KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.

Note 1. Business and Organization

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, referred to throughout this report as the "Company" or "KREF") is a Maryland corporation that was formed and commenced operations on October 2, 2014 as a mortgage real estate investment trust ("REIT") that focuses primarily on originating and acquiring transitional senior loans secured by commercial real estate ("CRE") assets.

KREF has elected and intends to maintain its qualification to be taxed as a REIT under the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"), for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such, KREF will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on that portion of its income that it distributes to stockholders if it distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gains. See Note 18 regarding taxes applicable to KREF.

KREF is externally managed by KKR Real Estate Finance Manager LLC ("Manager"), an indirect subsidiary of KKR & Co. Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, "KKR"), through a management agreement ("Management Agreement") pursuant to which the Manager provides a management team and other professionals who are responsible for implementing KREF’s business strategy, subject to the supervision of KREF’s board of directors. For its services, the Manager is entitled to management fees and incentive compensation, both defined in, and in accordance with the terms of, the Management Agreement (Note 16).

As of December 31, 2025, KKR beneficially owned 10,000,001 shares, or 15.5% of KREF's outstanding common stock.

KREF's principal business activities are related to the origination and purchase of credit investments related to commercial real estate. KREF’s Chief Executive Officer is the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") who allocates resources and assesses financial performance. The CODM reviews net income (loss) attributable to KREF and assesses the performance of KREF's current portfolio of leveraged and unleveraged commercial real estate loans and makes operating decisions accordingly. As a result, KREF conducts its business as a single operating segment. All expense categories on the Consolidated Statements of Operations are significant and there are no other significant segment expenses that would require disclosure.

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation— The accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes of KREF are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of KREF and its consolidated subsidiaries, and all intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of KREF’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been included and are of a normal and recurring nature.

Use of Estimates— The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Such estimates include, but are not limited to, the determination of allowance for credit loss, asset impairment or loan write-off, and fair value recorded or disclosed. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

Consolidation— KREF consolidates those entities that (i) it controls through either majority ownership or voting rights or (ii) management determines that KREF is the primary beneficiary of entities deemed to be variable interest entities ("VIEs").

Variable Interest Entities— VIEs are entities (i) in which equity investors do not have an interest with the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, (ii) that do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties or (iii) established with non-substantive voting rights. A VIE is required to be consolidated only by its primary beneficiary, which is defined as the party that has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and that has the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could be potentially significant to the VIE (Note 11).

To assess whether KREF has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, KREF considers all the facts and circumstances, including its role in establishing the VIE and its ongoing rights and responsibilities. This assessment includes, first, identifying the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and second, identifying which party, if any, has power to direct those activities. To assess whether KREF has the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, KREF considers all of its economic interests and applies judgment in determining whether these interests, in the aggregate, are considered potentially significant to the VIE.

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities — KREF consolidates trusts that issue beneficial ownership interests in commercial real estate loans (commonly referred to as commercial mortgage-backed securities, or "CMBS") when management determines that such trusts are VIEs and that KREF is the primary beneficiary of such VIEs.

Management believes that the performance of the commercial real estate loans underlying CMBS issuances most significantly impact the economic performance of such trusts, and the primary beneficiary is generally the party that has the power to direct activities that most significantly affect those assets' performance. The subordinated tranches with first loss risk typically form the controlling class, which grants the holder the unilateral right to appoint and remove the special servicer of these trusts. The special servicer plays a critical role in mitigating credit losses by managing delinquent loans.

KREF holds non-investment grade and unrated subordinate tranches, including the controlling class, in the CMBS trust it consolidates. These tranches expose KREF to first loss risk and entitle it to potential residual returns. As the controlling class holder, KREF has the unilateral right to appoint and remove the special servicer and management has concluded that KREF is the primary beneficiary and therefore, consolidates these CMBS trusts. All assets and liabilities of the consolidated CMBS trusts are recorded on KREF's consolidated financial statements. The difference between the consolidated trusts' assets and liabilities represents KREF's interest in the CMBS trusts.

Assets of a consolidated CMBS trust can only be used to settle the obligations of that trust. These assets are not individually accessible to the CMBS bondholders, and the trust's liabilities are non-recourse to KREF or any other bondholders. The assets of the consolidated trust, primarily commercial mortgage loans and related interest accruals, are presented within "Consolidated variable interest entity assets, CMBS trust, at fair value", and the liabilities of the consolidated trust, primarily obligations to the external CMBS holders and related interest accruals, are presented within "Consolidated variable interest entity liabilities, CMBS trust, at fair value" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

KREF elected the fair value option for the initial and subsequent recognition of the assets and liabilities of the consolidated CMBS trust. This approach provides users of the financial statements with more relevant information about the effects of credit risk and other market factors on KREF's investment in CMBS. Since changes in fair value incorporate the interest income and expense of the CMBS trust, management does not consider the separate presentation of the components of fair value changes to be relevant. Management has elected to present these components in aggregate within "Change in net assets of consolidated variable interest entity, CMBS trust" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Collateralized Loan Obligations — KREF consolidates collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) when it determines that the CLO issuers are VIEs and that KREF is the primary beneficiary of such VIEs.

The collateral assets of KREF's CLOs, comprised of a pool of loan participations, are included in “Commercial real estate loans, held-for-investment, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The liabilities of KREF's consolidated CLOs consist solely of obligations to the senior CLO noteholders, excluding subordinated CLO tranches held by KREF as such interests are eliminated in consolidation, and are presented in “Collateralized loan obligations, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The collateral assets of the CLOs can only be used to settle the obligations of the consolidated CLOs. The interest income from the CLOs’ collateral assets and the interest expense on the CLOs’ liabilities are presented on a gross basis in “Interest income” and “Interest expense”, respectively, in KREF's Consolidated Statements of Income.

Real Estate Owned Joint Venture — KREF hastwo joint ventures that hold the majority of KREF’s investments in real estate owned ("REO") and determined the joint ventures to be VIEs (Note 11). KREF owns a majority of the equity interests in the joint ventures and participates in the profits and losses. Management concluded that KREF is the primary beneficiary of the joint ventures as KREF holds decision-making power over the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be potentially significant to the joint ventures.

Noncontrolling Interests — Noncontrolling interests represent the ownership interests in certain consolidated subsidiaries held by entities or persons other than KREF. These noncontrolling interests do not include redemption features and are presented as "Noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated joint ventures" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Equity Method Investments — Investments are accounted for under the equity method when KREF has significant influence over the operations of an investee but does not consolidate that investment. Equity method investments, for which management has not elected a fair value option, are initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for KREF's share of net income or loss and cash contributions and distributions each period.

KREF classifies distributions received from equity method investees using the cumulative earnings approach. Distributions received up to the cumulative earnings from each equity method investee are considered returns on investment and presented within “Cash Flows from Operating Activities” in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; excess distributions received are considered returns of investment and presented within “Cash Flows From Investing Activities” in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Fair Value— GAAP requires the categorization of the fair value of financial instruments into three broad levels that form a hierarchy based on the transparency of inputs to the valuation.

Level 1 — Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

Level 2 — Inputs are other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.

Level 3 — Inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.

KREF follows this hierarchy for its financial instruments. The classifications are based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Valuation Process — The Manager reviews the valuation of Level 3 financial instruments as part of KKR's quarterly process. KKR’s valuation process for Level 3 measurements, as described below, subjected valuations to the review and oversight of various committees. KKR has a global valuation committee assisted by the asset class-specific valuation committees, including a real estate valuation committee that reviews and approves all preliminary Level 3 valuations for real estate assets, including the financial instruments held by KREF. The global valuation committee is responsible for coordinating and implementing KKR’s valuation process to ensure consistency in the application of valuation principles across portfolio investments and between periods. All Level 3 valuations are also subject to approval by the global valuation committee.

Valuation of Commercial Real Estate Loans— Management considers KREF's commercial real estate loans to be Level 3 assets in the fair value hierarchy as such assets are illiquid, structured investments that are specific to the sponsor, underlying property and its operating performance (Note 17). For financial statement disclosure purposes, on a quarterly basis, management generally engages an independent valuation firm to estimate the fair value of each loan categorized as a Level 3 asset. These loans are generally valued using a discounted cash flow model based on assumptions regarding the collection of principal and interest and estimated market rates. Management reviews the quarterly loan valuation estimates provided by the independent valuation firm. For collateral dependent loans, KREF may apply alternative valuation methods based on the fair value of the underlying collateral. Determination of collateral value involves significant judgment, including assumptions regarding capitalization rates, discount rates, leasing, occupancy rates, and other factors.

