DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (the “Company” or “Annaly”) is a Maryland corporation that commenced operations on February 18, 1997. The Company is a leading diversified capital manager that invests in and finances residential and commercial assets. The Company owns a portfolio of real estate related investments, including mortgage pass-through certificates, collateralized mortgage obligations, credit risk transfer (“CRT”) securities, other securities representing interests in or obligations backed by pools of mortgage loans, residential mortgage loans, mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”), commercial real estate assets and corporate debt. The Company’s principal business objective is to generate net income for distribution to its stockholders and optimize its returns through prudent management of its diversified investment strategies. The Company is externally managed by Annaly Management Company LLC (the “Manager”).

The Company’s four investment groups are primarily comprised of the following:



Investment Groups	Description
Annaly Agency Group	Invests in Agency mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) collateralized by residential mortgages which are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae.
Annaly Residential Credit Group	Invests primarily in non-Agency residential mortgage assets within securitized products and residential mortgage loan markets.
Annaly Commercial Real Estate Group	Originates and invests in commercial mortgage loans, securities, and other commercial real estate debt and equity investments.
Annaly Middle Market Lending Group	Provides debt financing to private equity-backed middle market businesses across the capital structure.

The Company has elected to be taxed as a Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) as defined under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Code”).