Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Basis of Presentation

a. Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly our consolidated financial position and consolidated results of operations, equity and cash flows are included.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. Previously, investment interest expense was included as part of interest expense within total expenses. We have now classified the portion of interest expense that finances our interest bearing assets as a component of net interest margin within total revenue.

Principles of Consolidation

b. Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements reflect our accounts and the accounts of our majority-owned and/or controlled subsidiaries. We also consolidate entities that are variable interest entities, or VIEs, where we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of such entities. The portions of these entities that we do not own are presented as noncontrolling interests as of the dates and for the periods presented in the consolidated financial statements. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

In August 2007, we made a $6.0 million preferred equity investment in a retail property management firm. In November 2013, we exercised certain rights under the terms of our investment and as a result, started to consolidate its operations and incurred certain non-cash increases in other assets, intangible assets and various liabilities.

We had a non-cash increase in other assets and intangible assets of $8.8 million and $19.0 million, respectively, resulting from this consolidation. We also had a non-cash increase in various liabilities of $15.9 million. These amounts are provisional and subject to change as we complete the purchase price allocation process.

Under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 810, “Consolidation”, the determination of whether to consolidate a VIE is based on the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance together with either the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to the VIE. We define the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance as the ability to buy, sell, refinance, or recapitalize assets or entities, and solely control other material operating events or items of the respective entity. For our commercial mortgages, mezzanine loans, and preferred equity investments, certain rights we hold are protective in nature and would preclude us from having the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance. Assuming both criteria are met, we would be considered the primary beneficiary and would consolidate the VIE. We will continually assess our involvement with VIEs and consolidated the VIEs when we are the primary beneficiary. See Note 9 for additional disclosures pertaining to VIEs.

Use of Estimates

c. Use of Estimates

The preparation of 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

d. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash held in banks and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. Cash, including amounts restricted, may at times exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation deposit insurance limit of $250 per institution. We mitigate credit risk by placing cash and cash equivalents with major financial institutions. To date, we have not experienced any losses on cash and cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

e. Restricted Cash

Restricted cash consists primarily of proceeds from the issuance of CDO notes payable by securitizations that are restricted for the purpose of funding additional investments in securities subsequent to the balance sheet date. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had $70,705 and $51,927, respectively, of restricted cash held by securitizations.

Restricted cash also includes tenant escrows and borrowers’ funds held by us to fund certain expenditures or to be released at our discretion upon the occurrence of certain pre-specified events, and to serve as additional collateral for borrowers’ loans. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had $50,884 and $38,714, respectively, of tenant escrows and borrowers’ funds.

Investments in Loans

f. Investments in Loans

We invest in commercial mortgages, mezzanine loans, debt securities and other loans. We account for our investments in commercial mortgages, mezzanine loans and other loans at amortized cost. The carrying value of these investments is adjusted for origination discounts/premiums, nonrefundable fees and direct costs for originating loans which are amortized into income on a level yield basis over the terms of the loans.

Allowance for Losses, Impaired Loans and Non-accrual Status

g. Allowance for Losses, Impaired Loans and Non-accrual Status

We maintain an allowance for losses on our investments in commercial mortgages, mezzanine loans and other loans. Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based upon expected and inherent risks in the portfolio, the estimated value of underlying collateral, and current economic conditions. Management reviews loans for impairment and establishes specific reserves when a loss is probable and reasonably estimable under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 310, “Receivables.” A loan is impaired when it is probable that we may not collect all principal and interest payments according to the contractual terms. As part of the detailed loan review, we consider many factors about the specific loan, including payment history, asset performance, borrower’s financial capability and other characteristics. If any trends or characteristics indicate that it is probable that other loans, with similar characteristics to those of impaired loans, have incurred a loss, we consider whether an allowance for loss is needed pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 450, “Contingencies.” Management evaluates loans for non-accrual status each reporting period. A loan is placed on non-accrual status when the loan payment deficiencies exceed 90 days. Payments received for non-accrual or impaired loans are applied to principal until the loan is removed from non-accrual status or no longer impaired. Past due interest is recognized on non-accrual loans when they are removed from non-accrual status and are making current interest payments. The allowance for losses is increased by charges to operations and decreased by charge-offs (net of recoveries). Management charges off loans when the investment is no longer realizable and legally discharged.

