | | 63,660 | | | 304,892 | |
| 2026 | | 1,414,829 | | | 383,185 | | | 1,798,014 | |
| 2027 | | 976,514 | | | 368,948 | | | 1,345,462 | |
| Thereafter | | 100,305 | | | — | | | 100,305 | |
| | $ | 2,932,413 | | | $ | 861,654 | | | $ | 3,794,066 | |
| |
(A) | Amounts related to consolidated CMBS VIE liabilities that represent securities not beneficially owned by KREF's stockholders. |
| |
(B) | Amounts borrowed subject to a maximum 25.0% recourse limit. |
(A) Represents the earlier of (i) the maximum maturity of the underlying loans pledged as collateral or (ii) the maximum maturity of the respective financing agreements.
(B) Except for the Revolver, which is full recourse, amounts borrowed are subject to a maximum 25.0% recourse limit. The Revolver matures in March 2027.
Covenants — KREF is required to comply with customary loan covenants and event of default provisions related to its secured financing agreements and Revolver, including, but not limited to, negative covenants relating to restrictions on operations with respect to KREF’s status as a REIT, and financial covenants. Such financial covenants include ana trailing four quarter interest income to interest expense ratio covenant (1.5(1.4 to 1.0); a minimum consolidated tangible net worth covenant (75.0% of the aggregate cash proceeds of any equity issuances made and any capital contributions received by KREF and certain subsidiaries)subsidiaries, or up to approximately $1,307.7 million depending upon the facility); a cash liquidity covenant (the greater of $10.0 million or 5.0% of KREF's recourse indebtedness, dependent upon the facility)indebtedness); and a total indebtedness covenant (75.0%(83.3% of KREF's total assets, net of VIE liabilities); a maximum debt-to-equity ratio (3.5 to 1.0); and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio (1.5 to 1.0)Total Assets, as defined in the applicable financing agreements). As of December 31, 20172023 and December 31, 2016,2022, KREF was in compliance with its financial loandebt covenants.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 6. Collateralized Loan Participations SoldObligations
In August 2021, KREF financed a pool of loan participations from its existing loan portfolio through a managed CLO ("KREF 2021-FL2"). KREF 2021-FL2 provides KREF with match-term financing on a non-mark-to-market and non-recourse basis. KREF 2021-FL2 has a two-year reinvestment feature that allows principal proceeds of the collateral assets to be reinvested in qualifying replacement assets, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions set forth in the indenture. Upon the execution of the KREF 2021-FL2, KREF recorded $8.9 million in issuance costs, inclusive of $0.9 million in structuring and placement agent fees paid to KKR Capital Markets LLC ("KCM"), an affiliate of KREF.
In February 2022, KREF financed a pool of loan participations from its existing multifamily loan portfolio through a managed CLO ("KREF 2022-FL3"). KREF 2022-FL3 provides KREF with match-term financing on a non-mark-to-market and non-recourse basis and has a two-year reinvestment feature. Upon the execution of the KREF 2022-FL3, KREF recorded $7.4 million in issuance costs, inclusive of $0.5 million in structuring and placement agent fees paid to KCM.
The CLO issuance costs are netted against the outstanding principal balance of the CLO notes in "Collateralized loan obligations, net" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following tables outline CLO collateral assets and respective borrowing as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2023 |
| | Count | | Outstanding Principal | | Amortized Cost | | Carrying Value | | Wtd. Avg. Yield/Cost(A) | | Wtd. Avg. Term(B) |
| KREF 2021-FL2 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collateral assets(C) | | 18 | | $ | 1,300,000 | | | $ | 1,300,000 | | | $ | 1,288,464 | | | S + 3.1% | | July 2026 |
| Financing provided | | 1 | | 1,095,250 | | | 1,095,128 | | | 1,095,128 | | | S + 1.5% | | February 2039 |
| KREF 2022-FL3 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collateral assets(C)(D) | | 16 | | $ | 1,000,000 | | | $ | 1,000,000 | | | $ | 990,320 | | | S + 3.0% | | September 2026 |
| Financing provided | | 1 | | 847,500 | | | 847,043 | | | 847,043 | | | S + 2.2% | | February 2039 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2022 |
| | Count | | Outstanding Principal | | Amortized Cost | | Carrying Value | | Wtd. Avg. Yield/Cost(A) | | Wtd. Avg. Term(B) |
| KREF 2021-FL2 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collateral assets(C)(D) | | 17 | | $ | 1,300,000 | | | $ | 1,300,000 | | | $ | 1,283,162 | | | + 3.3% | | April 2026 |
| Financing provided | | 1 | | 1,095,250 | | | 1,092,332 | | | 1,092,332 | | | L + 1.7% | | February 2039 |
| KREF 2022-FL3 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collateral assets(C) | | 16 | | $ | 1,000,000 | | | $ | 1,000,000 | | | $ | 991,452 | | | + 3.1% | | October 2026 |
| Financing provided | | 1 | | 847,500 | | | 843,260 | | | 843,260 | | | S + 2.2% | | February 2039 |
(A) Expressed as a spread over the relevant benchmark rates, which include one-month Term SOFR and LIBOR, as applicable to each loan. As of December 31, 2023, 100.0% of the CLO collateral loan assets by principal balance earned a floating rate of interest indexed to Term SOFR. As of December 31, 2022, 64.1% and 35.9% of the CLO collateral loan assets by principal balance earned a floating rate of interest indexed to one-month Term SOFR and LIBOR, respectively. In addition to cash coupon, yield/cost includes the amortization of deferred origination/financing costs.
(B) Loan term represents weighted-average final maturity, assuming all extension options are exercised by the borrowers, weighted by outstanding principal. Repayments of CLO notes are dependent on timing of underlying collateral loan asset repayments post reinvestment period. The term of the CLO notes represents the rated final distribution date.
(C) Collateral loan assets represent 31.0% and 28.4% of the principal of KREF's commercial real estate loans as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, 100% of KREF loans financed through the CLOs are floating-rate loans.
(D) Including $5.0 million cash held in CLO 2022-FL3 as of December 31, 2023. Including $151.0 million cash held in CLO 2021-FL2 as of December 31, 2022.
KREF finances certain investments through the syndication of a non-recourse, or limited-recourse, loan participation to unaffiliated third parties. The following table summarizes the loan participation sold liabilities that KREF recognized since the corresponding syndications of the participations in the senior loans were not treated as sales:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2017 |
| Loan Participations Sold | | Count | | Principal Balance | | Carrying Value | | Yield/Cost(A) | | Guarantee(B) | | Term |
| Total loan | | 1 |
| | $ | 95,250 |
| | $ | 94,755 |
| | L + 3.0% | | n.a. | | September 2022 |
Senior participation(C) | | 1 |
| | 82,000 |
| | 81,472 |
| | L + 1.8% | | n.a. | | September 2022 |
| |
(A) | Floating rate loans and related liabilities are indexed to one-month LIBOR. KREF's net interest rate exposure is in direct proportion to its interest in the net assets of the senior loan. |
| |
(B) | As of December 31, 2017, the loan participation sold was subject to partial recourse of $10.0 million, which amount may be reduced to zero upon achievement of certain property performance metrics. |
| |
(C) | During the year ended December 31, 2017, KREF recorded $0.0 million of interest income and $0.0 million of interest expense related to the loan participation KREF sold, but continue to consolidate under GAAP. |
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
The following table presents the CLO assets and liabilities included in KREF’s Consolidated Balance Sheets:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Assets | | December 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Cash | | $ | 5,000 | | | $ | 151,000 | |
| Commercial real estate loans, held-for-investment | | 2,295,000 | | | 2,149,000 | |
| Less: Allowance for credit losses | | (21,216) | | | (25,387) | |
| Commercial real estate loans, held-for-investment, net | | 2,273,784 | | | 2,123,613 | |
| Accrued interest receivable | | 12,653 | | | 10,693 | |
| Other assets | | 155 | | | 155 | |
| Total | | $ | 2,291,592 | | | $ | 2,285,461 | |
| Liabilities | | | | |
| Collateralized loan obligations | | $ | 1,942,750 | | | $ | 1,942,750 | |
| Deferred financing costs | | (579) | | | (7,158) | |
| Collateralized loan obligations, net | | $ | 1,942,171 | | | $ | 1,935,592 | |
| Accrued interest payable | | 5,666 | | | 4,442 | |
| | | | |
| Total | | $ | 1,947,837 | | | $ | 1,940,034 | |
The following table presents the components of net interest income of CLOs included in KREF’s Consolidated Statements of Income:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | For the Year Ended December 31, |
| | | | | | | | | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Interest income | | | | | | | | | | $ | 184,286 | | | $ | 110,043 | |
Interest expense(A) | | | | | | | | | | 135,814 | | | 68,658 | |
| Net interest income | | | | | | | | | | $ | 48,472 | | | $ | 41,385 | |
(A) Includes $7.2 million and $7.9 million of deferred financing costs amortization for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 7. Secured Term Loan, Net
In September 2020, KREF entered into a $300.0 million secured term loan at a price of 97.5%, which initially bore interest at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus a 4.75% margin, subject to a 1.0% LIBOR floor, payable quarterly beginning in December 2020. The secured term loan is partially amortizing, with an amount equal to 1.0% per annum of the principal balance due in quarterly installments starting March 31, 2021. The secured term loan matures on September 1, 2027 and contains restrictions relating to liens, asset sales, indebtedness, investments and transactions with affiliates. The secured term loan is secured by KREF level guarantees and does not include asset-based collateral. Upon the execution of the secured term loan, KREF recorded a $7.5 million issuance discount and $5.1 million in issuance costs, inclusive of $1.1 million in arrangement and structuring fees paid to KCM.
In November 2021, KREF completed the repricing of a $297.8 million then-existing secured term loan and a $52.2 million add-on, for an aggregate principal amount of $350.0 million due September 2027, which was issued at par. The upsize of the secured term loan was accounted for as partial debt extinguishment under GAAP, accordingly, KREF recognized an accelerated deferred loan financing cost of $0.7 million during the fourth quarter of 2021. The new secured term loan bore interest at LIBOR plus 3.5%, subject to a 0.5% LIBOR floor. KREF recorded $2.0 million in issuance costs, inclusive of $0.8 million in arrangement and structuring fees paid to KCM.
In June 2023, KREF transitioned the secured term loan from LIBOR to Term SOFR. Inclusive of the amortization of the discount and issuance costs, KREF’s total cost of the secured term loan is Adjusted Term SOFR, as defined in the secured term loan agreements, plus a 4.1% margin per annum, subject to the applicable SOFR floor, as of December 31, 2023.
The following table summarizes KREF’s secured term loan at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Principal | | $ | 343,000 | | | $ | 346,500 | |
| Deferred financing costs | | (4,010) | | | (5,016) | |
| Unamortized discount | | (3,659) | | | (4,656) | |
| Carrying value | | $ | 335,331 | | | $ | 336,828 | |
Covenants — KREF is required to comply with customary loan covenants and event of default provisions related to its secured term loan that include, but are not limited to, negative covenants relating to restrictions on operations with respect to KREF’s status as a REIT, and financial covenants. Such financial covenants include a minimum consolidated tangible net worth of $650.0 million and a maximum Total Debt to Total Assets ratio, as defined in the secured term loan agreements, of 83.3% (the “Leverage Covenant”). KREF was in compliance with such covenants as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 8. Convertible Notes, Net
In May 2018, KREF issued $143.75 million of the Convertible Notes at a fixed interest rate of 6.125% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on November 15, 2018. The Convertible Notes matured on May 15, 2023. The Convertible Notes’ issuance costs of $5.1 million was amortized through interest expense over the life of the Convertible Notes.
The entire $143.75 million principal balance of the Convertible Notes matured and was repaid in cash on May 15, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, there were no Convertible Notes outstanding.
The following table details the carrying value of the Convertible Notes on KREF's Consolidated Balance Sheets:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Principal | | $ | — | | | $ | 143,750 | |
| Deferred financing costs | | — | | | (380) | |
| Unamortized discount | | — | | | (133) | |
| Carrying value | | $ | — | | | $ | 143,237 | |
The following table details the interest expense related to the Convertible Notes:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | For the Year Ended December 31, |
| | | | | | | | | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Cash coupon | | | | | | | | | | $ | 3,276 | | | $ | 8,805 | |
| Discount and issuance cost amortization | | | | | | | | | | 513 | | | 1,386 | |
| Total interest expense | | | | | | | | | | $ | 3,789 | | | $ | 10,191 | |
Accrued interest payable for the Convertible Notes was zero and $1.1 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Refer to Note2 for additional discussion of accounting policies for the Convertible Notes.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 7.9. Variable Interest Entities
CMBSCollateralized Loan Obligations — ForKREF consolidates CLOs when it determines that the year ended December 31, 2016,CLO issuers, wholly-owned subsidiaries of KREF, purchased $86.0 million face amount of CMBS for $30.3 millionare VIEs and $86.0 million stated amount of interest-only CMBS for $6.1 million, net of discounts, that represented beneficial interests in a CMBS trust beneficially owned by KREF's stockholders. KREF's stockholders beneficially owned CMBS with an unpaid principal balance and fair value of $309.2 million and $111.5 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2016.
KREF's stockholders beneficially owned CMBS with an unpaid principal balance and fair value of $309.2 million and $114.9 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2017.
KREF was required to consolidate each of the five trusts from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2017 since KREF retained the controlling class and management determined KREF was the primary beneficiary of those trusts. Further, management irrevocably elected the fair value option for each of the five trusts and carries the fair values of the trusts' assets and liabilities at fair value in its Consolidated Balance Sheets; recognizes changes in the trusts' net assets, including fair value adjustments, in its Consolidated Statements of Income; and records cash interest received from the trusts, net of cash interest paid to CMBS not beneficially owned by KREF, as operating cash flows. As of December 31, 2017, KREF recognized trust assets and liabilities of $5.4 billion, including $19.7 million of accrued interest receivable, and $5.3 billion, including $18.7 million of accrued interest payable but excluding amounts eliminated in consolidation, respectively, at their fair values. As of December 31, 2016, KREF recognized trust assets and liabilities of $5.4 billion, including$19.9 million of accrued interest receivable, and $5.3 billion, including $18.8 million of accrued interest payable but excluding amounts eliminated in consolidation, respectively, at their fair values.
The following table presents "Other Income — Change in net assets related to consolidated variable interest entities":
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Interest earned, net of amounts KREF does not expect to collect | | 12,470 |
| | 12,098 |
| | 5,215 |
|
| Unrealized gain (loss) | | 3,375 |
| | 3,363 |
| | 3,653 |
|
| Change in net assets related to consolidated variable interest entities | | $ | 15,845 |
| | $ | 15,461 |
| | $ | 8,868 |
|
See Note 11 for additional information regarding the valuation of financial assets and liabilities held by KREF's consolidated VIEs.
Concentration of Credit Risk — The following tables present the geographies and property types of collateral underlying the CMBS trusts consolidated by KREF, as a percentage of the collateral unpaid principal balance and weighted by the fair value of the CMBS beneficially owned by KREF's stockholders:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2017 | | December 31, 2016 | | | | December 31, 2017 | | December 31, 2016 |
| Geography | | | | Collateral Property Type | | |
| California | | 23.2 | % | | 23.0 | % | | Office | | 26.4 | % | | 26.3 | % |
| Texas | | 12.7 |
| | 12.7 |
| | Retail | | 25.2 |
| | 25.2 |
|
| New York | | 9.1 |
| | 9.2 |
| | Hospitality | | 15.0 |
| | 15.1 |
|
| Illinois | | 7.1 |
| | 7.1 |
| | Multifamily | | 10.6 |
| | 10.6 |
|
| Florida | | 5.5 |
| | 5.5 |
| | Industrial | | 9.6 |
| | 9.6 |
|
| Missouri | | 4.6 |
| | 4.6 |
| | Mixed Use | | 6.9 |
| | 7.0 |
|
| Pennsylvania | | 4.5 |
| | 4.5 |
| | Self Storage | | 3.0 |
| | 3.1 |
|
| Georgia | | 2.9 |
| | 3.0 |
| | Mobile Home | | 2.7 |
| | 2.7 |
|
| Michigan | | 2.7 |
| | 2.7 |
| | Other | | 0.6 |
| | 0.4 |
|
| Ohio | | 2.4 |
| | 2.5 |
| | Total | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % |
| Other U.S. | | 25.3 |
| | 25.2 |
| | | | | | |
| Total | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | | | | | |
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Commercial Mezzanine Loan Joint Venture — KREF holds a 95.0% interest, and is the primary beneficiary of such VIEs (Note 6). Management considers KREF to be the primary beneficiary of the CLO issuers as KREF has the ability to control the most significant activities of the CLO issuers, the obligation to absorb losses, and the right to receive benefits of the CLOs through the subordinate interests the CLO issuers own.
Real Estate Owned Joint Venture — Concurrently with taking title to a joint venture consolidated asPortland retail property in December 2021, KREF contributed a portion of the REO asset to a REO JV with a JV Partner, whereby KREF has a 90% interest and the JV Partner has a 10% interest. Management determined the REO JV to be a VIE as the REO JV has insufficient equity-at-risk and concluded that invests in commercial mezzanine loans (Note 3). KREF is the primary beneficiary of the REO JV as KREF holds decision-making power over the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the REO JV and has the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the REO JV that could be potentially significant to the REO JV.
As of December 31, 2017,2023, the joint ventureREO JV held seven loansREO assets with an amortized cost basisa net carrying value of $61.2$72.4 million. KREF has priority of distributions up to $78.1 million presented within "before Assets — Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-investment, net"the JV Partner can participate in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Aseconomics of December 31, 2017, the joint venture did not have any liabilities.REO JV.
Equity method investments, at fair valueMethod Investments — KREF holds two investments in entities that it records using the equity method.
As of December 31, 2017,2023, KREF holdsheld a 3.5% interest in RECOP I, an unconsolidated VIE of which KREF is not the primary beneficiary.beneficiary, at its fair value of $35.1 million. The aggregator vehicle in which KREF invests is controlled and advised by affiliates of the Manager. RECOP intends toI primarily acquireacquired junior tranches of CMBS newly issued by third parties but may also make purchases on the secondary market.parties. KREF will not pay any fees to RECOP I, but KREF bears its pro rata share of RECOP'sRECOP I's expenses. KREF reported its share of the net asset value of RECOP I in its Consolidated Balance Sheets, presented as “Equity method investments, at fair value”investments” and its share of net income, presented as “Income (loss) from equity method investments” in the Consolidated StatementStatements of Income.
As
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 8. Equity
Authorized Capital — On October 2, 2014, KREF's board of directors authorized KREF to issue up to 350,000,000 shares of stock, at $0.01 par value per share, consisting of 300,000,000 shares of common stock and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, subject to certain restrictions on transfer and ownership of shares. Restrictions placed on the transfer and ownership of shares relate to KREF's REIT qualification requirements.