Valuation of Variable Interest Entity, CMBS Trust — Management classifies the financial assets and liabilities of consolidated CMBS trusts as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy and has elected the fair value option for these financial instruments within the trusts. KREF has adopted the measurement alternative under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 810, which permits measurement of both the financial assets and liabilities of consolidated CMBS trusts based on the fair value of the financial liabilities, as these are considered more observable than the fair value of the related assets. Accordingly, KREF presents the CMBS issued by the consolidated trusts, excluding any portion retained by KREF, as financial liabilities measured at fair value in its consolidated financial statements. The financial assets of these consolidated CMBS trusts are measured as the aggregated fair value of the liabilities of these trusts, including those held by KREF. Under this approach, "Change in net assets of consolidated variable interest entity, CMBS trust" in the Consolidated Statements of Income reflects KREF's economic interest in the consolidated CMBS trusts, including (i) change in fair value of CMBS held by KREF, (ii) interest and servicing fees income earned from the CMBS trusts, and (iii) any other residual returns or losses attributable to KREF (Note 8).

Valuation of CLO Consolidated VIEs — Management estimates the fair value of the CLO liabilities using prices obtained from an independent valuation firm. If prices received from the independent valuation firm are inconsistent with values determined in connection with management’s independent review, management makes inquiries to the independent valuation firm about the prices received and related methods. In the event management determines the price obtained from an independent valuation firm to be unreliable or an inaccurate representation of the fair value of the CLO liabilities (based on considerations given to observable market data), management then compiles evidence independently and presents the independent valuation firm with such evidence supporting a different value. As a result, the independent valuation firm may revise their price after evaluating any additional evidence.

However, if management continues to disagree with the price from the independent valuation firm, in light of evidence that management compiled independently and believes to be compelling, valuations are then prepared using inputs based on non-binding broker quotes obtained from independent, well-known, major financial brokers that are CLO market makers. In validating any non-binding broker quote used in this circumstance, management compares the non-binding quote to the observable market data points in addition to understanding the valuation methodologies used by the market makers. These market participants may utilize a similar methodology as the independent valuation firm to value the CLO liabilities, with the key input of expected yield determined independently based on both observable and unobservable factors. To avoid reliance on any single broker-dealer, management receives a minimum of two non-binding quotes, of which the average is used.

Valuation of Derivative Financial Instruments— Management estimates the fair value of the foreign currency contracts by comparing the contractual forward exchange rate to the current market exchange rate and using prices obtained from an independent valuation firm. The current market exchange rates are determined by using market spot rates, forward rates and interest rate curve of the underlying currency. KREF's foreign currency contracts in the fair value hierarchy are classified as Level II. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are recorded within "Gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Other Valuation Matters — For Level 3 financial assets originated, or otherwise acquired, and financial liabilities assumed during the current calendar quarter that were conducted in an orderly transaction with an unrelated party, management generally believes that the transaction price provides the most observable indication of fair value given the illiquid nature of these financial instruments, unless management is aware of any circumstances that may cause a material change in the fair value through the remainder of the reporting period. For instance, significant changes to the underlying property or its planned operations may cause material changes in the fair value of commercial real estate loans acquired, or originated, by KREF.

KREF’s determination of fair value is based upon the best information available for a given circumstance and may incorporate assumptions that are management’s best estimates after consideration of a variety of internal and external factors. When an independent valuation firm expresses an opinion on the fair value of a financial instrument in the form of a range, management selects a value within the range provided by the independent valuation firm, generally the midpoint, to assess the reasonableness of management’s estimated fair value for that financial instrument.

Refer to Note 17 for additional information regarding the valuation of KREF's financial assets and liabilities.

Transfer of Financial Assets and Financing Agreements— KREF will, from time to time, transfer loans, securities and other assets as well as finance assets in the form of secured borrowings. In each case, management evaluates whether the transaction constitutes a sale through legal isolation of the transferred financial asset from KREF, the ability of the transferee to pledge or exchange the transferred asset without constraint and the transfer of control of the transferred asset. For transfers that constitute sales, KREF (i) recognizes the financial assets it retains and liabilities it has incurred, if any, (ii) derecognizes the financial assets it has sold, and derecognizes liabilities when extinguished and (iii) recognizes a realized gain, or loss, based upon the excess, or deficient, proceeds received over the carrying value of the transferred asset. KREF does not recognize a gain, or loss, on interests retained, if any, where management elected the fair value option prior to sale.

Balance Sheet Measurement

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash — KREF considers cash equivalents as highly liquid short-term investments with maturities of 90 days or less when purchased. KREF maintains its cash deposits with major financial institutions. Substantially all such amounts on deposit exceed insured limits.

Commercial Real Estate Loans Held-For-Investment and Allowance for Credit Losses — KREF recognizes its investments in commercial real estate loans based on management's intent, and KREF's ability, to hold those investments through their contractual maturity. Management classifies those loans that management does not intend to sell in the foreseeable future, and KREF is able to hold until maturity, as held-for-investment. Loans that are held-for-investment are carried at their aggregate outstanding principal, net of applicable (i) unamortized origination or acquisition premiums and discounts, (ii) unamortized deferred nonrefundable fees and other direct loan origination costs, and (iii) allowance for credit losses, net of write-offs of uncollectible loans. If a loan is determined to be uncollectible, management writes off the uncollectible portion of the loan balance through a charge to "Allowance for credit losses" and the respective loan balance. KREF applies the interest method to amortize origination or acquisition premiums and discounts and deferred nonrefundable fees or other direct loan origination costs, or on a straight-line basis when it approximates the interest method. Loans for which management elects the fair value option at the time of origination, or acquisition, are carried at fair value on a recurring basis.

KREF recognizes and measures the allowance for credit losses under the Current Expected Credit Loss ("CECL") model, which requires a reporting entity to estimate expected credit losses, not only based on historical experience and current conditions, but also by including reasonable and supportable forecasts incorporating forward-looking information. The measurement of expected credit losses under CECL is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, and off-balance sheet credit exposures such as unfunded loan commitments. The allowance for credit losses is deducted from the respective loans’ amortized cost basis on KREF's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The allowance for credit losses attributed to unfunded loan commitments is included in “Other liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Note 9).

Commencing in the second quarter of 2024, KREF estimated CECL reserves using the Weighted-Average Remaining Maturity, or the WARM method, which has been identified as a loss-rate method for estimating CECL reserves under GAAP. Under the WARM method, KREF references historical loan loss data across a comparable data set and applies such loss rate to each loan over its expected remaining term, taking into consideration expected economic conditions over the relevant timeframe.

To arrive at a CECL reserve using the WARM method, KREF considers various factors including (i) historical loss experience in the commercial real estate lending market, (ii) timing of expected repayments and expected loan future funding, and (iii) KREF’s view of the current and future macroeconomic environment for a reasonable and supportable forecast period. KREF derives a historical loss rate predominately based on a CMBS database with historical losses since 1998 provided by a third party. KREF focuses on the most relevant subset of CMBS data that is determined to be the most comparable to its own portfolio. The historical loss rate is further adjusted to consider expected macroeconomic conditions, such as commercial real estate price indices, unemployment rates and market liquidity, over reasonable and supportable forecast periods. There is significant uncertainty related to future macroeconomic conditions. Therefore, KREF also considers other loan specific credit quality factors such as the risk rating of the loan, a near-term maturity, nature of construction loans, and economic conditions specific to the property type of the underlying collateral.

For collateral dependent loans for which KREF determines foreclosure of the collateral is probable, KREF measures the expected losses based on the difference between the fair value of the collateral and the amortized cost basis of the loan as of the measurement date. For collateral dependent loans for which KREF determines foreclosure is not probable, KREF applies a practical expedient to estimate expected losses using the difference between the collateral’s fair value (less costs to sell the asset if repayment is expected through the sale of the collateral) and the amortized cost basis of the loan. A loan is determined to be collateral dependent if (i) a borrower or sponsor is experiencing financial difficulty, and (ii) the loan is expected to be substantially repaid through the sale of the underlying collateral. Such determination requires the use of significant judgment and can be based on several factors subject to uncertainty. Considerations used in determination of financial difficulty may include, but are not limited to, whether the borrower's operating cash flow is sufficient to cover the current and future debt service requirements, the borrower’s ability to refinance the loan, market liquidity and other circumstances that can affect the borrower’s ability to satisfy its contractual obligations under the loan agreement.

KREF may adopt other acceptable alternative approaches to estimate the CECL reserve in the future based on factors such as, but not limited to, the type of loan, the underlying collateral and the availability of relevant historical market loan loss data.

Commercial Real Estate Loans, Held-For-Sale — Loans that KREF originates or acquires, which KREF is unable to hold, or management intends to sell or otherwise dispose of, in the foreseeable future are classified as held-for-sale and are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair market value.

Real Estate Owned — To maximize recovery from a defaulted loan, KREF may assume legal title or physical possession of the underlying collateral through foreclosure or the execution of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. Foreclosed properties are initially recognized at fair value in accordance with ASC 805 on KREF's Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Real Estate Owned" when KREF assumes legal title or physical possession. KREF’s cost basis in REO equals the estimated fair value on the acquisition date. The value of acquired REO is allocated based on the relative fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including, but not limited to, land, building, furniture and fixtures, and intangibles.

