Document
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
__________________________________ 
FORM 10-Q
__________________________________ 
(Mark One)
x
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018
¨
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from                     to                    
Commission File Number: 001-34452
__________________________________ 
Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
__________________________________ 
Maryland
 
27-0467113
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc.
c/o Apollo Global Management, LLC
9 West 57th Street, 43rd Floor,
New York, New York 10019
(Address of registrant’s principal executive offices)
(212) 515–3200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
__________________________________ 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer 
 
x
  
Accelerated filer
 
¨
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

  
Smaller reporting company
 
¨
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
 
¨
 
 
 
 




If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date.
As of May 1, 2018, there were 123,020,301 shares, par value $0.01, of the registrant’s common stock issued and outstanding.
 



Table of Contents
 
 
Page
 
 


3




PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(in thousands—except share data)
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Assets:
 
 
 
Cash
$
98,310

 
$
77,671

Commercial mortgage loans, net (includes $2,176,126 and $2,148,368 pledged as collateral under secured debt arrangements in 2018 and 2017, respectively)
3,029,240

 
2,653,826

Subordinate loans, net
1,038,254

 
1,025,932

Loan proceeds held by servicer
30,281

 
302,756

Other assets
46,087

 
28,420

Total Assets
$
4,242,172

 
$
4,088,605

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
Secured debt arrangements, net (net of deferred financing costs of $14,037 and $14,348 in 2018 and 2017, respectively)
$
1,212,749

 
$
1,330,847

Convertible senior notes, net
585,972

 
584,897

Derivative liabilities, net
14,499

 
5,644

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
73,330

 
70,906

Payable to related party
8,092

 
8,168

Total Liabilities
1,894,642

 
2,000,462

Commitments and Contingencies (see Note 15)


 


Stockholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized:
 
 
 
Series B preferred stock, 6,770,393 shares issued and outstanding ($169,260 aggregate liquidation preference) in 2018 and 2017
68

 
68

Series C preferred stock, 6,900,000 shares issued and outstanding ($172,500 aggregate liquidation preference) in 2018 and 2017
69

 
69

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 450,000,000 shares authorized, 122,992,231 and 107,121,235 shares issued and outstanding in 2018 and 2017, respectively
1,230

 
1,071

Additional paid-in-capital
2,444,036

 
2,170,078

Accumulated deficit
(97,873
)
 
(83,143
)
Total Stockholders’ Equity
2,347,530

 
2,088,143

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
$
4,242,172

 
$
4,088,605













See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4




Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (Unaudited)
(in thousands—except share and per share data)
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Net interest income:
 
 
 
Interest income from commercial mortgage loans
$
52,114

 
$
34,398

Interest income from subordinate loans
33,853

 
34,390

Interest income from securities
—

 
6,054

Interest expense
(22,740
)
 
(17,030
)
Net interest income
63,227

 
57,812

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
General and administrative expenses (includes equity-based compensation of $3,342 and $3,791 in 2018 and 2017, respectively)
(4,998
)
 
(5,758
)
Management fees to related party
(8,092
)
 
(7,432
)
Total operating expenses
(13,090
)
 
(13,190
)
Income from unconsolidated joint venture
—

 
458

Other income
203

 
108

Realized loss on sale of assets
—

 
(1,042
)
Unrealized gain on securities
—

 
2,852

Foreign currency gain
10,125

 
3,172

Loss on derivative instruments (includes unrealized losses of $(8,855) and $(2,889) in 2018 and 2017, respectively)
(11,032
)
 
(3,045
)
Net income
49,433

 
47,125

Preferred dividends
$
(6,835
)
 
$
(9,310
)
Net income available to common stockholders
42,598

 
37,815

Net income per share of common stock
$
0.38

 
$
0.41

Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding
110,211,853

 
91,612,447

Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding
111,871,429

 
92,998,250

Dividend declared per share of common stock
$
0.46

 
$
0.46





















See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5




Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Net income available to common stockholders
$
42,598

 
$
37,815

Foreign currency translation adjustment
—

 
251

Comprehensive income
$
42,598

 
$
38,066
















































See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6




Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
(in thousands—except share and per share data)
 
Preferred Stock
 
Common Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In-Capital
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Total
 
Shares
 
Par
 
Shares
 
Par
 
Balance at January 1, 2018
13,670,393

 
$
137

 
107,121,235

 
$
1,071

 
$
2,170,078

 
$
(83,143
)
 
$
2,088,143

Capital increase (decrease) related to Equity Incentive Plan
—

 
—

 
345,996

 
4

 
(1,389
)
 
—

 
(1,385
)
Issuance of common stock
—

 
—

 
15,525,000

 
155

 
275,724

 
—

 
275,879

Offering costs
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(377
)
 
—

 
(377
)
Net income
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
49,433

 
49,433

Dividends declared on preferred stock
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(6,835
)
 
(6,835
)
Dividends declared on common stock - $0.46 per share
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(57,328
)
 
(57,328
)
Balance at March 31, 2018
13,670,393
 
$
137

 
122,992,231
 
$
1,230

 
$
2,444,036

 
$
(97,873
)
 
$
2,347,530







































See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

7




Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
     Net income
$
49,433

 
$
47,125

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
     Amortization of discount/premium and PIK
(15,695
)
 
(3,517
)
     Amortization of deferred financing costs
2,545

 
1,203

     Equity-based compensation
(1,385
)
 
1,461

     Unrealized gain on securities
—

 
(2,852
)
     Income from unconsolidated joint venture
—

 
(458
)
     Foreign currency gain
(9,853
)
 
(2,808
)
     Unrealized loss on derivative instruments
8,855

 
2,897

     Realized loss on sale of assets
—

 
1,042

     Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
          Proceeds received from PIK
55,000

 
—

          Other assets
(2,620
)
 
(10,926
)
          Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
2,075

 
(8,011
)
          Payable to related party
(76
)
 
418

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
88,279

 
25,574

Cash flows used in investing activities:
 
 
 
     New funding of commercial mortgage loans
(476,951
)
 
(258,950
)
     Add-on funding of commercial mortgage loans
(13,185
)
 
(60,649
)
     New funding of subordinate loans
(11,687
)
 
(117,500
)
     Add-on funding of subordinate loans
(5,208
)
 
(55,182
)
     Payments received on commercial mortgage loans
90,547

 
6,336

     Payments received on subordinate loans
257,548

 
37,738

     Origination and exit fees received on commercial mortgage and subordinate loans
19,085

 
6,294

     Funding of unconsolidated joint venture
—

 
(726
)
     Funding of other assets
—

 
(1,379
)
     Increase in collateral held related to derivative contracts
(15,220
)
 
(960
)
     Payments and proceeds received on securities
—

 
70,033

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(155,071
)
 
(374,945
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
     Proceeds from issuance of common stock
275,879

 
—

     Payment of offering costs
(38
)
 
(58
)
     Proceeds from secured debt arrangements
416,549

 
407,955

     Repayments of secured debt arrangements
(538,562
)
 
(67,286
)
     Repayments of participations sold
—

 
(434
)
     Payment of deferred financing costs
(2,234
)
 
(4,394
)
     Dividends on common stock
(57,328
)
 
(42,947
)
     Dividends on preferred stock
(6,835
)
 
(9,310
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
87,431

 
283,526

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
20,639

 
(65,845
)
Cash and restricted cash, beginning of period
77,671

 
263,452

Cash and restricted cash, end of period
$
98,310

 
$
197,607

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
     Interest paid
$
26,517

 
$
18,965

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
 
 
 
     Dividend declared, not yet paid
$
63,598

 
$
51,109

     Offering costs payable
$
339

 
$
222

     Loan proceeds held by servicer
$
30,281

 
$
—

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

8




Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Note 1 – Organization
Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, is referred to throughout this report as the “Company,” “ARI,” “we,” “us” and “our”) is a corporation that has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes and primarily originates, acquires, invests in and manages performing commercial first mortgage loans, subordinate financings, and other commercial real estate-related debt investments in the United States. These asset classes are referred to as the Company’s target assets.
The Company, organized in Maryland on June 29, 2009, commenced operations on September 29, 2009 and is externally managed and advised by ACREFI Management, LLC (the “Manager”), an indirect subsidiary of Apollo Global Management, LLC (together with its subsidiaries, "Apollo").
The Company elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 2009. To maintain its tax qualification as a REIT, the Company is required to distribute at least 90% of its taxable income, excluding net capital gains, to stockholders and meet certain other asset, income, and ownership tests.
Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the Company’s accounts and those of its consolidated subsidiaries. All intercompany amounts have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The Company’s most significant estimates include loan loss reserves and impairment. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been included. The Company's results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any other future period.
The Company currently operates in one reporting segment.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12 "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” ("ASU 2017-12"). The intention of ASU 2017-12 is to align an entity’s financial reporting for hedging activities with the economic objectives of those activities. Upon adoption of ASU 2017-12, the cumulative ineffectiveness previously recognized on existing cash flow and net investment hedges will be adjusted and removed from beginning retained earnings and placed in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Company notes that this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. ASU 2017-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and is applied retrospectively.
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18 “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash” ("ASU 2016-18"). ASU 2016-18 is intended to clarify how entities present restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The guidance requires entities to show the changes in the total of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. As a result, entities will no longer present transfers between cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. When cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are presented in more than one line item on the balance sheet, the new guidance requires a reconciliation of the totals in the statement of cash flows to the related captions in the balance sheet. This reconciliation can be presented either on the face of the statement of cash flows or in the notes to the financial statements. ASU 2016-18 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied retrospectively. The Company early adopted ASU 2016-18 on June 30, 2017, which changed the Company's condensed consolidated statement of cash flows and related disclosures for all periods presented. The following is a reconciliation of the Company's cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash to the total presented in the Company's condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the

9




three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively ($ in thousands):
 
Balance at March 31, 2018
 
Balance at March 31, 2017
Cash
$
98,310

 
$
142,905

Restricted cash
$
—

 
$
54,702

Total cash and restricted cash shown in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows
$
98,310