Investments in Real Estate

h. Investments in Real Estate

Investments in real estate are shown net of accumulated depreciation. We capitalize those costs that have been evaluated to improve the real property and depreciate those costs on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the asset. We depreciate real property using the following useful lives: buildings and improvements—30 to 40 years; furniture, fixtures, and equipment—5 to 10 years; and tenant improvements—shorter of the lease term or the life of the asset. Costs for ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.

Acquisitions of real estate assets and any related intangible assets are recorded initially at fair value under FASB ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations.” Fair value is determined by management based on market conditions and inputs at the time the asset is acquired. All expenses incurred to acquire a real estate asset are expensed as incurred.

Management reviews our investments in real estate for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The review of recoverability is based on an estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest charges) expected to result from the long-lived asset’s use and eventual disposition. These cash flows consider factors such as expected future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of leasing demand, competition and other factors. If impairment exists due to the inability to recover the carrying value of a long-lived asset, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the property.

Investments in Securities

i. Investments in Securities

We account for our investments in securities under FASB ASC Topic 320, “Investments—Debt and Equity Securities”, and designate each investment security as a trading security, an available-for-sale security, or a held-to-maturity security based on our intent at the time of acquisition. Trading securities are recorded at their fair value each reporting period with fluctuations in fair value reported as a component of earnings. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). We classify certain available-for-sale securities as trading securities when we elect to record them under the fair value option in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments.” See “m. Fair Value of Financial Instruments.” Upon the sale of an available-for-sale security, the realized gain or loss on the sale will be recorded as a component of earnings in the respective period. Held-to-maturity investments are carried at amortized cost at each reporting period.

We account for investments in securities where the transfer meets the criteria as a financing under FASB ASC Topic 860, “Transfers and Servicing”, at fair value. Our investments in security-related receivables represent securities that were transferred to issuers of collateralized debt obligations, or CDOs, in which the transferors maintained some level of continuing involvement. We use our judgment to determine whether an investment in securities has sustained an other-than-temporary decline in value. If management determines that an available-for-sale security has sustained an other-than-temporary decline in its value, the investment is written down to its fair value by a charge to earnings, and we establish a new cost basis for the investment. Our evaluation of an other-than-temporary decline is dependent on the specific facts and circumstances. Factors that we consider in determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred include: the estimated fair value of the investment in relation to our cost basis; the financial condition of the related entity; and the intent and ability to retain the investment for a sufficient period of time to allow for recovery of the fair value of the investment.

Transfers of Financial Assets

j. Transfers of Financial Assets

We account for transfers of financial assets under FASB ASC Topic 860, “Transfers and Servicing”, as either sales or financings. Transfers of financial assets that result in sales accounting are those in which (1) the transfer legally isolates the transferred assets from the transferor, (2) the transferee has the right to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and no condition both constrains the transferee’s right to pledge or exchange the assets and provides more than a trivial benefit to the transferor, and (3) the transferor does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets. If the transfer does not meet these criteria, the transfer is accounted for as a financing. Financial assets that are treated as sales are removed from our accounts with any realized gain (loss) reflected in earnings during the period of sale. Financial assets that are treated as financings are maintained on the balance sheet with proceeds received from the legal transfer reflected as securitized borrowings or security-related receivables.

Revenue Recognition

k. Revenue Recognition

1) Interest income—We recognize interest income from investments in commercial mortgages, mezzanine loans, and other securities on a yield to maturity basis. Upon the acquisition of a loan at a discount, we assess the portions of the discount that constitute accretable yields and non-accretable differences. The accretable yield represents the excess of our expected cash flows from the loan over the amount we paid for the loan. That amount, the accretable yield, is accreted to interest income over the remaining life of the loan. Many of our commercial mortgages and mezzanine loans provide for the accrual of interest at specified rates which differ from current payment terms. Interest income is recognized on such loans at the accrual rate subject to management’s determination that accrued interest and outstanding principal are ultimately collectible.

For investments that we did not elect to record at fair value under FASB ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments”, origination fees and direct loan origination costs are deferred and amortized to net investment income, using the effective interest method, over the contractual life of the underlying loan security or loan, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 310, “Receivables.”

For investments that we elected to record at fair value under FASB ASC Topic 825, origination fees and direct loan costs are recorded in income and are not deferred.

We recognize interest income from interests in certain securitized financial assets on an effective interest yield method. Management estimates the current yield on the amortized cost of the investment based on estimated cash flows after considering prepayment and credit loss experience.