REO assets held for investment, except for land, are depreciated or amortized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of up to 40 years for buildings, up to 15 years for land and building improvements, and the remaining lease terms for lease intangibles. Renovations and/or replacements that improve or extend the life of the REO asset are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. The cost of ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

REO assets are classified as held for sale in the period when they meet the criteria under ASC 360. Once a REO is classified as held for sale, depreciation is suspended and the asset is reported at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less cost to sell. The actual sales price of the REO could differ from the estimated fair value. If circumstances arise that were previously considered unlikely and, as a result, KREF decides not to sell the real estate asset previously classified as held for sale, the real estate asset is reclassified as held for investment. Upon reclassification, the real estate asset is measured at the lower of (i) its carrying amount prior to classification as held for sale, adjusted for depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the real estate been classified as held for investment, and (ii) its estimated fair value at the time of reclassification.

REO assets are evaluated for impairment on a quarterly basis. KREF considers the following factors when performing the impairment analysis: (i) significant underperformance relative to anticipated operating results; (ii) significant negative industry and economic outlook or trends; (iii) expected material costs necessary to extend the life or operate the REO asset; and (iv) KREF’s ability to hold and dispose of the REO asset in the ordinary course of business. A REO asset is considered for impairment when the sum of estimated future undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the REO asset over the estimated remaining holding period is less than the carrying value of such REO asset. An impairment charge is recorded when the carrying value of the REO exceeds the fair value. When determining the fair value of a REO asset, KREF makes certain assumptions including, but not limited to, projected operating cash flows, comparable selling prices and projected cash flows from the eventual disposition of the REO asset.

For all REO assets (Note 4), KREF may opportunistically transact as suitable opportunities emerge.

Secured Financing Agreements, Net — KREF's secured financing agreements, including uncommitted repurchase facilities, term lending agreements, warehouse facility, asset specific financings and term loan facility, are treated as floating-rate collateralized financing arrangements carried at their contractual amounts, net of unamortized debt issuance costs (Note 5). Included within KREF's secured financing agreements is KREF's corporate revolving credit agreement ("Revolver"), which is full recourse to certain guarantor wholly-owned subsidiaries of KREF.

Secured Term Loan, Net — KREF records its secured term loan at its contractual amount, net of unamortized original issuance discount and deferred financing costs (Note 7) on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any original issuance discount or deferred financing costs are amortized through the maturity date of the secured term loan as additional non-cash interest expense.

Dividends Payable— KREF records dividends payable on its common stock and preferred stock upon declaration of such dividends. In December 2025, KREF's board of directors declared a dividend of $0.25 per share of common stock to stockholders of record as of December 31, 2025, which was accrued in “Dividends payable” on KREF’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 and was subsequently paid on January 15, 2026. In October 2025, KREF's board of directors declared a dividend of $0.41 per each issued and outstanding share of the Company’s 6.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, which represents an annual dividend of $1.625 per share. The dividend was paid on December 15, 2025 to KREF’s preferred stockholders of record as of November 28, 2025.

Derivative Financial Instruments — KREF records derivative financial instruments at fair value on a gross basis in either “Other assets” or “Other liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Derivative financial instruments that are designated as hedges have changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income within stockholders' equity, and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the item being hedged impacts earnings. As of December 31, 2025, KREF has not designated any derivative financial instruments as hedges; accordingly changes in fair value are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Repurchased Stock— KREF accounts for repurchases of its common stock based on the settlement date and presents repurchased stock in “Repurchased stock” on its Consolidated Balance Sheets (Note 12). Payments for stock repurchases that are not yet settled as of the reporting date are presented within “Other assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Retirement of repurchased stock is recorded as an offset to “Additional paid-in capital” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2025, repurchased shares that were not retired were recorded as "Repurchased stock" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Income Recognition

Interest Income — KREF accrues interest income on loans based on the outstanding principal amount and contractual terms of the loan. Interest income also includes origination fees, direct loan origination costs and related exit fees for loans that KREF originates, but where management did not elect the fair value option, as a yield adjustment using the interest method over the loan term, or on a straight line basis when it approximates the interest method. KREF expenses origination fees and direct loan origination costs for loans acquired, but not originated, by KREF as well as loans for which management elected the fair value option, as incurred.

Revenue from Real Estate Owned Operations— Revenue from REO operations is primarily comprised of rental income, including base rent and reimbursements of property operating expenses. For leases that have fixed and measurable base rent escalations, KREF recognizes base rent on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable lease terms. The difference between such rental income earned and the cash rent amount is recorded as straight-line rent receivable and presented within "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Reimbursement of property operating expenses arises from tenant leases which provide for the recovery of certain operating expenses and real estate taxes of the respective property. This revenue is accrued in the same periods as the expenses are incurred. Rental income is presented within “Revenue from real estate owned operations” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Other Income — KREF recognizes interest income earned on its cash balances and miscellaneous fee income in “Other miscellaneous income” on its Consolidated Statements of Income.

Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments — KREF recognizes the excess, or deficiency, of net proceeds received less the net carrying value of investments sold, as gains or losses, respectively.

Expense Recognition

Commercial Real Estate Loans, Held-For-Investment — For each loan in KREF's portfolio, management performs an evaluation, at least quarterly, of credit quality indicators of loans classified as held-for-investment using applicable loan, property, market and sponsor information obtained from borrowers, loan servicers and local market participants. Such indicators may include the net present value of the underlying collateral, property operating cash flows, the sponsor’s financial wherewithal and competency in managing the property, macroeconomic trends, and property submarket—specific economic factors. The evaluation of these credit quality indicators requires significant judgment by management to determine whether failure to collect contractual amounts is probable.

If management deems that it is probable that KREF will be unable to collect all amounts owed according to the contractual terms of a loan, deterioration in credit quality of that loan is indicated. Management evaluates all available facts and circumstances that might impact KREF’s ability to collect outstanding loan balances when determining loan write-offs. These facts and circumstances may vary and may include, but are not limited to, (i) the underlying collateral performance and/or value, (ii) communications with the borrower, (iii) compliance with debt covenants, (iv) events of default by the borrower, or (v) other facts that impact the borrower’s ability to pay the contractual amounts due under the terms of the loan.

If management considers a loan to be uncollectible, management writes off the loan through a charge to "Allowance for credit losses" based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s contractual effective rate or the fair value of the collateral, if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Significant judgment is required in determining collectability and in estimating the resulting credit loss, and actual losses, if any, could materially differ from those estimates.

Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when principal or interest is 90 days or more past due unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection, or when repayment of interest and principal is, in management's judgment, in doubt. Interest received on loans placed on nonaccrual status may be accounted for under the cost-recovery method under certain circumstances, whereby interest collected on a loan is a reduction to its amortized cost. Management may return a loan to accrual status when repayment of principal and interest is reasonably assured.

In certain circumstances, KREF may also modify terms of a loan agreement to accommodate a borrower experiencing financial difficulty. Such modifications typically include interest rate reductions, payment extension and modification of loan covenants.

In conjunction with reviewing commercial real estate loans held-for-investment for impairment, KREF assesses the risk factors of each loan, and assigns a risk rating based on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, underlying real estate performance, values of comparable properties, durability and quality of property cash flows, sponsor experience and financial wherewithal, and the existence of a risk-mitigating loan structure. Additional key considerations include debt service coverage ratios, loan structure, real estate and credit market dynamics, and risk of default or principal loss. Based on a five-point scale, KREF's loans are rated "1" through "5," from less risk to greater risk, which ratings are defined as follows: 1 (Very Low Risk); 2 (Low Risk); 3 (Medium Risk); 4 (High Risk/Potential for Loss); and 5 (Impaired/Loss Likely).

Commercial Real Estate Loans, Held-For-Sale — For commercial real estate loans held-for-sale, KREF applies the lower of cost or fair market value, and may be required, from time to time, to record an impairment.

Accrued Interest Receivables — KREF elected not to measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivables. KREF generally writes off an accrued interest receivable balance when interest is 90 days or more past due unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. Write-offs of accrued interest receivable are recognized as "Provision for (reversal of) credit losses, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Tenant Receivables— KREF periodically reviews its REO tenant receivables for collectability, taking into consideration changes in factors such as the tenant’s payment history, the financial condition of the tenant, business conditions in the industry in which the tenant operates and economic conditions in the area where the property is located. Tenant receivables, including receivables arising from the straight-lining of rents, are written-off directly when management deems that the collectability of substantially all future lease payments from a specified lease is not probable, at which point, KREF will begin recognizing revenue on a cash basis, based on actual amounts received (Note 4). Any receivables that are deemed to be uncollectible are recognized as a reduction to “Revenue from real estate owned operations” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Interest Expense — KREF expenses contractual interest due in accordance with KREF's financing agreements as incurred.