Common Stock — As further described below, since December 31, 2019, KREF issued the following shares of common stock at $20.00 per share, less applicable transaction costs, except as otherwise indicated:stock:
|
| | | | | | | |
| Pricing Date | | Shares Issued | | Net Proceeds |
| As of December 31, 2015 | | 13,636,416 |
| | $ | 272,728 |
|
| February 2016 | | 2,000,000 |
| | 40,000 |
|
| May 2016 | | 3,000,138 |
| | 57,130 |
|
June 2016(A) | | 21,838 |
| | — |
|
| August 2016 | | 5,500,000 |
| | 109,875 |
|
| As of December 31, 2016 | | 24,158,392 |
| | 479,733 |
|
| February 2017 | | 7,386,208 |
| | 147,662 |
|
| April 2017 | | 10,379,738 |
| | 207,595 |
|
May 2017(B) | | 11,787,500 |
| | 219,356 |
|
| As of December 31, 2017 | | 53,711,838 |
| | $ | 1,054,346 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Pricing Date | | Shares Issued(A) | | Net Proceeds |
| As of December 31, 2019 | | 59,211,838 | | | $ | 1,162,023 | |
| November 2021 | | 5,000,000 | | | 108,800 | |
November 2021(B) | | 1 | | | — | |
| November 2021 | | 547,361 | | | 11,911 | |
| As of December 31, 2021 | | 64,759,200 | | | $ | 1,282,734 | |
February 2022(C) | | 68,817 | | | 1,426 | |
| March 2022 | | 6,494,155 | | | 133,845 | |
| June 2022 | | 2,750,000 | | | 53,653 | |
August 2022(C) | | 271,641 | | | 5,300 | |
| As of December 31, 2022 and 2023 | | 74,343,813 | | | $ | 1,476,958 | |
| |
(A) | KREF did not receive any proceeds with respect to 21,838(A) Excludes 955,743 net shares of common stock issued to-date in connection with vested restricted stock units. (B) KREF did not receive any proceeds with respect to one share of common stock issued to certain current and former employees of, and non-employee consultants to KKR and third-party investors in the private placement completed in March 2016, in accordance with KREF's Stockholders Agreement dated as of March 29, 2016. |
| |
(B) | In May 2017, KREF completed its initial public offering of 11,787,500 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $20.50 per share, which included 1,537,500 shares of common stock issued in connection with the underwriters' exercise in full of their option to purchase additional shares. |
In March 2016, KREF obtained $277.4 million of capital commitments in connection with the completionconversion of a private placement priced at $20.00 per share. Of these capital commitments, $190.1 million consistedthe special voting preferred stock, in accordance with KREF’s Articles of approximately $178.4 million from third partiesRestatement dated as of May 10, 2017.
(C) Represents shares issued under the ATM.
In March and approximately $11.8 million from certain currentJune of 2022, KREF issued 6,494,155 and former employees2,750,000 shares of common stock, respectively, in separate underwritten offerings each of which included the partial exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of common stock, and non-employee consultants to, KKR. KKR committed a totalreceived net proceeds after underwriting discounts and commissions of $400.0$133.8 million and third parties committed a total$53.7 million, respectively.
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, 218,849 and 225,036 shares of $248.0 million subsequentcommon stock were issued related to the private placement completion. In connection withvesting of restricted stock units. Upon any payment of shares as a result of restricted stock unit vesting, the completionrelated tax withholding obligation will generally be satisfied by KREF, reducing the number of shares to be delivered by a number of shares necessary to satisfy the private placement, KREF formed an advisory board consisting of certain third-party investors. The advisory board possessed certain protective approval rights over KREF's activities outside its ordinary course of business, including certain business combinations and equity issuances. The advisory board dissolved upon KREF's public listing on May 5, 2017.related applicable tax withholding obligation. Refer to Note 11 for further detail.
In connection with the capital commitments described above, third-party investors and certain current and former employees of, and non-employee consultants to, KKR were allocated non-voting limited liability company interests of the Manager. For each $100.0 million shares of KREF’s common stock acquired by investors through the private placement, the investors were allocated non-voting limited liability company interests, representing 6.67% of the Manager’s then-outstanding total limited liability company interests. Each investor was allocated its pro rata share of the non-voting limited liability company interests of the Manager based on the investor’s shares of KREF’s common stock.
As of December 31, 2017, KKR beneficially owned 23,758,616 shares of KREF's common stock, of which 3,758,616 shares were held by KKR on behalf of a third-party investor (Note 1).
Of the 53,711,83875,299,556 common shares KREF issued, there are 53,685,440were 69,313,860 common shares outstanding after 26,398 common shares were repurchased as of December 31, 2017.2023, which included 955,743 net shares of common stock issued in connection with vested restricted stock units and was net of 5,985,696 common shares repurchased.
The valueIn May 2021 and June 2022, KKR issued and sold 5,750,000 and 4,250,000 shares of KREF common stock, respectively, through secondary offerings, including the exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional common shares, and received $100.4 million and $82.9 million of net proceeds from the offerings, respectively. On November 1, 2021, KKR converted its special voting preferred stock into one share of KREF common stock when KREF issued 5,000,000 shares of common stock, resulting in KKR’s ownership to decrease below 25.0% of KREF’s outstanding common stock.
KKR and affiliates beneficially owned 10,000,001 shares, or 14.4% and 14.5% of KREF's outstanding common stock prioras of each of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Share Repurchase Program— Under KREF's current share repurchase program, which has no expiration date, KREF may repurchase up to an aggregate of $100.0 million of its listing oncommon stock effective as of February 3, 2023, of which up to $50.0 million may be repurchased under a pre-set trading plan meeting the New York Stockrequirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange was based upon its equityAct, and provide for repurchases of common stock when the market price per share is below book value using a combinationper share (calculated in accordance with GAAP as of net asset value (market)the end of the most recent quarterly period for which financial statements are available), and discounted cash flow (income) approaches.the remaining $50.0 million may be used for repurchases in the open market, pursuant to pre-set trading plans meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing, manner,
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
The following table sets forth
During the
dividends declared during each calendar quarteryear ended December 31, 2023, KREF did not repurchase any of its common stock under the repurchase program. During the year ended December 31, 2022, KREF repurchased 2,085,370 shares of common stock under the repurchase program for
2017 and 2016: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Amount |
| | Declaration Date | | Record Date | | Payment Date | | Per Share | | Total |
| 2016 | | | | | | | | | |
| | February 3, 2016 | | February 3, 2016 | | February 5, 2016 | | $ | 0.36 |
| | $ | 5,629 |
|
| | May 12, 2016 | | May 12, 2016 | | May 12, 2016 | | 0.34 |
| | 5,312 |
|
| | August 11, 2016 | | August 11, 2016 | | August 11, 2016 | | 0.29 |
| | 5,411 |
|
| | November 23, 2016 | | November 23, 2016 | | November 23, 2016 | | 0.23 |
| | 5,556 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | $ | 21,908 |
|
| 2017 | | | | | | | | | |
| | February 3, 2017 | | February 3, 2017 | | February 3, 2017 | | $ | 0.35 |
| | $ | 8,455 |
|
| | April 18, 2017 | | April 18, 2017 | | April 18, 2017 | | 0.28 |
| | 8,832 |
|
| | June 14, 2017 | | June 30, 2017 | | July 14, 2017 | | 0.25 |
| | 13,428 |
|
| | September 14, 2017 | | September 30, 2017 | | October 12, 2017 | | 0.37 |
| | 19,873 |
|
| | December 14, 2017 | | December 29, 2017 | | January 12, 2018 | | 0.37 |
| | 19,864 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | $ | 70,452 |
|
Preferred
At the Market Stock Offering Program — On January 23, 2015,February 22, 2019, KREF entered into an equity distribution agreement with certain sales agents, pursuant to which KREF may sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate sales price of $100.0 million of its common stock pursuant to a continuous offering program (the “ATM”). Sales of KREF’s common stock made pursuant to the ATM 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. The timing and amount of actual sales will depend on a variety of factors including market conditions, the trading price of KREF’s common stock, KREF’s capital needs, and KREF’s determination of the appropriate sources of funding to meet such needs.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, KREF did not issue or sell any shares of common stock under the ATM. During the year ended December 31, 2022, KREF issued 125and sold 340,458 shares of Series A cumulative, non-voting preferredcommon stock with a par valueunder the ATM, generating net proceeds totaling $6.7 million. As of $0.01 per share and a stated value of $1,000.00 per share ("Series A Preferred Stock") that are senior to common stock. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to cumulative distributions of 12.5% of the stated value per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on or before June 30 and December 31, of each year, but are unable to convert Series A Preferred Stock into common stock or vote on matters brought to KREF's stockholders.2023, $93.2 million remained available for issuance under the ATM.
In May 2017, KREF redeemed all 125 issued and outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock for $0.1 million, representing the sum of $1,000.00 per share and all accrued and unpaid dividends.
Special Voting Preferred Stock — In March 2016, KREF issued aone share of special voting preferred stock to KKR Fund Holdings L.P. ("KKR Fund Holdings") for $20.00 per share, which KKR Fund Holdings transferred to its subsidiary, KKR REFT Asset Holdings LLC. The holder of the special voting preferred stock hashad special voting rights related to the election of members to KREF's board of directors until KKR and its affiliates ceaseceased to own at least 25.0% of KREF's issued and outstanding common stock.
Special Non-Voting Preferred Stock —In connection with KREF's existing investors’ subscription forOn November 1, 2021, KREF issued 5,000,000 shares of KREF's common stock, which resulted in the private placements prior to the initial public offeringKKR’s ownership decreasing below 25.0% of KREF's equity on May 5, 2017, those investors were also allocated a class of non-voting limited liability company interest in the Manager ("Non-Voting Manager Units"). In February 2017, KREF issued an investorKREF’s outstanding common stock. Accordingly, KKR converted its special voting preferred share into one share of SNVPS,KREF common stock and ceased to possess its special voting rights related to the election of members to KREF's board of directors.
6.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock — In April 2021 and January 2022, KREF issued, respectively, 6,900,000 and 6,210,000 shares of 6.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), which included the exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares of Series A Preferred Stock, and received net proceeds after underwriting discount and commission of $167.1 million and $151.2 million, respectively.
The perpetual Series A Preferred Stock is redeemable, at $0.01KREF's option, at a liquidation price of $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends commencing in lieu of that investor receiving Non-Voting Manager Units to facilitate compliance by the investor with regulatory requirements applicable to it. The corresponding Non-Voting Manager Units are held by a TRS of KREF. All distributions received by that subsidiary from these Non-Voting Manager Units are passed through to the investor as preferred distributions on its SNVPS, less applicable taxes and withholdings. Except for the Non-Voting Manager Units, an indirect subsidiary of KKR owns and controls the limited liability company interests of the Manager.
April 2026. Dividends on the SNVPSSeries A Preferred Stock are payable quarterly and will accrue whether or not KREF has earnings, there are assets legally available forat a rate of 6.50% per annum of the payment of those dividends or those dividends have been declared. Any dividend payment made on the SNVPS shall first be credited against the earliest accumulated but unpaid dividend due with$25.00 liquidation preference, which is equivalent to $1.625 per annum per share. With respect to dividend rights and liquidation, the SNVPS. Upon redemption of the SNVPS or liquidation of KREF, the holder of the SNVPS is entitledSeries A Preferred Stock ranks senior to payment of $0.01 per share, together with any accumulated but unpaid preferred distributions, before any holder of junior security interests, which includes KREF's common stock. As
Noncontrolling Interests — Noncontrolling interests represent a third party’s 10.0% interest in a joint venture, a consolidated VIE, that holds portion of KREF’s sole REO investment. KREF does not controland the circumstances under whichnoncontrolling interest holder contribute to the joint venture’s ongoing operating shortfalls and capital expenditures on a pari passu basis. Distributions from the joint venture are allocated between KREF and the noncontrolling interest holder based on contractual terms and waterfalls as outlined in the joint venture agreement.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
KREF will redeem the SNVPS at the option of the holder. Upon redemption, KREF will pay a price in cash equal to $0.01 per share of the SNVPS, together with any accumulated but unpaid preferred distributions, and the SNVPS will be canceled automatically and cease to be outstanding.
Noncontrolling Interests — Noncontrolling interests represented a 20.0% third-party interest in a consolidated entity that held KREF’s investment in preferred joint venture interests (Note 4).
Redeemable noncontrolling interests represent a 5.0% third-party interest in a joint venture consolidated as a VIE that holds a portion of KREF’s investments in certain commercial mezzanine loans (Note 3). The redeemable noncontrolling interests issued by the joint venture are subject to certain restrictions and require KREF to transfer assets or issue equity to satisfy the redemption. As KREF does not control the circumstances under which the noncontrolling interests may redeem their interests, management considers these redeemable noncontrolling interests as temporary equity (Note 2).
Share Repurchase ProgramDividends —KREF adopted a program to repurchase in the open market up to $100.0 million in shares of KREF's common stock over the 12 month period commencing in June 2017. During the yearyears ended December 31, 2017, KREF repurchased 26,3982023 and 2022, KREF's board of directors declared the following dividends on shares of its common stock at an average price per share of $19.80 for a total of $0.5 million.stock:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Amount |
| Declaration Date | | Record Date | | Payment Date | | Per Share | | Total |
| 2023 | | | | | | | | |
| March 17, 2023 | | March 31, 2023 | | April 14, 2023 | | $ | 0.43 | | | $ | 29,711 | |
| June 15, 2023 | | June 30, 2023 | | July 14, 2023 | | 0.43 | | | 29,716 | |
| September 15, 2023 | | September 29, 2023 | | October 13, 2023 | | 0.43 | | | 29,716 | |
| December 15, 2023 | | December 29, 2023 | | January 12, 2024 | | 0.43 | | | 29,805 | |
| | | | | | | | $ | 118,948 | |
| 2022 | | | | | | | | |
| March 15, 2022 | | March 31, 2022 | | April 15, 2022 | | $ | 0.43 | | | $ | 29,211 | |
| June 15, 2022 | | June 30, 2022 | | July 15, 2022 | | 0.43 | | | 29,951 | |
| September 13, 2022 | | September 30, 2022 | | October 14, 2022 | | 0.43 | | | 29,815 | |
| December 13, 2022 | | December 30, 2022 | | January 13, 2023 | | 0.43 | | | 29,711 | |
| | | | | | | | $ | 118,688 | |
Earnings per Share
— KREF presents basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS"). Basic EPS, or Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock, Basic, is calculated by dividing Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders by
During the Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding, Basic for the period.
Diluted EPS, or Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock, Diluted, is calculated by starting with Basic EPS and adding the weighted average dilutive shares issuable from restricted stock units, computed using the treasury stock method, to the weighted average common stock outstanding in the denominator. KREF included 1,002 weighted average dilutive shares for the yearyears ended December 31, 2017. 2023 and 2022, KREF's board of directors declared the following dividends on shares of its Series A Preferred Stock:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Amount |
| Declaration Date | | Record Date | | Payment Date | | Per Share | | Total |
| 2023 | | | | | | | | |
| February 3, 2023 | | February 28, 2023 | | March 15, 2023 | | $ | 0.41 | | | $ | 5,326 | |
| April 21, 2023 | | May 31, 2023 | | June 15, 2023 | | 0.41 | | | 5,326 | |
| July 21, 2023 | | August 31, 2023 | | September 15, 2023 | | 0.41 | | | 5,326 | |
| October 20, 2023 | | November 30, 2023 | | December 15, 2023 | | 0.41 | | | 5,326 | |
| | | | | | | | $ | 21,304 | |
| 2022 | | | | | | | | |
| February 1, 2022 | | February 28, 2022 | | March 15, 2022 | | $ | 0.41 | | | $ | 5,326 | |
| April 22, 2022 | | May 31, 2022 | | June 15, 2022 | | 0.41 | | | 5,326 | |
| July 19, 2022 | | August 31, 2022 | | September 15, 2022 | | 0.41 | | | 5,326 | |
| October 20, 2022 | | November 30, 2022 | | December 15, 2022 | | 0.41 | | | 5,326 | |
| | | | | | | | $ | 21,304 | |
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 11. Stock-based Compensation
KREF didis externally managed by the Manager and does not currently have any dilutive shares for the year endedemployees. However, as of December 31, 2016.
Equity-Based Payments to Directors and Non-employees
—
As of December 31, 2017,2023, KREF had 1,147,927 restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards outstanding under the KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan that was adopted on February 12, 2016 and amended and restated on November 17, 2016 (the "Incentive Plan") to certain members of KREF’s board of directors and employees of the Manager or one or more of its affiliates, whonone of whom are not KREF’sKREF employees. RSUs awarded to employees of the Manager or one or more of its affiliates, generally vest over three consecutive one-year periods whileand awards to certain members of KREF’sKREF's board of directors generally vest over a one-year period.period, pursuant to the terms of the respective award agreements and the terms of the Incentive Plan.
In December 2021, KREF's board of directors granted 400,000 shares of RSU awards that are not entitled to nonforfeitable dividends until KREF issues sharesduring the vesting periods, at the same rate as those declared on the common stock. In February 2022, KREF's board of itsdirectors approved a modification that entitled the unvested RSU awards granted prior to December 2021 to dividends during the vesting periods, at the same rate as those declared on the common stock, which are issuable on a one-to-one basis uponstarting with the RSU award vesting. KREF expects RSUs outstanding to vest during the following years:first quarter of 2022.
|
| | |
| Year | Restricted Stock Units |
| 2018 | 54,878 |
|
| 2019 | 50,000 |
|
| 2020 | 50,000 |
|
| Total | 154,878 |
|
DuringThe following table summarizes the year ended December 31, 2017, KREF granted a total of 154,878activity in KREF’s outstanding RSUs at aand the weighted-average grant date fair value per RSU of $18.61, all of which were outstanding as of December 31, 2017.RSU:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Restricted Stock Units | | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU(A) |
| Unvested as of December 31, 2022 | | 935,218 | | | $ | 16.80 | |
| Granted | | 673,370 | | | 13.32 | |
| Vested | | (458,277) | | | 17.46 | |
| Forfeited / cancelled | | (2,384) | | | 17.31 | |
| Unvested as of December 31, 2023 | | 1,147,927 | | | $ | 14.49 | |
(A) The grant-date fair value is based upon the last saleclosing price of KREF’s common stock at the date of grant, reduced bygrant.
KREF expects the present value of dividends expected prior to RSU vesting. Theseunvested RSUs beginoutstanding to vest on April 1, 2018 and each year thereafter.during the following years:
Grants to Certain Members of KREF’s Board of Directors
| | | | | | | | |
| Year | | Restricted Stock Units |
| 2024 | | 558,318 | |
| 2025 | | 381,275 | |
| 2026 | | 208,334 | |
| Total | | 1,147,927 | |
— KREF amortizes the grant-date fair value of RSUs awarded to certain members of its board of directors as a component of “General and administrative” expense on a straight-line basis over the awards’ term.Grants to Employees of the Manager or One or More of its Affiliates
—
KREF recognizes the compensation cost of RSUs awarded to employees of the Manager, or one or more of its affiliates, on a straight-line basis over the awards’ term at the then-currenttheir grant date fair value, at each reporting date, as a componentconsistent with the RSUs awarded to certain members of KREF's board of directors.
During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, KREF recognized $8.1 million, $7.8 million and $7.4 million respectively, of stock-based compensation expense included in “General and administrative” expense.expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of December 31, 2023, there was $14.9 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.2 years.