 
$
197,607


In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326)" ("ASU 2016-13"). ASU 2016-13 significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income.  The guidance will replace the “incurred loss” approach under existing guidance with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost, and require entities to record allowances for available-for-sale debt securities rather than reduce the carrying amount, as they do today under the other-than-temporary impairment model. It also simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and is to be adopted through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. While the Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2016-13 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements, we expect that the adoption will result in higher provisions for potential loan losses.    
Note 3 – Fair Value Disclosure
GAAP establishes a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on the observability of the inputs utilized in measuring financial instruments at fair values. Market based or observable inputs are the preferred source of values, followed by valuation models using management assumptions in the absence of market inputs. The three levels of the hierarchy as noted in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, are described below:
Level I — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level II — Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs. Observable inputs are inputs that other market participants would use in pricing a security. These may include quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk and others.
Level III — Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs. In situations where quoted prices or observable inputs are unavailable (for example, when there is little or no market activity for an investment at the end of the period), unobservable inputs may be used.
While the Company anticipates that its valuation methods will be appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. The Company will use inputs that are current as of the measurement date, which may include periods of market dislocation, during which price transparency may be reduced.
The estimated fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments are determined using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The fair values of interest rate caps are determined using the market standard methodology of discounting the future expected cash receipts (or payments) that would occur if variable interest rates rise above the strike rate of the caps. The variable interest rates used in the calculation of projected cash flows are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observable market interest rate curves and volatilities. The fair values of foreign exchange forwards are determined by comparing the contracted forward exchange rate to the current market exchange rate.  The current market exchange rates are determined by using market spot rates, forward rates and interest rate curves for the underlying countries.  The Company’s derivative instruments are classified as Level II in the fair value hierarchy.
The following table summarizes the levels in the fair value hierarchy into which the Company’s financial instruments were categorized as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 ($ in thousands): 
 
Fair Value as of March 31, 2018
 
Fair Value as of December 31, 2017
 
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
 
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
Derivative instruments, net
$
—

 
$
(14,499
)
 
$
—

 
$
(14,499
)
 
$
—

 
$
(5,644
)
 
$
—

 
$
(5,644
)

10




Note 4 – Securities

The Company previously held CMBS, all of which were sold in 2017. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company sold CMBS resulting in a net realized loss of $1.0 million.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company recorded interest income from securities of $6.1 million, of which $2.8 million was interest income from CMBS (Held-to-Maturity) and $3.3 million of CMBS (Fair Value Option).

To conform to the 2018 presentation of the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows, the Company reclassified $69.2 million of proceeds from sale of securities, $0.8 million of principal payments received on securities, CMBS (Held-to-Maturity) and $0.03 million of principal payments received on CMBS (Fair Value Option) and combined into payments and proceeds received on securities.

Note 5 – Commercial Mortgage and Subordinate Loans, Net
The Company’s loan portfolio was comprised of the following at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 ($ in thousands):
Loan Type
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Commercial mortgage loans, net
 
$
3,029,240

 
$
2,653,826

Subordinate loans, net
 
1,038,254

 
1,025,932

Total loans, net
 
$
4,067,494

 
$
3,679,758


The Company's loan portfolio consisted of 89% and 88% floating rate loans, based on amortized cost, as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
 
Activity relating to our loan investment portfolio was as follows ($ in thousands):
 
 
Principal Balance
 
Deferred Fees/Other Items (1)
 
Provision for Loan Loss (2)
 
Carrying Value
December 31, 2017
 
$
3,706,169

 
$
(9,430
)
 
$
(16,981
)
 
$
3,679,758

New loan fundings
 
488,638

 
—

 
—

 
488,638

Add-on loan fundings
 
18,393

 
—

 
—

 
18,393

Loan repayments
 
(137,947
)
 
—

 
—

 
(137,947
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation
 
13,555

 
(113
)
 
—

 
13,442

Deferred fees and other items (1)
 
—

 
(11,561
)
 
—

 
(11,561
)
PIK interest, amortization of fees and other items (1)
 
10,564

 
6,207

 
—

 
16,771

March 31, 2018
 
$
4,099,372

 
$
(14,897
)
 
$
(16,981
)
 
$
4,067,494

———————
(1) Other items primarily consist of purchase discounts or premiums, exit fees and deferred origination expenses.
(2) In addition to the $17.0 million provision for loan loss, the Company recorded an impairment of $3.0 million against an investment previously recorded under other assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.


The following table details overall statistics for our loan portfolio ($ in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Number of loans
 
63

 
59

Principal balance
 
$
4,099,372

 
$
3,706,169

Carrying value
 
$
4,067,494

 
$
3,679,758

Unfunded loan commitments (1)
 
$
852,508

 
$
435,627

Weighted-average cash coupon (2)
 
8.6
%
 
8.4
%
  ———————
(1)
Unfunded loan commitments are primarily funded to finance property improvements or lease-related expenditures by the borrowers. These future commitments are funded over the term of each loan, subject in certain cases to an expiration date.
(2)
For floating rate loans, based on applicable benchmark rates as of the specified dates.

11






The table below details the property type of the properties securing the loans in our portfolio ($ in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Property Type
 
Carrying
Value
 
% of
Portfolio
 
Carrying
Value
 
% of
Portfolio
Predevelopment
 
$710,992
 
17.5%
 
$654,736
 
17.8%
Residential - for sale
 
704,020
 
17.3%
 
442,177
 
12.0%
Hotel
 
654,631
 
16.1%
 
645,056
 
17.6%
Office
 
584,990
 
14.4%
 
513,830
 
14.0%
Residential Rental
 
467,605
 
11.5%
 
465,057
 
12.6%
Mixed Use
 
356,079
 
8.7%
 
354,640
 
9.6%
Retail Center
 
199,463
 
4.9%
 
198,913
 
5.4%
Healthcare
 
158,292
 
3.9%
 
173,870
 
4.7%
Other
 
154,084
 
3.8%
 
154,141
 
4.2%
Industrial
 
77,338
 
1.9%
 
77,338
 
2.1%
 
 
$4,067,494
 
100.0%
 
$3,679,758
 
100.0%

The table below details the geographic distribution of the properties securing the loans in our portfolio ($ in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Geographic Location
 
Carrying
Value
 
% of
Portfolio
 
Carrying
Value
 
% of
Portfolio
Manhattan, NY
 
$1,209,678
 
29.7%
 
$1,173,833
 
31.9%
Brooklyn, NY
 
358,425
 
8.8%
 
357,611
 
9.7%
Northeast
 
107,671
 
2.7%
 
100,536
 
2.7%
Midwest
 
737,780
 
18.1%
 
683,380
 
18.6%
Southeast
 
447,450
 
11.0%
 
531,582
 
14.4%
West
 
270,170
 
6.6%
 
227,024
 
6.2%
Mid Atlantic
 
182,320
 
4.5%
 
191,976
 
5.2%
Southwest
 
33,384
 
0.8%
 
33,615
 
0.9%
United Kingdom
 
645,338
 
15.9%
 
303,488
 
8.3%
Other International
 
75,278
 
1.9%
 
76,713
 
2.1%
Total
 
$4,067,494
 
100.0%
 
$3,679,758
 
100.0%

The Company assesses the risk factors of each loan, and assigns a risk rating based on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, loan-to-value ratio ("LTV"), debt yield, property type, geographic and local market dynamics, physical condition, cash flow volatility, leasing and tenant profile, loan structure and exit plan, and project sponsorship. This review is performed quarterly. Based on a 5-point scale, our loans are rated “1” through “5,” from less risk to greater risk, which ratings are defined as follows:
1.    Very low risk
2.    Low risk
3. Moderate/average risk
4. High risk/potential for loss: a loan that has a risk of realizing a principal loss
5. Impaired/loss likely: a loan that has a high risk of realizing principal loss, has incurred principal loss or has been impaired

The following table allocates the carrying value of our loan portfolio based on the Company's internal risk ratings ($ in thousands):

12




 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Risk Rating
 
Number of Loans
 
Carrying Value
 
% of Loan Portfolio
 
Number of Loans
 
Carrying Value
 
% of Loan Portfolio
1
 
—
 
$
—

 
—
%
 
—
 
$
—

 
—
%
2
 
6
 
395,212

 
10
%
 
5
 
399,326

 
10
%
3
 
54
 
3,431,086

 
84
%
 
51
 
3,034,358

 
83
%
4
 
1
 
168,677

 
4
%
 
1
 
168,208

 
5
%
5
 
2
 
72,519

 
2
%
 
2
 
77,866

 
2
%
 
 
63
 
$
4,067,494

 
100
%
 
59
 
$
3,679,758

 
100
%

The Company evaluates its loans for possible impairment on a quarterly basis. The Company regularly evaluates the extent and impact of any credit deterioration associated with the performance and/or value of the underlying collateral property as well as the financial and operating capability of the borrower/sponsor on a loan by loan basis. Specifically, a property’s operating results and any cash reserves are analyzed and used to assess (i) whether cash from operations is sufficient to cover the debt service requirements currently and into the future, (ii) the ability of the borrower to refinance the loan and/or (iii) the property’s liquidation value. The Company also evaluates the financial wherewithal of any loan guarantors as well as the borrower’s competency in managing and operating the properties. In addition, the Company considers the overall economic environment, real estate sector and geographic sub-market in which the borrower operates. Such loan loss analysis is completed and reviewed by asset management and finance personnel who utilize various data sources, including (i) periodic financial data such as debt service coverage ratio, property occupancy, tenant profile, rental rates, operating expenses, the borrower’s exit plan, and capitalization and discount rates, (ii) site inspections and (iii) current credit spreads and discussions with market participants. An allowance for loan loss is established when it is deemed probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan.
During 2017, the Company recorded a loan loss provision of $2.0 million on a commercial mortgage loan secured by fully-built, for-sale residential condominium units located in Bethesda, MD. In addition to the $2.0 million provision for loan loss, the Company recorded an impairment of $3.0 million on a related investment previously recorded under other assets on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet. The loan loss provision and impairment were based on the difference between fair value of the underlying collateral, and the carrying value of the loan (prior to the loan loss provision and related impairment). Fair value of the collateral was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. The significant unobservable inputs used in determining the collateral value were sales price per square foot and discount rate which were an average of $678 dollars per square foot across properties and 15%, respectively. Effective April 1, 2017, the Company ceased accruing all interest associated with the loan and accounts for the loan on a cost-recovery basis (all proceeds are applied towards the loan balance). As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, this was assigned a risk rating of 5.
During 2016, the Company recorded a loan loss provision of $10.0 million on a commercial mortgage loan and $5.0 million on a contiguous subordinate loan secured by a multifamily property located in Williston, ND. The loan loss provision was based on the difference between fair value of the underlying collateral, and the carrying value of the loan (prior to the loan loss provision). Fair value of the collateral was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. The significant unobservable inputs used in determining the collateral value were terminal capitalization rate and discount rate which were 11% and 10%, respectively. The Company ceased accruing payment in kind ("PIK") interest associated with the loan and recognizing interest income upon receipt of cash. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, this was assigned a risk rating of 5.
As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the aggregate loan loss provision was $12.0 million and $5.0 million for commercial mortgage loans and subordinate loans, respectively.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the Company recognized PIK interest of $10.6 million and $7.9 million, respectively.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the Company did not receive any pre-payment penalties or accelerated fees.