Deferred Debt Issuance Costs — KREF capitalizes and amortizes deferred financing costs incurred in connection with financing arrangements over their respective expected term using the interest method, or on a straight line basis when it approximates the interest method. KREF presents such expensed amounts, as well as deferred amounts written off, as additional interest expense in its Consolidated Statements of Income.

General and Administrative Expenses — KREF expenses general and administrative costs, including legal and audit fees, insurance premiums, and other costs as incurred.

Management and Incentive Compensation to Related Parties — KREF expenses management fees and incentive compensation earned by the Manager on a quarterly basis in accordance with the Management Agreement (Note 16).

Income Taxes — Certain activities of KREF are conducted through joint ventures that are formed as limited liability companies, taxed as partnerships, and consolidated by KREF. Some of these joint ventures are subject to state and local income taxes, based on the tax jurisdictions in which they operate. In addition, certain activities of KREF are conducted through taxable REIT subsidiaries consolidated by KREF. Taxable REIT subsidiaries are subject to federal, state and local income taxes (Note 18).

As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, KREF did not have any material deferred tax assets or liabilities arising from future tax consequences attributable to differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities in accordance with GAAP and their respective tax bases.

KREF recognizes tax benefits for uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the position is sustainable based on its technical merits. Interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions are included as a component of the provision for income taxes in KREF's Consolidated Statements of Income. As of December 31, 2025, KREF did not have any material uncertain tax positions.

Foreign Currency

In the ordinary course of operations, KREF engages in transactions that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The resulting foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in "Gain (loss) on foreign currency translation" within the Consolidated Statements of Income. KREF also consolidates certain subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. For these entities, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect as of the reporting date, while revenues, expenses, and other components of income are translated using average exchange rates for the applicable reporting period.

Stock-Based Compensation

KREF's stock-based compensation consists of awards issued to employees of the Manager or its affiliates that vest over the life of the awards, as well as restricted stock units issued to certain members of KREF's board of directors. KREF recognizes the compensation cost of stock-based awards to its directors and employees of the Manager or its affiliates on a straight-line basis over the awards’ term at their grant date fair value. Certain stock-based awards are entitled to nonforfeitable dividends, at the same rate as those declared on the common stock, during the vesting period. Such nonforfeitable dividends are deducted from "Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit)" in the consolidated financial statements. KREF accounts for forfeitures as they occur. Refer to Note 13 for additional information.

Earnings per Share

KREF calculates basic earnings per share ("EPS") using the two-class method, which defines unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends as participating securities. The two-class method is an allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each share of common stock and participating securities according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under this method, all earnings (distributed and undistributed) are allocated to common shares and participating securities based on their respective rights. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common stock outstanding for the period.

KREF presents diluted EPS under the more dilutive of the treasury stock and if-converted methods or the two-class method. Under the treasury stock and if-converted methods, the denominator includes weighted average common stock outstanding plus the incremental dilutive shares issuable from restricted stock units and an assumed conversion of convertible instruments. The numerator includes any changes in income (loss) attributable to common stockholders that would result from the assumed conversion of these potential shares of common stock. Refer to Note 14 for additional discussion of earnings per share.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40), which requires a public business entity to provide disaggregated disclosures, in the notes to the financial statements, of certain categories of expenses that are included in expense line items on the face of the income statement. The guidance is effective for KREF in its 2027 annual reporting. The guidance is applied prospectively and may be applied retrospectively. KREF is evaluating the impact of ASU 2024-03.

In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU No. 2025-11, Interim Reporting (Topic 270)—Narrow-Scope Improvements, which provides a clearer framework and more consistent application of interim disclosure requirements for public business entities. The guidance is effective for KREF in its 2027 annual reporting. The guidance is applied prospectively and may be applied retrospectively. Adoption is not expected to have a material impact on KREF's consolidated financial statements.

In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU No. 2025-12, Codification Improvements, which refines existing guidance to further enhance the interpretation and application of the Codification. The guidance is effective for KREF in its 2026 annual reporting. The guidance is applied prospectively and may be applied retrospectively. Adoption is not expected to have a material impact on KREF's consolidated financial statements.

Note 3. Commercial Real Estate Loans

The following table summarizes KREF's investments in commercial real estate loans as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024:

(A) Amortized cost represents the outstanding loan principal, net of applicable unamortized discounts, loan origination fees, cost recovery interest and write-offs on uncollectible loan balances.

(B) Carrying value represents the loan amortized cost, net of applicable allowance for credit losses.

(C)Average weighted by outstanding loan principal.

(D)Weighted average coupon assumes the greater of the applicable benchmark rates, or the applicable contractual rate floor. Excludes loans on nonaccrual status.

(E) The weighted average life assumes all extension options are exercised by the borrowers.

(F) Excludes fully written off loans.

Activity—For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the loan portfolio activity was as follows:

(A) Net of applicable premiums, discounts and deferred loan origination costs. Includes fundings on previously originated loans.

As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, there were $9.8 million and $7.3 million, respectively, of unamortized origination discounts, deferred fees, and cost recovery interest included in "Commercial real estate loans, held-for-investment, net" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

KREF may enter into loan modifications that include, among other changes, incremental capital contributions or partial repayments from certain borrowers, repurposing of reserves, and a temporary partial deferral of coupon as payment-in-kind interest (“PIK Interest”), which is capitalized, compounded, and added to the outstanding principal balance of the respective loans.

In June 2024, KREF modified a risk-rated 5 mezzanine office loan located in Boston, MA, with an outstanding principal balance of $37.5 million. The terms of the modification included, among others, a restructure of the mezzanine loan into (i) a $12.5 million senior mezzanine note and (ii) a $25.0 million junior mezzanine note which is subordinate to a new $10.0 million sponsor interest. The senior and junior mezzanine notes earn a PIK interest rate of S+7.0% and have a maximum maturity of February 2028. Both mezzanine notes were deemed uncollectible and written off in June 2024.

In December 2024, KREF modified a risk-rated 5 senior life science loan located in San Carlos, CA, with an outstanding principal balance of $103.2 million. The terms of the modification included a $13.1 million principal repayment, and a restructure of the $90.1 million senior loan (after the $13.1 million repayment) into (i) a $89.1 million committed senior mortgage loan (with $34.9 million in unfunded commitment), and (ii) a $35.9 million subordinated note which is subordinate to a new $20.0 million sponsor interest. The restructured senior loan earns a coupon rate of S+1.00% and has a new term ofthree years. The $35.9 million subordinated note was deemed uncollectible and written off in December 2024. The loan modification was accounted for as a new loan for GAAP purposes. The restructured senior loan with an outstanding principal balance of $61.6 million was risk-rated 3 as of December 31, 2025.

Loan Risk Ratings— KREF evaluates its commercial real estate loan portfolio at least once per quarter and assesses the risk factors of each loan and assigns a risk rating based on a variety of factors. Loans are rated “1” (Very Low Risk) through “5” (Impaired/Loss Likely), which ratings are defined in Note 2.

The following tables summarize the carrying value of the loan portfolio based on KREF's internal risk ratings:

(A) Excludes fully written off loans.

As of December 31, 2025, the average risk rating of KREF's portfolio was 3.2, weighted by outstanding loan principal, as compared to 3.1 as of December 31, 2024.

Loan Vintage—The following tables present the amortized cost of the loan portfolio by KREF's internal risk rating and year of origination. The risk ratings are updated as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 in the corresponding table.

(A) Represents the date a loan was originated or acquired. Origination dates are subsequently updated to reflect material loan modifications.

(B) Excludes fully written off loans.

Allowance for Credit Losses — The following tables present the changes to the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively:

As of December 31, 2025, the allowance for credit losses was $204.1 million. The CECL provision of $119.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 was due primarily to additional reserves for risk-rated 5 office, life science and multifamily loans.

KREF had a risk-rated 5 senior office loan located in Minneapolis, MN, originated in November 2017. As of December 31, 2025, the loan had an outstanding principal balance of $194.4 million, an unfunded commitment of $5.0 million and an amortized cost of $190.1 million. In June 2025, the loan’s maximum maturity was extended to July 2026. Since June 2023, the loan has been on nonaccrual status. During the year ended December 31, 2025, KREF recognized $7.9 million of interest income on this loan.

KREF had a risk-rated 5 senior life science loan located in Boston, MA, originated in April 2021. As of December 31, 2025, the loan had an outstanding principal balance and amortized cost of $164.1 million with an unfunded commitment of $2.1 million. The loan's maturity is February 2026. In June 2025, this loan was placed on nonaccrual status. During the year ended December 31, 2025, KREF recognized $8.8 million of interest income on this loan.

KREF had a risk-rated 5 senior multifamily loan located in San Diego, CA, originated in October 2021. As of December 31, 2025, the loan had an outstanding principal balance and amortized cost of $114.7 million with an unfunded commitment of $1.0 million. The loan's maturity is November 2026. In December 2025, this loan was placed on nonaccrual status. During the year ended December 31, 2025, KREF recognized $8.2 million of interest income on this loan.