ReferDuring the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, KREF declared $1.8 million, $1.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of nonforfeitable dividends on unvested RSUs. Such nonforfeitable dividends were deducted from “Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit)” in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.
Directors and Officers Deferral Plan — In March 2022, KREF's board of directors adopted the KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. Directors and Officers Deferral Plan (the “Deferral Plan”). Pursuant to Note 10 for additional information regarding the Incentive Plan.Deferral Plan, participants may elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of any shares of KREF’s common stock issuable upon vesting of any RSU granted to such
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
participant in 25% increments. Deferred stock units (“DSU”) credited to a participant are non-voting but shall be entitled to dividend equivalent payments upon payment of dividends on shares of KREF’s common stock in the same form and amount equal to the amount of such dividends and are not subject to deferral under the Deferral Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2023, 72,708 vested RSUs were deferred under the Deferral Plan. As of December 31, 2023, there were 72,708 DSUs outstanding.
Upon any payment of shares as a result of restricted stock unit vesting, the related tax withholding obligation will generally be satisfied by KREF, reducing the number of shares to be delivered by a number of shares necessary to satisfy the related applicable tax withholding obligation. The amount results in a cash payment related to this tax liability and a corresponding reduction to additional paid-in capital in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity. KREF delivered 218,849 shares of common stock for 458,277 vested RSUs during the year ended December 31, 2023 and paid $2.0 million of withholding tax in connection with employee RSUs vested in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Refer to Note 14 for additional information regarding the Incentive Plan.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 12. Earnings (Loss) per Share
Earnings (Loss) per Share — KREF calculates its basic EPS using the two-class method, which defines unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends as participating securities. Under the two-class method earnings (distributed and undistributed) are allocated to common shares and participating securities based on their respective rights. Basic EPS, is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average common stock outstanding for the period.
KREF presents diluted EPS under the more dilutive of the treasury stock and if-converted methods or the two-class method. Under the treasury stock and if-converted methods, the denominator includes weighted average common stock outstanding plus the incremental dilutive shares issuable from restricted stock units and an assumed conversion of the Convertible Notes (for the periods in which such notes were outstanding). The numerator includes any changes in income (loss) that would result from the assumed conversion of these potential shares of common stock.
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, 18,209, 171,111 and 13,043 weighted average unvested RSUs, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because the effect was anti-dilutive.
Since May 15, 2023, there were no convertible instruments outstanding. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, 6,316,174 potentially issuable shares related to the Convertible Notes were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because the effect was anti-dilutive.
The following table illustrates the computation of basic and diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | For the Year Ended December 31, |
| | | | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Earnings | | | | | | | | |
| Net Income (Loss) | | | | $ | (30,851) | | | $ | 38,103 | | | $ | 137,183 | |
| Less: Preferred stock dividends | | | | 21,304 | | | 21,304 | | | 11,369 | |
| Less: Participating securities' share in earnings | | | | 1,764 | | | 1,428 | | | 179 | |
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted | | | | $ | (53,919) | | | $ | 15,371 | | | $ | 125,635 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding | | | | 69,154,447 | | | 67,553,578 | | | 56,571,200 | |
| Add: Deferred stock units | | | | 25,592 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Add: Dilutive restricted stock units | | | | — | | | — | | | 212,188 | |
| Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding | | | | 69,180,039 | | | 67,553,578 | | | 56,783,388 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, per: | | | | | | | | |
| Basic common share | | | | $ | (0.78) | | | $ | 0.23 | | | $ | 2.22 | |
| Diluted common share | | | | $ | (0.78) | | | $ | 0.23 | | | $ | 2.21 | |
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 9.13. Commitments and Contingencies
As of December 31, 2017,2023, KREF was subject to the following commitments and contingencies:
Litigation — From time to time, KREF may be involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. KREF establishes an accrued liability for legal proceedings only when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. In such cases, there may be an exposure to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. No loss contingency is recorded for matters where such losses are either not probable or reasonably estimable (or both) at the time of determination. Such matters may be subject to many uncertainties, including among others (i) the proceedings may be in early stages; (ii) damages sought may be unspecified, unsupportable, unexplained or uncertain; (iii) discovery may not have been started or is incomplete; (iv) there may be uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals or motions; (v) there may be significant factual issues to be resolved; or (vi) there may be novel legal issues or unsettled legal theories to be presented or a large number of parties. In addition, loss contingencies may be, in part or in whole, subject to insurance or other payments such as contributions and/or indemnity, which may reduce any ultimate loss.
As of December 31, 2017,2023, KREF was not involved in any material legal proceedings regarding claims or legal actions against KREF.
Indemnifications — In the normal course of business, KREF enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties that provide general indemnifications and other indemnities relating to contractual performance. In addition, certain of KREF’s subsidiaries have provided certain indemnities relating to environmental and other matters and has provided nonrecourse carve-out guarantees for fraud, willful misconduct and other customary wrongful acts, each in connection with the financing of certain real estate investments that KREF has made. KREF’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against KREF that have not yet occurred. However, KREF expects the risk of material loss to be low.
Capital Commitments — As of December 31, 2017,2023, KREF had future funding requirementscommitments of $316.2$816.4 million related to its investments in commercial mortgagereal estate loans. These future funding commitments primarily relate to construction projects, capital improvements, tenant improvements and leasing commissions. Generally, funding commitments are subject to certain conditions that must be met, such as customary construction draw certifications, minimum credit metrics or executions of new leases before advances are made to the borrower.
In January 2017, KREF committed $40.0 million to invest in an aggregator vehicle alongside RECOP.RECOP I. The two-year investment period for RECOP I ended in April 2019. As of December 31, 2017,2023, KREF had a remaining commitment of $26.0$4.3 million to RECOP.
Debt Covenants
Macroeconomic Environment — KREF’s secured financing agreements contain various customaryThe Federal Reserve has raised interest rates eleven times since January 2022. Higher interest rates imposed by the Federal Reserve to address inflation may adversely impact real estate asset values and increase our interest expense, which expense may not be fully offset by any resulting increase in interest income, and may lead to decreased prepayments from KREF's borrowers and an increase in the number of KREF's borrowers who exercise extension options. The Federal Reserve has indicated that it may decrease in interest rates in 2024. In a period of declining interest rates, our interest income on floating-rate investments would generally decrease, while any decrease in the interest we are charged on our floating-rate debt covenants. Asmay be subject to floors and may not compensate for such decrease in interest income.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 10.14. Related Party Transactions
Management Agreement — The Management Agreement between KREF and the Manager is a three-year agreement that provides for automatic one-year renewal periods starting October 8, 2017, subject to certain termination and nonrenewal rights, which in the case of KREF are exercisable by a two-thirds vote by the independent directors of KREF's board of directors. If the independent directors of KREF's board of directors declinesdecline to renew the Management Agreement other than for cause, KREF is required to pay the Manager a termination fee equal to three times the total 24-month trailing average annual management fee and incentive compensation earned by the Manager through the most recently completed calendar quarter. For administrative efficiency purposes, the Management Agreement was amended in August 2019 to change the expiration date of each automatic renewal period from October 7th to December 31st.
Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Manager, as agent to KREF and under the supervision of KREF's board of directors, manages the investments, subject to investment guidelines approved by KREF's board of directors; financing activities; and day-to-day business and affairs of KREF and its subsidiaries.
For its services to KREF, the Manager is entitled to a quarterly management fee equal to the greater of $62,500 or 0.375% of a weighted average adjusted equity and quarterly incentive compensation equal to 20.0% of the excess of (a) the trailing 12-month adjusteddistributable earnings (before incentive compensation payable to the Manager) over (b) 7.0% of the trailing 12-month weighted average adjusted equity (“Hurdle Rate”), less incentive compensation KREF already paid to the Manager with respect to the first three calendar quarters of such trailing 12-month period. The quarterly incentive compensation is calculated and paid in arrears with a one-quarter lag.
Adjusted equity generally represents the proceeds received by KREF and its subsidiaries from equity issuances, without duplication and net of offering costs, and adjusteddistributable earnings, reduced by distributions, equity repurchases, and incentive compensation paid. AdjustedDistributable earnings generally representsrepresent the net income, or loss, attributable to equity interests in KREF and its subsidiaries, without duplication, as well as realized losses not otherwise included in such net income, or loss, excluding non-cash equity compensation expense, incentive compensation, depreciation and amortization and unrealized gains or losses.losses, from and after the effective date to the end of the most recently completed calendar quarter. KREF's board of directors, after majority approval by independent directors, may also exclude one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP and certain material non-cash income or expense items from adjusteddistributable earnings. For purposes of calculating incentive compensation, both adjusted equity and adjusted earnings excludeexcludes: (i) the effects of equity issued by KREF and its subsidiaries that provides for fixed distributions or other debt characteristics.characteristics and (ii) unrealized provision for (reversal of) credit losses.
KREF is also required to reimburse the Manager or its affiliates for documented costs and expenses incurred by it and its affiliates on behalf of KREF, except those specifically required to be borne by the Manager under the Management Agreement. The Manager is responsible for, and KREF does not reimburse the Manager or its affiliates for, the expenses related to investment personnel of the Manager and its affiliates who provide services to KREF. However, KREF does reimburse the Manager for KREF's allocable share of compensation paid to certain of the Manager’s non-investment personnel, based on the percentage of time devoted by such personnel to KREF's affairs.
Incentive Plan — KREF's compensation committee or board of directors may administer the Incentive Plan, which provides for awards of stock options; stock appreciation rights; restricted stock; RSUs; limited partnership interests of KKR Real Estate Finance Holdings L.P. (the "Operating Partnership"), a wholly owned subsidiary of KREF, that are directly or indirectly convertible into or exchangeable or redeemable for shares of KREF's common stock pursuant to the limited partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership (“OP Interests”); awards payable by (i) delivery of KREF's common stock or other equity interests, or (ii) reference to the value of KREF's common stock or other equity interests, including OP Interests; cash-based awards; or performance compensation awards.
No more than 7.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock on a fully diluted basis, assuming the exercise of all outstanding stock options granted under the Incentive Plan and the conversion of all warrants and convertible securities into shares of common stock, or a total of 4,028,387 shares of common stock, will be available for awards under the Incentive Plan. In addition, (i) the maximum number of shares of common stock subject to awards granted during a single fiscal year to any non-employee director (as defined in the Incentive Plan), taken together with any cash fees paid to such non-employee director during the fiscal year, may not exceed $1.0 million and (ii) the maximum amount that can be paid to any participant for a single fiscal year during a performance period (or with respect to each single fiscal year if a performance period extends beyond a single fiscal year) pursuant to a performance compensation award denominated in cash will bemay not exceed $10.0 million.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
No awards may be granted under the Incentive Plan on and after February 12, 2026. The Incentive Plan will continue to apply to awards granted prior to such date. During the year ended December 31, 2017, KREF2023, 673,370 RSUs were granted 154,878 RSUs.to KREF's directors and employees of the Manager or its affiliates. During the year ended December 31, 2022, 547,625 RSUs were granted to KREF's directors and employees of the Manager or its affiliates. As of December 31, 2017, 3,873,5092023, 1,852,009 shares of common stock remained available for awards under the Incentive Plan.
Due to Affiliates — The following table contains the amounts presented in KREF's Consolidated Balance Sheets that it owes to affiliates:
| | | | | December 31, | | December 31, |
| | | 2017 | | 2016 |
| | December 31, 2023 | | | | December 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Management fees | | $ | 3,748 |
| | $ | 1,616 |
|
| Expense reimbursements and other | | 694 |
| | 112 |
|
| | | $ | 4,442 |
| | $ | 1,728 |
|
| Expense reimbursements | |
| KCM fees | |
| | $ | |
Affiliates Expenses — The following table contains the amounts included in KREF's Consolidated Statements of Income that arisearose from transactions with affiliates:the Manager:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | For the Year Ended December 31, |
| | | | | | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Management fees | | | | | | $ | 26,171 | | | $ | 25,680 | | | $ | 19,378 | |
| Incentive compensation | | | | | | 2,491 | | | 634 | | | 10,273 | |
| Expense reimbursements and other | | | | | | 6,581 | | | 4,385 | | | 1,551 | |
| | | | | | $ | 35,243 | | | $ | 30,699 | | | $ | 31,202 | |
In connection with the ATM, KCM, in its capacity as one of the sales agents, will receive commissions for the shares of KREF’s common stock it sells. This amount is not to exceed, but may be less than, 2.0% of the gross sales price per share. KREF sold zero and 340,548 shares under the ATM through a third-party broker during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. KREF did not incur or pay any commissions to KCM during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
In connection with the BMO Facility, and in consideration for its services as the structuring agent, KREF is obligated to pay KCM a structuring fee equal to 0.35% of the respective committed loan advances under the agreement. Such fees are capitalized as deferred financing cost and amortized to interest expense over the draw period of the facility. KREF paid zero and $0.5 million KCM structuring fees in connection with the facility during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
In connection with the HSBC Facility entered into in March 2020, and in consideration for structuring and sourcing this arrangement, KREF is obligated to pay KCM a structuring fee equal to 0.25% of the respective committed loan advances under the agreement. Such fees are capitalized as deferred financing cost and amortized to interest expense over the lesser of the initial term of the loan or the facility. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, KREF did not incur or pay any KCM structuring fees in connection with the facility.
In connection with the Series A Preferred Stock issuance in April 2021 and January 2022, and in consideration for its services as joint bookrunner, KREF incurred and paid KCM $1.6 million and $1.3 million in underwriting discount and commission, respectively. The underwriting discount and commission was settled net of the preferred stock issuance proceeds and recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in-capital in KREF's consolidated financial statements.
In connection with the KREF Lending IX Facility entered into in July 2021, and in consideration for structuring and sourcing this arrangement, KREF is obligated to pay KCM a structuring fee equal to 0.75% of the respective committed loan advances under the agreement. Such fees are capitalized as deferred financing cost and amortized to interest expense over the draw period of the facility. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, KREF paid KCM $0.3 million and $2.3 million in structuring fees in connection with the facility, respectively.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Management fees | | $ | 13,492 |
| | $ | 5,934 |
| | $ | 2,620 |
|
| Incentive compensation | | — |
| | 365 |
| | 131 |
|
Expense reimbursements and other(A) | | 1,561 |
| | 486 |
| | 63 |
|
| | | $ | 15,053 |
| | $ | 6,785 |
| | $ | 2,814 |
|
| |
(A) | KREF presents these amounts in "Table of ContentsOperating Expenses — General and administrative" in its Consolidated Statements of Income. Affiliate expense reimbursements presented in the table above exclude the out-of-pocket costs paid by the Manager to parties unaffiliated with the Manager on behalf of KREF, and for which KREF reimburses the Manager in cash. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, these cash reimbursements were $1.6 million, $3.0 million and $2.2 million, respectively. |
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
In connection with the KREF 2021-FL2 and KREF 2022-FL3 CLO issuances in August 2021 and February 2022, and in consideration for its services as the co-lead manager and joint bookrunner, KREF paid KCM $0.9 million and $0.5 million, respectively, in structuring and placement agent fees in 2021 and 2022. These fees were capitalized as deferred financing cost and amortized to interest expense over the estimated life of the CLOs.
In connection with the extension and upsize of the Revolver in March 2022, and in consideration for its services as the arranger, KREF is obligated to pay KCM an arrangement fee equal to 0.375% of the aggregate amount of existing commitments plus 0.75% of the aggregate amount of new commitments. KREF paid $3.3 million of arrangement fees in connection with the Revolver in 2022. Such fees were capitalized as deferred financing cost and amortized to interest expense over the estimated life of the Revolver.
In connection with the KREF Lending XI Facility entered into in April 2022, and in consideration for its services as the structuring agent, KREF paid KCM $0.5 million in structuring fees in 2022. Such fees are capitalized as deferred financing cost and amortized to interest expense over the estimated life of the facility.
In connection with the KREF Lending XII Facility entered into in June 2022, and in consideration for structuring and sourcing this arrangement, KREF is obligated to pay KCM a structuring fee equal to 0.35% of the respective loan advances under the agreement. KREF paid $0.6 million in KCM structuring fees in connection with the facility in 2022. Such fees are capitalized as deferred financing cost and amortized to interest expense over the draw period of the facility.
In connection with the KREF Lending XIII Facility entered into in August 2022, and in consideration for structuring and sourcing this arrangement, KREF is obligated to pay KCM a structuring fee equal to 0.5% of the facility amount under the agreement. KREF paid $1.3 million in KCM structuring fees in connection with the facility in 2022. Such fees are capitalized as deferred financing cost and amortized to interest expense over the draw period of the facility.
In connection with the KREF Lending XIV Facility entered into in October 2022, and in consideration for its services as the structuring agent, KREF paid KCM $0.6 million in structuring fees in 2022. Such fees are capitalized as deferred financing cost and amortized to interest expense over the estimated life of the facility.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 11.15. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying values and fair values of KREF’s financialfinancial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as other financial instruments not carried at fair value, as of December 31, 2017 were2023, were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Fair Value |
| | | Principal Balance(A) | | Carrying Value(B) | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total |
| Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 103,120 |
| | $ | 103,120 |
| | $ | 103,120 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 103,120 |
|
| Restricted cash and cash equivalents | | 400 |
| | 400 |
| | 400 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 400 |
|
Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-investment, net(C) | | 1,901,693 |
| | 1,888,510 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,894,870 |
| | 1,894,870 |
|
| Equity method investments, at fair value | | 14,390 |
| | 14,390 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 14,390 |
| | 14,390 |
|
| Commercial mortgage loans held in variable interest entities, at fair value | | 5,305,976 |
| | 5,372,811 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 5,372,811 |
| | 5,372,811 |
|
| | | $ | 7,325,579 |
| | $ | 7,379,231 |
| | $ | 103,520 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 7,282,071 |
| | $ | 7,385,591 |
|
| Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Secured financing agreements, net | | $ | 969,347 |
| | $ | 964,800 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 969,347 |
| | $ | 969,347 |
|
| Loan participations sold, net | | 82,000 |
| | 81,472 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 81,836 |
| | 81,836 |
|
| Variable interest entity liabilities, at fair value | | 4,996,817 |
| | 5,256,926 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 5,256,926 |
| | 5,256,926 |
|
| | | $ | 6,048,164 |
| | $ | 6,303,198 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 6,308,109 |
| | $ | 6,308,109 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Fair Value |
| Principal Balance | | Amortized Cost(A) | | Carrying Value(B) | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total |
| Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 135,898 | | | $ | 135,898 | | | $ | 135,898 | | | $ | 135,898 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 135,898 | |
Commercial real estate loans, held-for-investment, net(C) | 7,369,425 | | | 7,343,548 | | | 7,133,078 | | | — | | | — | | | 7,133,696 | | | 7,133,696 | |
| Equity method investments | 35,076 | | | 35,076 | | | 35,076 | | | — | | | — | | | 35,076 | | | 35,076 | |
| $ | 7,540,399 | | | $ | 7,514,522 | | | $ | 7,304,052 | | | $ | 135,898 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 7,168,772 | | | $ | 7,304,670 | |
| Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Secured financing agreements, net | $ | 3,794,066 | | | $ | 3,782,419 | | | $ | 3,782,419 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 3,782,419 | | | $ | 3,782,419 | |
| Collateralized loan obligations, net | 1,942,750 | | | 1,942,171 | | | 1,942,171 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,893,350 | | | 1,893,350 | |
| Secured term loan, net | 343,000 | | | 335,331 | | | 335,331 | | | — | | | 338,500 | | | — | | | 338,500 | |
| $ | 6,079,816 | | | $ | 6,059,921 | | | $ | 6,059,921 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 338,500 | | | $ | 5,675,769 | | | $ | 6,014,269 | |
| |
(A) | The principal balance of commercial mortgage loans excludes premiums and unamortized discounts. |
| |
(B) | The carrying value of commercial mortgage loans is presented net of $13.2 million unamortized origination discounts and deferred nonrefundable fees. The carrying value of secured financing agreements is presented net of $4.5 million unamortized debt issuance costs. |
| |
(C) | Includes senior loans for which KREF sold a loan participation that was not treated as a sale under GAAP, with a carrying value of $81.5 million and a fair value of $81.8 million as of December 31, 2017. |
(A) The amortized cost of commercial real estate loans is net of $20.8 million of unamortized origination discounts, cost recovery interest and deferred fees. The amortized cost of secured financing agreements is net of $11.6 million unamortized debt issuance costs. The amortized cost of collateralized loan obligations is net of $0.6 million unamortized debt issuance costs.
