Ladder Capital (LADR: NYE) has disclosed a new risk factor in its latest filings. This risk falls under the “Debt & Financing” category and highlights potential concerns regarding counterparty risk, particularly surrounding debt obligations and cash balances held with financial institutions.
How Has Ladder Capital Performed Recently?
The last closing stock price for Ladder Capital stood at USD 10.64, experiencing percentage changes of -0.16% over the past week, -0.64% over the past month, and -8.51% over the last year. It is of notable concern that LADR’s stock has weakened despite certain positive signals.
One should note that the company appears underpriced compared to its book value and has demonstrated positive cash flow in the most recent four quarters. Furthermore, Ladder Capital’s stock boasts superior return on assets and return on equity, indicating efficient capital utilization and dividend growth.
Why Should Investors Be Concerned?
While Ladder Capital has a diversified portfolio and a track record of managing its debt effectively, the potential consequences of counterparty risk cannot be ignored. Here are some key points for investors to consider:
- Increased Borrowing Costs: If financial institutions perceive Ladder Capital as a higher risk borrower, they may charge higher interest rates on future loans. This could squeeze the company’s profit margins and potentially impact its dividend distribution.
- Liquidity Issues: Difficulty accessing financing could limit Ladder Capital’s ability to invest in new opportunities or meet upcoming debt obligations. In extreme cases, liquidity issues could force the company to sell assets at unfavorable prices.
- Cash Balance Risk: While the risk mentions “financial and banking institutions,” it’s unclear if the cash balances are held with government-insured institutions or not. If not, a counterparty failure could result in lost funds, impacting Ladder Capital’s financial strength.
Bottom Line:
Ladder Capital has good return ratios and capital usage, but investors should not ignore its risks. High volatility, poor risk-adjusted returns, high leverage, and financing risk threaten the company’s finances.
Muzzammil is a content writer at Stock Target Advisor. He has been writing stock news and analysis at Stock Target Advisor since 2023 and has worked in the financial domain in various roles since 2020. He has previously worked on an equity research firm that analyzed companies listed on the stock markets in the U.S. and Canada and performed fundamental and qualitative analyses of management strength, business strategy, and product/services forecast as indicated by major brokers covering the stock.