13




Note 6 – Loan Proceeds Held by Servicer
Loan proceeds held by servicer represents principal payments held by the Company's third-party loan servicer as of the balance sheet date which were remitted to us subsequent to the balance sheet date. Loan proceeds held by servicer was $30.3 million and $302.8 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Note 7 – Other Assets
The following table details the components of the Company's other assets ($ in thousands):
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Interest receivable
$
25,548

 
$
23,101

Collateral deposited under derivative agreements
20,150

 
4,930

Other
389

 
389

Total
$
46,087

 
$
28,420


Note 8 – Secured Debt Arrangements, Net
At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company’s borrowings had the following secured debt arrangements, maturities and weighted average interest rates ($ in thousands):
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Maximum Amount of Borrowings
 
Borrowings Outstanding
 
Maturity (1)
 
Weighted
Average
Rate (2)
 
Maximum Amount of Borrowings
 
Borrowings Outstanding
 
Maturity (1)
 
Weighted
Average
Rate (2)
JPMorgan Facility (3)
$
1,382,000

 
$
800,535

 
March 2020
 
USD L + 2.30%
 
$
1,393,000

 
$
944,529

 
March 2020
 
USD L + 2.30%
DB Repurchase Facility (USD) (4)
402,390

 
157,460

 
March 2020
 
USD L + 2.48%
 
472,090

 
225,367

 
March 2020
 
USD L + 2.56%
DB Repurchase Facility (GBP) (4)
165,766

 
165,766

 
March 2020
 
GBP L + 2.60%
 
93,919

 
93,919

 
March 2020
 
GBP L + 2.60%
Goldman Facility (5)
327,750

 
103,025

 
November 2020
 
USD L + 2.57%
 
331,130

 
81,380

 
November 2020
 
USD L + 2.73%
Sub-total
2,277,906

 
1,226,786

 
 
 

 
2,290,139

 
1,345,195

 
 
 

less: deferred financing costs
N/A

 
(14,037
)
 
 
 
N/A
 
N/A

 
(14,348
)
 
 
 
N/A
Total / Weighted Average
$
2,277,906

 
$
1,212,749

 
 
 
USD L + 2.35% /
 
$
2,290,139

 
$
1,330,847

 
 
 
USD L + 2.37% /
 
 
GBP L + 2.60%
 
 
 
 
GBP L + 2.60%
———————
(1) Maturity date assumes extensions at the Company's option are exercised.
(2) Based on applicable benchmark rates as of the specified dates on floating rate debt.
(3) As of March 31, 2018, the Company's secured debt arrangement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (the "JPMorgan Facility") provided
for maximum total borrowings comprised of a $1.3 billion repurchase facility and $132.0 million of an asset specific financing.
(4) As of March 31, 2018, the Company's secured debt arrangement with Deutsche Bank AG, Cayman Islands Branch and Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch (the "DB Repurchase Facility") provided for maximum total borrowings comprised of a $450.0 million repurchase facility and $55.1 million and £45.0 million of asset specific financings.
(5) As of March 31, 2018, the Company's secured debt arrangement with Goldman Sachs Bank USA (the "Goldman Facility") provided for maximum total borrowings comprised of a $300.0 million repurchase facility and $27.8 million of an asset specific financing.
At March 31, 2018, the Company’s borrowings had the following remaining maturities ($ in thousands):
 

14




 
Less than
1 year (1)
 
1 to 3
years (1)
 
3 to 5
years
 
More than
5 years
 
Total
JPMorgan Facility
$
132,715

 
$
667,820

 
$
—


$
—

 
$
800,535

DB Repurchase Facility
131,419

 
191,807

 
—


—

 
323,226

Goldman Facility
—

 
103,025

 
—


—

 
103,025

Total
$
264,134

 
$
962,652

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1,226,786

———————
(1) Assumes underlying assets are financed through the fully extended maturity date of the facility.
The table below summarizes the outstanding balances at March 31, 2018, as well as the maximum and average month-end balances for the three months ended March 31, 2018 for the Company's borrowings under secured debt arrangements ($ in thousands).
 
 
 
 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2018
 
Balance at
March 31, 2018
 
Amortized Cost of Collateral at March 31, 2018
 
Maximum Month-End
Balance
 
Average Month-End
Balance
JPMorgan Facility
$
800,535

 
$
1,372,877

 
$
914,040

 
$
786,087

DB Repurchase Facility
323,226

 
623,006

 
329,689

 
326,536

Goldman Facility
103,025

 
180,243

 
103,025

 
87,312

Total
$
1,226,786

 
$
2,176,126

 
 
 
 
JPMorgan Facility
The Company, through two indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, entered into the amended and restated JPMorgan Facility, which was upsized in October 2017, and provides for maximum total borrowing capacity of $1.4 billion, comprised of a $1.25 billion repurchase facility and a $132.0 million asset specific financing. The facility has a term expiring in March 2019 plus a one-year extension option available at the Company's option, subject to certain conditions. Amounts borrowed under the JPMorgan Facility bear interest at spreads ranging from 2.25% to 2.75% over one-month LIBOR. Margin calls may occur any time at specified aggregate margin deficit thresholds. The Company has agreed to provide a limited guarantee of the obligations of its indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries under the JPMorgan Facility.
As of March 31, 2018, the Company had $800.5 million of borrowings outstanding under the JPMorgan Facility secured by certain of the Company's commercial mortgage loans.
DB Repurchase Facility
The Company, through indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, entered into the amended and restated DB Repurchase Facility which provides for maximum total borrowings of $568.2 million comprised of: (i) a repurchase facility of $450.0 million, of which we have borrowed $102.4 million and £73.3 million and (ii) $55.1 million and £45.0 million of asset specific financings in connection with financing first mortgage loans secured by real estate. The repurchase facility matures in March 2019 with one one-year extension option available at the Company's option, subject to certain conditions, while the asset specific financings mature in October 2018. Amounts borrowed under the DB Repurchase Facility bear interest at spreads ranging from 2.10% to 3.00% over one-month USD LIBOR and 2.60% over three-month GBP LIBOR. Margin calls may occur any time at specified aggregate margin deficit thresholds. The Company has agreed to provide a guarantee of the obligations of its indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries under this facility.
As of March 31, 2018, the Company had $323.2 million (including £118.3 million) of borrowings outstanding under the DB Repurchase Facility secured by certain of the Company's commercial mortgage loans.
Goldman Facility
The Company, through an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into the Goldman Facility, which provides for advances of up to $327.8 million (as of March 31, 2018) comprised of a $300.0 million repurchase facility (entered into in November 2017) and $27.8 million of an asset specific financing (entered into in January 2015). The repurchase facility matures in November 2020, while the asset specific financing matures in April 2019. Amounts borrowed under the Goldman Facility bear interest at spreads ranging from 2.20% to 3.50% over one-month LIBOR. Margin calls may occur any time at specified margin deficit thresholds. The Company has agreed to provide a limited guarantee of the obligations of the seller under the Goldman Facility.

15




As of March 31, 2018, the Company had total borrowings of $103.0 million, including $75.2 million of borrowings outstanding under the repurchase facility and $27.8 million of borrowings secured by one commercial mortgage loan held by the Company.
The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants under each of its secured debt arrangements at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Note 9 – Convertible Senior Notes, Net
On March 17, 2014, the Company issued $143.8 million aggregate principal amount of 5.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 (the "March 2019 Notes"), for which the Company received net proceeds, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expense payable by the Company, of approximately $139.0 million. At March 31, 2018, the March 2019 Notes had a carrying value of $142.7 million and an unamortized discount of $1.1 million.
On August 18, 2014, the Company issued an additional $111.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 (the "August 2019 Notes," and together with the March 2019 Notes, the "2019 Notes"), for which the Company received net proceeds, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expense payable by the Company, of approximately $109.6 million. At March 31, 2018, the August 2019 Notes had a carrying value of $109.7 million and an unamortized discount of $1.3 million.
On August 21, 2017, the Company issued an aggregate principal amount of $230.0 million of 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2022 (the "August 2022 Notes"), for which the Company received net proceeds, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expense payable by the Company, of approximately $224.8 million. At March 31, 2018, the August 2022 Notes had a carrying value of $221.3 million and an unamortized discount of $8.7 million.
On November 9, 2017, the Company issued an aggregate principal amount of $115.0 million of 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2022 (the "November 2022 Notes," and together with the August 2022 Notes, the "2022 Notes" and the 2022 Notes together with the 2019 Notes, "the Notes"), for which the Company received net proceeds, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expense payable by the Company of approximately $112.7 million. At March 31, 2018, the November 2022 Notes had a carrying value of $112.2 million and an unamortized discount of $2.8 million.
The following table summarizes the terms of the Notes ($ in thousands):
 