KREF had a risk-rated 5 senior life science loan located in Cambridge, MA, originated in December 2021. As of December 31, 2025, the loan had an outstanding principal balance of $99.0 million, an unfunded commitment of $16.7 million and an amortized cost of $99.1 million. The loan's maximum maturity is January 2027, assuming all extension options are exercised. In December 2025, this loan was placed on nonaccrual status. During the year ended December 31, 2025, KREF recognized $7.9 million of interest income on this loan.

The 5-rated loans were determined to be collateral dependent as of December 31, 2025. KREF estimated expected losses based on the loan’s collateral fair value, which was determined by applying a capitalization rate between 5.4% and 10.3% and a discount rate between 8.5% and 11.0%.

As of December 31, 2024, the allowance for credit losses was $119.6 million. The CECL provision of $80.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 was primarily due to additional reserves for risk-rated 5 office and life science loans.

Concentration of Credit Risk—The following tables present the geographies and property types of collateral underlying KREF's commercial real estate loans as a percentage of the loans' principal amounts:

(A) Excludes fully written off loans

Note 4. Real Estate Owned

Real Estate Owned, Held For Investment

Portland, OR Retail / Redevelopment — In December 2021, KREF took title to a Portland retail property and accounted for the property on a consolidated basis (Note 11). The transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition under ASC 805. Accordingly, KREF recorded the property and its net assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on the estimated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities. KREF contributed a portion of the REO asset to a joint venture (the "REO JV") with a third party local developer (“JV Partner”), whereby KREF had a 90% interest and the JV Partner had a 10% interest. The JV Partner's interest in the property was presented within "Noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated joint ventures" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In June 2025, KREF sold a portion of the property for $6.0 million and recognized a realized gain of $0.7 million after closing costs. In September 2025, to support the ongoing redevelopment of the property, the REO JV acquired an adjacent parcel for $9.1 million.

Mountain View, CA Office —In June 2024, KREF and a KKR affiliate took title to a Mountain View office property through a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure ("DIL") and KREF accounted for the property on a consolidated basis (Note 11). KREF and the KKR affiliate's interest in the property was 68.9% and 31.1%, respectively. The transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition under ASC 805. Accordingly, KREF recorded the property and its net assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on the estimated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities. The KKR affiliate's interest in the property was presented within "Noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated joint ventures" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Raleigh, NC Multifamily — In August 2025, KREF took title to a Raleigh multifamily property and accounted for the property through an assignment-in-lieu of foreclosure ("AIL"). The transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition under ASC 805. Accordingly, KREF recorded the property and its net assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on the estimated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities. As a result, KREF recognized a $14.4 million loan write-off for the difference between the loan amortized cost of $85.5 million and the fair value of the REO’s net assets of $71.8 million, less closing costs.

Real Estate Owned, Held For Sale

Philadelphia, PA Office —In December 2023, KREF took title to a Philadelphia office portfolio through a DIL. The transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition under ASC 805. Accordingly, KREF recorded the portfolio and its net assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on the estimated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities.

In June 2024, KREF sold a portion of the portfolio and provided financing to the buyer through a senior loan. The senior loan had an outstanding principal balance of $24.4 million ($77.7 million total commitment) as of December 31, 2025 and earned a coupon rate of S+4.0%, with a maximum maturity of July 2029, assuming all extension options are exercised. The senior loan is presented within “Commercial real estate loans, held-for-investment, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In May 2025, KREF sold a portion of the portfolio for $25.3 million and recognized a realized gain of $0.5 million after closing costs. As of December 31, 2025, there wasone office property remaining.

West Hollywood, CA Condo — In April 2025, KREF took title to a West Hollywood multifamily property through an AIL. The transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition under ASC 805. Accordingly, KREF recorded the property and its net assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on the estimated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities. As a result, KREF recognized a $20.4 million loan write-off for the difference between the loan amortized cost of $112.5 million and the fair value of the REO’s net assets of $92.9 million, less closing costs.

As of December 31, 2025, the Philadelphia, PA Office and West Hollywood, CA Condo properties met the criteria to be classified as held for sale under ASC 360. As such, depreciation and amortization on the properties and related lease intangibles were suspended.

Leases —KREF assumed certain legacy lease arrangements upon the acquisition of the REO assets and subsequently entered into lease arrangements. These arrangements entitle KREF to receive contractual rent payments during the lease periods and tenant reimbursements for certain property operating expenses, including common area costs, insurance, utilities and real estate taxes. KREF elects the practical expedient to not separate the lease and non-lease components of the rent payments and accounts for these lease arrangements as operating leases.

The following table presents the REO assets and liabilities included on KREF's Consolidated Balance Sheets:

(A) Included in “Cash and cash equivalents” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(B) Included in “Other assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(C) Included in “Other liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following table presents the REO operations and related income (loss) included in KREF’s Consolidated Statements of Income:

(A) Includes $5.3 million of insurance proceeds received during the third quarter of 2024. Includes $37 thousand of "Other miscellaneous income" on the Consolidated Statement of Income during the year ended December 31, 2024.

The following table presents the amortization of REO, held for investment lease intangibles included on KREF’s Consolidated Statements of Income:

The following table presents the amortization of lease intangibles related to REO, held for investment for each of the succeeding fiscal years:

Future Minimum Lease Payments—The following table presents the future minimum lease payments to be collected under non-cancelable operating leases, excluding tenant reimbursements of expenses:

Note 5. Debt Obligations

The following table summarizes KREF's secured financing arrangements in place as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024:

(A) Final Stated Maturity is determined based on the maximum maturity of the underlying financing agreements or corresponding loans, assuming all extension options in KREF's discretion are exercised. The weighted average life of the match-term facilities was 1.4 and 2.3 years, based on the current and final stated maturities, respectively, of the average weighted outstanding principal of collateral loans as of December 31, 2025.

(B) Net of $8.4 million and $6.2 million unamortized deferred financing costs as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

(C) Including deferred financing costs and the applicable benchmarks of Term SOFR, SONIA or EURIBOR in effect as of December 31, 2025. Average weighted by the outstanding principal of the facility.

(D) The term loan facility provides asset-based financing on a non-mark-to-market basis with match-term up tofive years, with an additionaltwo-year extension available to KREF.

(E) Borrowing capacity under the Revolver increased from $610.0 million to $660.0 million in March 2025, and further increased to $700.0 million in September 2025. As of December 31, 2025, the revolver carrying value excluded $5.9 million unamortized debt issuance costs presented within "Other assets" on KREF's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, KREF had secured financing arrangements where the amount at risk with any individual counterparty, or group of related counterparties, exceeded 10.0% of KREF’s stockholders' equity. The amount at risk under these arrangements is the net counterparty exposure, defined as the excess of the carrying amount (or market value, if higher than the carrying amount, for repurchase agreements) of the assets sold under agreement to repurchase, including accrued interest receivable plus any cash or other assets on deposit to secure the repurchase obligation, over the amount of the repurchase liability, adjusted for accrued interest payable.

The following table summarizes certain characteristics of KREF's repurchase agreements where the amount at risk with any individual counterparty, or group of related counterparties, exceeded 10.0% of KREF’s stockholders' equity as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024:

(A) Average weighted by the outstanding principal of borrowings under the secured financing agreement.

Debt obligations included in the tables above are obligations of KREF’s consolidated subsidiaries, which own the related collateral, and such collateral is generally not available to other creditors of KREF.

While KREF is generally not required to post margin under certain repurchase agreement terms for changes in general capital market conditions such as changes in credit spreads or interest rates, KREF may be required to post margin for changes in conditions to specific loans that serve as collateral for those repurchase agreements. Such changes may include declines in the appraised value of property that secures a loan or a negative change in the borrower's ability or willingness to repay a loan. To the extent that KREF is required to post margin, KREF's liquidity could be significantly impacted. Both KREF and its lenders work cooperatively to monitor the performance of the properties and operations related to KREF's loan investments to mitigate investment-specific credit risks. Additionally, KREF incorporates terms in the loans it originates to further mitigate risks related to loan nonperformance.

Activity—For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the activity related to the carrying value of KREF’s secured financing agreements were as follows:

Maturities—KREF’s secured financing arrangements in place as of December 31, 2025 had contractual maturities as follows:

(A) Represents the earlier of (i) the maximum maturity of the underlying loans pledged as collateral or (ii) the maximum maturity of the respective financing agreements.

(B) Except for the Revolver, which is full recourse, amounts borrowed are subject to a maximum 25.0% recourse limit. The Revolver matures in March 2030.