(B) The carrying value of commercial mortgage loans is net of $210.5 million allowance for credit losses.
(C) Includes $2,295.0 million of CLO loan participations as of December 31, 2023. Excludes fully written off risk-rated 5 loans with a combined outstanding principal balance of $45.5 million as of December 31, 2023.
The carrying values and fair values of KREF’s financial assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as other financial instruments for which fair value is disclosed, as of December 31, 20162022, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Fair Value |
| | Principal Balance | | Amortized Cost(A) | | Carrying Value(B) | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total |
| Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 239,791 | | | $ | 239,791 | | | $ | 239,791 | | | $ | 239,791 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 239,791 | |
Commercial real estate loans, held-for-investment, net(C) | | 7,562,392 | | | 7,494,138 | | | 7,387,164 | | | — | | | — | | | 7,393,279 | | | 7,393,279 | |
| Equity method investments | | 36,849 | | | 36,849 | | | 36,849 | | | — | | | — | | | 36,849 | | | 36,849 | |
| | $ | 7,839,032 | | | $ | 7,770,778 | | | $ | 7,663,804 | | | $ | 239,791 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 7,430,128 | | | $ | 7,669,919 | |
| Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Secured financing agreements, net | | $ | 3,770,701 | | | $ | 3,748,691 | | | $ | 3,748,691 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 3,748,691 | | | $ | 3,748,691 | |
| Collateralized loan obligations, net | | 1,942,750 | | | 1,935,592 | | | 1,935,592 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,857,042 | | | 1,857,042 | |
| Secured term loan, net | | 346,500 | | | 336,828 | | | 336,828 | | | — | | | 339,137 | | | — | | | 339,137 | |
| Convertible notes, net | | 143,750 | | | 143,237 | | | 143,237 | | | — | | | 141,617 | | | — | | | 141,617 | |
| | $ | 6,203,701 | | | $ | 6,164,348 | | | $ | 6,164,348 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 480,754 | | | $ | 5,605,733 | | | $ | 6,086,487 | |
(A) The amortized cost of commercial real estate loans is net of $43.3 million of unamortized origination discounts and deferred fees, a $25.0 million write-off on a defaulted senior loan. The amortized cost of secured financing agreements is net of $22.0 million of unamortized debt issuance costs. The amortized cost of collateralized loan obligations is net of $7.2 million of unamortized debt issuance costs.
(B) The carrying value of commercial mortgage loans is net of $107.0 million allowance for credit losses.
(C) Includes $2,149.0 million of CLO loan participations as of December 31, 2022. Excludes a fully written off risk-rated 5 loan with an outstanding principal balance of $5.5 million as of December 31, 2022.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Fair Value |
| | | Principal Balance(A) | | Carrying Value(B) | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total |
| Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 96,189 |
| | $ | 96,189 |
| | $ | 96,189 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 96,189 |
|
| Restricted cash and cash equivalents | | 157 |
| | 157 |
| | 157 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 157 |
|
| Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-investment, net | | 681,570 |
| | 674,596 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 676,169 |
| | 676,169 |
|
| Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, net | | 26,230 |
| | 26,230 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 26,495 |
| | 26,495 |
|
| Preferred interest in joint venture, held-to-maturity | | 36,445 |
| | 36,445 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 36,482 |
| | 36,482 |
|
| Commercial mortgage loans held in variable interest entities, at fair value | | 5,351,539 |
| | 5,426,084 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 5,426,084 |
| | 5,426,084 |
|
| | | $ | 6,192,130 |
| | $ | 6,259,701 |
| | $ | 96,346 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 6,165,230 |
| | $ | 6,261,576 |
|
| Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Secured financing agreements, net | | $ | 445,600 |
| | $ | 439,144 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 445,600 |
| | $ | 445,600 |
|
| Variable interest entity liabilities, at fair value | | 5,042,380 |
| | 5,313,574 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 5,313,574 |
| | 5,313,574 |
|
| | | $ | 5,487,980 |
| | $ | 5,752,718 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 5,759,174 |
| | $ | 5,759,174 |
|
| |
(A) | The principal balance of commercial mortgage loans excludes premiums and discounts. |
| |
(B) | The carrying value of commercial mortgage loans is presented net of $9.2 million origination discounts and deferred nonrefundable fees. The carrying value of secured financing agreements is presented net of $6.4 million unamortized debt issuance costs. |
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
KREF reported the following financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs as of December 31, 2017.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Assets | | Liabilities | | |
| | | Commercial Mortgage Loans Held in Variable Interest Entities, at Fair Value | | Variable Interest Entity Liabilities, at Fair Value | | Net |
| Balance at December 31, 2016 | | $ | 5,426,084 |
| | $ | 5,313,574 |
| | $ | 112,510 |
|
| Gains (losses) included in net income | | | | | | |
| Included in change in net assets related to consolidated variable interest entities | | (7,567 | ) | | (10,942 | ) | | 3,375 |
|
| Purchases and repayments | | | | | | |
| Purchases | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Repayments | | (45,562 | ) | | (45,562 | ) | | — |
|
Other(A) | | (144 | ) | | (144 | ) | | — |
|
| Balance at December 31, 2017 | | $ | 5,372,811 |
| | $ | 5,256,926 |
| | $ | 115,885 |
|
(A) Amounts principally consist of changes in accrued interest.
The following table contains the Level 3 inputs used to value assets and liabilities on a recurring and nonrecurring basis or where KREF discloses fair value as of December 31, 2017:2023:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Fair Value | | Valuation Methodologies | | Unobservable Inputs(A) | | Weighted Average(B) | | Range |
Assets(C) | | | | | | | | | | |
| Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-investment, net | | $ | 1,894,870 |
| | Discounted cash flow | | Loan-to-value ratio | | 67.0% | | 49.8% - 85.6% |
| | | | | | | Discount rate | | 6.2% | | 2.2% - 13.9% |
Commercial mortgage loans held in variable interest entities, at fair value(D) | | 5,372,811 |
| | Discounted cash flow | | Yield | | 7.5% | | 2.2% - 32.3% |
| | | $ | 7,267,681 |
| | | | | | | | |
| Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | |
| Secured financing agreements, net | | $ | 969,347 |
| | Market comparable | | Credit spread | | 2.1% | | 1.8% - 2.5% |
| Loan participations sold, net | | 81,836 |
| | Discounted cash flow | | Loan-to-value ratio | | 55.4% | | 55.4% - 55.4% |
| | | | | | | Discount rate | | 3.2% | | 2.2% - 4.2% |
| Variable interest entity liabilities, at fair value | | 5,256,926 |
| | Discounted cash flow | | Yield | | 5.6% | | 2.2% - 29.3% |
| | | $ | 6,308,109 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fair Value | | Valuation Methodologies | | Unobservable Inputs(A) | | Weighted Average(B) | | Range |
Assets and Liabilities(C) | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial real estate loans, held-for-investment(D) | | $ | 7,133,696 | | | Discounted cash flow | | Discount margin | | 4.4% | | 3.3% - 17.2% |
| | | | | | Discount rate | | 10.7% | | 9.0% - 12.0% |
| | | | | | Capitalization rate | | 7.8% | | 7.0% - 8.7% |
| | $ | 7,133,696 | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| |
(A) | (A) An increase (decrease) in the valuation input results in a decrease (increase) in value. |
| |
(B) | Represents the average of the input value, weighted by the unpaid principal balance of the financial instrument. |
| |
(C) | KREF carries a $14.2 million investment in an aggregator vehicle alongside RECOP (Note 7) at its pro rata share of the aggregator's net asset value, which management believes approximates fair value. |
| |
(D) | Management measures the fair value of "Commercial mortgage loans held in variable interest entities, at fair value" using the fair value of the CMBS trust liabilities. The Level 3 inputs presented in the table above reflect the inputs used to value the CMBS trust liabilities, including the CMBS beneficially owned by KREF stockholders eliminated in consolidation of the CMBS trusts. |
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Valuation Methodologies
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities — As of December 31, 2017, management categorized CMBS investments as Level 3 assets and liabilities in the fairvaluation input results in a decrease (increase) in value.
(B) Represents the average of the input value, hierarchy and obtained prices from an independent valuation firm, which uses a discounted cash flow model, to value each CMBS. The key input is the expected yield of each CMBS using both observable and unobservable factors, which may include recently offered or completed trades and published yields of similar securities, security-specific characteristics (e.g. securities ratings issued by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, credit support by other subordinate securities issuedweighted by the CMBS and coupon type) and other characteristics. Management performs quarterly reviewsunpaid principal balance of the inputs received from the independent valuation firm based on consideration given tofinancial instrument.
(C) KREF carries a number of observable market data points including, but not limited to, trading activity$35.1 million investment in the marketplace of like-kind securities, benchmark security evaluations and bid list results from various sources. If prices received from the independent valuation firm are inconsistent with values determined in connection with management's independent review, management makes inquiries to the independent valuation firm about the prices received and related methods. In the event management determines the price obtained from an independent valuation firm to be unreliable or an inadequate representationaggregator vehicle alongside RECOP I (Note 9) at its pro rata share of the aggregator's net asset value, which management believes approximates fair value of the CMBS (based on consideration given to the observable market data points detailed above), management then compiles evidence independently and presents the independent valuation firm with such evidence supporting a different value. As a result, the independent valuation firm may revise their price. However, if management continues to disagree with the price from the independent valuation firm, in light of evidence presented that management compiled independently and believes to be compelling, management considers the quotation unreliable or an inadequate representation of the fair value of the CMBS.
In the event that the quotation from the independent valuation firm is not available or determined to be unreliable or an inadequate representation of the fair value of the CMBS (based on the procedures detailed above), valuations are prepared using inputs based on non-binding broker quotes obtained from independent, well-known, major financial brokers that make markets in CMBS. In validating any non-binding broker quote used in this circumstance, management compares the non-binding quote to the observable market data points at such time and used to validate prices received from the independent valuation firm in addition to understanding the valuation methodologies used by the market makers. These market participants utilize a similar methodology as the independent valuation firm to value each CMBS, with the key input of expected yield determined independently based on both observable and unobservable factors (as described above). To avoid reliance on any single broker-dealer, management receives a minimum of two non-binding quotes, of which the average is used.
The fair values of the CMBS not beneficially owned by KREF stockholders neither impact the net assets of KREF nor the net income attributable to KREF's stockholders.
(D) Commercial Mortgage Loans and Participation Sold— Management generally considers KREF's commercial mortgage loans Level 3 assets in the fair value hierarchy as such assets are illiquid, structured investments that are specific to the property and its operating performance. Thesereal estate loans are generally valued using a discounted cash flow model using a discount ratesrate derived from observablerelevant market data applied to the capital structureindices and/or estimates of the respective sponsor and estimated propertyunderlying property's value. On a quarterly basis, management engages an independent valuation firm to express an opinion on the fair value of each loan categorized as a Level 3 asset in the form of a range. Management selects a value within the range provided by the independent valuation firm to assess the reasonableness of the fair value as determined by management. In the event that management's estimate of fair value differs from the opinion of fair value provided by the independent valuation firm, KREF ultimately relies solely upon the valuation prepared by the investment personnel of Manager.
Preferred Interest in Joint Venture
— Management categorized KREF's preferred interest in joint venture as Level 3 assets in the fair value hierarchy. On a quarterly basis, management engaged an independent valuation firm to express an opinion on the fair value of its preferred interest in joint venture based upon a range of values. Management selected a value within the range provided by the independent valuation firm to assess the reasonableness of management's estimated fair value for that security. The independent valuation firm employed a discounted cash flow model using discount rates derived from observable market data applied to the internal rate of return implied by the expected contractual cash flows. In the event that management's estimate of fair value differed from the opinion of fair value provided by the independent valuation firm, KREF ultimately relied solely upon the valuation prepared by the investment personnel of Manager. In August 2017, this investment was repaid in full. (Note 4).
Secured Financing Agreements— Management considers KREF's repurchase facilities Level 3 liabilities in the fair value hierarchy as such liabilities represent borrowings on illiquid collateral with terms specific to each borrower. Given the short-to-moderate term of the floating rate facilities, management generally expects the fair value of KREF's repurchase facilities to approximate their outstanding principal balances. On a quarterly basis, management engages an independent valuation firm to
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
express an opinion on the fair value of KREF's repurchase facilities. The independent valuation firm employs a market-based methodology to compare the pricing of KREF's financing agreements with other similar financing agreements entered into by other mortgage REIT and recent financing transactions.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Certain assets not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment, are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. ForKREF measures commercial mortgagereal estate loans held-for-sale KREF appliesat the lower of cost or fair value accounting and may be required, from time to time, to record a nonrecurring fair value adjustment. ForKREF measures commercial mortgagereal estate loans held-for-investment and preferred interest in joint venture held-to-maturity, KREF applies theat amortized cost, method of accounting, but may be required, from time to time, to record a nonrecurring fair value adjustment in the form of a valuation provision or impairment. KREF did not report any significant financial assets or liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.
Assets and Liabilities for Which Fair Value is Only Disclosed
KREF does not carry its secured financing agreements at fair value as management did not elect the fair value option for these liabilities. As of December 31, 2017,2023, the fair value of KREF's floating rate repurchasefinancing facilities approximated the outstanding principal balance.
their respective carrying value. Note 12. Income Taxes
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 16. Income Taxes
KREF has elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2014. A REIT is generally not subject to U.S. federal and state income tax on that portion of its income that is distributed to stockholders if it distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gains. A REIT will also be subject to a nondeductible excise tax to the extent certain percentages of its taxable income are not distributed within specified dates. While KREF expects to distribute 100%at least 90% of its net taxable income for the foreseeable future, while retaining sufficientKREF will continue to evaluate its capital to support its ongoing needs.and liquidity needs in light of existing economic and market conditions.
KREF consolidates subsidiaries that incur U.S. federal, state and local income taxes, based on the tax jurisdiction in which each subsidiary operates. During each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2023, 2022 and 2015,2021, KREF recorded a currentan income tax provisionexpense of $1.1$0.7 million, $0.4$0.1 million and $0.4$0.7 million, respectively, related to the operations of its taxable REIT subsidiaries and various other state and local taxes. There were no material deferred tax assets or liabilities as of December 31, 20172023 and December 31, 2016.2022.
As of December 31, 2017, tax years 2014 through 2016 remain subject to examination by taxing authorities.
Common stock distributions treated as dividends for tax purposes were taxable as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| Year | | Ordinary Income | | Long-term Capital Gain | | Return of Capital |
| 2017 | | 100.0 | % | | — | % | | — | % |
| 2016 | | 100.0 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| 2015 | | 100.0 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year | | Ordinary
Dividends | | Qualified
Dividends | | Long Term
Capital Gain | | Return of
Capital |
| 2023 | | 91.5 | % | | — | % | | — | % | | 8.5 | % |
| 2022 | | 100.0 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| 2021 | | 99.1 | | | 1.2 | | | 0.9 | | | — | |
| 2020 | | 100.0 | | | 0.8 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 13.17. Subsequent Events
These consolidated financial statements include a discussion of certainThe following events that have occurred subsequent to December 31, 2017 (referred to as "subsequent events") through the issuance of these consolidated financial statements. Events subsequent to the date of issuance have not been considered in these consolidated financial statements.2023:
Investing Activities
KREF originated the following senior loan subsequent to December 31, 2017:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Description/ Location | Property Type | Month Originated | Maximum Face Amount | Initial Face Amount Funded | Interest Rate(A) | Maturity Date(B) | LTV |
| St. Paul, Minnesota | Office | January 2018 | $ | 75,500 |
| $ | 70,000 |
| L + 3.6% | February 2023 | 73% |
| |
(A) | Floating rate based on one-month USD LIBOR. |
| |
(B) | Maturity date assumes all extension options are exercised, if applicable. |
Funding of Previously Closed Loans
Between January 1, 2018 and February 23, 2018, KREF funded approximately $19.1 million for previously closed loans subsequent to December 31, 2017.
Loan Repayments
In February 2018,January 2024, KREF received approximately $33.3 million from loan repayments, which represents its 95% interest in a $35.0 million mezzanine loan.
Funding of Capital Commitments
In February 2018, KREF funded $4.0 million related to its investment in RECOP.
Financing Activities
In February 2018, KREF borrowed $4.0$324.7 million in proceeds under the Morgan Stanley master repurchase facility.principal repayments, comprised of a full loan repayment of $173.4 million on a senior office loan in Washington, D.C. and a full loan repayment of $151.3 million on a senior condo loan in New York, NY.
Corporate Activities
Dividends
In January 2018,2024, KREF paid a $19.9$29.8 million dividendin dividends on its common and special voting preferred stock, or $0.37$0.43 per share, with respect to the fourth quarter of 2017,2023, to stockholders of record on December 29, 2017.2023.
Share Buyback
Between JanuaryOn February 1, 2018 and February 23, 2018, KREF repurchased 496,809 shares2024, KREF’s Board of its common stock for $9.7 million atDirectors declared a weighted average pricedividend of $0.25 per share of $19.49.common stock with respect to the first quarter of 2024. The dividend is payable on April 15, 2024 to KREF’s common stockholders of record as of March 28, 2024.