Principal Amount
Coupon Rate
Effective Rate (1)
Conversion Rate (2)
Maturity Date
Remaining Period of Amortization
2019 Notes
$
254,750

5.50
%
6.36
%
57.6745

3/15/2019
0.95 years
2022 Notes
345,000

4.75
%
5.61
%
50.2260

8/23/2022
4.40 years
Total
$
599,750

 
 
 
 
 
———————
(1)
Effective rate includes the effect of the adjustment for the conversion option (See endnote (2) below), the value of which reduced the initial liability and was recorded in additional paid-in-capital.
(2)
The Company has the option to settle any conversions in cash, shares of common stock or a combination thereof.  The conversion rate represents the number of shares of common stock issuable per $1.0 million principal amount of the Notes converted, and includes adjustments relating to cash dividend payments made by the Company to stockholders that have been deferred and carried-forward in accordance with, and are not yet required to be made pursuant to, the terms of the applicable supplemental indenture.
The Company may not redeem the Notes prior to maturity. The closing price of the Company's common stock on March 29, 2018 of $17.98 was greater than the per share conversion price of the 2019 Notes and less than the per share conversion price of the 2022 Notes. The Company has the intent and ability to settle the Notes in cash and, as a result, the Notes did not have any impact on the Company's diluted earnings per share.
In accordance with ASC 470 the liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion (including partial cash settlement) is to be separately accounted for in a manner that reflects the issuer’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. GAAP requires that the initial proceeds from the sale of the Notes be allocated between a liability component and an equity component in a manner that reflects interest expense at the interest rate of similar nonconvertible debt that could have been issued by the Company at such time. The Company measured the fair value of the debt components of the Notes as of their issuance date based on effective interest rates.  As a result, the Company attributed approximately $22.4 million of the proceeds to the equity component of the Notes ($11.4 million to the 2019 Notes and $11.0 million to the 2022 Notes), which represents the excess proceeds received over the fair value of the liability component of the Notes at the date of issuance. The equity component of the Notes has been reflected within additional paid-in capital in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2018. The resulting debt discount is being amortized over the period

16




during which the Notes are expected to be outstanding (the maturity date) as additional non-cash interest expense. The additional non-cash interest expense attributable to each of the Notes will increase in subsequent reporting periods through the maturity date as the Notes accrete to their par value over the same period.
The aggregate contractual interest expense was approximately $7.6 million and $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  With respect to the amortization of the discount on the liability component of the Notes as well as the amortization of deferred financing costs, the Company reported additional non-cash interest expense of approximately $1.8 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Note 10 – Derivatives, Net
The Company uses forward currency contracts to economically hedge interest and principal payments due under its loans denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars.
The Company has entered into a series of forward contracts to sell an amount of foreign currency (British pound ("GBP")) for an agreed upon amount of U.S. dollars at various dates through November 2020. These forward contracts were executed to economically fix the U.S. dollar amounts of foreign denominated cash flows expected to be received by the Company related to foreign denominated loan investments.

The following table summarizes the Company's non-designated foreign exchange (“Fx”) forwards as of March 31, 2018:
Type of Derivative
March 31, 2018
 
Number of Contracts
 
Aggregate Notional Amount (in thousands)
 
Notional Currency
 
Maturity
Fx Contracts - GBP
31
 
467,737
 
GBP
 
April 2018 - November 2020


The following table summarizes the Company's non-designated Fx forwards as of December 31, 2017:
Type of Derivative
December 31, 2017
 
Number of Contracts
 
Aggregate Notional Amount (in thousands)
 
Notional Currency
 
Maturity
Fx Contracts - GBP
24
 
177,077
 
GBP
 
January 2018- November 2020

The Company has not designated any of its derivative instruments as hedges as defined in ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging and, therefore, changes in the fair value of the Company's derivative instruments are recorded directly in earnings. The following table summarizes the amounts recognized on the condensed consolidated statements of operations related to the Company’s derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 ($ in thousands):
 
 
 
 
Amount of gain (loss)
recognized in income
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Location of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Income
 
2018
 
2017
Forward currency contracts
Loss on derivative instruments - unrealized
 
$
(8,859
)
 
$
(2,883
)
Forward currency contracts
Loss on derivative instruments - realized
 
(2,177
)
 
(156
)
Interest rate caps (1)
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments - unrealized
 
4

 
(6
)
Total
 
 
$
(11,032
)
 
$
(3,045
)
———————
(1)
With a notional amount of $38.9 million and $44.2 million at March 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively.
The following table summarizes the gross asset and liability amounts related to the Company’s derivatives at March 31,

17




2018 and December 31, 2017 ($ in thousands).
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Gross
Amount of
Recognized
Liabilities
 
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the Condensed
Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
Net Amounts
of Assets (Liabilities)
Presented in
the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
Gross
Amount of
Recognized
Liabilities
 
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
Net Amounts
of Liabilities
Presented in
the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Interest rate caps
$
—

 
$
5

 
$
5

 
$
—

 
$
1

 
$
1

Forward currency contracts
(18,777
)
 
4,273

 
(14,504
)
 
(5,645
)
 
—

 
(5,645
)
Total derivative instruments
$
(18,777
)
 
$
4,278

 
$
(14,499
)
 
$
(5,645
)

$
1


$
(5,644
)

Note 11 – Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
The following table details the components of the Company's accounts payable, accrued expense and other liabilities ($ in thousands):
 
March 31, 2018

 
December 31, 2017

Accrued dividends payable
$
63,598

 
$
56,576

Accrued interest payable
5,336

 
12,796

Accounts payable and other liabilities
4,396

 
1,534

Total
$
73,330

 
$
70,906


Note 12 – Related Party Transactions
Management Agreement
In connection with the Company’s initial public offering in September 2009, the Company entered into a management agreement (the “Management Agreement”) with the Manager, which describes the services to be provided by the Manager and its compensation for those services. The Manager is responsible for managing the Company’s day-to-day operations, subject to the direction and oversight of the Company’s board of directors.
Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement, the Manager is paid a base management fee equal to 1.5% per annum of the Company’s stockholders’ equity (as defined in the Management Agreement), calculated and payable (in cash) quarterly in arrears.
The current term of the Management Agreement expires on September 29, 2018 and is automatically renewed for successive one-year terms on each anniversary thereafter. The Management Agreement may be terminated upon expiration of the one-year extension term only upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the Company’s independent directors, based upon (1) unsatisfactory performance by the Manager that is materially detrimental to the Company or (2) a determination that the management fee payable to the Manager is not fair, subject to the Manager’s right to prevent such a termination based on unfair fees by accepting a mutually acceptable reduction of management fees agreed to by at least two-thirds of the Company’s independent directors. The Manager must be provided with written notice of any such termination at least 180 days prior to the expiration of the then existing term and will be paid a termination fee equal to three times the sum of the average annual base management fee during the 24-month period immediately preceding the date of termination, calculated as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter prior to the date of termination. Following a meeting by the Company’s independent directors in February 2018, which included a discussion of the Manager’s performance and the level of the management fees thereunder, the Company determined not to seek termination of the Management Agreement.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company incurred approximately $8.1 million and $7.4 million, respectively, in base management fees under the Management Agreement. In addition to the base management fee, the Company is also responsible for reimbursing the Manager for certain expenses paid by the Manager on behalf of the Company or for certain services provided by the Manager to the Company. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company paid expenses totaling $0.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively, related to reimbursements for certain expenses

18




paid by the Manager on behalf of the Company under the Management Agreement. Expenses incurred by the Manager and reimbursed by the Company are reflected in the respective condensed consolidated statement of operations expense category or the condensed consolidated balance sheet based on the nature of the item.
Included in payable to related party on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are approximately $8.1 million and $7.4 million, respectively, for base management fees incurred but not yet paid under the Management Agreement.
Unconsolidated Joint Venture
In September 2014, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, acquired a 59% ownership interest in Champ Limited Partnership ("Champ LP") following which a wholly-owned subsidiary of Champ LP then acquired a 35% ownership interest in Bremer Kreditbank AG ("BKB"). In May 2017, the Company sold its remaining ownership interest in Champ LP, to unaffiliated third parties. As such, in 2018 the Company no longer held any interest in Champ LP.
Loans receivable
In June, 2017, the Company increased its outstanding loan commitment through the acquisition of an additional $25.0 million of interests in an existing subordinate loan from a fund managed by an affiliate of the Manager, increasing the Company's total outstanding loan commitment to $100.0 million. Furthermore, in September 2017 the Company funded an additional $25.0 million to acquire a portion of the same pre-development subordinate loan from a fund managed by an affiliate of the Manager, increasing the Company's total outstanding loan commitment to $125.0 million. The pre-development subordinate loan is for the construction of a residential condominium building in New York, New York and is part of a $300.0 million subordinate loan.
Note 13 – Share-Based Payments
On September 23, 2009, the Company’s board of directors approved the Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc., 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the “LTIP”). The LTIP provides for grants of restricted common stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and other equity-based awards up to an aggregate of 7.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock (on a fully diluted basis). The LTIP is administered by the compensation committee of the Company’s board of directors (the “Compensation Committee”) and all grants under the LTIP must be approved by the Compensation Committee.
The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $3.3 million and $3.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to restricted stock and RSU vesting.
The following table summarizes the grants, vesting and forfeitures of restricted common stock and RSUs during the three months ended March 31, 2018:
 
Type
 
Restricted Stock
 
RSUs
 
Grant Date Fair Value ($)
Outstanding at December 31, 2017
 
105,561

 
1,632,746

 
 
 
Vested
 
(2,749
)
 
—

 
n/a
Outstanding at March 31, 2018
 
102,812

 
1,632,746

 
 

Below is a summary of restricted stock and RSU vesting dates as of March 31, 2018: 
Vesting Year
Restricted Stock
 
RSU
 
Total Awards
2018
65,185

 
758,505

 
823,690

2019
32,733

 
569,909

 
602,642

2020
4,894

 
304,332

 
309,226

Total
102,812

 
1,632,746

 
1,735,558


At March 31, 2018, the Company had unrecognized compensation expense of approximately $1.3 million and $26.0 million, respectively, related to the vesting of restricted stock awards and RSUs noted in the table above.