Covenants— KREF is required to comply with customary loan covenants and event of default provisions related to its secured financing agreements and Revolver, including, but not limited to, negative covenants relating to restrictions on operations with respect to KREF’s status as a REIT, and financial covenants. Such financial covenants include a trailing four quarter interest income to interest expense ratio covenant (1.3 to 1.0 beginning September 30, 2024 through June 30, 2026, then 1.4 to 1.0 thereafter); a consolidated tangible net worth covenant (75.0% of the aggregate cash proceeds of any equity issuances made and any capital contributions received by KREF and certain subsidiaries, or up to approximately $1.3 billion depending upon the facility); a total indebtedness covenant (83.3% of KREF's Total Assets, as defined in the applicable financing agreements) and a cash liquidity covenant (the greater of (i) $10.0 million or (ii)5.0% of KREF's recourse indebtedness; from September 30, 2024 and through June 30, 2026 the Revolver has a minimum cash liquidity covenant of $75.0 million).

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, KREF was in compliance with its financial debt covenants.

Note 6. Collateralized Loan Obligations

In August 2021, KREF financed a pool of loan participations from its existing loan portfolio through a managed CLO ("KREF 2021-FL2"). In February 2022, KREF financed a pool of loan participations from its existing multifamily loan portfolio through a managed CLO ("KREF 2022-FL3"). The CLOs provide KREF with match-term financing on a non-mark-to-market and non-recourse basis.

The following tables outline CLO collateral assets and respective borrowing as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:

(A) The term of the CLO notes represents the rated final distribution date. Repayments of CLO notes are dependent on timing of underlying collateral loan asset repayments post reinvestment period.

(B) Including deferred financing costs and applicable index in effect as of December 31, 2025. Average weighted by the outstanding principal of the facility.

The following table presents the CLO assets and liabilities included in KREF’s Consolidated Balance Sheets:

(A) Includes $42.0 million of loan repayment proceeds held at servicer as of December 31, 2025.

The following table presents the components of net interest income of CLOs included in KREF’s Consolidated Statements of Income:

Note 7. Secured Term Loan, Net

In March 2025, KREF refinanced the existing secured term loan of $339.5 million with a new $550.0 million secured term loan due March 2032. The transaction was accounted for as a partial debt extinguishment under GAAP. In September 2025, KREF further upsized the secured term loan to $650.0 million and reduced the spread to S+2.5%. The secured term loan is partially amortizing, with an amount equal to 1.0% per annum of the principal balance due in quarterly installments. The secured term loan contains restrictions relating to liens, asset sales, indebtedness, investments and transactions with affiliates, and is secured by KREF level guarantees and does not include asset-based collateral.

Upon the completion of the secured term loan transactions, KREF recorded a $1.1 million issuance discount and $11.4 million in issuance costs. The loan issuance discount and issuance costs were capitalized and amortized into interest expense over the term of the secured term loan. Inclusive of the discount and issuance cost amortization, KREF’s total cost of the secured term loan was S+2.9%, subject to the applicable SOFR floor, as of December 31, 2025.

The following table summarizes KREF’s secured term loan as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively:

Covenants— KREF is required to comply with customary loan covenants and event of default provisions related to its secured term loan that include, but are not limited to, negative covenants relating to restrictions on operations with respect to KREF’s status as a REIT, and financial covenants. Such financial covenants include a minimum consolidated tangible net worth of $650.0 million and a maximum Total Debt to Total Assets Ratio, as defined in the secured term loan agreements, of 83.3%. KREF was in compliance with such covenants as of December 31, 2025 and 2024.

Note 8. Consolidated Variable Interest Entity Assets and Liabilities, CMBS Trust, at Fair Value

As of December 31, 2025, KREF owned CMBS B-Pieces with an outstanding principal balance of $19.5 million and an estimated fair value of $9.2 million

KREF has consolidated the CMBS trust from June 18, 2025 (the date of acquisition) through December 31, 2025 after determining that the trust was a VIE and that KREF was the primary beneficiary of such VIE. KREF irrevocably elected the fair value option for the consolidated CMBS trust, and therefore, (i) reported the assets and liabilities of the trust at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) recognized changes in the trust's net assets, including fair value adjustments, in the Consolidated Statements of Income, and (iii) presented cash interest received by the trust, net of cash interest paid on CMBS not held by KREF, as operating cash flows in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow.

The following table presents the assets and liabilities of the consolidated CMBS trust:

The following table presents the change in net assets of the consolidated CMBS trust:

See Note 17 for additional information regarding the valuation of financial assets and liabilities of KREF's consolidated CMBS trust.

Concentration of Credit Risk—The following tables present the geographies and property types of collateral underlying the consolidated CMBS trust, as a percentage of the collateral outstanding principal amounts:

Note 9. Other Assets and Liabilities

The following tables present the components of KREF's other assets and other liabilities as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively:

Note 10. Derivative Financial Instruments

KREF utilizes forward currency contracts to hedge exposure to future principal payments associated with loans denominated in foreign currencies.

KREF’s non-U.S. dollar denominated investments expose the Company to movements in foreign interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, which may affect the value of related principal repayments when translated into U.S. dollar. To manage this exposure, KREF uses foreign currency forward contracts to hedge the value of, or to fix the U.S. dollar amount of, certain investments and related cash flows.

The following table presents the outstanding derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2025:

KREF has not designated any of its derivative instruments as hedges as defined under ASC 815; accordingly, changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The following table presents the effect of the derivatives financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 2025:

(A) Represents the amortization of forward points on foreign currency forward contracts, reflecting interest rate differentials between applicable base rates of foreign currency investments and the prevailing U.S. interest rate.

Note 11. Consolidation and Equity Method Investments

Consolidated Variable Interest Entity, CMBS Trust

KREF consolidates a CMBS trust when it determines that such trust is a VIE and that KREF is the primary beneficiary of such VIE (Note 8). Management considers KREF to be the primary beneficiary of such CMBS trust as KREF has the ability to control the most significant activities of the trust, the obligation to absorb losses, and the right to receive benefits of the trust through the CMBS B-Pieces.

Consolidated Variable Interest Entity, CLOs

KREF consolidates CLOs when it determines that CLO issuers, wholly-owned subsidiaries of KREF, are VIEs and that KREF is the primary beneficiary of such VIEs (Note 6). Management considers KREF to be the primary beneficiary of the CLO issuers as KREF has the ability to control the most significant activities of the CLO issuers, the obligation to absorb losses, and the right to receive benefits of the CLOs through the subordinate interests the CLO issuers own.

Consolidated Real Estate Owned Joint Ventures

Portland, OR Retail / Redevelopment— In December 2021, KREF took title to a Portland retail property and contributed a portion of the REO asset to a REO JV with a JV Partner, where KREF had a 90% interest and the JV Partner had a 10% interest. Management determined the REO JV to be a VIE as the REO JV has insufficient equity-at-risk and concluded that KREF is the primary beneficiary of the REO JV as KREF holds decision-making power over the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses, or the right to receive benefits, that could be potentially significant to the REO JV. As of December 31, 2025, KREF had a priority of distributions up to $81.1 million before the JV Partner can participate in the economics of the REO JV.

Mountain View, CA Office —In June 2024, KREF and a KKR affiliate took title to a Mountain View office property. The property was held in a joint venture where KREF and the KKR affiliate held a 68.9% and 31.1% interest, respectively, and shared decision-making. Management determined the joint venture to be a VIE as the joint venture was established with non-substantive voting rights and concluded that KREF is the primary beneficiary of the joint venture as KREF holds decision-making power over the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses, or the right to receive benefits, that could be potentially significant to the joint venture.

Equity Method Investment, Real Estate Asset

Seattle, WA Life Science — In June 2024, KREF and a KKR affiliate, took title to a Seattle life science property through a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure under a Tenant-in-Common ("TIC") agreement. Under the TIC agreement, KREF and the KKR affiliate held an economic interest of 74.6% and 25.4%, respectively, and shared decision-making. Under ASC 970-810, KREF accounted for the TIC agreement as an undivided interest in the property and recorded an equity method investment based on KREF’s share of the estimated fair value of the property’s net assets.

Equity Method Investment, CMBS B-Pieces

As of December 31, 2025, KREF held a 3.5% interest in RECOP I, an unconsolidated VIE of which KREF is not the primary beneficiary. The aggregator vehicle in which KREF invests is controlled and advised by affiliates of the Manager. RECOP I primarily acquired junior tranches of CMBS newly issued by third parties. KREF will not pay any fees to RECOP I, but KREF bears its pro rata share of RECOP I's expenses. KREF reported its share of the net asset value of RECOP I in its Consolidated Balance Sheets, presented as “Equity method investment, CMBS B-Pieces” and its share of net income, presented as “Income (loss) from equity method investments” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Equity Method Investment, Unconsolidated entity

In October 2025, KREF acquired a 50% economic interest in an affiliated company, which invested in a senior mortgage loan that is collateralized by industrial properties in France. The affiliated company's investment in the underlying senior mortgage loan is 80% financed with a funding cost of EURIBOR +1.6%. KREF does not have unilateral authority to direct the activities that most significantly impact the affiliated company's economic performance. Accordingly, KREF reported the net investment value of the economic interest in its Consolidated Balance Sheets, presented as “Equity method investment, unconsolidated entity”, and its share of net income, presented as “Income (loss) from equity method investments”, on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Note 12. Equity

Authorized Capital— On October 2, 2014, KREF's board of directors authorized KREF to issue up to 350,000,000 shares of stock, at $0.01 par value per share, consisting of 300,000,000 shares of common stock and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, subject to certain restrictions on transfer and ownership of shares. Restrictions placed on the transfer and ownership of shares relate to KREF's REIT qualification requirements.