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollarsamount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 14. 18. Summary Quarterly Consolidated Financial Information (Unaudited)
The following tables summarize KREF's quarterly financial data which, in the opinion of management, reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of KREF's results of operations:operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2017 |
| | Quarter Ended | | Year Ended December 31 |
| | March 31 | | June 30 | | September 30 | | December 31 | |
| Net Interest Income | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest income | $ | 12,906 |
| | $ | 17,446 |
| | $ | 24,408 |
| | $ | 28,385 |
| | $ | 83,145 |
|
| Interest expense | 3,953 |
| | 3,225 |
| | 5,414 |
| | 8,632 |
| | 21,224 |
|
| Total net interest income | 8,953 |
| | 14,221 |
| | 18,994 |
| | 19,753 |
| | 61,921 |
|
| Other Income (Loss) | 4,790 |
| | 4,780 |
| | 4,317 |
| | 3,801 |
| | 17,688 |
|
| Operating Expenses | 2,988 |
| | 4,451 |
| | 5,328 |
| | 5,661 |
| | 18,428 |
|
| Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interests and Preferred Dividends | 10,755 |
| | 14,550 |
| | 17,983 |
| | 17,893 |
| | 61,181 |
|
| Income tax expense | 122 |
| | 146 |
| | 120 |
| | 714 |
| | 1,102 |
|
| Net Income (Loss) | 10,633 |
| | 14,404 |
| | 17,863 |
| | 17,179 |
| | 60,079 |
|
| Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Income (Loss) of Consolidated Joint Venture | 46 |
| | 34 |
| | 54 |
| | 82 |
| | 216 |
|
| Noncontrolling Interests in Income (Loss) of Consolidated Joint Venture | 210 |
| | 214 |
| | 377 |
| | — |
| | 801 |
|
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries | 10,377 |
| | 14,156 |
| | 17,432 |
| | 17,097 |
| | 59,062 |
|
| Preferred Stock Dividends | 13 |
| | 75 |
| | 93 |
| | 63 |
| | 244 |
|
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | 10,364 |
| | $ | 14,081 |
| | $ | 17,339 |
| | $ | 17,034 |
| | $ | 58,818 |
|
| Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock, basic and diluted | $ | 0.39 |
| | $ | 0.30 |
| | $ | 0.32 |
| | $ | 0.32 |
| | $ | 1.30 |
|
| Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | 26,879,428 |
| | 46,632,975 |
| | 53,696,967 |
| | 53,685,440 |
| | 45,320,358 |
|
| Diluted | 26,879,428 |
| | 46,633,248 |
| | 53,697,041 |
| | 53,688,027 |
| | 45,321,360 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2016 |
| | Quarter Ended | | Year Ended December 31 |
| | March 31 | | June 30 | | September 30 | | December 31 | |
| Net Interest Income | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest income | $ | 6,269 |
| | $ | 6,719 |
| | $ | 7,896 |
| | $ | 11,775 |
| | $ | 32,659 |
|
| Interest expense | 1,150 |
| | 1,199 |
| | 1,627 |
| | 3,456 |
| | 7,432 |
|
| Total net interest income | 5,119 |
| | 5,520 |
| | 6,269 |
| | 8,319 |
| | 25,227 |
|
| Other Income (Loss) | (2,023 | ) | | 5,842 |
| | 6,284 |
| | 5,865 |
| | 15,968 |
|
| Operating Expenses | 1,899 |
| | 2,133 |
| | 2,169 |
| | 2,368 |
| | 8,569 |
|
| Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interests and Preferred Dividends | 1,197 |
| | 9,229 |
| | 10,384 |
| | 11,816 |
| | 32,626 |
|
| Income tax expense | 71 |
| | 72 |
| | 71 |
| | 140 |
| | 354 |
|
| Net Income (Loss) | 1,126 |
| | 9,157 |
| | 10,313 |
| | 11,676 |
| | 32,272 |
|
| Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Income (Loss) of Consolidated Joint Venture | 81 |
| | 80 |
| | 87 |
| | 54 |
| | 302 |
|
| Noncontrolling Interests in Income (Loss) of Consolidated Joint Venture | 184 |
| | 207 |
| | 210 |
| | 212 |
| | 813 |
|
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries | 861 |
| | 8,870 |
| | 10,016 |
| | 11,410 |
| | 31,157 |
|
| Preferred Stock Dividends | 4 |
| | 4 |
| | 4 |
| | 4 |
| | 16 |
|
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | 857 |
| | $ | 8,866 |
| | $ | 10,012 |
| | $ | 11,406 |
| | $ | 31,141 |
|
| Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock | $ | 0.06 |
| | $ | 0.51 |
| | $ | 0.48 |
| | $ | 0.47 |
| | $ | 1.61 |
|
| Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding | 14,911,141 |
| | 17,248,539 |
| | 20,810,322 |
| | 24,158,392 |
| | 19,299,597 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2023 |
| Quarter Ended | | Year Ended |
| March 31 | | June 30 | | September 30 | | December 31 | | December 31, 2023 |
| Net Interest Income | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest income | $ | 152,530 | | | $ | 159,629 | | | $ | 163,229 | | | $ | 165,024 | | | $ | 640,412 | |
| Interest expense | 105,976 | | | 115,677 | | | 118,617 | | | 118,532 | | | 458,802 | |
| Total net interest income | 46,554 | | | 43,952 | | | 44,612 | | | 46,492 | | | 181,610 | |
| Other Income | 4,610 | | | 6,972 | | | 5,443 | | | 4,174 | | | 21,199 | |
| Operating Expenses | 76,249 | | | 70,871 | | | 23,056 | | | 63,580 | | | 233,756 | |
| Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interests, Preferred Dividends and Participating Securities' Share in Earnings | (25,085) | | | (19,947) | | | 26,999 | | | (12,914) | | | (30,947) | |
| Income tax expense | 169 | | | 177 | | | 165 | | | 199 | | | 710 | |
| Net Income (Loss) | $ | (25,254) | | | $ | (20,124) | | | $ | 26,834 | | | $ | (13,113) | | | $ | (31,657) | |
| Noncontrolling interests in income (loss) of consolidated joint venture | (177) | | | (96) | | | (307) | | | (226) | | | (806) | |
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries | $ | (25,077) | | | $ | (20,028) | | | $ | 27,141 | | | $ | (12,887) | | | $ | (30,851) | |
| Preferred stock dividends | 5,326 | | | 5,326 | | | 5,326 | | | 5,326 | | | 21,304 | |
| Participating securities' share in earnings | 407 | | | 418 | | | 414 | | | 525 | | | 1,764 | |
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | (30,810) | | | $ | (25,772) | | | $ | 21,401 | | | $ | (18,738) | | | $ | (53,919) | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic and Diluted | $ | (0.45) | | | $ | (0.37) | | | $ | 0.31 | | | $ | (0.27) | | | $ | (0.78) | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic and Diluted | 69,095,011 | | | 69,115,654 | | | 69,122,636 | | | 69,384,309 | | | 69,180,039 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(amount in tables in thousands, except per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2022 |
| Quarter Ended | | Year Ended |
| March 31 | | June 30 | | September 30 | | December 31 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Net Interest Income | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest income | $ | 73,230 | | | $ | 90,603 | | | $ | 114,627 | | | $ | 143,508 | | | $ | 421,968 | |
| Interest expense | 32,459 | | | 44,733 | | | 67,311 | | | 91,592 | | | 236,095 | |
| Total net interest income | 40,771 | | | 45,870 | | | 47,316 | | | 51,916 | | | 185,873 | |
| Other Income | 6,430 | | | 4,105 | | | 3,846 | | | 4,813 | | | 19,194 | |
| Operating Expenses | 11,789 | | | 24,980 | | | 94,077 | | | 36,570 | | | 167,416 | |
| Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interests, Preferred Dividends and Participating Securities' Share in Earnings | 35,412 | | | 24,995 | | | (42,915) | | | 20,159 | | | 37,651 | |
| Income tax expense | — | | | — | | | — | | | 58 | | | 58 | |
| Net Income (Loss) | $ | 35,412 | | | $ | 24,995 | | | $ | (42,915) | | | $ | 20,101 | | | $ | 37,593 | |
| Noncontrolling interests in income (loss) of consolidated joint venture | (56) | | | (66) | | | (161) | | | (227) | | | (510) | |
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries | $ | 35,468 | | | $ | 25,061 | | | $ | (42,754) | | | $ | 20,328 | | | $ | 38,103 | |
| Preferred stock dividends | 5,326 | | | 5,326 | | | 5,326 | | | 5,326 | | | 21,304 | |
| Participating securities' share in earnings | 346 | | | 341 | | | 341 | | | 400 | | | 1,428 | |
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | 29,796 | | | $ | 19,394 | | | $ | (48,421) | | | $ | 14,602 | | | $ | 15,371 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | $ | 0.47 | | | $ | 0.28 | | | $ | (0.70) | | | $ | 0.21 | | | $ | 0.23 | |
| Diluted | $ | 0.46 | | | $ | 0.28 | | | $ | (0.70) | | | $ | 0.21 | | | $ | 0.23 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | 63,086,452 | | | 68,549,049 | | | 69,382,730 | | | 69,109,790 | | | 67,553,578 | |
| Diluted | 69,402,626 | | | 68,549,049 | | | 69,382,730 | | | 69,109,790 | | | 67,553,578 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Schedule IV - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
December 31, 20172023
(dollars in millions)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Type of Loan | | Description / Location | | Interest Rates(A) | | Maturity Date(B) | | Payment Terms(C) | | Principal Amount | | Carrying Amount |
Senior Loans(D) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Senior Loans in excess of 3% of the carrying amount of total loans | | | | | | | | |
| Senior Loan 1 | | Multifamily / Virginia | | + | 3.3% | | October 2026 | | I/O | | $ | 369.0 | | | $ | 367.7 | |
| Senior Loan 2 | | Industrial / Various | | + | 2.7% | | May 2027 | | I/O | | 252.3 | | | 251.8 | |
| Senior Loan 3 | | Multifamily / California | | + | 2.9% | | March 2026 | | I/O | | 220.0 | | | 219.5 |
| Senior Loans less than 3% of the carrying amount of total loans | | | | | | | | |
| Senior Loans | | Multifamily / Diversified | | + | 2.6% | — | 4.0% | | 2024 - 2027 | | I/O | | 2,517.1 | | | 2,509.9 | |
| Senior Loans | | Office / Diversified | | + | 2.3% | — | 3.7% | | 2025 - 2028 | | I/O | | 1,558.9 | | | 1,551.3 | |
| Senior Loans | | Industrial / Diversified | | + | 2.7% | — | 5.5% | | 2024 - 2027 | | I/O | | 820.2 | | | 818.0 | |
| Senior Loans | | Life Science / Diversified | | + | 3.1% | — | 4.5% | | 2026 - 2027 | | I/O | | 754.6 | | | 749.8 | |
| Senior Loans | | Hospitality / Diversified | | + | 3.7% | — | 5.0% | | 2024 - 2027 | | I/O | | 373.1 | | | 372.8 | |
| Senior Loan | | Condo (Residential) / New York | | + | 3.7% | | January 2024 | | I/O | | 149.9 | | | 149.9 | |
| Senior Loan | | Self-Storage / Various | | + | 3.8% | | January 2028 | | I/O | | 129.6 | | | 128.4 | |
| Senior Loan | | Student Housing / Pennsylvania | | + | 3.0% | | June 2026 | | I/O | | 112.5 | | | 112.0 | |
| Senior Loan | | Single Family Rental / Arizona | | + | 4.9% | | May 2026 | | I/O | | 67.7 | | | 67.6 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total senior loans | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 7,324.7 | | | $ | 7,298.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Mezzanine Loans | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Mezzanine Loans less than 3% of the carrying amount of total loans | | | | | | | | |
| Mezzanine Loans | | Various / Diversified | | + | 0.4% | — | 13.0% | | 2025 - 2028 | | I/O | | 90.2 | | | 44.7 | |
| Total mezzanine loans | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 90.2 | | | $ | 44.7 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total loans | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 7,414.9 | | | $ | 7,343.5 | |
| CECL reserve | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (210.5) | |
| Total loans, net | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 7,133.1 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Description/Location | | Prior Liens(A) | | Face Amount | | Carrying Amount | | Interest Rate(B) | | Payment Terms(C) | | Maturity Date(D) |
| Senior Loans | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Senior Loan 1, New York, NY | | N/A | | $ | 205.5 |
| | $ | 204.2 |
| | L + 4.8% | | I/O | | 8/5/2020 |
| Senior Loan 2, San Diego, CA | | N/A | | 146.8 |
| | 145.8 |
| | L + 4.2 | | I/O | | 10/5/2021 |
| Senior Loan 3, North Bergen, NJ | | N/A | | 135.6 |
| | 134.2 |
| | L + 4.3 | | I/O | | 11/5/2022 |
| Senior Loan 4, Minneapolis, MN | | N/A | | 133.7 |
| | 132.4 |
| | L + 3.8 | | I/O | | 12/5/2022 |
| Senior Loan 5, Irvine, CA | | N/A | | 131.0 |
| | 130.8 |
| | L + 3.9 | | I/O | | 5/5/2022 |
| Senior Loan 6, Brooklyn, NY | | N/A | | 121.4 |
| | 120.6 |
| | L + 5.0 | | I/O | | 10/5/2021 |
| Senior Loan 7, Portland, OR | | N/A | | 119.8 |
| | 118.8 |
| | L + 5.5 | | I/O | | 11/5/2020 |
| Senior Loan 8, Brooklyn, NY | | N/A | | 100.9 |
| | 99.8 |
| | L + 4.4 | | I/O | | 4/5/2022 |
| Senior Loan 9, Honolulu, HI | | N/A | | 100.0 |
| | 99.3 |
| | L + 4.0 | | 36 mo I/O / 360 mo amort | | 9/5/2022 |
| Senior Loan 10, Atlanta, GA | | N/A | | 82.0 |
| | 81.6 |
| | L + 1.8 | | I/O | | 9/5/2022 |
| Senior Loan 11, Denver, CO | | N/A | | 81.0 |
| | 80.4 |
| | L + 4.0 | | I/O | | 8/5/2022 |
| Senior Loan 12, Crystal City, VA | | N/A | | 80.6 |
| | 80.1 |
| | L + 4.5 | | I/O | | 10/5/2021 |
| Senior Loan 13, New York, NY | | N/A | | 67.9 |
| | 67.5 |
| | L + 4.4 | | I/O | | 11/5/2021 |
| Senior Loan 14, Atlanta, GA | | N/A | | 67.5 |
| | 67.0 |
| | L + 4.0 | | I/O | | 1/5/2021 |
| Senior Loan 15, Queens, NY | | N/A | | 61.3 |
| | 60.8 |
| | L + 3.7 | | I/O | | 8/5/2022 |
| Senior Loan 16, Austin, TX | | N/A | | 61.2 |
| | 60.6 |
| | L + 4.2 | | I/O | | 3/5/2022 |
| Senior Loan 17, Nashville, TN | | N/A | | 52.8 |
| | 52.3 |
| | L + 4.3 | | 36 mo I/O / 360 mo amort | | 1/5/2022 |
| Senior Loan 18, Atlanta, GA | | N/A | | 46.0 |
| | 45.8 |
| | L + 4.0 | | I/O | | 6/2/2022 |
| Mezzanine Loans | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Mezzanine Loan 1, Clearwater, FL | | N/A | | 35.0 |
| | 35.0 |
| | L + 9.8% | | I/O | | 2/9/2020 |
| Mezzanine Loan 2, Chicago, IL | | N/A | | 16.5 |
| | 16.4 |
| | L + 9.2 | | I/O | | 6/30/2020 |
| Mezzanine Loan 3, Denver, CO | | N/A | | 15.8 |
| | 15.6 |
| | L + 10.3 | | I/O | | 3/5/2022 |
| Mezzanine Loan 4, Atlanta, GA | | N/A | | 13.3 |
| | 13.2 |
| | L + 10.7 | | I/O | | 9/5/2022 |
| Mezzanine Loan 5, Santa Monica, CA | | N/A | | 5.6 |
| | 5.6 |
| | 10.5 | | I/O | | 12/6/2025 |
| Mezzanine Loan 6, Various | | N/A | | 5.5 |
| | 5.5 |
| | 11.0 | | I/O | | 7/6/2025 |
| Mezzanine Loan 7, Ann Arbor, MI | | N/A | | 4.3 |
| | 4.3 |
| | 12.0 | | I/O | | 7/6/2025 |
| Mezzanine Loan 8, Boca Raton, FL | | N/A | | 4.0 |
| | 4.0 |
| | 10.0 | | I/O | | 12/1/2024 |
| Mezzanine Loan 9, Fort Lauderdale, FL | | N/A | | 4.0 |
| | 4.0 |
| | 10.0 | | I/O | | 12/1/2024 |
| Mezzanine Loan 10, Bryan, TX | | N/A | | 2.9 |
| | 2.9 |
| | 10.0 | | I/O | | 3/1/2025 |
(A) Expressed as a spread over Term SOFR.
(B) Maturity date assumes all extension options are exercised, if applicable.
(C) I/O = interest only until final maturity unless otherwise noted.
(D) Senior loans include senior mortgages and similar credit quality investments, including junior participations in our originated senior loans for which we have syndicated the senior participations and retained the junior participations for our portfolio and excludes vertical loan participations.
| |
(A) | Represents third-party priority liens. Third-party portions of pari-passu participations are not considered priority liens. Additionally, excludes the outstanding debt on third-party joint ventures of underlying borrowers. |
| |
(B) | L = one-month LIBOR rate. |
| |
(C) | I/O = interest only until final maturity unless otherwise noted |
| |
(D) | Maturity date assumes all extension options are exercised, if applicable. |
For the activity within ourKREF's loan portfolio during the year ended December 31, 2017,2023, refer to Note 3 of ourthe consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed or submitted by us under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC'sSEC’s rules and forms and such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Co-ChiefChief Executive OfficersOfficer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurances of achieving the desired controls.
As of December 31, 2017,2023, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Co-ChiefChief Executive OfficersOfficer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, our Co-ChiefChief Executive OfficersOfficer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2017,2023, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to accomplish their objectives at the reasonable assurance level.
This annual report does not include a report of management's assessment regarding
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of KREF, (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors, and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements in our consolidated financial statements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an attestation reportevaluation of KREF's registered accounting firm due to a transition period establishedthe effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting using the criteria set forth by the rulesCommittee of Sponsoring Organizations of the SEC for newly public companies.Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on its evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
No changeschange in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in RulesRule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) underof the Securities Exchange Act) occurred during our most recentthe quarter ended December 31, 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Deloitte & Touche LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm that audited our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report, has issued its attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting, which is included in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans
During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, no director or officer (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) of the Company adopted or terminated any Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements (in each case, as defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K).
