-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, B6wq3afdp/O/gC+R7cq7YbLhUHR9EZe21Kq5rupT7nAiqL15t3b91DM8Hx46slV5 kOQWr3QuQl5C2LQ/cedzHQ== 0001144204-08-014888.txt : 20080313 0001144204-08-014888.hdr.sgml : 20080313 20080312215624 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001144204-08-014888 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 15 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20071231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20080313 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20080312 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ANTHRACITE CAPITAL INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001050112 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS [6798] IRS NUMBER: 133978906 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-13937 FILM NUMBER: 08684817 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 40 EAST 52ND STREET CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10022 BUSINESS PHONE: 2127545560 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 40 EAST 52ND STREET CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10022 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: ANTHRACITE MORTGAGE CAPITAL INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19971121 10-K 1 v105220_10k.htm
 


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
 
(Mark one)
 
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007
 
OR
 
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from: ________ to ________

Commission File No. 001-13937

ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland
 
13-3978906
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
40 East 52nd Street
New York, New York
 
10022
(Address of principal executive office)
 
(Zip Code)
 
(212) 810-3333
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

COMMON STOCK, $0.001 PAR VALUE
 
NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
     
9.375% SERIES C CUMULATIVE REDEEMABLE
 
NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
PREFERRED STOCK, $0.001 PAR VALUE
   
     
8.25% SERIES D CUMULATIVE REDEEMABLE
 
 
NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
(Title of each class)
 
(Name of each exchange on which registered)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Not Applicable

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. (See definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Large accelerated filer x  Accelerated filer o  Non-accelerated filer o  Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No x

The aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock, $0.001 par value, held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing sale price of $12.00 as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2007, was $765,236,192. All executive officers and directors of the registrant have been deemed, solely for the purpose of the foregoing calculation, to be affiliates of the registrant.

The number of shares of the registrant's common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding as of March 12, 2008 was 63,296,397 shares.

Documents Incorporated by Reference: Portions of the registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.
 



 
ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
2007 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
PAGE
PART I
   
Item 1.
Business
 
4
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
18
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
 
32
Item 2.
Properties
 
32
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
 
32
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
32
PART II
   
Item 5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters
 
 
 
and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
33
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
 
35
Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
 
 
 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
37
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
 
 
 
Market Risk
 
73
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
77
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
 
 
 
on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
125
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
 
125
Item 9B.
Other Information
 
125
PART III
 
 
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
126
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
 
126
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
 
 
 
Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
126
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
 
126
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
 
126
PART IV
 
 
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
127
 
Signatures
 
130
 
2



CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained herein constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as "trend," "opportunity," "pipeline," "believe," "comfortable," "expect," "anticipate," "current," "intention," "estimate," "position," "assume," "potential," "outlook," "continue," "remain," "maintain," "sustain," "seek," "achieve" and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," "may" or similar expressions. Anthracite Capital, Inc. (the "Company") cautions that forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company assumes no duty to and does not undertake to update forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance include, without limitation:

 
(1)
the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives and strategies;
     
 
(2)
changes in political, economic or industry conditions, the interest rate environment or financial and capital markets, which could result in changes in the value of the Company's assets;
     
 
(3)
the relative and absolute investment performance and operations of BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. ("BlackRock"), the Company's Manager;
     
 
(4)
the impact of increased competition;
     
 
(5)
the impact of future acquisitions or divestitures;
     
 
(6)
the unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings;
     
 
(7)
the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to the Company or BlackRock;
     
 
(8)
terrorist activities and international hostilities, which may adversely affect the general economy, domestic and global financial and capital markets, specific industries, and the Company;
     
 
(9)
the ability of BlackRock to attract and retain highly talented professionals;
     
 
(10)
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and
     
 
(11)
the impact of changes to tax legislation and, generally, the tax position of the Company.

Additional factors are set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including this Annual Report on Form 10-K, accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
 
3

 
PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

All dollar figures expressed herein are expressed in thousands, except share or per share amounts.

General

Anthracite Capital, Inc., a Maryland corporation, and subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") is a specialty finance company that invests in commercial real estate assets on a global basis. The Company commenced operations on March 24, 1998 and is organized as a real estate investment trust ("REIT"). The Company seeks to generate income from the spread between the interest income, gains and net operating income on its commercial real estate assets and the interest expense from borrowings to finance its investments. The Company's primary activities are investing in high yielding commercial real estate debt and equity. The Company combines traditional real estate underwriting and capital markets expertise to maximize the opportunities arising from the continuing integration of these two disciplines. The Company focuses on acquiring pools of performing loans in the form of commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"), issuing secured debt backed by CMBS and providing strategic capital for the commercial real estate industry in the form of mezzanine loan financing and equity.

The Company's primary investment activities are conducted on a global basis in three investment sectors:
 
1) Commercial Real Estate Securities
 
2) Commercial Real Estate Loans
 
3) Commercial Real Estate Equity

The commercial real estate securities portfolio provides diversification and high yields that are adjusted for anticipated losses over a period of time (typically a ten-year weighted average life) and can be financed through the issuance of secured debt that matches the life of the investment. Commercial real estate loans and equity provide attractive risk adjusted returns over shorter periods of time through strategic investments in specific property types or regions.

The Company's common stock, par value $0.001 per share ("Common Stock"), is traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "AHR". The Company's primary long-term objective is to generate sufficient earnings to support a dividend at a level which provides an attractive return to stockholders. The Company establishes its dividend by analyzing the long-term sustainability of earnings given existing market conditions and the current composition of its portfolio. This includes an analysis of the Company's credit loss assumptions, general level of interest rates and projected hedging costs.

The Company is managed by BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. (the "Manager"), a subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc., a publicly traded (NYSE:BLK) asset management company with $1.357 trillion of assets under management at December 31, 2007. The Manager provides an operating platform that incorporates significant asset origination, risk management, and operational capabilities.
 
4


Commercial Real Estate Securities

The following table indicates the amounts of each category of commercial real estate securities the Company owned at December 31, 2007. The dollar price ("Dollar Price") represents the estimated fair value or adjusted purchase price of a security, respectively, relative to its par value.

Commercial Real Estate Securities
 
Par
 
Estimated Fair
Value
 
Dollar Price
 
Adjusted Purchase Price*
 
Dollar Price
 
Loss Adjusted Yield
 
U.S. Dollar Denominated:
                         
Controlling Class CMBS
 
$
1,513,132
 
$
688,764
 
$
45.52
 
$
839,141
 
$
55.46
   
10.39
%
Other below investment grade CMBS
   
60,959
   
51,856
   
85.07
   
54,481
   
89.37
   
8.63
%
Collateralized debt obligation ("CDO") investments
   
351,807
   
49,630
   
14.11
   
67,470
   
19.18
   
19.50
%
Investment grade commercial real estate securities
   
1,117,584
   
1,075,162
   
96.02
   
1,072,641
   
95.98
   
6.76
%
CMBS interest only securities ("IOs")
   
818,670
   
15,915
   
1.94
   
14,725
   
1.80
   
8.80
%
     
3,862,152
   
1,881,327
   
48.71
   
2,048,458
   
53.04
   
8.73
%
Non-U.S. Dollar Denominated:
                                     
Controlling Class CMBS
   
73,040
   
41,599
   
56.95
   
42,334
   
57.96
   
9.32
%
Other below investment grade CMBS
   
233,062
   
199,692
   
85.68
   
202,484
   
86.88
   
8.55
%
Investment grade commercial real estate securities
   
169,438
   
151,532
   
89.43
   
153,384
   
90.53
   
6.19
%
     
475,540
   
392,823
   
82.61
   
398,202
   
83.74
   
7.72
%
   
$
4,337,692
 
$
2,274,150
 
$
52.43
 
$
2,446,660
 
$
56.40
   
8.58
%
 
* Represents the amortized cost of the Company's investments.

The Company views its below investment grade CMBS investment activity as two portfolios: Controlling Class CMBS and other below investment grade CMBS. The Company considers the CMBS where it maintains the right to control the foreclosure/workout process on the underlying loans as controlling class CMBS ("Controlling Class").

Controlling Class CMBS

The Company's principal activity is to underwrite and acquire high yield CMBS that are rated below investment grade (BB+ or lower). The Company's CMBS are securities backed by pools of loans secured by first mortgages on commercial real estate in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. The commercial real estate securing the first mortgages consists of income-producing properties including office buildings, shopping centers, apartment buildings, industrial properties, healthcare properties, and hotels, among others. The terms of a typical loan include a fixed rate of interest, thirty-year amortization, some form of prepayment protection, and a large interest rate increase if not paid off at the ten-year maturity. The loans are originated by various lenders and pooled together in trusts which issue securities in the form of various classes of fixed rate debt secured by the cash flows from the underlying loans. The securities issued by the trusts are rated by one or more nationally recognized credit rating organizations and are rated AAA down to CCC. The security that is affected first by loan losses is not rated. The principal amount of the pools of loans securing the CMBS varies.
 
5


The Company focuses on acquiring the securities rated below investment grade. The most subordinated CMBS classes are the first to absorb realized losses in the loan pools. To the extent there are losses in excess of the most subordinated class' stated entitlement to principal and interest, then the remaining CMBS classes will bear such losses in order of their relative subordination. If a loss of face value, or par, is experienced in the underlying loans, a corresponding reduction in the par of the lowest rated security occurs, reducing the cash flow entitlement. The majority owner of the first loss position has the right to influence the workout process and therefore designate the trust's special servicer. The Company will generally seek to influence the workout process in each of its CMBS transactions by purchasing the majority of the trust's non-rated securities and sequentially rated securities as high as BBB+. Typically, the par amount of these below investment grade classes has represented 2.0% to 5.0% of the principal of the Underlying Loan pools. This is known as the subordination level because 2.0% to 5.0% of the collateral balance is subordinated to the senior, investment grade rated securities.

Owning commercial real estate loans in these forms allows the Company to earn loss-adjusted returns over a period of time while achieving significant diversification across geographic areas and property types.

At December 31, 2007, the Company owned 39 Controlling Class trusts in which the Company through its investment in subordinated CMBS of such trusts is in the first loss position. As a result of this investment position, the Company influences the workout process on $59,534,400 of underlying loans. The total par amount owned of these subordinated Controlling Class securities is $1,586,172. The Company does not own the senior securities that represent the remaining par amount of the underlying mortgage loans.

Prior to acquiring Controlling Class securities, the Company performs a significant amount of due diligence on the underlying loans to ensure their risk profiles meet the Company's criteria. Loans that do not meet the Company's criteria are either removed from the pool or price adjustments occur. The debt service coverage and loan to value ratios are evaluated to determine if they are appropriate for each asset class.

As part of its underwriting process, the Company assumes a certain amount of loans will incur losses over time. In performing continuing credit reviews on the 39 Controlling Class trusts, the Company estimates that specific losses totaling $779,338 related to principal of the underlying loans will not be recoverable, of which $356,272 is expected to occur over the next five years. The total loss estimate of $779,338 represents 1.3% of the total underlying loan pools.

Once acquired, the Company uses a performance monitoring system to track the credit experience of the mortgages in the pools securing both the Controlling Class and the other below investment grade CMBS. The Company receives remittance reports monthly from the trustees and monitors any delinquent loans or other issues that may affect the performance of the loans. The special servicer of a loan pool also assists in this process. The Company reviews its loss assumptions every quarter using updated payment and debt service coverage information on each loan in the context of economic trends on both a national and regional level.

Each trust has a designated special servicer. Special servicers are responsible for carrying out loan loss mitigation strategies. In addition, a special servicer will advance funds to a trust to maintain principal and interest cash flows on the trust's securities provided it believes there is a significant probability of recovering those advances from the underlying borrowers. The special servicer is paid interest on advanced funds and a fee for its efforts in carrying out loss mitigation strategies. For the Company's 39 Controlling Class trusts, Midland Loan Services, Inc. is the special servicer for 33 trusts, Capmark Finance Inc., is the special servicer for three trusts, Global Servicing Solutions Canada Corp. is the special servicer for two trusts, and the special servicer on the remaining trust is Lennar Partners, Inc. Midland Loan Services, Inc. is a related party of the Manager.
 
6


The Company's anticipated yields on its investments are based upon a number of assumptions that are subject to certain business and economic uncertainties and contingencies. Examples of such contingencies include, among other things, the timing and severity of expected credit losses, the rate and timing of principal payments (including prepayments, repurchases, defaults, liquidations, special servicer fees, and other related expenses), the pass-through or coupon rate, and interest rate fluctuations. Additional factors that may affect the Company's anticipated yields on its Controlling Class CMBS include interest payment shortfalls due to delinquencies on the underlying mortgage loans, the timing and magnitude of credit losses on the mortgage loans underlying the Controlling Class CMBS that are a result of the general condition of the real estate market (including competition for tenants and their related credit quality) and changes in market rental rates. As these uncertainties and contingencies are difficult to predict and are subject to future events which may alter these assumptions, no assurance can be given that the Company's anticipated yields to maturity will be maintained.

The weighted average loss adjusted yield for all subordinated Controlling Class securities at December 31, 2007 was 9.81%. If the loss assumptions prove to be consistent with actual loss experience, the Company will maintain that level of income for the life of the security. As actual losses differ from the original loss assumptions, yields are adjusted to reflect the updated assumptions. In addition, a write-down of the adjusted purchase price of the security may be required. (See Item 7A -"Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for more information on the sensitivity of the Company's income and adjusted purchase price to changes in credit experience.)

Other Below Investment Grade CMBS

The Company does not typically purchase a BB- or lower rated security unless the Company is involved in the new issue due diligence process and has a clear pari passu alignment of interest with the special servicer, or can appoint the special servicer. The Company purchases BB+ and BB rated securities at their original issue or in the secondary market without necessarily having influence over the workout process. BB+ and BB rated CMBS do not absorb losses until the BB- and lower rated securities have experienced losses of their entire principal amounts. The Company believes the subordination levels of these securities provide additional credit protection and diversification with an attractive risk return profile.

CDOs

The Company issues secured term debt through its CDO offerings. This entails creating a special purpose entity that holds assets used to secure the payments required of the debt issued. For those that qualify as a sale under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities ("FAS 140"), the Company records the transaction as a sale and carries any retained bonds as a component of securities available-for-sale on its consolidated statements of financial condition. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, the Company had retained bonds with an estimated fair value of $35,055 and $114,142 on its consolidated statement of financial condition related to CDO HY1 and CDO HY2. The Company also owns preferred securities in LEAFs CMBS I Ltd ("Leaf"). Leaf issued non-recourse liabilities secured by investment grade commercial real estate securities. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, Leaf preferred securities were carried at an estimated fair value of $14,576 and $6,493 on the Company's consolidated statements of financial condition.
 
7


Investment Grade Commercial Real Estate Related Securities

The Company invests in investment grade commercial real estate related securities in the form of CMBS and unsecured debt of commercial real estate companies. The addition of these higher rated securities is intended to add greater stability to the long-term performance of the Company's portfolio as a whole and to provide greater diversification to optimize secured financing alternatives. The Company seeks to assemble a portfolio of high quality issues that will maintain consistent performance over the life of the security.

CMBS Interest Only securities ("CMBS IOs")

The Company invests in CMBS IOs. These securities represent a portion of the interest coupons paid by the underlying loans. The Company views this portfolio as possessing attractive relative value versus other alternatives. These securities do not have significant prepayment risk because the underlying loans generally have prepayment restrictions for certain periods of time. Furthermore, the credit risk is also mitigated because the IO represents a portion of all underlying loans, not solely the first loss.

Commercial Real Estate Loans

The Company's loan activity is focused on providing mezzanine capital to the commercial real estate industry. The Company targets real estate operators with strong track records and compelling business plans designed to enhance the value of their real estate. These loans generally are subordinated to a senior lender or first mortgage and are priced to reflect a higher return. The Company has significant experience in closing large, complex loan transactions and believes it can deliver timely and competitive financing.

The types of commercial real estate loans include subordinated participations in first mortgages, loans secured by partnership interests, preferred equity interests in real estate limited partnerships and loans secured by second mortgages. The weighted average life of these investments is generally two to three years and the investments have fixed or floating rate coupons.

The Company performs significant due diligence before making investments to evaluate risks and opportunities in this sector. The Company generally focuses on strong sponsorship, attractive real estate fundamentals, and pricing and structural characteristics that provide significant influence over the underlying asset.

The Company's activity in commercial real estate loans also has been conducted through Carbon Capital, Inc. ("Carbon I") and Carbon Capital II, Inc. ("Carbon II", and collectively with Carbon I, the "Carbon Funds"), private commercial real estate income funds managed by the Company's Manager. The Company believes the use of the Carbon Funds allows it to invest in larger institutional quality assets with greater diversification. The Company's consolidated financial statements include its share of the net assets and income of the Carbon Funds. At December 31, 2007, the Company owned approximately 20% of Carbon I as well as approximately 26% of Carbon II. The Company's investments in the Carbon Funds at December 31, 2007 were $99,398, compared with $72,403 at December 31, 2006.
 
8


Commercial Real Estate Equity

BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc. ("BlackRock Diamond") is a REIT managed by BlackRock Realty Advisors, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company's Manager. The Company invested $100,000 in BlackRock Diamond. The Company redeemed $25,000 of its investment on June 30, 2007 and redeemed the remaining $75,000 and accumulated earnings on September 30, 2007. Over the life of this investment, the Company recognized a cumulative profit of $34,853, an annualized return of 20.8%.

Financing and Leverage

The Company has historically financed its assets with the net proceeds of Common Stock offerings, the issuance of Common Stock, the issuance of preferred stock, long-term secured and unsecured borrowings, short-term borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements and the credit facilities discussed below. In the future, assets may be financed in a similar manner. The Company expects that, in general, it will employ leverage consistent with the type of assets acquired and the desired level of risk in various investment environments. The Company's governing documents do not explicitly limit the amount of leverage that the Company may employ. Instead, the Board of Directors has adopted an indebtedness policy for the Company that limits its recourse debt to equity ratio to a maximum of 3.0 to 1.0, which is consistent with the financial covenants in the Company's credit facilities (see discussion of credit facilities below). The Company's recourse debt-to-equity ratio of 2.8 to 1 at December 31, 2007 was in compliance with the policy. The Board of Directors may reduce the Company's indebtedness policy at any time.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements and Credit Facilities

The Company has entered into reverse repurchase agreements to finance its securities that are not financed under its credit facilities or CDOs. Reverse repurchase agreements are secured loans generally with a term of 30 to 90 days. The reverse repurchase agreements collateralized by most of these securities bear interest at rates that historically have moved in close relationship to the London Interbank Offered Rate for U.S. dollar deposits ("LIBOR"). After the initial period expires, there is no obligation for the lender to extend credit for an additional period. This type of financing generally is available only for more liquid securities. The interest rate charged on reverse repurchase agreements is usually lower compared with interest rates charged on alternatives due to the lower risk inherent in reverse repurchase transactions.

The Company's credit facilities can be used to replace existing reverse repurchase agreement borrowings and to finance the acquisition of mortgage-backed securities and commercial real estate loans. Committed financing facilities represent multi-year agreements to provide secured financing for a specific asset class. These facilities include a mark-to-market provision requiring the Company to repay borrowings if the value of the pledged asset declines in excess of a threshold amount and bear interest at a variable rate. A significant difference between committed financing facilities and reverse repurchase agreements is the term of the financing. A committed facility provider generally is required to provide financing for the full term of the agreement, rather than for thirty or ninety days as is customary in reverse repurchase transactions. This longer term makes the financing of less liquid assets viable.

Under the credit facilities and the reverse repurchase agreements, the respective lenders retain the right to mark the underlying collateral to estimated fair value. A reduction in the value of pledged assets will require the Company to provide additional collateral or fund cash margin calls. From time to time, the Company expects that it will be required to provide such additional collateral or fund margin calls. The Company received and funded margin calls totaling $82,570 during 2007, $73,793 from January 1, 2008 through March 10, 2008, and will fund another $11,118 on March 14, 2008.
 
9


Further information with respect to the Company's reverse repurchase agreements, credit facilities, and commercial mortgage loan pools at December 31, 2007 is summarized as follows:
 
   
Reverse
Repurchase Agreements
 
Credit
Facilities
 
Commercial
Mortgage
Loan Pools
 
Commercial Real Estate Securities
             
Outstanding Borrowings
 
$
71,161
 
$
405,568
   
-
 
Weighted average borrowing rate
   
5.46
%
 
5.64
%
 
-
 
Weighted average remaining
                   
maturity
   
7 days
   
1.09 years
   
-
 
Estimated fair value of assets
                   
pledged
 
$
83,990
 
$
590,031
   
-
 
                     
Commercial Real Estate Loans
                   
Outstanding Borrowings
   
-
 
$
259,905
   
-
 
Weighted average borrowing rate
   
-
   
5.83
%
 
-
 
Weighted average remaining
                   
maturity
   
-
   
1.72 years
   
-
 
Estimated fair value of assets
                   
pledged
   
-
 
$
368,762
   
-
 
                     
Agency Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities
                   
Outstanding Borrowings
 
$
8,958
   
-
   
-
 
Weighted average borrowing rate
   
5.15
%
 
-
   
-
 
Weighted average remaining
                   
maturity
   
10 days
   
-
   
-
 
Estimated fair value of assets
                   
pledged
 
$
9,126
   
-
   
-
 
                     
Commercial Mortgage Loan Pools
                   
Outstanding Borrowings
   
-
 
$
6,128
 
$
1,219,094
 
Weighted average borrowing rate
   
-
   
5.90
%
 
3.99
%
Weighted average remaining
                   
maturity
   
-
   
233 days
   
4.90 years
 
Estimated fair value of assets
                   
pledged
   
-
 
$
10,346
 
$
1,240,793
 
 
10


Further information with respect to the Company's reverse repurchase agreements, credit facilities, and commercial mortgage loan pools at December 31, 2006 is summarized as follows:
 

   
Reverse
Repurchase
Agreements
 
Credit Facilities
 
Commercial
Mortgage Loan
Pools
 
Commercial Real Estate Securities
             
Outstanding Borrowings
 
$
527,316
 
$
48,105
   
-
 
Weighted average borrowing rate
   
5.38
%
 
6.91
%
 
-
 
                   
Weighted average remaining maturity
   
79 days
   
243 days
   
-
 
Estimated fair value of assets
                   
pledged
 
$
570,864
 
$
69,462
*  
-
 
 
                   
Commercial Real Estate Loans
                   
Outstanding Borrowings
   
-
 
$
26,570
   
-
 
Weighted average borrowing rate
   
-
   
6.34
%
 
-
 
Weighted average remaining
   
-
         
-
 
maturity
         
245 days
       
Estimated fair value of assets
   
-
         
-
 
pledged
       
$
41,748
       
Agency Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities
           
Outstanding Borrowings
 
$
266,731
   
-
   
-
 
Weighted average borrowing rate
   
5.34
%
 
-
   
-
 
Weighted average remaining
                   
maturity
   
79 days
   
-
   
-
 
Estimated fair value of assets
                   
pledged
 
$
275,729
   
-
   
-
 
 
                   
Commercial Mortgage Loan Pools
                   
Outstanding Borrowings
 
$
5,623
 
$
772
 
$
1,250,503
 
Weighted average borrowing rate
   
6.06
%
 
6.60
%
 
3.99
%
Weighted average remaining
                   
maturity
   
8 days
   
29 days
   
5.84 years
 
Estimated fair value of assets
                   
pledged
 
$
7,481
 
$
1,209
 
$
1,271,014
 
 
*$21,742 of assets pledged are retained CDO bonds.

CDOs

The Company finances the majority of its commercial real estate assets with match funded, secured term debt through CDO offerings. To accomplish this, the Company forms special purpose entities (each an "SPE") and contributes a portfolio consisting of below investment grade CMBS, investment grade CMBS, unsecured debt of commercial real estate companies and commercial real estate loans in exchange for the preferred equity interest in the SPE. With the exceptions of the Company's fourth and fifth CDOs ("CDO HY1" and "CDO HY2", respectively), these transactions are considered financings and the SPEs are fully consolidated on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The SPE then will issue fixed and floating rate debt secured by the cash flows of the securities in its portfolio. The SPE will enter into an interest rate swap agreement to convert the floating rate debt issued to a fixed interest rate, thus matching the cash flow profile of the underlying portfolio. For those CDOs not denominated in U.S. dollars, the SPE will also enter into currency swap agreements to minimize any currency exposure. The debt issued by the SPE generally is rated AAA down to BB. Due to its preferred equity interest, the Company continues to manage the credit risk of the underlying portfolio as it did prior to the assets being contributed to the CDO.
 
11


CDO debt is the Company's preferred capital structure to maximize returns on these types of portfolios on a non-recourse basis. There is no mark-to-market requirement in this structure and the debt cannot be called or terminated by the bondholders. Furthermore, since the debt issued is non-recourse to the issuer, permanent reductions in asset value do not affect the liquidity of the Company. However, since the Company expects to earn a positive spread between the income generated by the assets and the expense of the debt issued, a permanent impairment of any of the assets would negatively affect the spread over time. Other forms of financing used for these types of assets include multi-year committed financing facilities and 30 and 90-day reverse repurchase agreements.

The terms of five of eight CDOs issued by the Company include coverage tests, including over-collateralization tests, used primarily to determine whether and to what extent principal and interest proceeds on the underlying collateral debt securities and other assets may be used to pay principal of and interest on the subordinate classes of bonds in the applicable CDO. In the event the coverage tests are not satisfied, interest and principal that would otherwise be payable on the subordinate classes may be re-directed to pay principal on the senior bond classes. Therefore, failure to satisfy the coverage tests could adversely affect cash flows received by the Company from the CDOs and thereby the Company's liquidity and operating results. As of December 31, 2007, none of the collateral debt securities or other assets in the applicable CDOs is in a condition that would cause expedited amortization.

At December 31, 2007, outstanding borrowings under the Company's CDOs were $1,823,328 with a weighted average borrowing rate of 6.11% and a weighted average maturity of 4.8 years. Estimated fair value of assets pledged was $2,014,047, consisting of 86.1% of commercial real estate securities and 13.9% of commercial real estate loans.

At December 31, 2006, outstanding borrowings under the Company's CDOs were $1,812,574 with a weighted average borrowing rate of 6.02% and a weighted average maturity of 7.0 years. Estimated fair value of assets pledged was $2,096,455, consisting of 80.3% of commercial real estate securities and 19.7% of commercial real estate loans.

Unsecured Recourse Borrowings
 
The Company may issue senior unsecured notes, senior convertible notes, junior unsecured notes and junior subordinated notes from time to time as a source of unsecured long-term capital. Senior unsecured notes, junior unsecured notes and junior subordinated notes bear interest at fixed or floating rates and can be redeemed in whole by the Company after a period of time, subject to certain provisions, which could include the payment of fees. Senior convertible notes have a fixed coupon and are convertible to common stock under certain conditions.

Preferred and Common Stock Issuances

The Company may issue preferred stock from time to time as a source of long-term or permanent capital. Preferred stock generally has a fixed coupon and may have a fixed term in the form of a maturity date or other redemption or conversion features. The preferred stockholder typically has the right to a preferential distribution for dividends and any liquidity proceeds.
 
12


Another source of permanent capital is the issuance of Common Stock through a follow-on offering. In some cases, investors may purchase a large block of Common Stock in one transaction. A Common Stock issuance can be accretive to the Company's book value per share if the issue price per share exceeds the Company's book value per share. It also can be accretive to earnings per share if the Company deploys the new capital into assets that generate a risk adjusted return that exceeds the return of the Company's existing assets. Furthermore, earnings accretion also can be achieved at reinvestment rates that are lower than the return on existing assets if Common Stock is issued at a premium to book value.

Hedging Activities
 
The Company enters into hedging transactions to protect its investment portfolio and related borrowings from interest rate fluctuations, foreign exchange rate and other changes in market conditions. From time to time, the Company may modify its exposure to market interest rates by entering into various financial instruments that adjust portfolio duration, as well as short-term and foreign exchange rate exposure. These financial instruments are intended to mitigate the effect of changes in interest and foreign exchange rates on the value of the Company's assets and the cost of borrowing. These transactions may include interest rate swaps, currency swaps, the purchase or sale of interest rate collars, caps or floors, options, and other hedging instruments. These instruments may be used to hedge as much of the interest rate risk as the Manager determines is in the best interest of the Company's stockholders, given the cost of such hedges. The Manager may elect to have the Company bear a level of interest rate risk that could otherwise be hedged when the Manager believes, based on all relevant facts, that bearing such risk is advisable. The Manager has extensive experience in hedging interest rate risks with these types of instruments.
 
Hedging instruments often are not traded on regulated exchanges, guaranteed by an exchange or its clearinghouse, or regulated by any U.S. or foreign governmental authorities. The Company will enter into these transactions only with counterparties with long-term debt rated A or better by at least one nationally recognized credit rating organization. The business failure of a counterparty with which the Company has entered into a hedging transaction most likely will result in a default, which may result in the loss of unrealized profits. Although the Company generally will seek to reserve for itself the right to terminate its hedging positions, it may not always be possible to dispose of or close out a hedging position without the consent of the counterparty, and the Company may not be able to enter into an offsetting contract in order to cover its risk. There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for hedging instruments purchased or sold, and the Company may be required to maintain a position until exercise or expiration, which could result in losses.
 
The Company's hedging activities are intended to address both income and capital preservation. Income preservation refers to maintaining a stable spread between yields from mortgage assets and the Company's borrowing costs across a reasonable range of adverse interest rate environments. Capital preservation refers to maintaining a relatively steady level in the estimated fair value of the Company's capital across a reasonable range of adverse interest and foreign exchange rate scenarios. However, no strategy can insulate the Company completely from changes in interest and foreign exchange rates. 
 
13


Operating Policies

The Company has adopted compliance guidelines, including restrictions on acquiring, holding, and selling assets, to help ensure that the Company meets the requirements for qualification as a REIT under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and is excluded from regulation as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"). Before acquiring any asset, the Manager determines whether such asset would constitute a "Real Estate Asset" under the REIT provisions of the Code. The Company regularly monitors purchases of commercial real estate assets and the income generated from such assets, including income from its hedging activities, in an effort to ensure that at all times the Company's assets and income meet the requirements for qualification as a REIT and exclusion under the Investment Company Act.

In order to maintain the Company's REIT status, the Company generally intends to distribute to its stockholders aggregate dividends equaling at least 90% of its taxable income each year. The Code permits the Company to fulfill this distribution requirement by the end of the year following the year in which the taxable income was earned.

Regulation

The Company intends to continue to conduct its business so as not to become regulated as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Under the Investment Company Act, a non-exempt entity that is an investment company is required to register with the SEC and is subject to extensive, restrictive and potentially adverse regulation relating to, among other things, operating methods, management, capital structure, dividends and transactions with related parties. The Investment Company Act exempts entities that are "primarily engaged in the business of purchasing or otherwise acquiring mortgages and other liens on and interests in real estate" ("Qualifying Interests"). Under current interpretation by the staff of the SEC, to qualify for this exemption, the Company, among other things, must maintain at least 55% of its assets in Qualifying Interests.

A portion of the CMBS acquired by the Company are collateralized by pools of first mortgage loans where the terms of the CMBS owned by the Company provide the right to monitor the performance of the underlying mortgage loans through loan management and servicing rights and the right to control workout/foreclosure rights in the event of default on the underlying mortgage loans. When such rights exist, the Company believes that the related Controlling Class CMBS constitute Qualifying Interests for purposes of the Investment Company Act. Therefore, the Company believes that it should not be required to register as an "investment company" under the Investment Company Act as long as it continues to invest in a sufficient amount of such Controlling Class CMBS and/or in other Qualifying Interests.

If the SEC or its staff were to take a different position with respect to whether the Company's Controlling Class CMBS constitute Qualifying Interests, the Company could be required to modify its business plan so that either (i) it would not be required to register as an investment company or (ii) it would register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Modification of the Company's business plan so that it would not be required to register as an investment company might entail a disposition of a significant portion of the Company's Controlling Class CMBS or the acquisition of significant additional assets, such as agency pass-through and other mortgage-backed securities, which are Qualifying Interests. Modification of the Company's business plan to register as an investment company could result in increased operating expenses and could entail reducing the Company's indebtedness, which also could require it to sell a significant portion of its assets. No assurances can be given that any such dispositions or acquisitions of assets, or de-leveraging, could be accomplished on favorable terms. Consequently, any such modification of the Company's business plan could have a material adverse effect on the Company. Further, if it were established that the Company were operating as an unregistered investment company, there would be a risk that the Company would be subject to monetary penalties and injunctive relief in an action brought by the SEC, that the Company would be unable to enforce contracts with third parties, and that third parties could seek to obtain rescission of transactions undertaken during the period it was established that the Company was an unregistered investment company. Any such result would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
14


Competition

The Company's net income depends, in large part, on the Company's ability to acquire commercial real estate assets at favorable spreads over the Company's borrowing costs. In acquiring commercial real estate assets, the Company competes with other mortgage REITs, specialty finance companies, savings and loan associations, banks, mortgage bankers, insurance companies, mutual funds, institutional investors, investment banking firms, other lenders, governmental bodies, and other entities. In addition, there are numerous mortgage REITs with asset acquisition objectives similar to the Company's, and others may be organized in the future. The effect of the existence of additional REITs may be to increase competition for the available supply of commercial real estate assets suitable for purchase by the Company. Some of the Company's competitors are significantly larger than the Company, have access to greater capital and other resources, and may have other advantages over the Company. In addition to existing companies, other companies may be organized for purposes similar to that of the Company, including companies organized as REITs focused on purchasing commercial real estate assets. A proliferation of such companies may increase the competition for equity capital and thereby adversely affect the market price of the Company's Common Stock.

Employees

The Company does not have any employees. The Company's officers, each of whom is a full-time employee of the Manager or its affiliates, perform the duties required pursuant to the Management Agreement (as defined below) with the Manager and the Company's bylaws.

Management Agreements

The Company has a Management Agreement, an administrative services agreement and an accounting services agreement with the Manager, the employer, with its affiliates, of certain directors and all of the officers of the Company, under which the Manager and the Company's officers manage the Company's day-to-day investment operations, subject to the direction and oversight of the Company's Board of Directors. Pursuant to the Management Agreement and these other agreements, the Manager and the Company's officers formulate investment strategies, arrange for the acquisition of assets, arrange for financing, monitor the performance of the Company's assets and provide certain other advisory, administrative and managerial services in connection with the operations of the Company. For performing certain of these services, the Company pays the Manager under the Management Agreement a base management fee equal to 2.0% of the quarterly average total stockholders' equity for the applicable quarter.
 
15


The Manager is entitled to receive an incentive fee under the Management Agreement equal to 25% of the amount by which the rolling four-quarter net income in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") before the incentive fee exceeds the greater of 8.5% or 400 basis points over the ten-year Treasury note multiplied by the adjusted per share issue price of the Company's Common Stock ($11.33 adjusted per share issue price at December 31, 2007). Additionally, up to 30% of the incentive fees earned in 2006 or after may be paid in shares of the Company's Common Stock subject to certain provisions under a compensatory deferred stock plan approved by the stockholders of the Company in 2007. The Board of Directors also authorized a stock based incentive plan pursuant to which one-half of one percent of common shares outstanding are paid to the Manager at the end of each calendar year. 289,155 shares were paid to the Manager on March 30, 2007.
 
The Company's unaffiliated directors approved an extension of the Management Agreement to March 31, 2008 at the Board's March 2007 meeting.

The Manager primarily engages in four investment activities in its capacity as Manager on behalf of the Company: (i) acquiring and originating commercial real estate loans and other real estate related assets; (ii) asset/liability and risk management, hedging of floating rate liabilities, and financing, management and disposition of assets, including credit and prepayment risk management; (iii) surveillance and restructuring of real estate loans and (iv) capital management, structuring, analysis, capital raising, and investor relations activities. At all times, the Manager and the Company's officers are subject to the direction and oversight of the Company's Board of Directors.

The Company may terminate, or decline to renew the term of, the Management Agreement without cause at any time upon 60 days' written notice by a majority vote of the unaffiliated directors. Although no termination fee is payable in connection with a termination for cause, in connection with a termination without cause, the Company must pay the Manager a termination fee, which could be substantial. The amount of the termination fee will be determined by independent appraisal of the value of the Management Agreement. Such appraisal is to be conducted by a nationally-recognized appraisal firm mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Manager. The other agreements the Company has with the Manager also may be terminated by the Company; in the case of the administrative services agreement, at any time upon 60 days' written notice, and in the case of the accounting services agreement, following the 24 month anniversary thereof, on 60 days' written notice prior to the 12 month anniversary thereof, or upon 60 days' written notice following the termination of the Management Agreement.

In addition, the Company has the right at any time during the term of the Management Agreement to terminate the Management Agreement without the payment of any termination fee upon, among other things, a material breach by the Manager of any provision contained in the Management Agreement that remains uncured at the end of the applicable cure period.

Taxation of the Company

The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code, and the Company intends to continue to operate in a manner consistent with the REIT provisions of the Code. The Company's qualification as a REIT depends on its ability to meet the various requirements imposed by the Code, through actual operating results, asset holdings, distribution levels, and diversity of stock ownership.

The Company and its stockholders may be subject to foreign, state, and local taxation in various foreign, state, and local jurisdictions, including those in which it or they transact business or reside. The state and local tax treatment of the Company and its stockholders may not conform to the Company's federal income tax treatment.
 
16


Website

The Company's website address is www.anthracitecapital.com. The Company makes available free of charge through its website its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, all amendments to those reports and other filings as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC, and also makes available on its website the charters for the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of the Board of Directors and its Codes of Business Conduct and Ethics, as well as its corporate governance guidelines. Copies in print of these documents are available upon request to the Secretary of the Company at the address indicated on the cover of this report. To communicate with the Board of Directors electronically, the Company has established an e-mail address, anthracitebod@blackrock.com, to which stockholders may send correspondence to the Board of Directors or any such individual directors or group or committee of directors.

In accordance with NYSE Rules, on June 21, 2007, the Company filed the annual certification by its Chief Executive Officer certifying that he was unaware of any violation by the Company of the NYSE's corporate governance listing standards at the time of the certification.
 
17


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Risks

The Company's business is subject to many risks. In addition to the other information in this document, you should consider carefully the following risk factors. Additional risk factors may impair the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.

Risks related to the Manager

Conflicts of interest of the Manager may result in decisions that do not fully reflect stockholders' best interests.

The Company and the Manager have some common officers and directors, which may present conflicts of interest in the Company's dealings with the Manager and its affiliates, including the Company's purchase of assets originated by such affiliates.

The Manager and its employees may engage in other business activities that could reduce the time and effort spent on the management of the Company. The Manager also provides services to REITs not affiliated with the Company. As a result, there may be a conflict of interest between the operations of the Manager and its affiliates in the acquisition and disposition of commercial real estate assets. In addition, the Manager and its affiliates may from time to time purchase commercial real estate assets for their own account and may purchase or sell assets from or to the Company. For example, BlackRock Realty Advisors, Inc., a subsidiary of the Manager, provides real estate equity and other real estate related products and services in a variety of strategies to its institutional investor client base. In doing so, it purchases real estate on behalf of its clients that may underlie the real estate loans and securities the Company acquires, and consequently depending on the factual circumstances involved, there may be conflicts between the Company and those clients. Such conflicts may result in decisions and allocations of commercial real estate assets by the Manager, or decisions by the Manager's affiliates, that are not in the Company's best interests.

Although the Company has adopted investment guidelines, these guidelines give the Manager significant discretion in investing. The Company's investment and operating policies and the strategies that the Manager uses to implement those policies may be changed at any time without the consent of stockholders.

The Company is dependent on the Manager, and the termination by the Company of its Management Agreement with the Manager could result in a termination fee.

The Company's success is dependent on the Manager's ability to attract and retain quality personnel. The market for portfolio managers, investment analysts, financial advisers and other professionals is extremely competitive. There can be no assurance the Manager will be successful in its efforts to recruit and retain the required personnel.

The Management Agreement between the Company and the Manager provides for base management fees payable to the Manager without consideration of the performance of the Company's portfolio and also provides for incentive fees based on certain performance criteria, which could result in the Manager recommending riskier or more speculative investments. Termination of the Management Agreement by the Company would result in the payment of a substantial termination fee, which could adversely affect the Company's financial condition. Termination of the Management Agreement could also adversely affect the Company if the Company were unable to find a suitable replacement.
 
18


There is a limitation on the liability of the Manager.

Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Manager does not assume any responsibility other than to render the services called for under the Management Agreement and is not responsible for any action of the Company's Board of Directors in following or declining to follow its advice or recommendations. The Manager and its directors and officers will not be liable to the Company, any of its subsidiaries, its unaffiliated directors, its stockholders or any subsidiary's stockholders for acts performed in accordance with and pursuant to the Management Agreement, except by reason of acts constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their duties under the Management Agreement. The Company has agreed to indemnify the Manager and its directors and officers with respect to all expenses, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, charges and claims arising from acts of the Manager not constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties, performed in good faith in accordance with and pursuant to the Management Agreement.

The Company may change its investment and operational policies without stockholder consent.
The Company may change its investment and operational policies, including the Company's policies with respect to investments, acquisitions, growth, operations, indebtedness, capitalization and distributions, at any time without the consent of the Company's stockholders, which could result in the Company making investments that are different from, and possibly riskier than, the types of investments described in this filing. A change in the Company investment strategy may increase the Company's exposure to interest rate risk, default risk and real estate market fluctuations, all of which could adversely affect the Company's ability to make distributions.

Risks related to the Company's business

If the Company's lenders terminate or fail to renew any of its credit facilities or repurchase agreements, the Company may not be able to continue to fund its business. 
 
At December 31, 2007, borrowings under the Company's credit facilities totaled $671,000. These facilities contain various representations and warranties, covenants, conditions and events of default that if breached, not satisfied, or triggered could result in termination of the facilities. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to extend the term of any of its existing financing arrangements or obtain sufficient funds to repay any amounts outstanding under any financing arrangement before it expires, either from one or more replacement financing arrangements or an alternative debt or equity financing. Consequently, if one or more of these facilities were to terminate prior to its expected maturity date or if any such facility were not renewed, the Company's liquidity position could be materially adversely affected, and it may not be able to satisfy its outstanding loan commitments, originate new loans or continue to fund its operations.

The Company's liquidity position could be adversely affected if it were unable to complete additional CDOs on favorable terms or at all.
 
19

 
The Company has completed several CDOs through which it raised a significant amount of debt capital. Relevant considerations regarding the Company's ability to complete additional term debt transactions include:

·
to the extent that the capital markets generally, and the asset-backed securities market in particular, suffer disruptions, the Company may be unable to complete CDOs;
 
·
disruptions in the credit quality and performance of the Company's commercial real estate securities and loan portfolio, particularly that portion which previously has been securitized and serves as collateral for existing CDOs, could reduce or eliminate investor demand for its CDOs in the future;
 
·
any material downgrading or withdrawal of ratings given to securities previously issued in the Company's CDOs would reduce demand for additional term debt by it; and
 
·
structural changes imposed by rating agencies or investors may reduce the leverage it is able to obtain, increase the cost and otherwise adversely affect the efficiency of its CDOs.
 
If the Company is unable to continue completing these CDO transactions on favorable terms or at all, its ability to obtain the capital needed would be adversely affected. In turn, this could have a material adverse effect on the Company's growth and its Common Stock price.

The Company's repurchase agreements and its CDO financing agreements may limit its ability to make investments.

In order to borrow money to make investments under the Company's repurchase agreements, its lenders have the right to review the potential investment for which the Company is seeking financing. The Company may be unable to obtain the consent of its lenders to make investments that it believes are favorable to the Company. If the Company's lenders do not consent to the inclusion of the potential asset in a repurchase facility, the Company may be unable to obtain alternate financing for that investment. The Company's lender's consent rights with respect to its repurchase agreements may limit its ability to execute its business plan.

Each CDO financing in which the Company engages will contain certain eligibility criteria with respect to the collateral that it seeks to acquire and sell to the CDO issuer. If the collateral does not meet the eligibility criteria for eligible collateral as set forth in the transaction documents of such CDO transaction, the Company may not be able to acquire and sell such collateral to the CDO issuer. The inability of the collateral to meet eligibility requirements with respect to the Company's CDOs may limit its ability to execute its business plan.

Interest rate fluctuations will affect the value of the Company's commercial real estate assets and may adversely affect the Company's net income and the price of its Common Stock.

Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations and other factors. Interest rate fluctuations can adversely affect the income and value of the Company's Common Stock in many ways and present a variety of risks, including the risk of a mismatch between asset yields and borrowing rates, variances in the yield curve, changes in prepayment rates and margin calls.
 
20


The Company's operating results depend in large part on differences between the income from its assets (net of credit losses) and borrowing costs. The Company funds a substantial portion of its assets with borrowings that have interest rates that reset relatively rapidly, such as monthly or quarterly. The Company anticipates that, in most cases, the income from its floating-rate assets will respond more slowly to interest rate fluctuations than the cost of borrowings, creating a potential mismatch between asset yields and borrowing rates. Consequently, changes in interest rates, particularly short-term interest rates, may influence the Company's net income. Increases in these rates tend to decrease the Company's net income and estimated fair value of the Company's net assets. Interest rate fluctuations that result in the Company's interest expense exceeding interest income would result in the Company incurring operating losses.

The Company also invests in fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities. In a period of rising interest rates, the Company's interest payments could increase while the interest the Company earns on its fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities would not change. This would adversely affect the Company's profitability.

The relationship between short-term and long-term interest rates often is referred to as the "yield curve." Ordinarily, short-term interest rates are lower than long-term interest rates. If short-term interest rates rise disproportionately relative to long-term interest rates (a flattening of the yield curve), the Company's borrowing costs may increase more rapidly than the interest income earned on the Company's assets. Because the Company's borrowings primarily will bear interest at short-term rates and the Company's assets primarily will bear interest at medium-term to long-term rates, a flattening of the yield curve tends to decrease the Company's net income and estimated fair value of the Company's net assets. Additionally, to the extent cash flows from long-term assets that return scheduled and unscheduled principal are reinvested, the spread between the yields of the new assets and available borrowing rates may decline and also may tend to decrease the net income and estimated fair value of the Company's net assets. It is also possible that short-term interest rates may adjust relative to long-term interest rates such that the level of short-term rates exceeds the level of long-term rates (a yield curve inversion). In this case, the Company's borrowing costs may exceed the Company's interest income and operating losses could be incurred.

A portion of the Company's commercial real estate assets are financed under reverse repurchase agreements and committed borrowing facilities which are subject to mark-to-market risk. Such secured financing arrangements provide for an advance rate based upon a percentage of the estimated fair value of the asset being financed. Market movements that cause asset values to decline could require a margin call or a cash payment to maintain the relationship between asset value and amount borrowed.

The Company's investments may be subject to impairment charges.

The Company periodically evaluates its investments for impairment indicators. The judgment regarding the existence of impairment indicators is based on a variety of factors depending on the nature of the investment and the manner in which the income related to such investment is calculated for purposes of the Company's financial statements. If the Company determines that a significant impairment has occurred, the Company would be required to make an adjustment to the net carrying value of the investment, which could materially adversely affect the Company's results of operations in the applicable period.
 
21


Some of the Company's investments may be recorded at fair value as determined in good faith by the Manager and, as a result, there will be uncertainty as to the value of these investments.

Some of the Company's portfolio investments may be in the form of assets that are not publicly traded. The fair value of securities and other investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable. The Company values these investments quarterly at fair value as determined in good faith by the Manager. Because such valuations are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time, and may be based on estimates, the Company's determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these securities existed. The value of the Common Stock could be adversely affected if the Company's determinations regarding the fair value of these investments were materially higher than the values that the Company ultimately realizes upon their disposal.

The Company's assets include subordinated CMBS and similar investments which are subordinate in right of payment to more senior securities.

The Company's assets include a significant amount of subordinated CMBS, which are the most subordinate class of securities in a structure of securities secured by a pool of loans and accordingly are the first to bear the loss upon a restructuring or liquidation of the underlying collateral and the last to receive payment of interest and principal. The Company may not recover the full amount or, in extreme cases, any of its initial investment in such subordinated securities.

In general, losses on an asset securing a mortgage loan included in a securitization will be borne first by the equity holder of the property, then by a cash reserve fund or letter of credit, if any, and then by the class of most junior security holders. In the event of default and the exhaustion of any equity support, reserve fund and letter of credit, classes of junior securities in which the Company invests may not be able to recover some or all of its investment in the securities it purchases. In addition, if the underlying mortgage portfolio has been overvalued by the originator, or if the values subsequently decline and, as a result, less collateral is available to satisfy interest and principal payments due on the related mortgage-backed securities, the securities in which it invests may incur significant losses.

The estimated fair values of lower credit quality CMBS and similar investments tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than those of more highly rated investments, but more sensitive to changes in economic conditions and underlying borrower developments. A projection of an economic downturn, for example, could cause a decline in the price of lower credit quality CMBS because the ability of borrowers to make principal and interest payments on the mortgages underlying the mortgage-backed securities may be impaired. In such event, existing credit support in the securitization structure may be insufficient to protect the Company against loss of its principal on these securities. In addition, such subordinated interests generally are not actively traded and may not provide the Company as a holder thereof with liquidity of investment.

The subordinate interests in whole loans in which the Company invests may be subject to additional risks relating to the privately negotiated structure and terms of the transaction, which may result in losses to the Company.

A subordinate interest in a whole loan is a mortgage loan typically (i) secured by a whole loan on a single large commercial property or group of related properties and (ii) subordinated to a senior interest secured by the same whole loan on the same collateral. As a result, if a borrower defaults, there may not be sufficient funds remaining for subordinate interest owners after payment to the senior interest owners. Subordinate interests reflect similar credit risks to comparably rated CMBS. However, since each transaction is privately negotiated, subordinate interests can vary in their structural characteristics and risks. For example, the rights of holders of subordinate interests to control the process following a borrower default may be limited in certain investments. The Company cannot predict the terms of each subordinate investment. Further, subordinate interests typically are secured by a single property, and so reflect the increased risks associated with a single property compared to a pool of properties. Subordinate interests also are less liquid than CMBS, thus the Company may be unable to dispose of underperforming or non-performing investments. The higher risks associated with its subordinate position in these investments could subject the Company to increased risk of losses.
 
22


The Company's ownership of non-investment grade commercial real estate assets subjects it to an increased risk of loss which could adversely affect yields on its investments.

The Company acquires commercial real estate loans and non-investment grade mortgage-backed securities, which are subject to greater risk of credit loss on principal and non-payment of interest than investments in senior investment grade securities.

The commercial mortgage and mezzanine loans the Company originates or acquires and the commercial mortgage loans underlying the CMBS in which the Company invests are subject to delinquency, foreclosure and loss, which could result in losses to the Company.

The Company's commercial mortgage and mezzanine loans are secured by commercial property and are subject to risks of delinquency and foreclosure, and risks of loss that are greater than similar risks associated with loans made on the security of single-family residential property. The ability of a borrower to repay a loan secured by an income-producing property typically is dependent primarily upon the successful operation of the property rather than upon the existence of independent income or assets of the borrower. If the net operating income of the property is reduced, the borrower's ability to repay the loan may be impaired. Net operating income of an income-producing property can be affected by, among other things: tenant mix, success of tenant businesses, property management decisions, property location and condition, competition from comparable types of properties, changes in laws that increase operating expenses or limit rents that may be charged, any need to address environmental contamination at the property, changes in national, regional or local economic conditions and/or specific industry segments, declines in regional or local real estate values and declines in regional or local rental or occupancy rates, increases in interest rates, real estate tax rates and other operating expenses, changes in governmental rules, regulations and fiscal policies, including environmental legislation, and acts of God, terrorism, social unrest and civil disturbances.

The Company's assets include mezzanine loans that have greater risks of loss than more senior loans.

The Company's assets include a significant amount of mezzanine loans that involve a higher degree of risk than long-term senior mortgage loans. In particular, a foreclosure by the holder of the senior loan could result in the mezzanine loan becoming unsecured. Accordingly, the Company may not recover some or all of its investment in such a mezzanine loan. Additionally, the Company may permit higher loan-to-value ratios on mezzanine loans than it would on conventional mortgage loans when the Company is entitled to share in the appreciation in value of the property securing the loan.

Prepayment rates can increase which would adversely affect yields on the Company's investments.

The yield on investments in mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities and thus the value of the Company's Common Stock is sensitive to not only changes in prevailing interest rates but also changes in prepayment rates, which results in a divergence between the Company's borrowing rates and asset yields, consequently reducing future net income derived from the Company's investments. The Company's borrowing costs also may exceed its interest income from its investments, and it could incur operating losses.
 
23


Limited recourse loans limit the Company's recovery to the value of the mortgaged property.

A substantial portion of the commercial mortgage loans the Company acquires may contain limitations on the mortgagee's recourse against the borrower. In other cases, the mortgagee's recourse against the borrower is limited by applicable provisions of the laws of the jurisdictions in which the mortgaged properties are located or by the mortgagee's selection of remedies and the impact of those laws on that selection. In those cases, in the event of a borrower default, recourse may be limited to only the specific mortgaged property and other assets, if any, pledged to secure the relevant commercial mortgage loan. As to those commercial mortgage loans that provide for recourse against the borrower and their assets generally, such recourse may not provide a recovery in respect of a defaulted commercial mortgage loan equal to the liquidation value of the mortgaged property securing that commercial mortgage loan.

The volatility of certain mortgaged property values may adversely affect the Company's commercial mortgage loans.

Commercial and multifamily property values and net operating income derived from them are subject to volatility and may be affected adversely by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, national, regional and local economic conditions (which may be adversely affected by plant closings, industry slowdowns and other factors); local real estate conditions (such as an oversupply of housing, retail, industrial, office or other commercial space); changes or continued weakness in specific industry segments; perceptions by prospective tenants, retailers and shoppers of the safety, convenience, services and attractiveness of the property; the willingness and ability of the property's owner to provide capable management and adequate maintenance; construction quality, age and design; demographic factors; retroactive changes to building or similar codes; and increases in operating expenses (such as energy costs).

Leveraging the Company's investments may increase the Company's exposure to loss.

The Company leverages its investments and thereby increases the volatility of its operating results and net asset value that may result in operating or capital losses. If borrowing costs increase, or if the cash flow generated by the Company's assets decreases, the Company's use of leverage will increase the likelihood that the Company will experience reduced or negative cash flow and reduced liquidity. The Company's use of leverage also increases the risk that a decrease in the value of its assets may cause its lenders to make margin calls, which could force it to sell assets at a time when it does not wish to do so or adversely affect the Company's operating results and financial condition.

The Company's investments may be illiquid and their value may decrease, which could adversely affect the Company's business.

Many of the Company's assets are relatively illiquid. In addition, certain of the investments that the Company has acquired or will acquire, including interests in certain mortgage-backed securities, have not been registered under the relevant securities laws, resulting in a prohibition against transfer, sale, pledge or other disposition of those investments except in a transaction that is exempt from the registration requirements of, or otherwise in accordance with, those laws. The Company's ability to vary its portfolio in response to changes in economic and other conditions may be relatively limited. The estimated fair value of any of the Company's assets could decrease in the future.
 
24


The Company's hedging transactions can limit the Company's gains and increase the Company's exposure to losses.

The Company uses hedging strategies that involve risk and that may not be successful in insulating the Company from exposure to changing interest and prepayment rates. A liquid secondary market may not exist for hedging instruments purchased or sold, and the Company may be required to maintain a position until exercise or expiration, which could result in losses or limit its gains.