2) Rental income—We generate rental income from tenant rent and other tenant-related activities at our consolidated real estate properties. For multi-family real estate properties, rental income is recorded when due from residents and recognized monthly as it is earned and realizable, under lease terms which are generally for periods of one year or less. For retail and office real estate properties, rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis from the later of the date of the commencement of the lease or the date of acquisition of the property subject to existing leases, which averages minimum rents over the terms of the leases. Leases also typically provide for tenant reimbursement of a portion of common area maintenance and other operating expenses to the extent that a tenant’s pro rata share of expenses exceeds a base year level set in the lease.

3) Fee and other income—We generate fee and other income through our various subsidiaries by (a) funding conduit loans for sale into unaffiliated CMBS securitizations, (b) providing or arranging to provide financing to our borrowers, (c) providing ongoing asset management services to investment portfolios under cancelable management agreements, and (d) providing property management services to third parties. We recognize revenue for these activities when the fees are fixed or determinable, are evidenced by an arrangement, collection is reasonably assured and the services under the arrangement have been provided. While we may receive asset management fees when they are earned, we eliminate earned asset management fee income from securitizations while such securitizations are consolidated. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, we received $4,732, $4,959, and $5,200, respectively, of earned asset management fees. We eliminated $3,450, $3,704, and $3,768, respectively, of these earned asset management fees as it was associated with consolidated securitizations.

Derivative Instruments

l. Derivative Instruments

We may use derivative financial instruments to hedge all or a portion of the interest rate risk associated with our borrowings. Certain of the techniques used to hedge exposure to interest rate fluctuations may also be used to protect against declines in the market value of assets that result from general trends in debt markets. The principal objective of such agreements is to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with our operating and financial structure as well as to hedge specific anticipated transactions.

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging”, we measure each derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) at fair value and record such amounts in our consolidated balance sheet as either an asset or liability. For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, derivatives not designated as hedges, or for derivatives designated as cash flow hedges associated with debt for which we elected the fair value option under FASB ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments”, the changes in fair value of the derivative instrument are recorded in earnings. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of the effective portions of the derivative are reported in other comprehensive income. Changes in the ineffective portions of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

m. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation techniques involve management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the instruments’ complexity for disclosure purposes. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their value. Hierarchical levels, as defined in FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” and directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuations of these assets and liabilities, are as follows:

• Level 1: Valuations are based on unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. The types of assets carried at level 1 fair value generally are equity securities listed in active markets. As such, valuations of these investments do not entail a significant degree of judgment.

• Level 2: Valuations are based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

Fair value assets and liabilities that are generally included in this category are unsecured REIT note receivables, commercial mortgage-backed securities, or CMBS, receivables and certain financial instruments classified as derivatives where the fair value is based on observable market inputs.

• Level 3: Inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. Generally, assets and liabilities carried at fair value and included in this category are trust preferred securities, or TruPS, and subordinated debentures, trust preferred obligations and CDO notes payable where observable market inputs do not exist.

The availability of observable inputs can vary depending on the financial asset or liability and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of investment, whether the investment is new, whether the investment is traded on an active exchange or in the secondary market, and the current market condition. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by us in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in level 3.

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the asset or owes the liability rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, our own assumptions are set to reflect those that management believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. We use prices and inputs that management believes are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 or Level 2 to Level 3.

Many financial instruments have bid and ask prices that can be observed in the marketplace. Bid prices reflect the highest price that buyers in the market are willing to pay for an asset. Ask prices represent the lowest price that sellers in the market are willing to accept for an asset. For financial instruments whose inputs are based on bid-ask prices, we do not require that fair value always be a predetermined point in the bid-ask range. Our policy is to allow for mid-market pricing and adjusting to the point within the bid-ask range that results in our best estimate of fair value.

Fair value for certain of our Level 3 financial instruments is derived using internal valuation models. These internal valuation models include discounted cash flow analyses developed by management using current interest rates, estimates of the term of the particular instrument, specific issuer information and other market data for securities without an active market. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, the impact of our own credit spreads is also considered when measuring the fair value of financial assets or liabilities, including derivative contracts. Where appropriate, valuation adjustments are made to account for various factors, including bid-ask spreads, credit quality and market liquidity. These adjustments are applied on a consistent basis and are based on observable inputs where available. Management’s estimate of fair value requires significant management judgment and is subject to a high degree of variability based upon market conditions, the availability of specific issuer information and management’s assumptions.