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
PART III.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions of our directors and executive officers as of February 23, 2018.
|
| | | | |
Name | | Age | | Position(s) |
Ralph F. Rosenberg | | 53 | | Chairman of the Board of Directors |
Todd A. Fisher | | 52 | | Director |
Terrance R. Ahern | | 62 | | Director |
R. Craig Blanchard | | 44 | | Director |
Jonathan A. Langer | | 48 | | Director |
Deborah H. McAneny | | 58 | | Director |
Christen E.J. Lee | | 39 | | Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President |
Matthew A. Salem | | 43 | | Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President |
W. Patrick Mattson | | 44 | | Chief Operating Officer and Secretary |
William B. Miller | | 37 | | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
Ralph F. Rosenberg has served as a director since October 2014 and is the Chairman of our board of directors. Mr. Rosenberg is also a member of our Manager’s investment committee. Mr. Rosenberg joined KKR in 2011 and is a Member and Global Head of KKR Real Estate. Before joining KKR, Mr. Rosenberg was a partner at Eton Park Capital Management through the end of 2010, holding a seat on the firm’s operating, risk and valuation committees. He was responsible for the firm’s CRE-related investing in securities, whole loans and real property and historically was also involved in the firm’s private lending efforts, performing and distressed credit investments, and asset-backed financings. Prior to joining Eton Park in 2008, Mr. Rosenberg was the founder and Managing Partner of R6 Capital Management, an investment business focused on CRE, asset-based and corporate credit situations. Prior to founding R6 Capital, Mr. Rosenberg spent seventeen years at Goldman Sachs. He was the Co-Founder and Co-Head of the Goldman Sachs Global Special Situations Group from 2004 to 2006. In this capacity, he had joint responsibility for the investment, risk management and asset management of Goldman Sachs’ multi-billion dollar fixed income proprietary investment business. A core component of this platform was investing in CRE securities and whole loans. Prior to 2004, Mr. Rosenberg was the Co-Chief Operating Officer of the Goldman Sachs Real Estate Principal Investment Area, which invests the Whitehall Street Real Estate Limited Partnerships. Mr. Rosenberg co-founded both the Archon Group, which provided Whitehall with property and loan level diligence, asset management and servicing expertise worldwide, and Archon Capital, one of the leading providers of mezzanine financing to the real estate community. Mr. Rosenberg joined Goldman Sachs in 1986 and then returned to Goldman Sachs in 1990 after attending business school. He became a Partner and Managing Director in 1998. Mr. Rosenberg is a member of the Brown University Corporation and serves in several leadership positions on behalf of the University. He is also a former Trustee of The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, New York, an Honorary Trustee of the Francis W. Parker School in Chicago and a former member of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Trust. He graduated from Brown University, magna cum laude, with a B.A. in American History. He received an M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Todd A. Fisher has served as a director since October 2014. He is currently an Advanced Leadership Initiative Fellow at Harvard University following his retirement from KKR in December 2017. Mr. Fisher joined KKR in 1993 and was a Member from 2000 and Global Chief Administrative Officer from 2008. Mr. Fisher was responsible for all business operations functions (finance, legal, IT, HR, risk, office operations, public affairs), as well as coordinating across KKR on strategy, risk management and control infrastructure. He also oversaw KKR’s Real Estate investment business and was a member of our Manager's investment committee. Prior to becoming Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Fisher was a member of KKR’s private equity business, served on KKR's Private Equity Investment Committee, and was responsible for multiple investments across the retail, chemical, financial and business services industries. He was a founding member of KKR’s European private equity business and lived in London from 1999 to 2010. Prior to joining KKR, Mr. Fisher worked for Goldman Sachs in New York and for Drexel Burnham Lambert in Los Angeles. Mr. Fisher previously chaired KKR’s Management Committee and Risk Committee and served on KKR’s Real Estate Investment and Portfolio Committees as well as the Global Conflicts Committee. Mr. Fisher graduated from Brown University with a B.A. in Biology and received an M.A. in International Affairs and Latin American studies from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (“SAIS”) and an M.B.A. in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently a Trustee of Brown University, Chairman
of the Board of Advisors for SAIS, director of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, a member of various committees of the United States Holocaust Museum and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Terrance R. Ahern has served as a director since May 2017. Mr. Ahern co-founded The Townsend Group in 1983 and is the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the firm’s management and investment committees. The Townsend Group is a provider of global investment management solutions focused on real estate, infrastructure, timber and agriculture. Prior to founding Townsend, Mr. Ahern was the Vice President of a real estate investment bank after beginning his career in the private practice of law. Mr. Ahern was a member of the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries and is a former member of the board of directors of the Pension Real Estate Association. He is currently chairman of the board of directors of DDR Corp. (NYSE: DDR), a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust, where he also serves as chair of the compensation committee and member of the audit committee, dividend declaration committee and pricing committee. He previously served as an independent director on the board of directors of Berkshire Realty Company, Inc. (NYSE: formerly BRI) from 1997 until the company was taken private in 1999. Mr. Ahern received a B.A., magna cum laude, and J.D. cum laude, from Cleveland State University.
R. Craig Blanchard has served as a director since May 2017. Mr. Blanchard joined Makena Capital Management in 2015, where he runs the real estate practice as a Managing Director and serves as a member of the investment committee and business development committee and as an advisory board member of multiple real estate private equity funds. Prior to joining Makena, he was a Managing Director at the Stanford Management Company from 2013 to 2014, where he oversaw the real estate portfolio and served on the investment committee. From 2010 to 2013, Mr. Blanchard was a Principal and Head of Special Situations Investing at The Townsend Group, where he focused on the firm’s global activities in recapitalizations, co-investments, joint ventures and secondaries. Mr. Blanchard began his career with capital deployment and asset management roles at Broadreach Capital Partners, a Palo Alto-based real estate private equity firm, and AMB Property Corporation, a global logistics REIT. Mr. Blanchard is a member of the Stanford Real Estate Council, the Urban Land Institute and the Pension Real Estate Association. He received a B.A. with highest honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Jonathan A. Langerhas served as a director since May 2017. He has served as a Managing Member at Fireside Investments LLC, a private investment firm that he founded in January 2012. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of International Market Centers, Inc., which he joined in September of 2017. Mr. Langer served as Chief Executive Officer and President of NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. (NASDAQ: formerly NRF) from August 2015 to March 2017, when NorthStar Realty Finance merged with Colony Capital, Inc. and NorthStar Asset Management Group Inc. He also served as Executive Vice President of NorthStar Asset Management Group from August 2015 to March 2017, a position he maintained as a co-employee with NorthStar Realty Finance. Mr. Langer was an Operating Partner and Consultant at Bain Capital from March 2010 to March 2012, where he worked in its private equity area. From 1994 to 2010, Mr. Langer was employed at Goldman, Sachs & Co., where he most recently worked as a Partner in its Real Estate Principal Investment Area (REPIA), which invests the Whitehall Street Real Estate Limited Partnerships. His responsibilities included overseeing REPIA’s North American real estate and global lodging investment efforts. During his tenure at Goldman Sachs, Mr. Langer served as a member of the board of directors of Icon Parking, Westin Hotels and Resorts, Kerzner International Resorts, Inc., Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: formerly BEE). He also served on the board of Morgans Hotel Group (NASDAQ: formerly MHGC) and was chairman of its special transaction committee. Mr. Langer received a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Deborah H. McAneny has served as a director since May 2017. Ms. McAneny previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of Benchmark Senior Living, LLC, an owner and operator of senior living facilities in New England from 2007 to 2009. She served as a director of Benchmark and has been a member of its board of advisors and audit committee since 2013. Prior to joining Benchmark, Ms. McAneny was employed by John Hancock Financial Services, where she advanced to Executive Vice President and was responsible for a portfolio of structured and alternative investment businesses including John Hancock’s real estate, structured fixed income, timber and agricultural investment business units. Prior to joining John Hancock in 1985, she was a senior auditor for Arthur Anderson & Co. Ms. McAneny is currently the lead independent director on the board of HFF, Inc. (NYSE: HF), a publicly traded provider of commercial real estate capital market services, where she serves as the chairperson of the nominating and corporate governance committee and as a member of the compensation committee, a director of RREEF Property Trust, Inc., a public non-traded REIT, where she serves on the audit committee, THL Credit, Inc.(NASDAQ: TCRD), a publicly traded business development company, where she serves as the chairperson of the governance and compensation committee, and a director of RREEF America REIT II, Inc., a private REIT, where she serves as a member of the audit committee, member of the nominating committee, and chairperson of the compensation committee. From 2005 to 2014, she also served as a director of KKR Financial Holdings LLC (NYSE: formerly KFN), a specialty finance company, where she was chairperson of the compensation committee and a member of the affiliated transaction committee and
nominating and corporate governance committee. She currently serves on the board of the University of Vermont Foundation and formerly served as trustee and chair of the board of the University of Vermont. Ms. McAneny has also served as President of the CRE Finance Council, formerly known as the Commercial Mortgage Securities Association. Ms. McAneny received a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Vermont and holds a Masters Professional Director Certification from the American College of Corporate Directors.
Christen E.J. Lee has served as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President of our company and of our Manager since October 2015 and March 2016, respectively, and is also a member of our Manager’s investment committee. Mr. Lee joined KKR in 2012, is a Member of KKR, serves as Co-Head of KKR’s Real Estate Credit business and is also responsible for KKR’s real estate capital markets activities. Mr. Lee is a member of KKR’s Real Estate Credit Investment Committee and KKR’s Inclusion & Diversity Council and chairs KKR’s Real Estate Valuation Committee. Prior to joining KKR, he was a Principal at Apollo Global Management, where he spent three years on its Global Real Estate team where he focused on sourcing and executing real estate private equity and credit investments in North America. Before joining Apollo in 2009, Mr. Lee was a Vice President at Goldman Sachs in the Real Estate Principal Investment Area (“REPIA”) where he was responsible for the sourcing, evaluation and execution of real estate private equity investments in North America. Prior to working in REPIA, Mr. Lee spent two years as an analyst in Goldman Sachs’ Real Estate Investment Banking group. He is a former trustee of St. Mark’s School of Texas in Dallas and currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Sponsors for Educational Opportunity in New York. Mr. Lee is a member of the Urban Land Institute, CRE Finance Council and the Real Estate Capital Policy Advisory Committee for the Real Estate Roundtable. He received a B.A. in Economics from Emory University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
Matthew A. Salem has served as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President of our company and of our Manager since October 2015 and March 2016, respectively, and is also a member of our Manager’s investment committee. Mr. Salem joined KKR in 2015 and is a Member of KKR, serves as Co-Head of KKR’s Real Estate Credit business and is a member of KKR’s Real Estate and Real Estate Credit Investment Committees. Prior to joining KKR, Mr. Salem was a Managing Director and member of the investment committee at Rialto Capital Management where he was responsible for credit investing including mezzanine loans, preferred equity and B-Piece securities. Prior to joining Rialto in 2012, Mr. Salem was a Managing Director and Head of CMBS trading at Goldman Sachs. In his five years in the Mortgage Department at Goldman Sachs, he had various responsibilities including management of the CMBS desk, trading credit CMBS and secondary market trading of performing and sub-performing CRE whole loans. Before joining Goldman Sachs in 2006, Mr. Salem was a Vice President at Morgan Stanley where he worked on the issuance and distribution of CMBS. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Mr. Salem worked for Citigroup Alternative Investments where he invested in mezzanine loans, B-Piece securities and other high yield CRE debt instruments on behalf of the Travelers Insurance Companies. He began his career in 1996 at Midland Loan Services in Kansas City. Mr. Salem received a B.A. in Economics from Bates College. He is on the Board of Governors of the CRE Finance Council and recently served as chair of the B-Piece Buyer Forum.
W. Patrick Mattson has served as Chief Operating Officer and Secretary of our company and of our Manager since October 2015 and March 2016, respectively, and is also a member of our Manager’s investment committee. Mr. Mattson joined KKR in 2015 and is a Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Real Estate Credit Group and is a member of the Real Estate Credit Investment Committee. Prior to joining KKR, Mr. Mattson was a Managing Director at Rialto Capital Management responsible for building and managing the firm’s mezzanine lending platform. Mr. Mattson was a member of the firm’s investment committee and involved in the acquisition and structuring of over 20 CMBS B-piece transactions. Preceding Rialto, Mr. Mattson was an Executive Director at Morgan Stanley. During his nine years at Morgan Stanley he held various positions within the CRE groups, most recently on the Securitized Products Group trading desk. In that role, Mr. Mattson was responsible for the distribution of B-Piece securities as well as the pricing and syndication of large loans and new issue CMBS conduit transactions. Prior to Morgan Stanley, Mr. Mattson was a Senior Manager at Deloitte & Touche LLP and managed the firm’s domestic and international CMBS cash flow modelling practice. Mr. Mattson received a B.A. from the University of Virginia and is a CFA charterholder.
William B. Miller has served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of our company and of our Manager since October 2015 and March 2016, respectively. Mr. Miller joined KKR in 2015 as a Principal on the Real Estate team and is a member of KKR’s Real Estate Valuation Committee. Prior to joining KKR, he was a Senior Vice President of Fortress Investment Group LLC and controller of New Residential Investment Corp. from September 2013 to August 2015, where he was primarily responsible for implementing the financial and operational strategies of New Residential. Mr. Miller also held various other positions with Fortress from January 2009 to September 2013, primarily focused on accounting and reporting. Prior to joining Fortress, Mr. Miller worked in the transaction services group at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP from August 2005 to January 2009, focused on domestic and international equity and debt offerings. Mr. Miller received two undergraduate degrees from The Ohio State University and is a certified public accountant.
Background and Experience of Directors
When considering whether our directors and nominees have the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, taken as a whole, to enable our board or directors to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively in light of our business and structure, our board of directors focused primarily on each person’s background and experience as reflected in the information discussed in each of the directors’ and nominees’ individual biographies set forth above. In particular, our board of directors considered the following important characteristics, among others:
Mr. Rosenberg-our board of directors considered his significant experience and expertise in real estate equity and debt investment. Our board of directors also considered Mr. Rosenberg’s prior board experience.
Mr. Fisher-our board of directors considered his experience as a private equity professional, extensive knowledge of KKR’s global platform through his most recent role as KKR’s Chief Administrative Officer and his committee service, as well as his involvement with KKR from 1993 to 2017. Our board of directors also considered Mr. Fisher’s prior board experience.
Mr. Ahern-our board of directors considered his significant experience and expertise in real estate investments and his involvement in the real estate industry. Our board of directors also considered Mr. Ahern’s public company board experience.
Mr. Blanchard-our board of directors considered his substantial experience with real estate investing and extensive knowledge of the real estate industry.
Mr. Langer-our board of directors considered his experience as a chief executive officer of a public company, extensive real estate and investment expertise and roles at several public companies. Our board of directors also considered Mr. Langer’s significant prior private and public company board experience.
Ms. McAneny-our board of directors considered her many years of real estate and finance experience, as well as her involvement in the real estate industry. Our board of directors also considered Ms. McAneny’s extensive private and public company board and committee experience.
Composition of the Board of Directors
Our bylaws provide that a majority of the entire board of directors may at any time increase or decrease the number of directors, provided the number of directors will never be less than the minimum number required by the Maryland General Corporation Law, which is one, nor, unless our bylaws are amended, more than 15. Directors are elected at our annual meeting of stockholders, and each director is elected to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies or until the director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.
Until such time as (1) KKR and its affiliates cease to own at least 25% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, (2) KKR REFT Asset Holdings elects to convert the share of our special voting preferred stock into one share of our common stock or (3) beneficial and/or record ownership of the share of our special voting preferred stock is transferred to any person other than KKR or its affiliates, the share of our special voting preferred stock gives KKR REFT Asset Holdings the right, solely with respect to the election of members of our board of directors, to vote the number of votes necessary to equal a majority of the votes entitled to be cast in an election of directors.
In addition, pursuant to our stockholders agreement, so long as KKR REFT Asset Holdings and its affiliates own at least 25% of our outstanding common stock, KKR REFT Asset Holdings will have the right to nominate at least half of the directors to our board of directors. After the stockholders’ agreement is no longer in effect, our bylaws provide that so long as our Manager or any of its affiliates serve as our manager, in order for an individual to be qualified to be nominated for election as a director, or to serve as a director, the nominee together with all other individuals nominated for election and any individuals who will continue to serve as a director after such election must include at least one individual that is or was designated by KKR REFT Asset Holdings.
Two of our pre-IPO, unaffiliated investors, Makena U.S. Real Estate Master Fund B, L.P. (“Makena”) and Townsend Holdings, LLC (“Townsend”), each have the right to nominate one director to our board of directors subject to the investors each maintaining a certain investment in our company. With respect to each investor, until such time as the investor no longer has the right to nominate a director, we have agreed to include such investor’s nominee in the slate of director nominees, subject to certain exceptions. In the event that the investor’s nominee is not elected to our board of directors by our stockholders, the
number of directors will be increased to add one additional director, and we will take all action reasonably necessary to cause the investor’s nominee to be appointed by the board to fill the vacancy created by the increase in the number of directors. Prior to, or concurrently with, the election of the investor’s nominee, our board of directors will also adopt a resolution providing the investor and its nominee the same rights and benefits as our Manager and its affiliates under our charter relating to corporate opportunities, which resolution will remain in effect as long as the investor’s nominee is one of our directors. Mr. Blanchard is the current director nominee of Makena, whose nomination right is subject to Makena maintaining an investment of at least $150.0 million in our company. Mr. Ahern is the current director nominee of Townsend, whose nomination right is subject to Townsend maintaining an investment of at least $75.0 million in our company.
Controlled Company Exception
As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, KKR beneficially owned shares representing more than 50% of the voting power of our shares eligible to vote in the election of directors. As a result, we are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the corporate governance standards of the NYSE. Under these rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power for the election of directors is held by an individual, group or another company is a “controlled company” and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance standards, including the requirements (1) that a majority of its board of directors consist of independent directors, (2) that its board of directors have a compensation committee that is comprised entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities and (3) that its board of directors have a nominating and corporate governance committee that is comprised entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities. We currently utilize these exemptions. In the event that we cease to be a “controlled company” and our shares of common stock continue to be listed on the NYSE, we will be required to comply with these provisions within the applicable transition periods.
Director Independence
Under the NYSE rules, a director is not independent unless the board affirmatively determines that he or she does not have a direct or indirect material relationship with our company. In addition, the director must meet the test for independence set forth by the NYSE rules.
Our board of directors has affirmatively determined that each of Mr. Langer and Ms. McAneny are independent under the guidelines for director independence set forth in the Corporate Governance Guidelines and under all applicable NYSE guidelines, including with respect to committee membership. Our board also has determined that each of Mr. Langer and Ms. McAneny is “independent” for purposes of Section 10A(m)(3) of the Exchange Act.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Our board of directors has established three standing committees audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee. Each of the standing committees of the board of directors discussed below operate under a written charter, which are available under the Investor Relations section of our website at www.kkrreit.com.
Audit Committee
Our audit committee consists of Ms. McAneny and Messrs. Ahern and Langer, with Ms. McAneny serving as chair. Ms. McAneny and Mr. Langer qualify as independent directors under the NYSE corporate governance standards and the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. In addition, the board has determined that each of Mr. Langer and Ms. McAneny qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in the federal securities laws and regulations. The audit committee is responsible for, among other things, assisting our board of directors in overseeing and monitoring the quality and integrity of our financial statements, our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the selection of our independent registered public accounting firm, the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications and independence and the performance of the independent registered public accounting firm.
Compensation Committee
Our compensation committee consists of Messrs. Langer and Blanchard and Ms. McAneny, with Mr. Langer serving as chair. Mr. Langer and Ms. McAneny qualify as independent directors under the NYSE corporate governance standards. The compensation committee is responsible for, among other things, administering and interpreting our compensation and benefit policies, approving equity awards made under our incentive plan and recommending compensation to be made to our eligible non-employee directors. To the extent that we are responsible for determining or awarding compensation or other benefits to be
made to our executive officers, our employees (if any) or the employees of our Manager or its affiliates who provide service to us, the compensation committee will oversee such compensation and benefit determinations.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Our nominating and corporate governance committee consists of Messrs. Fisher and Rosenberg. The nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for, among other things, identifying and evaluating individuals eligible to become members of the board of directors and committees thereof (subject to any stockholders agreement or arrangement entitling such stockholders to nominate directors to our board), reviewing the qualifications of incumbent directors to determine whether to recommend them for reelection at our annual stockholders’ meeting and developing corporate governance principles that apply to us.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics (the “Code of Conduct”) that applies to all of our directors, employees (if any) and the officers and employees of our Manager and its affiliates who provide services to us, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions. Our Code of Conduct, as it relates to employees of KKR, operates in conjunction with, and in addition to, any applicable policies of KKR.
Our Code of Conduct is available the Investor Relations section of our website at www.kkrreit.com. We intend to make any legally required disclosures regarding amendments to, or waivers of, provisions of our Code of Conduct on our website rather than by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires a company’s executive officers, directors, principal accounting officer and persons who beneficially own more than 10% ofThe remaining information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the company’s common stock (the “Reporting Persons”),definitive proxy statement to filebe filed not later than April 29, 2024 with the SEC andpursuant to Regulation 14A under the NYSE initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in beneficial ownership. Such Reporting Persons are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on our review of copies of such reports and written representations from our executive officers, directors and KKR, we believe that our executive officers, directors and KKR complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements during 2017.Exchange Act.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Executive Compensation
Overview
We have no employees and are externally managedThe information required by our Managerthis item is incorporated by reference to the company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed not later than April 29, 2024 with the SEC pursuant to a management agreement. In addition, our executive officers are employees of our Manager or one or more of its affiliates and, in such capacity, devote a portion of their time to our affairs as is required pursuant to the management agreement.
Except with respect to our equity-based awards described below, we do not pay, award or provide our executive officers any compensation or benefits, and we have no compensation agreements with our executive officers. Additionally, we do not determine the form and amount of compensation and benefits awarded by our Manager or its affiliates to our executive officers for their services to us. Instead, our Manager or its affiliates have discretion to determine the form and level of cash compensation and other benefits paid to and earned by our executive officers for their services to us. Our Manager or its affiliates also determine whether and to what extent our executive officers will be provided with pension, deferred compensation and other employee benefits plans and programs. We, in turn, pay our Manager management fees.
Pursuant to the terms of the management agreement, we reimburse our Manager or its affiliates for our allocable share of the compensation (including annual base salary, bonus and any related withholding taxes and employee benefits) our Manager pays to its personnel serving as our Chief Financial Officer based on the percentage of such officer’s time spent on our affairs. Our Chief Financial Officer receives no pension or retirement benefits or nonqualified deferred compensation in connection with his service to us, and there are no severance arrangements to make cash payments to our Chief Financial Officer upon his termination or in the event of our change in control.
Our Manager is responsible, and we do not reimburse our Manager or its affiliates, for the compensation and benefits awarded to personnel of our Manager and its affiliates who serve as our named executive officers other than our Chief Financial Officer. In addition, the management agreement does not require that any of our named executive officers dedicate a specific amount of time to fulfilling our Manager’s obligations to usRegulation 14A under the management agreement and does not require a specified amount or percentage of the fees we pay to our Manager to be allocated to our named executive officers. Instead, members of our management team are required to devote such amount of their time to our management as necessary and appropriate, commensurate with our level of activity. Furthermore, our Manager does not compensate its employees who serve as our other executive officers specifically for their services to us, because these individuals also provide investment management and other services to other investment vehicles that are sponsored, managed or advised by affiliates of our Manager. Accordingly, our Manager has informed us that it cannot identify the portion of the compensation it awards to our other executive officers that relates solely to such executives' services to us.Exchange Act.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, we paid our Manager an aggregate of $12.9 million pursuant to the management agreement, of which $11.3 million represented management fees and $1.6 million represented reimbursement of expenses. Of the reimbursement amount, $0.4 million represented our reimbursement for the salary and benefits earned by our Chief Financial Officer in 2017.
Our named executive officers for 2017 were Christen E.J. Lee, our Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President; Matthew A. Salem, our Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President; W. Patrick Mattson, our Chief Operating Officer and Secretary; and William B. Miller, our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.
Equity-Based Compensation
We have adopted an incentive plan, the Amended and Restated KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”), under which we may award equity-based and cash-based awards to our and our subsidiaries’ directors, officers, employees, consultants and advisors and directors, officers and employees of our Manager and its affiliates that are providing services to us and our subsidiaries. These awards are designed to align the interests of such individuals with those of our stockholders and enable our Manager and its affiliates that provide services to us and our subsidiaries to attract, motivate and retain talented individuals.
Our compensation committee may, from time to time grant our named executive officers equity-based awards, including stock options, restricted shares of our common stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), stock appreciation rights and other equity-based awards that are exercisable for or settle in shares of our common stock. These awards are designed to align the interests of our named executive officers with those of our stockholders, by allowing our named executive officers to share in the creation of value for our stockholders through capital appreciation and dividends. These equity awards are generally subject to vesting requirements over a number of years, and are designed to promote the retention of management and achievement of strong performance for the Company. These awards provide a further benefit to us by enabling our Manager to attract, motivate and retain talented individuals to serve as our executive officers. The compensation committee reviews the recommendations of the Company’s chief executive officer and outside compensation consultant in determining the appropriate size of the equity award for each executive officer. These recommendations take into account the financial performance of the Company during the prior fiscal year, current market conditions, the performance of each executive officer and the desire to continue to align the interests of each of our executive officers with our stockholders.
In 2017, our named executive officers were granted RSUs in the following amounts: 44,000 RSUs to Mr. Lee, 34,000 RSUs to Mr. Salem, 24,000 RSUs to Mr. Mattson and 2,500 RSUs to Mr. Miller. These RSUs generally vest in three substantially equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the vesting commencement date.
Each of our named executive officers is also subject to stock ownership requirements, which provide that the executive retain at least 15% of his or her vested equity-based awards prior to giving effect to any net settlement due to tax withholding.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth all compensation paid to or accrued by our named executive officers for whom we are able to quantify such compensation for services the named executive officer rendered to us during the fiscal years presented.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Name and Principal Position | | Year | | Salary ($) | | Bonus ($) | | Stock Awards (1) ($) | | Option Awards ($) | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | | Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | | All Other Compensation ($) | | Total ($) |
Christen E.J. Lee
Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President
| | 2017 | | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 815,955 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 815,955 |
|
Matthew A. Salem
Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President
| | 2017 | | — |
| | — |
| | 630,511 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 630,511 |
|
W. Patrick Mattson
Chief Operating Officer and Secretary
| | 2017 | | — |
| | — |
| | 445,066 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 445,066 |
|
William B. Miller(2)
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
| | 2017 | | 167,200 |
| | 178,695 |
| | 46,361 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 41,726 |
| | 433,982 |
|
| | 2016 | | 156,555 |
| | 144,346 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 41,562 |
| | 342,463 |
|
| |
(1) | Represents the grant date fair value of the awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, without taking into account estimated forfeitures. The grant date fair value is based upon the last sale price of KREF’s common stock at the date of grant, reduced by the present value of dividends expected prior to RSU vesting. |
| |
(2) | Amounts in the columns entitled “Salary,” “Bonus” and “All Other Compensation” represent the compensation expense, including annual base salary and bonus, that is allocable to us under the management agreement based on the percentage of time he spent managing our affairs in 2017 in his capacity as our Chief Financial Officer. The amount in the column entitled “All Other Compensation” includes our allocable share of the expenses in the amount of $14,766 and $26,960 associated with taxes incurred by Mr. Miller and healthcare benefits, respectively, during fiscal 2017. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2017 Fiscal Year-End
The following table provides information regarding outstanding equity awards held by each of our named executive officers as of December 31, 2017.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Stock Awards |
| Name | | Grant Date | | Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested(1)
(#) | | Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested(2)
($) | | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested
(#) | | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested
($) |
| Christen E.J. Lee | | 12/22/2017 | | 44,000 |
| | $ | 880,440 |
| | — |
| | $ | — |
|
| Matthew A. Salem | | 12/22/2017 | | 34,000 |
| | 680,340 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| W. Patrick Mattson | | 12/22/2017 | | 24,000 |
| | 480,240 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| William B. Miller | | 12/22/2017 | | 2,500 |
| | 50,025 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| |
(1) | Represents the RSUs that had not vested as of December 31, 2017. These RSUs generally vest in three substantially equal annual installments beginning on April 1 following the grant date. For additional information on vesting upon specified termination events, see “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.” |
| |
(2) | Amounts reported are based on the closing price of our common stock on the NYSE as of December 29, 2017 ($20.01), the last trading day of the fiscal year, multiplied by the number of outstanding shares. |
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
Upon the named executive officer’s termination of employment other than for death or “disability” (as defined in the Incentive Plan), vesting generally ceases for his RSUs that have not vested. Upon the named executive officer’s death or disability, any
of his unvested RSUs will immediately vest. The value of unvested RSUs held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2017 are set forth above in the Outstanding Equity Awards at 2017 Fiscal Year‑End table.
Director Compensation
Each non-employee director who has been determined independent is entitled to annual compensation as follows:
a cash retainer of $50,000 paid quarterly in arrears;
an additional cash retainer of $7,500 for those serving on the audit committee ($15,000 in the case of the chairperson);
an additional cash retainer of $5,000 for those serving on the compensation committee ($10,000 in the case of the chairperson);
an additional cash retainer of $5,000 for those serving on the nominating and corporate governance committee ($10,000 in the case of the chairperson); and
an equity award of $50,000 in the form of RSUs, which generally vests in full on the first anniversary of the grant date.
Each of our directors are also reimbursed for reasonable travel and related expenses associated with attendance at our board or committee meetings.
The following table sets forth the compensation paid or awarded to or earned by our non-employee directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017:
Director Compensation for Fiscal 2017
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Name | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash
($) | | Stock Awards (1) (2)
($) | | Total
($) |
| Terrance R. Ahern | | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
| R. Craig Blanchard | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Todd A. Fisher | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Jonathan A. Langer | | 67,500 |
| | 50,000 |
| | 117,500 |
|
| Deborah H. McAneny | | 70,000 |
| | 50,000 |
| | 120,000 |
|
| Ralph R. Rosenberg | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| |
(1) | Represents the grant date fair value of the awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, without taking into account estimated forfeitures. The grant date fair value is calculated using the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant. |
| |
(2) | As of December 31, 2017, each of Mr. Langer and Ms. McAneny held 2,439 RSUs. |
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During fiscal 2017, our compensation committee was composed of Messrs. Langer and Blanchard and Ms. McAneny. Mr. Blanchard is an affiliate of Makena.
Related person transactions pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K involving those who served on our compensation committee during 2017 are described in Part III. Item 13. “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
During fiscal 2017, none of our executive officers served as a director or member of the compensation committee (or other committee serving an equivalent function) of any other entity whose executive officers served on our compensation committee or board of directors.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth information with respectrequired by this item is incorporated by reference to the beneficial ownership of our voting equity as of February 23, 2018 held by (1) each person known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of any class of our outstanding voting securities, (2) each of our directors and named executive officers and (3) all of our directors and executive officers as a group.
A person is a “beneficial owner” of a security if that person has or shares “voting power,” which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of the security, or “investment power,” which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of the security or has the right to acquire such powers within 60 days.
Unless otherwise noted, the address of each beneficial owner is c/o KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc., 9 West 57th Street, Suite 4200, New York, New York 10019.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Common Stock
Beneficially Owned | | Other Voting Equity Beneficially Owned(1) | | Combined Voting Power |
| Name of Beneficial Owner | Number | | Percent | | Number | | Percent | | Percent |
| Greater than 5% owner | | | | | | | | | |
KKR Affiliates(1) | 23,758,616 |
| | 44.7 | % | | 1 |
| | 100.0 |
| | (2) |
|
Makena Capital Management, LLC(3) | 7,500,000 |
| | 14.1 | % | | — |
| | — |
| | 14.1 | % |
Townsend Holdings, LLC(4) | 5,626,470 |
| | 10.6 | % | | — |
| | — |
| | 10.6 | % |
Nan Shan Life Insurance Co., Ltd.(5) | 3,500,000 |
| | 6.6 | % | | — |
| | — |
| | 6.6 | % |
| Named Executive Officers and Directors | | | | | | | | | |
Ralph F. Rosenberg(6) | 250,578 |
| | * |
| | — |
| | — |
| | * |
|
Todd A. Fisher(7) | 100,232 |
| | * |
| | — |
| | — |
| | * |
|
Terrance R. Ahern(8) | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
R. Craig Blanchard(9) | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Jonathan A. Langer | 15,000 |
| | * |
| | — |
| | — |
| | * |
|
| Deborah H. McAneny | 7,500 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | * |
|
Christen E.J. Lee(10) | 69,075 |
| | * |
| | — |
| | — |
| | * |
|
Matthew A. Salem(11) | 36,390 |
| | * |
| | — |
| | — |
| | * |
|
W. Patrick Mattson(12) | 13,011 |
| | * |
| | — |
| | — |
| | * |
|
William B. Miller(13) | 833 |
| | * |
| | — |
| | — |
| | * |
|
All directors, director nominees and executive officers as a group (10 persons)(14) | 492,619 |
| | * |
| | — |
| | — |
| | * |
|
* Represents less than 1%.
| |
(1) | Includes 20,000,000 shares of common stock held by KKR REFT Holdings L.P. and 3,758,616 shares of common stock held by Tactical Value SPN-KREF Holdings L.P., which shares are held primarily for a third party. |
The general partner of KKR REFT Holdings L.P. is KKR REFT Holdings GP LLC, which is wholly owned by KKR REFT Asset Holdings. KKR REFT Asset Holdings is owned by KKR Fund Holdings L.P. and KKR Financial Holdings LLC, whose common shares are wholly owned by KKR Fund Holdings L.P. KKR Fund Holdings GP Limited is a general partner of KKR Fund Holdings L.P. KKR Group Holdings L.P. is a general partner of KKR Fund Holdings L.P. and the sole shareholder of KKR Fund Holdings GP Limited.
The general partner of Tactical Value SPN-KREF Holdings L.P. is Tactical Value SPN-SPV GP LLC, the sole member of which is KKR Tactical Value SPN L.P., the general partner of which is KKR Associates TV SPN L.P. The general partner of KKR Associates TV SPN L.P. is KKR TV SPN GP Limited, the sole shareholder of which is KKR Management Holdings L.P. The general partner of KKR Management Holdings L.P. is KKR Management Holdings Corp., the sole shareholder of which is KKR Group Holdings L.P.
KKR Group Limited is the general partner of KKR Group Holdings L.P. KKR & Co. L.P. is the sole shareholder of KKR Group Limited. KKR Management LLC is the general partner of KKR & Co. L.P. Henry R. Kravis and George R. Roberts are the designated members of KKR Management LLC. In such capacities, each of the aforementioned entities and individuals may also be deemedcompany’s definitive proxy statement to be filed not later than April 29, 2024 with the beneficial owners having shared voting power and shared investment power with respectSEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the shares held by KKR REFT Holdings L.P. and Tactical Value SPN-KREF Holdings L.P. The address of each of the persons and entities listed in this footnote, except Mr. Roberts, is c/o Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., 9 West 57th Street, Suite 4200, New York, New York 10019. The address for Mr. Roberts is c/o Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., 2800 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200, Menlo Park, CA 94025.Exchange Act.
| |
(2) | KKR REFT Asset Holdings owns the one share of our special voting preferred stock. Until such time as (1) KKR and its affiliates cease to own at least 25% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, (2) KKR REFT Asset Holdings elects to convert the share of our special voting preferred stock into one share of our common stock or (3) beneficial and/or record ownership of the share of our special voting preferred stock is transferred to any person other than KKR or its affiliates, the share of our special voting preferred stock gives KKR REFT Asset Holdings the right, solely with respect to the election of members of our board of directors, to vote the number of votes necessary to equal a majority of the votes entitled to be cast in an election of directors. |
| |
(3) | Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 10, 2018, Makena Capital Management, LLC and Makena U.S. Real Estate Master Fund B., L.P. have shared voting and dispositive power over 7,500,000 shares of our common stock. The address of each of these entities is 2755 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200, Menlo Park, CA 94025. |
| |
(4) | Shares of common stock are held by TTG KREF SA HoldCo, LLC (498,643), TREA II AIV ERISA, LP (643,226), TREA II AIV NON-ERISA, LP (1,361,369), Lake Tahoe III, L.P. (2,500,732) and GPF Real Estate Co-Investment L.P. (622,500). Townsend Holdings, LLC exercises full investment discretion and voting control over such shares. The address of each of the entities listed in this footnote is c/o Townsend Holdings, LLC, 1660 West 2nd Street, Suite 450, Cleveland, OH 44113. |
| |
(5) | Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 12, 2018, Nan Shan Life Insurance Co., Ltd. has sole voting and dispositive power over 3,500,000 shares of our common stock. The address of Nan Shan Life Insurance Co., Ltd. is No. 168, Zhuang Jing Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City 11049, Taiwan (Republic of China). |
| |
(6) | Includes 125,287 shares of common stock held by Rosenberg Enterprises, L.P., over which Mr. Rosenberg has investment authority. |
| |
(7) | Includes 50,115 shares of common stock held by the Fisher Family 2002 Trust, of which Mr. Fisher is the investment trustee. |
| |
(8) | Mr. Ahern is an employee of Townsend but disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares beneficially held by Townsend or its affiliates. |
| |
(9) | Mr. Blanchard is an employee of Makena but disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares beneficially held by Makena or its affiliates. |
| |
(10) | Includes: (i) 14,667 shares underlying RSUs that will vest within 60 days of February 23, 2018; (ii) 2,000 shares of common stock held by Mr. Lee’s spouse; and (iii) 2,600 shares of common stock held on behalf of Mr. Lee’s children. |
| |
(11) | Includes 11,333 shares underlying RSUs that will vest within 60 days of February 23, 2018. |
| |
(12) | Includes 8,000 shares underlying RSUs that will vest within 60 days of February 23, 2018. |
| |
(13) | Includes 833 shares underlying RSUs that will vest within 60 days of February 23, 2018. |
| |
(14) | Includes 34,833 shares underlying RSUs that will vest within 60 days of February 23, 2018. |
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Management Agreement
In connection with our IPO in May 2017, we entered into a management agreement with our Manager, which describesThe information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the servicescompany’s definitive proxy statement to be provided by our Manager and its compensation for those services. Pursuantfiled not later than April 29, 2024 with the SEC pursuant to the management agreement, our Manager manages our investments and our day-to-day business and affairs in conformity with our investment guidelines and other policies that are approved and monitored by our board of directors. Our Manager is responsible for, among other matters, (1) the selection, origination or purchase and sale of our portfolio investments, (2) our financing activities and (3) providing us with investment advisory services. Our Manager is also responsible for our day-to-day operations and performs (or causes to be performed) such services and activities relating to our investments and business and affairs as may be appropriate. Our investment decisions are approved by an investment committee of our Manager that is comprised of senior investment professionals of KKR, including senior investment professionals of KKR Real Estate.