19





RSU Deliveries
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company delivered 345,996 shares of common stock for 603,677 vested RSUs. The Company allows RSU participants to settle their tax liabilities with a reduction of their share delivery from the originally granted and vested RSUs. The amount, when agreed to by the participant, results in a cash payment to the Manager related to this tax liability and a corresponding adjustment to additional paid in capital on the condensed consolidated statement of changes in stockholders' equity. The adjustment was $4.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and is included as a reduction of capital related to the Company's equity incentive plan in the condensed consolidated statement of changes in stockholders' equity.
Note 14 – Stockholders’ Equity
The Company’s authorized capital stock consists of 450,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. As of March 31, 2018, 122,992,231 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding, 6,770,393 shares of 8.00% Fixed-to-Floating Series B Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock ("Series B Preferred Stock") were issued and outstanding and 6,900,000 shares of 8.00% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock ("Series C Preferred Stock") were issued and outstanding.
Dividends. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company declared the following dividends:
Dividend declared per share of:
 
Common Stock
$0.46
Series B Preferred Stock
0.50
Series C Preferred Stock
0.50
Common Stock Offerings. During the first quarter of 2018, the Company completed a follow-on public offering of 15,525,000 shares of its common stock, at a price of $17.77 per share. The aggregate net proceeds from the offering, including proceeds from the sale of the additional shares, were approximately $275.9 million after deducting estimated offering expenses.
Note 15 – Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings. From time to time, the Company may be involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business.
On January 4, 2017, the United States Department of Justice served a Request for Information and Documents (the “Request”) on the Company, in connection with a preliminary investigation into certain aspects of the Company's former residential real estate portfolio, which the Company acquired in connection with the merger of Apollo Residential Mortgage, Inc. with and into the Company and subsequently sold in 2016. The Request seeks a range of information in connection with the residential real estate portfolio, including, among other things, information concerning policies, procedures, and practices related to advertising, marketing, identifying, or acquiring residential properties for sale or rent, and various data for all rental and sales contracts executed since January 1, 2012. The Company is cooperating with the Department of Justice and fully complying with the Request.
Loan Commitments. As described in "Note 5 - Commercial Mortgage and Subordinate Loans, Net," at March 31, 2018, the Company had $852.5 million of unfunded commitments related to its commercial mortgage and subordinate loan portfolios.
Note 16 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments not carried at fair value on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 ($ in thousands):

20




 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Carrying
Value
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Cash
$
98,310

 
$
98,310

 
$
77,671

 
$
77,671

Commercial first mortgage loans, net
3,029,240

 
3,033,356

 
2,653,826

 
2,657,262

Subordinate loans, net
1,038,254

 
1,035,838

 
1,025,932

 
1,029,390

Secured debt arrangements
(1,226,786
)
 
(1,226,786
)
 
(1,345,195
)
 
(1,345,195
)
2019 Notes
(252,270
)
 
(273,571
)
 
(251,935
)
 
(267,506
)
2022 Notes
(333,342
)
 
(346,604
)
 
(332,962
)
 
(350,175
)
To determine estimated fair values of the financial instruments listed above, market rates of interest, which include credit assumptions, are used to discount contractual cash flows. The estimated fair values are not necessarily indicative of the amount the Company could realize on disposition of the financial instruments. The use of different market assumptions or estimation methodologies could have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. Estimates of fair value for cash and convertible senior notes, net are measured using observable Level I inputs as defined in "Note 3 - Fair Value Disclosure." Estimates of fair value for all other financial instruments in the table above are measured using significant estimates, or unobservable Level III inputs as defined in "Note 3 - Fair Value Disclosure."
Note 17 – Net Income (Loss) per Share
ASC 260, Earnings per share, requires the use of the two-class method of computing earnings per share for all periods presented for each class of common stock and participating security as if all earnings for the period had been distributed. Under the two-class method, during periods of net income, the net income is first reduced for dividends declared on all classes of securities to arrive at undistributed earnings. During periods of net losses, the net loss is reduced for dividends declared on participating securities only if the security has the right to participate in the earnings of the entity and an objectively determinable contractual obligation to share in net losses of the entity.
The remaining earnings are allocated to common stockholders and participating securities to the extent that each security shares in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. Each total is then divided by the applicable number of shares to arrive at basic earnings per share. For the diluted earnings, the denominator includes all outstanding shares of common stock and all potential shares of common stock assumed issued if they are dilutive. The numerator is adjusted for any changes in income or loss that would result from the assumed conversion of these potential shares of common stock.
The table below presents basic and diluted net income (loss) per share of common stock using the two-class method for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 ($ in thousands except per share data): 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Numerator:
 
 
 
Net income
$
49,433

 
$
47,125

Preferred dividends
(6,835
)
 
(9,310
)
Net income available to common stockholders
42,598

 
37,815

Dividends declared on common stock
(56,577
)
 
(42,146
)
Dividends on participating securities
(751
)
 
(630
)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
$
(14,730
)
 
$
(4,961
)
Denominator:
 
 
 
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding
110,211,853

 
91,612,447

Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding
111,871,429

 
92,998,250

Net income per weighted average share of common stock

 

Distributable earnings per share of common stock
$
0.51

 
$
0.46

Undistributed loss per share of common stock
$
(0.13
)
 
$
(0.05
)
Net income per share of common stock
$
0.38

 
$
0.41

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, 1,659,576 and 1,385,803 unvested RSUs, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share because the effect was anti-dilutive.

21




Note 18 – Subsequent Events
Investment activity.  Subsequent to the end of the quarter, the Company committed capital of $238.8 million ($236.3 million of which was funded) of first mortgage loans.
In addition the Company funded approximately $20.4 million for previously closed loans.
Loan Repayments. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, the Company received approximately $71.9 million from loan repayments.

DB Repurchase Facility. Subsequent to quarter end, on April 27, 2018, the Company, through an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a Second Amended and Restated Master Repurchase Agreement (the "Second Amendment and Restatement") with Deutsche Bank AG, Cayman Islands Branch and Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, amending and restating the repurchase facility with DB. The Second Amendment and Restatement provides for advances of up to $800.0 million for the sale and repurchase of eligible first mortgage loans secured by commercial or multifamily properties located in the United States, United Kingdom and the European Union, and enables the Company to elect to receive advances in either U.S. dollars, British pounds or Euros. The Second Amendment and Restatement has a maturity date of March 31, 2020 plus one one-year extension available at the Company's option, subject to certain conditions. Advances under the Second Amendment and Restatement accrue interest at a per annum pricing rate equal to the sum of (i) the applicable U.S. LIBOR, U.K. LIBOR or EURIBOR plus (ii) the applicable spread. Maximum advance rates under the Second Amendment and Restatement are determined on a transaction basis. Margin calls may occur any time at specified aggregate margin deficit thresholds. The Second Amendment and Restatement contains provisions regarding events of default that are customary for similar repurchase agreements. The Company has agreed to provide a guarantee of the obligations of the seller under the Second Amendment and Restatement. In connection with the Second Amendment and Restatement, the Company is subject to customary covenants, including continuing to operate in a manner that allows the Company to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes and financial covenants with respect to minimum consolidated tangible net worth, maximum total indebtedness to consolidated tangible net worth, and minimum liquidity. After the Second Amendment and Restatement, the Company has $800.0 million of maximum borrowings and an asset specific financing of $55.1 million under the DB Repurchase Facility.



22




Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

The Company makes forward-looking statements herein and will make forward-looking statements in future filings with the SEC, press releases or other written or oral communications within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). For these statements, the Company claims the protections of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in such Sections. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the Company’s control. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of the Company’s business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans and objectives. When the Company uses the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “continue,” “intend,” “should,” “may” or similar expressions, it intends to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, may be forward-looking: market trends in the Company’s industry, interest rates, real estate values, the debt securities markets or the general economy; the demand for commercial real estate loans; the Company’s business and investment strategy; the Company’s operating results; actions and initiatives of the U.S. government and governments outside of the United States, changes to government policies and the execution and impact of these actions, initiatives and policies; the state of the economy generally or in specific geographic regions; economic trends and economic recoveries; the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain financing arrangements, including secured debt arrangements and securitizations; the availability of debt financing from traditional lenders; the volume of short-term loan extensions; the demand for new capital to replace maturing loans; expected leverage; general volatility of the securities markets in which the Company participates; changes in the value of the Company’s assets; the scope of the Company’s target assets; interest rate mismatches between the Company’s target assets and any borrowings used to fund such assets; changes in interest rates and the market value of the Company’s target assets; changes in prepayment rates on the Company’s target assets; effects of hedging instruments on the Company’s target assets; rates of default or decreased recovery rates on the Company’s target assets; the degree to which hedging strategies may or may not protect the Company from interest rate volatility; impact of and changes in governmental regulations, tax law and rates, accounting, legal or regulatory issues or guidance and similar matters; the Company’s continued maintenance of its qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes; the Company’s continued exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; the availability of opportunities to acquire commercial mortgage-related, real estate-related and other securities; the availability of qualified personnel; estimates relating to the Company’s ability to make distributions to its stockholders in the future; the Company's present and potential future competition; and unexpected costs or unexpected liabilities, including those related to litigation.
The forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s beliefs, assumptions and expectations of its future performance, taking into account all information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are not predictions of future events. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to the Company. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. These and other risks, uncertainties and factors, including those described in the annual, quarterly and current reports that the Company files with the SEC, could cause its actual results to differ materially from those included in any forward-looking statements the Company makes. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. New risks and uncertainties arise over time and it is not possible to predict those events or how they may affect us. Except as required by law, the Company is not obligated to, and does not intend to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Overview
The Company is a Maryland corporation that has elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Company primarily originates, acquires, invests in and manages performing commercial first mortgage loans, subordinate financings, and other commercial real estate-related debt investments. These asset classes are referred to as the Company’s target assets.
The Company is externally managed and advised by the Manager, an indirect subsidiary of Apollo, a leading global alternative investment manager with a contrarian and value oriented investment approach in private equity, credit and real estate with assets under management of approximately $249 billion as of December 31, 2017.
The Manager is led by an experienced team of senior real estate professionals who have significant expertise in underwriting and structuring commercial real estate financing transactions. The Company benefits from Apollo’s global infrastructure and operating platform, through which the Company is able to source, evaluate and manage potential investments in the Company’s target assets.