Income Taxes

n. Income Taxes

RAIT, Taberna Realty Finance Trust, or Taberna, and Independence Realty Trust, Inc., or IRT, have each elected to be taxed as a REIT and to comply with the related provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent of our dividends to shareholders and as long as certain asset, income and share ownership tests are met. If we were to fail to meet these requirements, we would be subject to U.S. federal income tax, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and amounts available for dividends to our shareholders. Management believes that all of the criteria to maintain RAIT’s, Taberna’s, and IRT’s REIT qualification have been met for the applicable periods, but there can be no assurance that these criteria will continue to be met in subsequent periods.

We maintain various taxable REIT subsidiaries, or TRSs, which may be subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes and foreign taxes. Current and deferred taxes are provided on the portion of earnings (losses) recognized by us with respect to our interest in domestic TRSs. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed based on temporary differences between our GAAP consolidated financial statements and the federal and state income tax basis of assets and liabilities as of the consolidated balance sheet date. We evaluate the realizability of our deferred tax assets (e.g., net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards) and recognize a valuation allowance if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of our deferred tax assets will not be realized. When evaluating the realizability of our deferred tax assets, we consider estimates of expected future taxable income, existing and projected book/tax differences, tax planning strategies available, and the general and industry specific economic outlook. This realizability analysis is inherently subjective, as it requires management to forecast our business and general economic environment in future periods. Changes in estimate of deferred tax asset realizability, if any, are included in income tax expense on the consolidated statements of operations.

From time to time, our TRSs generate taxable income from intercompany transactions. The TRS entities generate taxable revenue from fees for services provided to securitizations. Some of these fees paid to the TRS entities are capitalized as deferred financing costs by the securitizations. Certain securitizations may be consolidated in our financial statements pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 810, “Consolidation.” In consolidation, these fees are eliminated when the securitization is included in the consolidated group. Additionally, our TRS entities generate taxable revenue from advisory fees for services provided to IRT. In consolidation, these advisory fees are eliminated as IRT is included in the consolidated group. Nonetheless, all income taxes are expensed and are paid by the TRSs in the year in which the revenue is received. These income taxes are not eliminated when the related revenue is eliminated in consolidation.

Certain TRS entities are domiciled in the Cayman Islands and taxable income generated by these entities may not be subject to local income taxation, but generally will be included in our taxable income on a current basis, whether or not distributed. Upon distribution to us of any previously included income, no incremental U.S. federal, state, or local income taxes would be payable by us.

The TRS entities may be subject to tax laws that are complex and potentially subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and the relevant governmental taxing authorities. In establishing a provision for income tax expense, we must make judgments and interpretations about the application of these inherently complex tax laws. Actual income taxes paid may vary from estimates depending upon changes in income tax laws, actual results of operations, and the final audit of tax returns by taxing authorities. Tax assessments may arise several years after tax returns have been filed. We review the tax balances of our TRS entities quarterly and, as new information becomes available, the balances are adjusted as appropriate.

Share-Based Compensation

o. Share-Based Compensation

We account for our share-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.” We measure the cost of employee and trustee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award and record compensation expense over the related vesting period.

Deferred Financing Costs and Intangible Assets

p. Deferred Financing Costs and Intangible Assets

Costs incurred in connection with debt financing are capitalized as deferred financing costs and charged to interest expense over the terms of the related debt agreements, under the effective interest method.

Intangible assets on our consolidated balance sheets represent identifiable intangible assets acquired in business acquisitions. We amortize identified intangible assets to expense over their estimated lives using the straight-line method. We evaluate intangible assets for impairment as events and circumstances change, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment.” We expect to record amortization expense of intangible assets of $3,249 for 2014, $2,654 for 2015, $2,411 for 2016, $1,937 for 2017, $1,937 for 2018 and $9,366 thereafter.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

q. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standard classified under FASB ASC Topic 222, “Comprehensive Income”. This accounting standard amends existing guidance to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income by requiring entities to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In December 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standard that deferred the new presentation requirements about reclassification adjustments. Both of these accounting standards are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods with those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of these standards did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standard that requires an entity to present the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component either on the face of the statement of operations or in the notes to the financial statements. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. This standard is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2012. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.