Common Stock— As of December 31, 2025, there were 65,488,680 common shares issued and 64,367,737 common shares outstanding, which included 1,498,499 net shares of common stock issued in connection with cumulative vested restricted stock units.

Share Repurchase Program — Under KREF's current share repurchase program, which has no expiration date, KREF may repurchase up to an aggregate of $100.0 million of its common stock effective as of February 3, 2023, of which up to $50.0 million may be repurchased under a pre-set trading plan meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, and provide for repurchases of common stock when the market price per share is below book value per share (calculated in accordance with GAAP as of the end of the most recent quarterly period for which financial statements are available), and the remaining $50.0 million may be used for repurchases in the open market, pursuant to pre-set trading plans meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing, manner, price and amount of any common stock repurchases will be determined by KREF in its discretion and will depend on a variety of factors, including legal requirements, price, liquidity and economic considerations, and market conditions. The program does not require KREF to repurchase any specific number of shares of common stock. The program does not have an expiration date and may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time.

During the year ended December 31, 2025, KREF repurchased 4,629,824 shares of its common stock under the repurchase program at an average price per share of $9.35 for a total of $43.3 million. As of December 31, 2025,1,120,943 of the repurchased shares were not retired and were recorded as "Repurchased stock" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2025, KREF had $46.7 million of remaining capacity to repurchase shares under the program.

At the Market Stock Offering Program — In February 2019, KREF entered into an equity distribution agreement with certain sales agents, pursuant to which KREF may sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate sales price of $100.0 million of its common stock pursuant to a continuous offering program (the “ATM”). Sales of KREF’s common stock made pursuant to the ATM may be made in negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The timing and amount of actual sales will depend on a variety of factors including market conditions, the trading price of KREF’s common stock, KREF’s capital needs, and KREF’s determination of the appropriate sources of funding to meet such needs.

During the year ended December 31, 2025, KREF didnot issue or sell any shares of common stock under the ATM. As of December 31, 2025, $93.2 million remained available for issuance under the ATM.

6.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock — The perpetual Series A Preferred Stock is redeemable, at KREF's option, at a liquidation price of $327.8 million, or $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends commencing in April 2026. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are payable quarterly at a rate of 6.50% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference, which is equivalent to $1.625 per annum per share. With respect to dividend rights and liquidation, the Series A Preferred Stock ranks senior to KREF's common stock.

Noncontrolling Interests — Noncontrolling interests represent an interest held by investors other than KREF in consolidated joint ventures that hold KREF’s real estate asset investments. KREF and the noncontrolling interest holders typically contribute to the joint ventures' ongoing operating shortfalls and capital expenditures on a pari passu basis. Distributions from the joint ventures are allocated between KREF and the noncontrolling interest holders based on contractual terms and waterfalls as outlined in the joint venture agreements.

Dividends —During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, KREF's board of directors declared the following dividends on shares of its common stock:

During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, KREF's board of directors declared the following dividends on shares of its Series A Preferred Stock:

Note 13. Stock-based Compensation

KREF is externally managed by the Manager and does not currently have any employees. However, as of December 31, 2025, certain individuals employed by the Manager and affiliates of the Manager and certain members of KREF's board of directors were compensated, in part, through the issuance of stock-based awards.

The KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan was adopted on April 25, 2025 (the "Incentive Plan") and replaced the Amended and Restated KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "Prior Plan"). Outstanding awards previously granted under the Prior Plan as of the date of approval by our shareholders of the Incentive Plan remain outstanding pursuant to the terms of the Prior Plan. However, following the approval of the Incentive Plan, no new awards will be made under the Prior Plan.

Under the Incentive Plan, a total of 2,750,000 shares of common stock, will be available for awards to certain members of KREF’s board of directors and employees of the Manager or its affiliates, none of whom are KREF employees. No awards may be granted under the Incentive Plan on or after April 25, 2035. The Incentive Plan will continue to apply to awards granted prior to such date. During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024,686,935 and 681,350 restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards were granted to KREF's directors and employees of the Manager or its affiliates under the Prior Plan.

RSUs awarded to employees of the Manager or its affiliates, generally vest over three consecutiveone-year periods and awards to certain members of KREF's board of directors generally vest over aone-year period, pursuant to the terms of the respective award agreements and the terms of the Incentive Plan. All outstanding RSU awards were entitled to nonforfeitable dividends during the vesting periods, at the same rate as those declared on the common stock. As of December 31, 2025,2,289,960 shares of common stock remained available for awards under the Incentive Plan.

The following table summarizes the activity in KREF’s outstanding RSUs and the weighted-average grant date fair value per RSU:

(A) The grant-date fair value is based upon the closing price of KREF’s common stock at the date of grant.

KREF expects the unvested RSUs outstanding to vest during the following years:

KREF recognizes the compensation cost of RSUs awarded to employees of the Manager, or one or more of its affiliates, on a straight-line basis over the awards’ term at their grant date fair value, consistent with the RSUs awarded to certain members of KREF's board of directors.

During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, KREF recognized $7.9 million, $8.3 million and $8.1 million respectively, of stock-based compensation expense included in “General and administrative” expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of December 31, 2025, there was $11.4 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.1 year.

Upon any payment of shares as a result of restricted stock unit vesting, the related personal tax withholding obligation will generally be satisfied by KREF, reducing the number of shares to be delivered by a number of shares necessary to satisfy the related applicable personal tax withholding obligation. The amount results in a cash payment related to this personal tax liability and a corresponding reduction to “Additional paid-in capital” in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.

Directors and Officers Deferral Plan— In March 2022, KREF's board of directors adopted the KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. Directors and Officers Deferral Plan (the “Deferral Plan”). Pursuant to the Deferral Plan, participants may elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of any shares of KREF’s common stock issuable upon vesting of any RSU granted to such participant in 25% increments. Deferred stock units (“DSU”) credited to a participant are non-voting but shall be entitled to dividend equivalent payments upon payment of dividends on shares of KREF’s common stock in the same form and amount equal to the amount of such dividends and are not subject to deferral under the Deferral Plan.

During the year ended December 31, 2025,189,777 vested RSUs were deferred under the Deferral Plan. As of December 31, 2025, there were 395,889 DSUs outstanding.

Participating Securities' Share in Earnings — During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, KREF declared $1.5 million, $1.2 million and $1.8 million respectively, of nonforfeitable dividends on unvested RSUs and outstanding DSUs. Such nonforfeitable dividends were deducted from “Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit)” in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.

Note 14. Earnings (Loss) per Share

Earnings (Loss) per Share—KREF calculates its basic EPS using the two-class method, which defines unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends as participating securities. Under the two-class method earnings (distributed and undistributed) are allocated to common shares and participating securities based on their respective rights. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average common stock outstanding for the period.

KREF presents diluted EPS under the more dilutive of the treasury stock and if-converted methods or the two-class method. Under the treasury stock and if-converted methods, the denominator includes weighted average common stock outstanding plus the incremental dilutive shares issuable from restricted stock units and an assumed conversion of the Convertible Notes (for the periods in which such notes were outstanding). The numerator includes any changes in income (loss) that would result from the assumed conversion of these potential shares of common stock.

For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023,41,687,44,589, and 18,209 weighted average unvested RSUs, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because the effect was anti-dilutive.

The following table illustrates the computation of basic and diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:

Note 15. Commitments and Contingencies

As of December 31, 2025, KREF was subject to the following commitments and contingencies:

Litigation— From time to time, KREF may be involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. KREF establishes an accrued liability for legal proceedings only when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable.

As of December 31, 2025, KREF was not involved in any material legal proceedings regarding claims or legal actions against KREF.

Indemnifications— In the normal course of business, KREF enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties that provide general indemnifications and other indemnities relating to contractual performance. In addition, certain of KREF’s subsidiaries have provided certain indemnities relating to environmental and other matters and has provided nonrecourse carve-out guarantees for fraud, willful misconduct and other customary wrongful acts, each in connection with the financing of certain real estate investments that KREF has made. KREF’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against KREF that have not yet occurred. However, KREF expects the risk of material loss to be low.

Capital Commitments— As of December 31, 2025, KREF had future funding commitments of $413.9 million related to its investments in commercial real estate loans. These future funding commitments primarily relate to construction projects, capital improvements, tenant improvements and leasing commissions. Generally, funding commitments are subject to certain conditions that must be met, such as customary construction draw certifications, minimum credit metrics or executions of new leases before advances are made to the borrower.