Pursuant to the terms of our management agreement, our Manager is paid a management fee in an amount equal to the greater of: (x) $250,000 per annum ($62,500 per quarter); and (y) 1.50% per annum (0.375% per quarter) of our “Equity” (as defined in the Management Agreement). The Manager is also entitled to incentive compensation in an amount equal to the excess of (1) the product of (a) 20% and (b) the excess of (i) our Core Earnings (as defined in the Management Agreement) for the previous 12-month period, over (ii) the product of (A) our Equity in the previous 12-month period, and (B) 7% per annum, over (2) the sum of any incentive compensation paid to our Manager with respect to the first three calendar quarters of such previous 12-month period. We are also required to reimburse our Manager or its affiliates for specified costs and expenses incurred by it and its affiliates on our behalf except for those specifically required to be borne by our ManagerRegulation 14A under the management agreement
The initial term of our management agreement expired on October 8, 2017 and automatically renews for one-year terms on each anniversary thereafter. The management agreement may be terminated annually, without cause, upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of our independent directors, based upon (1) unsatisfactory performance by our Manager that is materially detrimental to us and our subsidiaries taken as a whole or (2) our determination that the management fee and incentive fee payable to our Manager are not fair, subject to our Manager's right to prevent any termination due to unfair fees by accepting a reduction of management and/or incentive fees agreed to by at least two-thirds of our independent directors. We must provide our Manager 180 days' written notice of any termination. Unless terminated for cause as described below, our Manager will be paid a termination fee equal to three times the sum of (i) the average annual management fee and (ii) the average annual incentive fee, in each case earned by our Manager during the 24-month period immediately preceding the most recently completed calendar quarter prior to the date of termination.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, we paid our Manager an aggregate of $12.9 million pursuant to the management agreement, of which $11.3 million represented management fees and $1.6 million represented reimbursement of costs and expenses. We did not pay any incentive compensation fees to our Manager during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.
Stockholders Agreement
We have entered into a stockholders agreement with an affiliate of KKR REFT Asset Holdings and certain other pre-IPO stockholders. The stockholders agreement provides that, until such time as (1) KKR and its affiliates cease to own at least 25% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, (2) KKR REFT Asset Holdings elects to convert the share of our special voting preferred stock into one share of our common stock or (3) beneficial and/or record ownership of the share of our special voting preferred stock is transferred to any person other than KKR or its affiliates, the share of our special voting preferred stock gives KKR REFT Asset Holdings the right, solely with respect to the election of members of our board of directors, to vote the number of votes necessary to equal a majority of the votes entitled to be cast in an election of directors and thereby control our policy and operations. In addition, pursuant to our stockholders agreement, so long as KKR REFT Asset Holdings and its affiliates own at least 25% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, KKR REFT Asset Holdings will have the right to nominate at least half of the directors to our board of directors.
Registration Rights Agreement
We have entered into a registration rights agreement with an affiliate of KKR REFT Asset Holdings and holders of our common stock sold in the private placements that gives KKR REFT Asset Holdings and the holders an unlimited number of “demand” registrations and customary “piggyback” registration rights. The registration rights agreement also provides that we will pay certain expenses relating to such registrations and indemnify the registration rights holders against certain liabilities that may arise under the SecuritiesExchange Act.
Tag-along Rights
Each of Makena and Townsend have tag-along rights with respect to certain sales of our common stock intended by KKR REFT Asset Holdings, its permitted transferees and/or any of its affiliates (other than us or our subsidiaries) to a proposed buyer (other than a permitted transferee) in an amount equal to at least $20.0 million. The tag-along rights will terminate with respect to each investor when the investor and its affiliates no longer own at least 5% of our outstanding common stock.
Non-Voting Manager Units
In connection with our pre-IPO investors’ subscription for shares of our common stock in the private placements we consummated prior to our IPO, those investors were also allocated Non-Voting Manager Units. For each $100.0 million of shares of our common stock that were acquired by investors participating in the private placements, the investors were allocated 6.67% of our Manager's then-outstanding units. Each investor was allocated its pro rata share of the Non-Voting Manager Units based on the investor's shares of our common stock. Except for the Non-Voting Manager Units, the limited liability company interests of our Manager are owned and controlled by an indirect subsidiary of KKR. The Non-Voting Manager Units constituted 29.2% of our Manager's outstanding units as of December 31, 2017. KKR may exercise certain call rights with respect to the Non-Voting Manager Units beginning in October 2021, and holders may submit a notice of their intent to exercise certain put rights with respect to Manager Units beginning May 5, 2018. To facilitate compliance by Nan Shan with regulatory requirements applicable to it in connection with its investment in shares of our common stock in the private placements, we issued Nan Shan one share of our special non-voting preferred stock in lieu of that investor receiving Non-Voting Manager Units. The corresponding Non-Voting Manager Units are held by a taxable REIT subsidiary of our company. All distributions received by our subsidiary from these Non-Voting Manager Units are passed through to the investor as preferred distributions on its non-voting preferred stock, less applicable taxes and withholdings. These Non-Voting Manager Units constituted 4.7% of our Manager’s outstanding units as of December 31, 2017. Nan Shan received distributions in the amount of $0.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2017.
As of December 31, 2017, KKR, Makena, and Townsend and their respective affiliates held, directly and indirectly, 76.6%, 10.0% and 7.5% , respectively, of the Manager Units outstanding as of such date and received during the year ended December 31, 2017 distributions in the amount of $9.8 million, $0.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively, in respect of such interests.
Purchases of Our Common Stock by KKR, its Affiliates and Employees
KKR and its affiliates purchased 23,750,000 shares of our common stock prior to the completion of our IPO (equal to an aggregate investment of $475.0 million at a purchase price of $20.00 per share), and were issued an additional 8,616 shares as a reimbursement settled in shares of our common stock pursuant to a true-up provision in our stockholders agreement. Certain current and former employees of and non-employee consultants to KKR purchased 587,500 shares of our common stock (equal to an aggregate investment of $11.8 million at a purchase price of $20.00 per share) through a feeder vehicle in the private placements of our common stock prior to our IPO, and were issued an additional 1,350 shares pursuant to the true-up provision in our stockholders agreement. The feeder vehicle distributed the shares to these individuals in connection with our IPO. The transfer of such shares are restricted until November 2021 unless we decide to lift such restrictions in our sole discretion.
Relationship with KKR Capital Markets
KKR Capital Markets LLC, a subsidiary of KKR & Co. L.P. and an affiliate of ours and KKR REFT Asset Holdings, served as an underwriter in our IPO and received discounts and commissions of approximately $3.1 million in 2017.
KKR License Agreement
We have entered into a license agreement with KKR pursuant to which KKR has granted us a fully paid-up, royalty-free, non-exclusive license to use the name “KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.,” the ticker symbol “KREF” and our domain name. Under this agreement, we have a right to use this name, ticker symbol and domain name for so long as our Manager (or another affiliate of KKR) serves as our manager pursuant to the management agreement and our Manager (or another managing entity) remains an affiliate of KKR under the license agreement. The license agreement may also be earlier terminated by either party as a result of certain breaches or for convenience upon 90 days’ prior written notice. KKR and its affiliates will retain the right to continue using the “KKR” name. In the event that the license agreement is terminated, we will be required to change our name, ticker symbol and domain name and cease using the “KKR” name.
Indemnification Agreements
We have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers. These agreements require us to indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted under Maryland law and our charter against liabilities that may arise by reason of their service to us, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors or executive officers, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy and is therefore unenforceable.
There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors and executive officers for which indemnification is sought.
Related Person Transaction Policy
Our board of directors has adopted a written related person transaction policy, setting forth the policies and procedures for the review, approval or ratification of related person transactions. This policy covers, with certain exceptions set forth in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, any financial transaction, arrangement or relationship, or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships, in which we were or are to be a participant, where the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and a related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest. Under the policy, related person transactions are approved or ratified by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board of directors. Under this policy, directors recuse themselves from any vote on a related person transaction in which they have an interest.
Director Independence
Information regarding director independence is included under Part III, Item 10. "Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant."
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table presents fees for professional services renderedinformation required by Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) forthis item is incorporated by reference to the audit of our financial statements for 2017 and 2016 and fees billed for other services rendered by Deloitte for those periods (dollars in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | |
| 2017 | | 2016 |
Audit fees(1) | $ | 525 |
| | $ | 289 |
|
Audit related fees(2) | — |
| | — |
|
Tax fees(3) | 116 |
| | 28 |
|
All other fees(4) | 606 |
| | 143 |
|
| Total | $ | 1,247 |
| | $ | 460 |
|
| |
(1) | Audit fees include amounts billed to us related to annual financial statement audit work and quarterly financial statement reviews. |
| |
(2) | There were no audit related fees incurred in 2017 or 2016. |
| |
(3) | Tax fees include tax compliance, tax planning, tax advisory, and related tax services. |
| |
(4) | All other fees include Deloitte’s consents, comfort letters, and other services related to SEC and other regulatory filings. |
Consistent with SEC policies regarding auditor independence and our audit committee’s charter, our audit committee has responsibility for engaging, setting compensation for and reviewing the performance of our independent registered public accounting firm. In exercising this responsibility, effectivecompany’s definitive proxy statement to be filed not later than April 29, 2024 with the completion of our IPO, our audit committee adopted a policy for pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit servicesSEC pursuant to be provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. Under its policy, our audit committee approves, prior to engagement,Regulation 14A under the services within each category to be provided by independent registered public accounting firm, and each category is subject to a pre-approved fee limit. The audit committee then receives periodically during the year information by category about the actual fees incurred versus the pre-approved amount. If circumstances may arise when it becomes necessary to engage the independent registered public accounting firm for additional services not contemplated in the original pre-approval categories or above the pre-approved amounts, the audit committee requires pre-approval for such additional services or such additional amounts. The audit committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its members, and the delegated member must report any pre-approval decisions to the audit committee at its next scheduled meeting.Exchange Act.
PART IV.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) The following documents are filed as part of thisthe Annual Report on Form 10-K.
1. Financial Statements
See Item 8 above.to the Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2. Financial Statement Schedules:Schedule:
See Schedule IV — Mortgage Loans on Real Estate as of December 31, 20172023 of thisthe Annual Report on Form 10-K.
3. Exhibits:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Exhibit
Number | | Exhibit Description |
| | | |
| Exhibit
Number
3.1 | | Exhibit Description |
| | | |
| 3.1 | | |
| | | |
| 3.2 | | 3.2 | |
| | | |
| 3.3 | | | |
| | | |
| 3.4 | | 10.1 |
| | | |
| 4.1 | | |
| | | |
| 4.2 | | |
| | | |
| 4.3 | | Indenture, dated as of August 16, 2021, among KREF 2021-FL2 Ltd., KREF 2021-FL2 LLC, KREF CLO Loan Seller LLC, Wilmington Trust, National Association, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 19, 2021). |
| | | |
| 4.4 | | Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of June 26, 2023, among KREF 2021-FL2 Ltd., KREF 2021-FL2 LLC, KREF CLO Loan Seller LLC, Wilmington Trust, National Association, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023). |
| | | |
| 4.5 | | Indenture, dated as of February 10, 2022, among KREF 2022-FL3 Ltd., KREF 2022-FL3 LLC, KREF CLO Loan Seller LLC, Wilmington Trust, National Association, and Computershare Trust Company, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 16, 2022). |
| | | |
| 10.1 | | |
| | | |
| 10.2 | | | |
| | | |
| 10.3 | | 10.2 | |
| | | |
| 10.4 | | 10.3 | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Exhibit
Number | | | Exhibit Description |
| 10.5 | | 10.4 | |
| | | |
| 10.6 | | 10.5 | |
| | | |
| 10.7 | | 10.6 | |
| | | |
| 10.8 | | 10.7 | Amended and Restated InvestmentLoan and Servicing Agreement, dated as of October 8, 2015,December 20, 2022, among KREF Holdings VII LLC, KREF Lending VII LLC, PNC Bank, National Association, Midland Loan Services, a division of PNC Bank, National Association, the Initial Lender, and KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc., KKR Real Estate Finance Holdings L.P., SteepRock Capital II LLC and REFH SR MezzMarkets LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.710.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023). |
| | | |
| 10.9 | | First Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan and Servicing Agreement, dated as of June 27, 2023, among KREF Holdings VII LLC, KREF Lending VII LLC, PNC Bank, National Association, Midland Loan Services, a division of PNC Bank, National Association, the Initial Lender, and KKR Capital Markets LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023). |
| | | |
| 10.10 | | |
| | | |
| 10.11 | | 10.8 | UncommittedOmnibus Amendment, dated as of November 10, 2017, to the Master Repurchase and Securities Contract Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2015,December 6, 2016, between Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A. and KREF Lending IIIV LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.810.1 to the Company’s RegistrationCurrent Report on Form S-11 (333-217126)8-K filed on April 3,November 13, 2017). |
| | | |
| 10.12 | | 10.9 | |
| | | |
| 10.13 | | | |
| | | |
| 10.14 | | 10.10 |
| | | |
| 10.15 | | |
| | | |
| 10.16 | | |
| | | |
| 10.17 | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Exhibit
Number | | Exhibit Description |
| 10.18 | | |
| | | |
| 10.19 | | |
| | | |
| 10.20 | | |
| | | |
| 10.21 | | |
| | | |
| 10.22 | | |
| | | |
| 10.23 | | |
| | | |
| 10.24 | | |
| | | |
| 10.25* | | |
| | | |
| 10.26 | | |
| | | |
| 10.27* | | |
| | | |
| 10.28* | | |
| | | |
| 10.29* | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Exhibit
Number | | Exhibit Description |
| 10.30 | | |
| | | |
| 10.31 | | 10.11 | |
| | | |
| 10.32 | | |
| | | |
| 10.33 | | |
| | | |
| 10.34 | | |
| | | |
| 10.35 | | |
| | | |
| 10.36 | | 10.12 | Amendment No. 2 to Master Repurchase and Securities Contract, Guarantee Agreement, Servicing Agreement and Custodial Agreement, dated as of September 9, 2016, among KREF Lending I LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, KKR Real Estate Finance Holdings, L.P. and Situs Asset Management LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Registration on Form S-11 (333-217126) filed on April 3, 2017). |
| | | |
|
| 10.37 | | | |
| 10.13 | | |
| | | |
| 10.14 | | |
| | | |
| 10.15 | |
|
| | | |
| 10.16 | |
|
| | | |
| 10.17 | | |
| | | |
| 10.18 | | |
| | | |
| 10.19 | | |
| | | |
| 10.20 | | |
| | | |
| 10.21 | | |
| | | |
| 10.22 | | |
| | | |
| 10.23 | | |
| | | |
| 10.38 | | 10.24 |
| | | |
| 10.39 | | |
| | | |
| 10.40 | | |
| | | |
| 10.41 | | |
| | | |
| 10.42 | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Exhibit
Number | | Exhibit Description |
| 10.43 | | |
| | | |
| 10.44* | | |
| | | |
| 10.45 | | |
| | | |
| 10.46 | | |
| | | |
| 10.47† | | 10.25 | |
| | | |
| 10.26† | | |
| | | |
| 10.48† | | 10.27† | |
| | | |
|
| 10.49† | | | |
| 10.28† | | |
| | | |
| 10.50† | | 10.29† | |
| | | |
| 10.51† | | | |
| | | |
| 10.52† | | 21.1 |
| | | |
| 10.53† | | |
| | | |
| 21.1 | | |
| | | |
| 23.1 | | 23.1 | |
| | | |
| 31.1 | | 31.1 | |
| | | |
| 31.2 | | 31.2 | |
| | | |
| 31.3 | | |
| | | |
| 32.1 | | 32.1 | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Exhibit
Number | | | Exhibit Description |
| 32.2 | | 32.2 | |
| | | |
| 32.3 | | |
| | | |
| 97.1 | | | Policy Relating to Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation. |
| | | |
| 101.INS | | 101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. |
| | | |
| 101.SCH | | 101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. |
| | | |
| 101.CAL | | 101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. |
| | | |
| 101.DEF | | 101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. |
| | | |
| 101.LAB | | 101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. |
| | | |
| 101.PRE | | 101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. |
| | | |
| 104 | | Cover Page Interactive Data File, formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101. |
_______________________
† Management contract or compensatory plan in which directors and/or executive officers are eligible to participate.
Certain agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain representations and warranties that the parties thereto made to each other. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to such agreements and may have been qualified by certain information that has been disclosed to the other parties to such agreements and other documents and that may not be reflected in such agreements and other documents. In addition, these representations and warranties may be intended as a way of allocating risks among parties if the statements contained therein prove to be incorrect, rather than as actual statements of fact. Accordingly, there can be no reliance on any such representations and warranties as characterizations of the actual state of facts. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of any such representations and warranties may have changed since the date of such agreements and other documents.
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | KKR REAL ESTATE FINANCE TRUST INC. |
| | | |
| Date: | February 28, 20186, 2024 | By: | /s/ Christen E.J. Lee |
| | | Name: Christen E.J. Lee |
| | | Title: Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President |
| | | (Co-Principal Executive Officer) |
| | | |
Date: | February 28, 2018 | By: | /s/ Matthew A. Salem |
| | | Name: Matthew A. Salem |
| | | Title: Co-ChiefChief Executive Officer and Co-PresidentDirector |
| | | (Co-PrincipalPrincipal Executive Officer) |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated below and on the dates indicated below.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Date: | February 6, 2024 | By: | |
Date: | February 28, 2018 | By: | /s/ Christen E.J. Lee |
| | | Name: Christen E.J. Lee |
| | | Title: Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President |
| | | (Co-Principal Executive Officer) |
| | | |
Date: | February 28, 2018 | By: | /s/ Matthew A. Salem |
| | | Name: Matthew A. Salem |
| | | Title: Co-ChiefChief Executive Officer and Co-PresidentDirector |
| | | (Co-PrincipalPrincipal Executive Officer) |
| | | |
| Date: | February 6, 2024 | By: | /s/ Kendra L. Decious |
| Date: | February 28, 2018 | By:/s/ William B. MillerName: Kendra L. Decious |
| | | Name: William B. Miller |
| | | Title: Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
| | | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
|
| | | |
| Date: | February 28, 20186, 2024 | By: | /s/ Ralph F. Rosenberg |
| | | Name: Ralph F. Rosenberg |
| | | Title: Director |
| | | |
| Date: | February 6, 2024 | By: | /s/ Christen E.J. Lee |
| Date: | February 28, 2018 | By:/s/ Todd A. FisherName: Christen E.J. Lee |
| | | Name: Todd A. FisherTitle: Director |
| | | | Title: Director
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| Date: | February 28, 20186, 2024 | By: | /s/ Terrence R. Ahern |
| | | Name: Terrence R. Ahern |
| | | Title: Director |
| | | |
| Date: | February 28, 20186, 2024 | By: | /s/ Jonathan A. Langer |
| | | Name: Jonathan A. Langer |
| | | Title: Director |
| | | |
| Date: | February 28, 20186, 2024 | By: | /s/ R. Craig Blanchard |
| | | Name: R. Craig Blanchard |
| | | Title: Director |
| | | |
Date: | February 28, 2018 | By: | /s/ Deborah H. McAneny |
| | | Name: Deborah H. McAneny |
| | | Title: Director |
| | | |
| Date: | February 6, 2024 | By: | /s/ Irene M. Esteves |
| | | Name: Irene M. Esteves |
| | | Title: Director |
| | | |
| Date: | February 6, 2024 | By: | /s/ Paula Madoff |
| | | Name: Paula Madoff |
| | | Title: Director |