23





Market Overview
    
Based on the current market dynamics, including significant upcoming commercial real estate debt maturities, we believe there remains compelling opportunities for the Company to invest capital in its target assets at attractive risk adjusted returns. The Company continues to focus on underlying real estate value, and transactions that benefit from the Company’s ability to execute complex and sophisticated transactions.
The Company believes the challenges faced by conduit lenders and the general uncertainty around value and pricing could create attractive risk adjusted investment opportunities for the Company. As a result, the Company expects to continue to see opportunities to originate subordinate and first mortgage financings in transactions which benefit from the Company’s ability to source, structure and execute complex transactions.
Critical Accounting Policies

A summary of the Company’s accounting policies is set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 under “Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates.” There have been no material changes to the Company's critical accounting policies described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 14, 2018.
Results of Operations
All non-U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities are translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rate prevailing at the reporting date and income, expenses, gains, and losses are translated at the prevailing exchange rate on the dates that they were recorded.
Investments
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Company’s commercial real estate debt portfolio as of March 31, 2018 ($ in thousands):
Description
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Weighted Average Coupon (1)
 
Weighted Average All-in Yield (1)(2)
 
Secured Debt (3)
 
Cost of Funds
 
Equity at
cost(4)
 
Commercial mortgage loans, net
 
$
3,029,240

 
7.2
%
 
7.7
%
 
$
1,212,749

 
4.1
%
 
$
1,846,772

Subordinate loans, net
 
1,038,254

 
12.6
%
 
13.7
%
 
—

 
—

 
1,038,254

Total/Weighted Average
 
$
4,067,494

 
8.6
%
 
9.2
%
 
$
1,212,749

 
4.1
%
 
$
2,885,026

———————    
(1)
Weighted-Average Coupon and Weighted Average All-in-Yield are based on the applicable benchmark rates as of March 31, 2018 on the floating rate loans.
(2)
Weighted-Average All-in-Yield includes the amortization of deferred origination fees, loan origination costs and accrual of both extension and exit fees.
(3)
Net of deferred financing costs of $14.0 million.
(4)
Represents loan portfolio at amortized cost plus loan proceeds held by servicer, less secured debt outstanding.

The Company's average asset and debt balances for the three months ended March 31, 2018, were ($ in thousands):
 
 
Average month-end balances for the three months ended March 31, 2018
Description
 
Assets
 
Related debt
Commercial mortgage loans, net
 
$
2,771,662

 
$
1,199,935

Subordinate loans, net
 
1,033,771

 
—

Investment Activity
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company committed $921.9 million of capital to loans ($488.6 million of which was funded during the quarter). In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company funded $18.4 million for loans closed prior to 2018, and received $137.9 million in repayments.

24





Net Income Available to Common Stockholders
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively, the Company’s net income available to common stockholders was $42.6 million, or $0.38 per share, and $37.8 million, or $0.41 per share.
Operating Results
The following table sets forth information regarding our consolidated results of operations and certain key operating metrics ($ in thousands):

 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2018 vs. 2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
Net interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income from commercial mortgage loans
$
52,114

 
$
34,398

 
$
17,716

Interest income from subordinate loans
33,853

 
34,390

 
(537
)
Interest income from securities
—

 
6,054

 
(6,054
)
Interest expense
(22,740
)
 
(17,030
)
 
(5,710
)
Net interest income
63,227

 
57,812

 
5,415

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expenses
(4,998
)
 
(5,758
)
 
760

Management fees to related party
(8,092
)
 
(7,432
)
 
(660
)
Total operating expenses
(13,090
)
 
(13,190
)
 
100

Income from unconsolidated joint venture
—

 
458

 
(458
)
Other income
203

 
108

 
95

Realized loss on sale of assets
—

 
(1,042
)
 
1,042

Unrealized gain on securities
—

 
2,852

 
(2,852
)
Foreign currency gain
10,125

 
3,172

 
6,953

Loss on derivative instruments
(11,032
)
 
(3,045
)
 
(7,987
)
Net income
$
49,433

 
$
47,125

 
$
2,308


Net Interest Income

Net interest income increased by $5.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017. The increase was primarily due to a net increase in the principal balance of the Company's loan portfolio, by $920.2 million, and a 0.90% increase in one-month LIBOR as of March 31, 2018 compared to March 31, 2017, partially offset by (i) an increase in interest expense due to an increase in the Company's net debt balance of $84.9 million as of March 31, 2018 compared to March 31, 2017, and (ii) a decrease in the principal balance of the Company's securities by $450.5 million and (iii) a 0.90% increase in one-month LIBOR as of March 31, 2018 compared to March 31, 2017.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the Company recognized PIK interest of $10.6 million and $7.9 million, respectively.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the Company did not receive any pre-payment penalties.
Operating Expenses
General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses decreased by $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. The decrease was primarily driven by a decrease of $0.4 million of non-cash restricted stock and RSU amortization related to shares of common stock awarded under the Company's long-term incentive plans and a $0.3 million decrease in general operating expenses.


25





Management fees to related party
Management fee expense increased by $0.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in the Company’s stockholders’ equity (as defined in the Management Agreement) as a result of the Company completing follow-on public offerings of 13,800,000 and 15,525,000 shares of its common stock in June 2017 and March 2018, respectively. This increase was partially offset due to the redemption of our 8.625% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock") in August 2017.
Management fees and the relationship between the Company and the Manager under the Management Agreement are discussed further in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, in “Note 12—Related Party Transactions.”
Income from unconsolidated joint venture
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures consists of activity related to our ownership interest in Champ LP. In September 2014, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, acquired a 59% ownership interest in Champ LP following which a wholly-owned subsidiary of Champ LP then acquired a 35% ownership interest in BKB. In May 2017, the Company sold its remaining ownership interest in Champ LP, to unaffiliated third parties. As such, in 2018 the Company no longer held any interest in Champ LP.
Net unrealized and realized gain (loss) on sale of assets

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company sold securities resulting in a net realized loss of $1.0 million. The Company has not held any securities since December 2017.
Foreign currency gain and (loss) on derivative instruments
The Company uses forward currency contracts to economically hedge interest and principal payments due under its loans denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars. The Company also uses interest rate swaps and caps to manage exposure to variable cash flows on portions of its borrowings under secured debt arrangements. Interest rate swap and cap agreements allow the Company to receive a variable rate cash flow based on LIBOR and pay a fixed rate cash flow, mitigating the impact of this exposure. When foreign currency gain and (loss) on derivative instruments are evaluated on a combined basis, the net impact for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 were $(0.9) million and $0.1 million, respectively.
Dividends
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company declared the following dividends:
 
Dividends declared per share of:
 
Common Stock

$
0.46

Series B Preferred Stock

0.50

Series C Preferred Stock
0.50


Subsequent Events
Refer to "Note 18 - Subsequent Events" to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for disclosure regarding significant transactions that occurred subsequent to March 31, 2018.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity is a measure of the Company’s ability to meet potential cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, fund and maintain its assets and operations, make distributions to its stockholders and other general business needs. The Company’s cash is used to purchase or originate target assets, repay principal and interest on borrowings, make distributions to stockholders and fund operations. The Company’s liquidity position is closely monitored and the Company believes it has sufficient current liquidity and access to additional liquidity to meet financial obligations for at least the next 12 months.


26





Debt-to-Equity Ratio
The following table presents our debt-to-equity ratio:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (1)
0.8x
 
0.9x
———————
(1) Represents total secured debt arrangements and convertible senior notes, less cash and loan proceeds held by servicer to common equity.

The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are as follows:
Cash Generated from Operations
Cash from operations is generally comprised of interest income from the Company’s investments, net of any associated financing expense, principal repayments from the Company’s investments, net of associated financing repayments, proceeds from the sale of investments, and changes in working capital balances. See “Results of Operations – Investments" above for a summary of interest rates related to the Company’s investment portfolio as of March 31, 2018.
Borrowings Under Various Financing Arrangements
JPMorgan Facility
The Company, through two indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, entered into the amended and restated JPMorgan Facility, which was upsized in October 2017, and provides for maximum total borrowing capacity of $1.4 billion, comprised of a $1.25 billion repurchase facility and a $132.0 million asset specific financing. The facility has a term expiring in March 2019 plus a one-year extension option available at the Company's option, subject to certain conditions. Amounts borrowed under the JPMorgan Facility bear interest at spreads ranging from 2.25% to 2.75% over one-month LIBOR. Margin calls may occur any time at specified aggregate margin deficit thresholds. The Company has agreed to provide a limited guarantee of the obligations of its indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries under the JPMorgan Facility.
As of March 31, 2018, the Company had $800.5 million of borrowings outstanding under the JPMorgan Facility secured by certain of the Company's commercial mortgage loans.
DB Repurchase Facility
The Company, through indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, entered into the amended and restated DB Repurchase Facility which provides for maximum total borrowings of $568.2 million comprised of: (i) a repurchase facility of $450.0 million, of which we have borrowed $102.4 million and £73.3 million and (ii) $55.1 million and £45.0 million of asset specific financings in connection with financing first mortgage loans secured by real estate. The repurchase facility matures in March 2019 with one one-year extension option available at the Company's option, subject to certain conditions, while the asset specific financings mature in October 2018. Amounts borrowed under the DB Repurchase Facility bear interest at spreads ranging from 2.10% to 3.00% over one-month USD LIBOR and 2.60% over three-month GBP LIBOR. Margin calls may occur any time at specified aggregate margin deficit thresholds. The Company has agreed to provide a guarantee of the obligations of its indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries under this facility.
As of March 31, 2018, the Company had $323.2 million (including £118.3 million) of borrowings outstanding under the DB Repurchase Facility secured by certain of the Company's commercial mortgage loans.
Goldman Facility
The Company, through an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into the Goldman Facility, which provides for advances of up to $327.8 million (as of March 31, 2018) comprised of a $300.0 million repurchase facility (entered into in November 2017) and $27.8 million of an asset specific financing (entered into in January 2015). The repurchase facility matures in November 2020, while the asset specific financing matures in April 2019. Amounts borrowed under the Goldman Facility bear interest at spreads ranging from 2.20% to 3.50% over one-month LIBOR. Margin calls may occur any time at specified margin deficit thresholds. The Company has agreed to provide a limited guarantee of the obligations of the seller under the Goldman Facility.
As of March 31, 2018, the Company had total borrowings of $103.0 million, including $75.2 million of borrowings outstanding under the repurchase facility and $27.8 million of borrowings secured by one commercial mortgage loan held by the Company.

27




Convertible Senior Notes
The Company has issued, in two offerings in 2014, an aggregate principal amount of $254.8 million of 5.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019, for which the Company received aggregate net proceeds, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company, of approximately $248.6 million.
The Company has issued, in two offerings in 2017, an aggregate principal amount of $345.0 million of 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2022, for which the Company received aggregate net proceeds, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company, of approximately $337.5 million.
Cash Generated from Offerings
During the first quarter of 2018, the Company completed a follow-on public offering of 15,525,000 shares of its common stock, at a price of $17.77 per share. The aggregate net proceeds from the offering, including proceeds from the sale of the additional shares, were approximately $275.9 million after deducting estimated offering expenses.
Other Potential Sources of Financing
The Company’s primary sources of cash currently consist of cash available, which was $98.3 million as of March 31, 2018, principal and interest payments the Company receives on its portfolio of assets, and available borrowings under its secured debt arrangements. The Company expects its other sources of cash to consist of cash generated from operations and prepayments of principal received on the Company’s portfolio of assets. Such prepayments are difficult to estimate in advance. Depending on market conditions, the Company may utilize additional borrowings as a source of cash, which may also include additional secured debt arrangements as well as other borrowings such as credit facilities, or conduct additional public and private debt and equity offerings.
The Company maintains policies relating to its borrowings and use of leverage. See “—Leverage Policies” below. In the future, the Company may seek to raise further equity or debt capital or engage in other forms of borrowings in order to fund future investments or to refinance expiring indebtedness.
The Company generally intends to hold its target assets as long-term investments, although it may sell certain of its investments in order to manage its interest rate risk and liquidity needs, meet other operating objectives and adapt to market conditions.
To maintain its qualification as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, the Company must distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gain. These distribution requirements limit the Company’s ability to retain earnings and thereby replenish or increase capital for operations.
Leverage Policies
The Company uses leverage for the sole purpose of financing its portfolio and not for the purpose of speculating on changes in interest rates. In addition to its secured debt arrangements, in the future the Company may access additional sources of borrowings. The Company’s charter and bylaws do not limit the amount of indebtedness the Company can incur; however, the Company is limited by certain financial covenants under its secured debt arrangements. Consistent with the Company’s strategy of keeping leverage within a conservative range, the Company expects that its total borrowings on loans will be in an amount that is approximately 35% of the value of its total loan portfolio.
Investment Guidelines
The Company's current investment guidelines, approved by the Company's board of directors, are comprised of the following:
•
no investment will be made that would cause the Company to fail to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
•
no investment will be made that would cause the Company to register as an investment company under the 1940 Act;
•
investments will be predominantly in the Company’s target assets;
•
no more than 20% of the Company’s cash equity (on a consolidated basis) will be invested in any single investment at the time of the investment; and

28




•
until appropriate investments can be identified, the Manager may invest the proceeds of any offering in interest bearing, short-term investments, including money market accounts and/or funds, that are consistent with the Company’s intention to qualify as a REIT.
The board of directors must approve any change in these investment guidelines.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The Company’s contractual obligations including expected interest payments as of March 31, 2018 are summarized as follows ($ in thousands):
 
 
Less than 1
year (3)
 
1 to 3
years (3)
 
3 to 5
years (3)
 
More
than 5
years
 
Total
JPMorgan Facility (1)
$
163,234

 
$
689,122

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
852,356

DB Repurchase Facility (1)
199,300

 
147,904

 
—

 
—

 
347,204

Goldman Facility (1)
9,764

 
102,988

 
—

 
—

 
112,752

Convertible Senior Notes
27,866

 
289,474

 
368,003

 
—

 
685,343

Unfunded loan commitments (2)
338,851

 
513,657

 
—

 
—

 
852,508

Total
$
739,015

 
$
1,743,145

 
$
368,003

 
$
—

 
$
2,850,163

———————
(1)
Based on the applicable benchmark rates as of March 31, 2018 on the floating rate debt for interest payments due under the JPMorgan Facility, the DB Repurchase Facility, and the Goldman Facility.
(2)
Based on the Company's expected funding schedule, which is based upon the Manager’s estimates based upon the best information available to the Manager at the time. There is no assurance that the payments will occur in accordance with these estimates or at all, which could affect the Company’s operating results.
(3)
Assumes underlying assets are financed through the fully extended maturity date of the facility.

Loan Commitments.    As of March 31, 2018, the Company had $852.5 million of unfunded loan commitments, comprised of $671.1 million related to its commercial mortgage loan portfolio, and $181.4 million related to its subordinate loan portfolio.
Management Agreement. On September 23, 2009, the Company entered into the Management Agreement with the Manager pursuant to which the Manager is entitled to receive a management fee and the reimbursement of certain expenses. The table above does not include amounts due under the Management Agreement as those obligations do not have fixed and determinable payments. Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Manager is entitled to a base management fee calculated and payable quarterly in arrears in an amount equal to 1.5% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity (as defined in the Management Agreement), per annum. The Manager will use the proceeds from its management fee in part to pay compensation to its officers and personnel. The Company does not reimburse its Manager or its affiliates for the salaries and other compensation of their personnel, except for the allocable share of the compensation of (1) the Company’s Chief Financial Officer based on the percentage of time spent on the Company’s affairs and (2) other corporate finance, tax, accounting, internal audit, legal, risk management, operations, compliance and other non-investment professional personnel of the Manager or its affiliates who spend all or a portion of their time managing the Company’s affairs based on the percentage of time devoted by such personnel to the Company’s affairs. The Company is also required to reimburse its Manager for operating expenses related to the Company incurred by its Manager, including expenses relating to legal, accounting, due diligence and other services. Expense reimbursements to the Manager are made in cash on a monthly basis following the end of each month. The Company’s reimbursement obligation is not subject to any dollar limitation.
The current term of the Management Agreement currently runs through September 29, 2018. Absent certain action by the independent directors of the Company’s board of directors, as described below, the Management Agreement will automatically renew on each anniversary for a one year term. The Management Agreement may be terminated upon expiration of the one-year term only upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the Company’s independent directors, based upon (1) unsatisfactory performance by the Manager that is materially detrimental to the Company or (2) a determination that the management fee payable to the Manager is not fair, subject to the Manager’s right to prevent such a termination based on unfair fees by accepting a mutually acceptable reduction of management fees agreed to by at least two-thirds of the Company’s independent directors. The Manager must be provided with written notice of any such termination at least 180 days prior to the expiration of the then existing term and will be paid a termination fee equal to three times the sum of the average annual base

29




management fee during the 24-month period immediately preceding the date of termination, calculated as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter prior to the date of termination. Amounts payable under the Company’s Management Agreement are not fixed and determinable. Following a meeting by the Company’s independent directors in February 2018, which included a discussion of the Manager’s performance and the level of the management fees thereunder, the Company determined not to terminate the Management Agreement.
Off-balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company does not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured investment vehicles, or special purpose or variable interest entities, established to facilitate off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. Further, the Company has not guaranteed any obligations of unconsolidated entities or entered into any commitment to provide additional funding to any such entities.
Dividends
The Company intends to continue to make regular quarterly distributions to holders of its common stock. U.S. federal income tax law generally requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, 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 net taxable income. The Company generally intends over time to pay dividends to its stockholders in an amount equal to its net taxable income, if and to the extent authorized by its board of directors. Any distributions the Company makes are at the discretion of its board of directors and depend upon, among other things, the Company's actual results of operations. These results and the Company’s ability to pay distributions are affected by various factors, including the net interest and other income from its portfolio, its operating expenses and any other expenditures. If the Company’s cash available for distribution is less than its net taxable income, the Company could be required to sell assets or borrow funds to make cash distributions or the Company may make a portion of the required distribution in the form of a taxable stock distribution or distribution of debt securities.
The Company has 6,770,393 shares of Series B Preferred Stock outstanding, which entitles holders to receive dividends that are payable quarterly in arrears. The Series B Preferred Stock pay cumulative cash dividends: (i) from, and including, the original date of issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock to, but excluding, September 20, 2020, at an initial rate of 8.00% per annum of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference; and (ii) from, and including, September 20, 2020, at the rate per annum equal to the greater of (a) 8.00% and (b) a floating rate equal to the 3-month LIBOR rate as calculated on each applicable date of determination plus 6.46% of the $25.00 liquidation preference. Except under certain limited circumstances, the Series B Preferred Stock is generally not convertible into or exchangeable for any other property or any other securities of the Company at the election of the holders. On or after September 21, 2020, the Company may, at its option, redeem the shares at a redemption price of $25.00, plus any accrued unpaid distribution through the date of the redemption.
The Company has 6,900,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock outstanding, which entitles holders to receive dividends that are payable quarterly in arrears. The Series C Preferred Stock pay cumulative cash dividends at the rate of 8.00% per annum of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference (equivalent to $2.00 per annum per share) from, and including July 29, 2016 (the “Series C Initial Dividend Date”) and are payable quarterly in equal amounts in arrears on the last day of each April, July, October and January, at the then applicable annual rate. Except under certain limited circumstances, the Series C Preferred Stock is generally not convertible into or exchangeable for any other property or any other securities of the Company at the election of the holders. On or after September 20, 2017, the Company may, at its option, redeem the shares at a redemption price of $25.00, plus any accrued unpaid distribution through the date of the redemption.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Operating Earnings
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company’s Operating Earnings were $47.8 million, or $0.43 per share. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company’s Operating Earnings were $38.6 million, or $0.41 per share. Operating Earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure that is defined by the Company as net income available to common stockholders, computed in accordance with GAAP, adjusted for (i) equity-based compensation expense (a portion of which may become cash-based upon final vesting and settlement of awards should the holder elect net share settlement to satisfy income tax withholding), (ii) any unrealized gains or losses or other non-cash items included in net income available to common stockholders, (iii) unrealized income from unconsolidated joint ventures, (iv) foreign currency gains (losses) other than realized gains/(losses) related to interest income, (v) the non-cash amortization expense related to the reclassification of a portion of the convertible senior notes to stockholders’ equity in accordance with GAAP, and (vi) provision for loan losses and impairments. Beginning with the quarter ended September 30, 2016, the Company slightly modified its definition of Operating Earnings to