In January 2017, KREF committed $40.0 million to invest in an aggregator vehicle alongside RECOP I. Thetwo-year investment period for RECOP I ended in April 2019. As of December 31, 2025, KREF had a remaining commitment of $4.3 million to RECOP I.

Note 16. Related Party Transactions

Management Agreement

The Management Agreement between KREF and the Manager is subject to certain termination and nonrenewal rights, which in the case of KREF are exercisable by a two-thirds vote by the independent directors of KREF's board of directors. If the independent directors of KREF's board of directors decline to renew the Management Agreement other than for cause, KREF is required to pay the Manager a termination fee equal tothree times the total 24-month trailing average annual management fee and incentive compensation earned by the Manager through the most recently completed calendar quarter.

Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Manager, as agent to KREF and under the supervision of KREF's board of directors, manages the investments, subject to investment guidelines approved by KREF's board of directors; financing activities; and day-to-day business and affairs of KREF and its subsidiaries.

For its services to KREF, the Manager is entitled to a quarterly management fee equal to the greater of $62,500 or 0.375% of weighted average adjusted equity and quarterly incentive compensation equal to 20.0% of the excess of (a) the trailing 12-month distributable earnings (before incentive compensation payable to the Manager) over (b)7.0% of the trailing 12-month weighted average adjusted equity (“Hurdle Rate”), less incentive compensation KREF already paid to the Manager with respect to the first three calendar quarters of such trailing 12-month period. The quarterly incentive compensation is calculated and paid in arrears with a one-quarter lag.

Adjusted equity generally represents the proceeds received by KREF and its subsidiaries from equity issuances, without duplication and net of offering costs, and distributable earnings, reduced by distributions, equity repurchases, and incentive compensation paid. Distributable earnings generally represent the net income, or loss, attributable to equity interests in KREF and its subsidiaries, without duplication, as well as realized losses not otherwise included in such net income, or loss, excluding non-cash equity compensation expense, incentive compensation, depreciation and amortization and unrealized gains or losses, from and after the effective date to the end of the most recently completed calendar quarter. KREF's board of directors, after majority approval by independent directors, may also exclude one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP and certain material non-cash income or expense items from distributable earnings. For purposes of calculating incentive compensation, adjusted equity excludes: (i) the effects of equity issued by KREF and its subsidiaries that provides for fixed distributions or other debt characteristics and (ii) unrealized provision for (reversal of) credit losses.

KREF is also required to reimburse the Manager or its affiliates for documented costs and expenses incurred by it and its affiliates on behalf of KREF, except those specifically required to be borne by the Manager under the Management Agreement. The Manager is responsible for, and KREF does not reimburse the Manager or its affiliates for, the expenses related to investment personnel of the Manager and its affiliates who provide services to KREF. However, KREF does reimburse the Manager for KREF's allocable share of compensation paid to certain of the Manager’s non-investment personnel, based on the percentage of time devoted by such personnel to KREF's affairs.

Related Party Services

In connection with the ATM and various financing arrangements, and in consideration for its services as a structuring and placement agent, KKR Capital Markets LLC ("KCM"), an affiliate of KKR, is entitled to receive commissions for the shares of KREF common stock that KCM sells and structuring fees generally based on a contractual percentage of the respective financing provided under each facility.

KREF has entered into various agreements with K-Star Asset Management LLC (“K-Star”), an affiliate of KKR, in connection with KREF's investments, including but not limited to due diligence and value-add services. Under the agreements, K-Star is entitled to receive certain fees in consideration for its services.

The following table summarizes the fees incurred in connection with the Management Agreement and various related parties services:

Management fees are paid one quarter in arrears and, together with any accrued expense reimbursements, KCM and K-Star fees, are included within "Due to related parties" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Real Estate Owned and Equity Method Investment, Real Estate Asset

In June 2024, KREF and a KKR affiliate took title to a Mountain View, CA office property. The property was held in a joint venture where KREF and the KKR affiliate held a 68.9% and 31.1% interest, respectively, and shared decision-making (Note 11).

In June 2024, KREF and a KKR affiliate took title to a Seattle, WA life science property through a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure under a TIC agreement. Under the TIC agreement, KREF and the KKR affiliate held an economic interest of 74.6% and 25.4%, respectively, and shared decision-making (Note 11).

Equity Method Investment, Unconsolidated Entity

In October 2025, KREF acquired an economic interest in an affiliated company, which invested in a senior mortgage loan that is collateralized by industrial properties in France. KREF holds an economic interest of 50%, and does not have unilateral authority to direct the activities that most significantly impact the affiliated company's economic performance (Note 11).

Consolidated CMBS Trust

In June 2025, KREF and a KKR affiliate invested in securities issued by a CMBS trust controlled and consolidated by KREF (Note 8). As of December 31, 2025, the CMBS securities held by the KKR affiliate had a fair value of $54.6 million and was presented within "Consolidated variable interest entity liabilities, CMBS trust, at fair value" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Co-Borrowing Financing Facility

In June 2025, KREF, through a wholly owned subsidiary ("KREF Borrower"), and a KKR affiliate, through a wholly owned subsidiary ("Other KKR Borrower"), entered into a term lending financing facility with a financial institution ("KREF Lending XVI Facility"). Currently the facility is collateralized by one loan investment, but could be expanded in the future to include more loan investments. In such event, all loan investments thereunder would be cross-collateralized. An affiliate of KREF Borrower ("KREF Guarantor") guarantees the obligations of KREF Borrower, and an affiliate of Other KKR Borrower guarantees the obligations of Other KKR Borrower, with each respective guarantor's liability capped at its respective borrower's share of the KREF Lending XVI Facility. As of December 31, 2025, KREF’s share of the outstanding financing principal was 50%, or $100.0 million.

Note 17. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying values and fair values of KREF’s financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as other financial instruments not carried at fair value, as of December 31, 2025, were as follows:

(A) Included within "Other liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The carrying values and fair values of KREF’s financial assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as other financial instruments for which fair value is disclosed, as of December 31, 2024, were as follows:

The following table presents the activities of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value:

(A) Primarily consists of changes in accrued interest.

The following table contains the Level 3 inputs used to value assets and liabilities on a recurring and nonrecurring basis or where KREF discloses fair value as of December 31, 2025:

(A) Represents the average of the input value, weighted by the unpaid principal balance of the financial instrument.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Certain assets not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment, are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. KREF measures commercial real estate loans held-for-sale at the lower of cost or fair value and may be required, from time to time, to record a nonrecurring fair value adjustment. KREF measures commercial real estate loans held-for-investment at amortized cost, but may be required, from time to time, to record a nonrecurring fair value adjustment in the form of a CECL allowance.

Assets and Liabilities for Which Fair Value is Only Disclosed

KREF does not carry its secured financing agreements at fair value as management did not elect the fair value option for these liabilities. As of December 31, 2025, the fair value of KREF's financing facilities approximated their respective carrying value.

Note 18. Income Taxes

KREF has elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2014. A REIT is generally not subject to U.S. federal and state income tax on that portion of its income that is distributed to stockholders if it distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gains. A REIT will also be subject to a nondeductible excise tax to the extent certain percentages of its taxable income are not distributed within specified dates. While KREF expects to distribute at least 90% of its net taxable income for the foreseeable future, KREF will continue to evaluate its capital and liquidity needs in light of existing economic and market conditions.

KREF consolidates subsidiaries that incur U.S. federal, state and local income taxes, based on the tax jurisdiction in which each subsidiary operates. During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, KREF recorded income tax expense of ($0.2) million, $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively, related to the operations of its taxable REIT subsidiaries and various other state and local taxes. There wereno material deferred tax assets or liabilities as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024.

Common stock distributions treated as dividends for tax purposes were taxable as follows:

Note 19. Subsequent Event

In January 2026, KREF paid $16.1 million in dividends on its common stock, or $0.25 per share, with respect to the fourth quarter of 2025, to stockholders of record on December 31, 2025.

In January 2026, KREF repurchased 92,094 shares for an aggregate cost of $0.8 million, and retired 1,213,037 shares of common stock. Upon retirement, the shares were returned to authorized but unissued status, resulting in a reduction of common stock and additional paid-in capital.

In January 2026, KREF entered discussions with the borrower on its life science loan in Boston, MA, which as of December 31, 2025 was risk-rated 3 with an outstanding principal balance of $229.6 million. Based on these discussions, KREF expects to downgrade the loan in the first quarter of 2026. As a result, KREF anticipates that the allowance for credit losses related to this loan will increase in the first quarter of 2026, however, the amount of such increase cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. As of the date of this annual report, the loan remains current on all contractual interest payments. The loan’s next maturity date is August 2026 and the final maturity is August 2027.

Note 20. Summary Quarterly Consolidated Financial Information (Unaudited)

The following tables summarize KREF's quarterly financial data which, in the opinion of management, reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of KREF's results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024: