Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ladder generated distributable earnings of $32.1 million or $0.25 per share, achieving a return on equity of 8.3% with adjusted leverage of 1.7 times [4][12] - The loan portfolio grew by approximately $354 million to $1.9 billion, representing 40% of total assets [5][17] - The company maintained $879 million in liquidity, including $49 million in cash and $830 million of undrawn capacity on its unsecured revolver [10][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan origination activity accelerated with $511 million of new loans across 17 transactions, marking the highest quarterly origination volume in over three years [5][6] - The securities portfolio totaled $1.9 billion, with a weighted average yield of 5.7%, of which 99% was investment grade and 96% was AAA rated [19] - The real estate portfolio generated $15.1 million in net operating income during the third quarter, primarily consisting of net lease properties with long-term leases [7][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Office loan exposure was reduced to $652 million, or 14% of total assets, following the full payoff of a $63 million office loan [5][6] - The company closed its inaugural $500 million investment grade bond offering at a rate of 5.5%, which was the tightest new issuance spread in Ladder's history [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ladder aims to capitalize on investment opportunities while maintaining prudent credit risk management, with expectations for fourth quarter loan originations to exceed third quarter production [10][11] - The company plans to position itself alongside high-quality peers, including equity REITs, rather than solely within the commercial mortgage REIT space [11][12] - The focus will be on organic growth of the loan portfolio, with expectations of significant growth in the coming year [23][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of the balance sheet and the ability to deliver strong, stable returns for shareholders across market cycles [11][12] - The company anticipates that the yield curve will steepen next year, which could lead to more regular contributions to securitizations [23] - Management noted that the quality of borrowers remains strong, with no new loans added to nonaccrual in the third quarter [18][51] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $1.9 million of common stock in the third quarter, with a total of $9.3 million repurchased year-to-date [14][15] - The dividend declared was $0.23 per share, with a current dividend yield of approximately 8.5% [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are there any changes in origination strategy since obtaining the investment grade rating? - Management indicated they are looking at slightly larger transactions and noted improved stability in financing [26][27] Question: Is there growth expected in the $1.9 billion loan portfolio? - Management expects the loan portfolio to grow by approximately $1 billion, driven by a strong origination quarter and a larger revolver [41][42] Question: Will improving ROE be part of the strategy in the next one to two years? - Management confirmed that the plan is to write more loans and improve ROE through better capital allocation [45][46] Question: What is the outlook for the office equity investment made? - Management expressed satisfaction with the investment, noting it has performed well and is expected to be a long-term hold [78][80]