30




include realized gains (losses) on currency swaps related to interest income on investments denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars. Operating Earnings may also be adjusted to exclude certain other non-cash items, as determined by the Manager and approved by a majority of the Company's independent directors.
In order to evaluate the effective yield of the portfolio, the Company uses Operating Earnings to reflect the net investment income of the Company’s portfolio as adjusted to include the net interest expense related to the Company’s derivative instruments. Operating Earnings allows the Company to isolate the net interest expense associated with the Company’s swaps in order to monitor and project the Company’s full cost of borrowings. The Company also believes that its investors use Operating Earnings, or a comparable supplemental performance measure, to evaluate and compare the performance of the Company and its peers and, as such, the Company believes that the disclosure of Operating Earnings is useful to its investors. In addition, the Company has previously disclosed that it has disposed of all of its CMBS as of December 31, 2017. Accordingly, the Company has disclosed Operating Earnings excluding realized loss and costs from sale of CMBS because the Company believes it is useful to investors to present the results of the Company's ongoing operations while excluding the effects associated with the disposal of its CMBS.
A significant limitation associated with Operating Earnings as a measure of the Company's financial performance over any period is that it excludes unrealized gains (losses) from investments. In addition, the Company’s presentation of Operating Earnings may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies, who may use different calculations. As a result, Operating Earnings should not be considered as a substitute for the Company’s GAAP net income as a measure of its financial performance or any measure of its liquidity under GAAP.
The table below summarizes the reconciliation from net income available to common stockholders to Operating Earnings ($ in thousands):
 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Net income available to common stockholders
$
42,598

 
$
37,815

Adjustments:
 
 
 
Equity-based compensation expense
3,342

 
3,791

Unrealized gain on securities
—

 
(2,852
)
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments
11,032

 
3,045

Foreign currency gain, net
(10,362
)
 
(3,326
)
Amortization of the convertible senior notes related to equity reclassification
1,140

 
608

Income from unconsolidated joint venture
—

 
(458
)
Total adjustments:
5,152

 
808

Operating Earnings
$
47,750

 
$
38,623

 
 
 
 
Realized loss and costs from sale of CMBS
—

 
1,042

Operating Earnings excluding realized loss and costs from sale of CMBS
47,750

 
39,665

Basic and diluted Operating Earnings per share of common stock
$
0.43

 
$
0.41

Basic and diluted Operating Earnings excluding realized loss and costs from sale of CMBS per share of common stock
$
0.43

 
$
0.42

Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding
110,211,853

 
91,612,447

Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding
111,871,429

 
92,998,250





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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company seeks to manage its risks related to the credit quality of its assets, interest rates, liquidity, prepayment speeds and market value, while, at the same time, seeking to provide an opportunity to stockholders to realize attractive risk-adjusted returns through ownership of its capital stock. While risks are inherent in any business enterprise, the Company seeks to quantify and justify risks in light of available returns and to maintain capital levels consistent with the risks the Company undertakes.
Credit Risk
One of the Company’s strategic focuses is acquiring assets that it believes to be of high credit quality. The Company believes this strategy will generally keep its credit losses and financing costs low. However, the Company is subject to varying degrees of credit risk in connection with its other target assets. The Company seeks to mitigate this risk by seeking to acquire high quality assets, at appropriate prices given anticipated and unanticipated losses, and by deploying a value-driven approach to underwriting and diligence, consistent with the Manager’s historical investment strategy, with a focus on current cash flows and potential risks to cash flow. The Manager seeks to enhance its due diligence and underwriting efforts by accessing the Manager’s knowledge base and industry contacts. Nevertheless, unanticipated credit losses could occur, which could adversely impact the Company’s operating results.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including fiscal and monetary policies and domestic and international economic and political considerations, as well as other factors beyond the Company’s control. The Company is subject to interest rate risk in connection with its target assets and its related financing obligations.
To the extent consistent with maintaining the Company’s REIT qualification, the Company seeks to manage risk exposure to protect its portfolio of financial assets against the effects of major interest rate changes. The Company generally seeks to manage this risk by:
•
attempting to structure its financing agreements to have a range of different maturities, terms, amortizations and interest rate adjustment periods;
•
using hedging instruments, interest rate swaps and interest rate caps; and
•
to the extent available, using securitization financing to better match the maturity of the Company’s financing with the duration of its assets.

The following table projects the impact on the Company's net interest income for the twelve-month period following March 31, 2018, assuming an immediate increase of 50 basis points in the applicable interest rate benchmark by currency ($ in thousands):
 
 
 
 
50 basis point increase
Currency
 
Net floating rate assets subject to interest rate sensitivity (1)
 
Increase to net interest income (in $) (2)
 
Increase to net interest income (per Share) (2)
USD
 
$
1,951,156

 
$
9,756

 
$
0.08

GBP
 
485,438

 
2,427

 
0.02

Total:
 
$
2,436,594

 
$
12,183

 
$
0.10

———————
(1) Assumes loan proceeds held by servicer are used to repay secured debt arrangements.
(2) Any such hypothetical impact on interest rates on the Company’s variable rate borrowings does not consider the effect of any change in overall economic activity that could occur in a rising interest rate environment. Further, in the event of a change in interest rates of that magnitude, the Company may take actions to further mitigate the Company’s exposure to such a change. However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, this analysis assumes no changes in the Company’s financial structure.
Prepayment Risk
Prepayment risk is the risk that principal will be repaid at a different rate than anticipated, causing the return on an asset to be less than expected. In certain cases, the Company adapts to prepayment risk by stating prepayment penalties in loan agreements.

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Market Risk
Commercial mortgage assets are subject to volatility and may be affected adversely 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 or loans, as the case may be, which could also cause the Company to suffer losses.
Inflation
Virtually all of the Company’s assets and liabilities are interest rate sensitive in nature. As a result, interest rates and other factors influence the Company’s performance far more so than does inflation. Changes in interest rates do not necessarily correlate with inflation rates or changes in inflation rates. The Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and distributions are determined by the Company's board of directors consistent with the Company's obligation to distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, excluding net capital gains and determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction, on an annual basis in order to maintain the Company’s REIT qualification. In each case, the Company’s activities and balance sheet are measured with reference to historical cost and/or fair market value without considering inflation.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, based on their evaluation of the Company’s
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) required by
paragraph (b) of Rule 13a-15 or Rule 15d-15, have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, the
Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to give reasonable assurances to the timely collection, evaluation
and disclosure of information relating to the Company that would potentially be subject to disclosure under the Exchange Act,
and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
During the period ended March 31, 2018, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that it will detect or uncover failures within the Company to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in the Company’s periodic reports.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, the Company may be involved in various claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of business.
On January 4, 2017, the United States Department of Justice served a request for information and documents on the company, in connection with a preliminary investigation into certain aspects of the Company's former residential real estate portfolio, which the Company acquired in connection with the merger of Apollo Residential Mortgage, Inc. with and into the Company and subsequently sold in 2016. The request seeks a range of information in connection with the residential real estate portfolio, including, among other things, information concerning policies, procedures, and practices related to advertising, marketing, identifying, or acquiring residential properties for sale or rent, and various data for all rental and sales contracts executed since January 1, 2012. The Company is cooperating with the Department of Justice and fully complying with the request.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
See the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. There have been no material changes to the Company’s risk factors during the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.


Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
    
Not Applicable.

Item 5. Other Information
      
None.




34




Item 6. Exhibits
3.1
 
 
 
 
3.2
 
 
 
 
3.3
 
 
 
 
3.4
 
 
 
4.1
 
 
 
4.2
 
 
 
 
4.3
 
 
 
 
4.4
  
 
 
 
4.5
 
 
 
 
4.6
 
 
 
31.1*
  
 
 
31.2*
  
 
 
32.1*
  
 
 
101.INS*
  
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH*
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
 
101.CAL*
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
 
101.DEF*
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
 
 
101.LAB*
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
 
101.PRE*
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
*
Filed herewith.

35




SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
  
APOLLO COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE FINANCE, INC.
 
 
 
May 2, 2018
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
By:
  
/s/ Stuart A. Rothstein
 
 
  
Stuart A. Rothstein
 
 
  
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
  
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
By:
  
/s/ Jai Agarwal
 
 
  
Jai Agarwal
 
 
  
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary
 
 
  
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)




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