The Company may make non-U.S. dollar denominated investments and investments in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities, which subject it to currency rate exposure and the uncertainty of foreign laws and markets.

The Company purchases mortgage-backed securities denominated in foreign currencies and also acquires interests in loans to non-U.S. companies, which may expose the Company to risks not typically associated with U.S. or U.S. dollar denominated investments. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations, political and social instability, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes, multiple and conflicting tax laws, less liquid markets and less available information than is generally the case in the United States, higher transaction costs, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards, and greater price volatility. Any of these risks could adversely affect the Company's receipt of interest income from these investments.

To the extent that any of the Company's investments are denominated in foreign currency, these non-U.S. dollar denominated investments will be subject to the risk that the value of a particular currency will change in relation to one or more other currencies. Among the factors that may affect currency values are trade balances, the level of short-term interest rates, differences in relative values of similar assets in different currencies, long-term opportunities for investment and capital appreciation, and political developments. Although the Company may employ hedging techniques to minimize foreign currency risk, it can offer no assurance that these strategies will be effective and may incur losses on these investments as a result of currency rate fluctuations.

The Company's ability to grow its business depends on its ability to obtain external financing. 

To qualify as a REIT, the Company generally must distribute to its stockholders 90% of its REIT taxable income, including taxable income where the Company does not receive corresponding cash. The Company historically has obtained the cash required for its operations through the issuance of equity, convertible debentures and subordinated debt, and by borrowing money through credit facilities, securitization transactions and repurchase agreements. The Company's continued access to these and other types of external capital depends upon a number of factors, including general market conditions, the market's perception of its growth potential, its current and potential future earnings, cash distributions, and the market price of its Common Stock. The Company cannot assure investors that sufficient funding or capital will be available to it in the future on terms that are acceptable to the Company. If the Company cannot obtain sufficient funding on acceptable terms, there may be a negative impact on the market price of its Common Stock and its ability to pay dividends to its stockholders.
 
25

 
The Company is subject to significant competition.

The Company is subject to significant competition in seeking investments. It competes with other companies, including other REITs, insurance companies and other investors, including funds and companies affiliated with the Manager. Some of its competitors have greater resources than it has and it may not be able to compete successfully for investments. Competition for investments may lead to the returns available from such investments decreasing which may further limit its ability to generate its desired returns. The Company cannot assure you that additional companies will not be formed that compete with it for investments or otherwise pursue investment strategies similar to the Company's.

Adverse changes in general economic conditions can adversely affect the Company's business.

The Company's success is dependent on the general economic conditions in the geographic areas in which a substantial number of its investments are located. Adverse changes in national economic conditions or in the economic conditions of the regions in which it conducts substantial business likely would have an adverse effect on real estate values and, accordingly, the Company's financial performance, the market prices of its securities and its ability to pay dividends.

In a recession or under other adverse economic conditions, non-earning assets and write-downs are likely to increase as debtors fail to meet their payment obligations. Although the Company maintains reserves for credit losses and an allowance for doubtful accounts in amounts that it believe are sufficient to provide adequate protection against potential write-downs in its portfolio, these amounts could prove to be insufficient.

Maintenance of the Company's Investment Company Act exemption imposes limits on its operations. Failure to maintain its Investment Company Act exemption could adversely affect the Company's ability to operate.

The Company intends to continue to conduct its business so as not to become regulated as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Under the Investment Company Act, a non-exempt entity that is an investment company is required to register with the SEC and is subject to extensive, restrictive and potentially adverse regulation relating to, among other things, operating methods, management, capital structure, dividends and transactions with affiliates. The Investment Company Act exempts entities that are "primarily engaged in the business of purchasing or otherwise acquiring mortgages and other liens on and interests in real estate" ("Qualifying Interests"). Under current interpretation by the staff of the SEC, to qualify for this exemption, the Company, among other things, must maintain at least 55% of its assets in Qualifying Interests.

A portion of the CMBS acquired by the Company are collateralized by pools of first mortgage loans where the terms of the CMBS owned by it provide the right to monitor the performance of the underlying mortgage loans through loan management and servicing rights and the right to control workout/foreclosure rights in the event of default on the underlying mortgage loans. When such rights exist, the Company believes that the related Controlling Class CMBS constitute Qualifying Interests for purposes of the Investment Company Act. Therefore, the Company believes that it should not be required to register as an "investment company" under the Investment Company Act as long as it continues to invest in a sufficient amount of such Controlling Class CMBS and/or in other Qualifying Interests.
 
26


If the SEC or its staff were to take a different position with respect to whether the Company's Controlling Class CMBS constitute Qualifying Interests, the Company could be required to modify its business plan so that either (i) it would not be required to register as an investment company or (ii) it would register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Modification of the Company's business plan so that it would not be required to register as an investment company might entail a disposition of a significant portion of its Controlling Class CMBS or the acquisition of significant additional assets, such as agency pass-through and other mortgage-backed securities, which are Qualifying Interests. Modification of its business plan to register as an investment company could result in increased operating expenses and could entail reducing indebtedness, which also could require the Company to sell a significant portion of its assets. No assurances can be given that any such dispositions or acquisitions of assets, or de-leveraging, could be accomplished on favorable terms. Consequently, any such modification of the Company's business plan could have a material adverse effect. Further, if it were established that the Company were operating as an unregistered investment company, there would be a risk that it would be subject to monetary penalties and injunctive relief in an action brought by the SEC, that it would be unable to enforce contracts with third parties, and that third parties could seek to obtain rescission of transactions undertaken during the period it was established that the Company was an unregistered investment company. Any such result would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company.

The Company may become subject to environmental liabilities.

The Company may become subject to material environmental risks when it acquires interests in properties with significant environmental problems. Such environmental risks include the risk that operating costs and values of these assets may be adversely affected by the obligation to pay for the cost of complying with existing environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, as well as the cost of complying with future legislation. Such laws often impose liability regardless of whether the owner or operator knows of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. The costs of investigation, remediation or removal of hazardous substances could exceed the value of the property. The Company's income and ability to make distributions to stockholders could be affected adversely by the existence of an environmental liability with respect to the Company's properties.

The price of the Company's Common Stock may fluctuate significantly, which could negatively affect holders of its Common Stock.

The trading price of the Company's Common Stock may be volatile in response to a number of factors, including actual or anticipated variations in the Company's quarterly financial results or dividends, changes in financial estimates by securities analysts, additions or departures of key management personnel, prevailing interest rates, issuances of the Company's Common Stock, preferred stock or debt securities, and changes in market valuations of other companies in the real estate industry, even if not similar to the Company. In addition, the Company's financial results may be below the expectations of securities analysts and investors. If this were to occur, the market price of its Common Stock could decrease significantly.

In addition, the U.S. securities markets or sectors of these markets from time to time have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. These fluctuations often have been unrelated to the operating performance of companies in these markets or sectors. Broad market and industry factors may negatively affect the price of the Company's Common Stock, regardless of its operating performance.
 
27


Future offerings of debt securities, which would rank senior to the Company's Common Stock upon its liquidation, and future offerings of equity securities, including preferred stock senior to the Company's Common Stock for the purposes of dividend and liquidating distributions, may adversely affect the market price of the Company's Common Stock.

The Company may from time to time offer additional debt or equity securities. Upon liquidation, holders of the Company's debt securities and shares of its preferred stock and lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive a distribution of the Company's available assets prior to the holders of its Common Stock. Additional equity offerings may dilute the holdings of the Company's existing stockholders and reduce the market price of its Common Stock. Any preferred stock the Company issues may have a preference on liquidating distributions or a preference on dividend payments that could limit its ability to make a dividend distribution to the holders of its Common Stock.

Sales of substantial amounts of the Company's Common Stock, or the perception that these sales could occur, could have a material adverse effect on the price of its Common Stock. Holders of the Company's Common Stock bear the risk of its future offerings causing the market price of its Common Stock to decline and diluting their stock holdings in the Company.

The Company's staggered board of directors and other provisions of its charter and bylaws may prevent a change in its control, which could adversely affect the price of the Company's Common Stock.
 
The Company's board of directors is divided into three classes of directors. The current terms of the directors expire in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Directors of each class serve three-year terms, and each year one class of directors is elected by the stockholders. The staggered terms of the Company's directors may delay, prevent or reduce the possibility of a tender offer or an attempt at a change in control, even though the Company's stockholders might consider a tender offer or change in control in their best interests. In addition, the Company's charter and bylaws also contain other provisions that may delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might be in the best interest of its stockholders. See "—Restrictions on ownership of the Company's Common Stock may inhibit market activity in the Company's Common Stock and restrict its business combination opportunities."

Risks Relating to Taxation as a REIT

The Company's failure to qualify as a REIT would result in higher taxes and reduced cash available for distribution to its stockholders.

The Company operates in a manner intended to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. The Company's ability to satisfy the asset tests depends upon its analysis of the fair market values of its assets, some of which are not susceptible to a precise determination, and for which it will not obtain independent appraisals. The Company's compliance with the REIT income and quarterly asset requirements also depends upon its ability to successfully manage the composition of its income and assets on an ongoing basis. Moreover, the proper classification of an instrument as debt or equity for federal income tax purposes, and the tax treatment of participation interests that the Company holds in mortgage loans and mezzanine loans, may be uncertain in some circumstances, which could affect the application of the REIT qualification requirements. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") will not contend that the Company's interests in subsidiaries or other issuers will not cause a violation of the REIT requirements.
 
If the Company were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it would be subject to federal income tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on its taxable income at regular corporate rates, and distributions to stockholders would not be deductible by the Company in computing its taxable income. Any such corporate tax liability could be substantial and would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to the Company's stockholders, which in turn could have an adverse impact on the value of, and trading prices for, its stock. Unless entitled to relief under certain Code provisions, the Company also would be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which it ceased to qualify as a REIT.
 
28


If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT, the Company might need to borrow funds or liquidate some investments in order to pay the additional tax liability. Accordingly, funds available for investment or distribution to the Company's stockholders would be reduced for each of the years involved.

Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Code to the Company's operations and the determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within the Company's control. There are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations of these provisions. Although the Company believes that it operates in a manner consistent with the REIT qualification rules, the Company may not be able to remain so qualified.

In addition, the rules dealing with federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the United States Department of the Treasury. Changes to the tax law could adversely affect the Company's stockholders.

REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect the Company's ability to execute its business plan.

The Company generally must distribute annually at least 90% of its net taxable income, excluding any net capital gain, in order for corporate income tax not to apply to earnings that it distributes. The Company intends to make distributions to its stockholders to comply with the requirements of the Code. However, differences in timing between the recognition of taxable income and the actual receipt of cash could require the Company to sell assets or borrow funds on a short-term or long-term basis to meet the 90% distribution requirement of the Code. Certain of the Company's assets may generate substantial mismatches between taxable income and available cash. As a result, the requirement to distribute a substantial portion of its net taxable income could cause the Company to: (i) sell assets in adverse market conditions, (ii) borrow on unfavorable terms or (iii) distribute amounts that would otherwise be invested in future acquisitions, capital expenditures or repayment of debt, in order to comply with REIT requirements. Further, amounts distributed will not be available to fund investment activities. If the Company fails to obtain debt or equity capital in the future, it could limit its ability to grow or continue operations, which could adversely affect the value of its Common Stock.

Restrictions on ownership of the Company's Common Stock may inhibit market activity in the Company's stock and restrict its business combination opportunities.

In order for the Company to maintain its qualification as a REIT under the Code, not more than 50% in value of its outstanding stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code) at any time during the last half of each taxable year. To facilitate its meeting the requirements for qualification as a REIT at all times, the Company's charter generally prohibits any person from acquiring or holding, directly or indirectly, shares of capital stock in excess of 9.8% (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of any class of its capital stock. The Company's charter further prohibits (i) any person from beneficially or constructively owning shares of capital stock that would result in the Company being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code or would otherwise cause the Company to fail to qualify as a REIT, and (ii) any person from transferring shares of capital stock if such transfer would result in shares of capital stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons. If any transfer of shares of capital stock occurs which, if effective, would result in a violation of one or more ownership limitations, then that number of shares of capital stock, the beneficial or constructive ownership of which otherwise would cause such person to violate such limitations (rounded to the nearest whole share) shall be automatically transferred to a trustee of a trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable beneficiaries, and the intended transferee may not acquire any rights in such shares; provided, however, that if any transfer occurs which, if effective, would result in shares of capital stock being owned by fewer than 100 persons, then the transfer shall be null and void and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights to the stock. Subject to certain limitations, the Company's board of directors may waive the limitations for certain investors.
 
29


The Company's authorized capital stock includes preferred stock issuable in one or more series. The issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of making an attempt to gain control of the Company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise more difficult. The currently outstanding preferred stock has a preference on dividend payments that could affect the Company's ability to make dividend distributions to the common stockholders.

The provisions of the Company's charter or relevant Maryland law may inhibit market activity and the resulting opportunity for the holders of its Common Stock to receive a premium for their Common Stock that might otherwise exist in the absence of such provisions. Such provisions also may make the Company an unsuitable investment vehicle for any person seeking to obtain ownership of more than 9.8% of the outstanding shares of its Common Stock.

Material provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law ("MGCL") relating to "business combinations" and a "control share acquisition" and of the Company's charter and bylaws may also have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a takeover attempt or other change in control of the Company that would be beneficial to stockholders and might otherwise result in a premium over then prevailing market prices. Although the Company's bylaws contain a provision exempting the acquisition of its Common Stock by any person from the control share acquisition statute, there can be no assurance that such provision will not be amended or eliminated at any time in the future. These ownership limits could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in its control that might involve a premium price for its Common Stock or otherwise be in the best interest of its stockholders.

Even if the Company remains qualified as a REIT, it may face other tax liabilities that reduce its cash flow.

Even if the Company remains qualified for taxation as a REIT, it may be subject to certain federal, state, local and foreign taxes on its income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income, tax on income from certain activities conducted as a result of a foreclosure, and state or local income, property and transfer taxes, such as mortgage recording taxes. Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distribution to its stockholders. In addition, in order to meet the REIT qualification requirements, or to avert the imposition of a 100% tax that applies to certain gains derived by a REIT from dealer property or inventory, the Company may hold some of its assets through taxable REIT subsidiaries. Such subsidiaries will be subject to corporate level income tax at regular rates.
 
30


Complying with REIT requirements may cause the Company to forgo otherwise attractive opportunities.

To qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, the Company must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of its income, the nature and diversification of its assets, the amounts it distributes to its stockholders and the ownership of its stock. The Company also may be required to make distributions to stockholders at disadvantageous times or when it does not have funds readily available for distribution. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder the Company's ability to make certain attractive investments.

The "taxable mortgage pool" rules may increase the taxes that the Company or its stockholders may incur, and may limit the manner in which it effects future securitizations.

Certain of the Company's securitizations have resulted in the creation of taxable mortgage pools for federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, so long as the Company owns 100% of the equity interests in a taxable mortgage pool, it generally would not be adversely affected by the characterization of the securitization as a taxable mortgage pool. Certain categories of stockholders, however, such as foreign stockholders eligible for treaty or other benefits, stockholders with net operating losses, and certain tax-exempt stockholders that are subject to unrelated business income tax, could be subject to increased taxes on a portion of their dividend income from the Company that is attributable to the taxable mortgage pool. In addition, to the extent that the Company's stock is owned by tax-exempt "disqualified organizations," such as certain government-related entities that are not subject to tax on unrelated business income, it may incur a corporate level tax on a portion of its income from the taxable mortgage pool. In that case, the Company may reduce the amount of its distributions to any disqualified organization whose stock ownership gave rise to the tax.
 
31


ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The Company does not maintain an office. The Company uses the offices of the Manager located at 40 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10022, and does not pay rent for such use.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

At December 31, 2007, there were no pending legal proceedings in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries was a defendant or of which any of their property was subject.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of the Company's security holders during the three months ended December 31, 2007 through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise.
 
32


PART II

ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The Company's Common Stock has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange and traded under the symbol "AHR" since its initial public offering in March 1998. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high, low and last sale prices in dollars on the New York Stock Exchange for the Company's Common Stock and the dividend per share declared by the Company.

2007
 
High
 
Low
 
Last Sale
 
Dividends Declared
 
Fourth Quarter
 
$
10.20
 
$
6.67
 
$
7.24
 
$
0.30
 
Third Quarter
   
12.11
   
6.53
   
9.10
   
0.30
 
Second Quarter
   
12.94
   
11.50
   
11.70
   
0.30
 
First Quarter
   
14.08
   
11.01
   
12.00
   
0.29
 
 
2006
                 
Fourth Quarter
 
$
14.48
 
$
10.77
 
$
12.73
 
$
0.29
 
Third Quarter
   
13.57
   
11.65
   
12.86
   
0.29
 
Second Quarter
   
12.44
   
10.25
   
12.16
   
0.29
 
First Quarter
   
11.28
   
10.34
   
10.98
   
0.28
 
 
On March 10, 2008, the closing sale price for the Company's Common Stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, was $5.27. At February 22, 2008, there were approximately 1,053 record holders of the Company's Common Stock. This figure does not reflect beneficial ownership of shares held in nominee name.

Information relating to the Company's equity compensation plans in the Company's definitive proxy statement for its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Proxy Statement"), to be filed with the SEC, is incorporated herein by reference.

   
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announce Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased
 
January 2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
February 2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
March 2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
April 2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
May 2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
June 2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
July 2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
August 2007
   
1,307,189
 
$
9.18
   
-
   
-
 
September 2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
October 2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
November 2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
December 2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Total
   
1,307,189
 
$
9.18
   
-
   
-
 
 
33

 
On August 23, 2007, the Company repurchased 1,307,189 shares of its Common Stock on the open market at $9.18 per share, the closing sales price of the Company's Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on August 23, 2007. The repurchase settled on August 29, 2007. The Company used approximately $12,100 of the net proceeds from its Rule 144A sale of convertible senior notes in August 2007 to effect this repurchase.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company issued 514,595 shares of unregistered Common Stock with an aggregate value of $6,169 as follows. Pursuant to resolutions of the Board of Directors which authorized that a portion of incentive fees earned by the Manager may be paid in shares of the Company's Common Stock, the Company issued 509,595 restricted shares to the Manager under the Company's 2006 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the "2006 Stock Plan") and pursuant to the provision of the amended and restated investment advisory agreement between the Company and the Manager (the "Management Agreement") providing that 30% of the Manager's incentive fees earned under the Management Agreement shall be paid in shares of the Company's Common Stock subject to certain provisions under the Management Agreement and the 2006 Stock Plan. The Company issued 5,000 shares to its unaffiliated directors pursuant to its annual grant of restricted stock to unaffiliated directors as part of their annual compensation. The issuances of Common Stock were made in reliance upon the exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.
 
34


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected financial data set forth below at and for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003 has been derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements. This information should be read in conjunction with "Item 1. Business", "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations", and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data". The Company derived the selected financial data as of December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2004 from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto not included elsewhere in this report.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Operating Data:
                     
Interest income
 
$
326,436
 
$
275,986
 
$
231,768
 
$
194,967
 
$
159,456
 
Earnings from equity investments
   
32,093
   
27,431
   
12,146
   
8,899
   
4,322
 
Interest expense
   
241,000
   
212,388
   
163,458
   
128,166
   
83,249
 
Other operating expenses
   
27,521
   
25,830
   
19,181
   
12,383
   
11,707
 
Other gain (loss) (1)
   
(6,032
)
 
13,906
   
9,322
   
(20,125
)
 
(77,464
)
Income from continuing operations
   
83,976
   
79,105
   
70,597
   
43,192
   
(8,642
)
Income from discontinued operations (2)
   
-
   
1,366
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Net income (loss)
   
83,976
   
80,471
   
70,597
   
43,192
   
(8,642
)
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders
   
72,320
   
75,079
   
65,205
   
25,768
   
(16,386
)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share of Common Stock
                               
Basic
   
1.18
   
1.29
   
1.20
   
0.50
   
(0.34
)
Diluted
   
1.18
   
1.29
   
1.20
   
0.50
   
(0.34
)
Income from discontinued operations per share of Common Stock
                               
Basic
   
-
   
0.02
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Diluted
   
-
   
0.02
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Net income (loss):
                               
Basic
   
1.18
   
1.31
   
1.20
   
0.50
   
(0.34
)
Diluted
   
1.18
   
1.31
   
1.20
   
0.50
   
(0.34
)
Balance Sheet Data (at period end):
                               
Total assets
   
5,247,710
   
5,218,263
   
4,234,825
   
3,729,134
   
2,398,846
 
Total liabilities
   
4,796,339
   
4,562,154
   
3,636,807
   
3,215,396
   
1,981,416
 
Total stockholders' equity
   
451,371
   
656,109
   
598,018
   
513,738
   
417,430
 

 
(1)
Other gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2007 of $(6,032) consist primarily of a loss of $(12,469) related to impairments on assets, a loss of $(5,151) related to securities held-for-trading, a gain of $6,272 related to foreign currency, and a gain of $5,316 related to the sale of securities available-for-sale. Other gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2006 of $13,906 consist primarily of a loss of $(7,880) related to impairments on assets, a gain of $3,254 related to securities held-for-trading, a gain of $2,161 related to foreign currency, a loss of $(12,661) related to a change in the Company's hedging policy and a gain of $29,032 related to the sale of securities available-for-sale. Other gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2005 of $9,322 consist primarily of a loss of $(5,088) related to impairments on assets and a gain of $16,543 related to securities available-for-sale. Other gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2004 of $(20,125) consist primarily of a gain of $17,544 related to securities available-for-sale, a loss of $(26,018) related to impairments on assets and a loss of $(11,464) related to securities held-for-trading. Other gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2003 of $(77,464) consist primarily of a loss of $(32,426) related to impairments on assets and a loss of $(38,206) related to securities held-for-trading.
 
35

 
 
(2)
The Company purchased a defaulted loan from a Controlling Class CMBS trust during the first quarter of 2006. The Company sold the property during the second quarter of 2006 and recorded a gain from discontinued operations of $1,366 on its consolidated statement of operations.

36


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

All dollar figures expressed herein are expressed in thousands, except share and per share amounts.

General

Anthracite Capital, Inc., a Maryland corporation, and subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") is a specialty finance company that invests in commercial real estate assets on a global basis. The Company commenced operations on March 24, 1998. The Company seeks to generate income from the spread between the interest income, gains and net operating income on its commercial real estate assets and the interest expense from borrowings to finance its investments. The Company's primary activities are investing in high yielding commercial real estate debt and equity. The Company combines traditional real estate underwriting and capital markets expertise to maximize the opportunities arising from the continuing integration of these two disciplines. The Company focuses on acquiring pools of performing loans in the form of commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"), issuing secured debt backed by CMBS and providing strategic capital for the commercial real estate industry in the form of mezzanine loan financing and equity.

The Company's Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "AHR". The Company's primary long-term objective is to distribute dividends supported by earnings. The Company establishes its dividend by analyzing the long-term sustainability of earnings given existing market conditions and the current composition of its portfolio. This includes an analysis of the Company's credit loss assumptions, general level of interest rates and projected hedging costs.

The Company's principal focus is to invest in a diverse portfolio of primarily high yield commercial real estate loans and CMBS. The CMBS that the Company purchases are fixed income instruments similar to bonds that carry an interest coupon and stated principal. The cash flow used to pay the interest and principal on the CMBS comes from a designated pool of first mortgage loans on commercial real estate (the "Underlying Loans"). Underlying Loans usually are originated by commercial banks or investment banks and are secured by a first mortgage on office buildings, retail centers, apartment buildings, hotels and other types of commercial real estate. A typical loan pool may contain several hundred Underlying Loans with principal amounts of as little as $1,000 to over $100,000. The pooling concept permits significant geographic diversification. Converting loans into CMBS in this fashion allows investors to purchase these securities in global capital markets and to participate in the commercial real estate sector with significant diversification among property types, sizes and locations in one fixed income investment.

The type of CMBS issued from a typical loan pool is generally broken down by credit rating. The highest rated CMBS will receive payments of principal first and is therefore least exposed to the credit performance of the Underlying Loan. These securities typically will carry a credit rating of AAA and will be issued with a principal amount that represents some portion of the total principal amount of the Underlying Loan pool.

The CMBS that receive principal payments last are generally rated below investment grade (BB+ or lower.) As the last to receive principal, these CMBS are also the first to absorb any credit losses incurred in the Underlying Loan pool. Typically, the principal amount of these below investment grade classes represents 2.0% to 5.0% of the principal of the Underlying Loan pools. The investor that owns the lowest rated, or non-rated, CMBS class is designated as the controlling class representative for the underlying loan pool. This designation allows the holder to assert a significant degree of influence over any workouts or foreclosures of defaulted Underlying Loans. These securities are generally issued with a high yield to compensate for the credit risk inherent in owning the CMBS class which is the first to absorb losses.
 
37


The Company's high yield commercial real estate loan strategy encompasses B notes (defined below) and mezzanine loans. B notes and mezzanine loans are based on a similar concept of investing in a portion of the principal and interest of a specific loan instead of a pool of loans as in CMBS. In the case of B notes, the principal amount of a single loan is separated into a senior interest ("A note") and a junior interest ("B note"). Prior to a borrower default, the A note and the B note receive principal and interest pari passu; however, after a borrower default, the A note would receive its principal and interest first and the B note would absorb the credit losses that occur, if any, up to the full amount of its principal. The B note holder generally has certain rights to influence workouts or foreclosures. The Company invests in B notes as they provide relatively high yields with a degree of influence over dispositions. Mezzanine loans generally are secured by ownership interests in an entity that owns real estate. These loans generally are subordinate to a first mortgage and would absorb a credit loss prior to the senior mortgage holder.

The Company is managed by BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. (the "Manager"), a subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc., a publicly traded (NYSE:BLK) asset management company with $1.357 trillion of assets under management at December 31, 2007. The Company believes that the investment in highly structured products requires significant expertise in traditional real estate underwriting as well as in the capital markets. Through its external management contract with the Manager, the Company can source and manage more opportunities by taking advantage of a unique platform that combines these two disciplines.

The table below is a summary of the Company's investments by asset class for the last five years:
 
   
Carrying Value at December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
 %
 
Commercial real
                                         
estate securities
 
$
2,274,151
   
49.3
%
$
2,494,099
   
53.0
%
$
2,005,383
   
49.7
%
$
1,623,939
   
44.6
%
$
1,393,010
   
62.8
%
Commercial
                                                             
mortgage loan
                                                             
pools(1)
   
1,240,793
   
26.9
   
1,271,014
   
27.0
   
1,292,407
   
32.0
   
1,312,045
   
36.1
   
-
   
-
 
Commercial real
                                                             
estate loans(2)
   
1,082,785
   
23.5
   
554,148
   
11.8
   
425,453
   
10.6
   
329,930
   
9.1
   
97,984
   
4.4
 
Commercial real
                                                             
estate equity
   
9,350
   
0.2
   
109,744
   
2.3
   
51,003
   
1.3
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Commercial real
                                                             
estate assets
   
4,607,079
   
99.9
   
4,429,005
   
94.1
   
3,774,246
   
93.6
   
3,265,914
   
89.8
   
1,490,994
   
67.2
 
Residential mortgage-
                                                             
backed securities
                                                             
("RMBS")
   
10,183
   
0.1
   
276,344
   
5.9
   
259,026
   
6.4
   
372,071
   
10.2
   
726,717
   
32.8
 
Total
 
$
4,617,262
   
100.0
%
$
4,705,349
   
100.0
%
$
4,033,272
   
100.0
%
$
3,637,985
   
100.0
%
$
2,217,711
   
100.0
%
 
 
(1)
Represents a Controlling Class CMBS that is consolidated for accounting purposes. See Note 4 of the consolidated financial statements.
     
 
(2)
Includes investments in the Carbon Funds and real estate joint ventures.

38


Summary of Commercial Real Estate Assets

A summary of the Company's commercial real estate assets with estimated fair values in local currencies at December 31, 2007 is as follows:
 
   
 Commercial
Real Estate
Securities
 
 Commercial
Real Estate
Loans (1)
 
 Commercial
Real Estate
Equity
 
 Commercial Mortgage
Loan Pools
 
 Total
Commercial
Real Estate
Assets
 
 Total Commercial Real Estate Assets (USD)
 
USD
 
$
1,881,328
 
$
445,618
 
$
-
 
$
1,240,793
 
$
3,567,739
 
$
3,567,739
 
GBP
  £
35,247
  £
45,944
   
-
   
-
  £
81,191
   
161,618
 
Euro
 
131,645
 
354,458
   
-
   
-
 
486,103
   
710,707
 
Canadian Dollars
  C$
89,805
  C$
6,249
   
-
   
-
  C$
96,054
   
97,324
 
Japanese Yen
  ¥
4,378,759
   
-
   
-
   
-
  ¥
4,378,759
   
39,196
 
Swiss Francs
   
-
  CHF
23,939
   
-
   
-
  CHF
23,939
   
21,145
 
Indian Rupees
   
-
   
-
  Rs
368,483
   
-
  Rs
368,483
   
9,350
 
Total USD Equivalent
 
$
2,274,151
 
$
1,082,785
 
$
9,350
 
$
1,240,793
 
$
4,607,079
 
$
4,607,079
 
 
(1)
Includes the Company's investments of $99,398 in the Carbon Funds at December 31, 2007.

A summary of the Company's commercial real estate assets with estimated fair values in local currencies at December 31, 2006 is as follows:
 
   
 Commercial
Real Estate Securities
 
 Commercial
Real Estate
Loans (1)
 
 Commercial
Real Estate
Equity
 
 Commercial Mortgage
Loan Pools
 
 Total
Commercial
Real Estate
Assets
 
 Total Commercial Real Estate Assets (USD)
 
USD
 
$
2,312,503
 
$
310,771
 
$
105,894
 
$
1,271,014
 
$
4,000,182
 
$
4,000,182
 
GBP
  £
27,532
  £
28,977
   
-
   
-
  £
56,509
   
110,681
 
Euro
 
80,923
 
141,422
   
-
   
-
 
222,345
   
293,408
 
Canadian Dollars
  C$
24,339
   
-
   
-
   
-
  C$
24,339
   
20,885
 
Indian Rupees
   
-
   
-
  Rs
169,823
   
-
  Rs
169,823
   
3,850
 
Total USD Equivalent
 
$
2,494,100
 
$
554,148
 
$
109,744
 
$
1,271,014
 
$
4,429,006
 
$
4,429,006
 
 
(1)
Includes the Company's investments of $72,403 in the Carbon Funds at December 31, 2006.

The Company has foreign currency rate exposure related to its non-U.S. dollar denominated assets. The Company's primary currency exposures are Euro and British pound. Changes in currency rates can adversely impact the estimated fair value and earnings of the Company's non-U.S. holdings. Outside its collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs"), the Company mitigates this impact by utilizing local currency-denominated financing on its foreign investments and foreign currency forward commitments to hedge the net exposure. In its seventh CDO ("Euro CDO"), the Company mitigates the exposure to foreign exchange rates with currency swaps agreements. Net foreign currency gain (loss) was $6,272, $2,161 and $(134) for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
39


Commercial Real Estate Assets Portfolio Activity

The following table details the par, estimated fair value, adjusted purchase price (or "amortized cost"), and loss adjusted yield of the Company's commercial real estate securities included in as well as outside of the Company's CDOs at December 31, 2007. The Dollar Price represents the estimated fair value or adjusted purchase price of a security, respectively, relative to its par value.

Commercial real estate securities outside CDOs
 
Par
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Dollar Price
 
Adjusted Purchase Price
 
Dollar
Price
 
Loss Adjusted
Yield
 
Investment grade CMBS
 
$
179,638
 
$
149,856
 
$
83.42
 
$
158,216
 
$
88.07
   
6.56
%
Investment grade real estate investment trust ("REIT")debt
   
23,121
   
20,034
   
86.65
   
22,995
   
99.45
   
5.49
%
CMBS rated BB+ to B
   
546,299
   
316,210
   
57.88
   
417,204
   
76.37
   
8.71
%
CMBS rated B- or lower
   
513,189
   
144,797
   
28.21
   
166,381
   
32.42
   
10.73
%
CDO Investments
   
347,807
   
46,241
   
13.30
   
63,987
   
18.40
   
20.56
%
CMBS Interest Only securities ("IOs")
   
818,670
   
15,915
   
1.94
   
14,725
   
1.80
   
8.80
%
Multifamily agency securities
   
35,955
   
37,123
   
103.25
   
36,815
   
102.39
   
5.37
%
Total commercial real estate securities outside CDOs
   
2,464,679
   
730,176
   
29.61
   
880,323
   
35.70
   
9.34
%
                                       
Commercial real estate loans and equity outside CDOs
           
Commercial real estate loans
   
531,516
   
618,328
         
601,144
             
Commercial mortgage loan pools
   
1,174,659
   
1,240,793
   
105.63
   
1,240,793
   
105.63
   
4.15
%
Commercial real estate
   
9,350
   
9,350
         
9,350
             
Total commercial real estate loans and equity outside CDOs
   
1,715,525
   
1,868,471
   
105.63
   
1,851,287
   
105.63
   
4.15
%
                                       
Commercial real estate assets included in CDOs
           
Investment grade CMBS
   
801,748
   
768,671
   
95.87
   
759,524
   
94.73
   
7.09
%
Investment grade REIT debt
   
223,324
   
226,060
   
101.23
   
224,608
   
100.57
   
5.85
%
CMBS rated BB+ to B
   
627,550
   
466,564
   
74.35
   
486,162
   
77.47
   
10.01
%
CMBS rated B- or lower
   
193,155
   
54,342
   
28.13
   
68,693
   
35.56
   
14.98
%
CDO Investments
   
4,000
   
3,390
   
84.75
   
3,483
   
87.07
   
7.79
%
Credit tenant lease
   
23,235
   
24,949
   
107.38
   
23,867
   
102.72
   
5.66
%
Commercial real estate loans
   
476,782
   
464,456
   
97.41
   
434,364
   
91.10
   
8.73
%
Total commercial real estate assets included in CDOs
   
2,349,794
   
2,008,432
   
85.47
   
2,000,701
   
85.14
   
8.28
%
Total commercial real estate assets
 
$
6,529,998
 
$
4,607,079
       
$
4,732,311
             
 
40

 
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company's commercial real estate assets increased by 4.0% from $4,429,006 to $4,607,079. This increase was primarily attributable to the purchase of subordinated CMBS and investment grade CMBS that have an estimated fair value at December 31, 2007 of $379,277 and $113,200, respectively. The purchase of the aforementioned securities was offset by the sale of assets with an estimated fair value of $541,676.

The following table details the par, carrying value, adjusted purchase price and expected yield of the Company's commercial real estate assets included in as well as outside its CDOs at December 31, 2006:

Commercial real estate securities outside CDOs
 
Par
 
Carrying Value
 
Dollar Price
 
Adjusted Purchase Price
 
Dollar
Price
 
Expected
Yield
 
Investment grade CMBS
 
$
23,060
 
$
21,426
   
92.92
 
$
21,753
   
102.58
   
5.51
%
Investment grade REIT debt
   
23,121
   
21,566
   
93.28
   
22,973
   
99.36
   
5.49
%
CMBS rated BB+ to B
   
108,176
   
86,677
   
80.13
   
87,486
   
81.59
   
8.01
%
CMBS rated B- or lower
   
148,310
   
50,165
   
33.82
   
46,043
   
31.27
   
9.06
%
CDO Investments
   
406,605
   
117,246
   
28.84
   
114,482
   
28.16
   
14.19
%
CMBS IOs
   
2,980,467
   
69,352
   
2.33
   
69,183
   
2.32
   
7.36
%
Multifamily agency securities
   
447,191
   
449,827
   
100.59
   
452,781
   
101.25
   
5.07
%
Total commercial real estate securities outside CDOs
   
4,136,930
   
816,259
   
19.73
   
814,701
   
19.77
   
7.11
%
                                       
Commercial real estate loans and equity outside CDOs
           
Commercial real estate loans
   
63,439
   
140,985
         
141,951
             
Commercial mortgage loan pools
   
1,207,212
   
1,271,014
   
105.29
   
1,271,014
   
105.29
   
4.14
%
Commercial real estate
   
96,453
   
109,744
         
96,453
             
Total commercial real estate loans and equity outside CDOs
   
1,367,104
   
1,521,743
   
105.29
   
1,509,418
   
105.29
   
4.14
%
                                       
Commercial real estate assets included in CDOs
           
Investment grade CMBS
   
779,653
   
794,622
   
101.92
   
750,662
   
94.34
   
7.00
%
Investment grade REIT debt
   
223,324
   
227,678
   
101.95
   
224,964
   
100.73
   
5.92
%
CMBS rated BB+ to B
   
614,780
   
554,185
   
90.14
   
508,908
   
78.28
   
9.31
%
CMBS rated B- or lower
   
193,236
   
77,038
   
39.87
   
70,727
   
36.60
   
14.87
%
Credit tenant lease
   
23,793
   
24,318
   
102.20
   
24,439
   
102.71
   
5.67
%
Commercial real estate loans
   
357,111
   
413,163
   
115.70
   
400,559
   
96.95
   
8.36
%
Total commercial real estate assets included in CDOs
   
2,191,897
   
2,091,004
   
95.40
   
1,980,259
   
85.91
   
8.01
%
Total commercial real estate assets
 
$
7,695,931
 
$
4,429,006
       
$
4,304,378
             

During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company's commercial real estate assets increased by 17% from $3,774,246 to $4,429,006. This increase was primarily attributable to the purchase of subordinated CMBS, multifamily agency securities, and investment grade CMBS that have an estimated fair value at December 31, 2006 of $336,176, $193,395, and $75,841, respectively. The purchase of the aforementioned securities was offset by the sale of assets with an estimated fair value of $182,211.
 
41


The Company's CDO offerings allow the Company to match fund its commercial real estate portfolio by issuing long-term debt to finance long-term assets. The CDO debt is non-recourse to the Company; therefore, the Company's losses are limited to its equity investment in the CDO. The CDO debt is also hedged to protect the Company from an increase in short-term interest rates. At December 31, 2007, over 81% of the estimated fair value of the Company's subordinated CMBS was match funded in the Company's CDOs in this manner. The Company retained 100% of the equity of CDOs I, II, III, HY3 and Euro (each as defined below) and recorded the transactions on its consolidated financial statements as secured financing.

The table below summarizes the Company's CDO collateral and debt at December 31, 2007.

   
Collateral at
December 31, 2007
 
Debt at
December 31, 2007
     
   
Adjusted Purchase Price
 
Loss Adjusted Yield
 
Adjusted Issue Price
 
Weighted Average Cost of Funds *
 
Net Spread
 
CDO I
 
$
463,751
   
8.12
%
$
396,176
   
7.29
%
 
0.83
%
CDO II
   
328,380
   
7.64
%
 
291,991
   
6.03
%
 
1.61
%
CDO III
   
379,757
   
7.13
%
 
376,581
   
5.15
%
 
1.98
%
CDO HY3
   
414,109
   
9.79
%
 
373,330
   
6.29
%
 
3.50
%
Euro CDO
   
420,320
   
8.50
%
 
385,250**
   
5.71
%
 
2.79
%
Total **
 
$
2,006,317
   
8.28
%
$
1,823,328
   
6.11
%
 
2.17
%
 
*
Weighted Average Cost of Funds is the current cost of funds plus hedging expenses.
 
**
The Company chose not to sell $12,500 of par of Euro CDO debt rated BB.

On May 23, 2006, the Company closed its sixth CDO issuance ("CDO HY3") resulting in the issuance of $417,000 of non-recourse debt to investors. The debt is secured by a portfolio of CMBS and subordinated commercial real estate loans. This debt was rated AAA through BBB- and the Company retained additional debt rated BB and 100% of the preferred shares issued by CDO HY3.

On December 14, 2006, the Company closed the Euro CDO. The Euro CDO sold €263,500 of non-recourse debt at a weighted average spread to Euro LIBOR of 60 basis points. The €263,500 consists of €251,000 of investment grade debt at a weighted average spread to Euro LIBOR of 50 basis points and €12,500 of below investment grade debt. The Company retained an additional €12,500 of below investment grade debt and all of the CDO's preferred shares. This transaction was the Company's first CDO that was not U.S. dollar denominated.

There were no CDOs issued in 2007.

Securitizations

On July 26, 2005, the Company closed its fifth CDO ("CDO HY2") and issued non-recourse debt with a face amount of $365,010. Senior investment grade notes with a face amount of $240,134 were issued. The Company retained the floating rate BBB- note, the below investment grade notes, and the preferred shares. The Company recorded CDO HY2 as a secured financing for accounting purposes and consolidated the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of CDO HY2 until the sale of the floating rate BBB- note in December 2005, at which point CDO HY2 qualified as a sale under FAS 140.
 
42


There were no securitizations closed during 2006 and 2007.

Real Estate Credit Profile of Below Investment Grade CMBS

The Company views its below investment grade CMBS investment activity as two portfolios: Controlling Class CMBS and other below investment grade CMBS. The Company considers the CMBS where it maintains the right to control the foreclosure/workout process on the underlying loans as controlling class CMBS ("Controlling Class"). The distinction between the two is in the rights the Company obtains with its investment in Controlling Class CMBS. Controlling Class rights allow the Company to influence the workout and/or disposition of defaults that occur in the underlying loans. These securities absorb the first losses realized in the underlying loan pools. The coupon payment on the non-rated security also can be reduced for special servicer fees charged to the trust. The next highest rated security in the structure then generally will be downgraded to non-rated and become the first to absorb losses and expenses from that point on. At December 31, 2007, the Company owns 39 trusts where it is in the first loss position and is designated as the controlling class representative by owning the lowest rated or non-rated CMBS class. The total par of the loans underlying these securities was $59,534,400. At December 31, 2007, subordinated Controlling Class CMBS with a par of $1,586,172 were included on the Company's consolidated statement of financial condition and subordinated Controlling Class CMBS with a par of $233,136 were held as collateral for CDO HY1 and CDO HY2.

The Company's other below investment grade CMBS have more limited rights associated with its ownership to influence the workout and/or disposition of underlying loan defaults. The total par of the Company's other below investment grade CMBS at December 31, 2007 was $2,561,897; the average credit protection, or subordination level, of this portfolio is 0.76%.

The Company's investment in its subordinated Controlling Class CMBS by credit rating category at December 31, 2007 is as follows:
 
   
Par
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Dollar Price
 
Adjusted Purchase Price
 
Dollar Price
 
Weighted Average Subordination Level
 
BB+
 
$
277,946
 
$
189,351
   
68.13
 
$
228,054
   
82.05
   
3.59
%
BB
   
191,808
   
117,702
   
61.36
   
154,916
   
80.77
   
2.55
%
BB-
   
192,875
   
121,665
   
63.08
   
137,092
   
71.08
   
4.33
%
B+
   
103,352
   
55,664
   
53.86
   
67,214
   
65.03
   
2.15
%
B
   
140,275
   
71,947
   
51.29
   
83,949
   
59.85
   
1.76
%
B-
   
123,683
   
49,817
   
40.28
   
63,282
   
51.17
   
1.29
%
CCC
   
22,313
   
6,293
   
28.21
   
7,814
   
35.01
   
0.88
%
NR
   
533,920
   
118,473
   
22.19
   
139,714
   
26.17
   
n/a
 
Total
 
$
1,586,172
 
$
730,912
   
46.08
 
$
882,035
   
55.61
       
 
The Company's investment in its subordinated Controlling Class CMBS by credit rating category at December 31, 2006 is as follows:
 
   
Par
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Dollar Price
 
Adjusted Purchase Price
 
Dollar Price
 
Weighted Average Subordination Level
 
BB+
 
$
158,220
 
$
142,415
   
90.01
 
$
130,966
   
82.77
   
3.51
%
BB
   
135,874
   
116,085
   
85.44
   
111,000
   
81.69
   
2.81
%
BB-
   
120,226
   
94,256
   
78.40
   
86,317
   
71.80
   
3.13
%
B+
   
71,277
   
51,030
   
71.59
   
47,861
   
67.15
   
2.05
%
B
   
88,217
   
60,237
   
68.28
   
52,988
   
60.07
   
1.88
%
B-
   
66,160
   
37,680
   
56.95
   
35,001
   
52.90
   
1.28
%
CCC
   
9,671
   
3,823
   
39.53
   
3,596
   
37.19
   
0.88
%
NR
   
260,332
   
81,480
   
31.30
   
73,842
   
28.36
   
n/a
 
Total
 
$
909,977
 
$
587,006
   
64.51
 
$
541,571
   
59.54
       

43

 
During 2007, the par amount of the Company's Controlling Class CMBS was reduced by $4,600; of this amount, $1,001 of the par reductions were related to Controlling Class CMBS held in CDO HY1 and CDO HY2. Further delinquencies and losses may cause the par reductions to continue and cause the Company to conclude that a change in loss adjusted yield is required along with a write-down of the adjusted purchase price through the consolidated statement of operations according to Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue 99-20, Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets ("EITF 99-20"). Also during 2007, the loan pools were paid down by $2,402,486. Pay down proceeds are distributed to the highest rated CMBS class first and reduce the percent of total underlying collateral represented by each rating category.

As the portfolio matures and expected losses occur, subordination levels of the lower rated classes of a CMBS investment will be reduced. This may cause the lower rated classes to be downgraded, which would negatively affect their estimated fair value and therefore the Company's net asset value. Reduced estimated fair value would negatively affect the Company's ability to finance any such securities that are not financed through a CDO or similar matched funding vehicle. In some cases, securities held by the Company may be upgraded to reflect seasoning of the underlying collateral and thus would increase the estimated fair value of the securities. During the year ended December 31, 2007, 14 securities in eight of the Company's Controlling Class CMBS were upgraded by at least one rating agency and two securities in two of the Company's Controlling Class CMBS were downgraded by at least one rating agency. Additionally, at least one rating agency upgraded 48 of the Company's non-Controlling Class commercial real estate securities. Seven of the Company's investment grade REIT debt securities were downgraded during the year ended December 31, 2007.

The Company considers delinquency information from the Lehman Brothers Conduit Guide to be the most relevant benchmark to measure credit performance and market conditions applicable to its Controlling Class CMBS holdings. The year of issuance, or vintage year, is important, as older loan pools will tend to have more delinquencies than newly underwritten loans. The Company owns Controlling Class CMBS issued in 1998, 1999 and 2001 to 2007. Comparable delinquency statistics referenced by vintage year as a percentage of par outstanding at December 31, 2007 are shown in the table below:

Vintage Year
 
Underlying
Collateral
 
Delinquencies Outstanding
 
Lehman Brothers Conduit Guide
 
1998
   
3,362,368
   
0.84
%
 
0.81
%
1999
   
520,718
   
2.12
%
 
0.83
%
2001
   
811,079
   
0.00
%
 
0.83
%
2002
   
954,414
   
0.00
%
 
0.62
%
2003
   
1,958,317
   
1.71
%
 
0.87
%
2004
   
6,366,795
   
0.98
%
 
0.39
%
2005
   
12,005,784
   
0.55
%
 
0.41
%
2006
   
13,740,025
   
0.73
%
 
0.27
%
2007
   
19,814,900
   
0.25
%
 
0.17
%
Total
 
$
59,534,400
   
0.59
%*   
0.35
%* 
 
* Weighted average based on current principal balance.
 
44


Delinquencies on the Company's CMBS collateral as a percent of principal are in line with expectations. These seasoning criteria generally will adjust for the lower delinquencies that occur in newly originated collateral. See Item 7A - "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks" for a detailed discussion of how delinquencies and loan losses affect the Company.

The following table sets forth certain information relating to the aggregate principal balance and payment status of delinquent commercial mortgage loans underlying the Controlling Class CMBS held by the Company at December 31, 2007 and 2006:

   
December 31, 2007
 
December 31, 2006
 
   
Principal
 
Number of Loans
 
% of
Collateral
 
 
Principal
 
Number of
Loans
 
% of
Collateral
 
Past due 30 days to 60 days
 
$
93,934
   
17
   
0.16
%
$
70,123
   
10
   
0.17
%
Past due 60 days to 90 days
   
9,655
   
5
   
0.02
%
 
19,767
   
5
   
0.05
 
Past due 90 days or more
   
169,710
   
25
   
0.29
%
 
11,365
   
7
   
0.03
 
Real Estate owned
   
41,202
   
13
   
0.07
%
 
56,486
   
10
   
0.13
 
Foreclosure
   
29,674
   
4
   
0.05
%
 
7,164
   
2
   
0.02
 
Total Delinquent
   
344,175
   
64
   
0.59
%
$
164,905
   
34
   
0.39
%
Total Collateral Balance
 
$
59,534,400
   
4,632
       
$
42,398,701
   
4,667
       

Of the 64 delinquent loans at December 31, 2007, 13 loans were real estate owned and being marketed for sale, four loans were in foreclosure and the remaining 47 loans were in some form of workout negotiations. The Controlling Class CMBS owned by the Company have a delinquency rate of 0.59%, which generally tracks industry averages. During 2007, the underlying collateral experienced early payoffs of $2,402,486 representing 4.0% of the year-end pool balance. These loans were paid off at par with no loss. Aggregate losses related to the underlying collateral of $17,454 were realized during year ended December 31, 2007. This brings cumulative realized losses to $126,903, which is 16.3% of the Company's total estimated loss of $779,338. These losses include special servicer and other workout expenses. This experience to date is in line with the Company's loss expectations. Realized losses and special servicer expenses are expected to increase on the underlying loans as the portfolio matures. Special servicer expenses are also expected to increase as portfolios mature.
 
45


To the extent that realized losses differ from the Company's original loss estimates, it may be necessary to reduce or increase the projected yield on the applicable CMBS investment to better reflect such investment's expected earnings net of expected losses, from the date of purchase. While realized losses on individual assets may be higher or lower than original estimates, the Company currently believes its aggregate loss estimates and yields remain appropriate.

The Company manages its credit risk through disciplined underwriting, diversification, active monitoring of loan performance and exercise of its right to influence the workout process for delinquent loans as early as possible. The Company maintains diversification of credit exposures through its underwriting process and can shift its focus in future investments by adjusting the mix of loans in subsequent acquisitions. The comparative profiles of the loans underlying the Company's CMBS by property type at December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

   
12/31/07 Exposure
 
12/31/06 Exposure
 
Property Type
 
Collateral Balance
 
% of Total
 
Collateral Balance
 
% of Total
 
Office
 
$
19,541,064
   
32.8
%
$
13,415,671
   
31.6
%
Retail
   
17,154,342
   
28.8
   
13,217,676
   
31.2
 
Multifamily
   
13,503,618
   
22.7
   
8,978,823
   
21.2
 
Industrial
   
4,473,917
   
7.5
   
3,332,194
   
7.9
 
Lodging
   
3,970,017
   
6.7
   
2,726,441
   
6.4
 
Healthcare
   
400,409
   
0.7
   
305,612
   
0.7
 
Other
   
491,033
   
0.8
   
422,284
   
1.0
 
Total
 
$
59,534,400
   
100
%
$
42,398,701
   
100
%

At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the commercial mortgage loans underlying the Controlling Class CMBS held by the Company were secured by properties at the locations identified below:

   
Percentage (1)
 
Geographic Location
 
2007
 
2006
 
California
   
16.8
%
 
16.1
%
New York
   
12.2
   
12.5
 
Texas
   
9.6
   
8.8
 
Florida
   
8.6
   
7.2
 
Other (2)
   
52.8
   
55.4
 
Total
   
100
%
 
100
%

 
(1)
Based on a percentage of the total unpaid principal balance of the underlying loans.
     
 
(2)
No other individual category comprises more than 5% of the total.

The Company's interest income calculated in accordance with EITF 99-20 for its CMBS is computed based upon a yield, which assumes credit losses will occur. The yield to compute the Company's taxable income does not assume there would be credit losses, as a loss can only be deducted for tax purposes when it has occurred. This is the primary difference between the Company's income in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") and taxable income. As a result, for the years 1998 through 2007, the Company's GAAP income was approximately $84,507 lower than its taxable income.
 
46


Commercial Real Estate Loan Activity

The Company's commercial real estate loan portfolio generally emphasizes larger transactions located in metropolitan markets located in the United States and Europe, as compared to the typical loan in the CMBS portfolio.

The following table summarizes the Company's commercial real estate loan portfolio by property type at December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005: 
 
   
Loans Outstanding 
 
 Weighted Average
 
   
December 31, 2007 
 
December 31, 2006 
 
 December 31, 2005
 
 Yield
 
Property Type
 
Amount 
 
% 
 
Amount 
 
% 
 
 Amount
 
 %
 
 2007
 
 2006
 
 2005
 
U.S.
                                     
Retail
 
$
52,209
   
5.3
%
$
51,553
   
10.7
%
$
21,456
   
5.9
%
 
9.6
%
 
9.6
%
 
9.8
%
Office
   
45,640
   
4.6
   
65,812
   
13.6
   
65,126
   
17.8
   
10.3
   
8.5
   
8.5
 
Multifamily
   
174,873
   
17.8
   
51,368
   
10.7
   
28,480
   
7.8
   
9.7
   
11.1
   
10.6
 
Storage
   
32,307
   
3.3
   
32,625
   
6.8
   
32,913
   
9.0
   
9.1
   
9.1
   
9.1
 
Land
   
25,000
   
2.5
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
9.6
   
-
   
-
 
Hotel
   
12,208
   
1.2
   
33,028
   
6.9
   
67,881
   
18.6
   
10.9
   
10.3
   
9.4
 
Communication Tower
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
20,000
   
5.5
   
-
   
-
   
9.1
 
Other Mixed Use
   
3,983
   
0.5
   
3,983
   
0.8
   
-
   
-
   
8.5
   
9.1
   
-
 
Total U.S.
   
346,220
   
35.2
   
238,369
   
49.5
   
235,856
   
64.6
   
9.7
   
9.6
   
9.3
 
Non U.S.
                                                       
Retail
   
278,669
   
28.3
   
143,385
   
29.7
   
55,047
   
15.0
   
8.9
   
7.0
   
6.9
 
Office
   
238,691
   
24.3
   
64,204
   
13.3
   
29,307
   
8.0
   
8.8
   
8.0
   
9.7
 
Multifamily
   
41,403
   
4.2
   
6,550
   
1.4
   
28,986
   
7.9
   
8.6
   
7.3
   
6.5
 
Storage
   
51,272
   
5.2
   
1,384
   
0.3
   
-
   
-
   
9.5
   
6.9
   
-
 
Industrial
   
17,274
   
1.8
   
19,317
   
4.0
   
2,423
   
0.7
   
10.6
   
9.1
   
8.1
 
Hotel
   
5,016
   
0.5
   
5,870
   
1.2
   
11,958
   
3.3
   
10.1
   
8.6
   
8.1
 
Other Mixed Use
   
4,842
   
0.5
   
2,666
   
0.6
   
2,229
   
0.5
   
9.0
   
8.2
   
8.1
 
Total Non U.S.
   
637,167
   
64.8
   
243,376
   
50.5
   
129,950
   
35.4
   
8.9
   
7.5
   
7.6
 
Total
 
$
983,387
   
100.0
%
$
481,745
   
100.0
%
$
365,806
   
100.0
%
 
9.2
%
 
8.6
%
 
8.5
%

For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company purchased $767,730 of commercial real estate loans. These acquisitions include commercial real estate loans denominated in British pounds of £24,882 ($49,239) and loans denominated in Euros of €331,249 ($449,801). For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company experienced repayments of $310,464 related to its commercial real estate loan portfolio.

Also included in commercial real estate loans are the Company's investments in Carbon Capital, Inc. ("Carbon I") and Carbon Capital II, Inc. ("Carbon II", and collectively with Carbon I, the "Carbon Funds.") For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company recorded $13,303 of income for the Carbon Funds. During 2007, Carbon II increased its investment in U.S. commercial real estate assets by originating 15 loans for a total investment of $467,036, a commercial real estate security of $25,000 and an additional funding of real estate, held for sale of $5,000. Paydowns in Carbon II during 2007 totaled $429,086. As loans are repaid, Carbon II has redeployed capital into acquisitions of additional loans for the portfolio. The Carbon I investment period has expired and as repayments continue to occur, capital will be returned to investors.
 
47


The Company's investments in the Carbon Funds are as follows:

   
December 31,
2007
 
December 31,
2006
 
Carbon I
 
$
1,636
 
$
3,144
 
Carbon II
   
97,762
   
69,259
 
   
$
99,398
 
$
72,403
 

One of the loans held by Carbon II, of which the Company owns 26%, includes a $24,546 commercial real estate mezzanine loan which defaulted during July 2006 and was subsequently cured.  The underlying property is a hotel located in the South Beach area of Miami, Florida.  In the second quarter of 2007, Carbon II purchased for $17,103 the controlling class position of the senior loan. This position is senior in the capital structure to Carbon II's existing investment and provides Carbon II with the ability to direct the workout process of the senior loan.  Both loans matured in March 2007, and the borrower failed to repay, triggering a maturity default.  The borrower has reached a settlement agreement that allows the borrower a specified period of time to obtain a purchaser for the hotel.  Based on a recent proposal for this property, the loan to value of this loan is approximately 90% and Carbon II believes a loan loss reserve is not necessary at December 31, 2007.

Two other loans held by Carbon II have defaulted.  The aggregate carrying value of the two assets on Carbon II's consolidated financial statements is $23,779.  The underlying properties, located in Orlando and Boynton Beach, Florida, are multifamily assets.  With respect to the property in Orlando, Carbon II has concluded a workout arrangement with the borrower, whereby Carbon II will forebear from taking title and will make all advances necessary to operate the property and service the first mortgage.  The borrower continues to hold title and implement its sales strategy.  To date, 240 of the 336 units have been sold and closed.  An additional 26 units are under contract with deposits and 30 contracts are being prepared.  During 2007, Carbon II established a loss reserve of $3,332 for this loan of which the Company's share is $833.

With respect to the property in Boynton Beach, the borrower was not able to achieve sufficient condominium sales to complete the condominium conversion.  The borrower defaulted on its loan.  Carbon II has taken title to the property and is operating it as a rental property.  During 2006 Carbon II established a loss reserve of $5,180 for this loan, of which the Company's share is $1,361.  Carbon II determined that no change to the carrying value of the property was necessary at December 31, 2007. 

The above three loans are the only defaulted loans held by Carbon II as of December 31, 2007.  Subsequent to December 31, 2007, two additional loans had maturity defaults, one of which has since been cured. Carbon II and the lending group are in discussions to extend the remaining loan. All other commercial real estate loans in the Carbon Funds are performing as expected.

Commercial Real Estate

BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc. ("BlackRock Diamond") is a private REIT managed by BlackRock Realty Advisors, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company's Manager. The Company invested $100,000 in BlackRock Diamond. The Company redeemed $25,000 of its investment on June 30, 2007 and redeemed the remaining $75,000 on September 30, 2007. Over the life of this investment, the Company recognized a cumulative profit of $34,853, an annualized return of 20.8%.
 
48


The Company has an indirect investment in a commercial real estate development fund located in India. At December 31, 2007, the Company's capital committed was $11,000, of which $9,350 had been drawn. The entity conducts its operations in the local currency, Indian Rupees.

The Company purchased a defaulted loan from a Controlling Class CMBS trust during the first quarter of 2006. The loan was secured by a first mortgage on a multifamily property in Texas. Subsequent to the loan purchase, the Company foreclosed on the loan and acquired title to the property in the process. The Company sold the property during the second quarter of 2006 and recorded a gain from discontinued operations of $1,366 on the consolidated statement of operations.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based on the amounts reported on the Company's consolidated financial statements. These consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make various judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The following is a summary of the Company's accounting policies that are the most affected by management judgments, estimates and assumptions:

Valuation

The Company carries its investments in mortgage-backed securities and derivative instruments at fair value, with changes in fair value included in other comprehensive income and in the consolidated statement of operations, respectively. The fair values of certain of these securities are determined by references to index pricing for those securities. However, for certain securities, index prices for identical or similar assets are not available. In these cases, management uses broker quotes as being indicative of fair values. Broker quotes are only indicative of fair value, and do not necessarily represent what the Company would receive in an actual trade for the applicable instrument. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, approximately $932,871 and $1,222,154, respectively, of the Company's investment securities were valued using broker quotes. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, all of the Company's derivative instruments were valued using broker quotes.

The Company performs an additional analysis on prices received based on index pricing and broker quotes. This process includes analyzing the securities based on vintage year, rating and asset type and converting the price received to a spread to relevant index (i.e., 10-year treasury or swap curve). The calculated spread is then compared to market information available for securities of similar asset type, vintage year and rating.  This process is used by the Company to validate the prices received from brokers and index pricing.

Securities Available-for-Sale

The Company has designated certain investments in mortgage-backed securities, mortgage-related securities and certain other securities as available-for-sale. Securities available-for-sale are carried at estimated fair value with the net unrealized gains or losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders' equity. Changes in the valuations do not affect the Company's reported net income or cash flows, but impact stockholders' equity and, accordingly, book value per share.
 
49


Income on these securities is recognized based upon a number of assumptions that are subject to uncertainties and contingencies. Examples include, among other things, the rate and timing of principal payments (including prepayments, repurchases, defaults and liquidations), the pass-through or coupon rate and interest rate fluctuations. Additional factors that may affect the Company's reported interest income on its commercial real estate securities include interest payment shortfalls due to delinquencies on the underlying commercial mortgage loans, the timing and magnitude of credit losses on the commercial mortgage loans underlying the securities that are a result of the general condition of the real estate market (including competition for tenants and their related credit quality) and changes in market rental rates. These uncertainties and contingencies are difficult to predict and are subject to future events that may alter the assumptions.

The Company recognizes interest income from its purchased beneficial interests in securitized financial interests ("beneficial interests") (other than beneficial interests of high credit quality, sufficiently collateralized to ensure that the possibility of credit loss is remote, or that cannot contractually be prepaid or otherwise settled in such a way that the Company would not recover substantially all of its recorded investment) in accordance with EITF 99-20. Accordingly, on a quarterly basis, when changes in estimated cash flows from the cash flows previously estimated occur due to actual prepayment and credit loss experience, the Company calculates a revised yield based on the current amortized cost of the investment (including any other-than-temporary impairments recognized to date) and the revised cash flows. The revised yield is then applied prospectively to recognize interest income.

For other mortgage-backed and related mortgage securities, the Company accounts for interest income under SFAS No. 91, Accounting for Nonrefundable Fees and Costs Associated with Originating or Acquiring Loans and Initial Direct Costs of Leases ("FAS 91"), using the effective yield method which includes the amortization of discount or premium arising at the time of purchase and the stated or coupon interest payments.

Impairment - Securities

Management must also assess whether unrealized losses on securities reflect a decline in value that is other than temporary, and, accordingly, write the impaired security down to its fair value, through earnings. Significant judgment by management is required in this analysis, which includes, but is not limited to, making assumptions regarding the collectability of the principal and interest, net of related expenses, on the underlying loans.

In accordance with SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities ("FAS 115"), when the estimated fair value of the security classified as available-for-sale has been below amortized cost for a significant period of time and the Company concludes that it no longer has the ability or intent to hold the security for the period of time over which the Company expects the values to recover to amortized cost, the investment is written down to its fair value. The resulting charge is included in income, and a new cost basis is established. Additionally, under EITF 99-20, when changes in estimated cash flows from the cash flows previously estimated occur due to actual prepayment and credit loss experience, and the present value of the revised cash flows using the current expected yield is less than the present value of the previously estimated remaining cash flows (adjusted for cash receipts during the intervening period), an other-than-temporary impairment is deemed to have occurred. Accordingly, the security is written down to fair value with the resulting change being included in income, and a new cost basis established. In both instances, the original discount or premium is written off when the new cost basis is established.
 
50


After taking into account the effect of an impairment charge, income is recognized under EITF 99-20 or FAS 91, as applicable, using the revised market yield for the security used in establishing the write-down.

Impairment - Commercial Mortgage Loan Pools

Over the life of the commercial mortgage loan pools, the Company reviews and updates its loss assumptions to determine the impact on expected cash flows to be collected. A decrease in estimated cash flows will reduce the amount of interest income recognized in future periods and would result in an impairment charge recorded on the consolidated statement of operations. An increase in estimated cash flows will increase the amount of interest income recorded in future periods.

Variable Interest Entities

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, which are wholly owned or controlled by the Company or entities which are variable interest entities ("VIEs") in which the Company is the primary beneficiary under FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (revised December 2003) ("FIN 46R"). FIN 46R requires a VIE to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the party that absorbs the majority of the VIEs expected losses and/or the majority of the expected returns. The Company has evaluated its investments for potential variable interests by evaluating the sufficiency of the entity's equity investment at risk to absorb losses. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company has analyzed the governing pooling and servicing agreements for each of its Controlling Class CMBS and believes that the terms are industry standard and are consistent with the qualifying special-purpose entity ("QSPE") criteria. However, there is uncertainty with respect to QSPE treatment due to ongoing review by accounting standard setters, potential actions by various parties involved with the QSPE, as well as varying and evolving interpretations of the QSPE criteria under FAS 140. Additionally, the standard setters continue to review the FIN 46R provisions related to the computations used to determine the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Future guidance from the standard setters may require the Company to consolidate CMBS trusts in which the Company has invested.

Commercial Mortgage Loans

The Company purchases and originates commercial mortgage loans to be held as long-term investments. The Company also has investments in the Carbon Funds that invest in commercial mortgage loans that are managed by the Manager. Management periodically must evaluate each loan for possible impairment. Impairment is indicated when it is deemed probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan. If a loan were determined to be impaired, the Company would establish a reserve for probable losses and a corresponding charge to earnings. Given the nature of the Company's loan portfolio and the underlying commercial real estate collateral, significant judgment of management is required in determining impairment and the resulting loan loss allowance, which includes but is not limited to making assumptions regarding the value of the real estate that secures the commercial mortgage loan.
 
51


Equity Investments

For those investments in real estate entities where the Company does not control the investee, or is not the primary beneficiary of a VIE, but can exert significant influence over the financial and operating policies of the investee, the Company uses the equity method of accounting. The Company recognizes its share of each investee's income or loss, and reduces its investment balance by distributions received. The Company owned an equity method investment in BlackRock Diamond, a privately held REIT that maintains its financial records on a fair value basis. The Company has retained such accounting relative to its investment in this REIT pursuant to EITF Issue 85-12, Retention of Specialized Accounting for Investments in Consolidation.

Derivative Instruments

The Company utilizes various hedging instruments (derivatives) to hedge interest rate and foreign currency exposures or to modify the interest rate or foreign currency characteristics of related Company investments. For accounting purposes, the Company's management must decide whether to designate these derivatives as either a hedge of an asset or liability, securities available-for-sale, securities held-for-trading, or foreign currency exposure. This designation decision affects the manner in which the changes in the fair value of the derivatives are reported.

Securitizations

When the Company sells assets in securitizations, it can retain certain tranches which are considered retained interests in the securitization. Gain or loss on the sale of assets depends in part on the previous carrying amount of the financial assets securitized, allocated between the assets sold and the retained interests based on their relative fair value at the date of securitization. To obtain fair values, quoted market prices are used. Gain or loss on securitizations of financial assets is reported as a component of sale of securities available-for-sale on the consolidated statement of operations. Retained interests are carried at estimated fair value on the consolidated statement of financial condition. Adjustments to estimated fair value for retained interests classified as securities available-for-sale are included in accumulated other comprehensive income on the consolidated statement of financial condition.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Fair Value Measurements

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements ("FAS 157"). FAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. FAS 157 requires companies to disclose the fair value of their financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy (i.e., levels 1, 2, and 3, as defined). Additionally, companies are required to provide enhanced disclosure regarding instruments in the level 3 category (which have inputs to the valuation techniques that are unobservable and require significant management judgment), including a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances separately for each major category of assets and liabilities. FAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and all interim periods within those fiscal years. FAS 157 is not expected to materially affect how the Company determines fair value, but will result in certain additional disclosures.
 
52


Fair Value Accounting

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities ("FAS 159"). FAS 159 permits entities to elect to measure eligible financial instruments at fair value. The unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected will reported in earnings. The decision to elect the fair value option is determined on an instrument by instrument basis, it is applied to an entire instrument, and is irrevocable. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value pursuant to the fair value option will be reported separately on the consolidated statement of financial condition from those instruments measured using another measurement attribute. FAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The Company adopted FAS 159 as of the beginning of 2008 and elected to apply the fair value option to the following financial assets and liabilities existing at the time of adoption:

 
(1)
All securities which were previously accounted for as available-for-sale;
     
 
(2)
All unsecured long-term liabilities, consisting of all senior unsecured notes, senior convertible notes, junior unsecured notes and junior subordinated notes; and
     
 
(3)
All CDO liabilities.

Upon adoption, the Company expects total stockholders' equity to increase by approximately $372,000, substantially all of which relates to applying the fair value option to the Company's long-term liabilities. Subsequent to January 1, 2008, all changes in the estimated fair value of the Company's available-for-sale securities, CDOs, senior unsecured notes, senior convertible notes, junior unsecured notes and junior subordinated notes will be recorded in earnings.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

On February 20, 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 140-3, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions. This FSP addresses the accounting for the transfer of financial assets and a subsequent repurchase financing and shall be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those years. The FSP focuses on the circumstances that would permit a transferor and a transferee to separately evaluate the accounting for a transfer of a financial asset and a repurchase financing under FAS 140, Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities.

The FSP states that a transfer of a financial asset and a repurchase agreement involving the transferred financial asset should be considered part of the same arrangement when the counterparties to the two transactions are the same unless certain criteria are met. The criteria in the FSP are intended to identify whether (1) there is a valid and distinct business or economic purpose for entering separately into the two transactions and (2) the repurchase financing does not result in the initial transferor regaining control over the previously transferred financial assets. The FASB has stated that the FSP's purpose is to limit diversity of practice in accounting for these situations, resulting in more consistent financial reporting. This FSP shall be applied prospectively to initial transfers and repurchase financings for which the initial transfer is executed on or after the beginning of the fiscal year in which this FSP is initially applied.

Currently, the Company records such assets and the related financing gross on its consolidated statement of financial condition, and the corresponding interest income and interest expense gross on the consolidated statement of operations. Any change in fair value of the security is reported through other comprehensive income pursuant to SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, because the security is classified as available-for-sale. However, in a transaction where the mortgage-backed securities are acquired from and financed under a repurchase agreement with the same counterparty, the acquisition may not qualify as a sale from the seller's perspective under the provisions of FAS 140. In such cases, the seller may be required to continue to consolidate the assets sold to the Company, based on their continuing involvement with such investments. The Company has not completed its evaluation of the impact of FSP FAS 140-3 but the Company may be precluded from presenting the assets gross on the Company's consolidated statement of financial condition and should instead be treating the Company's net investment in such assets as a derivative.  If it is determined that these transactions should be treated as investments in derivatives, the derivative instruments entered into by the Company to hedge the Company's interest rate exposure with respect to the borrowings under the associated repurchase agreements may no longer qualify for hedge accounting, and would then, as with the underlying asset transactions, also be marked to market through the consolidated statement of operations.  This potential change in accounting treatment does not affect the economics of the transactions but does affect how the transactions would be reported on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company's cash flows, liquidity and ability to pay a dividend would be unchanged, and the Company does not believe its REIT taxable income or REIT status would be affected. The Company believes stockholders' equity would not be materially affected. At December 31, 2007, the Company has identified available-for-sale securities with a fair value of approximately $147,552 which had been purchased from and financed with reverse repurchase agreements totaling approximately $127,094 with the same counterparty since their purchase.  If the Company were to change the current accounting treatment for these transactions at December 31, 2007 to that required by the FSP, total assets and total liabilities would be reduced by approximately $127,094.
 
53


Investment Companies

In June 2007, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA") issued Statement of Position ("SOP") 07-1, Clarification of the Scope of the Audit and Accounting Guide Investment Companies and Accounting for Parent Companies and Equity Method Investors for Investments in Investment Companies. This SOP provides guidance for determining whether an entity is within the scope of the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide- Investment Companies (the "Guide"). Entities that are within the scope of the Guide are required, among other things, to carry their investments at fair value, with changes in fair value included in earnings. On October 17, 2007, the FASB decided to indefinitely defer the effective date of this SOP.

Variable Interest Entities

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, which are wholly owned or controlled by the Company or entities which are VIEs in which the Company is the primary beneficiary under FIN 46R. FIN 46R requires a VIE to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the party that absorbs the majority of the VIE's anticipated losses and/or the majority of the expected returns. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company has analyzed the governing pooling and servicing agreements for each of its Controlling Class CMBS and believes that the terms are industry standard and are consistent with the QSPE criteria. However, there is uncertainty with respect to QSPE treatment due to ongoing review by accounting standard setters, potential actions by various parties involved with the QSPE, as well as varying and evolving interpretations of the QSPE criteria under FAS 140. Future guidance from the accounting standard setters may require the Company to consolidate CMBS trusts in which the Company has invested.
 
54


Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments

In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments ("FAS 155"), which amends SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities ("FAS 133"), and FAS 140. FAS 155 provides, among other things, that:

 
·
For embedded derivatives which would otherwise be required to be bifurcated from their host contracts and accounted for at fair value in accordance with FAS 133, an irrevocable election may be made on an instrument-by-instrument basis, to be measured as hybrid financial instrument at fair value in its entirety, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings.
     
 
·
Concentrations of credit risk in the form of subordination are not considered embedded derivatives.
     
 
·
Clarification regarding interest-only strips and principal-only strips are not subject to the requirements of FAS 133.

FAS 155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired, issued or subject to re-measurement after the beginning of an entity's first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. Upon adoption, differences between the total carrying amount of the individual components of an existing bifurcated hybrid financial instrument and the fair value of the combined hybrid financial instrument should be recognized as a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings. Prior periods should not be restated. The adoption of FAS 155 on January 1, 2007 did not have a material impact to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes ("FIN 48"). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company's financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a threshold and measurement attribute for recognition in the financial statements of an asset or liability resulting from a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 was effective for public companies as of the beginning of fiscal years that began after December 15, 2006. The adoption of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007 did not have a material impact to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Interest Income: The following tables set forth information regarding interest income from certain of the Company's interest-earning assets. 
 
       
Variance
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2007 vs 2006
 
2006 vs 2005
 
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Variance
 
%
 
Variance
 
%
 
U.S. dollar denominated income
                             
Commercial real estate securities
 
$
171,994
   
161,589
   
141,151
   
10,405
   
6.4
%
$
20,438
   
14.5
%
Commercial real estate loans
   
30,066
   
23,745
   
19,441
   
6,321
   
26.6
%
 
4,304
   
22.1
%
Commercial mortgage loan pools
   
52,037
   
52,917
   
54,024
   
(880
)
 
(1.7
)%
 
(1,107
)
 
(2.0
)%
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
3,982
   
11,427
   
9,850
   
(7,445
)
 
(65.2
)%
 
1,577
   
16.0
%
Cash and cash equivalents
   
3,837
   
1,545
   
2,078
   
2,292
   
148.3
%
 
(533
)
 
(25.6
)%
Total U.S. interest income
   
261,916
   
251,223
   
226,544
   
10,693
   
4.3
%
 
24,679
   
10.9
%
Non -U.S dollar denominated income
                                           
Commercial real estate securities
   
22,585
 
$
6,681
 
$
1,482
   
15,904
   
238.0
%
 
5,199
   
350.8
%
Commercial real estate loans
   
39,915
   
17,224
   
3,742
   
22,691
   
131.7
%
 
13,482
   
360.3
%
Cash and cash equivalents
   
2,020
   
858
   
0
   
1,162
   
135.4
%
 
858
   
100.0
%
Total Non-U.S. interest income
   
64,520
   
24,763
   
5,224
   
39,757
   
160.6
%
 
19,539
   
374.0
%
Total Interest Income
 
$
326,436
 
$
275,986
 
$
231,768
 
$
50,450
   
18.3
%
$
44,218
   
19.1
%
 
55

 
The following table reconciles interest income and total income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
 
       
Variance
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
2007 vs 2006
 
2006 vs 2005
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Variance
 
%
 
Variance
 
%
 
Interest income
 
$
326,436
 
$
275,986
 
$
231,768
 
$
50,450
   
18.3
%
$
44,218
   
19.1
%
Earnings from BlackRock Diamond
   
18,790
   
15,763
   
299
   
3,027
   
19.2
%
 
15,464
   
5,171.9
%
Earnings from Carbon I
   
700
   
924
   
4,983
   
(224
)
 
(24.2
)%
 
(4,059
)
 
(81.5
)%
Earnings from Carbon II
   
12,603
   
10,744
   
6,805
   
1,859
   
17.3
%
 
3,939
   
57.9
%
Earnings from real estate joint ventures
   
-
   
-
   
59
   
-
   
n/a
   
(59
)
 
n/a
 
Total Income
 
$
358,529
 
$
303,417
 
$
243,914
 
$
55,112
   
18.1
%
$
59,503
   
24.4
%

U.S. dollar denominated income

For the year ended December 31, 2007 versus December 31, 2006, interest income from U.S. assets increased $10,693, or 4.3%. For the year ended December 31, 2006 versus December 31, 2005, interest income from U.S. assets increased $24,679, or 10.9%. The Company has continued to acquire commercial real estate securities and loans throughout the year which has offset the decline in interest income from the sale of residential mortgage-back securities. The Company redeemed its interest in BlackRock Diamond on September 30, 2007 in order to monetize its investment.

Non-U.S. dollar denominated income

For the year ended December 31, 2007 versus December 31, 2006, interest income from non - U.S. assets increased $39,757, or 160.6%. For the year ended December 31, 2006 versus 2005, interest income from non -U.S. assets increased $19,539, or 374.0%. The Company continues to increase its investment in non-U.S. dollar assets resulting in higher interest income from non-U.S. commercial real estate securities and loans. The Company has increased its investment portfolio outside the U.S. in order to provide geographical diversification.

Interest Expense: The following table sets forth information regarding the total amount of interest expense from certain of the Company's borrowings and cash flow hedges.  
 
 
       
Variance
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
2007 vs 2006
 
2006 vs 2005
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Variance
 
%
 
Variance
 
%
 
U.S. dollar denominated interest expense
                             
Collateralized debt obligations
 
$
90,805
 
$
80,572
 
$
69,794
 
$
10,233
   
12.7
%
$
10,778
   
15.4 
%
Commercial real estate securities
   
27,889
   
35,994
   
16,468
   
(8,105
)
 
(22.5
)%
 
19,526
   
118.6
%
Commercial real estate loans
   
5,271
   
4,069
   
5,166
   
1,202
   
29.5
%
 
(1,097
)
 
(21.2
)%
Commercial real estate
   
587
   
-
   
-
   
587
   
100.0
%
 
-
   
0.0
%
Commercial mortgage loan pools
   
49,527
   
50,213
   
50,988
   
(686
)
 
(1.4
)%
 
(775
)
 
(1.5
)%
Residential mortgage-backed securities
   
5,957
   
14,916
   
9,821
   
(8,959
)
 
(60.1
)%
 
5,095
   
51.9
%
Convertible debt
   
3,219
   
-
   
-
   
3,219
   
100.0
%
 
-
   
0.0
%
Senior unsecured notes
   
9,613
   
1,299
   
-
   
8,314
   
640.0
%
 
1,299
   
100.0
%
Junior unsecured notes
   
3,561
   
-
   
-
   
3,561
   
100.0
%
 
-
   
0.0
%
Cash flow hedges
   
(841
)
 
1,966
   
7,110
   
(2,807
)
 
(142.8
)%
 
(5,144
)
 
(72.3
)%
Hedge ineffectiveness*
   
488
   
262
   
1,188
   
226
   
86.3
%
 
926
   
(77.9
)%
Total U.S. Interest Expense
   
196,076
   
189,291
   
160,535
   
6,785
   
3.6
%
 
28,756
   
17.9
%
Non-U.S. dollar denominated interest expense
                                           
Euro CDO
   
18,143
   
765
 
$
-
   
17,378
   
2271.6
%
 
765
   
100.0
%
Commercial real estate securities
   
5,470
   
3,328
   
639
   
2,142
   
64.4
%
 
2,689
   
420.8
%
Commercial real estate loans
   
7,861
   
6,557
   
741
   
1,304
   
19.9
%
 
5,816
   
784.9
%
Junior subordinated notes
   
13,450
   
12,447
   
1,543
   
1,003
   
8.1
%
 
10,904
   
706.7
%
Total Non-U.S. Interest Expense
   
44,924
   
23,097
   
2,923
   
21,827
   
94.5
%
 
20,174
   
690.2
%
Total Interest Expense
 
$
241,000
 
$
212,388
 
$
163,458
 
$
28,612
   
13.5
%
$
48,930
   
29.9
%

*See Note 16 of the consolidated financial statements, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, for a further description of the Company's hedge ineffectiveness.
 
56


U.S. dollar denominate interest expense

For the year ended December 31 2007 versus December 31, 2006, U.S. dollar interest expense increased $6,785, or 3.6%. For the year ended December 31, 2006 versus December 31, 2005, U.S. dollar interest expense increased $28,756, or 17.9%. The December 31, 2007 versus December 31, 2006 increase was due to the sale of residential mortgage-backed securities during 2007, offset by the issuance of convertible debt, senior notes, and junior notes.

Non-U.S. dollar denominated interest expense

For the year ended December 31, 2007 versus 2006, non-U.S. dollar interest expense increased $21,827 or 94.5%. The Euro CDO was issued in December 2006 and as a result, is the major contributing factor for the year end increase. For the year ended December 31, 2006 versus December 31, 2005, non-U.S. dollar interest expense increased $20,174, or 690.2%, as the Company began committing more capital to non-U.S. dollar denominated assets in 2006.

Net Interest Margin and Net Interest Spread from the Portfolio: The Company considers its interest generating portfolio to consist of its securities available-for-sale, securities held-for-trading, commercial mortgage loans, and cash and cash equivalents because these assets relate to its core strategy of acquiring and originating high yield loans and securities backed by commercial real estate, while at the same time maintaining a portfolio of investment grade securities to enhance the Company's liquidity. The Company's equity investments, which include the Carbon Funds, also generate a significant portion of the Company's income.
 
57


The Company believes interest income and expense related to these assets excluding the effects of hedge ineffectiveness and the consolidation of a variable interest entity pursuant to FIN 46R better reflect the Company's net interest margin and net interest spread from its portfolio. Adjusted interest income and adjusted interest expense are better indicators for both management and investors of the Company's financial performance over time.

The following charts reconcile interest income and expense to adjusted interest income and adjusted interest expense.
 
   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Interest income
$
326,436
 
$
275,986
 
$
231,768
 
Interest expense related to the consolidation of commercial mortgage loan pools
 
(49,527
)
 
(50,213
)
 
(50,864
)
Adjusted interest income
$
276,909
 
$
225,773
 
$
180,904
 

   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Interest expense
 
$
241,000
 
$
212,388
 
$
163,458
 
Interest expense related to the consolidation of commercial mortgage loan pools
   
(49,527
)
 
(50,213
)
 
(50,864
)
Hedge ineffectiveness
   
(488
)
 
(262
)
 
(1,188
)
Adjusted interest expense
 
$
190,985
 
$
161,913
 
$
111,406
 

Net interest margin from the portfolio is annualized net interest income divided by the average estimated fair value of interest-earning assets. Net interest income is total interest income less interest expense related to collateralized borrowings. Net interest spread equals the yield on average assets for the period less the average cost of funds for the period. The yield on average assets is interest income divided by average amortized cost of interest earning assets. The average cost of funds is interest expense from the portfolio divided by average outstanding collateralized borrowings.

The following chart includes the adjusted interest income, adjusted interest expense, net interest margin and net interest spread for the Company's portfolio. The interest income and interest expense amounts exclude income and expense related to hedge ineffectiveness, and the gross-up effect of the consolidation of a VIE that includes commercial mortgage loan pools. The Company believes interest income and expense excluding the effects of these items better reflects the Company's net interest margin and net interest spread from the portfolio.

   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Adjusted interest income
 
$
276,909
 
$
225,773
 
$
180,904
 
Adjusted interest expense
 
$
190,985
 
$
161,913
 
$
111,406
 
Adjusted net interest income ratios
                   
Net interest margin
   
2.5
%
 
2.1
%
 
3.0
%
Average yield
   
8.1
%
 
7.4
%
 
7.8
%
Cost of funds
   
6.2
%
 
6.1
%
 
5.5
%
Net interest spread
   
1.9
%
 
1.3
%
 
2.3
%
Ratios including income from equity investments
                   
Net interest margin
   
3.3
%
 
2.9
%
 
3.4
%
Average yield
   
8.6
%
 
7.9
%
 
8.1
%
Cost of funds
   
6.2
%
 
6.1
%
 
5.5
%
Net interest spread
   
2.4
%
 
1.8
%
 
2.6
%
 
58


 
For 2007, net interest margin and net interest spread increased due to the widening of CMBS spreads. For 2006, net interest margin and net interest spread declined due to CMBS spread tightening and the yield curve having been flat to inverted.

Other Expenses: Expenses other than interest expense consist primarily of management fees, incentive fees and general and administrative expenses. The table below summarizes those expenses for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

           
Variance
 
   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
2007 vs. 2006
 
2006 vs. 2005
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Variance
 
%
 
Variance
 
%
 
Management fee
 
$
13,468
 
$
12,617
 
$
10,974
 
$
851
   
6.8
%
$
1,643
   
15.0
%
Incentive fee
   
5,645
   
5,919
   
4,290
   
(274
)
 
(4.6
)%
 
1,629
   
38.0
%
Incentive fee- stock based
   
2,427
   
2,761
   
-
   
(334
)
 
(12.1
)%
 
2,761
   
-
 
General and administrative expense
   
5,981
   
4,533
   
3,917
   
1,448
   
32.0
%
 
616
   
15.8
%
Total other expenses
 
$
27,521
 
$
25,830
 
$
19,181
 
$
1,691
   
6.5
%
$
6,649
   
34.7
%
 
Management fees are based on 2% of average quarterly stockholders' equity. The increase of $851, or 6.8%, from 2006 and $1,643, or 15.0%, from 2005 is primarily due to the increase in the Company's average stockholders' equity. The Manager earned an incentive fee of $5,645, $5,919 and $4,290 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, as the Company achieved the necessary performance goals specified in the Management Agreement. The expense of $2,427 and $2,761 for 2007 and 2006, respectively, is related to the stock based incentive fee that was approved by the Company's Board of Directors in February 2006. See Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements, Transactions with Related Parties, for further discussion of the Company's Management Agreement.

General and administrative expense is comprised of accounting agent fees, custodial agent fees, directors' fees, fees for professional services, insurance premiums, broken deal expenses, and due diligence costs. The increase in general and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 is primarily attributable to increased professional fees and expenses related to the Company's global expansion.

Other Gains (Losses): During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company sold a portion of its securities available-for-sale resulting in realized gains of $5,316. The Company sold a retained CDO bond resulting in a gain of $6,630. This was partially offset by the sale of the majority of the Company's CMBS IOs and multifamily agency securities during 2007, which generated a loss of $13,352, and a related gain of $10,899 recorded in connection with hedges that no longer qualified for hedge accounting. (See Note 16 of the consolidated financial statements.)
 
59


During 2006, the Company sold a portion of its securities available-for-sale resulting in realized gains of $29,032. The Company's sale of seven CMBS held as collateral for three of its CDOs resulted in a realized gain of $28,520. The gain from these seasoned CMBS was a result of increased value of the securities due to multiple credit upgrades and spread tightening of approximately 475 basis points. Investment grade CMBS owned by the Company outside of its CDOs were used to replace this collateral. During 2006, the Company changed its financing strategy and de-designated a portion of its cash flows hedges and incurred a loss of $12,661. The Company changed its financing strategy to emphasize the use of 90-day reverse repurchase agreements and concurrently reduced the use of 30-day reverse repurchase agreements.

During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company sold a portion of its securities available-for-sale resulting in realized gains of $16,543. The gain on sales of securities available-for-sale during 2005 is primarily attributable to CDO HY2.

The gain (loss) on securities held-for-trading of $(5,151), $3,254, and $(1,999) for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, consisted primarily of realized and unrealized gains and losses on the Company's securities held-for-trading and trading derivatives. The net foreign currency gain (loss) of $6,272, $2,161 and $(134), for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, relates to the Company's hedging of its net investment in commercial mortgage loans denominated in pounds sterling and euros. The losses on impairment of assets of $12,469, $7,880, and $5,088 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, were related to the impairment charges of Controlling Class CMBS and franchise loan backed securities under EITF 99-20. (See Note 3 of the consolidated financial statements.)

Income from Discontinued Operations: The Company purchased a defaulted loan from a Controlling Class CMBS trust during the first quarter of 2006. The Company sold the property during the second quarter of 2006 and recorded a gain from discontinued operations of $1,366 on the consolidated statements of operations.

Changes in Financial Condition

Securities available-for-sale: The Company's securities available-for-sale, which are carried at estimated fair value, included the following at December 31, 2007 and 2006:

 
 
U.S. dollar denominated securities
available-for-sale
 
December 31, 2007 Estimated Fair
Value
 
Percentage
 
December 31, 2006 Estimated
Fair
Value
 
 
 
 
Percentage
 
Commercial real estate securities:
             
CMBS IOs
 
$
15,915
   
0.7
%
$
69,352
   
2.7
%
Investment grade CMBS
   
751,073
   
33.1
   
738,766
   
28.2
%
Non-investment grade rated subordinated securities
   
629,688
   
27.8
   
562,748
   
21.5
%
Non-rated subordinated securities
   
109,552
   
4.8
   
78,619
   
3.0
%
Credit tenant lease
   
24,949
   
1.1
   
24,318
   
0.9
%
Investment grade REIT debt
   
246,095
   
10.9
   
249,244
   
9.5
%
Multifamily agency securities
   
37,123
   
1.5
   
449,827
   
17.2
%
CDO investments
   
49,630
   
2.2
   
117,246
   
4.5
%
Total
   
1,864,025
   
82.1
   
2,290,120
   
87.5
%
                           
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
                 
Agency adjustable rate securities
   
1,193
   
0.1
   
1,774
   
0.1
%
Residential CMOs
   
156
   
0.0
   
130,850
   
5.0
%
Hybrid adjustable rate mortgages ("ARMs")
   
7,934
   
0.4
   
11,516
   
0.4
%
Total RMBS
   
9,283
   
0.5
   
144,140
   
5.5
%
Total U.S. dollar denominated
securities available-for-sale 
   
1,873,308
   
82.6
%
 
2,434,260
   
93.1
%

Non-U.S. dollar denominated securities
available-for-sale
                 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities:
             
Investment grade CMBS
   
151,532
   
6.7
   
56,778
   
2.2
%
Non-investment grade rated subordinated securities
   
212,433
   
9.4
   
123,271
   
4.7
%
Non-rated subordinated securities
   
28,857
   
1.3
   
1,547
   
0.1
%
Total Non-U.S. dollar denominated
securities available-for-sale 
   
392,822
   
17.4
%
 
181,597
   
6.9
%
Total securities available-for-sale
 
$
2,266,130
   
100.0
%
$
2,615,856
   
100.0
%

The Company continues to purchase additional investments outside the U.S. in order to increase geographical diversification. In addition, during 2007, the Company sold the majority of its multifamily agency securities and RMBS for total proceeds of $605,281.

Borrowings: At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company's debt consisted of credit facilities, CDOs, senior unsecured notes, senior convertible notes, junior unsecured notes, junior subordinated notes, reverse repurchase agreements, and commercial mortgage loans pools collateralized by a pledge of most of the Company's securities available-for-sale, securities held-for-trading, and its commercial mortgage loans. The Company's financial flexibility is affected by its ability to renew or replace on a continuous basis its maturing short-term borrowings. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company had obtained financing in amounts and at interest rates consistent with the Company's short-term financing objectives.
 
60

 
The following table sets forth information regarding the Company's borrowings:

   
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2007
 
   
December 31, 2007
Balance
 
Maximum
Balance
 
Range of
Maturities
 
CDO debt
 
$
1,823,328
 
$
1,828,168
   
54 days to 8.7 years
 
Commercial mortgage loan pools
   
1,219,095
   
1,250,503
   
1.0 to 11.0 years
 
Reverse repurchase agreements
   
80,119
   
951,194
   
1 to 10 days
 
Credit facilities
   
671,601
   
736,832
   
172 days to 1.7 years
 
Senior convertible notes
   
80,000
   
80,000
   
19.7 years
 
Senior unsecured notes*
   
162,500
   
162,500
   
9.3 years
 
Junior unsecured notes
   
73,103
   
73,103
   
14.3 years
 
Junior subordinated notes**
   
180,477
   
180,477
   
28.1 years
 
Total Borrowings
 
$
4,290,223
             

   
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2006
 
   
December 31, 2006
Balance
 
Maximum
Balance
 
Range of
Maturities
 
CDO debt
 
$
1,812,574
 
$
1,812,574
   
5.3 to 9.7 years
 
Commercial mortgage loan pools
   
1,250,503
   
1,278,908
   
2.0 to 12.0 years
 
Reverse repurchase agreements
   
799,669
   
1,079,980
   
8 to 81 days
 
Credit facilities
   
75,447
   
403,188
   
8 days to 1.1 years
 
Senior unsecured notes*
   
75,000
   
75,000
   
10.0 years
 
Junior subordinated notes**
   
180,477
   
180,407
   
29.1 years
 
Total Borrowings
 
$
4,193,670
             

*The senior unsecured notes can be redeemed at par by the Company beginning in April 2012.
 
** The junior subordinated notes can be redeemed at par by the Company beginning in October 2010.

The table above does not include interest payments on the Company's borrowings. Such disclosure of interest payments has been omitted because certain borrowings require variable rate interest payments. The Company's total interest payments for the year ended December 31, 2007 were $226,666.
 
61


At December 31, 2007, the Company's borrowings had the following weighted average yields and range of interest rates and yields:

   
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
 
Lines of Credit
 
Collateralized Debt Obligations
 
Commercial Mortgage Loan Pools
 
Junior Subordinated Notes
 
Senior Unsecured Notes
 
Junior Unsecured Notes
 
Senior
Convertible Notes
 
Total Collateralized Borrowings
 
Weighted average yield
   
5.44
%
 
6.06
%
 
6.11
%
 
3.99
%
 
7.64
%
 
7.59
%
 
6.56
%
 
11.75
%
 
5.72
%
Interest Rate
                                                       
Fixed
   
-
%
 
-
%
 
6.80
%
 
3.99
%
 
7.64
%
 
7.59
%
 
6.56
%
 
11.75
%
 
6.16
%
Floating
   
5.44
%
 
6.06
%
 
5.46
%
 
-
%
 
-
%
 
-
%
 
-
%
 
-
%
 
5.62
%
Effective Yield
                                                       
Fixed
   
-
%
 
-
%
 
7.30
%
 
3.99
%
 
7.64
%
 
7.59
%
 
6.56
%
 
11.75
%
 
6.43
%
Floating
   
5.44
%
 
6.06
%
 
5.46
%
 
-
%
 
-
%
 
-
%
 
-
%
 
-
%
 
5.62
%

Hedging Instruments: The Company may modify its exposure to market interest and foreign exchange rates by entering into various financial instruments. These financial instruments are intended to mitigate the effect of changes in interest and foreign exchange rates on the value of the Company's assets and the cost of borrowing.

Interest rate hedging instruments at December 31, 2007 and 2006 consisted of the following:

   
December 31, 2007
 
   
Notional Value
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Unamortized Cost
 
Average Remaining Term (years)
 
Cash flow hedges
 
$
231,500
 
$
(12,646
)
 
-
   
7.0
 
CDO cash flow hedges
   
875,548
   
(25,410
)
 
-
   
6.2
 
Trading swaps
   
1,218,619
   
(1,296
)
 
-
   
1.2
 
CDO trading swaps
   
279,527
   
5
   
-
   
4.8
 
CDO LIBOR cap
   
85,000
   
195
   
1,407
   
5.4
 
 
   
December 31, 2006
 
   
Notional Value
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Unamortized Cost
 
Average Remaining Term (years)
 
Cash flow hedges
 
$
644,200
 
$
5,048
   
-
   
7.9
 
CDO cash flow hedges
   
895,499
   
8,230
   
-
   
7.2
 
Trading swaps
   
1,220,000
   
2,033
   
-
   
2.1
 
CDO trading swaps
   
223,445
   
212
   
-
   
6.1
 
CDO LIBOR cap
   
85,000
   
(38
)
 
1,407
   
6.4
 

62


Foreign currency agreements at December 31, 2007 and 2006 consisted of the following:

   
At December 31, 2007
 
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
Unamortized Cost
 
Average Remaining Term
 
Currency swaps
 
$
(12,060
)
 
-
   
7.5 years
 
CDO currency swaps
   
9,967
   
-
   
9.9 years
 
Forwards
   
4,041
   
-
   
23 days
 
 
     
At December 31, 2006
 
     
Estimated Fair Value
   
Unamortized Cost
   
Average Remaining Term
 
Currency swaps
 
$
1,179
   
-
   
12.53 years
 
CDO currency swaps
   
(1,418
)
 
-
   
12.53 years
 
Forwards
   
(2,659
)
 
-
   
10 days
 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

The ongoing weaknesses in the subprime mortgage sector and in the broader mortgage market have resulted in reduced liquidity for mortgage-backed securities. Although this reduction in liquidity has been directly linked to subprime residential assets, to which the Company continues to have no direct exposure, there has been an overall reduction in liquidity across the credit spectrum of commercial and residential mortgage products. The Company received and funded margin calls totaling $82,570 during 2007, $73,793 from January 1, 2008 through March 10, 2008, and will fund another $11,118 on March 14, 2008. The Company's ability to maintain adequate liquidity is dependent on several factors, many of which are outside of the Company's control, including the Company's continued access to credit facilities on acceptable terms, the Company's compliance with REIT distribution requirements, the timing and amount of margin calls by lenders that are dependent on the Company's investments, the valuation of the Company's investments and credit risk of the underlying collateral.

The aforementioned market factors could adversely affect one or more of the Company's repurchase counterparties providing funding for the Company's portfolio and could cause one or more of the Company's counterparties to be unwilling or unable to provide the Company with additional financing. This could potentially increase the Company's financing costs and reduce the Company's liquidity. If one or more major market participants fails or decides to withdraw from the market, it could negatively affect the marketability of all fixed income securities, and this event could negatively affect the value of the securities in the Company's portfolio, thus reducing the Company's net book value. Furthermore, if many of the Company's counterparties are unwilling or unable to provide the Company with additional financing, the Company could be forced to sell its investments at a time when prices are depressed. If this were to occur, it potentially could have a negative effect on the Company's compliance with the REIT asset and income tests necessary to fulfill the Company's REIT qualification requirements. In addition, the distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code limit the Company's ability to retain earnings and thereby replenish or increase capital committed to its operations.

In addition, the Company's liquidity also may be adversely affected by margin calls under the Company's repurchase agreements and credit facilities that are dependent in part on the valuation of the collateral to secure the financing. The Company's repurchase agreements and credit facilities allow the lender, to varying degrees, to revalue the collateral to values that the lender considers to reflect market. If a counterparty determines that the value of the collateral has decreased, it may initiate a margin call requiring the Company to post additional collateral to cover the decrease. When subject to such a margin call, the Company repays a portion of the outstanding borrowing with minimal notice. The Company has hedged a significant amount of its portfolio to offset market value declines due to changes in interest rates but is exposed to market value fluctuations due to spread widening. A significant increase in margin calls as a result of spread widening could harm the Company's liquidity, results of operations, financial condition and business prospects. Additionally, in order to obtain cash to satisfy a margin call, the Company may be required to liquidate assets at a disadvantageous time, which could cause the Company to incur further losses and consequently adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.
 
63


To date, the credit performance of the Company's investments remains consistent both with the Company's expectations and with the broader commercial real estate finance industry experience; nevertheless, subsequent to December 31, 2007, the capital markets have been marking down the value of all credit sensitive securities regardless of performance. The Company believes it has sufficient sources of liquidity to fund operations for the next twelve months. 

The Company's ability to meet its long-term (greater than twelve months) liquidity requirements is subject to obtaining additional debt and equity financing. Any decision by the Company's lenders and investors to provide the Company with financing will depend upon a number of factors, such as the Company's compliance with the terms of its existing credit arrangements, the Company's financial performance, industry or market trends, the general availability of and rates applicable to financing transactions, such lenders' and investors' resources and policies concerning the terms under which they make capital commitments and the relative attractiveness of alternative investment or lending opportunities.

Certain information with respect to the Company's borrowings at December 31, 2007 is summarized as follows:

Borrowing Type
 
Outstanding borrowings
 
Weighted average borrowing rate
 
Weighted average remaining maturity
 
Estimated fair value of assets pledged
 
Reverse repurchase agreements
 
$
80,119
   
5.44
%
 
7 days
 
$
93,116
 
Credit facilities
   
671,601
   
6.06
   
1.2 years
   
969,140
 
Commercial mortgage loan pools
   
1,219,095
   
3.99
   
4.9 years
   
1,240,793
 
CDOs
   
1,823,328
   
6.11
   
4.8 years
   
2,014,047
 
Senior unsecured notes
   
162,500
   
7.59
   
9.3 years
   
-
 
Junior unsecured notes
   
73,103
   
6.56
   
14.3 years
   
-
 
Senior convertible notes(1)
   
80,000
   
11.75
   
19.7 years
   
-
 
Junior subordinated notes
   
180,477
   
7.64
   
28.1 years
   
-
 
Total Borrowings
 
$
4,290,223
   
5.72
%
 
6.4 years
 
$
4,317,096
 

(1) Assumes holders of senior convertible notes do not exercise their right to require the Company to repurchase their notes on September 1, 2012, September 1, 2017 and September 1, 2022.
 
64


At December 31, 2007, the Company's borrowings had the following remaining maturities:
 
Borrowing Type
 
Within 30 days
 
31 to 59 days
 
60 days to less than 1 year
 
1 year to 3 years
 
3 years to 5 years
 
Over 5 years
 
Total
 
Reverse repurchase agreements
 
$
80,119
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
80,119
 
Credit facilities
   
-
   
-
   
261,892
   
409,709
   
-
   
-
   
671,601
 
Commercial mortgage loan pools
   
-
   
17,932
   
44,270
   
368,433
   
130,683
   
657,777
   
1,219,095
 
CDOs
   
-
   
16,736
   
16,433
   
149,544
   
548,800
   
1,091,815
   
1,823,328
 
Senior unsecured notes
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
162,500
   
162,500
 
Senior convertible notes(1)
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
80,000
   
80,000
 
Junior unsecured notes
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
73,103
   
73,103
 
Junior subordinated notes
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
180,477
   
180,477
 
Total Borrowings
 
$
80,119
 
$
34,668
 
$
322,595
 
$
927,686
 
$
679,483
 
$
2,245,672
 
$
4,290,223
 

(1)
Assumes holders of senior convertible notes do not exercise their right to require the Company to repurchase their notes on September 1, 2012, September 1, 2017 and September 1, 2022.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements and Credit Facilities

The Company has entered into reverse repurchase agreements to finance its securities that are not financed under its credit facilities or CDOs. Reverse repurchase agreements are secured loans generally with a term of 30 to 90 days. After the initial period expires, there is no obligation for the lender to extend credit for an additional period. This type of financing generally is available only for more liquid securities.

The Company's credit facilities can be used to replace existing reverse repurchase agreement borrowings and to finance the acquisition of mortgage-backed securities and commercial real estate loans. Committed financing facilities represent multi-year agreements to provide secured financing for a specific asset class. These facilities include a mark-to-market provision requiring the Company to repay borrowings if the value of the pledged asset declines in excess of a threshold amount and bear interest at a variable rate. A committed facility provider generally is required to provide financing for the full term of the agreement, rather than for thirty or ninety days as is customary in reverse repurchase transactions. This longer term makes the financing of less liquid assets viable.
 
Under the credit facilities and the reverse repurchase agreements, the respective lenders retain the right to mark the underlying collateral to estimated fair value. A reduction in the value of pledged assets will require the Company to provide additional collateral or fund cash margin calls. From time to time, the Company expects that it will be required to provide such additional collateral or fund margin calls. The Company received and funded margin calls totaling $82,570 during 2007, $73,793 from January 1, 2008 through March 10, 2008, and will fund another $11,118 on March 14, 2008.

During the second quarter of 2007, the Company entered into a $150,000 committed U.S. dollar and non-U.S. dollar credit facility with Lehman Commercial Paper, Inc. Outstanding borrowings bear interest at a LIBOR-based variable rate. The facility matured and was fully repaid on August 23, 2007.

On July 20, 2007, the Company entered into a $200,000 committed U.S. dollar facility with Bank of America, N.A. Outstanding borrowings under this credit facility bear interest at a LIBOR-based variable rate. During the third quarter of 2007, the Company increased the commitment to $275,000.

On July 20, 2007, the Company amended its $200,000 committed non-U.S. dollar credit facility with Morgan Stanley Bank. The amendment increases the committed facility to $300,000. The amendment also allows for borrowings in Japanese Yen to fund the Company's Yen-denominated asset acquisitions. (See February 15, 2008 renewal discussion below.)
 
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On August 27, 2007, the Company borrowed $50,000 from KeyBank National Association. The loan was secured by a pledge of all of the Company's ownership interest in the redemption proceeds of BlackRock Diamond and was repaid in full in October 2007.

On October 22, 2007, the Company notified Deutsche Bank, AG that it had elected to extend the $200,000 credit facility for one year. The new maturity date will be December 20, 2008. In connection with this extension, the Company is required to amortize the loan by 50% in June 2008 and by 25% in September of 2008. The remaining 25% is due in December 2008.

The Company is subject to financial covenants in its credit facilities.

On December 28, 2007, the Company received a waiver from its compliance with the tangible net worth covenant at December 31, 2007 from Bank of America, N.A., the lender under a $100,000 multicurrency secured credit facility. Without the waiver, the Company would have been required to maintain tangible net worth of at least $520,416 at December 31, 2007 pursuant to the covenant. On January 25, 2008, this lender agreed to amend the covenant so that the Company would be required to maintain tangible net worth at the end of each fiscal quarter of not less than the sum of (i) $400,000 plus (ii) an amount equal to 75% of any equity proceeds received by the Company on or after July 20, 2007.

As a result of the aforementioned waiver, the most restrictive covenants at December 31, 2007 were as follows: (1) net tangible net worth of $400,000 determined based on GAAP increased by 75% of any future preferred and common stock issuances by the Company, (2) a maximum recourse debt-to-equity ratio of 3.0 to 1.0, (3) a minimum unrestricted cash requirement of $10,000, (4) a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.2 to 1.0 and (5) minimum net income for two consecutive quarters of more than one dollar. At December 31, 2007, the Company was in compliance with the aforementioned financial covenants.

On February 15, 2008, Morgan Stanley Bank agreed to renew its $300,000 non-USD facility until February 7, 2009. In connection with this extension, certain financial covenants were added or modified so that: (i) the Company is required to have a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.4 to 1.0 for any calendar quarter, (ii) on any date, the Company's tangible net worth shall not decline 20% or more from its tangible net worth as of the last business day in the third month preceding such date, (iii) on any date, the Company's tangible net worth shall not decline 40% or more from its tangible net worth as of the last business day in the twelfth month preceding such date, (iv) on any date, the Company's tangible net worth shall not be less than the sum of $400,000 plus 75% of any equity offering proceeds received from and after February 15, 2008, (v) at all times, the ratio of the Company's total indebtedness to tangible net worth shall not be greater than 3:1 and (vi) the Company's liquid assets (as defined in the related guaranty) shall not at any time be less than 5% of its mark-to-market indebtedness (as defined in the related guaranty), subject to certain exceptions before March 31, 2008. Mark-to-market indebtedness is generally defined under the related guaranty to mean short-term liabilities that have a margin call feature. As of December 31, 2007, $751,721 of the Company's short-term debt had a margin call feature. If the liquid assets covenant had been in effect as of December 31, 2007, the Company would have been required to have an unrestricted cash balance of $37,586.

On February 29, 2008, the Company entered into a binding loan commitment letter (the "Commitment Letter") with BlackRock HoldCo 2, Inc. ("HoldCo 2"), pursuant to the terms of which HoldCo 2 or its affiliates (together, the "Lender") commits to provide a revolving credit loan facility (the "Facility") to the Company for general working capital purposes. HoldCo 2 is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc., the parent of BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., the manager of the Company.
 
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On March 7, 2008, the Company and HoldCo 2 entered into the credit agreement. The Facility has a term of 364 days with two 364-day extension periods, subject to the Lender's approval. The Facility is collateralized by a pledge of equity shares that the Company holds in Carbon II. The principal amount of the Facility is the lesser of $60,000 or a number determined in accordance with a borrowing base calculation equal to 60% of the value of the shares of Carbon II that are pledged to secure the Facility.

The interest rate payable on the Facility generally shall be a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.5%. The fee letter, dated February 29, 2008, between the Company and HoldCo 2, sets forth certain terms with respect to fees.

Amounts borrowed under the Facility may be repaid and reborrowed from time to time. The Company, however, has agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain other financing to replace the Facility and reduce the outstanding balance.

The terms of the Facility gives the Lender the option to purchase from the Company the shares of Carbon II that serve as collateral for the Facility, up to the Facility commitment amount, at a price equal to the fair market value (as determined by the terms of the credit agreement) of those shares, unless the Company elects to prepay outstanding loans under the Facility in an amount equal to the Lender's desired share purchase amount and reduce the Facility's commitment amount accordingly, which may require termination of the Facility. If any loans are outstanding at the time of such purchase, the share purchase amount shall be reduced by the amount, and applied towards the repayment, of all outstanding loans (and the reduction of the Facility's commitment amount) in the same manner as if the Company had prepaid such loans, and the balance of the share purchase amount available after such repayment, if any, shall be paid to the Company.
 
On March 7, 2008, the Company borrowed $37,500 under the Facility.

Senior Unsecured Recourse Notes

In October 2006, the Company issued $75,000 of unsecured senior notes due in 2016 with a weighted average cost of funds of 7.21%. The unsecured senior notes can be redeemed in whole by the Company subject to certain provisions, which could include the payment of fees.

During 2007, the Company issued $87,500 of senior unsecured notes due in 2017. The notes bear interest at a weighted average fixed rate of 7.93% until July 2012 and thereafter at a rate equal to 3-month LIBOR plus 2.55%. The senior unsecured notes contain a covenant whereby total borrowings cannot exceed 95% of the sum of total borrowings plus stockholders' equity and the Company must maintain a minimum net worth of $400,000. The senior unsecured notes can be redeemed in whole by the Company subject to certain provisions, which could include the payment of fees.

Senior Convertible Recourse Notes

On August 29, 2007 and September 10, 2007, the Company completed an offering of a total of $80,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due in 2027. The notes bear interest at a rate of 11.75% per annum and are convertible only under certain conditions, including a 20-day period of trading above $14.02 per share, as adjusted. The initial conversion rate of 92.7085 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $10.79 per share), subject to adjustment, represented a premium of 17.5% to the last reported sale price of the Company's Common Stock on August 23, 2007 of $9.18.
 
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Holders of convertible senior notes have the right to require the Company to repurchase their notes on September 1, 2012, September 1, 2017 and September 1, 2022 for a cash price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, from time to time, (i) on or after September 1, 2012 or (ii) to preserve its status as a REIT, at 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

CDOs

On May 23, 2006, the Company issued nine tranches of secured debt through CDO HY3. In this transaction, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company issued secured debt in the par amount of $417,000 secured by the subsidiary's assets. The adjusted issue price of the CDO HY3 debt at December 31, 2007 is $373,330. Three tranches were issued at a fixed rate coupon and six tranches were issued at a floating rate coupon with a combined weighted average remaining maturity of 7.2 years at December 31, 2007. All floating rate coupons were swapped to fixed rate coupons resulting in a total fixed rate cost of funds for CDO HY3 of approximately 6.3%. The Company incurred $7,057 of issuance costs that will be amortized over the weighted average life of CDO HY3. CDO HY3 was structured to match fund the cash flows from a significant portion of the Company's CMBS and commercial real estate loans. The par amount at December 31, 2007 of the collateral securing CDO HY3 consisted of 50.9% CMBS rated B or higher and 25.5% commercial real estate loans. At December 31, 2007, the collateral securing CDO HY3 had a fair value of $348,671.

On December 14, 2006, the Company closed the Euro CDO. The Euro CDO sold €263,500 of non-recourse debt at a weighted average spread to Euro Libor of 60 basis points. The €263,500 consists of €251,000 of investment grade debt at a weighted average spread to Euro Libor of 50 basis points and €12,500 of below investment grade debt. The Company retained an additional €12,500 of below investment grade debt and all of Euro CDO's preferred shares. The Company incurred €3,489 of issuance costs that will be amortized over the weighted average life of the Euro CDO.

Junior Unsecured Recourse Notes

During April 2007, the Company issued €50,000 junior subordinated notes due in 2022. The notes bear interest at a rate equal to 3-month Euribor plus 2.6%. The notes can be redeemed in whole by the Company subject to certain provisions. The Company has the option to redeem all or a portion of the notes at any time on or after April 30, 2012 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest through but excluding the redemption date.

Trust Preferred (Recourse)

On September 26, 2005, the Company issued $75,000 of trust preferred securities through its wholly owned subsidiary, Anthracite Capital Trust I, a Delaware statutory trust ("Trust I"). The trust preferred securities have a thirty-year term ending October 30, 2035 with interest at a fixed rate of 7.497% for the first ten years and at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 2.9% thereafter. The trust preferred securities can be redeemed at par by the Company beginning in October 2010. Trust I issued $2,380 aggregate liquidation amount of common securities, representing 100% of the voting common stock of Trust I to the Company for a purchase price of $2,380.  The Company realized net proceeds from this offering of approximately $72,618.
 
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On January 31, 2006, the Company issued $50,000 of trust preferred securities through its wholly owned subsidiary, Anthracite Capital Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust ("Trust II"). The trust preferred securities have a thirty-year term ending April 30, 2036 with interest at a fixed rate of 7.73% for the first ten years and at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 2.7% thereafter. The trust preferred securities can be redeemed at par by the Company beginning in April 2011. Trust II issued $1,550 aggregate liquidation amount of common securities, representing 100% of the voting common stock of Trust II to the Company for a purchase price of $1,550.  The Company realized net proceeds from this offering of approximately $48,491.

On March 16, 2006, the Company issued $50,000 of trust preferred securities through its wholly owned subsidiary, Anthracite Capital Trust III, a Delaware statutory trust ("Trust III"). The trust preferred securities have a thirty-year term ending March 15, 2036 with interest at a fixed rate of 7.77% for the first ten years and at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 2.7% thereafter. The trust preferred securities can be redeemed at par by the Company beginning in March 2011. Trust III issued $1,547 aggregate liquidation amount of common securities, representing 100% of the voting common stock of Trust III to the Company for a purchase price of $1,547.  The Company realized net proceeds from this offering of approximately $48,435.

Preferred Equity Issuances

On February 12, 2007, the Company issued $86,250 of Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock ("Series D Preferred Stock"), including $11,250 of Series D Preferred Stock sold to underwriters pursuant to an over-allotment option. The Series D Preferred Stock will pay an annual dividend of 8.25%.

Common Equity Issuances

On June 12, 2007, the Company completed a follow-on offering of 5,750,000 shares of its Common Stock at a price of $11.75, which included a 15% option to purchase additional shares exercised by the underwriter. Net proceeds (after deducting underwriting fees and expenses) were approximately $62,412. The Company utilized a portion of the net proceeds from the convertible senior notes offering to repurchase 1,307,189 shares of its Common Stock with value of $12,100.

Additionally, for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, the Company issued 327,928 and 608,747 shares of Common Stock under its Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (the "Dividend Reinvestment Plan"). Net proceeds to the Company under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan were approximately $3,106 and $6,517, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company issued 147,700 shares of Common Stock under a sales agency agreement with Brinson Patrick Securities Corporation. Net proceeds to the Company were approximately $1,770. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company issued 664,900 shares of Common Stock under this sales agency agreement with Brinson Patrick Securities Corporation. Net proceeds to the Company were approximately $8,625.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company's ownership of the subordinated classes of CMBS from a single issuer gives it the right to influence the foreclosure/workout process on the underlying loans ("Controlling Class CMBS"). FASB Staff Position FIN 46(R)-5, Implicit Variable Interests under FASB Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46(R)-5") has certain scope exceptions, one of which provides that an enterprise that holds a variable interest in a QSPE does not consolidate that entity unless that enterprise has the unilateral ability to cause the entity to liquidate. FAS 140 provides the requirements for an entity to be considered a QSPE. To maintain the QSPE exception, the trust must continue to meet the QSPE criteria both initially and in subsequent periods. A trust's QSPE status can be impacted in future periods by activities by its transferors or other involved parties, including the manner in which certain servicing activities are performed. To the extent its CMBS investments were issued by a trust that meets the requirements to be considered a QSPE, the Company records the investments at the purchase price paid. To the extent the underlying trusts are not QSPEs the Company follows the guidance set forth in FIN 46(R)-5 as the trusts would be considered VIEs.
 
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At December 31, 2007, the Company owned securities of 39 Controlling Class CMBS trusts with a par of $1,861,213. The total par amount of CMBS issued by the 39 trusts was $59,534,400. One of the Company's 39 Controlling Class trusts does not qualify as a QSPE and has been consolidated by the Company (see Note 4 of the consolidated financial statements).

The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its investment in these VIEs totaled $746,396 and $762,567 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

In addition, the Company has completed two securitizations that qualify as QSPEs under FAS 140. Through CDO HY1 and CDO HY2 the Company issued non-recourse liabilities secured by commercial related assets including portions of 17 Controlling Class CMBS. Should future guidance from the standard setters determine that Controlling Class CMBS are not QSPEs, the Company would be required to consolidate the assets, liabilities, income and expense of CDO HY1 and CDO HY2.

The Company's total maximum exposure to loss as a result of its investment in CDO HY1 and CDO HY2 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, was $61,206 and $111,076.

The Company also owns non-investment debt and preferred securities in LEAFs CMBS I Ltd ("Leaf"), a QSPE under FAS 140. Leaf issued non-recourse liabilities secured by investment grade commercial real estate securities. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company's total maximum exposure to loss as a result of its investment in Leaf was $6,264 and $6,796, respectively.
 
Cash Flows

Cash provided by operating activities is net income adjusted for certain non-cash items and changes in operating assets and liabilities including the Company's trading securities. Operating activities provided cash flows of $218,368, $114,829, and $106,716 for the year ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Operating cash flow is affected by the purchase and sale of fixed income securities classified as trading securities. Proceeds received from the sale and repayment of trading securities also increases operating cash flows. The Company received $131,232, $36,140, and $43,477 from trading securities for the year ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. In addition, in 2007 the Company closed interest rate swaps classified as a cash flow hedges and received cash of $18,665.

Net cash provided by investing activities consists primarily of the purchase, sale, and repayments on securities activities available for sale, commercial loan pools, commercial mortgage loans and equity investments. The Company's investing activities used cash flows of $323,966, $705,476, and $419,992 during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The variance in investing cash flows is primarily attributable to significant purchases of securities and commercial mortgage loans and offset by the sale of securities, repayments from commercial mortgage loan pools and the redemption of equity investments.
 
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Net cash provided by financing activities was $116,739, $614,335, and $329,547 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, primarily due to borrowings and repayments under reverse repurchase agreements and credit facilities, dividends payments, Common Stock issuances and CDO issuances.

Transactions with Related Parties
 
The Company has a Management Agreement, an administrative services agreement and an accounting services agreement with the Manager, the employer, with its affiliates, of certain directors and all of the officers of the Company, under which the Manager and the Company's officers manage the Company's day-to-day investment operations, subject to the direction and oversight of the Company's Board of Directors. Pursuant to the Management Agreement and these other agreements, the Manager and the Company's officers formulate investment strategies, arrange for the acquisition of assets, arrange for financing, monitor the performance of the Company's assets and provide certain other advisory, administrative and managerial services in connection with the operations of the Company. For performing certain of these services, the Company pays the Manager under the Management Agreement a base management fee equal to 2.0% of the quarterly average total stockholders' equity for the applicable quarter.

The Manager is entitled to receive an incentive fee under the Management Agreement equal to 25% of the amount by which the rolling four-quarter GAAP net income before the incentive fee exceeds the greater of 8.5% or 400 basis points over the ten-year Treasury note multiplied by the adjusted per share issue price of the Company's Common Stock ($11.33 adjusted per share issue price at December 31, 2007). Additionally, up to 30% of the incentive fees earned in 2006 or after may be paid in shares of the Company's Common Stock subject to certain provisions under a compensatory deferred stock plan approved by the stockholders of the Company in 2007. The Board of Directors also authorized a stock based incentive plan pursuant to which one-half of one percent of common shares outstanding are paid to the Manager at the end of each calendar year. 289,155 shares were paid to the Manager on March 30, 2007.
 
The Company's unaffiliated directors approved an extension of the Management Agreement to March 31, 2008 at the Board's March 2007 meeting.

The following is a summary of management and incentive fees incurred for the year ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005:

   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Management fee
 
$
13,468
 
$
12,617
 
$
10,974
 
Incentive fee
   
5,645
   
5,919
   
4,290
 
Incentive fee- stock based
   
2,427
   
2,761
   
-
 
Total management and incentive fees
 
$
21,540
 
$
21,297
 
$
15,264
 

At December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, management and incentive fees of $7,067, $8,989, and $5,734 remain payable to the Manager and are included on the consolidated statement of financial condition as a component of other liabilities.
 
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In accordance with the provisions of the Management Agreement, the Company recorded reimbursements to the Manager of $293, $400, and $350 for certain expenses incurred on behalf of the Company during 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

The Company also has administration and accounting services agreements with the Manager. Under the terms of the administration agreement, the Manager provides financial reporting, audit coordination and accounting oversight services to the Company. Under the terms of the accounting services agreement, the Manager provides investment accounting services to the Company. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, the Company paid administration and accounting service fees of $473, $234, and $209, respectively, which are included in general and administrative expense on the consolidated statement of operations.

REIT Status: The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT and therefore must comply with the provisions of the Code with respect thereto. Accordingly, the Company generally will not be subject to federal income tax to the extent of its distributions to stockholders and as long as certain asset, income, and stock ownership tests are met. The Company may, however, be subject to tax at corporate rates or at excise tax rates on net income or capital gains not distributed.
 
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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk: Market risk includes the exposure to loss resulting from changes in interest rates, credit curve spreads, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. The primary market risks to which the Company is exposed are interest rate risk, credit curve risk and foreign currency risk. Interest rate risk is highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental, monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations and other factors beyond the control of the Company. Credit curve risk is highly sensitive to the dynamics of the markets for commercial real estate securities and other loans and securities held by the Company. Excessive supply of these assets combined with reduced demand will cause the market to require a higher yield. This demand for higher yield will cause the market to use a higher spread over the U.S. Treasury securities yield curve, or other benchmark interest rates, to value these assets. Changes in the general level of the U.S. Treasury yield curve can have significant effects on the estimated fair value of the Company's portfolio.

The majority of the Company's assets are fixed rate securities valued based on a market credit spread to U.S. Treasuries. As U.S. Treasury securities are priced to a higher yield and/or the spread to U.S. Treasuries used to price the Company's assets is increased, the estimated fair value of the Company's portfolio may decline. Conversely, as U.S. Treasury securities are priced to a lower yield and/or the spread to U.S. Treasuries used to price the Company's assets is decreased, the estimated fair value of the Company's portfolio may increase. Changes in the estimated fair value of the Company's portfolio may affect the Company's net income or cash flow directly through their impact on unrealized gains or losses on securities held-for-trading or indirectly through their impact on the Company's ability to borrow. Changes in the level of the U.S. Treasury yield curve can also affect, among other things, the prepayment assumptions used to value certain of the Company's securities and the Company's ability to realize gains from the sale of such assets. In addition, changes in the general level of the LIBOR money market rates can affect the Company's net interest income. At December 31, 2007, all of the Company's short-term collateralized liabilities outside of the CDOs are floating rate based on a market spread to LIBOR. As the level of LIBOR increases or decreases, the Company's interest expense will move in the same direction.

The Company may utilize a variety of financial instruments, including interest rate swaps, caps, floors and other interest rate exchange contracts, in order to limit the effects of fluctuations in interest rates on its operations. The use of these types of derivatives to hedge interest-earning assets and/or interest-bearing liabilities carries certain risks, including the risk that losses on a hedge position will reduce the funds available for payments to holders of securities and that such losses may exceed the amount invested in such instruments. A hedge may not perform its intended purpose of offsetting losses or rising interest rates. Moreover, with respect to certain of the instruments used as hedges, the Company is exposed to the risk that the counterparties with which the Company trades may cease making markets and quoting prices in such instruments, which may render the Company unable to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to an open position. If the Company anticipates that the income from any such hedging transaction will not be qualifying income for REIT income purposes, the Company may conduct part or all of its hedging activities through a to-be-formed corporate subsidiary that is fully subject to federal corporate income taxation. The profitability of the Company may be adversely affected during any period as a result of changing interest rates.

The Company monitors and manages interest rate risk based on a method that takes into consideration the interest rate sensitivity of the Company's assets and liabilities, including preferred stock. The Company's objective is to acquire assets and match fund the purchase so that interest rate risk associated with financing these assets is reduced or eliminated. The primary risks associated with acquiring and financing these assets under repurchase agreements and committed borrowing facilities are mark-to-market risk and short-term rate risk. Certain secured financing arrangements provide for an advance rate based upon a percentage of the estimated fair value of the asset being financed. Market movements that cause asset values to decline would require a margin call or a cash payment to maintain the relationship between asset value and amount borrowed. A cash flow based CDO is an example of a secured financing vehicle that does not require a mark-to-market to establish or maintain a level of financing. When financed assets are subject to a mark-to-market margin call, the Company carefully monitors the interest rate sensitivity of those assets. The duration of the assets financed which are subject to a mark-to-market margin call was 2.0 years based on net asset value at December 31, 2007. This means that a 100 basis point increase in interest rates would cause a margin call of approximately $9,000.
 
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The Company's GAAP book value incorporates the estimated fair value of the Company's interest bearing assets but it does not incorporate the estimated fair value of the Company's interest bearing fixed rate liabilities and preferred stock. The fixed rate liabilities and preferred stock generally will reduce the actual interest rate risk of the Company from an economic perspective even though changes in the estimated fair value of these liabilities are not reflected in the Company's reported book value. The Company focuses on economic risk in managing its sensitivity to interest rates and maintains an economic duration within a band of 2.0 to 5.0 years. At December 31, 2007, economic duration for the Company's entire portfolio was 2.4 years. This implies that for each 100 basis points of change in interest rates the Company's economic value will change by approximately 2.4%. At December 31, 2007, the Company estimates its economic value, or net asset value of its Common Stock to be $11.32.

A reconciliation of the economic duration of the Company to the duration of the reported book value of the Company's Common Stock is as follows:

Duration - GAAP book value at December 31, 2007
   
5.7
 
Less:
       
Duration contribution of CDO liabilities
   
(1.7
)
Duration contribution of preferred stock
   
(0.4
)
Duration contribution of senior unsecured notes
   
(1.0
)
Duration contribution of junior unsecured notes
   
-
 
Duration contribution of junior subordinated notes
   
(0.8
)
Duration contribution of convertible senior notes
   
(0.3
)
Economic duration at December 31, 2007
   
2.4
 

The GAAP book value of the Company's Common Stock is $4.86 per share. As indicated in the table above a 100 basis point change in interest rates will change reported book value by approximately 5.7%, or $26,000. However, the duration of the Company's portfolio not financed with match funded debt is 2.0. This means that a 100 basis point increase in interest rates or credit spreads would cause a margin call of approximately $9,000.

Net interest income sensitivity to changes in interest rates is analyzed using the assumptions that interest rates, as defined by the LIBOR curve, increase or decrease and that the yield curves of the LIBOR rate shocks will be parallel to each other.
 
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Regarding the table below, all changes in net interest income are measured as percentage changes from the respective values calculated in the scenario labeled as "Base Case." The base interest rate scenario assumes interest rates at December 31, 2007. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.

Projected Percentage Change Net Interest Income Per Share Given LIBOR Movements
 
Change in LIBOR,
+/- Basis Points
 
Projected Change in Earnings per Share
 
-200
 
$
(0.03
)
-100
 
$
(0.02
)
-50
 
$
(0.01
)
Base Case
       
+50
 
$
0.01
 
+100
 
$
0.02
 
+200
 
$
0.03
 

Credit Risk: The Company's portfolios of commercial real estate assets are subject to a high degree of credit risk. Credit risk is the exposure to loss from loan defaults. Default rates are subject to a wide variety of factors, including, but not limited to, property performance, property management, supply/demand factors, construction trends, consumer behavior, regional economics, interest rates, the strength of the U.S. economy, and other factors beyond the control of the Company.

All loans are subject to a certain probability of default. Before acquiring a Controlling Class security, the Company will perform an analysis of the quality of all of the loans proposed. As a result of this analysis, loans with unacceptable risk profiles are either removed from the proposed pool or the Company receives a price adjustment. The Company underwrites its Controlling Class CMBS investments assuming the underlying loans will suffer a certain dollar amount of defaults and these defaults will lead to some level of realized losses. Loss adjusted yields are computed based on these assumptions and applied to each class of security supported by the cash flow on the underlying loans. The most significant variables affecting loss adjusted yields include, but are not limited to, the number of defaults, the severity of loss that occurs subsequent to a default and the timing of the actual loss. The different rating levels of CMBS will react differently to changes in these assumptions. The yields on higher rated securities (B or higher) are generally sensitive to changes in timing of projected losses and prepayments rather than the severity of the losses themselves. The yields lowest rated securities (B- or lower) are more sensitive to the severity of losses and the resulting impact on future cash flows.

The Company generally assumes that all of the principal of a non-rated security and a significant portion, if not all, of CCC and a portion of B- rated securities will not be recoverable over time. The loss adjusted yields of these classes reflect that assumption; therefore, the timing of when the total loss of principal occurs is the most important assumption in determining value. The interest coupon generated by a security will cease when there is a total loss of its principal regardless of whether that principal is paid. Therefore, timing is of paramount importance because the longer the principal balance remains outstanding, the more interest coupon the holder receives; which results in a larger economic return. Alternatively, if principal is lost faster than originally assumed, there is less opportunity to receive interest coupon; which results in a lower or possibly negative return.
 
75


If actual principal losses on the underlying loans exceed estimated loss assumptions, the higher rated securities will be affected more significantly as a loss of principal may not have been assumed. The Company generally assumes that all principal will be recovered by classes rated B or higher. The Company manages credit risk through the underwriting process, establishing loss assumptions and careful monitoring of loan performance. After the securities have been acquired, the Company monitors the performance of the loans, as well as external factors that may affect their value.

Factors that indicate a higher loss severity or acceleration of the timing of an expected loss will cause a reduction in the expected yield and therefore reduce the earnings of the Company. Furthermore, the Company may be required to write-down a portion of the adjusted purchase price of the affected assets through its consolidated statements of operations.

For purposes of illustration, a doubling of the losses in the Company's Controlling Class CMBS, without a significant acceleration of those losses, would reduce GAAP income by approximately $1.00 per share of Common Stock per year and cause a significant write-down at the time the loss assumption is changed. The amount of the write-down depends on several factors, including which securities are most affected at the time of the write-down, but is estimated to be in the range of $3.13 to $3.33 per share based on a doubling of expected losses. A significant acceleration of the timing of these losses would cause the Company's net income to decrease. The Company's exposure to a write-down is mitigated by the fact that most of these assets are financed on a non-recourse basis in the Company's CDOs, where a significant portion of the risk of loss is transferred to the CDO bondholders. At December 31, 2007, assets with a total estimated fair value of $1,998,810 are collateralizing the CDO borrowings of $1,823,328; therefore, the Company's preferred equity interest in the five CDOs is $175,482 ($2.77 per share).

Asset and Liability Management: Asset and liability management is concerned with the timing and magnitude of the re-pricing and/or maturing of assets and liabilities. It is the Company's objective to attempt to control risks associated with interest rate movements. In general, management's strategy is to match the term of the Company's liabilities as closely as possible with the expected holding period of the Company's assets. This is less important for those assets in the Company's portfolio considered liquid, as there is a very stable market for the financing of these securities.
 
Other methods for evaluating interest rate risk, such as interest rate sensitivity "gap" (defined as the difference between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities maturing or re-pricing within a given time period), are used but are considered of lesser significance in the daily management of the Company's portfolio. Management considers this relationship when reviewing the Company's hedging strategies. Because different types of assets and liabilities with the same or similar maturities react differently to changes in overall market rates or conditions, changes in interest rates may affect the Company's net interest income positively or negatively even if the Company were to be perfectly matched in each maturity category.

Currency Risk: The Company has foreign currency rate exposures related to certain CMBS and commercial real estate loans. The Company's principal currency exposures are to the Euro, British pound and Canadian dollar. Changes in currency rates can adversely impact the fair values and earnings of the Company's non-U.S. holdings. The Company mitigates this impact by utilizing local currency-denominated financings on its foreign investments and foreign currency forward commitments and swaps to hedge the net exposure.
 
76


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE

   
PAGE
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
   
78
 
         
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
79
 
         
Consolidated Financial Statements:
       
         
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31, 2007 and 2006
   
80
 
         
Consolidated Statements of Operations For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
   
81
 
         
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
   
82
 
         
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
   
83
 
         
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
85
 
         
Schedules
       
         
Schedule IV - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate as of December 31, 2007
   
124
 
 
All other schedules have been omitted because either the required information is not applicable or the information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
 
77

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
 To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Anthracite Capital, Inc.
New York, New York
 
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Anthracite Capital, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.  Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
 
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statement of financial condition as of December 31, 2007 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 of the Company and our report dated March 12, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedules.
 
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
New York, New York
March 12, 2008
 
78

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Anthracite Capital, Inc.
New York, New York
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Anthracite Capital, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007.  Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Anthracite Capital, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
 
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 12, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
New York, New York
March 12, 2008
 
79

 
Anthracite Capital, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(in thousands, except share data)
 
   
December 31, 2007
 
December 31, 2006
 
ASSETS
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
       
$
91,547
       
$
66,388
 
Restricted cash equivalents
         
32,105
         
59,801
 
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value
                         
Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")
 
$
1,026,773
       
$
883,432
       
Investment grade CMBS
   
1,230,075
         
1,588,284
       
Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")
   
9,282
         
144,140
       
Total securities available-for-sale
         
2,266,130
         
2,615,856
 
Commercial mortgage loan pools, at amortized cost
         
1,240,793
         
1,271,014
 
Securities held-for-trading, at estimated fair value
                         
CMBS
   
17,303
         
22,383
       
RMBS
   
901
         
132,204
       
Total securities held-for-trading
         
18,204
         
154,587
 
Commercial mortgage loans, net
         
983,387
         
481,745
 
Equity investments
         
108,748
         
182,147
 
Derivative instruments, at fair value
         
404,910
         
317,574
 
Other assets
         
101,886
         
69,151
 
Total Assets
       
$
5,247,710
       
$
5,218,263
 
                           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                         
Liabilities:
                         
Borrowings:
                         
Secured by pledge of subordinated CMBS
 
$
293,287
       
$
48,628
       
Secured by pledge of other securities available-for-sale
   
207,829
         
666,275
       
Secured by pledge of securities held-for-trading
   
-
         
127,249
       
Secured by pledge of commercial mortgage loans
   
244,476
         
26,570
       
Senior unsecured notes
   
162,500
         
75,000
       
Senior convertible notes
   
80,000
         
-
       
Junior unsecured notes
   
73,103
         
-
       
Junior subordinated notes to subsidiary trust issuing preferred securities
   
180,477
         
180,477
       
Secured by pledge of commercial mortgage loan pools
   
1,225,223
         
1,256,897
       
 Collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs")
   
1,823,328
         
1,812,574
       
Total borrowings
         
4,290,223
         
4,193,670
 
Payable for investments purchased
         
4,693
         
23,796
 
Distributions payable
         
21,064
         
17,669
 
Derivative instruments, at fair value
         
442,114
         
304,987
 
Other liabilities
         
38,245
         
22,032
 
Total Liabilities
         
4,796,339
         
4,562,154
 
                           
Commitments and Contingencies
                         
                           
Stockholders' Equity:
                         
Preferred stock, 100,000,000 shares authorized;
                         
9.375% Series C Preferred stock, liquidation preference $57,500
         
55,435
         
55,435
 
8.25% Series D Preferred stock, liquidation preference $86,250
         
83,259
         
-
 
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share; 400,000,000 shares authorized;
                         
63,263,998 shares issued and outstanding in 2007;
57,830,964 shares issued and outstanding in 2006
         
63
         
58
 
Additional paid-in capital
         
691,071
         
629,785
 
Distributions in excess of earnings
         
(122,738
)
       
(120,976
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
         
(255,719
)
       
91,807
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
         
451,371
         
656,109
 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
       
$
5,247,710
       
$
5,218,263
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
80


Anthracite Capital, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Income:
             
Interest from securities available-for-sale
 
$
195,904
 
$
171,686
 
$
141,113
 
Interest from commercial mortgage loans
   
69,981
   
41,773
   
23,183
 
Interest from commercial mortgage loan pools
   
52,037
   
52,917
   
54,025
 
Interest from securities held-for-trading
   
2,657
   
7,207
   
11,370
 
Earnings from equity investments
   
32,093
   
27,431
   
12,146
 
Interest from cash and cash equivalents
   
5,857
   
2,403
   
2,077
 
Total Income
   
358,529
   
303,417
   
243,914
 
                     
Expenses:
                   
Interest
   
241,000
   
212,388
   
163,458
 
Management and incentive fees
   
21,540
   
21,297
   
15,264
 
General and administrative expense
   
5,981
   
4,533
   
3,917
 
Total Expenses
   
268,521
   
238,218
   
182,639
 
                     
Other gain (loss):
                   
Sale of securities available-for-sale
   
5,316
   
29,032
   
16,543
 
Dedesignation of derivative instruments
   
-
   
(12,661
)
 
-
 
Securities held-for-trading
   
(5,151
)
 
3,254
   
(1,999
)
Foreign currency gain (loss)
   
6,272
   
2,161
   
(134
)
Loss on impairment of assets
   
(12,469
)
 
(7,880
)
 
(5,088
)
Total other gain (loss)
   
(6,032
)
 
13,906
   
9,322
 
                     
Income from continuing operations
   
83,976
   
79,105
   
70,597
 
                     
Income from discontinued operations
   
-
   
1,366
   
-
 
                     
Net income
   
83,976
   
80,471
   
70,597
 
                     
Dividends on preferred stock
   
11,656
   
5,392
   
5,392
 
Net income available to Common Stockholders
 
$
72,320
 
$
75,079
 
$
65,205
 
                     
Net income per common share, basic
 
$
1.18
 
$
1.31
 
$
1.20
 
                     
Net income per common share, diluted
 
$
1.18
 
$
1.31
 
$
1.20
 
                     
Net income from continuing operations per share of Common Stock, after preferred dividends
                   
Basic
 
$
1.18
 
$
1.29
 
$
1.20
 
Diluted
 
$
1.18
 
$
1.29
 
$
1.20
 
                     
Income from discontinued operations per share of Common Stock
           
Basic
   
-
 
$
0.02
   
-
 
Diluted
   
-
 
$
0.02
   
-
 
                     
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
                   
Basic
   
61,136,269
   
57,182,434
   
54,144,243
 
Diluted
   
61,375,193
   
57,401,664
   
54,152,820
 
                     
Dividends declared per share of Common Stock
 
$
1.19
 
$
1.15
 
$
1.12
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
81


Anthracite Capital, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
for the Year Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands)
 
   
 Series
C
Preferred
Stock
 
 Series
D
Preferred
Stock
 

Common
Stock,
Par Value
 

Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 

Distributions
In Excess
Of Earnings
 
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Comprehensive
Income
 
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 
Balance at December 31, 2004
 
$
55,435
       
$
53
 
$
578,919
 
$
(134,075
)
$
13,406
       
$
513,738
 
Net Income
                           
70,597
       
$
70,597
   
70,597
 
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges
                                 
26,626
   
26,626
   
26,626
 
Reclassification adjustments from cash flow hedges included in net income
                                 
6,129
   
6,129
   
6,129
 
Change in net unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale, net of reclassification adjustment
                                 
14,036
   
14,036
   
14,036
 
Other comprehensive income
                                       
46,791
       
Comprehensive income
                                     
$
117,388
       
Dividends declared-Common Stock
                           
(61,168
)
             
(61,168
)
Dividends on preferred stock
                           
(5,392
)
             
(5,392
)
Issuance of Common Stock
               
3
   
33,449
                     
33,452
 
Balance at December 31, 2005
 
$
55,435
       
$
56
 
$
612,368
 
$
(130,038
)
$
60,197
       
$
598,018
 
Net Income
                           
80,471
       
$
80,471
   
80,471
 
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges
                                 
2,961
   
2,961
   
2,961
 
Reclassification adjustments from cash flow hedges included in net loss
                                 
5,029
   
5,029
   
5,029
 
Foreign currency translation
                                 
204
   
204
   
204
 
Dedesignation of cash flow hedges
                                 
12,661
   
12,661
   
12,661
 
Change in net unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale, net of reclassification adjustment
                                 
10,755
   
10,755
   
10,755
 
Other comprehensive income
                                       
31,610
       
Comprehensive income
                                     
$
112,081
       
Dividends declared-Common Stock
                           
(66,017
)
             
(66,017
)
Dividends on preferred stock
                           
(5,392
)
             
(5,392
)
Issuance of Common Stock
               
2
   
17,417
                     
17,419
 
Balance at December 31, 2006
 
$
55,435
       
$
58
 
$
629,785
 
$
(120,976
)
$
91,807
       
$
656,109
 
Net Income
                           
83,976
       
$
83,976
   
83,976
 
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges
                                 
(34,657
)
 
(34,657
)
 
(34,657
)
Reclassification adjustments from cash flow hedges included in net loss
                                 
1,206
   
1,206
   
1,206
 
Foreign currency translation
                                 
269
   
269
   
269
 
Change in net unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale, net of reclassification adjustment
                                 
(314,344
)
 
(314,344
)
 
(314,344
)
Other comprehensive income
                                       
(347,526
)
     
Comprehensive income
                                     
$
(263,550
)
     
Dividends declared-Common Stock
                           
(74,082
)
             
(74,082
)
Dividends on preferred stock
                           
(11,656
)
             
(11,656
)
Issuance of Common Stock
               
5
   
61,286
                     
61,291
 
Issuance of preferred stock
       
$
83,259
                                 
83,259
 
Balance at December 31, 2007
 
$
55,435
 
$
83,259
 
$
63
 
$
691,071
 
$
(122,738
)
$
(255,719
)
     
$
451,371
 
 
Disclosure of reclassification adjustment:
 
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale
 
$
(319,163
)
$
7,249
 
$
(2,507
)
Reclassification for realized gains previously recorded as unrealized
   
5,316
   
16,371
   
16,543
 
   
$
(313,847
)
$
23,620
 
$
14,036
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
82

   
Anthracite Capital, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow (in thousands)
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
             
Net income
 
$
83,976
 
$
80,471
 
$
70,597
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
                   
operating activities:
                   
Decrease in trading securities
   
131,232
   
36,140
   
43,447
 
Net gain on sale of securities
   
(166
)
 
(19,625
)
 
(14,544
)
Gain on sale of real estate held for sale
   
-
   
(1,366
)
 
-
 
Earnings from subsidiary trust
   
(423
)
 
(388
)
 
(47
)
Distributions from subsidiary trust
   
423
   
363
   
45
 
Earnings from equity investments
   
(32,093
)
 
(27,431
)
 
(12,146
)
Distributions of earnings from equity investments
   
45,944
   
19,725
   
8,483
 
Premium amortization, net
   
10,573
   
4,462
 
 
7,673
 
Loss on impairment of assets
   
12,469
   
7,880
   
5,088
 
Realized/Unrealized net foreign currency (gain) loss
   
(56,863
)
 
(24,051
)
 
(24
) 
Non-cash management and incentive fees
   
4,123
   
4,537
   
1,287
 
Non-cash directors compensation
   
42
   
64
   
65
 
Proceeds (disbursements) from sale of interest rate swap agreements
   
18,665
   
11,634
   
(2,108
)
(Increase) decrease in other assets
   
(16,317
)
 
33,832
   
(251
)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
   
16,783
   
(11,418
)
 
(849
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
218,368
   
114,829
   
106,716
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                   
Purchase of securities available-for-sale
   
(614,166
)
 
(808,477
)
 
(517,022
)
Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale
   
605,281
   
236,945
   
172,737
 
Principal payments received on securities available-for-sale
   
62,255
   
51,193
   
53,779
 
Repayments received from commercial mortgage loan pools
   
17,374
   
9,004
   
7,876
 
Purchase of real estate held-for-sale
   
-
   
(5,435
)
 
-
 
Proceeds from sale of real estate held-for-sale
   
-
   
6,801
   
-
 
Funding of commercial mortgage loans
   
(781,978
)
 
(270,362
)
 
(243,557
)
Repayments received from commercial mortgage loans
   
296,724
   
197,094
   
112,830
 
Sale of commercial mortgage loans
   
-
   
-
   
20,072
 
Investment in equity investments
   
(38,555
)
 
(78,533
)
 
(72,009
)
Return of capital from equity investments
   
101,403
   
14,742
   
26,868
 
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash equivalents
   
27,696
   
(58,448
)
 
18,434
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(323,966
)
 
(705,476
)
 
(419,992
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
                   
Net (decrease) increase in borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements and credit facilities
   
(120,090
)
 
(225,926
)
 
293,810
 
Repayments of borrowings secured by commercial mortgage loan pools
   
(17,641
)
 
(8,587
)
 
(2,672
)
Issuance of collateralized debt obligations
   
23,875
   
765,388
   
-
 
Repayments of collateralized debt obligations
   
(51,707
)
 
(20,115
)
 
(1,955
)
Issuance costs for collateralized debt obligations
   
(1,537
)
 
(11,662
)
 
-
 
Issuance of senior convertible notes
   
80,000
   
-
   
-
 
Issuance costs of senior convertible notes
   
(2,419
)
 
-
   
-
 
Issuance of junior subordinated notes to subsidiary trust
   
-
   
100,000
   
75,000
 
Issuance costs of junior subordinated notes
   
-
   
(3,208
)
 
(2,382
)
Issuance of senior unsecured notes
   
87,500
   
75,000
   
-
 
Issuance costs of senior unsecured notes
   
(2,760
)
 
(1,396
)
 
-
 
Issuance of junior unsecured notes
   
67,687
   
-
   
-
 
Issuance costs of junior unsecured notes
   
(2,207
)
 
-
   
-
 
Issuance of Series D preferred stock, net of offering costs
   
83,259
   
-
   
-
 
Dividends paid on preferred stock
   
(10,470
)
 
(5,392
)
 
(5,392
)
Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock, net of offering costs
   
67,222
   
15,256
   
33,452
 
Repurchase of Common Stock
   
(12,100
)
 
-
   
-
 
Dividends paid on Common Stock
   
(71,873
)
 
(65,023
)
 
(60,314
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
116,739
   
614,335
   
329,547
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
14,018
   
2,144
   
530
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
25,159
   
25,832
   
16,801
 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
   
66,388
   
40,556
   
23,755
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
 
$
91,547
 
$
66,388
 
$
40,556
 
 
83


   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
             
Interest paid
 
$
226,666
 
$
208,879
 
$
156,480
 
                     
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
                   
Securitizations:
                   
Available-for-sale securities retained
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
75,844
 
Residual interests
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
20,317
 
Investment in subsidiary trust
 
$
-
 
$
3,097
 
$
2,380
 
Investments purchased not settled
 
$
4,693
 
$
23,796
 
$
-
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
84


Anthracite Capital, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
Note 1 ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Anthracite Capital, Inc., a Maryland corporation, and subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") was incorporated in Maryland in November 1997 and commenced operations on March 24, 1998. The Company's principal business activity is to invest in a diversified portfolio of CMBS and commercial mortgage loans, and other real estate related assets in the U.S. and non-U.S. markets. The Company is organized and managed as a single business segment.

A summary of the Company's significant accounting policies follows:

Use of Estimates

In preparing the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the consolidated statements of financial condition and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. Significant estimates in the consolidated financial statements include the valuation of the Company's securities and estimates pertaining to credit performance related to CMBS and commercial real estate loans.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its majority owned subsidiaries and those variable interest entities ("VIEs") in which the Company is the primary beneficiary under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (revised December 2003) ("FIN 46R"). All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company's ownership of the subordinated classes of CMBS from a single issuer gives it the right to control the foreclosure/workout process on the underlying loans ("Controlling Class CMBS"). FIN 46R has certain scope exceptions, one of which provides that an enterprise that holds a variable interest in a qualifying special-purpose entity ("QSPE") does not consolidate that entity unless that enterprise has the unilateral ability to cause the entity to liquidate. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities ("FAS 140") provides the requirements for an entity to be considered a QSPE. To maintain the QSPE exception, the trust must continue to meet the QSPE criteria both initially and in subsequent periods. A trust's QSPE status can be impacted in future periods by activities by its transferors or other involved parties, including the manner in which certain servicing activities are performed. To the extent its CMBS investments were issued by a trust that meets the requirements to be considered a QSPE, the Company records the investments at the purchase price paid. To the extent the underlying trusts are not QSPEs, the Company follows the guidance set forth in FIN 46R as the trusts would be considered VIEs.
 
85


The Company has analyzed the governing pooling and servicing agreements for each of its Controlling Class CMBS and believes that the terms are industry standard and are consistent with the QSPE criteria. However, there is uncertainty with respect to QSPE treatment due to ongoing review by accounting standard setters, potential actions by various parties involved with the QSPE, as discussed above, as well as varying and evolving interpretations of the QSPE criteria under FAS 140. Additionally, the standard setters continue to review the FIN 46R provisions related to the computations used to determine the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Future guidance from the standard setters may require the Company to consolidate CMBS trusts in which the Company has invested.

At December 31, 2007, the Company owned securities of 39 Controlling Class CMBS trusts with a par of $1,861,213. However, portions of the non-rated securities of 17 of the 39 Controlling Class CMBS transactions are included the Company's fifth and sixth CDOs ("CDO HY1" and "CDO HY2", respectively). The total par amount of CMBS issued by the 39 trusts was $59,534,400. One of the Company's 39 Controlling Class trusts does not qualify as a QSPE and has been consolidated by the Company (see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements). The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its investment in these VIEs totaled $1,126,441 and $762,567 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

In addition, the Company has completed two securitizations that qualify as QSPEs under FAS 140. Through CDO HY1 and CDO HY2 the Company issued non-recourse liabilities primarily secured by non-investment grade commercial real estate assets including portions of 17 Controlling Class CMBS. Should future guidance from the standard setters determine that Controlling Class CMBS are not QSPEs, the Company would be required to consolidate the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of CDO HY1 and CDO HY2. The Company's total maximum exposure to loss as a result of its investment in CDO HY1 and CDO HY2 at December 31, 2007 and 2006 is $61,206 and $111,076, respectively.

Valuation

The Company carries its investments in mortgage-backed securities and derivative instruments at fair value, with changes in fair value included in other comprehensive income and in the consolidated statement of operations, respectively. The fair values of certain of these securities are determined by references to index pricing for those securities. However, for certain securities, index prices for identical or similar assets are not available. In these cases, management uses broker quotes as being indicative of fair values. Broker quotes are only indicative of fair value, and do not necessarily represent what the Company would receive in an actual trade for the applicable instrument. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, approximately $932,871 and $1,222,154, respectively, of the Company's investment securities were valued using broker quotes. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, all of the Company's derivative instruments were valued using broker quotes.

The Company performs an additional analysis on prices received based on index pricing and broker quotes. This process includes analyzing the securities based on vintage year, rating and asset type and converting the price received to a spread to relevant index (i.e., 10-year treasury or swap curve). The calculated spread is then compared to market information available for securities of similar asset type, vintage year and rating.  This process is used by the Company to validate the prices received from brokers and index pricing.

Foreign currency translation

Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using foreign exchange rates at the end of the reporting period. Income and expenses are translated at the approximate weighted average exchange rates for each reporting period. The effects of translating income with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are included in stockholders' equity along with the related hedge effects. The effects of translating operations with the U.S. dollar as the functional currency are included in foreign currency gain (loss) along with the related hedge effects.
 
86


Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents are held at major financial institutions, to which the Company is exposed to credit risk.

Restricted Cash

At December 31, 2007, the Company had restricted cash of $32,105, consisting of $3,955 on deposit with the trustees for the Company's CDOs and $28,150 pledged as collateral for interest rate swap agreements. At December 31, 2006, the Company had restricted cash of $59,801, consisting of $56,266 on deposit with the trustees for the Company's CDOs and $3,535 pledged as collateral for interest rate swap agreements.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs, which are included in other assets on the Company's consolidated statements of financial condition, includes issuance costs related to the Company's debt. These costs are amortized by applying the effective interest rate method and the amortization is reflected in interest expense.

Securities Available-for-Sale

The Company has designated certain investments in mortgage-backed securities, mortgage-related securities and certain other securities as assets available-for-sale because the Company may dispose of them prior to maturity and does not hold them principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Securities available-for-sale are carried at estimated fair value with the net unrealized gains or losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity. Unrealized losses on securities that reflect a decline in value that is judged by management to be other than temporary, if any, are charged to earnings. At disposition, the realized net gain or loss is included in income on a specific identification basis.

In accordance with SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities ("FAS 115"), when the estimated fair value of a security classified as available-for-sale has been below amortized cost for a significant period of time and the Company concludes that it no longer has the ability or intent to hold the security for the period of time over which the Company expects the values to recover to amortized cost, the investment is written down to its fair value. The resulting charge is included in income, and a new cost basis established. Additionally, under Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue 99-20, Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets ("EITF 99-20"), when changes in estimated cash flows from the cash flows previously estimated occur due to actual prepayment and credit loss experience, and the present value of the revised cash flows using the current expected yield is less than the present value of the previously estimated remaining cash flows (adjusted for cash receipts during the intervening period), an other-than-temporary impairment is deemed to have occurred. Accordingly, the security is written down to fair value with the resulting change included in income, and a new cost basis established. In both instances, the original discount or premium is written off when the new cost basis is established.
 
87


Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes interest income from its purchased beneficial interests in securitized financial interests ("beneficial interests") (other than beneficial interests of high credit quality, sufficiently collateralized to ensure that the possibility of credit loss is remote, or that cannot contractually be prepaid or otherwise settled in such a way that the Company would not recover substantially all of its recorded investment) in accordance with EITF 99-20. Accordingly, on a quarterly basis, when changes in estimated cash flows from the cash flows previously estimated occur due to actual prepayment and credit loss experience, the Company calculates a revised yield based on the current amortized cost of the investment (including any other-than-temporary impairments recognized to date.) The revised yield is then applied prospectively to recognize interest income.

For other mortgage-backed and related mortgage securities, the Company accounts for interest income under SFAS No. 91, Accounting for Nonrefundable Fees and Costs Associated with Originating or Acquiring Loans and Initial Direct Costs of Leases ("FAS 91"), by applying the effective yield method which includes the amortization of discount or premium arising at the time of purchase and the stated or coupon interest payments. Actual prepayment experience is reviewed quarterly and effective yields are recalculated when differences arise between prepayments and originally anticipated and amounts actually received plus anticipated future prepayments.

After taking into account the effect of the impairment charge, income is recognized under EITF 99-20 or FAS 91, as applicable, by applying the yield used in establishing the write-down.

Securities Held-for-Trading

Securities held-for-trading are carried at estimated fair value with net realized and unrealized gains or losses included in the consolidated statements of operations.

Securitizations

When the Company sells assets in securitizations, it retains certain tranches which are considered retained interests in the securitization. Gain or loss on the sale of assets depends in part on the previous carrying amount of the financial assets securitized, allocated between the assets sold and the retained interests based on their relative fair value at the date of securitization. To obtain fair values, quoted market prices are used. Gain or loss on securitizations of financial assets is reported as a component of sale of securities available-for-sale on the consolidated statement of operations. Retained interests are carried at estimated fair value on the consolidated statement of financial condition. Adjustments to estimated fair value for retained interests classified as securities available-for-sale are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated statements of financial condition.

Commercial Mortgage Loans and Loan Pools

The Company purchases and originates certain commercial mortgage loans to be held as long-term investments. In accordance with SFAS No. 65, Accounting for Certain Mortgage Banking Activities, commercial mortgage loans and loan pools are classified as long term investments because the Company has the ability and the intent to hold these loans to maturity. Loans are recorded at cost at the date of purchase. Premiums and discounts related to these loans are amortized over their estimated lives using the effective interest method. Any origination fee income and application fee income, net of direct costs, associated with originating or purchasing commercial mortgage loans are deferred and included in the basis of the loans on the consolidated statements of financial condition. The net fees on originated loans are amortized over the life of the loans using the effective interest method and fees recognized on purchased loans are expense as incurred. The Company recognizes impairment on the loans when it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company measures impairment (both interest and principal) based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
 
88


Equity Investments

For those investments in real estate entities where the Company does not control the investee, or is not the primary beneficiary of a VIE, but can exert significant influence over the financial and operating policies of the investee, the Company uses the equity method of accounting. The Company recognizes its share of each investee's income or loss, and reduces its investment balance by distributions received. The Company owned an equity method investment in a privately held real estate investment trust ("REIT") that maintained its financial records on a fair value basis. The Company had retained such accounting relative to its investment in this REIT pursuant to EITF Issue 85-12, Retention of Specialized Accounting for Investments in Consolidation. During 2007, the Company redeemed its entire investment in the aforementioned REIT.

Derivative Instruments

As part of its asset/liability risk management activities, the Company may enter into interest rate swap agreements, forward currency exchange contracts and other financial instruments to hedge interest rate and foreign currency exposures or to modify the interest rate or foreign currency characteristics of related items on its consolidated statement of financial condition.

Income and expense from interest rate swap agreements that are designated for accounting purposes as cash flow hedges are recognized as a net adjustment to the interest expense of the hedged item and changes in fair value are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity, to the extent effective. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized as a component of interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations. If the underlying hedged items are sold, the amount of unrealized gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) relating to the corresponding interest rate swap agreement is included in the determination of gain or loss on the sale of the securities. If interest rate swap agreements are terminated, the associated gain or loss is deferred and amortized over the shorter of the remaining term of the original swap agreement, or the underlying hedged item, provided that the underlying hedged item has not been sold.

Income and expense from interest rate swap agreements that are, for accounting purposes, designated as trading derivatives are recognized as a net adjustment to gain (loss) on securities held-for-trading in the consolidated statement of operations. During the term of the interest rate swap agreement, changes in fair value are recognized as a component of gain (loss) on securities held-for-trading on the consolidated statements of operations.
 
89


Gains and losses from forward currency exchange contracts are recognized as a net adjustment to foreign currency gain or loss on the consolidated statements of operations. During the term of the forward currency exchange contracts, changes in fair value are recognized on the consolidated statements of financial condition and included in other assets (if there is an unrealized gain) or in other liabilities (if there is an unrealized loss). A corresponding amount is included as a component of net foreign currency gain or loss on the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company monitors its hedging instruments throughout their terms to ensure that they remain effective for their intended purpose. The Company is exposed to interest rate and/or currency risk on these hedging instruments, as well as to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by any other party to the Company's hedging instruments. The Company's policy is to enter into hedging agreements with counterparties rated A or better.

Share-Based Compensation

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment ("FAS 123R") . This statement is a revision to SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and superseded APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. This statement establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services, primarily focusing on the accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. Entities are required to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions). That cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service (usually the vesting period) in exchange for the award. The grant-date fair value of employee share options and similar instruments will be estimated using option-pricing models. If an equity award is modified after the grant date, incremental compensation cost will be recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the fair value of the modified award over the fair value of the original award immediately before the modification. The Company adopted FAS 123R, effective January 1, 2006 with no impact on the consolidated financial statements as there were no unvested options at December 31, 2005 and the Company applied the fair value method to all options issued after January 1, 2003.

Income Taxes

The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT and to comply with the provisions of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") with respect thereto. Accordingly, the Company generally will not be subject to federal, state or local income tax as long as distributions to stockholders are equal to or greater than taxable income and as long as certain asset, income and stock ownership tests are met. At December 31, 2007, the Company had a federal capital loss carryover of approximately $35,178 available to offset future capital gains.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Fair Value Measurements

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements ("FAS 157"). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. FAS 157 requires companies to disclose the fair value of their financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy (i.e., levels 1, 2, and 3, as defined). Additionally, companies are required to provide enhanced disclosure regarding instruments in the level 3 category (which have inputs to the valuation techniques that are unobservable and require significant management judgment), including a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances separately for each major category of assets and liabilities. FAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and all interim periods within those fiscal years. FAS 157 is not expected to materially affect how the Company determines fair value, but will result in certain additional disclosures.
 
90


Fair Value Accounting

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities ("FAS 159"). FAS 159 permits entities to elect to measure eligible financial instruments at fair value. The unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected should be reported in earnings. The decision to elect the fair value option is determined on an instrument by instrument basis, is applied to an entire instrument and is irrevocable. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value pursuant to the fair value option will be reported separately on the consolidated statement of financial condition from those instruments measured using another measurement attribute. FAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The Company adopted FAS 159 as of the beginning of 2008 and elected to apply the fair value option to the following financial assets and liabilities existing at the time of adoption:

(1) All securities which were previously accounted for as available-for-sale;
 
(2) All unsecured long-term liabilities, consisting of all senior unsecured notes, senior convertible notes, junior unsecured notes and junior subordinated notes; and
 
(3) All CDO liabilities

Upon adoption, the Company expects total stockholders' equity to increase by approximately $372,000, substantially all of which relates to applying the fair value option to the Company's long-term liabilities. Subsequent to January 1, 2008, all changes in the estimated fair value of the Company's available-for-sale securities, CDOs, senior unsecured notes, senior convertible notes, junior unsecured notes and junior subordinated notes will be recorded in earnings.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") FAS 140-3, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions ("FAS 140-3"). This FSP addresses the accounting for the transfer of financial assets and a subsequent repurchase financing and shall be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those years. The FSP focuses on the circumstances that would permit a transferor and a transferee to separately evaluate the accounting for a transfer of a financial asset and a repurchase financing under SFAS 140.

The FSP states that a transfer of a financial asset and a repurchase agreement involving the transferred financial asset should be considered part of the same arrangement when the counterparties to the two transactions are the same unless certain criteria are met. The criteria in the FSP are intended to identify whether (1) there is a valid and distinct business or economic purpose for entering separately into the two transactions and (2) the repurchase financing does not result in the initial transferor regaining control over the previously transferred financial assets. The FASB has stated that the FSP's purpose is to limit diversity of practice in accounting for these situations, resulting in more consistent financial reporting. This FSP shall be applied prospectively to initial transfers and repurchase financings for which the initial transfer is executed on or after the beginning of the fiscal year in which this FSP is initially applied.
 
91


Currently, the Company records such assets and the related financing gross on its consolidated statement of financial condition, and the corresponding interest income and interest expense gross on the consolidated statement of operations. Any change in fair value of the security is reported through other comprehensive income pursuant to SFAS 115, because the security is classified as available-for-sale. However, in a transaction where the mortgage-backed securities are acquired from and financed under a repurchase agreement with the same counterparty, the acquisition may not qualify as a sale from the seller's perspective under the provisions of FAS 140. In such cases, the seller may be required to continue to consolidate the assets sold to the Company, based on their continuing involvement with such investments. The Company has not completed its evaluation of the impact of FAS 140-3 but the Company may be precluded from presenting the assets gross on the Company's consolidated statement of financial condition and should instead treat the Company's net investment in such assets as a derivative.  If it is determined that these transactions should be treated as investments in derivatives, the derivative instruments entered into by the Company to hedge the Company's interest rate exposure with respect to the borrowings under the associated repurchase agreements may no longer qualify for hedge accounting, and would then, as with the underlying asset transactions, also be marked to market through the consolidated statement of operations.  This potential change in accounting treatment does not affect the economics of the transactions but does affect how the transactions would be reported on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company's cash flows, liquidity and ability to pay a dividend would be unchanged, and the Company does not believe its REIT taxable income or REIT status would be affected. The Company believes stockholders' equity would not be materially affected. At December 31, 2007, the Company has identified available-for-sale securities with a fair value of approximately $147,552 which had been purchased from and financed with reverse repurchase agreements totaling approximately $127,094 with the same counterparty since their purchase.  If the Company were to change the current accounting treatment for these transactions at December 31, 2007 to that required by the FSP, total assets and total liabilities would be reduced by approximately $127,094.

Investment Companies

In June, 2007, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA") issued Statement of Position ("SOP") 07-1, Clarification of the Scope of the Audit and Accounting Guide Investment Companies and Accounting for Parent Companies and Equity Method Investors for Investments in Investment Companies. This SOP provides guidance for determining whether an entity is within the scope of the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide- Investment Companies (the "Guide"). Entities that are within the scope of the Guide are required, among other things, to carry their investments at fair value, with changes in fair value included in earnings. On October 17, 2007, the FASB decided to indefinitely defer the effective date of this SOP.

Variable Interest Entities

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, which are wholly owned or controlled by the Company or entities which are VIEs in which the Company is the primary beneficiary under FIN 46R. FIN 46R requires a VIE to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the party that absorbs the majority of the VIE's anticipated losses and/or the majority of the expected returns. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
92


The Company has analyzed the governing pooling and servicing agreements for each of its Controlling Class CMBS and believes that the terms are industry standard and are consistent with the QSPE criteria. However, there is uncertainty with respect to QSPE treatment due to ongoing review by accounting standard setters, potential actions by various parties involved with the QSPE, as well as varying and evolving interpretations of the QSPE criteria under FAS 140. Future guidance from the accounting standard setters may require the Company to consolidate CMBS trusts in which the Company has invested.

Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments

In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments ("SFAS 155"), which amends SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities ("SFAS 133"), and SFAS No. 140. FAS 155 provides, among other things, that:

 
·
For embedded derivatives which would otherwise be required to be bifurcated from their host contracts and accounted for at fair value in accordance with FAS 133, an irrevocable election may be made on an instrument-by-instrument basis to measure the hybrid financial instrument at fair value in its entirety, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings.
     
 
·
Concentrations of credit risk in the form of subordination are not considered embedded derivatives.
     
 
·
Interest-only strips and principal-only strips are not subject to the requirements of FAS 133.

FAS 155 was effective for all financial instruments acquired, issued or subject to re-measurement after the beginning of an entity's first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. Upon adoption, differences between the total carrying amount of the individual components of an existing bifurcated hybrid financial instrument and the fair value of the combined hybrid financial instrument were required to be recognized as a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings. Restatement was not permitted for prior periods. The adoption of FAS 155 on January 1, 2007 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes ("FIN 48"). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company's financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a threshold and measurement attribute for recognition in the financial statements of an asset or liability resulting from a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 was effective for public companies as of the beginning of fiscal years that began after December 15, 2006. The adoption of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications

Certain items previously reported have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.
 
93

 
Note 2 SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE

The Company's securities available-for-sale are carried at estimated fair value. The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2007 are summarized as follows:
 
Security Description
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gain
 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
U.S. Dollar Denominated:
                 
Commercial real estate securities:
                 
CMBS interest only securities ("CMBS IOs")
 
$
14,725
 
$
1,190
 
$
-
 
$
15,915
 
Investment grade CMBS
   
743,790
   
32,475
   
(25,192
)
 
751,073
 
Non-investment grade rated subordinated CMBS
   
761,103
   
24,255
   
(155,670
)
 
629,688
 
Non-rated subordinated CMBS
   
130,940
   
1,331
   
(22,719
)
 
109,552
 
Credit tenant leases
   
23,867
   
1,082
   
-
   
24,949
 
Investment grade REIT debt
   
247,602
   
3,664
   
(5,171
)
 
246,095
 
Multifamily agency securities
   
36,815
   
547
   
(239
)
 
37,123
 
CDO investments
   
67,470
   
20,711
   
(38,551
)
 
49,630
 
Total
   
2,026,312
   
85,255
   
(247,542
)
 
1,864,025
 
                           
RMBS:
                         
Agency adjustable rate securities
   
1,196
   
-
   
(3
)
 
1,193
 
Residential CMOs
   
76
   
79
   
-
   
155
 
Hybrid adjustable rate mortgages ("ARMs")
   
7,991
   
-
   
(57
)
 
7,934
 
Total RMBS
   
9,263
   
79
   
(60
)
 
9,282
 
Total U.S. dollar denominated securities available-for-sale
   
2,035,575
   
85,334
   
(247,602
)
 
1,873,308
 
                           
Non-U.S. Dollar Denominated:
                         
Investment grade CMBS
   
153,384
   
2,837
   
(4,689
)
 
151,532
 
Non-investment grade rated subordinated CMBS
   
217,046
   
6,406
   
(11,018
)
 
212,434
 
Non-rated subordinated CMBS
   
27,772
   
1,211
   
(126
)
 
28,857
 
Total non-U.S. dollar denominated securities available-for-sale
   
398,202
   
10,454
   
(15,833
)
 
392,823
 
Total securities available-for-sale
 
$
2,433,777
 
$
95,788
 
$
(263,435
)
$
2,266,130
 

At December 31, 2007, an aggregate of $2,209,820 in estimated fair value of the Company's securities available-for-sale was pledged to secure its collateralized borrowings.
 
94

 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2006 are summarized as follows:
  
Security Description
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gain
 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
U.S. Dollar Denominated:
                 
Commercial real estate securities:
                 
CMBS IOs
 
$
69,183
 
$
1,450
 
$
(1,280
)
$
69,353
 
Investment grade CMBS
   
694,173
   
48,843
   
(7,637
)
 
735,379
 
Non-investment grade rated subordinated CMBS
   
522,011
   
45,327
   
(4,591
)
 
562,747
 
Non-rated subordinated CMBS
   
71,197
   
7,483
   
(61
)
 
78,619
 
Credit tenant leases
   
24,439
   
391
   
(512
)
 
24,318
 
Investment grade REIT debt
   
247,937
   
4,627
   
(3,320
)
 
249,244
 
Multifamily agency securities
   
452,781
   
3,048
   
(6,003
)
 
449,826
 
CDO investments
   
117,871
   
5,806
   
(3,042
)
 
120,635
 
Total
   
2,199,592
   
116,975
   
(26,446
)
 
2,290,121
 
                           
RMBS:
                         
Agency adjustable rate securities
   
1,768
   
7
   
-
   
1,775
 
Residential CMOs
   
131,563
   
265
   
(978
)
 
130,850
 
Hybrid ARMs
   
11,798
   
-
   
(283
)
 
11,515
 
Total RMBS
   
145,129
   
272
   
(1,261
)
 
144,140
 
Total U.S dollar denominated securities available-for-sale
   
2,344,721
   
117,247
   
(27,707
)
$
2,434,261
 
                           
Non-U.S. Dollar Denominated:
                         
Investment grade CMBS
   
54,383
   
2,543
   
(151
)
 
56,775
 
Non-investment grade rated subordinated CMBS
   
116,698
   
6,977
   
(403
)
 
123,272
 
Non-rated subordinated CMBS
   
1,554
   
-
   
(6
)
 
1,548
 
Total non-U.S dollar denominated securities available-for-sale
   
172,635
   
9,520
   
(560
)
 
181,595
 
Total securities available-for-sale
 
$
2,517,356
 
$
126,767
 
$
(28,267
)
$
2,615,856
 

At December 31, 2006, an aggregate of $2,415,765 in estimated fair value of the Company's securities available-for-sale was pledged to secure its collateralized borrowings.
 
95

 
At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the aggregate estimated fair values by underlying credit rating of the Company's securities available-for-sale are as follows:

   
December 31, 2007
 
December 31, 2006
 
 
Security Rating
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
 
Percentage
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
 
Percentage
 
Agency and agency insured securities
 
$
45,887
   
2
%
$
593,170
   
23
%
AAA
   
150,759
   
7
   
207,482
   
8
 
AA+
   
26,548
   
1
   
10,719
   
-
 
AA
   
46,718
   
2
   
5,810
   
-
 
AA-
   
14,312
   
1
   
14,859
   
1
 
A+
   
78,860
   
3
   
41,090
   
2
 
A
   
104,791
   
4
   
141,544
   
5
 
A-
   
118,613
   
5
   
112,906
   
4
 
BBB+
   
247,527
   
11
   
226,512
   
9
 
BBB
   
199,667
   
9
   
207,382
   
8
 
BBB-
   
196,393
   
9
   
154,776
   
6
 
Total investment grade securities available-for-sale
   
1,230,075
   
54
   
1,716,250
   
66
 
BB+
   
218,093
   
10
   
178,378
   
7
 
BB
   
265,067
   
12
   
276,044
   
10
 
BB-
   
128,016
   
6
   
99,892
   
4
 
B+
   
55,856
   
3
   
51,271
   
2
 
B
   
121,491
   
5
   
113,509
   
4
 
B-
   
53,056
   
2
   
41,334
   
2
 
CCC
   
6,294
   
-
   
3,823
   
-
 
CC
   
5,018
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Not rated
   
183,164
   
8
   
135,355
   
5
 
Total below investment grade securities available-for-sale
   
1,036,055
   
46
   
899,606
   
34
 
Total securities available-for-sale
 
$
2,266,130
   
100
%
$
2,615,856
   
100
%

The following table shows the Company's fair value and gross unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2007.

   
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
   
Estimated Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Investment grade CMBS
 
$
223,133
 
$
(24,011
)
$
118,965
 
$
(5,870
)
$
342,098
 
$
(29,881
)
Non-investment grade rated CMBS
   
455,892
   
(114,235
)
 
141,466
   
(52,453
)
 
597,358
   
(166,688
)
Non-rated subordinated CMBS
   
85,194
   
(21,865
)
 
1,611
   
(980
)
 
86,805
   
(22,845
)
Investment grade REIT debt
   
934
   
(62
)
 
78,117
   
(5,109
)
 
79,051
   
(5,171
)
Multifamily agency securities
   
20,239
   
(85
)
 
363
   
(154
)
 
20,602
   
(239
)
CDO investments
   
14,520
   
(7,795
)
 
5,750
   
(30,756
)
 
20,270
   
(38,551
)
Agency adjustable rate securities
   
1,193
   
(3
)
 
-
   
-
   
1,193
   
(3
)
Hybrid ARMs
   
-
   
-
   
7,934
   
(57
)
 
7,934
   
(57
)
Total temporarily impaired securities 
 
$
801,105
 
$
(168,056
)
$
354,206
 
$
(95,379
)
$
1,155,311
 
$
(263,435
)
 
96

 
The following table shows the Company's fair value and gross unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2006.
 
   
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
   
Estimated Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
CMBS IOs
 
$
5,524
 
$
(378
)
$
22,181
 
$
(902
)
$
27,705
 
$
(1,280
)
Investment grade CMBS
   
32,051
   
(151
)
 
139,776
   
(7,637
)
 
171,827
   
(7,788
)
Non-investment grade rated CMBS
   
125,396
   
(2,457
)
 
74,852
   
(2,537
)
 
200,248
   
(4,994
)
Non-rated subordinated CMBS
   
1,548
   
(6
)
 
2,468
   
(61
)
 
4,016
   
(67
)
Credit tenant leases
   
-
   
-
   
15,803
   
(512
)
 
15,803
   
(512
)
Investment grade REIT debt
   
10,450
   
(152
)
 
72,524
   
(3,168
)
 
82,974
   
(3,320
)
Multifamily agency securities
   
153,266
   
(600
)
 
181,102
   
(5,403
)
 
334,368
   
(6,003
)
CDO investments
   
35,417
   
(3,042
)
 
-
   
-
   
35,417
   
(3,042
)
Residential CMOs
   
111,859
   
(978
)
 
-
   
-
   
111,859
   
(978
)
Hybrid ARMs
   
-
   
-
   
11,516
   
(283
)
 
11,516
   
(283
)
Total temporarily impaired securities 
 
$
475,511
 
$
(7,764
)
$
520,222
 
$
(20,503
)
$
995,733
 
$
(28,267
)

The temporary impairment of the available-for-sale securities results from the fair value of the securities falling below the amortized cost basis. These unrealized losses are primarily the result of market factors other than credit impairment and the Company believes the carrying value of the securities are fully recoverable over their expected holding period. Management possesses both the intent and the ability to hold the securities until the Company has recovered the amortized cost. As such, management does not believe any of the securities are other than temporarily impaired.

During 2007, the Company sold securities available-for-sale for total proceeds of $605,281, resulting in a gross realized gain of $8,025 and a gross realized loss of $(13,742). This loss was from the sale of the majority of the Company's CMBS IOs and multifamily agency securities. The loss was caused by higher Treasury rates since the time of purchase. In addition, the Company incurred a charge of $1,514 related to the impairment of remaining CMBS IOs and multifamily agency securities that were not sold during the year which is included in loss on impairments of assets on the consolidated statement of operations. During 2006, the Company sold securities available-for-sale for total proceeds of $236,945, resulting in a gross realized gain of $30,884 and a gross realized loss of $(1,852). The Company sold the securities with unrealized losses prior to maturity due to changes in the underlying collateral which were expected to significantly impact the market value of the securities. During 2005, the Company sold securities available-for-sale for total proceeds of $172,737, resulting in a realized gain of $16,543.

The CMBS held by the Company include subordinated securities collateralized by fixed and adjustable rate commercial and multifamily mortgage loans. The CMBS provide credit support to the more senior classes of the related commercial securitization. Cash flow from the mortgages underlying the CMBS generally is allocated first to the senior classes, with the most senior class having a priority entitlement to cash flow. Then, any remaining cash flow is allocated generally among the other CMBS classes in order of their relative seniority. To the extent there are defaults and unrecoverable losses on the underlying mortgages, resulting in reduced cash flows, the most subordinated CMBS class will bear this loss first. To the extent there are losses in excess of the most subordinated class' stated entitlement to principal and interest, the remaining CMBS classes will bear such losses in order of their relative subordination.
 
97


At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the anticipated weighted average unlevered yield based on the adjusted cost of the Company's entire subordinated CMBS portfolio was 10.5% and 10.3% per annum, respectively, and of the Company's other securities available-for-sale was 6.7% and 6.1% per annum, respectively. The Company's anticipated yields to maturity on its subordinated CMBS and other securities available-for-sale are based on a number of assumptions that are subject to certain business and economic uncertainties and contingencies. Examples of these include, among other things, the rate and timing of principal payments (including prepayments, repurchases, defaults, liquidations, and related expenses), the pass-through or coupon rate, and interest rate fluctuations. Additional factors that may affect the Company's anticipated yields to maturity on its Controlling Class CMBS include interest payment shortfalls due to delinquencies on the underlying mortgage loans, the timing and magnitude of credit losses on the mortgage loans underlying the Controlling Class CMBS that are a result of the general condition of the real estate market (including competition for tenants and their related credit quality) and changes in market rental rates. As these uncertainties and contingencies are difficult to predict and are subject to future events that may alter these assumptions, no assurance can be given that the anticipated yields to maturity, discussed above and elsewhere, will be achieved.

The RMBS held by the Company consist of fixed rate and adjustable rate residential pass-through or mortgage-backed securities collateralized by fixed and adjustable rate single-family residential mortgage loans. All of the Company's RMBS were issued by FHLMC, FNMA or GNMA. The Company does not have any subprime exposure. The Company's securities available-for-sale are subject to credit, interest rate, and/or prepayment risks. The agency adjustable rate RMBS held by the Company are subject to periodic and lifetime caps that limit the amount the interest rates of such securities can change during any given period and over the life of the loan. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, adjustable rate RMBS with an estimated fair value of $9,282 and $144,140, respectively, are included in securities available-for-sale on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
 
Note 3 IMPAIRMENTS - CMBS

The Company updates its estimated cash flows for securities subject to EITF 99-20 on a quarterly basis. The Company compares the yields resulting from the updated cash flows to the current accrual yields. An impairment charge is required under EITF 99-20 if the updated yield is lower than the current accrual yield and the security has an estimated fair value less than its adjusted purchase price. The Company carries all these securities at their estimated fair value on its consolidated statements of financial condition.

2007

For 2007, changes in timing of assumed credit loss and prepayments on fourteen CMBS required an impairment charge totaling $9,634. The Company also increased its underlying loss expectations for one below investment grade European CMBS during 2007, resulting in an additional impairment charge of $1,321. In addition, the Company incurred a charge of $1,514 related to the impairment of its remaining high credit quality securities because similar securities were sold at a loss during the third quarter of 2007 and the Company could not demonstrate its ability and intent to hold remaining securities to forecasted recovery. During the quarter ended December 31, 2007, 70 of the Company's Controlling Class CMBS with an aggregate adjusted purchase price of $408,201 experienced a weighted average yield increase of 58 basis points, and 30 Controlling Class CMBS with an aggregate adjusted purchase price of $182,941 experienced a weighted average yield decrease of 12 basis points.
 
98


2006
 
During 2006, the Company had sixteen CMBS that required an impairment charge of $7,880, of which $6,133 was attributed to higher prepayment rates on a pool of Small Business Administration commercial mortgages. The decline in the updated yields that caused the remaining impairment charge of $1,747 is not related to increases in losses but rather accelerated prepayments and changes in the timing of credit losses.

2005
 
During 2005, the Company had six CMBS that required impairment charges of $5,088. For one below investment grade CMBS, the Company increased its underlying loan loss expectations on a 1998 vintage CMBS transaction resulting in a charge of $3,072. This CMBS transaction has two underlying mortgage loans secured by assisted living facilities located in Texas that were performing below management's original expectations. The two underlying mortgage loans were resolved in the fourth quarter of 2005 with lower than expected loss severities. The effect of the improved loss severity will be recognized over the remaining life of the security in the form of an increased yield. For the remaining five securities, changes in the timing of credit losses and prepayments caused yields to decline.
 
Note 4 COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE LOAN POOLS

During the second quarter of 2004, the Company acquired subordinated CMBS in a trust establishing a Controlling Class interest. The Company obtained a greater degree of influence over the disposition of the commercial mortgage loans than is typically granted to the special servicer. As a result of this expanded influence, the trust was not a QSPE and FIN 46R required the Company to consolidate the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the trust.

Approximately 45% of the par amount of the commercial mortgage loan pool is comprised of investment grade loans and the remaining 55% are unrated. For income recognition purposes, the Company considers investment grade and unrated commercial mortgage loans in the pool as single assets reflecting the credit assumptions made in establishing loss adjusted yields for Controlling Class securities. The Company has taken into account the credit quality of the underlying loans in formulating its loss assumptions.

Over the life of the commercial mortgage loan pools, the Company reviews and updates its loss assumptions to determine the impact on expected cash flows to be collected. A decrease in estimated cash flows will reduce the amount of interest income recognized in future periods and would result in an impairment charge recorded on the consolidated statement of operations. An increase in estimated cash flows will increase the amount of interest income recorded in future periods.
 
Note 5 SECURITIES HELD-FOR-TRADING

The Company's securities held-for-trading are carried at estimated fair value. At December 31, 2007, the Company's securities held-for-trading consisted of FNMA Mortgage Pools with an estimated fair value of $901 and CMBS with an estimated fair value of $17,303. At December 31, 2006, the Company's securities held-for-trading consisted of FNMA Mortgage Pools with an estimated fair value of $132,204 and CMBS with an estimated fair value of $22,383. The FNMA Mortgage Pools, and the underlying mortgages, bear interest at fixed rates for specified periods, generally three to seven years, after which the rates periodically are reset to market.
 
99


Note 6 COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE LOANS

The following table summarizes the Company's commercial real estate loan portfolio by property type at December 31, 2007 and 2006:
 
   
Loan Outstanding
 
Weighted Average
 
   
December 31, 2007
 
December 31, 2006
 
Yield
 
Property Type
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
 
2007
 
2006
 
U.S.
                         
Retail
 
$
52,209
   
5.3
%
$
51,553
   
10.7
%
 
9.6
%
 
9.6
%
Office
   
45,640
   
4.6
   
65,812
   
13.6
   
10.3
   
8.5
 
Multifamily
   
174,873
   
17.8
   
51,368
   
10.7
   
9.7
   
11.1
 
Storage
   
32,307
   
3.3
   
32,625
   
6.8
   
9.1
   
9.1
 
Land
   
25,000
   
2.5
   
-
   
-
   
9.6
   
-
 
Hotel
   
12,208
   
1.2
   
33,028
   
6.9
   
10.9
   
10.3
 
Other Mixed Use
   
3,983
   
0.5
   
3,983
   
0.8
   
8.5
   
9.1
 
Total U.S.
   
346,220
   
35.2
   
238,369
   
49.5
   
9.7
   
9.6
 
Non U.S.
                                     
Retail
   
278,669
   
28.3
   
143,385
   
29.7
   
8.9
   
7.0
 
Office
   
238,691
   
24.3
   
64,204
   
13.3
   
8.8
   
8.0
 
Multifamily
   
41,403
   
4.2
   
6,550
   
1.4
   
8.6
   
7.3
 
Storage
   
51,272
   
5.2
   
1,384
   
0.3
   
9.5
   
6.9
 
Industrial
   
17,274
   
1.8
   
19,317
   
4.0
   
10.6
   
9.1
 
Hotel
   
5,016
   
0.5
   
5,870
   
1.2
   
10.1
   
8.6
 
Other Mixed Use
   
4,842
   
0.5
   
2,666
   
0.6
   
9.0
   
8.2
 
Total Non U.S.
   
637,167
   
64.8
   
243,376
   
50.5
   
8.9
   
7.5
 
Total
 
$
983,387
   
100.0
%
$
481,745
   
100.0
%
 
9.2
%
 
8.6
%

Reconciliation of commercial mortgage loans:
 
Book Value
 
Balance at December 31, 2005
 
$
365,806
 
Investments in commercial mortgage loans
   
294,158
 
Proceeds from repayment of mortgage loans 
   
(197,094
)
Discount accretion and foreign currency
   
18,875
 
         
Balance at December 31, 2006
 
$
481,745
 
Investments in commercial mortgage loans
   
781,978
 
Proceeds from repayment of mortgage loans 
   
(296,724
)
Discount accretion and foreign currency
   
16,388
 
         
Balance at December 31, 2007
 
$
983,387
 

There were no loans subject to delinquent principal or interest at December 31, 2007 or 2006.
 
100


Note 7 EQUITY INVESTMENTS

The following table is a summary of the Company's equity investments for the year ended December 31, 2007:

   
BlackRock Diamond
 
 
Carbon I
 
 
Carbon II
 
Dynamic India Fund IV *
 
Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2006
 
$
105,894
 
$
3,144
 
$
69,259
 
$
3,850
 
$
182,147
 
Contributions to Investments
   
7,397
   
-
   
28,958
   
5,500
   
41,855
 
Distributions from Investments
   
(132,081
)
 
(2,208
)
 
(13,058
)
 
-
   
(147,347
)
Equity earnings
   
18,790
   
700
   
12,603
   
-
   
32,093
 
Balance at December 31, 2007
 
$
-
 
$
1,636
 
$
97,762
 
$
9,350
 
$
108,748
 
 
* The Company neither controls nor has significant influence over the Dynamic India Fund IV and accounts for this investment using the cost method of accounting.

At December 31, 2007, the Company owned approximately 20% of Carbon Capital, Inc. ("Carbon I"). The Company also owned approximately 26% of Carbon Capital II, Inc. ("Carbon II", and collectively with Carbon I, the "Carbon Funds") at December 31, 2007. Collectively, the Carbon Funds are private commercial real estate income opportunity funds managed by the Manager (see Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements).

The Company's investment period in Carbon I expired on July 12, 2004. As repayments occur, capital will be returned to investors.

The Company entered into an aggregate commitment of $100,000 to acquire shares in Carbon II. The final obligation to fund capital of $13,346 was called on July 13, 2007. The following table summarizes the loan investments held by the Carbon Funds at December 31, 2007 and 2006:
 
   
Weighted Average
         
   
December 31, 2007
 
December 31, 2006
 
 Yield
 
Property Type
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
 
2007
 
2006
 
U.S.
                         
Retail
 
$
58,162
   
8.7
%
 
71,449
   
10.2
%
 
8.1
%
 
9.6
%
Office
   
181,495
   
27.2
   
162,466
   
23.2
   
9.7
   
10.5
 
Multifamily
   
189,152
   
28.4
   
146,108
   
20.9
   
12.1
   
11.0
 
Residential
   
12,000
   
1.8
   
12,000
   
1.7
   
0.1
   
12.7
 
Land
   
45,000
   
6.8
   
60,000
   
8.6
   
11.4
   
13.5
 
Hotel
   
180,298
   
27.1
   
238,921
   
34.2
   
12.0
   
12.1
 
Other Mixed Use
   
-
   
-
   
8,500
   
1.2
   
-
   
11.3
 
Total
 
$
666,107
   
100.0
%
$
699,444
   
100.0
%
 
10.8
%
 
11.4
%
 
One of the loans held by Carbon II, of which the Company owns 26%, includes a $24,546 commercial real estate mezzanine loan which defaulted during July 2006 and was subsequently cured.  The underlying property is a hotel located in the South Beach area of Miami, Florida.  In the second quarter of 2007, Carbon II purchased for $17,103 the controlling class position of the senior loan. This position is senior in the capital structure to Carbon II's existing investment and provides Carbon II with the ability to direct the workout process of the senior loan.  Both loans matured in March 2007, and the borrower failed to repay, triggering a maturity default.  The borrower has reached a settlement agreement that allows the borrower a specified period of time to obtain a purchaser for the hotel.  Based on a recent proposal for this property, the loan to value of this loan is approximately 90% and Carbon II believes a loan loss reserve is not necessary at December 31, 2007.
 
101


Two other loans held by Carbon II have defaulted.  The aggregate carrying value of the two assets on Carbon II's consolidated financial statements is $23,779.  The underlying properties, located in Orlando and Boynton Beach, Florida, are multi-family assets.  Carbon II has concluded a workout arrangement with a 336-unit property borrower in Orlando, whereby Carbon II will forebear from taking title and will make all advances necessary to operate the property and service the first mortgage.  The borrower continues to hold title and implement its sales strategy.  To date, 240 units have been sold and closed.  An additional 26 units are under contract with deposits and 30 contracts are being prepared.  During 2007, Carbon II established a loss reserve of $3,332 of which the Company's share is $833.

A 216-unit property in Boynton Beach borrower was not able to achieve sufficient condominium sales to complete the condominium conversion.  The borrower defaulted on its loan.  Carbon II has taken title to the property and is operating it as a rental property.  During 2006, Carbon II established a loss reserve of $5,180, of which the Company's share is $1,361.  Carbon II determined that no change to the carrying value of the property was necessary at December 31, 2007. 

The above three loans are the only defaulted loans held by Carbon II at December 31, 2007.  Subsequent to December 31, 2007, two loans had maturity defaults, one of which has since been cured. Carbon II and the lending group are in discussions to extend the remaining loan.  All other commercial real estate loans in the Carbon Funds are performing as expected.

BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc. ("BlackRock Diamond") is a private REIT managed by BlackRock Realty Advisors, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company's Manager. The Company invested $100,000 in the BlackRock Diamond. The Company redeemed $25,000 of its investment on June 30, 2007 and redeemed the remaining $75,000 plus accumulated earnings on September 30, 2007. Over the life of this investment, the Company recognized a cumulative profit of $34,853, an annualized return of 20.8%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, BlackRock Diamond recorded net income of $104,369. The Company's share of BlackRock Diamond's net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 (date of redemption) was $18,790.

On December 22, 2005, the Company entered into an $11,000 commitment to acquire shares of Dynamic India Fund IV. At December 31, 2007, the Company's capital committed was $11,000, of which $9,350 had been drawn. 
 
102


Combined summarized financial information of the unconsolidated equity investments of the Company is as follows:

   
December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Combined Statements of Financial Condition:
         
Commercial mortgage loans, net
 
$
666,107
 
$
699,444
 
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value
   
23,500
   
-
 
Real estate property, at fair value
   
43,002
   
680,134
 
Other assets
   
64,233
   
138,060
 
Total Assets
 
$
796,842
 
$
1,517,638
 
               
Secured borrowings
 
$
413,985
 
$
654,385
 
Other liabilities
   
6,062
   
90,581
 
Stockholders' equity
   
376,795
   
772,672
 
               
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
796,842
 
$
1,517,638
 
               
The Company's share of equity
 
$
99,398
 
$
182,147
 

   
For the year ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Combined Statements of Operations:
             
Income
 
$
102,793
 
$
95,470
 
$
82,973
 
                     
Expenses
                   
Interest expense
   
46,749
   
42,483
   
21,834
 
Operating expenses
   
27,073
   
22,506
   
16,250
 
                     
Total expenses
   
73,822
   
64,989
   
38,084
 
                     
Realized/unrealized gain
   
122,778
   
57,677
   
17,124
 
                     
Net income
 
$
151,749
 
$
88,158
 
$
62,013
 
                     
The Company's share of net income
 
$
32,093
 
$
27,431
 
$
12,146
 
 
Note 8 SECURITIZATION TRANSACTIONS

During 2005, the Company issued its fifth CDO ("CDO HY2") and issued non-recourse liabilities with a face amount of $365,010. In addition, senior investment grade notes with a face amount of $240,134 were issued and sold in a private placement. The Company retained the floating rate BBB- note, the below investment grade notes and the preferred shares. The Company recorded CDO HY2 as a secured financing for accounting purposes and consolidated the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of CDO HY2 until the sale of the floating rate BBB- note in the fourth quarter of 2005, at which point CDO HY2 qualified as a sale under FAS 140. In exchange for a portfolio of CMBS and investment grade REIT debt with an estimated fair value of $323,103, the Company received cash proceeds of $244,212 as well as all of the retained interests that had an estimated fair value of $105,025 at December 31, 2005. The total gain from CDO HY2 of $16,523 is included in sale of securities available-for-sale on the consolidated statement of operations.
 
103


The table below summarizes the cash flows received from securitizations during the year ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Proceeds from securitizations
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
235,197
 
Sale of retained interest
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
9,015
 
Cash flow on retained interests 
 
$
27,266
 
$
17,951
 
$
11,347
 

Key economic assumptions used in measuring the fair value of the retained interests at the date of the securitization were as follows:

   
2005
 
2004
 
Subordinated Debt
             
Weighted average life
   
9.9 years
   
n/a
 
Subordinated discount rate
   
12.1
%
 
n/a
 

   
2005
 
2004
 
Expected life
   
18.2 years
   
11.5 years
 
Preferred equity discount rate
   
4.9
%
 
67.4
%

When measuring the fair value of the retained interests, the Company estimates credit losses and the timing of losses for each loan underlying the CMBS, collateral, and accordingly, does not apply a constant default rate to the portfolio. At December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, the amortized costs of the retained interests were $61,205, $111,076, and $119,003, with an estimated fair value of $35,055, $114,142, and $121,159, respectively, based on key economic assumptions. The sensitivity of the retained interest to immediate adverse changes in those assumptions follows:

   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Reduction of net income per share:
             
50% adverse change in credit losses
 
$
0.09
 
$
0.12
 
$
0.09
 
100% adverse change in credit losses
 
$
0.18
 
$
0.24
 
$
0.18
 
EITF 99-20 impairment net income per share:
                   
50% adverse change in credit losses
 
$
0.61
 
$
0.05
 
$
0.03
 
100% adverse change in credit losses
 
$
0.61
 
$
0.05
 
$
0.03
 

These sensitivities are hypothetical and changes in fair value based on a variation in key assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. This non-linear relationship exists because the Company applies its key assumptions on a loan-by-loan basis to the assets underlying the CMBS collateral. The Company reviews all major assumptions periodically using the most recent empirical and market data available and makes adjustments where warranted.
 
104

 
Note 9 REAL ESTATE, HELD-FOR-SALE

SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets specifies that long-lived assets to be disposed by sale, which meet certain criteria, should be classified as real estate held-for-sale and measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less costs of sale. In addition, depreciation is not recorded on real estate held-for-sale.

On March 6, 2006, the Company purchased a defaulted loan from a Controlling Class CMBS trust. The loan was secured by a first mortgage on a multi-family property in Texas. Subsequent to the loan purchase, the property was acquired by the Company at foreclosure. The Company sold the property during the second quarter of 2006 and recorded a gain from discontinued operations of $1,366 on the consolidated statement of operations.

Note 10 BORROWINGS

The Company's borrowings consist of reverse repurchase agreements, credit facilities, CDOs, senior unsecured notes, senior convertible notes, junior unsecured notes, junior subordinated notes, and commercial mortgage loan pools.

Certain information with respect to the Company's borrowings at December 31, 2007 is summarized as follows:

Borrowing Type
 
Outstanding borrowings
 
Weighted average borrowing rate
 
Weighted average remaining maturity
 
Estimated fair value of assets pledged
 
Reverse repurchase agreements
 
$
80,119
   
5.44
%
 
7 days
 
$
93,116
 
Credit facilities
   
671,601
   
6.06
   
1.2 years
   
969,140
 
Commercial mortgage loan pools
   
1,219,095
   
3.99
   
4.9 years
   
1,240,793
 
CDOs
   
1,823,328
   
6.11
   
4.8 years
   
2,014,047
 
Senior unsecured notes
   
162,500
   
7.59
   
9.3 years
   
-
 
Junior unsecured notes
   
73,103
   
6.56
   
14.3 years
   
-
 
Senior convertible notes
   
80,000
   
11.75
   
19.7 years
   
-
 
Junior subordinated notes
   
180,477
   
7.64
   
28.1 years
   
-
 
Total Borrowings
 
$
4,290,223
   
5.72
%
 
6.4 years
 
$
4,317,096
 

At December 31, 2007, the Company's borrowings had the following remaining maturities:
 
Borrowing Type
 
Within 30 days
 
31 to 59 days
 
60 days to less than 1 year
 
1 year to 3 years
 
3 years to 5 years
 
Over 5 years
 
Total
 
Reverse repurchase agreements
 
$
80,119
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
80,119
 
Credit facilities
   
-
   
-
   
261,892
   
409,709
   
-
   
-
   
671,601
 
Commercial mortgage loan pools
   
-
   
17,932
   
44,270
   
368,433
   
130,683
   
657,777
   
1,219,095
 
CDOs
   
-
   
16,736
   
16,433
   
149,544
   
548,800
   
1,091,815
   
1,823,328
 
Senior unsecured notes
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
162,500
   
162,500
 
Senior convertible notes
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
80,000
   
80,000
 
Junior unsecured notes
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
73,103
   
73,103
 
Junior subordinated notes
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
180,477
   
180,477
 
Total Borrowings
 
$
80,119
 
$
34,668
 
$
322,595
 
$
927,686
 
$
679,483
 
$
2,245,672
 
$
4,290,223
 

105


Information with respect to the Company's borrowings at December 31, 2006 is summarized as follows:
 
Borrowing Type
 
Outstanding borrowings
 
Weighted average borrowing rate
 
Weighted average remaining maturity
 
Estimated fair value of assets pledged
 
Reverse repurchase agreements
 
$
799,669
   
5.37
%
 
78 days
 
$
854,074
 
Credit facilities
   
75,447
   
6.69
   
193 days
   
88,876
 
Commercial mortgage loan pools
   
1,250,503
   
3.99
   
5.8 years
   
1,271,014
 
CDOs
   
1,812,574
   
6.02
   
7.0 years
   
2,096,455
 
Senior unsecured notes
   
75,000
   
7.20
   
10.0 years
   
-
 
Junior subordinated notes
   
180,477
   
7.64
   
29.1 years
   
-
 
Total Borrowings
 
$
4,193,670
   
5.39
%
 
6.3 years
 
$
4,310,419
 

At December 31, 2006, the Company's borrowings had the following remaining maturities:

Borrowing Type
 
Within 30 days
 
31 to 59 days
 
60 days to less than 1 year
 
1 year to 3 years
 
3 years to 5 years
 
Over 5 years
 
Total
 
Reverse repurchase agreements
 
$
18,700
 
$
-
 
$
780,969
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
799,669
 
Credit facilities
   
27,569
   
-
   
33,893
   
13,985
   
-
   
-
   
75,447
 
Commercial mortgage loan pools
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,250,503
   
1,250,503
 
CDOs*
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,812,574
   
1,812,574
 
Senior unsecured notes
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
75,000
   
75,000
 
Junior subordinated notes
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
180,477
   
180,477
 
Total Borrowings
 
$
46,269
 
$
-
 
$
814,862
 
$
13,985
 
$
-
 
$
3,318,554
 
$
4,193,670
 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements and Credit Facilities

The Company has entered into reverse repurchase agreements to finance most of its securities available-for-sale that are not financed under its credit facilities or CDOs. The reverse repurchase agreements bear interest at a LIBOR-based variable rate.

Under the credit facilities and the reverse repurchase agreements, the respective lender retains the right to mark the underlying collateral to estimated fair value. A reduction in the value of pledged assets would require the Company to provide additional collateral or fund margin calls. From time to time, the Company may be required to provide additional collateral or fund margin calls. The Company received and funded margin calls totaling $82,570 during 2007, $73,793 from January 1, 2008 through March 10, 2008, and will fund another $11,118 on March 14, 2008.
 
106



The Company's credit facilities can be used to replace existing reverse repurchase agreement borrowings and to finance the acquisition of mortgage-backed securities and commercial real estate loans. Outstanding borrowings bear interest at a LIBOR-based variable rate. The following table summarizes the Company's credit facilities at December 31, 2007 and 2006.
 
   
December 31, 2007
 
December 31, 2006
 
   
Maturity Date
 
Facility Amount
 
Total Borrowings
 
Unused Borrowing Capacity
 
Facility Amount
 
Total Borrowings
 
Unused Borrowing Capacity
 
Bank of America, N.A. (1)
   
9/18/09
 
$
275,000
 
$
211,088
 
$
63,912
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
Deutsche Bank, AG (2)
   
12/20/08
   
200,000
   
174,186
   
25,814
   
200,000
   
49,398
   
150,602
 
Bank of America, N.A.(3)
   
9/17/08
   
100,000
   
87,706
   
12,294
   
100,000
   
-
   
100,000
 
Morgan Stanley Bank (3) (4)
   
2/16/08
(5)
 
300,000
   
198,621
   
101,379
   
200,000
   
13,985
   
186,015
 
Greenwich Capital, Inc.
   
7/7/07
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
75,000
   
12,064
   
-
 
         
$
875,000
 
$
671,601
 
$
203,399
 
$
575,000
 
$
75,447
 
$
436,617
 
 
(1)
USD only
 
(2)
Multicurrency
 
(3)
Non-USD only
 
(4)
Can be increased up to $15,000 based on the change in exchange rates of the non-US dollar loans. ….However, any amounts drawn under this provision must be repaid in ninety days.
 
(5)
Renewed on February 15, 2008 until February 7, 2009.

During the second quarter of 2007, the Company entered into a $150,000 committed U.S. dollar and non-U.S. dollar credit facility with Lehman Commercial Paper, Inc. The facility matured and was fully repaid on August 23, 2007.

On July 20, 2007, the Company entered into a $200,000 committed U.S. dollar facility with Bank of America, N.A. During the third quarter of 2007, the Company increased the commitment to $275,000.

On July 20, 2007, the Company amended its $200,000 committed non-U.S. dollar credit facility with Morgan Stanley Bank. The amendment increases the committed facility to $300,000. The amendment also allows for borrowings in Japanese Yen to fund the Company's Yen-denominated asset acquisitions. (See February 15, 2008 renewal discussion below.)

On August 27, 2007, the Company borrowed $50,000 from KeyBank National Association. The loan was secured by a pledge of all of the Company's ownership interest in the redemption proceeds of BlackRock Diamond and was repaid in full in October 2007.

On October 22, 2007, the Company notified Deutsche Bank, AG that it had elected to extend the $200,000 credit facility for one year and the new maturity date will be December 20, 2008. In connection with this extension, the Company is required to amortize the loan by 50% in June 2008 and by 25% in September 2008. The remaining 25% is due in December 2008.

The Company is subject to financial covenants in its credit facilities.
 
107


On December 28, 2007, the Company received a waiver from its compliance with the tangible net worth covenant at December 31, 2007 from Bank of America, N.A., the lender, under a $100,000 multicurrency secured credit facility. Without the waiver, the Company would have been required to maintain tangible net worth of at least $520,416 at December 31, 2007 pursuant to the covenant. On January 25, 2008, this lender agreed to amend the covenant so that the Company would be required to maintain tangible net worth at the end of each fiscal quarter of not less than the sum of (i) $400,000 plus (ii) an amount equal to 75% of any equity proceeds received by the Company on or after July 20, 2007.

As a result of the aforementioned waiver, the most restrictive covenants at December 31, 2007 were as follows: (1) net tangible net worth of $400,000 determined based on GAAP increased by 75% of any future preferred and common stock issuances by the Company, (2) a maximum recourse debt-to-equity ratio of 3.0 to 1.0, (3) a minimum unrestricted cash requirement of $10,000, (4) a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.2 to 1.0 and (5) minimum net income for two consecutive quarters of more than one dollar. At December 31, 2007, the Company was in compliance with the aforementioned financial covenants.

On February 15, 2008, Morgan Stanley Bank agreed to renew its $300,000 non-USD facility until February 7, 2009. In connection with this extension, certain financial covenants were added or modified so that: (i) the Company is required to have a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.4 to 1.0 for any calendar quarter, (ii) on any date, the Company's tangible net worth shall not decline 20% or more from its tangible net worth as of the last business day in the third month preceding such date, (iii) on any date, the Company's tangible net worth shall not decline 40% or more from its tangible net worth as of the last business day in the twelfth month preceding such date, (iv) on any date, the Company's tangible net worth shall not be less than the sum of $400,000 plus 75% of any equity offering proceeds received from and after February 15, 2008, (v) at all times, the ratio of the Company's total indebtedness to tangible net worth shall not be greater than 3:1 and (vi) the Company's liquid assets (as defined in the related guaranty) shall not at any time be less than 5% of its mark-to-market indebtedness (as defined in the related guaranty), subject to certain exceptions before March 31, 2008. Mark-to-market indebtedness is generally defined under the related guaranty to mean short-term liabilities that have a margin call feature. As of December 31, 2007, $751,721 of the Company's short-term debt had a margin call feature. If the liquid assets covenant had been in effect as of December 31, 2007, the Company would have been required to have an unrestricted cash balance of $37,586.

CDOs

On May 29, 2002, the Company issued ten tranches of secured debt through its first CDO ("CDO I"). In this transaction, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company issued debt in the par amount of $419,185 secured by the subsidiary's assets. The adjusted issue price of the CDO I debt at December 31, 2007 was $396,176. Five tranches were issued at a fixed rate coupon and five tranches were issued at a floating rate coupon with a combined weighted average remaining maturity of 1.0 year at December 31, 2007. All floating rate coupons were swapped to fixed rate coupons resulting in a total fixed rate cost of funds for CDO I of approximately 7.2%. The Company incurred $9,890 of issuance costs that are being amortized over the weighted average life of CDO I. CDO I was structured to match fund the cash flows from a significant portion of the Company's CMBS and investment grade REIT debt. The par amount at December 31, 2007 of the collateral securing CDO I consisted of 77.8% CMBS rated B or higher and 22.2% REIT debt rated BBB or higher. At December 31, 2007, the collateral securing CDO I had a fair value of $495,549.

On December 10, 2002, the Company issued seven tranches of secured debt through its second CDO ("CDO II"). In this transaction, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company issued debt in the par amount of $280,783 secured by the subsidiary's assets. In July 2004, the Company sold a CDO II bond with a par of $12,850 that it had previously retained. Before the sale of this security, the Company amended the indenture to reduce the coupon from 9.0% to 7.6%. The adjusted issue price of the CDO II debt at December 31, 2007 is $291,991. Five tranches were issued at a fixed rate coupon and three tranches were issued at a floating rate coupon with a combined weighted average remaining maturity of 3.8 years at December 31, 2007. All floating rate coupons were swapped to fixed rate coupons resulting in a total fixed rate cost of funds for CDO II of approximately 5.9%. The Company incurred $6,004 of issuance costs that are being amortized over the weighted average life of CDO II. CDO II was structured to match fund the cash flows from a significant portion of the Company's CMBS and investment grade REIT debt. The par amount at December 31, 2007 of the collateral securing CDO II consisted of 83.1% CMBS rated B or higher and 16.9% REIT debt rated BBB or higher. At December 31, 2007, the collateral securing CDO II had a fair value of $339,363.
 
108


On March 30, 2004, the Company issued eleven tranches of secured debt through its third CDO ("CDO III"). In this transaction, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company issued secured debt in the par amount of $372,456 secured by the subsidiary's assets. The adjusted issue price of the CDO III debt at December 31, 2007 is $376,582. Five tranches were issued at a fixed rate coupon and six tranches were issued at a floating rate coupon with a combined weighted average remaining maturity of 5.5 years at December 31, 2007. All floating rate coupons were swapped to fixed rate coupons resulting in a total fixed rate cost of funds for CDO III of approximately 5.0%. The Company incurred $2,006 of issuance costs that will be amortized over the weighted average life of CDO III. CDO III was structured to match fund the cash flows from a significant portion of the Company's CMBS and investment grade REIT. The par amount at December 31, 2007 of the collateral securing CDO III consisted of 87.9% CMBS rated B or higher and 12.1% REIT debt rated BBB or higher. At December 31, 2007, the collateral securing CDO III had a fair value of $375,611.

On May 23, 2006, the Company issued nine tranches of secured debt through its sixth CDO ("CDO HY3"). In this transaction, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company issued secured debt in the par amount of $417,000 secured by the subsidiary's assets. The adjusted issue price of the CDO HY3 debt at December 31, 2007 is $373,330. Three tranches were issued at a fixed rate coupon and six tranches were issued at a floating rate coupon with a combined weighted average remaining maturity of 7.2 years at December 31, 2007. All floating rate coupons were swapped to fixed rate coupons resulting in a total fixed rate cost of funds for CDO HY3 of approximately 6.3%. The Company incurred $7,057 of issuance costs that will be amortized over the weighted average life of CDO HY3. CDO HY3 was structured to match fund the cash flows from a significant portion of the Company's CMBS and commercial real estate loans. The par amount at December 31, 2007 of the collateral securing CDO HY3 consisted of 50.7% CMBS rated B or higher and 40.8% commercial real estate loans. At December 31, 2007, the collateral securing CDO HY3 had a fair value of $348,671.

On December 14, 2006, the Company closed its seventh CDO ("Euro CDO"). The Euro CDO sold €263,500 of non-recourse debt at a weighted average spread to Euro Libor of 60 basis points. The €263,500 consists of €251,000 of investment grade debt at a weighted average spread to Euro Libor of 50 basis points and €12,500 of below investment grade debt. The Company retained an additional €12,500 of below investment grade debt and all of Euro CDO's preferred shares. The Company incurred €3,489 of issuance costs that will be amortized over the weighted average life of the Euro CDO. At December 31, 2007, the collateral securing The Euro CDO had a fair value of $454,855.
 
Trust Preferred Securities

On September 26, 2005, the Company issued $75,000 of trust preferred securities through its wholly owned subsidiary, Anthracite Capital Trust I, a Delaware statutory trust ("Trust I"). The trust preferred securities have a thirty-year term ending October 30, 2035 with interest at a fixed rate of 7.497% for the first ten years and at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 2.9% thereafter. The trust preferred securities can be redeemed at par by the Company beginning in October 2010. Trust I issued $2,380 aggregate liquidation amount of common securities, representing 100% of the voting common stock of Trust I, to the Company for a purchase price of $2,380.  The Company realized net proceeds from this offering of approximately $72,618.
 
109

 
On January 31, 2006, the Company issued $50,000 of trust preferred securities through its wholly owned subsidiary, Anthracite Capital Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust ("Trust II"). The trust preferred securities have a thirty-year term ending April 30, 2036 with interest at a fixed rate of 7.73% for the first ten years and at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 2.7% thereafter. The trust preferred securities can be redeemed at par by the Company beginning in April 2011. Trust II issued $1,550 aggregate liquidation amount of common securities, representing 100% of the voting common stock of Trust II to the Company for a purchase price of $1,550.  The Company realized net proceeds from this offering of approximately $48,491.

On March 16, 2006, the Company issued $50,000 of trust preferred securities through its wholly owned subsidiary, Anthracite Capital Trust III, a Delaware statutory trust ("Trust III" and collectively with Trust I and Trust II, the "Trusts"). The trust preferred securities have a thirty-year term ending March 15, 2036 with interest at a fixed rate of 7.77% for the first ten years and at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 2.7% thereafter. The trust preferred securities can be redeemed at par by the Company beginning in March 2011. Trust III issued $1,547 aggregate liquidation amount of common securities, representing 100% of the voting common stock of Trust III to the Company for a purchase price of $1,547.  The Company realized net proceeds from this offering of approximately $48,435.

The Trusts used the proceeds from the sale of the trust preferred securities and the common securities to purchase the Company's junior subordinated notes.  The terms of the junior subordinated notes match the terms of the trust preferred securities.  The notes are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all present and future senior indebtedness and certain other of our financial obligations. 

The Company's interests in the Trusts are accounted for using the equity method and the assets and liabilities of the Trusts are not consolidated into the Company's financial statements.  Interest on the junior subordinated notes is included in interest expense on the consolidated statements of operation while the common securities are included as a component of other assets on the Company's consolidated statements of financial condition.

Senior Unsecured Notes

During October 2006, the Company issued $75,000 of unsecured senior notes due in 2016 with a weighted average cost of funds of 7.21%. The unsecured senior notes can be redeemed in whole by the Company subject to certain provisions, which could include the payment of fees.

During 2007, the Company issued $87,500 of senior unsecured notes due in 2017. The notes bear interest at a weighted average fixed rate of 7.93% until July 2012 and thereafter at a rate equal to 3-month LIBOR plus 2.55%. The senior unsecured notes contain a covenant whereby total borrowings cannot exceed 95% of the sum of total borrowings plus stockholders' equity and the Company must maintain a minimum net worth of $400,000. The senior unsecured notes can be redeemed in whole by the Company subject to certain provisions, which could include the payment of fees.
 
110


Senior Convertible Notes

On August 29, 2007 and September 10, 2007, the Company completed an offering for a total of $80,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due in 2027. The notes bear interest at a rate of 11.75% per annum and are convertible only under certain conditions, including a 20-day period of trading above $14.02 per share, as adjusted. The initial conversion rate of 92.7085 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $10.79 per share) represented a premium of 17.5% to the last reported sale price of the Company's Common Stock on August 23, 2007 of $9.18.

Holders of convertible senior notes have the right to require the Company to repurchase their notes on September 1, 2012, September 1, 2017 and September 1, 2022 for a cash price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, from time to time, (i) on or after September 1, 2012 or (ii) to preserve its status as a REIT, at 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Junior Unsecured Notes

During April 2007, the Company issued €50,000 junior subordinated notes due in 2022. The notes bear interest at a rate equal to 3-month Euribor plus 2.6%. The notes can be redeemed in whole by the Company subject to certain provisions. The Company has the option to redeem all or a portion of the notes at any time on or after April 30, 2012 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest through but excluding the redemption date.
 
Note 11 FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following table presents the notional amount, carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments at December 31, 2007 and 2006:

   
December 31, 2007
 
December 31, 2006
 
   
Notional Amount
 
Carrying Value
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Notional Amount
 
Carrying Value
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Securities available-for-sale
 
$
-
 
$
2,266,130
 
$
2,266,130
 
$
-
 
$
2,615,856
 
$
2,615,856
 
Securities held-for-trading
   
-
   
18,204
   
18,204
   
-
   
154,587
   
154,587
 
Commercial mortgage loan pools
   
-
   
1,240,793
   
1,240,793
         
1,271,014
   
1,271,014
 
Commercial mortgage loans
   
-
   
983,387
   
973,750
   
-
   
481,745
   
476,059
 
Secured borrowings
   
-
   
751,721
   
751,721
   
-
   
875,116
   
875,116
 
CDO borrowings
   
-
   
1,823,328
   
1,598,526
   
-
   
1,812,574
   
1,834,787
 
Commercial mortgage loan pool borrowings
   
-
   
1,219,094
   
1,219,094
   
-
   
1,250,503
   
1,250,503
 
Senior unsecured notes
   
-
   
162,500
   
114,473
   
-
   
75,000
   
68,949
 
Senior convertible notes
   
-
   
80,000
   
70,186
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Junior unsecured notes
   
-
   
73,103
   
44,833
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Junior subordinated notes
   
-
   
180,477
   
103,312
   
-
   
180,477
   
160,155
 
Currency forward contracts
   
-
   
4,041
   
4,041
   
-
   
(2,659
)
 
(2,659
)
Currency swap agreements
   
-
   
(2,093
)
 
(2,093
)
 
-
   
(240
)
 
(240
)
Interest rate swap agreements
   
2,604,649
   
(39,347
)
 
(39,347
)
 
2,983,144
   
15,274
   
15,274
 
LIBOR cap
   
85,000
   
195
   
195
   
85,000
   
(38
)
 
(38
)
 
111

 
Notional amounts are a unit of measure specified in a derivative instrument. The estimated fair values of the Company's securities available-for-sale, securities held-for-trading, currency forward contracts and interest rate swap agreements are based on market prices provided by certain dealers who make markets in these financial instruments. The estimated fair values reported reflect estimates and may not necessarily be indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange. Commercial mortgage loans and secured borrowings are floating rate instruments, and based on these terms, their carrying values approximate fair value.

Note 12 PREFERRED STOCK

On February 12, 2007, the Company issued $86,250 of Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock ("Series D Preferred Stock"), including $11,250 of Series D Preferred Stock sold to underwriters pursuant to an over-allotment option. The Series D Preferred Stock will pay an annual dividend of 8.25%. Net proceeds from the offering were $83,259.

At December 31, 2007, the Company had 90,944,003 authorized and un-issued shares of preferred stock.
 
Note 13 COMMON STOCK

The following table summarizes Common Stock transactions for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006:

   
2007
 
2006
 
   
Shares
 
Net Proceeds
 
Shares
 
Net Proceeds
 
Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (the "Dividend Reinvestment Plan")
   
327,928
 
$
3,087
   
608,747
 
$
6,517
 
Follow-on offerings
   
5,750,000
   
62,412
   
-
   
-
 
Share repurchase
   
(1,307,189
)
 
(12,100
)
 
-
   
-
 
Sales agency agreement
   
147,700
   
1,723
   
664,900
   
8,529
 
Director compensation
   
5,000
   
42
   
5,000
   
64
 
Incentive fees*
   
220,440
   
2,657
   
189,077
   
2,100
 
Incentive fees - stock based*
   
289,155
   
3,470
   
-
   
-
 
Stock options
   
-
   
-
   
24,700
   
209
 
Total
   
5,433,034
 
$
61,291
   
1,492,424
 
$
17,419
 
 
* See Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements, Transactions with Related Parties, for a further description of the Company's Management Agreement.

On June 12, 2007, the Company completed a follow-on offering of 5,750,000 shares of its Common Stock at a price of $11.75, which included a 15% option to purchase additional shares exercised by the underwriter. Net proceeds (after deducting underwriting fees and expenses) were approximately $62,412.
 
112


Utilizing a portion of the net proceeds from the convertible senior notes offering, the Company repurchased 1,307,189 shares of Common Stock on August 29, 2007 with a value of $12,100.

The following table summarizes dividends declared and paid by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005:

Year
 
Dividend Declared
 
Dividend Declared per Share
 
Paid in Current Year
 
Paid in Subsequent Year
 
2007
 
$
74,083
 
$
1.19
 
$
55,104
 
$
18,979
(1)
2006
 
$
66,017
 
$
1.15
 
$
49,246
 
$
16,771
(2)
2005
 
$
61,168
 
$
1.12
 
$
45,394
 
$
15,774
(2)
 
(1)
Paid on January 31
 
(2)
Paid on February 1

Dividends related to 2007, 2006 and 2005 were 100% ordinary income.
 
Note 14 TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

The Company has a Management Agreement, an administrative services agreement and an accounting services agreement with the Manager, the employer of certain directors and all of the officers of the Company, under which the Manager and the Company's officers manage the Company's day-to-day investment operations, subject to the direction and oversight of the Company's Board of Directors. Pursuant to the Management Agreement and these other agreements, the Manager and the Company's officers formulate investment strategies, arrange for the acquisition of assets, arrange for financing, monitor the performance of the Company's assets and provide certain other advisory, administrative and managerial services in connection with the operations of the Company. For performing certain of these services, the Company pays the Manager under the Management Agreement a base management fee equal to 2.0% of the quarterly average total stockholders' equity for the applicable quarter.

The Manager is entitled to receive an incentive fee under the Management Agreement equal to 25% of the amount by which the rolling four-quarter GAAP net income before the incentive fee exceeds the greater of 8.5% or 400 basis points over the ten-year Treasury note multiplied by the adjusted per share issue price of the Company's Common Stock ($11.33 adjusted per share issue price at December 31, 2007). Additionally, up to 30% of the incentive fees earned in 2006 or after may be paid in shares of the Company's Common Stock subject to certain provisions under a compensatory deferred stock plan approved by the stockholders of the Company in 2007. The Board of Directors also authorized a stock based incentive plan pursuant to which one-half of one percent of common shares outstanding are paid to the Manager at the end of each calendar year. 289,155 shares were paid to the Manager on March 30, 2007.
 
The Company's unaffiliated directors approved an extension of the Management Agreement to March 31, 2008 at the Board's March 2007 meeting.
 
113


The following is a summary of management and incentive fees incurred for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005:

   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Management fee
 
$
13,468
 
$
12,617
 
$
10,974
 
Incentive fee
   
5,645
   
5,919
   
4,290
 
Incentive fee- stock based
   
2,427
   
2,761
   
-
 
Total management and incentive fees
 
$
21,540
 
$
21,297
 
$
15,264
 

At December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, management and incentive fees of $7,067, $8,989, and $5,734 remain payable to the Manager and are included on the consolidated statement of financial condition as a component of other liabilities.

The Company has administration and accounting services agreements with the Manager. Under the terms of the administration agreement, the Manager provides financial reporting, audit coordination and accounting oversight services to the Company. Under the terms of the accounting services agreement, the Manager provides investment accounting services to the Company. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, the Company paid administration and accounting service fees of $473, $234, and $209, respectively, which are included in general and administrative expense on the consolidated statement of operations.

The special servicer on 33 of the Company's 39 Controlling Class trusts is Midland, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of PNC Bank, and therefore a related party to the Manager. The Company's fees for Midland's services are at market rates.

The Company invested $100,000 in the BlackRock Diamond Fund. The Company redeemed $25,000 of its investment in BlackRock Diamond on June 30, 2007 and redeemed the remaining $75,000 plus accumulated earnings on September 30, 2007. Over the life of this investment, the Company recognized a cumulative profit of $34,853, an annualized return of 20.8%. The Company did not incur any additional management or incentive fees to the Manager or its affiliates related to its investment in BlackRock Diamond.

During 2001, the Company entered into a $50,000 commitment to acquire shares in Carbon I, a private commercial real estate income opportunity fund managed by the Manager. The Carbon I investment period ended on July 12, 2004 and the Company's investment in Carbon I at December 31, 2007 was $1,636. The Company does not incur any additional management or incentive fees to the Manager related to its investment in Carbon I. At December 31, 2007, the Company owned approximately 20% of the outstanding shares in Carbon I.

The Company entered into an aggregate commitment of $100,000 to acquire shares in Carbon II, a private commercial real estate income opportunity fund managed by the Manager. The final obligation to fund capital of $13,346 was called on July 13, 2007. At December 31, 2007, the Company's investment in Carbon II was $97,762. The Company does not incur any additional management or incentive fees to the Manager related to its investment in Carbon II. At December 31, 2007, the Company owned approximately 26% of the outstanding shares in Carbon II. The Company's unaffiliated directors approved this transaction in September 2004.
 
During 2000, the Company completed the acquisition of CORE Cap, Inc. At the time of the CORE Cap, Inc. acquisition, the Manager agreed to pay GMAC (CORE Cap, Inc.'s external advisor) $12,500 over a ten-year period ("Installment Payment") to purchase the right to manage the Core Cap, Inc. assets under the existing management contract ("GMAC Contract"). The GMAC Contract had to be terminated in order to allow the Company to complete the merger, as the Company's management agreement with the Manager did not provide for multiple managers. As a result the Manager offered to buy out the GMAC Contract as the Manager estimated it would receive incremental fees above and beyond the Installment Payment, and thus was willing to pay for, and separately negotiate, the termination of the GMAC Contract. Accordingly, the value of the Installment Payment was not considered in the Company's allocation of its purchase price to the net assets acquired in the acquisition of CORE Cap, Inc. The Company agreed that should the Management Agreement with its Manager be terminated, not renewed or not extended for any reason other than for cause, the Company would pay to the Manager for services to be performed an amount equal to the remaining Installment Payment less the sum of all payments made by the Manager to GMAC. At December 31, 2007, the Installment Payment is $3,000 payable over three years. The Company is not required to accrue for this contingent liability.
 
114

 
Note 15 STOCK PLANS

The Company has adopted a stock option plan (the "1998 Stock Option Plan") that provides for the grant of both qualified incentive stock options that meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Code and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights and dividend equivalent rights. Stock options may be granted to the Manager, directors and officers of the Company and directors, officers and key employees of the Manager and to any other individual or entity performing services for the Company.

The exercise price for any stock option granted under the 1998 Stock Option Plan may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock at the time the option is granted. Each option must terminate no more than ten years from the date it is granted and have vested over either a two or three-year period. Subject to anti-dilution provisions for stock splits, stock dividends and similar events, the 1998 Stock Option Plan authorizes the grant of options to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,470,453 shares of Common Stock.

The following table summarizes information about options outstanding under the 1998 Stock Option Plan:

   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
   
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Outstanding at January 1
   
1,392,151
 
$
14.98
   
1,417,851
 
$
14.87
   
1,417,851
 
$
14.87
 
Granted
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Exercised
   
-
   
-
   
(24,700
)
 
8.45
   
-
   
-
 
Retired
   
79,750
   
15.34
   
(1,000
)
 
11.81
   
-
   
-
 
Outstanding at December 31
   
1,312,401
 
$
14.96
   
1,392,151
 
$
14.98
   
1,417,851
 
$
14.87
 
                                       
Options exercisable at December 31
   
1,312,401
 
$
14.96
   
1,392,151
 
$
14.98
   
1,417,851
 
$
14.87
 
 
115

 
The following table summarizes information about options outstanding under the 1998 Stock Option Plan at December 31, 2007:

Exercise Price
 
Options Outstanding
 
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)
 
Options Exercisable
 
$8.44
   
8,000
   
1.2
   
8,000
 
11.81
   
2,000
   
6.4
   
2,000
 
15.00
   
1,290,851
   
0.2
   
1,290,851
 
15.83
   
11,550
   
0.2
   
11,550
 
                     
$7.82-$15.83
   
1,312,401
   
0.3
   
1,312,401
 

There were no options granted in 2007, 2006 or 2005. Shares of Common Stock available for future grant under the 1998 Stock Option Plan at December 31, 2007 were 855,252.

The Company adopted 2006 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the "2006 Stock Plan") which enables a committee of the Board of Directors of the Company to make discretionary grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, shares of restricted stock, performance shares, performance units or other share-based awards to selected employees and independent contractors of the Company and its subsidiaries and of the Manager, and to the Manager.
 
A total of 2,816,927 shares of the Company's Common Stock are reserved for issuance under the 2006 Stock Plan. Shares issued under the 2006 Stock Plan may be authorized but unissued shares. If any shares of Common Stock subject to an award granted under the 2006 Stock Plan are forfeited, cancelled, exchanged or surrendered or if an award terminates or expires without a distribution of shares, or if shares of Common Stock are surrendered or withheld as payment of either the exercise price of an award and/or withholding taxes in respect of an award, those shares of Common Stock will again be available for awards under the 2006 Stock Plan. The 2006 Stock Plan will terminate on February 24, 2016.

The following table summarizes shares that have been issued under the 2006 Stock Plan during 2007 and 2006:

   
2007
 
2006
 
Incentive fees
   
220,440
   
189,077
 
Incentive fees - stock based
   
289,155
   
-
 
Director compensation
   
5,000
   
5,000
 
Total shares issued
   
514,595
   
194,077
 

Shares of Common Stock available for future grant under the 2006 Stock Plan at December 31, 2007 were 2,108,255.

Note 16 DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company accounts for its derivative investments under FAS 133, as amended, which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities. All derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are required to be recorded on the consolidated statements of financial condition at estimated fair value. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of any change in the estimated fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income ("OCI") and are recognized on the consolidated statement of operations when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the estimated fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings.
 
116


The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage exposure to variable cash flows on portions of its borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements and the floating rate debt of its CDOs and as trading derivatives intended to offset changes in estimated fair value related to securities held as trading assets. On the date on which the derivative contract is entered, the Company designates the derivative as either a cash flow hedge or a trading derivative.

The reverse repurchase agreements bear interest at a LIBOR-based variable rate. Increases in the LIBOR rate could negatively impact earnings. The interest rate swap agreements allow the Company to receive a variable rate cash flow based on LIBOR and pay a fixed rate cash flow, mitigating the impact of this exposure.

Interest rate swap agreements contain an element of risk in the event that the counterparties to the agreements do not perform their obligations under the agreements. The Company minimizes its risk exposure by entering into agreements with parties rated at least A or better by nationally recognized credit rating organizations. Furthermore, the Company has interest rate swap agreements established with several different counterparties in order to reduce the risk of credit exposure to any one counterparty. Management does not expect any counterparty to default on their obligations.

Where the Company elects to apply hedge accounting, it formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Company assesses, both at the inception of the hedge and on an on-going basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively.

Occasionally, counterparties will require the Company or the Company will require counterparties to provide collateral for the interest rate swap agreements in the form of margin deposits. Such deposits are recorded as a component of other assets, other liabilities or restricted cash. Should the counterparty fail to return deposits paid, the Company would be at risk for the value of that asset. At December 31, 2007, the balance of such net deposits pledged to counterparties as collateral under these agreements totaled $35,965. At December 31, 2006, the balance of such net deposits held by the Company as collateral under these agreements totaled $520.

2007
 
During 2007, the Company sold a majority of its high credit quality, liquid securities. The sales of these securities and margin calls resulted in a significant reduction in 90-day repurchase agreements. As a result of the reduction in the balance of 90-day repurchase agreements, certain interest rate swaps that were hedging 90-day repurchase agreements no longer qualified for hedge accounting. As a result, the Company reclassified $10,899 out of OCI which is included in gain (loss) on sale of available-for-sale securities on the consolidated statements of operations. Of this amount, $5,369 was previously recorded in OCI and was being reclassified to interest expense over the weighted average remaining term of the swaps at the time the swaps were closed. The balance of $5,530 relates to gains associated with interest rate swaps that were closed in the third quarter of 2007.
 
117


At December 31, 2007, the Company had interest rate swaps with notional amounts aggregating $1,107,048 designated as cash flow hedges of borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements and the floating rate debt of its CDOs which had a weighted average remaining term of 6.4 years. Cash flow hedges with an estimated fair value of $2,721 are included in derivative instrument assets on the consolidated statements of financial condition and cash flow hedges with an estimated fair value of $40,777 are included in derivative instrument liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial condition. This liability was collateralized with $14,860 of restricted cash equivalents recorded on the Company's consolidated statements of financial condition. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the net decrease in the estimated fair value of the interest rate swaps was $35,145, of which $488 was deemed ineffective and is included as an increase of interest expense and $34,657 was recorded as a decrease of OCI.

During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company terminated 15 of its interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $778,620 that were designated as cash flow hedges of borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements. The Company will reclassify the $4,366 gain in value from OCI to interest expense over 7.58 years, which was the weighted average remaining term of the swaps at the time they were closed out. At December 31, 2007, the Company has, in aggregate, $2,804 of net losses related to terminated swaps recorded in OCI. For the year ended December 31, 2007, $1,206 was reclassified as an increase to interest expense and $1,122 will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense for the next twelve months.

At December 31, 2007, the Company had interest rate swaps with notional amounts aggregating $1,498,145 designated as trading derivatives which had a weighted average remaining term of 1.9 years. Trading derivatives with an estimated fair value of $615 are included in derivative instrument assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition and trading derivatives with a fair value of $1,906 are included in derivative instrument liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the net decrease in the fair value for these trading derivatives was a $1,295 and is included as an addition to loss on securities held-for-trading on the consolidated statements of operations.

At December 31, 2007, the Company had a forward LIBOR cap with a notional amount of $85,000 and a fair value of $195 that is included in derivative instrument assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition. The change in estimated fair value related to this derivative is included as a component of gain (loss) on securities held-for-trading on the consolidated statements of operations.

2006
 
During the fourth quarter, the Company changed its financing strategy to emphasize the use of 90-day reverse repurchase agreements and concurrently reduced the use of 30-day reverse repurchase agreements. The Company expected 90-day repurchase agreements to be its primary source for short-term financings in future periods. As a result of the reduction in the balance of 30-day reverse repurchase agreements, certain interest swaps that were hedging the 30-day reverse repurchase agreements were de-designated as hedges. As a result of the de-designation, the Company reclassified a loss of $12,661 out of OCI which is included in dedesignation of derivative instruments. Of this amount, $9,433 previously was recorded in OCI and was being reclassified to interest expense over the weighted average remaining term of the swaps at the time the swaps were closed. The balance of $3,228 relates to costs associated with interest rate swaps that were closed or redesignated in the fourth quarter of 2006. At December 31, 2006, a loss of $8,210 remained in OCI and $1,637 was reclassified as an increase to interest expense over the next twelve months.
 
118


At December 31, 2006, the Company had interest rate swaps with notional amounts aggregating $1,539,699 designated as cash flow hedges of borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements and the floating rate debt of its CDOs which had a weighted average remaining term of 7.5 years. Cash flow hedges with an estimated fair value of $24,290 were included in derivative instrument assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition and cash flow hedges with an estimated fair value of $11,012 were included in derivative instrument liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial condition. This liability was collateralized with the restricted cash equivalents recorded on the Company's consolidated statement of financial condition. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the net change in the estimated fair value of the interest rate swaps was an increase of $2,699, of which $262 was deemed ineffective and was included as an increase of interest expense and $2,961 was recorded as an increase of OCI.

At December 31, 2006, the Company had interest rate swaps with notional amounts aggregating $446,599 designated as trading derivatives which had a weighted average remaining term of 7.6 years. Trading derivatives with an estimated fair value of $3,294 were included in derivative instrument assets on the consolidated statements of financial condition and trading derivatives with a fair value of $1,537 were included in derivative instrument liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the change in fair value for these trading derivatives was an increase of $717 and was included as an addition to gain on securities held-for-trading on the consolidated statements of operations.

At December 31, 2006, the Company had a forward LIBOR cap with a notional amount of $85,000 and a fair value of $211 that was included in derivative instrument assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition. The change in estimated fair value related to this derivative is included as a component of gain (loss) on securities held-for-trading on the consolidated statements of operations.

Foreign Currency

Foreign currency agreements at December 31, 2007 and 2006 consisted of the following:
 
   
At December 31, 2007
 
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
Unamortized Cost
 
Average Remaining Term
 
Currency swaps
 
$
(12,060
)
 
-
 
7.5 years
CDO currency swaps
   
9,967
   
-
 
9.9 years
Forwards
   
4,041
   
-
 
23 days

   
At December 31, 2006
 
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
Unamortized Cost
 
Average Remaining Term
 
Currency swaps
 
$
1,179
   
-
 
12.53 years
CDO currency swaps
   
(1,418
)
 
-
 
12.53 years
Forwards
   
(2,659
)
 
-
 
10 days

The U.S. dollar is considered the functional currency for the Company and certain of its international subsidiaries. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses are recognized in the period incurred and are included in foreign currency gain (loss) on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company recorded foreign currency gain (loss) of $6,272, $2,161, and $(134) for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
119

 
Note 17 NET INTEREST INCOME

The following is a presentation of the Company net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005:
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Interest Income:
             
Interest from securities available-for-sale
 
$
195,904
 
$
171,686
 
$
141,113
 
Interest from commercial mortgage loans
   
69,981
   
41,773
   
23,183
 
Interest from commercial mortgage loan pools
   
52,037
   
52,917
   
54,025
 
Interest from securities held-for-trading
   
2,657
   
7,207
   
11,370
 
Interest from cash and cash equivalents
   
5,857
   
2,403
   
2,077
 
Total interest income
   
326,436
   
275,986
   
231,768
 
Interest Expense
   
241,000
   
212,388
   
163,458
 
Net interest income
 
$
85,436
 
$
63,598
 
$
68,310
 
 
Note 18 NET INCOME PER SHARE

Net income per share is computed in accordance with SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share ("FAS 128"). Basic income per share is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during the period plus the additional dilutive effect of common stock equivalents. The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options is calculated using the treasury stock method, and the dilutive effect of preferred stock is calculated using the "if converted" method.

   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Numerator:
             
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
72,320
 
$
75,079
 
$
65,205
 
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share
 
$
72,320
 
$
75,079
 
$
65,205
 
                     
Denominator:
                   
Denominator for basic earnings per share—weighted average common shares outstanding
   
61,136,269
   
57,182,434
   
54,144,243
 
Dilutive effect of stock options
   
1,684
   
2,364
   
8,577
 
Dilutive effect of stock based incentive fee
   
237,240
   
216,866
   
-
 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share—weighted average common shares outstanding and common stock equivalents outstanding
   
61,375,193
   
57,401,664
   
54,152,820
 
Basic net income per weighted average common share:
 
$
1.18
 
$
1.31
 
$
1.20
 
                     
Diluted net income per weighted average common stock and common stock equivalents:
 
$
1.18
 
$
1.31
 
$
1.20
 

120

 
Total anti-dilutive stock options and warrants excluded from the calculation of net income per share were 1,304,401, 1,380,151, and 1,375,151 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. 

The convertible senior notes offering of $80,000 on August, 29, 2007 were determined to be anti-dilutive for the year ended December 31, 2007. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the anti-dilutive weighted average common share equivalents that were excluded from the above calculation of diluted net income per share were 2,458,680.
 
Note 19 SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)

The following is a presentation of quarterly results of operations:

   
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
Total Income
 
$
83,358
 
$
71,743
 
$
94,093
 
$
77,441
 
$
91,434
 
$
74,553
 
$
89,644
 
$
79,680
 
Expenses:
                                                 
Interest
   
55,839
   
46,524
   
60,085
   
51,358
   
62,525
   
56,060
   
62,551
   
58,446
 
Management fee and
Other
   
8,258
   
5,323
   
9,248
   
6,638
   
5,594
   
5,320
   
4,421
   
8,549
 
Total Expenses
   
64,097
   
51,847
   
69,333
   
57,996
   
68,119
   
61,380
   
66,972
   
66,995
 
Gain (loss) on sale of securities available-for-sale
   
6,750
   
32
   
158
   
(93
)
 
(1,331
)
 
446
   
(261
)
 
28,647
 
Dedesignation of derivative instruments
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(12,661
)
Gain (loss) on securities held-for-trading
   
(17
)
 
950
   
388
   
1,365
   
(4,435
)
 
(18
)
 
(1,087
)
 
957
 
Foreign currency gain
   
1,484
   
43
   
1,371
   
271
   
775
   
682
   
2,642
   
1,165
 
Loss on impairment of assets
   
(1,198
)
 
(781
)
 
(2,900
)
 
(4,653
)
 
(2,938
)
 
(361
)
 
(5,433
)
 
(2,085
)
Income from continuing operations
   
26,280
   
20,140
   
23,777
   
16,335
   
15,386
   
13,922
   
18,533
   
28,708
 
Income from discontinued operations
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,366
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Net income
 
$
26,280
 
$
20,140
 
$
23,777
 
$
17,701
 
$
15,386
 
$
13,922
 
$
18,533
 
$
28,708
 
                                                   
Dividends on preferred stock
   
2,277
   
1,348
   
3,127
   
1,348
   
3,127
   
1,348
   
3,125
   
1,348
 
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
24,003
 
$
18,792
 
$
20,650
 
$
16,353
 
$
12,259
 
$
12,574
 
$
15,408
 
$
27,360
 
                                                   
Net income per share
                                                 
Basic:
 
$
0.41
 
$
0.33
 
$
0.35
 
$
0.29
 
$
0.19
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.24
 
$
0.47
 
Diluted
 
$
0.41
 
$
0.33
 
$
0.34
 
$
0.29
 
$
0.19
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.24
 
$
0.47
 
                                                   
Net income from continuing operations per share of Common Stock, after preferred dividends
                                                 
Basic:
 
$
0.41
 
$
0.33
 
$
0.35
 
$
0.27
 
$
0.19
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.24
 
$
0.47
 
Diluted
 
$
0.41
 
$
0.33
 
$
0.34
 
$
0.27
 
$
0.19
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.24
 
$
0.47
 
                                                   
Income from discontinued operations per share of Common Stock
                                                 
Basic:
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
$
0.02
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Diluted
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
$
0.02
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 

121


Note 20 CURRENT AND SUBSEQUENT EVENTS IN THE CREDIT MARKETS

The ongoing weaknesses in the subprime mortgage sector and in the broader mortgage market have resulted in reduced liquidity for mortgage-backed securities. Although this reduction in liquidity has been directly linked to subprime residential assets, to which the Company continues to have no direct exposure, there has been an overall reduction in liquidity across the credit spectrum of commercial and residential mortgage products. The Company received and funded margin calls totaling $82,570 during 2007, $73,793 from January 1, 2008 through March 14, 2008, and will fund another $11,118 on March 14, 2008. The Company's ability to maintain adequate liquidity is dependent on several factors, many of which are outside of the Company's control, including the Company's continued access to credit facilities on acceptable terms, the Company's compliance with REIT distribution requirements, the timing and amount of margin calls by lenders that are dependent on the Company's investments, the valuation of the Company's investments and credit risk of the underlying collateral.

The aforementioned market factors could adversely affect one or more of the Company's repurchase counterparties providing funding for the Company's portfolio and could cause one or more of the Company's counterparties to be unwilling or unable to provide the Company with additional financing. This could potentially increase the Company's financing costs and reduce the Company's liquidity. If one or more major market participants fails or decides to withdraw from the market, it could negatively affect the marketability of all fixed income securities, and this event could negatively affect the value of the securities in the Company's portfolio, thus reducing the Company's net book value. Furthermore, if many of the Company's counterparties are unwilling or unable to provide the Company with additional financing, the Company could be forced to sell its investments at a time when prices are depressed. If this were to occur, it potentially could have a negative impact on the Company's compliance with the REIT asset and income tests necessary to fulfill the Company's REIT qualification requirements. In addition, the distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code limit the Company's ability to retain earnings and thereby replenish or increase capital committed to its operations.

In addition, the Company's liquidity also may be adversely affected by margin calls under the Company's repurchase agreements and credit facilities that are dependent in part on the valuation of the collateral to secure the financing. The Company's repurchase agreements and credit facilities allow the lender, to varying degrees, to revalue the collateral to values that the lender considers to reflect market. If a counterparty determines that the value of the collateral has decreased, it may initiate a margin call requiring the Company to post additional collateral to cover the decrease. When subject to such a margin call, the Company repays a portion of the outstanding borrowing with minimal notice. The Company has hedged a significant amount of its portfolio to offset market value declines due to changes in interest rates but is exposed to market value fluctuations due to spread widening. A significant increase in margin calls as a result of spread widening could harm the Company's liquidity, results of operations, financial condition and business prospects. Additionally, in order to obtain cash to satisfy a margin call, the Company may be required to liquidate assets at a disadvantageous time, which could cause the Company to incur further losses and consequently adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.
 
122


To date, the credit performance of the Company's investments remains consistent both with the Company's expectations and with the broader commercial real estate finance industry experience; nevertheless, subsequent to December 31, 2007, the capital markets have been marking down the value of all credit sensitive securities regardless of performance. The Company believes it has sufficient sources of liquidity to fund operations for the next twelve months. 

The Company's ability to meet its long-term (greater than twelve months) liquidity requirements is subject to obtaining additional debt and equity financing. Any decision by the Company's lenders and investors to provide the Company with financing will depend upon a number of factors, such as the Company's compliance with the terms of its existing credit arrangements, the Company's financial performance, industry or market trends, the general availability of and rates applicable to financing transactions, such lenders' and investors' resources and policies concerning the terms under which they make capital commitments and the relative attractiveness of alternative investment or lending opportunities.
 
Note 21 LOAN FROM AFFILIATE

On February 29, 2008, the Company entered into a binding loan commitment letter (the "Commitment Letter") with BlackRock HoldCo 2, Inc. ("HoldCo 2"), pursuant to the terms of which HoldCo 2 or its affiliates (together, the "Lender") commits to provide a revolving credit loan facility (the "Facility") to the Company for general working capital purposes. HoldCo 2 is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc., the parent of BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., the manager of the Company.

On March 7, 2008, the Company and HoldCo 2 entered into the credit agreement. The Facility has a term of 364 days with two 364-day extension periods, subject to the Lender's approval. The Facility is collateralized by a pledge of equity shares that the Company holds in Carbon II. The principal amount of the Facility is the lesser of $60,000 or a number determined in accordance with a borrowing base calculation equal to 60% of the value of the shares of Carbon II that are pledged to secure the Facility.

The interest rate payable on the Facility generally shall be a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.5%. The fee letter, dated February 29, 2008, between the Company and HoldCo 2, sets forth certain terms with respect to fees.

Amounts borrowed under the Facility may be repaid and reborrowed from time to time. The Company, however, has agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain other financing to replace the Facility and reduce the outstanding balance.

The terms of the Facility gives the Lender the option to purchase from the Company the shares of Carbon II that serve as collateral for the Facility, up to the Facility commitment amount, at a price equal to the fair market value (as determined by the terms of the credit agreement) of those shares, unless the Company elects to prepay outstanding loans under the Facility in an amount equal to the Lender's desired share purchase amount and reduce the Facility's commitment amount accordingly, which may require termination of the Facility. If any loans are outstanding at the time of such purchase, the share purchase amount shall be reduced by the amount, and applied towards the repayment, of all outstanding loans (and the reduction of the Facility's commitment amount) in the same manner as if the Company had prepaid such loans, and the balance of the share purchase amount available after such repayment, if any, shall be paid to the Company.
 
On March 7, 2008, the Company borrowed $37,500 under the Facility.
 
123

 
Schedule IV - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

December 31, 2007
 
Description
 
 
 
Location
 
Interest rate
 
Final Maturity Date
 
Periodic Payment Terms
 
Face Amount of Loans
 
Carrying Amount of Loans
 
US Dollar:
                             
   
Storage
   
Various US Cities
   
9.08
%
 
August 2015
       
$
32,307
 
$
32,307
 
   
Retail
   
Las Vegas, NV
   
7.95
%
 
November 2015
   
Interest only
   
40,000
   
36,538
 
   
Multifamily
   
Phoenix, Arizona
   
8.76
%
 
June 2012
   
Interest Only
   
50,000
   
50,473
 
                                   
122,307
   
119,318
 
USD <3%
   
Various
   
Various US Cities
   
6.29% - 17.00
1M LIBOR +4
3M LIBOR +4.50
%
% -
%
 
March 2009 -December 2018
         
232,894
   
226,902
 
Total U.S.
                                 
355,201
   
346,220
 
Non US Dollar:
 
 
                               
GBP:
   
Storage
   
UK
   
3M GBP LIBOR+3.20
%
 
October 2013
   
Interest Only
   
49,765
   
49,533
 
GBP <3%
   
Various
   
UK
   
3M GBP LIBOR+3.50
3M GBP LIBOR + 4.35
%
%
 
January 2010 - July 2015
   
 
   
43,269
   
41,922
 
EUR:
                                           
   
Various
   
Germany
   
3M Euribor + 5.00
%
 
July 2008
   
Interest only
   
32,768
   
32,772
 
   
Retail
   
Germany
   
7.50
%
 
November 2011
         
35,552
   
34,730
 
   
Retail
   
Germany
   
6.16
%
 
July 2011
   
Interest only
   
39,475
   
39,055
 
   
Retail
   
Germany
   
11.05
%
 
January 2012
         
51,172
   
44,812
 
   
Office
   
Netherlands
   
3M Euribor +3.90
%
 
April 2009
   
Interest only
   
46,973
   
46,832
 
   
Various
   
Europe
   
3M Euribor +4.85
%
 
May 2014
         
49,827
   
46,985
 
   
Office
   
Germany
   
3M Euribor + 3.75
%
 
January 2012
         
58,482
   
56,275
 
   
Retail
   
Germany
   
3M Euribor + 3.75
%
 
July 2011
         
71,558
   
71,376
 
           
 
                     
385,806
   
464,292
 
EUR <3%
   
Various
   
Various European Cities
   
3M Euribor +2.25 -
3M Euribor + 4.35
7.63
%
%
%
 
December 2010 - October 2013
         
146,322
   
145,398
 
CHF
   
Retail
   
Switzerland
   
3M CHF LIBOR + 3.00
%
 
October 2013
   
Interest Only
   
21,131
   
21,145
 
CAD <3%
   
Various
   
Canada
   
12.25% - 13.15
%
 
March 2011 - April 2017
   
Interest Only
   
6,658
   
6,332
 
Total Non U.S.
                         
652,951
   
637,167
 
Total
                               
$
1,008,152
 
$
983,387
 
 
124

 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None. 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company's management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective at December 31, 2007.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No change in internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and effected by the Company's Board of Directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

 
·
pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

 
·
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

 
·
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The Company's management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2007. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in "Internal Control-Integrated Framework".

Based on its assessment, the Company's management concluded that, at December 31, 2007, the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective.
 
125


The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report set forth in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information regarding the Company's directors, including the audit committee and audit committee financial experts, and executive officers and compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act will be included in the Company's definitive proxy statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Proxy Statement") and is incorporated herein by reference.

The Company has adopted Codes of Business Conduct and Ethics that govern both the Company's senior officers, including the Company's chief executive officer and chief financial officer, and employees. Copies of the Company's Codes of Business Conduct and Ethics are available on the Company's website at www.anthracitecapital.com and may also be obtained upon request without charge by writing to the Secretary of the Company, Anthracite Capital, Inc., 40 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022. The Company will post to its website any amendments to the Codes of Business Conduct and Ethics, and any waivers that are required to be disclosed by the rules of either the SEC or the NYSE.

Copies of the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines and the charters of the Company's Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are available on the Company's website and may also be obtained upon request without charge as described in the preceding paragraph.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item will be included in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this item, including information relating to security ownership of certain beneficial owners of the Company's Common Stock and of the Company's management, will be included in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this item, including information under the caption "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the Proxy Statement and information regarding director independence, will be included in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item, including information under the caption "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services" in the Proxy Statement, will be included in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
126


PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) List of documents filed as part of this report:

 
(1)
Consolidated Financial Statements and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

See the Index to Financial Statements and Schedule set forth in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

(2)
Financial Statement Schedules

See the Index to Financial Statements and Schedule set forth in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

(3)
List of Exhibits

Exhibit No.
 
Description
3.1
 
Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed on March 29, 2000)
     
3.2
 
Articles Supplementary of the Company establishing 9.375% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 30, 2003)
     
3.3
 
Articles Supplementary of the Company establishing 8.25% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on February 12, 2007)
     
3.4
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 12, 2007)
     
4.1
 
Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of September 26, 2005, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed on March 16, 2006)
     
4.2
 
Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of January 31, 2006, between the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed on March 16, 2006)
     
4.3
 
Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of March 16, 2006, between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, filed on May 10, 2006)
     
4.4
 
Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of September 26, 2005, among the Company, as depositor, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as property trustee, Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, as Delaware trustee, and three administrative trustees, each of whom is an officer of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed on March 16, 2006)
     
4.5
 
Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2006, among the Company, as depositor, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as property trustee, Chase Bank USA, National Association, as Delaware trustee, and three administrative trustees, each of whom is an officer of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed on March 16, 2006)
 
127

 
4.6
 
Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2006, among the Company, as depositor, Wilmington Trust Company, as property trustee, Wilmington Trust Company, as Delaware trustee, and the three administrative trustees, each of whom is an officer of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, filed on May 10, 2006)
     
4.7
 
Indenture, dated as of October 4, 2006, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, filed on May 10, 2007)
     
4.8
 
Indenture, dated as of October 17, 2006, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, filed on May 10, 2007)
     
4.9
 
Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of April 17, 2007, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, filed on August 9, 2007)
     
4.10
 
Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of April 18, 2007, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, filed on August 9, 2007)
     
4.11
 
Indenture, dated as of May 29, 2007, between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 29, 2007)
     
4.12*
 
Indenture, dated as of June 15, 2007, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee
     
4.13
 
Indenture, dated as of August 29, 2007, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 29, 2007)
     
10.1
 
Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2007, between the Company and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed on March 16, 2007)
     
10.2
 
Amended and Restated Accounting Services Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2007, between the Company and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed on March 16, 2007)
     
10.3
 
Amended and Restated Administration Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2007, between the Company and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed on March 16, 2007)
     
10.4
 
Form of 1998 Stock Option Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 333-40813), filed on March 18, 1998)
     
10.5
 
Form of 2006 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed on March 16, 2007)
     
10.6
 
Multicurrency Revolving Facility Agreement, dated as of March 17, 2006, among AHR Capital BofA Limited, as borrower, the Company, as borrower agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as lender (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, filed on May 10, 2006)
     
10.7a
 
Parent Guaranty, dated as of March 17, 2006, executed by the Company, as guarantor, in favor of Bank of America, N.A., as lender (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1a to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 1, 2007)
     
10.7b
 
Amendment No. 1, dated as of February 23, 2007, to Parent Guaranty, dated as of March 17, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1b to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 1, 2007)
     
10.7c
 
Waiver and Agreement, dated December 28, 2007, relating to Parent Guaranty, dated as of March 17, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 28, 2007)
 
128

 
10.7d
 
Amendment No. 2, dated as of January 25, 2008, to Parent Guaranty, dated as of March 17, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 31, 2008)
     
10.8a
 
Master Repurchase Agreement, dated as of July 20, 2007, among Anthracite Capital BOFA Funding LLC, as seller, Bank of America, N.A. and Banc of America Mortgage Capital Corporation, as buyers, and Bank of America, N.A., as buyer agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 25, 2007)
     
10.8b
 
Annex I, dated as of July 20, 2007, to Master Repurchase Agreement, dated as of July 20, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 25, 2007)
     
10.8c
 
First Amendment, dated as of October 31, 2007, to Master Repurchase Agreement, dated as of July 20, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on November 2, 2007)
     
10.9
 
Guaranty, dated as of July 20, 2007, executed by the Company, as guarantor, for the benefit of Bank of America, N.A. and Banc of America Mortgage Capital Corporation, as buyers, and Bank of America, N.A., as buyer agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 25, 2007)
     
10.10a*
 
Master Repurchase Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2004, between Anthracite Funding, LLC, as seller, and Deutsche Bank AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as buyer
     
10.10b
 
Annex I, dated as of December 23, 2004, to Master Repurchase Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, filed on March 16, 2005)
     
10.11a*
 
Guaranty, dated as of December 23, 2004, executed by the Company, as guarantor, for the benefit of Deutsche Bank AG, Cayman Islands Branch
     
10.11b
 
Amendment, dated as of February 27, 2007, to Guaranty, dated as of December 23, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 1, 2007)
     
10.12
 
Second Amended and Restated Multicurrency Revolving Facility Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2008, among AHR Capital MS Limited, as borrower, Morgan Stanley Mortgage Servicing Ltd, as the security trustee, Morgan Stanley Bank, as the initial lender and agent, and Morgan Stanley Principal Funding Inc., as the first new lender and agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 21, 2008)
     
10.13
 
Amended and Restated Parent Guaranty and Indemnity, dated as of February 15, 2008, executed by the Company, as guarantor, in favor of Morgan Stanley Mortgage Servicing Ltd, as the security trustee, and Morgan Stanley Principal Funding Inc., as the agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 21, 2008)
     
10.14
 
Resale Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 29, 2007, between the Company and Banc of America Securities LLC and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as the initial purchasers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 29, 2007)
     
10.15
 
Fee letter, dated February 29, 2008, between BlackRock HoldCo 2, Inc. and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 4, 2008)
     
10.16*
 
Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2008, between the Company and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc.
     
10.17*
 
Ownership Interests Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2008, between the Company and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc.
     
10.18
 
Sales Agency Agreement, dated May 15, 2002, between the Company and Brinson Patrick Securities Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 16, 2002)
     
12*
 
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends
     
21*
 
List of subsidiaries of the Company as of December 31, 2007
     
23.1*
 
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
     
23.2*
  Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
     
31.1*
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
     
31.2*
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
     
32*
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
99*   
BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc. consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, and for the period March 21, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005

* Filed herewith.
 
129




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
     
 
ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: March 12, 2008
By:   /s/ Christopher A. Milner  
 
Christopher A. Milner
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
     
Date: March 12, 2008
By:   /s/ Christopher A. Milner
 
Christopher A. Milner
Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
     
Date: March 12, 2008
By:   /s/ James J. Lillis
 
James J. Lillis
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
     
 
Date: March 12, 2008
By:   /s/ Carl F. Geuther  
 
Carl F. Geuther
Chairman of the Board of Directors
     
     
Date: March 12, 2008
By:   /s/ Scott M. Amero  
 
Scott M. Amero
Director
     
     
Date: March 12, 2008
By:   /s/ Hugh R. Frater  
 
Hugh R. Frater
Director
 
     
Date: March 12, 2008
By:   /s/ Jeffrey C. Keil  
 
Jeffrey C. Keil
Director
     
     
Date: March 12, 2008
By:   /s/ John B. Levy  
 
John B. Levy
Director
     
     
Date: March 12, 2008
By:   /s/ Deborah J. Lucas  
 
Deborah J. Lucas
Director
 
130

 
EX-4.12 2 ex4-12.htm Unassociated Document
 
INDENTURE
between
ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC.
 
and
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,
as Trustee
__________________
 
Dated as of June 15, 2007
 
__________________
 
 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
Page
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION
1
 
Section 1.1
Definitions
1
 
Section 1.2
Compliance Certificate and Opinions
9
 
Section 1.3
Forms of Documents Delivered to Trustee
10
 
Section 1.4
Acts of Holders
11
 
Section 1.5
Notices, Etc. to Trustee and Company
13
 
Section 1.6
Notice to Holders; Waiver
13
 
Section 1.7
Effect of Headings and Table of Contents
13
 
Section 1.8
Successors and Assigns
13
 
Section 1.9
Separability
14
 
Section 1.10
Benefits of Indenture
14
 
Section 1.11
Governing Law
14
 
Section 1.12
Submission to Jurisdiction
14
 
Section 1.13
Non-Business Days
14
 
Section 1.14
Counterparts
15
ARTICLE II
SENIOR NOTE FORMS
15
 
Section 2.1
Form of Senior Note
15
 
Section 2.2
Restrictive Legend
19
 
Section 2.3
Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication
21
 
Section 2.4
Temporary Senior Notes
21
 
Section 2.5
Definitive Senior Notes
22
ARTICLE III
THE SENIOR NOTES
22
 
Section 3.1
Payment of Principal and Interest
22
 
Section 3.2
Denominations
24
 
Section 3.3
Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating
24
 
Section 3.4
Global Senior Notes
25
 
Section 3.5
Registration, Transfer and Exchange Generally
27
 
Section 3.6
Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Senior Notes
29
 
Section 3.7
Persons Deemed Owners
29
 
Section 3.8
Cancellation
30
 
 

 
 
 
Section 3.9
Agreed Tax Treatment
30
 
Section 3.10
CUSIP Numbers
30
ARTICLE IV
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
30
 
Section 4.1
Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture
30
 
Section 4.2
Application of Trust Money
32
ARTICLE V
REMEDIES
32
 
Section 5.1
Events of Default
32
 
Section 5.2
Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment
33
 
Section 5.3
Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee
34
 
Section 5.4
Trustee May File Proofs of Claim
34
 
Section 5.5
Trustee May Enforce Claim Without Possession of Senior Notes
35
 
Section 5.6
Application of Money Collected
35
 
Section 5.7
Limitation on Suits
35
 
Section 5.8
Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium,
 
 
 
if any, and Interest
36
 
Section 5.9
Restoration of Rights and Remedies
36
 
Section 5.10
Rights and Remedies Cumulative
36
 
Section 5.11
Delay or Omission Not Waiver
36
 
Section 5.12
Control by Holders
37
 
Section 5.13
Waiver of Past Defaults
37
 
Section 5.14
Undertaking for Costs
38
 
Section 5.15
Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws
38
ARTICLE VI
THE TRUSTEE
38
 
Section 6.1
Corporate Trustee Required
38
 
Section 6.2
Certain Duties and Responsibilities
38
 
Section 6.3
Notice of Defaults
40
 
Section 6.4
Certain Rights of Trustee
40
 
Section 6.5
May Hold Senior Notes
42
 
Section 6.6
Compensation; Reimbursement; Indemnity
42
 
Section 6.7
Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor
43
 
Section 6.8
Acceptance of Appointment by Successor
44
 
 
 
 
 
 
ii
 

 
 
 
Section 6.9
Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business
44
 
Section 6.10
Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Senior Notes
45
 
Section 6.11
Appointment of Authenticating Agent
45
ARTICLE VII
HOLDER’S LISTS AND REPORTS BY COMPANY
46
 
Section 7.1
Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders
46
 
Section 7.2
Preservation of Information, Communications to Holders
46
 
Section 7.3
Reports by Company
47
ARTICLE VIII
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE
46
 
Section 8.1
Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms
48
 
Section 8.2
Successor Company Substituted
48
ARTICLE IX
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
49
 
Section 9.1
Supplemental Indentures without Consent of Holders
49
 
Section 9.2
Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders
50
 
Section 9.3
Execution of Supplemental Indentures
51
 
Section 9.4
Effect of Supplemental Indentures
51
 
Section 9.5
Reference in Senior Notes to Supplemental Indentures
51
ARTICLE X
COVENANTS
51
 
Section 10.1
Payment of Principal, Premium, if any, and Interest
51
 
Section 10.2
Money for Senior Note Payments to Be Held in Trust
51
 
Section 10.3
Statement as to Compliance
53
 
Section 10.4
Calculation Agent
53
 
Section 10.5
Additional Covenants
54
 
Section 10.6
Offer to Repurchase upon Certain Change of Control Events
54
 
Section 10.7
Waiver of Covenants
57
 
Section 10.8
Treatment of Senior Notes
57
ARTICLE XI
REDEMPTION OF SENIOR NOTES
57
 
Section 11.1
Optional Redemption and Special Redemption
57
 
Section 11.2
[Reserved]
57
 
Section 11.3
Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee
57
 
Section 11.4
Selection of Senior Notes to Be Redeemed
58
 
 
 
 
 
 
iii
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 11.5
Notice of Redemption
58
 
Section 11.6
Deposit of Optional Redemption Price
59
 
Section 11.7
Payment of Senior Notes Called for Redemption
59
 
 
 
 
SCHEDULE AND EXHIBITS
 
Schedule A
-
Determination of LIBOR
 
Exhibit A
-
Form of Officer’s Financial Certificate pursuant to Section 7.3(b)
 
Exhibit B
-
Form of Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 10.3
 
 
 
iv
 

 
INDENTURE
 
This INDENTURE, dated as of June 15, 2007, is between ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), and WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as Trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”).
RECITALS OF THE COMPANY
WHEREAS, the Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance of its unsecured senior notes (the “Senior Notes”), and to provide the terms and conditions upon which the Senior Notes are to be authenticated, issued and delivered; and
WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.
NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:
For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Senior Notes by the Holders (as hereinafter defined) thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Senior Notes, as follows:
ARTICLE I
 
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION
 
Section 1.1
Definitions.
For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:
(a)          the terms defined in this Article I have the meanings assigned to them in this Article I;
(b)          the words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”;
(c)          all accounting terms used but not defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with GAAP;
(d)          unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an “Article,” a “Section,” a “Schedule” or an “Exhibit” refers to an Article, a Section, a Schedule or an Exhibit, as the case may be, of or to this Indenture;
(e)          the words “hereby,” “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision;
 
 

 
 
(f)
a reference to the singular includes the plural and vice versa; and
(g)          the masculine, feminine or neuter genders used herein shall include the masculine, feminine and neuter genders.
Act” when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning specified in Section 1.4(a).
Additional Interest” means the interest, if any, that shall accrue on any amounts payable on the Senior Notes, the payment of which has not been made on the applicable Interest Payment Date and which shall accrue at the rate per annum specified or determined as specified in such Senior Note, in each case to the extent legally enforceable.
Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control,” when used with respect to any specified Person, means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing; provided, that, with respect to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, no Person shall be deemed an Affiliate of the Company or any of its subsidiaries due to such Person’s having a BlackRock entity as such Person’s manager.
Applicable Depositary Procedures” means, with respect to any transfer or transaction involving a Global Senior Note or beneficial interest therein, the rules and procedures of the Depositary for such Senior Note, in each case to the extent applicable to such transaction and as in effect from time to time.
Authenticating Agent” means any Person authorized by the Trustee pursuant to Section 6.11 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate the Senior Notes.
Board of Directors” means the board of directors of the Company or any duly authorized committee of that board.
Board Resolution” means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification.
Business Day” means any day other than (i) a Saturday or Sunday, (ii) a day on which banking institutions in the City of New York are authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed or (iii) a day on which the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee is closed for business.
Calculation Agent” has the meaning specified in Section 10.4.
Change of Control” means (i) the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or other business combination) the result of which is that any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), including a “group” as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act (but excluding a director or other fiduciary holding
 
2
 

 
securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company), becomes as a result of such transaction the beneficial owner of Equity Interests of the Company having at least fifty percent (50%) of the total number of votes that are entitled to be cast for the election of directors of the Company; or (ii) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) other than the Company or one of its subsidiaries.
Change of Control Offer” is defined in Section 10.6
Closing Date” means the date specified in the Purchase Agreement for the offer and sale of the Senior Notes issued pursuant to this Indenture.
Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or any successor statute thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
Commission” has the meaning specified in Section 7.3(c).
Company” means the Person named as the “Company” in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Company” shall mean such successor Person.
Company Request” and “Company Order” mean, respectively, the written request or order signed in the name of the Company by its Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, or any Vice President, and delivered to the Trustee.
Consolidated Capitalization” shall mean the sum of stockholders’ equity and total indebtedness as shown on the consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its subsidiaries included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as applicable.
Consolidated Indebtedness” shall mean total indebtedness as shown on the consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its subsidiaries included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as applicable.
Corporate Trust Office” means the principal office of the Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office at the date of this Indenture is located at 919 North Market Street, Suite 1600, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, Attn: Corporate Trust Department—Anthracite Capital, Inc.
Debt” means, with respect to any Person, whether recourse is to all or a portion of the assets of such Person, whether currently existing or hereafter incurred and whether or not contingent and without duplication, (i) every obligation of such Person for money borrowed; (ii) every obligation of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, including obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses; (iii) every reimbursement obligation of such Person with respect to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account of such Person; (iv) every obligation of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or
 
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services (but excluding trade accounts payable or other accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business); (v) every capital lease obligation of such Person; (vi) all indebtedness of such Person, whether incurred on or prior to the date of this Indenture or thereafter incurred, for claims in respect of derivative products, including interest rate, foreign exchange rate and commodity forward contracts, options and swaps and similar arrangements; (vii) every obligation of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (vi) of another Person and all dividends of another Person the payment of which, in either case, such Person has guaranteed or is responsible or liable for, directly or indirectly, as obligor or otherwise; and (viii) any renewals, extensions, refundings, amendments or modifications of any obligation of the types referred to in clauses (i) through (vii).
Debt-to-Total Capitalization Ratio” shall mean the ratio of Consolidated Indebtedness to Consolidated Capitalization.
Defaulted Interest” has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(c).
Definitive Senior Note Certificates” means Senior Notes issued in certificated fully registered form that are not Global Senior Notes.
Depositary” means an organization registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act that is designated as Depositary by the Company or any successor thereto. DTC will be the initial Depositary.
Depositary Participant” means a broker, dealer, bank, other financial institution or other Person for whom from time to time a Depositary effects book-entry transfers and pledges of securities deposited with the Depositary.
Dollar” or “$” means the currency of the United States of America that, as at the time of payment, is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts.
DTC” means The Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation, or any successor thereto.
EDGAR” has the meaning specified in Section 7.3(c).
Equity Interests” means (a) the partnership interests (both common and preferred partnership interests) in a partnership (whether a general or limited partnership), (b) the membership interests in a limited liability company (both common and preferred membership interests) and (c) the shares or stock interest (both common stock and preferred stock) in a corporation.
ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or any successor statute thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 5.1.
Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or any successor statute thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
 
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Expiration Date” has the meaning specified in Section 1.4(h).
GAAP” means United States generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied, from time to time in effect.
Global Senior Note” means a Senior Note that evidences all or part of the Senior Notes, the ownership and transfers of which shall be made through book entries by a Depositary.
Government Obligation” means (a) any security that is (i) a direct obligation of the United States of America of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged or (ii) an obligation of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America or the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case of clause (i) or (ii), is not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and (b) any depositary receipt issued by a “bank” (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any Government Obligation that is specified in clause (a) above and held by such bank for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt, or with respect to any specific payment of principal of or interest on any Government Obligation that is so specified and held; provided, that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Government Obligation or the specific payment of principal or interest evidenced by such depositary receipt.
Holder” means a Person in whose name a Senior Note is registered in the Securities Register.
Indenture” means this Indenture as originally executed or as it may from time to time be amended or supplemented by one or more amendments or indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof.
Intangible Assets” shall mean the excess of the cost over book value of assets acquired, patents, trademarks, trade names, copyrights, franchises and other items treated as intangibles in accordance with GAAP (excluding in any event the value of any residual securities).
Interest Payment Date” means January 30, April 30, July 30 and October 30 of each year, commencing on July 30, 2007, during the term of this Indenture.
Investment Company Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940 or any successor statute thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
Investment Company Event” means the receipt by the Company of an Opinion of Counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of the occurrence of a change in law or regulation (including any announced prospective change) or a written change in interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority, there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Company is or, within ninety (90) days of the date of such opinion will be, considered an “investment company” that is required to be registered under the Investment Company Act, which change or prospective
 
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change becomes effective or would become effective, as the case may be, on or after the date of the issuance of the Senior Notes.
LIBOR” has the meaning specified in Schedule A.
LIBOR Business Day” has the meaning specified in Schedule A.
LIBOR Determination Date” has the meaning specified in Schedule A.
Maturity,” when used with respect to any Senior Note, means the date on which the principal of such Senior Note or any installment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise.
Notice of Default” means a written notice of the kind specified in Section 5.1(c).
Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, a Vice Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or a Vice President, and by the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Company and delivered to the Trustee.
Operative Documents” means the Purchase Agreement, this Indenture and the Senior Notes.
Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for or an employee of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company.
Optional Redemption Price” means the redemption price equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the principal amount of the Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, including any Additional Interest, to but excluding the date fixed as the Redemption Date.
Original Issue Date” means the date of original issuance of each Senior Note.
Outstanding” means, when used in reference to any Senior Notes, as of the date of determination, all Senior Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:
(i) Senior Notes theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;
(ii) Senior Notes for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Senior Notes; provided, that if the Company is acting as Paying Agent, Senior Notes for which payment or redemption money has been so deposited in trust with the Paying Agent shall be considered to remain Outstanding until such time as such payment or redemption money has actually been paid in full to the
 
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Holders of such Senior Notes; and provided, further, that, if such Senior Notes are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made; and
(iii) Senior Notes that have been paid or in substitution for or in lieu of which other Senior Notes have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, unless proof satisfactory to the Trustee is presented that any such Senior Notes are held by Holders in whose hands such Senior Notes are valid, binding and legal obligations of the Company;
provided, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Senior Notes owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Senior Notes or any Affiliate of the Company or such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding unless the Company shall hold all Outstanding Senior Notes, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Senior Notes that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Senior Notes so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Senior Notes and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Senior Notes or any Affiliate of the Company or such other obligor.
Paying Agent” means the Trustee or any Person authorized by the Company to pay the principal of or any premium or interest on, or other amounts in respect of, any Senior Notes on behalf of the Company.
Person” means a legal person, including any individual, corporation, estate, partnership (general or limited), joint venture, association, joint stock, limited liability or other company, trust, unincorporated association or government, or any agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity of whatever nature.
Place of Payment” means, with respect to the Senior Notes, the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.
Predecessor Senior Note” of any particular Senior Note means every previous Senior Note evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Senior Note. For the purposes of this definition, any security authenticated and delivered under Section 3.6 in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Senior Note shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Senior Note.
Purchase Agreement” means the Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, between the Company and the Purchaser.
Purchaser” means UBS Securities LLC, as purchaser of the Senior Notes pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.
 
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QIB” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
Redemption Date” means, when used with respect to any Senior Note to be redeemed, the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.
Reference Banks” has the meaning specified in Schedule A.
Regular Record Date” for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date with respect to the Senior Notes means the date that is fifteen (15) days preceding such Interest Payment Date (whether or not a Business Day).
Responsible Officer” means, when used with respect to the Trustee, the officer in the corporate trust department of the Trustee having direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.
Rights Plan” means a plan of the Company providing for the issuance by the Company to all holders of its common Equity Interests of rights entitling the holders thereof to subscribe for or purchase shares or units of any class or series of Equity Interests in the Company which rights (i) are deemed to be transferred with such Equity Interests and (ii) are also issued in respect of future issuances of such Equity Interests, in each case until the occurrence of a specified event or events.
Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933 or any successor statute thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
Senior Note” or “Senior Notes” shall have meanings specified in the first recital of this Indenture.
Senior Notes Certificate” means a certificate evidencing ownership of the Senior Notes, substantially in the form provided in Article II.
Securities Register” and “Securities Registrar” have the respective meanings specified in Section 3.5(a).
Special Event” means the occurrence of an Investment Company Event or a Tax Event.
Special Record Date” for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 3.1(c).
Special Redemption Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1(b).
Stated Maturity” means July 30, 2017.
Subsidiary” means a Person more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding voting stock or other voting interests of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or by one or more other Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more other Subsidiaries. For purposes of this definition, “voting stock” means stock that ordinarily has voting power for the
 
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election of directors, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock has such voting power by reason of any contingency.
Tangible Net Worth” shall mean, as of a particular date, (i) all amounts that would be included under stockholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its subsidiaries at such date, determined in accordance with GAAP, less (ii) the sum of (A) amounts owing to the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries from Affiliates and (B) Intangible Assets of Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries.
Tax Event” means the receipt by the Company of an Opinion of Counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of (a) any amendment to or change (including any announced prospective change) in the laws or any regulations thereunder of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or (b) any judicial decision or any official administrative pronouncement (including any private letter ruling, technical advice memorandum or field service advice) or regulatory procedure, including any notice or announcement of intent to adopt any such pronouncement or procedure (an “Administrative Action”), regardless of whether such judicial decision or Administrative Action is issued to or in connection with a proceeding involving the Company and whether or not subject to review or appeal, which amendment, change, judicial decision or Administrative Action is enacted, promulgated or announced, in each case, on or after the date of issuance of the Senior Notes, there is more than an insubstantial risk that interest payable by the Company on the Senior Notes is not, or within ninety (90) days of the date of such opinion, will not be, deductible by the Company, in whole or in part, for United States federal income tax purposes.
Trustee” means the Person named as the “Trustee” in the first paragraph of this Indenture, solely in its capacity as such and not in its individual capacity, until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and, thereafter, “Trustee” shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder.
Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 or any successor statute thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
 
Section 1.2
Compliance Certificate and Opinions.
(a)          Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall, if requested by the Trustee, furnish to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that all conditions precedent (including covenants compliance with which constitutes a condition precedent), if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent (including covenants compliance with which constitutes a condition precedent), if any, have been complied with, except that, in the case of any application or request as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
 
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(b)          Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than the certificate provided pursuant to Section 10.3) shall include:
(i) a statement by each individual signing such certificate or opinion that such individual has read such condition or covenant and the definitions herein relating thereto;
(ii) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions of such individual contained in such certificate or opinion are based;
(iii) a statement that, in the opinion of such individual, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him or her to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such condition or covenant has been complied with; and
(iv) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
 
Section 1.3
Forms of Documents Delivered to Trustee.
(a)          In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.
(b)          Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or after reasonable inquiry should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to matters upon which his or her certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate or Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows, or after reasonable inquiry should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.
(c)          Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.
(d)          Whenever, subsequent to the receipt by the Trustee of any Board Resolution, Officers’ Certificate, Opinion of Counsel or other document or instrument, a clerical, typographical or other inadvertent or unintentional error or omission shall be discovered therein, a new document or instrument may be substituted therefor in corrected form with the same force and effect as if originally received in the corrected form and, irrespective of the date or dates of the actual execution and/or delivery thereof, such substitute document or instrument shall be deemed to have been executed and/or delivered as of the date or dates required with respect to
 
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the document or instrument for which it is substituted. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any Senior Notes issued under the authority of such defective document or instrument shall nevertheless be the valid obligations of the Company entitled to the benefits of this Indenture equally and ratably with all other Outstanding Senior Notes.
 
Section 1.4
Acts of Holders.
(a)          Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given to or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by an agent thereof duly appointed in writing and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments (including any appointment of an agent) is or are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section 1.4.
(b)          The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by the certificate of any notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him or her the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a Person acting in other than his or her individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his or her authority. The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner that the Trustee deems sufficient and in accordance with such reasonable rules as the Trustee may determine.
 
(c)
The ownership of Senior Notes shall be proved by the Securities Register.
(d)          Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action by the Holder of any Senior Note shall bind every future Holder of the same Senior Note and the Holder of every Senior Note issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done or suffered to be done by the Trustee or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Senior Note.
(e)          Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled to take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Senior Note may do so with regard to all or any part of the principal amount of such Senior Note or by one or more duly appointed agents each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any part of such principal amount.
(f)           Except as set forth in paragraph (g) of this Section 1.4, the Company may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Senior Notes entitled to give, make or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by
 
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Holders of Senior Notes. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Senior Notes on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to take the relevant action, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided, that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Company from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be canceled and of no effect). Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Company, at its own expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Trustee in writing and to each Holder of Senior Notes in the manner set forth in Section 1.6.
(g)          The Trustee may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Senior Notes entitled to join in the giving or making of (i) any Notice of Default, (ii) any declaration of acceleration or rescission or annulment thereof referred to in Section 5.2, (iii) any request to institute proceedings referred to in Section 5.7(b) or (iv) any direction referred to in Section 5.12. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Senior Notes on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to join in such notice, declaration, request or direction, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided, that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Trustee from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be canceled and of no effect). Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Trustee, at the Company’s expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Company in writing and to each Holder of Senior Notes in the manner set forth in Section 1.6.
(h)          With respect to any record date set pursuant to paragraph (f) or (g) of this Section 1.4, the party hereto that sets such record date may designate any day as the “Expiration Date” and from time to time may change the Expiration Date to any earlier or later day; provided, that no such change shall be effective unless notice of the proposed new Expiration Date is given to the other party hereto in writing, and to each Holder of Senior Notes in the manner set forth in Section 1.6, on or prior to the existing Expiration Date. If an Expiration Date is not designated with respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section 1.4, the party hereto that set such record date shall be deemed to have initially designated the ninetieth (90th) day after such record date as the Expiration Date with respect thereto, subject to its right to change the Expiration Date as provided in this paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Expiration Date shall be later than the one hundred eightieth (180th) day after the applicable record date.
 
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Section 1.5
Notices, Etc. to Trustee and Company.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver, Act of Holders, or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with:
(a)          the Trustee by any Holder or the Company shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to or with and received by the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office; or
(b)          the Company by the Trustee or any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if in writing and mailed, first class, postage prepaid, to the Company addressed to it at 40 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10022, Attention Chief Financial Officer or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.
 
Section 1.6
Notice to Holders; Waiver.
Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first class, postage prepaid, to each Holder affected by such event to the address of such Holder as it appears in the Securities Register, not later than the latest date (if any), and not earlier than the earliest date (if any), prescribed for the giving of such notice. If, by reason of the suspension of or irregularities in regular mail service or for any other reason, it shall be impossible or impracticable to mail notice of any event to Holders when said notice is required to be given pursuant to any provision of this Indenture, then any manner of giving such notice as shall be satisfactory to the Trustee shall be deemed to be a sufficient giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders. Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.
 
Section 1.7
Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.
The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction of this Indenture.
 
Section 1.8
Successors and Assigns.
This Indenture shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of any successor to the Company and the Trustee, including any successor by operation of law. Except in connection with a transaction involving the Company that is permitted under Article VIII and pursuant to which the assignee agrees in writing to perform the Company’s obligations hereunder, the Company shall not assign its obligations hereunder.
 
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Section 1.9
Separability.
If any provision in this Indenture or in the Senior Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, and there shall be deemed substituted for the provision at issue a valid, legal and enforceable provision as similar as possible to the provision at issue.
 
Section 1.10
Benefits of Indenture.
Nothing in this Indenture or in the Senior Notes, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their permitted successors and assigns, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.
 
Section 1.11
Governing Law.
This Indenture and the rights and obligations of each of the Holders, the Company and the Trustee shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without reference to its conflict of laws provisions (other than Section 5-1401 of the General Obligations Law).
 
Section 1.12
Submission to Jurisdiction.
ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY OR AGAINST ANY PARTY HERETO OR WITH RESPECT TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS INDENTURE MAY BE BROUGHT IN OR REMOVED TO THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF NEW YORK, OR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK (IN EACH CASE SITTING IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN). BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS INDENTURE, EACH PARTY ACCEPTS, FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, THE JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS (AND COURTS OF APPEALS THEREFROM) FOR LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS INDENTURE.
 
Section 1.13
Non-Business Days.
If any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity of any Senior Note shall not be a Business Day, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or the Senior Notes) payment of interest, premium, if any, or principal or other amounts in respect of such Senior Note shall not be made on such date, but shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day (and no interest shall accrue in respect of the amounts whose payment is so delayed for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity, as the case may be, until such next succeeding Business Day) except that, if such Business Day falls in the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date or Redemption Date or at the Stated Maturity.
 
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Section 1.14
Counterparts.
This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
ARTICLE II
 
SENIOR NOTE FORMS
 
Section 2.1
Form of Senior Note.
Any Senior Note issued hereunder shall be in substantially the following form:
ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC.
Senior Note due 2017
No.
 
 
$
 
 
 
 
 
 
ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC., a Maryland corporation (hereinafter called the “Company,” which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co. (the “Holder”) as nominee on behalf of The Depository Trust Company, or registered assigns, the principal sum of THIRTY-SEVEN MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND ($37,500,000) DOLLARS[IF THE SENIOR NOTE IS A GLOBAL SENIOR NOTE, THEN INSERT: or such other principal amount represented hereby as may be set forth in the records of the Securities Registrar hereinafter referred to in accordance with the Indenture] on July 30, 2017. The Company further promises to pay interest on said principal sum from and including June 15, 2007, or from and including the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, quarterly in arrears, to but excluding January 30, April 30, July 30 and October 30 of each year, commencing July 30, 2007, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (and no interest shall accrue in respect of the amounts whose payment is so delayed for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date until such next succeeding Business Day), except that, if such Business Day falls in the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case, with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date, at a fixed rate equal to 8.1275% per annum to, but excluding, the Interest Payment Date on July 30, 2012 and thereafter at a variable rate equal to 3-month LIBOR plus 2.55% per annum, until the principal hereof is paid or duly provided for or made available for payment; provided, that any overdue principal, premium, if any, and any overdue installment of interest shall bear Additional Interest at a fixed rate equal to 8.1275% per annum through the interest payment date in July 2012 to, but excluding, the Interest Payment Date on July 30, 2012 and thereafter at a variable rate equal to 3-month LIBOR plus 2.55% per annum (to the extent that the payment of such Additional Interest shall be legally enforceable), compounded quarterly from and including the dates such amounts
 
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are due to but excluding the dates such amounts are paid or made available for payment, and such interest shall be payable on demand.
The amount of interest payable for interest periods (i) to but excluding the Interest Payment Date on July 30, 2012, shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and (ii) from and including the Interest Payment Date on July 30, 2012 shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed in the relevant interest period. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Senior Note (or one or more Predecessor Senior Notes) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest installment. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Senior Note (or one or more Predecessor Senior Notes) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Senior Notes not less than ten (10) days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Senior Notes may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in the Indenture.
During an Event of Default, the Company shall not (i) declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any Equity Interests of the Company, (ii) vote in favor of or permit or otherwise allow any of its Subsidiaries to declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to or otherwise retire, any preferred Equity Interests of such Subsidiaries or other Equity Interests entitling the holders thereof to a stated rate of return (for the avoidance of doubt, whether such preferred Equity Interests are perpetual or otherwise), or (iii) make any payment of principal of or any interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities of the Company that rank pari passu in all respects with or junior in interest to the Senior Notes (other than (A) repurchases, redemptions or other acquisitions of Equity Interests of the Company in connection with any employment contract, benefit plan or other similar arrangement with or for the benefit of any one or more employees, officers, directors or consultants, in connection with a dividend reinvestment or Equity Interests purchase plan or in connection with the issuance of Equity Interests in the Company (or securities convertible into or exercisable for such Equity Interests) as consideration in an acquisition transaction entered into prior to the applicable Event of Default, (B) as a result of an exchange, conversion reclassification or combination of any class or series of the Company’s Equity Interests (or any Equity Interests in a Subsidiary of the Company) for any class or series of the Company’s Equity Interests or of any class or series of the Company’s indebtedness for any class or series of the Company’s Equity Interests, (C) the purchase of fractional interests in the Equity Interests of the Company pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such Equity Interests or the security being converted or exchanged, (D) any declaration of a dividend in connection with any Rights Plan, the issuance of rights, Equity Interests or other property under any Rights Plan or the redemption or repurchase of rights pursuant thereto or (E) any dividend in the form of Equity Interests, warrants, options or other rights where the dividend Equity Interest or the Equity Interest issuable upon exercise of such warrants, options or other
 
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rights is the same Equity Interest as that on which the dividend is being paid or ranks pari passu with or junior to such Equity Interest).
Payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on this Senior Note shall be made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. Payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest due at the Maturity of this Senior Note shall be made at the Place of Payment upon surrender of such Senior Notes to the Paying Agent, and payments of interest shall be made, subject to such surrender where applicable, by wire transfer at such place and to such account at a banking institution in the United States as may be designated in writing to the Paying Agent at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the date for payment by the Person entitled thereto unless proper written transfer instructions have not been received by the relevant record date, in which case such payments shall be made by check mailed to the address of such Person as such address shall appear in the Senior Note Register.
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee by manual signature, this Senior Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed on this [DAY] day of [MONTH], [YEAR].
 
 
ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC.
 
 
 
 
By:
 
 
Name:
 
 
Title:
 
 
[FORM OF REVERSE OF SECURITY]
This Senior Note is one of a duly authorized issue of senior notes of the Company (the “Senior Notes”) issued under the Indenture, dated as of June 15, 2007 (the “Indenture”), between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee,” which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Senior Notes, and of the terms upon which the Senior Notes are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. All terms used in this Senior Note that are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
The Company may, on any date after July 30, 2012, at its option, upon not less than thirty (30) days’ nor more than sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Holders of the Senior Notes
 
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(unless a shorter notice period shall be satisfactory to the Trustee) subject to the terms and conditions of Article XI of the Indenture, redeem this Senior Note in whole at any time or in part from time to time at the Optional Redemption Price.
In addition, upon the occurrence and during the continuation of a Special Event, the Company may, at its option and in accordance with the Indenture, redeem this Senior Note, in whole but not in part, subject to the terms and conditions of Article XI of the Indenture at a redemption price equal to one hundred and five percent (105%) of the principal amount hereof, together, in the case of any such redemption, with accrued and unpaid interest, including Additional Interest, if any, to but excluding the date fixed as the Redemption Date.
In the event of redemption of this Senior Note in part only, a new Senior Note or Senior Notes for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof. If less than all the Senior Notes are to be redeemed, the particular Senior Notes to be redeemed shall be selected not more than sixty (60) days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee from the Outstanding Senior Notes not previously called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of a portion of the principal amount of any Senior Note.
The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the Company and the Trustee at any time to enter into a supplemental indenture or indentures for the purpose of modifying in any manner the rights and obligations of the Company and of the Holders of the Senior Notes, with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Senior Notes, on behalf of the Holders of all Senior Notes, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Senior Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Senior Note and of any Senior Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Senior Note.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Senior Note or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium, if any, and interest, including any Additional Interest (to the extent legally enforceable), on this Senior Note at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.
As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Senior Note is restricted to transfers to “Qualified Purchasers” (as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) and is registrable in the Securities Register, upon surrender of this Senior Note for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Securities Registrar and duly executed by, the Holder hereof or such Holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Senior Notes, of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.
 
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The Senior Notes are issuable only in registered form without coupons in minimum denominations of $100,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Senior Notes are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.
No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any expense, tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
The Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Senior Note is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Senior Note be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
The Company and, by its acceptance of this Senior Note or a beneficial interest herein, the Holder of, and any Person that acquires a beneficial interest in, this Senior Note agree that, for United States federal, state and local tax purposes, it is intended that this Senior Note constitute indebtedness.
This Senior Note shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without reference to its conflict of laws provisions (other than Section 5-1401 of the General Obligations Law).
 
Section 2.2
Restrictive Legend.
(a)          Any Senior Note issued hereunder shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:
[IF THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY INSERT:“THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (“DTC”) OR A NOMINEE OF DTC. THIS SECURITY IS EXCHANGEABLE FOR SENIOR NOTES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN DTC OR ITS NOMINEE ONLY IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY (OTHER THAN A TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY AS A WHOLE BY DTC TO A NOMINEE OF DTC OR BY A NOMINEE OF DTC TO DTC OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF DTC) MAY BE REGISTERED EXCEPT IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES.
UNLESS THIS SECURITY IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY SECURITY ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT HEREON IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN
 
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AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.]
THE SENIOR NOTES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WERE ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND SUCH SENIOR NOTES, AND ANY INTEREST THEREIN, MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF ANY SENIOR NOTES IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THE SENIOR NOTES MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.
THE HOLDER OF THE SENIOR NOTES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT (A) SUCH SENIOR NOTES MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED ONLY (I) TO THE COMPANY OR (II) TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS (a) A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) AND (b) A “QUALIFIED PURCHASER” (AS DEFINED IN SECTION 2(a)(51) OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940, AS AMENDED), OR (III) TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED PURCHASER” (AS DEFINED IN SECTION 2(a)(51) OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940, AS AMENDED), PROVIDED, IN THE CASE OF CLAUSE (III), THE ISSUER RECEIVES AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER TO THE EFFECT THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF ANY SENIOR NOTES FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN (A) ABOVE.
THE SENIOR NOTES WILL BE ISSUED AND MAY BE TRANSFERRED ONLY IN BLOCKS HAVING AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT LESS THAN $100,000. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY ATTEMPTED TRANSFER OF SENIOR NOTES, OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN, IN A BLOCK HAVING AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF LESS THAN $100,000 AND MULTIPLES OF $1,000 IN EXCESS THEREOF SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE VOID AND OF NO LEGAL EFFECT WHATSOEVER. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY SUCH PURPORTED TRANSFEREE SHALL BE DEEMED NOT TO BE THE HOLDER OF SUCH SENIOR NOTES FOR ANY PURPOSE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE RECEIPT OF PRINCIPAL OF OR INTEREST ON SUCH SENIOR NOTES, OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN, AND SUCH PURPORTED TRANSFEREE SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE NO INTEREST WHATSOEVER IN SUCH SENIOR NOTES.
 
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THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY, OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF OR THEREOF ALSO AGREES, REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IT IS NOT AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR OTHER PLAN OR ARRANGEMENT SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), OR SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”), OR SIMILAR LAW (EACH A “PLAN”), OR AN ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” BY REASON OF ANY PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THE ENTITY, AND NO PERSON INVESTING “PLAN ASSETS” OF ANY PLAN MAY ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS SECURITY OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN. ANY PURCHASER OR HOLDER OF THE SENIOR NOTES OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED BY ITS PURCHASE AND HOLDING THEREOF THAT IT IS NOT AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 3(3) OF ERISA, OR A PLAN TO WHICH SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE IS APPLICABLE, A TRUSTEE OR OTHER PERSON ACTING ON BEHALF OF AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN OR PLAN, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY USING THE ASSETS OF ANY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN OR PLAN TO FINANCE SUCH PURCHASE.”
(b)          The above legends shall not be removed from any Senior Note unless there is delivered to the Company satisfactory evidence, which may include an Opinion of Counsel, as may be reasonably required to ensure that any future transfers thereof may be made without restriction under or violation of the provisions of the Securities Act and other applicable law. Upon provision of such satisfactory evidence, the Company shall execute and deliver to the Trustee, and the Trustee shall deliver, upon receipt of a Company Order directing it to do so, a Senior Note that does not bear the legend.
 
Section 2.3
Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication.
The Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:
This is one of the Senior Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
Dated:
 
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., not in its individual capacity, but solely as Trustee
 
 
 
 
By:
 
 
Name:
 
 
Title:
 
 
 
Section 2.4
Temporary Senior Notes.
(a)          Pending the preparation of definitive Senior Notes, the Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Senior Notes that are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, in any
 
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denomination, substantially of the tenor of the definitive Senior Notes in lieu of which they are issued and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers executing such Senior Notes may determine, as evidenced by their execution of such Senior Notes.
(b)          If temporary Senior Notes are issued, the Company will cause definitive Senior Notes to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Senior Notes, the temporary Senior Notes shall be exchangeable for definitive Senior Notes upon surrender of the temporary Senior Notes at the office or agency of the Company designated for that purpose without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Senior Notes, the Company shall execute and, upon receipt of a Company Order, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor one or more definitive Senior Notes of any authorized denominations having the same Original Issue Date and Stated Maturity and having the same terms as such temporary Senior Notes. Until so exchanged, the temporary Senior Notes shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Senior Notes.
 
Section 2.5
Definitive Senior Notes.
The Senior Notes issued on the Original Issue Date shall be issued as directed by the Purchaser on or prior to the Closing Date, either (i) in the form of one or more Global Senior Notes or (ii) in the form of one or more Definitive Senior Note Certificates. Global Senior Notes shall be, except as provided in Section 3.4, book-entry Senior Notes issued in the form of one or more Global Senior Notes registered in the name of the Depositary, or its nominee and deposited with the Depositary or the Trustee as custodian for the Depositary for credit by the Depositary to the respective accounts of the Depositary Participants thereof (or such other accounts as they may direct). The definitive Senior Notes shall be printed, lithographed or engraved, or produced by any combination of these methods, if required by any securities exchange on which the Senior Notes may be listed, on a steel engraved border or steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner permitted by the rules of any securities exchange on which the Senior Notes may be listed, all as determined by the officers executing such Senior Notes, as evidenced by their execution of such Senior Notes.
ARTICLE III
 
THE SENIOR NOTES
 
Section 3.1
Payment of Principal and Interest.
(a)          The unpaid principal amount of the Senior Notes shall bear interest at the fixed rate equal to 8.1275% per annum to but excluding the Interest Payment Date on July 30, 2012 and thereafter at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.55% per annum until paid or duly provided for, such interest to accrue from and including the Original Issue Date or the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, and any overdue principal, premium, if any, and any overdue installment of interest shall bear Additional Interest at the fixed rate equal to 8.1275% per annum to but excluding the Interest Payment Date on July 30, 2012 and thereafter at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.55% per annum (to the
 
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extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), compounded quarterly from and including the dates such amounts are due to but excluding the dates such amounts are paid or funds for the payment thereof are made available for payment.
(b)          Interest and Additional Interest on any Senior Note that is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Senior Note (or one or more Predecessor Senior Notes) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, except that interest and any Additional Interest payable on the Stated Maturity (or any date of principal repayment upon early maturity) of the principal of a Senior Note or on a Redemption Date shall be paid to the Person to whom principal is paid. The initial payment of interest on any Senior Note that is issued between a Regular Record Date and the related Interest Payment Date shall be payable as provided in such Senior Note.
(c)          Any interest on any Senior Note that is due and payable, but is not timely paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date for Senior Notes (herein called “Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered Holder on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in paragraph (i) or (ii) below:
(i) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Senior Notes (or their respective Predecessor Senior Notes) are registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest (a “Special Record Date”), which shall be fixed in the following manner. At least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the proposed payment, the Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Senior Note and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be not more than fifteen (15) days and not less than ten (10) days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than ten (10) days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed, first class, postage prepaid, to each Holder of a Senior Note at the address of such Holder as it appears in the Securities Register not less than ten (10) days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Senior Notes (or their respective Predecessor Senior Notes) are registered on such Special Record Date; or
(ii) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on
 
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which the Senior Notes may be listed and, upon such notice as may be required by such exchange (or by the Trustee if the Senior Notes are not listed), if, after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.
(d)          Payments of interest on the Senior Notes shall include interest accrued to but excluding the respective Interest Payment Dates. The amount of interest payable for any interest period shall be computed on the basis of a (i) 360-day year of twelve 30-day months for interest periods to but excluding the Interest Payment Date on July 30, 2012 and (ii) a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed in the relevant interest period thereafter.
(e)          Payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Senior Notes shall be made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. Payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest due at the Maturity of such Senior Notes shall be made at the Place of Payment upon surrender of such Senior Notes to the Paying Agent and payments of interest shall be made, subject to such surrender where applicable, by wire transfer at such place and to such account at a banking institution in the United States as may be designated in writing to the Paying Agent at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the date for payment by the Person entitled thereto unless proper written transfer instructions have not been received by the relevant record date, in which case such payments shall be made by check mailed to the address of such Person as such address shall appear in the Senior Note Register.
(f)           Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.1, each Senior Note delivered under this Indenture upon transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Senior Note shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, that were carried by such other Senior Note.
(g)          The Senior Notes will rank pari passu in right of payment with each other with other senior unsecured obligations of the Company from time to time outstanding.
 
Section 3.2
Denominations.
The Senior Notes shall be in registered form without coupons and shall be issuable in minimum denominations of $100,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.
 
Section 3.3
Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.
(a)          At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Senior Notes in an aggregate principal amount (including all then Outstanding Senior Notes) not in excess of Thirty-Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($37,500,000) executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Senior Notes, and the Trustee in accordance with the Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Senior Notes. In authenticating such Senior Notes, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Senior Notes, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and shall be fully protected in relying upon:
 
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(i) a copy of any Board Resolution relating thereto; and
(ii) an Opinion of Counsel stating that: (1) such Senior Notes, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute, and the Indenture constitutes, valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, each enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles; (2) the Senior Notes have been duly authorized and executed by the Company and have been delivered to the Trustee for authentication in accordance with this Indenture; (3) the Senior Notes are not required to be registered under the Securities Act; and (4) the Indenture is not required to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act.
(b)          The Senior Notes shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its Vice Chairman of the Board, its Chief Executive Officer, its President or one of its Vice Presidents. The signature of any of these officers on the Senior Notes may be manual or facsimile. Senior Notes bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Senior Notes or did not hold such offices at the date of such Senior Notes.
(c)          No Senior Note shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless there appears on such Senior Note a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein executed by the Trustee by the manual signature of one of its authorized signatories, and such certificate upon any Senior Note shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Senior Note has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Senior Note shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Company, and the Company shall have delivered such Senior Note to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 3.8, for all purposes of this Indenture such Senior Note shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.
 
(d)
Each Senior Note shall be dated the date of its authentication.
 
Section 3.4
Global Senior Notes.
(a)          Each Global Senior Note issued under this Indenture shall be registered in the name of the Depositary designated by the Company for such Global Senior Note or a nominee thereof and delivered to such Depositary or a nominee thereof or a custodian therefor, and each such Global Senior Note shall constitute a single Senior Note for all purposes of this Indenture.
(b)          Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, no Global Senior Note may be exchanged in whole or in part for registered Senior Notes, and no transfer of a Global Senior Note in whole or in part may be registered, in the name of any Person other than the Depositary for such Global Senior Note or a nominee thereof unless (i) such Depositary advises the Trustee
 
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and the Company in writing that such Depositary is no longer willing or able to properly discharge its responsibilities as Depositary with respect to such Global Senior Note, and no qualified successor is appointed by the Company within ninety (90) days of receipt by the Company of such notice, (ii) such Depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and no successor is appointed by the Company within ninety (90) days after obtaining knowledge of such event, (iii) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order stating that the Company elects to terminate the book-entry system through the Depositary or (iv) an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing. Upon the occurrence of any event specified in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above, the Trustee shall notify the Depositary and instruct the Depositary to notify all owners of beneficial interests in such Global Senior Note of the occurrence of such event and of the availability of Senior Notes to such owners of beneficial interests requesting the same. The Trustee may conclusively rely, and be protected in relying, upon the written identification of the owners of beneficial interests furnished by the Depositary, and shall not be liable for any delay resulting from a delay by the Depositary. Upon the issuance of such Senior Notes and the registration in the Securities Register of such Senior Notes in the names of the Holders of the beneficial interests therein, the Trustee shall recognize such holders of beneficial interests as Holders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an owner of a beneficial interest in a Global Senior Note wishes at any time to transfer an interest in such Global Senior Note to a Person other than a QIB, such transfer shall be effected, subject to the Applicable Depositary Procedures, in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3.4 and Section 3.5, and the transferee shall receive a Definitive Senior Note Certificate in connection with such transfer. A holder of a Definitive Senior Note Certificate that is a QIB may, upon request, and in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3.4 and Section 3.5, exchange such Definitive Senior Note Certificate for a beneficial interest in a Global Senior Note.
(c)          If any Global Senior Note is to be exchanged for other Senior Notes or canceled in part, or if another Senior Note is to be exchanged in whole or in part for a beneficial interest in any Global Senior Note, then either (i) such Global Senior Note shall be so surrendered for exchange or cancellation as provided in this Article III or (ii) the principal amount thereof shall be reduced or increased by an amount equal to (x) the portion thereof to be so exchanged or canceled or (y) the principal amount of such other Senior Note to be so exchanged for a beneficial interest therein, as the case may be, by means of an appropriate adjustment made on the records of the Securities Registrar, whereupon the Trustee, in accordance with the Applicable Depositary Procedures, shall instruct the Depositary or its authorized representative to make a corresponding adjustment to its records. Upon any such surrender or adjustment of a Global Senior Note by the Depositary, accompanied by registration instructions, the Company shall execute and, upon receipt of a Company Order, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver any Senior Notes issuable in exchange for such Global Senior Note (or any portion thereof) in accordance with the instructions of the Depositary. The Trustee shall not be liable for any delay in delivery of such instructions and may conclusively rely on, and shall be fully protected in relying on, such instructions.
(d)          Every Senior Note authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for or in lieu of, a Global Senior Note or any portion thereof shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Senior Note, unless such Senior Note is
 
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registered in the name of a Person other than the Depositary for such Global Senior Note or a nominee thereof.
(e)          The Depositary or its nominee, as the registered owner of a Global Senior Note, shall be the Holder of such Global Senior Note for all purposes under this Indenture and the Senior Notes, and owners of beneficial interests in a Global Senior Note shall hold such interests pursuant to the Applicable Depositary Procedures. Accordingly, any such owner’s beneficial interest in a Global Senior Note shall be shown only on, and the transfer of such interest shall be effected only through, records maintained by the Depositary or its nominee or its Depositary Participants. The Securities Registrar and the Trustee shall be entitled to deal with the Depositary for all purposes of this Indenture relating to a Global Senior Note (including the payment of principal and interest thereon and the giving of instructions or directions by owners of beneficial interests therein and the giving of notices) as the sole Holder of the Senior Note and shall have no obligations to the owners of beneficial interests therein. Neither the Trustee nor the Securities Registrar shall have any liability in respect of any transfers effected by the Depositary.
(f)           The rights of owners of beneficial interests in a Global Senior Note shall be exercised only through the Depositary and shall be limited to those established by law and agreements between such owners and the Depositary and/or its Depositary Participants.
(g)          No holder of any beneficial interest in any Global Senior Note held on its behalf by a Depositary shall have any rights under this Indenture with respect to such Global Senior Note, and such Depositary may be treated by the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee as the owner of such Global Senior Note for all purposes whatsoever. None of the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of a Global Senior Note or maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by a Depositary or impair, as between a Depositary and such holders of beneficial interests, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of the Depositary (or its nominee) as Holder of any Senior Note.
 
Section 3.5
Registration, Transfer and Exchange Generally.
(a)          The Trustee shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office a register (the “Securities Register”) in which the registrar and transfer agent with respect to the Senior Notes (the “Securities Registrar”), subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, shall provide for the registration of Senior Notes and of transfers and exchanges of Senior Notes. The Trustee shall at all times also be the Securities Registrar. The provisions of Article VI shall apply to the Trustee in its role as Securities Registrar.
(b)          Subject to compliance with Section 2.2(b), upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Senior Note at the offices or agencies of the Company designated for that purpose the Company shall execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order, shall authenticate
 
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and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Senior Notes of any authorized denominations of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.
(c)          At the option of the Holder, Senior Notes may be exchanged for other Senior Notes of any authorized denominations, of like tenor and aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Senior Notes to be exchanged at such office or agency. Whenever any Senior Notes are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall, upon receipt of a Company Order, authenticate and deliver, the Senior Notes that the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.
(d)          All Senior Notes issued upon any transfer or exchange of Senior Notes shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Senior Notes surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.
(e)          Every Senior Note presented or surrendered for transfer or exchange shall be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Securities Registrar, duly executed by the Holder thereof or such Holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing.
(f)           No service charge shall be made to a Holder for any transfer or exchange of Senior Notes, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer or exchange of Senior Notes.
(g)          Neither the Company nor the Trustee shall be required pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3.5: (i) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Senior Note during a period beginning at the opening of business fifteen (15) days before the day of selection for redemption of Senior Notes pursuant to Article XI and ending at the close of business on the day of mailing of the notice of redemption or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Senior Note so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except, in the case of any such Senior Note to be redeemed in part, any portion thereof not to be redeemed.
(h)          The Company shall designate an office or offices or agency or agencies where Senior Notes may be surrendered for registration or transfer or exchange. The Company initially designates the Corporate Trust Office as its office and agency for such purposes. The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee and to the Holders of any change in the location of any such office or agency.
(i)           The Senior Notes may only be transferred to a “Qualified Purchaser” as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(51) of the Investment Company Act and, if the qualified purchaser is not also a qualified institutional buyer (as defined in Rule 144A(a)(1) of the Securities Act), the Senior Notes may be transferred to such person only if the Company receives an opinion of counsel in form and substance satisfactory to the Company to the effect that registration is not required under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.
(j)           Neither the Trustee nor the Securities Registrar shall be responsible for ascertaining whether any transfer hereunder complies with the registration provisions of or any exemptions from the Securities Act, applicable state securities laws or the applicable laws of any
 
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other jurisdiction, ERISA, the Code or the Investment Company Act; provided, that if a certificate is specifically required by the express terms of this Section 3.5 to be delivered to the Trustee or the Securities Registrar by a Holder or transferee of a Senior Note, the Trustee and the Securities Registrar shall be under a duty to receive and examine the same to determine whether or not the certificate substantially conforms on its face to the requirements of this Indenture and shall promptly notify the party delivering the same if such certificate does not comply with such terms.
 
Section 3.6
Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Senior Notes.
(a)          If any mutilated Senior Note is surrendered to the Trustee together with such security or indemnity as may be required by the Company or the Trustee to save each of them harmless, the Company shall execute and upon receipt of a Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Senior Note of like tenor and aggregate principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
(b)          If there shall be delivered to the Trustee (i) evidence to its satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Senior Note and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by it to save each of the Company and the Trustee harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Senior Note has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and, upon receipt of a Company Order, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Senior Note, a new Senior Note of like tenor and aggregate principal amount as such destroyed, lost or stolen Senior Note, and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
(c)          If any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Senior Note has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Senior Note, pay such Senior Note.
(d)          Upon the issuance of any new Senior Note under this Section 3.6, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any expense, tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.
(e)          Every new Senior Note issued pursuant to this Section 3.6 in lieu of any mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Senior Note shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Senior Note shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Senior Notes duly issued hereunder.
(f)           The provisions of this Section 3.6 are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Senior Notes.
 
Section 3.7
Persons Deemed Owners.
The Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall treat the Person in whose name any Senior Note is registered as the owner of such Senior Note for the
 
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purpose of receiving payment of principal of and any interest on such Senior Note and for all other purposes whatsoever, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
 
Section 3.8
Cancellation.
All Senior Notes surrendered for payment, redemption, transfer or exchange shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee, and any such Senior Notes and Senior Notes surrendered directly to the Trustee for any such purpose shall be promptly canceled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Senior Notes previously authenticated and delivered hereunder that the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and all Senior Notes so delivered shall be promptly canceled by the Trustee. No Senior Notes shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Senior Notes canceled as provided in this Section 3.8, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All canceled Senior Notes shall be retained or disposed of by the Trustee in accordance with its customary practices and the Trustee shall deliver to the Company a certificate of such disposition.
 
Section 3.9
Agreed Tax Treatment.
Each Senior Note issued hereunder shall provide that the Company and, by its acceptance or acquisition of a Senior Note or a beneficial interest therein, the Holder of, and any Person that acquires a direct or indirect beneficial interest in, such Senior Note, intend and agree to treat such Senior Note as indebtedness of the Company for United States federal, state and local tax purposes. The provisions of this Indenture shall be interpreted to further this intention and agreement of the parties.
 
Section 3.10
CUSIP Numbers.
The Company in issuing the Senior Notes may use “CUSIP” numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” numbers in notices of redemption and other similar or related materials as a convenience to Holders; provided, that any such notice or other materials may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Senior Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption or other materials and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Senior Notes, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers.
ARTICLE IV
 
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
 
Section 4.1
Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.
This Indenture shall, upon Company Request, cease to be of further effect (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Senior Notes herein expressly provided for and as otherwise provided in this Section 4.1) and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when
 
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(a)
either
(i) all Senior Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (A) Senior Notes that have been mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen and that have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 3.6 and (B) Senior Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust as provided in Section 10.2) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or
(ii) all such Senior Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation
 
(A)
have become due and payable; or
(B)         will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one (1) year of the date of deposit; or
(C)         are to be called for redemption within one (1) year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company;
and the Company, in the case of subclause (ii)(A), (B) or (C) above, has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for such purpose (x) an amount in the currency or currencies in which the Senior Notes are payable, (y) Government Obligations which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than the due date of any payment, money in an amount or (z) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Senior Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal, premium, if any, and interest (including any Additional Interest) to the date of such deposit (in the case of Senior Notes that have become due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity (or any date of principal repayment upon early maturity) or Redemption Date, as the case may be;
(b)          the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company; and
(c)          the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 6.6, the obligations of the Company to any Authenticating Agent under Section 6.11 and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (a)(ii) of this Section 4.1, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 4.2 and Section 10.2(e) shall survive.
 
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Section 4.2
Application of Trust Money.
Subject to the provisions of Section 10.2(e), all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.1 shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of the Senior Notes and this Indenture, to the payment in accordance with Section 3.1, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal and any premium and interest (including any Additional Interest) for the payment of which such money or obligations have been deposited with or received by the Trustee.
ARTICLE V
 
REMEDIES
 
Section 5.1
Events of Default.
Event of Default” means, wherever used herein with respect to the Senior Notes, any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):
(a)          default in the payment of any interest upon any Senior Note, including any Additional Interest in respect thereof, when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of thirty (30) days; or
(b)          default in the payment of the principal of or any premium on any Senior Note at its Maturity; or
(c)          default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture and continuance of such default or breach for a period of thirty (30) days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least twenty-five percent (25%) in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder (a “Notice of Default”); or
(d)          the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of a decree or order adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days; or
 
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(e)          the institution by the Company of proceedings to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by the Company to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or the filing by the Company of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due and its willingness to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the taking of corporate action by the Company in furtherance of any such action.
 
Section 5.2
Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.
(a)          If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than twenty-five percent (25%) in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes may declare the principal amount of all the Senior Notes to be immediately due and payable, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders).
(b)          At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to Senior Notes has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter provided in this Article V, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes, by written notice to the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if:
(i) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay:
 
(A)
all overdue installments of interest on all Senior Notes;
 
(B)
any accrued Additional Interest on all Senior Notes;
(C)         the principal of and any premium on any Senior Notes that have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest (including any Additional Interest) thereon at the rate borne by the Senior Notes; and
(D)         all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee and its agents and counsel; and
(ii) all Events of Default with respect to Senior Notes, other than the non-payment of the principal of Senior Notes that has become due solely by such acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 5.13;
No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.
 
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Section 5.3
Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.
 
(a)
The Company covenants that if:
(i) default is made in the payment of any installment of interest (including any Additional Interest) on any Senior Note when such interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of thirty (30) days; or
(ii) default is made in the payment of the principal of and any premium on any Senior Note at the Maturity thereof;
the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the Holders of such Senior Notes, the whole amount then due and payable on such Senior Notes for principal and any premium and interest (including any Additional Interest) and, in addition thereto, all amounts owing the Trustee under Section 6.6.
(b)          If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon such Senior Notes and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon the Senior Notes, wherever situated.
(c)          If an Event of Default with respect to Senior Notes occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Senior Notes by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.
 
Section 5.4
Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
In case of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or similar judicial proceeding relative to the Company (or any other obligor upon the Senior Notes), its property or its creditors, the Trustee shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise, to take any and all actions authorized hereunder in order to have claims of the Holders and the Trustee allowed in any such proceeding. In particular, the Trustee shall be authorized to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to first pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts owing the Trustee, any predecessor Trustee and other Persons under Section 6.6.
 
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Section 5.5
Trustee May Enforce Claim Without Possession of Senior Notes.
All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Senior Notes may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Senior Notes or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall after provision for the payment of all the amounts owing the Trustee, any predecessor Trustee and other Persons under Section 6.6, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Senior Notes in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.
 
Section 5.6
Application of Money Collected.
Any money or property collected or to be applied by the Trustee with respect to the Senior Notes pursuant to this Article V shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money or property on account of principal or any premium or interest (including any Additional Interest), upon presentation of the Senior Notes and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee, any predecessor Trustee and other Persons under Section 6.6;
SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid upon the Senior Notes for principal and any premium and interest (including any Additional Interest) in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Senior Notes for principal and any premium and interest (including any Additional Interest), respectively; and
THIRD: The balance, if any, to the Person or Persons entitled thereto.
 
Section 5.7
Limitation on Suits.
Subject to Section 5.8, no Holder of any Senior Notes shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture or for the appointment of a custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator (or other similar official) or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:
(a)          such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Senior Notes;
(b)          the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;
(c)          such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;
 
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(d)          the Trustee after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding for sixty (60) days; and
(e)          no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such sixty (60)-day period by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes;
it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing itself of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other Holders of Senior Notes, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all such Holders.
Section 5.8        Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium, if any, and Interest.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Senior Note shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of and premium, if any, on such Senior Note at its Maturity and payment of interest (including any Additional Interest) on such Senior Note when due and payable and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such right shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.
 
Section 5.9
Restoration of Rights and Remedies.
If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or such Holder, then and in every such case the Company, the Trustee and such Holder shall, subject to any determination in such proceeding, be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder, and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee, the Company and such Holder shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.
 
Section 5.10
Rights and Remedies Cumulative.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 3.6(f), no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
 
Section 5.11
Delay or Omission Not Waiver.
No delay or omission of the Trustee or any Holder of any Senior Notes to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and
 
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remedy given by this Article V or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or the Holders, as the case may be.
 
Section 5.12
Control by Holders.
The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee; provided, that:
(a)          such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture;
(b)          the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction; and
(c)          subject to the provisions of Section 6.2, the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow such direction if a Responsible Officer or Officers of the Trustee shall, in good faith, reasonably determine that the proceeding so directed would be unjustly prejudicial to the Holders not joining in any such direction or would involve the Trustee in personal liability.
 
Section 5.13
Waiver of Past Defaults.
(a)          The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes may waive any past Event of Default hereunder and its consequences except an Event of Default:
(i) in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest (including any Additional Interest) on any Outstanding Senior Note (unless such Event of Default has been cured and the Company has paid to or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay all installments of interest (including any Additional Interest) due and past due and all principal of and premium, if any, on all Senior Notes due otherwise than by acceleration); or
(ii) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof that under Article IX cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each Holder of any Outstanding Senior Note.
(b)          Any such waiver shall be deemed to be on behalf of the Holders of all the Senior Notes.
(c)          Upon any such waiver, such Event of Default shall cease to exist and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
 
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Section 5.14
Undertaking for Costs.
All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Senior Note by his or her acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; provided, however, that the provisions of this Section 5.14 shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more than ten percent (10%) in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes, or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on the Senior Note after the Stated Maturity or any interest (including any Additional Interest) on any Senior Note after it is due and payable.
 
Section 5.15
Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws.
The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any usury, stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
ARTICLE VI
 
THE TRUSTEE
 
Section 6.1
Corporate Trustee Required.
There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder with respect to the Senior Notes. The Trustee shall be a corporation or national banking association organized and doing business under the laws of the United States or of any state thereof, authorized to exercise corporate trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000, subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority and having an office within the United States. If such entity publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of such supervising or examining authority, then, for the purposes of this Section 6.1, the combined capital and surplus of such entity shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.1, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article VI.
 
Section 6.2
Certain Duties and Responsibilities.
 
(a)
Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:
 
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(i) the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
(ii) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; provided, that in the case of any such certificates or opinions that by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they substantially conform on their face to the requirements of this Indenture.
(b)          If an Event of Default known to the Trustee has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall, prior to the receipt of directions, if any, from the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes, exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.
(c)          Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 6.2. To the extent that, at law or in equity, the Trustee has duties and liabilities relating to the Holders, the Trustee shall not be liable to any Holder for the Trustee’s good faith reliance on the provisions of this Indenture. The provisions of this Indenture, to the extent that they restrict the duties and liabilities of the Trustee otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Company and the Holders to replace such other duties and liabilities of the Trustee.
(d)          No provisions of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability with respect to matters that are within the authority of the Trustee under this Indenture for its own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct, except that:
(i) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error or judgment made in good faith by an authorized officer of the Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
(ii) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes (or such other percentage as may be required by the terms hereof) relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee under this Indenture; and
 
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(iii) the Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed in writing with the Company and money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
 
Section 6.3
Notice of Defaults.
Within ninety (90) days after the occurrence of any default actually known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall give the Holders notice of such default unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided, that except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Senior Notes, the Trustee shall be fully protected in withholding the notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interest of Holders; and provided, further, that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section 5.1(c), no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least thirty (30) days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose of this Section 6.3, the term “default” means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default.
 
Section 6.4
Certain Rights of Trustee.  
Subject to the provisions of Section 6.2:
(a)          the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting in good faith and in accordance with the terms hereof upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note or other paper or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
(b)          if (i) in performing its duties under this Indenture the Trustee is required to decide between alternative courses of action, (ii) in construing any of the provisions of this Indenture the Trustee finds ambiguous or inconsistent with any other provisions contained herein or (iii) the Trustee is unsure of the application of any provision of this Indenture, then, except as to any matter as to which the Holders are entitled to decide under the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee shall deliver a notice to the Company requesting the Company’s written instruction as to the course of action to be taken and the Trustee shall take such action, or refrain from taking such action, as the Trustee shall be instructed in writing to take, or to refrain from taking, by the Company; provided, that if the Trustee does not receive such instructions from the Company within ten (10) Business Days after it has delivered such notice or such reasonably shorter period of time set forth in such notice the Trustee may, but shall be under no duty to, take such action, or refrain from taking such action, as the Trustee shall deem advisable and in the best interests of the Holders, in which event the Trustee shall have no liability except for its own negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct;
(c)          any request or direction of the Company shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;
 
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(d)          the Trustee may consult with counsel (which counsel may be counsel to the Trustee, the Company or any of its Affiliates, and may include any of its employees) and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;
(e)          the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) and liabilities that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction, including reasonable advances as may be requested by the Trustee;
(f)           the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, indenture, note or other paper or document, but the Trustee in its discretion may make such inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney;
(g)          the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents, attorneys, custodians or nominees and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent, attorney, custodian or nominee appointed with due care by it hereunder;
(h)          whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable to receive instructions with respect to enforcing any remedy or right or taking any other action with respect to enforcing any remedy or right hereunder, the Trustee (i) may request instructions from the Holders (which instructions may only be given by the Holders of the same aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Senior Notes as would be entitled to direct the Trustee under this Indenture in respect of such remedy, right or action), (ii) may refrain from enforcing such remedy or right or taking such action until such instructions are received and (iii) shall be protected in acting in accordance with such instructions;
(i)           except as otherwise expressly provided by this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be under any obligation to take any action that is discretionary under the provisions of this Indenture;
(j)           without prejudice to any other rights available to the Trustee under applicable law, when the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in connection with any bankruptcy, insolvency or other proceeding referred to in clauses (d) or (e) of the definition of Event of Default specified in Section 5.1, such expenses (including legal fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) and the compensation for such services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any bankruptcy laws or law relating to creditors rights generally;
(k)          whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action
 
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hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, conclusively rely upon an Officers’ Certificate addressing such matter, which, upon receipt of such request, shall be promptly delivered by the Company;
(l)           the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of any Event of Default unless either (i) a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have actual knowledge or (ii) the Trustee shall have received written notice thereof from the Company or a Holder; and
(m)         in the event that the Trustee is also acting as Paying Agent, Authenticating Agent, Calculation Agent or Securities Registrar hereunder, the rights and protections afforded to the Trustee pursuant to this Article VI shall also be afforded such Paying Agent, Authenticating Agent, Calculation Agent or Securities Registrar.
 
Section 6.5
May Hold Senior Notes.
The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Securities Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Senior Notes and may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Securities Registrar or such other agent.
 
Section 6.6
Compensation; Reimbursement; Indemnity.  
 
(a)
The Company agrees:
(i) to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder in such amounts as the Company and the Trustee shall agree from time to time (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);
(ii) to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct; and
(iii) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to indemnify the Trustee (including in its individual capacity) and its Affiliates, and their officers, directors, shareholders, agents, representatives and employees for, and to hold them harmless against, any loss, damage, liability, tax (other than income, franchise or other taxes imposed on amounts paid pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) of this Section 6.6(a)), penalty, expense or claim of any kind or nature whatsoever incurred without negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on its part arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust or the performance of the Trustee’s duties hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.
 
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(b)          To secure the Company’s payment obligations in this Section 6.6, the Company hereby grants and pledges to the Trustee and the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Senior Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, other than money or property held in trust to pay principal and interest on particular Senior Notes. Such lien shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or the resignation or removal of the Trustee.
(c)          The obligations of the Company under this Section 6.6 shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and the earlier resignation or removal of the Trustee.
(d)          In no event shall the Trustee be liable for any indirect, special, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever, including, but not limited to, lost profits, even if the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.
(e)          In no event shall the Trustee be liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder because of circumstances beyond its control, including, but not limited to, acts of God, flood, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, fire, riot, embargo, government action, including any laws, ordinances, regulations, governmental action or the like which delay, restrict or prohibit the providing of the services contemplated by this Indenture.
 
Section 6.7
Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.
(a)          No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article VI shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee under Section 6.8.
(b)          The Trustee may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Company.
(c)          Unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Trustee may be removed at any time by the Company by a Board Resolution. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Trustee may be removed by an Act of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes, delivered to the Trustee and to the Company.
(d)          If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any reason, at a time when no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Company, by a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee, and such successor Trustee and the retiring Trustee shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 6.8. If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any reason, at a time when an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Holders, by an Act of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee, and such successor Trustee and the retiring Trustee shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 6.8. If no successor Trustee shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders and accepted appointment within sixty (60) days after the giving of a notice of resignation by the Trustee or the removal of the Trustee in the
 
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manner required by Section 6.8, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Senior Note for at least six (6) months may, on behalf of such Holder and all others similarly situated, and any resigning Trustee may, at the expense of the Company, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.
(e)          The Company shall give notice to all Holders in the manner provided in Section 1.6 of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee and each appointment of a successor Trustee. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.
 
Section 6.8
Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.
(a)          In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee, each successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; provided, that on the request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.
(b)          Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph (a) of this Section 6.8.
(c)          No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article VI.
 
Section 6.9
Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.
Any Person into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto; provided, that such Person shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article VI. In case any Senior Notes shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation or as otherwise provided above in this Section 6.9 to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Senior Notes so authenticated, and in case any Senior Notes shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Senior Notes either in the name of any predecessor Trustee or in the name of such successor Trustee, and in all cases the certificate of authentication shall have the full force which it is provided anywhere in the Senior Notes or in this Indenture that the certificate of the Trustee shall have.
 
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Section 6.10
Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Senior Notes.
The recitals contained herein and in the Senior Notes, except the Trustee’s certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Senior Notes. Neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the Company of the Senior Notes or the proceeds thereof.
 
Section 6.11
Appointment of Authenticating Agent.
(a)          The Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to the Senior Notes, which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Senior Notes issued upon original issue and upon exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption thereof or pursuant to Section 3.6, and Senior Notes so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Senior Notes by the Trustee or the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be an entity organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America, or of any State or Territory thereof or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section 6.11 the combined capital and surplus of such Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.11, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section 6.11.
(b)          Any Person into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent shall be the successor Authenticating Agent hereunder; provided, that such Person shall be otherwise eligible under this Section 6.11, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.
(c)          An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.11, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent eligible under the provisions of this Section 6.11, which shall be acceptable to the Company, and shall give notice
 
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of such appointment to all Holders. Any successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent.
(d)          The Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section 6.11 in such amounts as the Company and the Authenticating Agent shall agree from time to time.
(e)          If an appointment of an Authenticating Agent is made pursuant to this Section 6.11, the Senior Notes may have endorsed thereon, in addition to the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, an alternative certificate of authentication in the following form:
This is one of the Senior Notes referred to in the within mentioned Indenture.
Dated:
 
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., not in its individual capacity, but solely as Trustee
 
 
 
By:
 
 
Authenticating Agent
 
 
 
By:
 
 
Authorized Signatory
 
 
ARTICLE VII
 
HOLDER'S LISTS AND REPORTS BY COMPANY
 
Section 7.1
Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.  
The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee:
(a)          semiannually, on or before June 30 and December 31 of each year, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders as of a date not more than fifteen (15) days prior to the delivery thereof; and
(b)          at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within thirty (30) days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than fifteen (15) days prior to the time such list is furnished;
in each case to the extent such information is in the possession or control of the Company and has not otherwise been received by the Trustee in its capacity as Securities Registrar.
 
Section 7.2
Preservation of Information, Communications to Holders.
(a)          The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as
 
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provided in Section 7.1 and the names and addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Securities Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 7.1 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.
(b)          The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Senior Notes, and the corresponding rights and privileges of the Trustee, shall be as provided in the Trust Indenture Act.
(c)          Every Holder of Senior Notes, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of information as to the names and addresses of the Holders made pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act.
 
Section 7.3
Reports by Company.
(a)          The Company shall furnish to the Holders and to prospective purchasers of Senior Notes, upon their request, the information required to be furnished pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act. The delivery requirement set forth in the preceding sentence may be satisfied by compliance with Section 7.3(b).
(b)          The Company shall furnish to each of (i) the Trustee, (ii) the Holders and to subsequent holders of Senior Notes, (iii) any beneficial owner of the Senior Notes reasonably identified to and confirmed by the Company (which identification may be made either by such beneficial owner or by the Purchaser) and (iv) any designee of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, a duly completed and executed officer’s financial certificate substantially and substantively in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, including the financial statements referenced in such Exhibit, which certificate and financial statements shall be so furnished by the Company not later than forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three (3) fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Company and not later than ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, to the extent such financial statements are not publicly available by such dates via EDGAR.
(c)          If the Company intends to file its annual and quarterly information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) in electronic form pursuant to Regulation S-T of the Commission using the Commission’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval (“EDGAR”) system, the Company shall notify the Trustee in the manner prescribed herein of each such annual and quarterly filing. The Trustee is hereby authorized and directed to access the EDGAR system for purposes of retrieving the financial information so filed. Compliance with the foregoing shall constitute delivery by the Company of its financial statements to the Trustee in compliance with the provisions of Section 314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, if applicable. The Trustee shall have no duty to search for or obtain any electronic or other filings that the Company makes with the Commission, regardless of whether such filings are periodic, supplemental or otherwise. Delivery of reports, information and documents to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.3(c) shall be solely for purposes of compliance with this Section 7.3(c) and, if applicable, with Section 314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, and shall not relieve the Company of the requirement to deliver the certificate referred to in Section 7.3(b). The Trustee’s receipt of such reports, information and documents shall not
 
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constitute notice to it of the content thereof or any matter determinable from the content thereof, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder, as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely upon Officers’ Certificates.
(d)          The Trustee shall deliver, following its receipt thereof, a copy of all reports, certificates and information which it is entitled to receive under each of the Operative Documents, to (i) each Purchaser and (ii) a designee of (i) above, as identified in writing to the Trustee.
ARTICLE VIII
 
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE
 
Section 8.1
Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.
The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, and no Person shall consolidate with or merge into the Company or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to the Company, unless:
(a)          if the Company shall consolidate with or merge into another Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, the entity formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person that acquires by conveyance or transfer, or that leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety shall be an entity organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America or any State or Territory thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and any premium and interest (including any Additional Interest) on all the Senior Notes and the performance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed;
(b)          immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event that, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default, shall have happened and be continuing; and
(c)          the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, any such supplemental indenture, comply with this Article VIII and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with; and the Trustee may rely upon such Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that such transaction complies with this Section 8.1.
 
Section 8.2
Successor Company Substituted.
(a)          Upon any consolidation or merger by the Company with or into any other Person, or any conveyance, transfer or lease by the Company of its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person in accordance with Section 8.1 and the execution and delivery to the
 
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Trustee of the supplemental indenture described in Section 8.1(a), the successor entity formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Company herein; and in the event of any such conveyance or transfer, following the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations and covenants under the Indenture and the Senior Notes.
(b)          Such successor Person to the Company may cause to be executed, and may issue either in its own name or in the name of the Company, any or all of the Senior Notes issuable hereunder that theretofore shall not have been signed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee; and, upon the order of such successor Person instead of the Company and subject to all the terms, conditions and limitations in this Indenture prescribed, the Trustee shall authenticate and shall deliver any Senior Notes that previously shall have been signed and delivered by the officers of the Company to the Trustee for authentication, and any Senior Notes that such successor Person thereafter shall cause to be executed and delivered to the Trustee on its behalf. All the Senior Notes so issued shall in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Senior Notes theretofore or thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.
(c)          In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance or lease, such changes in phraseology and form may be made in the Senior Notes thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate to reflect such occurrence.
ARTICLE IX
 
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
 
Section 9.1
Supplemental Indentures without Consent of Holders.
Without the consent of any Holders, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:
(a)          to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company, and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in the Senior Notes; or
(b)          to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor trustee; or
(c)          to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make or amend any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture, which shall not be inconsistent with the other provisions of this Indenture; provided, that such action pursuant to this clause (c) shall not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any Holders; or
 
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(d)          to comply with the rules and regulations of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which any of the Senior Notes may be listed, traded or quoted; or
(e)          to add to the covenants, restrictions or obligations of the Company or to add to the Events of Default; provided, that such action pursuant to this clause (e) shall not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any Holders; or
(f)           to modify, eliminate or add to any provisions of the Indenture or the Senior Notes to such extent as shall be necessary to ensure that the Senior Notes are treated as indebtedness of the Company for United States federal income tax purposes; provided, that such action pursuant to this clause (f) shall not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any Holders.
 
Section 9.2
Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.
(a)          Subject to Section 9.1, with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Senior Notes under this Indenture; provided, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Note:
(i) change the Stated Maturity of the principal or any premium of any Senior Note or change the date of payment of any installment of interest (including any Additional Interest) on any Senior Note, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof or change the place of payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any Senior Note or interest thereon is payable, or restrict or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such date; or
(ii) reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver of compliance with any provision of this Indenture or of defaults hereunder and their consequences provided for in this Indenture; or
(iii) modify any of the provisions of this Section 9.2, Section 5.13 or Section 10.7, except to increase any percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes, the consent of whose Holders is required for any reason, or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Senior Note.
(b)          It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section 9.2 to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.
 
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Section 9.3
Execution of Supplemental Indentures.
In executing or accepting the additional trusts created by any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article IX or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and shall be fully protected in conclusively relying upon, an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture, and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such action have been complied with. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture that affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties, indemnities or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise. Copies of the final form of each supplemental indenture shall be delivered by the Trustee at the expense of the Company to each Holder promptly after the execution thereof.
 
Section 9.4
Effect of Supplemental Indentures.
Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article IX, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Senior Notes theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.
 
Section 9.5
Reference in Senior Notes to Supplemental Indentures.
Senior Notes authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article IX may, and shall if required by the Company, bear a notation in form approved by the Company as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Senior Notes so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Senior Notes.
ARTICLE X
 
COVENANTS
 
Section 10.1
Payment of Principal, Premium, if any, and Interest.
The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of the Holders of the Senior Notes that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of and any premium and interest (including any Additional Interest) on the Senior Notes in accordance with the terms of the Senior Notes and this Indenture.
 
Section 10.2
Money for Senior Note Payments to Be Held in Trust.
(a)          If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to the Senior Notes, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of and any premium or interest (including any Additional Interest) on the Senior Notes, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal and any premium or interest (including Additional Interest) so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such
 
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Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided, and will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of its failure so to act.
(b)          Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents, it will, prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on each due date of the principal of and any premium or interest (including any Additional Interest) on any Senior Notes, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay such amount, such sum to be held as provided in the Trust Indenture Act and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its failure so to act.
(c)          The Company will cause each Paying Agent for the Senior Notes other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section 10.2, that such Paying Agent will (i) comply with the provisions of this Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act applicable to it as a Paying Agent and (ii) during the continuance of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the Senior Notes) in the making of any payment in respect of the Senior Notes, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums held in trust by such Paying Agent for payment in respect of the Senior Notes.
(d)          The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such money.
(e)          Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company in trust for the payment of the principal of and any premium or interest (including any Additional Interest) on any Senior Note and remaining unclaimed for two (2) years after such principal and any premium or interest has become due and payable shall (unless otherwise required by mandatory provision of applicable escheat or abandoned or unclaimed property law) be paid on Company Request to the Company, or (if then held by the Company) shall (unless otherwise required by mandatory provision of applicable escheat or abandoned or unclaimed property law) be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Senior Note shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once, in a newspaper published in the English language, customarily published on each Business Day and of general circulation in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than thirty (30) days from the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Company.
 
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Section 10.3
Statement as to Compliance.
The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, an Officers’ Certificate (substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B) covering the preceding calendar year, stating whether or not to the knowledge of the signers thereof the Company is in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder), and if the Company shall be in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of which they may have knowledge.
 
Section 10.4
Calculation Agent.
(a)          The Company hereby agrees that for so long as any of the Senior Notes remain Outstanding, there will at all times be an agent appointed to calculate LIBOR in respect of each Interest Payment Date in accordance with the terms of Schedule A (the “Calculation Agent”). The Company has initially appointed the Trustee as Calculation Agent for purposes of determining LIBOR for each Interest Payment Date. The Calculation Agent may be removed by the Company at any time. If the Calculation Agent is unable or unwilling to act as such or is removed by the Company, the Company will promptly appoint as a replacement Calculation Agent the London office of a leading bank which is engaged in transactions in Eurodollar deposits in the international Eurodollar market and which does not control or is not controlled by or under common control with the Company or its Affiliates. The Calculation Agent may not resign its duties without a successor having been duly appointed. However, if no successor Calculation Agent shall have been so appointed by the Company and accepted appointment within sixty (60) days after the Company’s receipt written notice of resignation by the Calculation Agent, the Calculation Agent may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Calculation Agent and shall be reimbursed by the Company for reasonable costs and expenses incurred by such petition.
(b)          The Calculation Agent will, as soon as practicable after 11:00 a.m. (London time) on each LIBOR Determination Date (as defined in Schedule A), but in no event later than 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the Business Day immediately following each LIBOR Determination Date, the Calculation Agent will calculate the interest rate (the Interest Payment shall be rounded to the nearest cent, with half a cent being rounded upwards) for the related Interest Payment Date, and will communicate such rate and amount to the Company, the Trustee, each Paying Agent and the Depositary. The Calculation Agent will also specify to the Company the quotations upon which the foregoing rates and amounts are based and, in any event, the Calculation Agent shall notify the Company before 5:00 p.m. (London time) on each LIBOR Determination Date that either: (i) it has determined or is in the process of determining the foregoing rates and amounts or (ii) it has not determined and is not in the process of determining the foregoing rates and amounts, together with its reasons therefor. The Calculation Agent’s determination of the foregoing rates and amounts for any Interest Payment Date will (in the absence of manifest error) be final and binding upon all parties. For the sole purpose of calculating the interest rate for the Senior Notes, “Business Day” shall be defined as any day on which dealings in deposits in Dollars are transacted in the London interbank market.
 
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Section 10.5
Additional Covenants.
(a)          The Company covenants and agrees with each Holder of Senior Notes that if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, it shall not (i) declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any Equity Interests of the Company, (ii) vote in favor of or permit or otherwise allow any of its Subsidiaries to declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to or otherwise retire, any preferred Equity Interests of such Subsidiaries or other Equity Interests entitling the holders thereof to a stated rate of return (for the avoidance of doubt, whether such preferred Equity Interests are perpetual or otherwise), or (iii) make any payment of principal of or any interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities of the Company that rank pari passu in all respects with or junior in interest to the Senior Notes (other than (A) repurchases, redemptions or other acquisitions of Equity Interests of the Company in connection with any employment contract, benefit plan or other similar arrangement with or for the benefit of any one or more employees, officers, directors or consultants, in connection with a dividend reinvestment or Equity Interests purchase plan or in connection with the issuance of Equity Interests in the Company (or securities convertible into or exercisable for such Equity Interests) as consideration in an acquisition transaction entered into prior to the applicable Event of Default, (B) as a result of an exchange, conversion reclassification or combination of any class or series of the Company’s Equity Interests (or any Equity Interests in a Subsidiary of the Company) for any class or series of the Company’s Equity Interests or of any class or series of the Company’s indebtedness for any class or series of the Company’s Equity Interests, (C) the purchase of fractional interests in the Equity Interests of the Company pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such Equity Interests or the security being converted or exchanged, (D) any declaration of a dividend in connection with any Rights Plan, the issuance of rights, Equity Interests or other property under any Rights Plan or the redemption or repurchase of rights pursuant thereto or (E) any dividend in the form of Equity Interests, warrants, options or other rights where the dividend Equity Interest or the Equity Interest issuable upon exercise of such warrants, options or other rights is the same Equity Interest as that on which the dividend is being paid or ranks pari passu with or junior to such Equity Interest).
(b)          The Company also agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to meet the requirements to qualify, effective for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007, and all future fiscal years for as long as the Senior Notes are Outstanding, as a real estate investment trust under the Code so long as the Company determines that it is in its best interest to remain qualified as a real estate investment trust.
(c)          The Company hereby covenants and agrees that it shall maintain, as of the end of each fiscal quarter during which the Senior Notes are Outstanding, (i) Tangible Net Worth of at least $400,000,000 and (ii) a Debt-to-Total Capitalization Ratio of 95% or less.
 
Section 10.6
Offer to Repurchase upon Certain Change of Control Events.
Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company will make an offer (a “Change of Control Offer”) to each Holder to purchase all or a portion (in integral multiples of $1,000) of such Holder’s Outstanding Senior Notes at a purchase price in cash, and in
 
54
 

 
immediately available funds, equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof purchased and Outstanding on the date of purchase, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the principal amount thereof purchased to but excluding the date of purchase. Each such purchase shall be made in accordance with and each such right of purchase shall be subject to the terms of this Section 10.6.
Within twenty (20) days following the date upon which the Change of Control occurred, the Company shall send, by first-class mail, a notice to each Holder, with a copy to the Trustee, which notice shall govern the terms of any purchase made in accordance with this Section 10.6. The notice to the Holders shall contain all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender such Holders’ Outstanding Senior Notes pursuant to the Change of Control Offer. Such notice shall state:
(a)          that the Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 10.6 and that, to the extent lawful, all Senior Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn shall be accepted for payment;
(b)          the purchase date, which must be no earlier than thirty (30) days nor later than sixty (60) days from the date such notice is mailed, other than as may be required by law (the “Change of Control Payment Date”);
(c)          that any Senior Note not tendered shall continue to accrue interest and, if applicable, Additional Interest;
(d)          that, unless the Company defaults in making payment therefor, any Senior Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer shall cease to accrue interest and Additional Interest, if applicable, after the Change of Control Payment Date;
(e)          that Holders electing, in their sole discretion, to have a Senior Notes or any portion thereof purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender the Senior Note, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of the Senior Notes completed (or, in the case of an interest in a Global Senior Note, to provide written notice of such election) to the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third (3rd) Business Day prior to the Change of Control Payment Date;
(f)           that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Paying Agent receives, not later than five (5) Business Days prior to the Change of Control Payment Date, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Senior Notes the Holder delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its election to have such Senior Notes purchased;
(g)          that Holders whose Senior Notes are purchased only in part shall be issued new Senior Notes in a principal amount equal to the unpurchased portion of the Senior Notes surrendered; provided that each Senior Note purchased and each new Senior Note issued shall be in an original principal amount of $100,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, and such new Senior Notes will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Senior Notes (or appropriate adjustments to the amount and beneficial interests in a Global Senior Note will be made); and
 
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(h)          other circumstances and facts reasonably deemed relevant by the Company regarding such Change of Control.
If any of the Senior Notes subject to the Change of Control Offer is in the form of a Global Security, then the Company shall modify such notice to the extent necessary to comply with the procedures of the Depositary applicable to repurchases.
On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company shall, to the extent lawful (i) accept for payment Senior Notes or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer, (ii) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount of money sufficient to pay the purchase price plus accrued interest and Additional Interest, if any, of all Senior Notes or portions thereof so properly tendered and (iii) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Senior Notes so accepted together with an Officers’ Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes or portions thereof being purchased by the Company.
The Paying Agent shall promptly mail to the Holders of Notes properly tendered the purchase price for such Senior Notes and the Company shall promptly issue and the Trustee shall promptly (but in any case not later than five (5) Business Days after the Change of Control Payment Date) authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each Holder a new Senior Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Senior Notes surrendered; provided that each such new Senior Note shall be in a principal amount of $100,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. Any Senior Notes not so accepted shall be promptly mailed by the Company to the Holders thereof. For purposes of this Section 10.6, the Trustee shall act as the Paying Agent.
Any amounts remaining after the purchase of Senior Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer shall be returned by the Trustee to the Company.
Neither the Board of Directors of the Company nor the Trustee may waive the Company’s obligation to offer to purchase the Senior Notes pursuant to this Section 10.6.
The Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of Senior Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Section 10.6, the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under the provisions of this Section 10.6 by virtue of such compliance.
The Company will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and purchases all Senior Notes validly tendered and not properly withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer.
 
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Section 10.7
Waiver of Covenants.
The Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with any covenant or condition contained in Section 10.5 if, before or after the time for such compliance, the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Notes shall, by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such covenant or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such covenant or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Company in respect of any such covenant or condition shall remain in full force and effect.
 
Section 10.8
Treatment of Senior Notes.
The Company will treat the Senior Notes as indebtedness, and the amounts, other than payments of principal, payable in respect of the principal amount of such Senior Notes as interest, for all U.S. federal income tax purposes. All payments in respect of the Senior Notes will be made free and clear of U.S. withholding tax to any beneficial owner thereof that has provided an Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 or W-8BEN or any other applicable form (or any substitute or successor form) establishing a complete exemption from U.S. withholding tax.
ARTICLE XI
 
REDEMPTION OF SENIOR NOTES
 
Section 11.1
Optional Redemption and Special Redemption.
(a)          The Company may, at its option, on any date on or after July 30, 2012, no less than thirty (30) days and no more than sixty (60) days after receipt by the Trustee and the Holders of written notice of its election pursuant to this Section 11.1, redeem the Senior Notes in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at a redemption price equal to the Optional Redemption Price.
(b)          Prior to July 30, 2012, upon the occurrence and during the continuation of a Special Event, the Company may, at its option, redeem the Senior Notes, in whole but not in part, at a redemption price equal to one hundred and five percent (105%) of the principal amount thereof, together, in the case of any such redemption, with accrued and unpaid interest, including any Additional Interest, to but excluding the date fixed as the Redemption Date (the “Special Redemption Price”).
 
Section 11.2
[Reserved].
 
Section 11.3
Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.
The election of the Company to redeem any Senior Notes, in whole or in part, shall be evidenced by or pursuant to a Board Resolution. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company, the Company shall, not less than forty-five (45) days and not more than seventy-five (75) days prior to the Redemption Date (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee in writing of such date and of the principal amount of the Senior
 
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Notes to be redeemed and provide the additional information required to be included in the notice or notices contemplated by Section 11.5. In the case of any redemption of Senior Notes, in whole or in part, (a) prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in this Indenture or the Senior Notes or (b) pursuant to an election of the Company which is subject to a condition specified in this Indenture or the Senior Notes, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel evidencing compliance with such restriction or condition.
 
Section 11.4
Selection of Senior Notes to Be Redeemed.
(a)          If less than all the Senior Notes are to be redeemed, the particular Senior Notes to be redeemed shall be selected and redeemed on a pro rata basis not more than sixty (60) days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee from the Outstanding Senior Notes not previously called for redemption; provided, that the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of any Senior Note shall be in an authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) for such Senior Note.
(b)          The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Senior Notes selected for redemption and, in the case of any Senior Notes selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Senior Notes shall relate, in the case of any Senior Note redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Senior Note that has been or is to be redeemed.
(c)          The provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 11.4 shall not apply with respect to any redemption affecting only a single Senior Note, whether such Senior Note is to be redeemed in whole or in part. In the case of any such redemption in part, the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of the Senior Note shall be in an authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) for such Senior Note.
 
Section 11.5
Notice of Redemption.
(a)          Notice of redemption shall be given not later than the thirtieth (30th) day, and not earlier than the sixtieth (60th) day, prior to the Redemption Date to each Holder of Senior Notes to be redeemed, in whole or in part.
(b)          With respect to Senior Notes to be redeemed, in whole or in part, each notice of redemption shall state:
(i) the Redemption Date;
(ii) the Optional Redemption Price or, if the Optional Redemption Price cannot be calculated prior to the time the notice is required to be sent, the estimate of the Optional Redemption Price, as calculated by the Company, together with a statement that it is an estimate and that the actual Optional Redemption Price will be calculated on the fifth Business Day prior to the Redemption Date (and if an estimate is provided, a further notice shall be sent of the actual Optional Redemption Price on the date that such Optional Redemption Price is calculated);
 
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(iii) if less than all Outstanding Senior Notes are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption, the respective principal amounts) of the amount of and particular Senior Notes to be redeemed;
(iv) that on the Redemption Date, the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each such Senior Note or portion thereof, and that any interest (including any Additional Interest) on such Senior Note or such portion, as the case may be, shall cease to accrue on and after said date; and
(v) the place or places where such Senior Notes are to be surrendered for payment of the Optional Redemption Price.
(c)          Notice of redemption of Senior Notes to be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the election of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company’s request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company and shall be irrevocable. The notice if mailed in the manner provided above shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the Holder receives such notice. In any case, a failure to give such notice by mail or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Senior Note designated for redemption as a whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Senior Note.
 
Section 11.6
Deposit of Optional Redemption Price.
Prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Redemption Date specified in the notice of redemption given as provided in Section 11.5, the Company will deposit with the Trustee or with one or more Paying Agents (or if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, the Company will segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 10.2) an amount of money sufficient to pay the Optional Redemption Price of, and any accrued interest (including any Additional Interest) on, all the Senior Notes (or portions thereof) that are to be redeemed on that date.
 
Section 11.7
Payment of Senior Notes Called for Redemption.
(a)          If any notice of redemption has been given as provided in Section 11.5, the Senior Notes or portion of Senior Notes with respect to which such notice has been given shall become due and payable on the date and at the place or places stated in such notice at the applicable Optional Redemption Price. On presentation and surrender of such Senior Notes at a Place of Payment specified in such notice, the Senior Notes or the specified portions thereof shall be paid and redeemed by the Company at the applicable Optional Redemption Price.
(b)          Upon presentation of any Senior Note redeemed in part only, the Company shall execute and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order, shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder thereof, at the expense of the Company, a new Senior Note or Senior Notes, of authorized denominations, in aggregate principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Senior Note so presented and having the same Original Issue Date, Stated Maturity and terms.
 
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(c)          If any Senior Note called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal of and any premium on such Senior Note shall, until paid, bear interest from and including the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the Senior Note.
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC.
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Richard Shea
 
Name:
Richard Shea
 
Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as Trustee
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Tracy McLamb
 
Name:
Tracy McLamb
 
Title:
Vice President
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[Signature page to Indenture]
 
 

 
Schedule A
 
DETERMINATION OF LIBOR
 

 
Exhibit A
 
FORM OF OFFICER’S FINANCIAL CERTIFICATE

 
Exhibit B
 
FORM OF
OFFICERS’ CERTIFICATE
PURSUANT TO SECTION 10.3
 
 
EX-10.10A 3 v105220_ex10-10a.htm

Dated as of December 23, 2004
 
Between:
 
Anthracite Funding, LLC, Seller
 
and
 
Deutsche Bank AG, Cayman Islands Branch, Buyer
 
1.  
Applicability
 
From time to time the parties hereto may enter into transactions in which one party (“Seller”) agrees to transfer to the other (“Buyer”) securities or other assets (“Securities”) against the transfer of funds by Buyer, with a simultaneous agreement by Buyer to transfer to Seller such Securities at a date certain or on demand, against the transfer of funds by Seller. Each such transaction shall be referred to herein as a “Transaction” and, unless otherwise agreed in writing, shall be governed by this Agreement, including any supplemental terms or conditions contained in Annex I hereto and in any other annexes identified herein or therein as applicable hereunder.
 
2.  
Definitions
 
(a)  
“Act of Insolvency”, with respect to any party, (i) the commencement by such party as debtor of any case or proceeding under any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, liquidation, moratorium, dissolution, delinquency or similar law, or such party seeking the appointment or election of a receiver, conservator, trustee, custodian or similar official for such party or any substantial part of its property, or the convening of any meeting of creditors for purposes of commencing any such case or proceeding or seeking such an appointment or election, (ii) the commencement of any such case or proceeding against such party, or another seeking such an appointment or election, or the filing against a party of an application for a protective decree under the provisions of the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970, which (A) is consented to or not timely contested by such party, (B) results in the entry of an order for relief, such an appointment or election, the issuance of such a protective decree or the entry of an order having a similar effect, or (C) is not dismissed within 15 days, (iii) the making by such party of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or (iv) the admission in writing by such party of such party’s inability to pay such party’s debts as they become due;
 
 
 

 
   
(b)  
“Additional Purchased Securities”, Securities provided by Seller to Buyer pursuant to Paragraph 4(a) hereof;
 
(c)  
“Buyer’s Margin Amount”, with respect to any Transaction as of any date, the amount obtained by application of the Buyer’s Margin Percentage to the Repurchase Price for such Transaction as of such date;
 
(d)  
“Buyer’s Margin Percentage”, with respect to any Transaction as of any date, a percentage (which may be equal to the Seller’s Margin Percentage) agreed to by Buyer and Seller or, in the absence of any such agreement, the percentage obtained by dividing the Market Value of the Purchased Securities on the Purchase Date by the Purchase Price on the Purchase Date for such Transaction;
 
(e)  
“Confirmation”, the meaning specified in Paragraph 3(b) hereof;
 
(f)  
“Income”, with respect to any Security at any time, any principal thereof and all interest, dividends or other distributions thereon;
 
(g)  
“Margin Deficit”, the meaning specified in Paragraph 4(a) hereof;
 
(h)  
“Margin Excess”, the meaning specified in Paragraph 4(b) hereof;
 
(i)  
“Margin Notice Deadline”, the time agreed to by the parties in the relevant Confirmation, Annex I hereto or otherwise as the deadline for giving notice requiring same-day satisfaction of margin maintenance obligations as provided in Paragraph 4 hereof (or, in the absence of any such agreement, the deadline for such purposes established in accordance with market practice);
 
(j)  
“Market Value”, with respect to any Securities as of any date, the price for such Securities on such date obtained from a generally recognized source agreed to by the parties or the most recent closing bid quotation from such a source, plus accrued Income to the extent not included therein (other than any Income credited or transferred to, or applied to the obligations of, Seller pursuant to Paragraph 5 hereof) as of such date (unless contrary to market practice for such Securities);
 
(k)  
“Price Differential”, with respect to any Transaction as of any date, the aggregate amount obtained by daily application of the Pricing Rate for such Transaction to the Purchase Price for such Transaction on a 360 day per year basis for the actual number of days during the period commencing on (and including) the Purchase Date for such Transaction and ending on (but excluding) the date of determination (reduced by any amount of such Price Differential previously paid by Seller to Buyer with respect to such Transaction);
 
 
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(l)  
“Pricing Rate”, the per annum percentage rate for determination of the Price Differential;
 
(m)  
“Prime Rate”, the prime rate of U.S. commercial banks as published in The Wall Street Journal (or, if more than one such rate is published, the average of such rates);
 
(n)  
“Purchase Date”, the date on which Purchased Securities are to be transferred by Seller to Buyer;
 
(o)  
“Purchase Price”, (i) on the Purchase Date, the price at which Purchased Securities are transferred by Seller to Buyer, and (ii) thereafter, except where Buyer and Seller agree otherwise, such price increased by the amount of any cash transferred by Buyer to Seller pursuant to Paragraph 4(b) hereof and decreased by the amount of any cash transferred by Seller to Buyer pursuant to Paragraph 4(a) hereof or applied to reduce Seller’s obligations under clause (ii) of Paragraph 5 hereof;
 
(p)  
“Purchased Securities”, the Securities transferred by Seller to Buyer in a Transaction hereunder, and any Securities substituted therefor in accordance with Paragraph 9 hereof. The term “Purchased Securities” with respect to any Transaction at any time also shall include Additional Purchased Securities delivered pursuant to Paragraph 4(a) hereof and shall exclude Securities returned pursuant to Paragraph 4(b) hereof;
 
(q)  
“Repurchase Date”, the date on which Seller is to repurchase the Purchased Securities from Buyer, including any date determined by application of the provisions of Paragraph 3(c) or 11 hereof;
 
(r)  
“Repurchase Price”, the price at which Purchased Securities are to be transferred from Buyer to Seller upon termination of a Transaction, which will be determined in each case (including Transactions terminable upon demand) as the sum of the Purchase Price and the Price Differential as of the date of such determination;
 
(s)  
“Seller’s Margin Amount”, with respect to any Transaction as of any date, the amount obtained by application of the Seller’s Margin Percentage to the Repurchase Price for such Transaction as of such date;
 
(t)  
“Seller’s Margin Percentage”, with respect to any Transaction as of any date, a percentage (which may be equal to the Buyer’s Margin Percentage) agreed to by Buyer and Seller or, in the absence of any such agreement, the percentage obtained by dividing the Market Value of the Purchased Securities on the Purchase Date by the Purchase Price on the Purchase Date for such Transaction.
 
 
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3.  
Initiation; Confirmation; Termination
 
(a)  
An agreement to enter into a Transaction may be made orally or in writing at the initiation of either Buyer or Seller. On the Purchase Date for the Transaction, the Purchased Securities shall be transferred to Buyer or its agent against the transfer of the Purchase Price to an account of Seller.
 
(b)  
Upon agreeing to enter into a Transaction hereunder, Buyer or Seller (or both), as shall be agreed, shall promptly deliver to the other party a written confirmation of each Transaction (a “Confirmation”). The Confirmation shall describe the Purchased Securities (including CUSIP number, if any), identify Buyer and Seller and set forth (i) the Purchase Date, (ii) the Purchase Price, (iii) the Repurchase Date, unless the Transaction is to be terminable on demand, (iv) the Pricing Rate or Repurchase Price applicable to the Transaction, and (v) any additional terms or conditions of the Transaction not inconsistent with this Agreement. The Confirmation, together with this Agreement, shall constitute conclusive evidence of the terms agreed between Buyer and Seller with respect to the Transaction to which the Confirmation relates, unless with respect to the Confirmation specific objection is made promptly after receipt thereof. In the event of any conflict between the terms of such Confirmation and this Agreement, this Agreement shall prevail.
 
(c)  
In the case of Transactions terminable upon demand, such demand shall be made by Buyer or Seller, no later than such time as is customary in accordance with market practice, by telephone or otherwise on or prior to the business day on which such termination will be effective. On the date specified in such demand, or on the date fixed for termination in the case of Transactions having a fixed term, termination of the Transaction will be effected by transfer to Seller or its agent of the Purchased Securities and any Income in respect thereof received by Buyer (and not previously credited or transferred to, or applied to the obligations of, Seller pursuant to Paragraph 5 hereof) against the transfer of the Repurchase Price to an account of Buyer.
 
4.  
Margin Maintenance
 
(a)  
If at any time the aggregate Market Value of all Purchased Securities subject to all Transactions in which a particular party hereto is acting as Buyer is less than the aggregate Buyer’s Margin Amount for all such Transactions (a “Margin Deficit”), then Buyer may by notice to Seller require Seller in such Transactions, at Seller’s option, to transfer to Buyer cash or additional Securities reasonably acceptable to Buyer (“Additional Purchased Securities”), so that the cash and aggregate Market Value of the Purchased Securities, including any such Additional Purchased Securities, will thereupon equal or exceed such aggregate Buyer’s Margin Amount (decreased by the amount of any Margin Deficit as of such date arising from any Transactions in which such Buyer is acting as Seller).
 
 
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(b)  
If at any time the aggregate Market Value of all Purchased Securities subject to all Transactions in which a particular party hereto is acting as Seller exceeds the aggregate Seller’s Margin Amount for all such Transactions at such time (a “Margin Excess”), then Seller may by notice to Buyer require Buyer in such Transactions, at Buyer’s option, to transfer cash or Purchased Securities to Seller, so that the aggregate Market Value of the Purchased Securities, after deduction of any such cash or any Purchased Securities so transferred, will thereupon not exceed such aggregate Seller’s Margin Amount (increased by the amount of any Margin Excess as of such date arising from any Transactions in which such Seller is acting as Buyer).
 
(c)  
If any notice is given by Buyer or Seller under subparagraph (a) or (b) of this Paragraph at or before the Margin Notice Deadline on any business day, the party receiving such notice shall transfer cash or Additional Purchased Securities as provided in such subparagraph no later than the close of business in the relevant market on such day. If any such notice is given after the Margin Notice Deadline, the party receiving such notice shall transfer such cash or Securities no later than the close of business in the relevant market on the next business day following such notice.
 
(d)  
Any cash transferred pursuant to this Paragraph shall be attributed to such Transactions as shall be agreed upon by Buyer and Seller.
 
(e)  
Seller and Buyer may agree, with respect to any or all Transactions hereunder, that the respective rights of Buyer or Seller (or both) under subparagraphs (a) and (b) of this Paragraph may be exercised only where a Margin Deficit or a Margin Excess, as the case may be, exceeds a specified dollar amount or a specified percentage of the Repurchase Prices for such Transactions (which amount or percentage shall be agreed to by Buyer and Seller prior to entering into any such Transactions).
 
(f)  
Seller and Buyer may agree, with respect to any or all Transactions hereunder, that the respective rights of Buyer and Seller under subparagraphs (a) and (b) of this Paragraph to require the elimination of a Margin Deficit or a Margin Excess, as the case may be, may be exercised whenever such a Margin Deficit or a Margin Excess exists with respect to any single Transaction hereunder (calculated without regard to any other Transaction outstanding under this Agreement).
 
5.  
Income Payments
 
Seller shall be entitled to receive an amount equal to all Income paid or distributed on or in respect of the Securities that is not otherwise received by Seller, to the full extent it would be so entitled if the Securities had not been sold to Buyer. Buyer shall, as the parties may agree with respect to any Transaction (or, in the absence of any such agreement, as Buyer shall reasonably determine in its discretion), on the date such Income is paid or distributed either (i) transfer to or credit to the account of Seller such Income with respect to any Purchased Securities subject to such Transaction or (ii) with respect to Income paid in cash, apply the Income payment or payments to reduce the amount, if any, to be transferred to Buyer by Seller upon termination of such Transaction. Buyer shall not be obligated to take any action pursuant to the preceding sentence (A) to the extent that such action would result in the creation of a Margin Deficit, unless prior thereto or simultaneously therewith Seller transfers to Buyer cash or Additional Purchased Securities sufficient to eliminate such Margin Deficit, or (B) if an Event of Default with respect to Seller has occurred and is then continuing at the time such Income is paid or distributed.
 
 
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6.  
Security Interest
 
Although the parties intend that all Transactions hereunder be sales and purchases and not loans, in the event any such Transactions are deemed to be loans, Seller shall be deemed to have pledged to Buyer as security for the performance by Seller of its obligations under each such Transaction, and shall be deemed to have granted to Buyer a security interest in, all of the Purchased Securities with respect to all Transactions hereunder and all Income thereon and other proceeds thereof.
 
7.  
Payment and Transfer
 
Unless otherwise mutually agreed, all transfers of funds hereunder shall be in immediately available funds. All Securities transferred by one party hereto to the other party (i) shall be in suitable form for transfer or shall be accompanied by duly executed instruments of transfer or assignment in blank and such other documentation as the party receiving possession may reasonably request, (ii) shall be transferred on the book-entry system of a Federal Reserve Bank, or (iii) shall be transferred by any other method mutually acceptable to Seller and Buyer.
 
8.  
Segregation of Purchased Securities
 
To the extent required by applicable law, all Purchased Securities in the possession of Seller shall be segregated from other securities in its possession and shall be identified as subject to this Agreement. Segregation may be accomplished by appropriate identification on the books and records of the holder, including a financial or securities intermediary or a clearing corporation. All of Seller’s interest in the Purchased Securities shall pass to Buyer on the Purchase Date and, unless otherwise agreed by Buyer and Seller, nothing in this Agreement shall preclude Buyer from engaging in repurchase transactions with the Purchased Securities or otherwise selling, transferring, pledging or hypothecating the Purchased Securities, but no such transaction shall relieve Buyer of its obligations to transfer Purchased Securities to Seller pursuant to Paragraph 3, 4 or 11 hereof, or of Buyer’s obligation to credit or pay Income to, or apply Income to the obligations of, Seller pursuant to Paragraph 5 hereof.
 
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Required Disclosure for Transactions in Which the Seller Retains Custody of the Purchased Securities
 
Seller is not permitted to substitute other securities for those subject to this Agreement and therefore must keep Buyer’s securities segregated at all times, unless in this Agreement Buyer grants Seller the right to substitute other securities. If Buyer grants the right to substitute, this means that Buyer’s securities will likely be commingled with Seller’s own securities during the trading day. Buyer is advised that, during any trading day that Buyer’s securities are commingled with Seller’s securities, they [will]* [may]** be subject to liens granted by Seller to [its clearing bank]* [third parties]** and may be used by Seller for deliveries on other securities transactions. Whenever the securities are commingled, Seller’s ability to resegregate substitute securities for Buyer will be subject to Seller’s ability to satisfy [the clearing]* [any]** lien or to obtain substitute securities.
 
* Language to be used under 17 C.F.R. §403.4(e) if Seller is a government securities broker or dealer other than a financial institution.
 
** Language to be used under 17 C.F.R. §403.5(d) if Seller is a financial institution.
 

9.  
Substitution
 
(a)  
Seller may, subject to agreement with and acceptance by Buyer, substitute other Securities for any Purchased Securities. Such substitution shall be made by transfer to Buyer of such other Securities and transfer to Seller of such Purchased Securities. After substitution, the substituted Securities shall be deemed to be Purchased Securities.
 
(b)  
In Transactions in which Seller retains custody of Purchased Securities, the parties expressly agree that Buyer shall be deemed, for purposes of subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph, to have agreed to and accepted in this Agreement substitution by Seller of other Securities for Purchased Securities; provided, however, that such other Securities shall have a Market Value at least equal to the Market Value of the Purchased Securities for which they are substituted.
 
10.  
Representations
 
Each of Buyer and Seller represents and warrants to the other that (i) it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Agreement, to enter into Transactions contemplated hereunder and to perform its obligations hereunder and has taken all necessary action to authorize such execution, delivery and performance, (ii) it will engage in such Transactions as principal (or, if agreed in writing, in the form of an annex hereto or otherwise, in advance of any Transaction by the other party hereto, as agent for a disclosed principal), (iii) the person signing this Agreement on its behalf is duly authorized to do so on its behalf (or on behalf of any such disclosed principal), (iv) it has obtained all authorizations of any governmental body required in connection with this Agreement and the Transactions hereunder and such authorizations are in full force and effect and (v) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Transactions hereunder will not violate any law, ordinance, charter, by-law or rule applicable to it or any agreement by which it is bound or by which any of its assets are affected. On the Purchase Date for any Transaction Buyer and Seller shall each be deemed to repeat all the foregoing representations made by it.
 
 
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11.  
Events of Default
 
In the event that (i) Seller fails to transfer or Buyer fails to purchase Purchased Securities upon the applicable Purchase Date, (ii) Seller fails to repurchase or Buyer fails to transfer Purchased Securities upon the applicable Repurchase Date, (iii) Seller or Buyer fails to comply with Paragraph 4 hereof, (iv) Buyer fails, after one business day’s notice, to comply with Paragraph 5 hereof, (v) an Act of Insolvency occurs with respect to Seller or Buyer, (vi) any representation made by Seller or Buyer shall have been incorrect or untrue in any material respect when made or repeated or deemed to have been made or repeated, or (vii) Seller or Buyer shall admit to the other its inability to, or its intention not to, perform any of its obligations hereunder (each an “Event of Default”):
 
(a)  
The nondefaulting party may, at its option (which option shall be deemed to have been exercised immediately upon the occurrence of an Act of Insolvency), declare an Event of Default to have occurred hereunder and, upon the exercise or deemed exercise of such option, the Repurchase Date for each Transaction hereunder shall, if it has not already occurred, be deemed immediately to occur (except that, in the event that the Purchase Date for any Transaction has not yet occurred as of the date of such exercise or deemed exercise, such Transaction shall be deemed immediately canceled). The nondefaulting party shall (except upon the occurrence of an Act of Insolvency) give notice to the defaulting party of the exercise of such option as promptly as practicable.
 
(b)  
In all Transactions in which the defaulting party is acting as Seller, if the nondefaulting party exercises or is deemed to have exercised the option referred to in subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph, (i) the defaulting party’s obligations in such Transactions to repurchase all Purchased Securities, at the Repurchase Price therefor on the Repurchase Date determined in accordance with subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph shall thereupon become immediately due and payable, (ii) all Income paid after such exercise or deemed exercise shall be retained by the nondefaulting party and applied to the aggregate unpaid Repurchase Prices and any other amounts owing by the defaulting party hereunder, and (iii) the defaulting party shall immediately deliver to the nondefaulting party any Purchased Securities subject to such Transactions then in the defaulting party’s possession or control.
 
(c)  
In all Transactions in which the defaulting party is acting as Buyer, upon tender by the nondefaulting party of payment of the aggregate Repurchase Prices for all such Transactions, all right, title and interest in and entitlement to all Purchased Securities subject to such Transactions shall be deemed transferred to the nondefaulting party, and the defaulting party shall deliver all such Purchased Securities to the nondefaulting party.
 
 
8

 
   
(d)  
If the nondefaulting party exercises or is deemed to have exercised the option referred to in subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph, the nondefaulting party, without prior notice to the defaulting party, may:
 
(i)  
as to Transactions in which the defaulting party is acting as Seller, (A) immediately sell, in a recognized market (or otherwise in a commercially reasonable manner) at such price or prices as the nondefaulting party may reasonably deem satisfactory, any or all Purchased Securities subject to such Transactions and apply the proceeds thereof to the aggregate unpaid Repurchase Prices and any other amounts owing by the defaulting party hereunder or (B) in its sole discretion elect, in lieu of selling all or a portion of such Purchased Securities, to give the defaulting party credit for such Purchased Securities in an amount equal to the price therefor on such date, obtained from a generally recognized source or the most recent closing bid quotation from such a source, against the aggregate unpaid Repurchase Prices and any other amounts owing by the defaulting party hereunder; and
 
(ii)  
as to Transactions in which the defaulting party is acting as Buyer, (A) immediately purchase, in a recognized market (or otherwise in a commercially reasonable manner) at such price or prices as the nondefaulting party may reasonably deem satisfactory, securities (“Replacement Securities”) of the same class and amount as any Purchased Securities that are not delivered by the defaulting party to the nondefaulting party as required hereunder or (B) in its sole discretion elect, in lieu of purchasing Replacement Securities, to be deemed to have purchased Replacement Securities at the price therefor on such date, obtained from a generally recognized source or the most recent closing offer quotation from such a source.
 
Unless otherwise provided in Annex I, the parties acknowledge and agree that (1) the Securities subject to any Transaction hereunder are instruments traded in a recognized market, (2) in the absence of a generally recognized source for prices or bid or offer quotations for any Security, the nondefaulting party may establish the source therefor in its sole discretion and (3) all prices, bids and offers shall be determined together with accrued Income (except to the extent contrary to market practice with respect to the relevant Securities).
 
(e)  
As to Transactions in which the defaulting party is acting as Buyer, the defaulting party shall be liable to the nondefaulting party for any excess of the price paid (or deemed paid) by the nondefaulting party for Replacement Securities over the Repurchase Price for the Purchased Securities replaced thereby and for any amounts payable by the defaulting party under Paragraph 5 hereof or otherwise hereunder.
 
 
9

 
   
(f)  
For purposes of this Paragraph 11, the Repurchase Price for each Transaction hereunder in respect of which the defaulting party is acting as Buyer shall not increase above the amount of such Repurchase Price for such Transaction determined as of the date of the exercise or deemed exercise by the nondefaulting party of the option referred to in subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph.
 
(g)  
The defaulting party shall be liable to the nondefaulting party for (i) the amount of all reasonable legal or other expenses incurred by the nondefaulting party in connection with or as a result of an Event of Default, (ii) damages in an amount equal to the cost (including all fees, expenses and commissions) of entering into replacement transactions and entering into or terminating hedge transactions in connection with or as a result of an Event of Default, and (iii) any other loss, damage, cost or expense directly arising or resulting from the occurrence of an Event of Default in respect of a Transaction.
 
(h)  
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the defaulting party shall be liable to the nondefaulting party for interest on any amounts owing by the defaulting party hereunder, from the date the defaulting party becomes liable for such amounts hereunder until such amounts are (i) paid in full by the defaulting party or (ii) satisfied in full by the exercise of the nondefaulting party’s rights hereunder. Interest on any sum payable by the defaulting party to the nondefaulting party under this Paragraph 11(h) shall be at a rate equal to the greater of the Pricing Rate for the relevant Transaction or the Prime Rate.
 
(i)  
The nondefaulting party shall have, in addition to its rights hereunder, any rights otherwise available to it under any other agreement or applicable law.
 
12.  
Single Agreement
 
Buyer and Seller acknowledge that, and have entered hereinto and will enter into each Transaction hereunder in consideration of and in reliance upon the fact that, all Transactions hereunder constitute a single business and contractual relationship and have been made in consideration of each other. Accordingly, each of Buyer and Seller agrees (i) to perform all of its obligations in respect of each Transaction hereunder, and that a default in the performance of any such obligations shall constitute a default by it in respect of all Transactions hereunder, (ii) that each of them shall be entitled to set off claims and apply property held by them in respect of any Transaction against obligations owing to them in respect of any other Transactions hereunder and (iii) that payments, deliveries and other transfers made by either of them in respect of any Transaction shall be deemed to have been made in consideration of payments, deliveries and other transfers in respect of any other Transactions hereunder, and the obligations to make any such payments, deliveries and other transfers may be applied against each other and netted.
 
13.  
Notices and Other Communications
 
Any and all notices, statements, demands or other communications hereunder may be given by a party to the other by mail, facsimile, telegraph, messenger or otherwise to the address specified in Annex II hereto, or so sent to such party at any other place specified in a notice of change of address hereafter received by the other. All notices, demands and requests hereunder may be made orally, to be confirmed promptly in writing, or by other communication as specified in the preceding sentence.
 
 
10

 
 
14.  
Entire Agreement; Severability
 
This Agreement shall supersede any existing agreements between the parties containing general terms and conditions for repurchase transactions. Each provision and agreement herein shall be treated as separate and independent from any other provision or agreement herein and shall be enforceable notwithstanding the unenforceability of any such other provision or agreement.
 
15.  
Non-assignability; Termination
 
(a)  
The rights and obligations of the parties under this Agreement and under any Transaction shall not be assigned by either party without the prior written consent of the other party, and any such assignment without the prior written consent of the other party shall be null and void. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement and any Transactions shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and assigns. This Agreement may be terminated by either party upon giving written notice to the other, except that this Agreement shall, notwithstanding such notice, remain applicable to any Transactions then outstanding.
 
(b)  
Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph 15 shall not preclude a party from assigning, charging or otherwise dealing with all or any part of its interest in any sum payable to it under Paragraph 11 hereof.
 
16.  
Governing Law
 
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the conflict of law principles thereof.
 
17.  
No Waivers, Etc.
 
No express or implied waiver of any Event of Default by either party shall constitute a waiver of any other Event of Default and no exercise of any remedy hereunder by any party shall constitute a waiver of its right to exercise any other remedy hereunder. No modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement and no consent by any party to a departure herefrom shall be effective unless and until such shall be in writing and duly executed by both of the parties hereto. Without limitation on any of the foregoing, the failure to give a notice pursuant to Paragraph 4(a) or 4(b) hereof will not constitute a waiver of any right to do so at a later date.
 
 
11

 
 
18.  
Use of Employee Plan Assets
 
(a)  
If assets of an employee benefit plan subject to any provision of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) are intended to be used by either party hereto (the “Plan Party”) in a Transaction, the Plan Party shall so notify the other party prior to the Transaction. The Plan Party shall represent in writing to the other party that the Transaction does not constitute a prohibited transaction under ERISA or is otherwise exempt therefrom, and the other party may proceed in reliance thereon but shall not be required so to proceed.
 
(b)  
Subject to the last sentence of subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph, any such Transaction shall proceed only if Seller furnishes or has furnished to Buyer its most recent available audited statement of its financial condition and its most recent subsequent unaudited statement of its financial condition.
 
(c)  
By entering into a Transaction pursuant to this Paragraph, Seller shall be deemed (i) to represent to Buyer that since the date of Seller’s latest such financial statements, there has been no material adverse change in Seller’s financial condition which Seller has not disclosed to Buyer, and (ii) to agree to provide Buyer with future audited and unaudited statements of its financial condition as they are issued, so long as it is a Seller in any outstanding Transaction involving a Plan Party.
 
19.  
Intent
 
(a)  
The parties recognize that each Transaction is a “repurchase agreement” as that term is defined in Section 101 of Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended (except insofar as the type of Securities subject to such Transaction or the term of such Transaction would render such definition inapplicable), and a “securities contract” as that term is defined in Section 741 of Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended (except insofar as the type of assets subject to such Transaction would render such definition inapplicable).
 
(b)  
It is understood that either party’s right to liquidate Securities delivered to it in connection with Transactions hereunder or to exercise any other remedies pursuant to Paragraph 11 hereof is a contractual right to liquidate such Transaction as described in Sections 555 and 559 of Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended.
 
(c)  
The parties agree and acknowledge that if a party hereto is an “insured depository institution,” as such term is defined in the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended (“FDIA”), then each Transaction hereunder is a “qualified financial contract,” as that term is defined in FDIA and any rules, orders or policy statements thereunder (except insofar as the type of assets subject to such Transaction would render such definition inapplicable).
 
(d)  
It is understood that this Agreement constitutes a “netting contract” as defined in and subject to Title IV of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”) and each payment entitlement and payment obligation under any Transaction hereunder shall constitute a “covered contractual payment entitlement” or “covered contractual payment obligation”, respectively, as defined in and subject to FDICIA (except insofar as one or both of the parties is not a “financial institution” as that term is defined in FDICIA).
 
 
12

 
   
20.  
Disclosure Relating to Certain Federal Protections
 
The parties acknowledge that they have been advised that:
 
(a)  
in the case of Transactions in which one of the parties is a broker or dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“1934 Act”), the Securities Investor Protection Corporation has taken the position that the provisions of the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970 (“SIPA”) do not protect the other party with respect to any Transaction hereunder;
 
(b)  
in the case of Transactions in which one of the parties is a government securities broker or a government securities dealer registered with the SEC under Section 15C of the 1934 Act, SIPA will not provide protection to the other party with respect to any Transaction hereunder; and
 
(c)  
in the case of Transactions in which one of the parties is a financial institution, funds held by the financial institution pursuant to a Transaction hereunder are not a deposit and therefore are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, as applicable.
 
 
13

 
 
Anthracite Funding, LLC      
           
           
By: Anthracite Capital, Inc., its sole member      
           
           
  By: /s/ Robert Friedberg       
   
Name: Robert Friedberg
   
    Title: Vice President      
 
Deutsche Bank AG, Cayman Islands Branch      
           
           
 
By: 
/s/ Christopher Tognola
     
   

Name: Christopher Tognola
     
    Title: Vice President      
           
           
  By: /s/ Christine Belbusti       
   
Name: Christine Belbusti
   
    Title: Vice President      
 
 
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GUARANTY
 
This GUARANTY is made and entered into by Anthracite Capital, Inc., a Maryland corporation whose address is 40 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10022 (“Guarantor”), for the benefit of Deutsche Bank AG, Cayman Islands Branch, whose address is 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005 (“Buyer”). This Guaranty is made with reference to the following facts (with some capitalized terms being defined below):
 
A. Buyer is considering entering into one or more repurchase agreement transactions (the “Repurchase Transactions”) in the aggregate amount of Two Hundred Million Dollars ($200,000,000.00) with Anthracite Funding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company whose address is 40 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10154 (“Seller”).
 
B. In connection with the Repurchase Transactions, Seller and Buyer are entering into the following documents (collectively, together with this Guaranty and any other documents evidencing, securing, or otherwise relating to the Repurchase Transactions or this Guaranty, the “Repurchase Documents,” which term is more fully defined below):
 
1. that certain Master Repurchase Agreement between Seller and Buyer dated December 23, 2004, together with all annexes thereto including but not limited to the English Loan Supplement between Seller and Buyer dated December 23, 2004 (as amended, modified and in effect from time to time, the “Repurchase Agreement”); and
 
2. that certain Amended and Restated Custodial Agreement among Buyer, Seller and LaSalle Bank National Association dated as of December 23, 2004 together with the English Custodian Agreement between LaSalle Bank National Association and Buyer dated as of December 23, 2004 and any other amendments or supplements.
 
C. Buyer has examined, among other things, both Seller’s and Guarantor’s creditworthiness and ability to pay and perform Seller’s obligations under the Repurchase Documents.
 
D. Buyer has requested, as a condition of entering into the Repurchase Agreement, that the obligations of Seller be guarantied by Guarantor.
 
E. Guarantor is the direct owner of 100% of the membership interests of Seller.
 
F. Guarantor expects to benefit if Buyer enters into the Repurchase Agreement with Seller, and desires that Buyer enter into the Repurchase Agreement with Seller.
 
G. Buyer would not enter into, and would not be obligated to enter into, the Repurchase Agreement with Seller unless Guarantor executed this Guaranty. This Guaranty is therefore delivered to Buyer to induce Buyer to enter into the Repurchase Agreement.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in exchange for good, adequate, and valuable consideration, the receipt of which Guarantor acknowledges, and to induce Buyer to enter into the Repurchase Agreement and accept the Repurchase Documents, Guarantor agrees as follows:
 
 
 

 
 
1. Definitions. For purposes of this Guaranty, the following terms shall be defined as set forth below. In addition, any capitalized term defined in the Repurchase Agreement but not defined in this Guaranty shall have the same meaning in this Guaranty as in the Repurchase Agreement.
 
(a) Affiliate” means, when used with respect to any specified Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such Person. “Control” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise and “controlling” and “controlled” shall have meanings correlative thereto.
 
(b) Business Day” means a day other than (i) a Saturday or Sunday, or (ii) a day in which the New York Stock Exchange or banks in the State of New York or Illinois are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to be closed.
 
(c) Buyer Entity” means, as designated by Buyer from time to time, Buyer or Buyer’s assignee, designee, nominee, servicer, or wholly owned Subsidiary, provided that Buyer’s assignee is a Person permitted under the Repurchase Agreement.
 
(d) Capital Lease”, as applied to any Person, means any lease of any property (whether real, personal or mixed) by that Person or entity as lessee that, in conformity with GAAP, is accounted for as a capital lease on the balance sheet of that Person or entity.
 
(e) Co-Guarantor” means, as to each Guarantor, any person (other than Seller and such Guarantor) that guaranties or is otherwise liable for the Repurchase Transactions, or any portion of the Repurchase Transactions, whether by executing this Guaranty or by executing any other guaranty of the Repurchase Transactions, or by otherwise assuming personal liability for the Guarantied Obligations or any part thereof. If Guarantor is the only guarantor of the Repurchase Transactions, then all references to “Co-Guarantor(s)” shall be disregarded.
 
(f) Consolidated Net Income” for any period means the amount of consolidated net income (or loss) of the Guarantor and its Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
 
(g) Debt Service Coverage” means the ratio of Funds From Operations plus Interest Expense on recourse Indebtedness outstanding to Interest Expense on recourse Indebtedness outstanding.
 
(h) Funds From Operations” for any period means the Consolidated Net Income of the Guarantor and its Subsidiaries for such period without giving effect to depreciation and amortization uniquely significant to real estate, gains or losses which are classified as “extraordinary” in accordance with GAAP, capital gains or losses on sales of real estate, capital gains or losses with respect to the disposition of investments in marketable securities and any provision/benefit for income taxes for such period, plus the allocable portion, based on the Guarantor’s ownership interest, of funds from operations of unconsolidated joint ventures, all determined on a consistent basis.
 
 
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(i) GAAP” means with respect to the financial statements or other financial information of any Person, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States which are in effect from time to time.
 
(j) Guarantied Obligations” means Seller’s obligations: (a) to fully and promptly pay all sums owed under the Repurchase Documents at the times and according to the terms required by the Repurchase Documents, without regard to any modification, suspension, or limitation of such terms not agreed to by Buyer, such as a modification, suspension, or limitation arising in or pursuant to any Insolvency Proceeding affecting Seller (even if any such modification, suspension, or limitation causes Seller’s obligation to become discharged or unenforceable and even if such modification was made with Buyer’s consent or agreement); (b) to pay all other sums expended by Buyer or Buyer’s designee or nominee acting on Buyer’s behalf in exercising Buyer’s rights and remedies under the Repurchase Documents, including Buyer’s Legal Costs relating to the Repurchase Transactions and enforcement of remedies pursuant to the Repurchase Documents; and (c) to perform all other obligations contained in the Repurchase Documents, whether monetary or nonmonetary, when and as required by the Repurchase Documents, including all obligations of Seller relating to the Repurchase Transactions and the Security under the Repurchase Documents.
 
(k) Guarantor Litigation” means any litigation, arbitration, investigation, or administrative proceeding of or before any court, arbitrator, or governmental authority, bureau or agency that relates to or affects this Guaranty or any asset(s) or property(ies) of Guarantor, including any litigation between or among Guarantor and any Co-Guarantor(s).
 
(l) Indebtedness” means, for any Person: (a) obligations created, issued or incurred by such Person for borrowed money (whether by loan, the issuance and sale of debt securities or the sale of property to another Person subject to an understanding or agreement, contingent or otherwise, to repurchase such property from such Person); (b) obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase or acquisition price of property or services, other than trade accounts payable (other than for borrowed money) arising, and accrued expenses incurred, in the ordinary course of business so long as such trade accounts payable are payable within ninety (90) days of the date the respective goods are delivered or the respective services are rendered; (c) indebtedness of others secured by a Lien on the property of such Person, whether or not the respective indebtedness so secured has been assumed by such Person; (d) obligations of such Person in respect of letters of credit or similar instruments issued or accepted by banks and other financial institutions for account of such person; (e) Capital Leases of such Person; and (f) indebtedness of others guaranteed by such Person.
 
(m) Insolvency Proceeding” means any case under Title 11 of the United States Code or any successor statute or any other insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization, liquidation, or like proceeding, or other statute or body of law relating to creditors’ rights, whether brought under state, federal, or foreign law.
 
 
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(n) Interest Expense” means for any period, total interest expense, both expensed and capitalized, of Guarantor and its Subsidiaries for such period with respect to all outstanding Indebtedness of Guarantor and its Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptance financing and net costs under interest rate protection agreements), determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, net of interest income of Guarantor and its Subsidiaries for such period (determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP).
 
(o) Legal Costs” means all reasonable costs and expenses actually incurred by Buyer in any Proceeding or in obtaining legal advice and assistance in connection with any Proceeding, any Guarantor Litigation, or any default by Seller under the Repurchase Documents or by Guarantor under this Guaranty (including any breach of a representation or warranty contained in this Guaranty), including reasonable attorneys’ fees, disbursements, and other charges actually incurred by Buyer’s attorneys, court costs and expenses, and charges for the services of paralegals, law clerks, and all other personnel whose services are charged to Buyer in connection with Buyer’s receipt of legal services.
 
(p) Lien” means any mortgage, lien, encumbrance, charge or other security interest, whether arising under contract, by operation of law, judicial process or otherwise.
 
(q) Net Worth” means the amount which would be included under stockholders’ equity on a consolidated balance sheet of Guarantor and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
 
(r) Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation, joint stock company, trust or unincorporated organization or a governmental agency or political subdivision thereof.
 
(s) Proceeding” means any action, suit, arbitration, or other proceeding arising out of, or relating to the interpretation or enforcement of, this Guaranty or the Repurchase Documents, including (a) an Insolvency Proceeding; (b) any proceeding in which Buyer endeavors to realize upon any Security or to enforce any Repurchase Document(s) (including this Guaranty) against Seller or Guarantor; and (c) any proceeding commenced by Seller, Guarantor, or any Co-Guarantor against Buyer.
 
(t) Repurchase Documents” means: (a) the Repurchase Documents, as defined in the recitals; (b) any other documents or instruments relating to any such documents executed by Seller, Guarantor, or any Co-Guarantor; and (c) any modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements, or replacements of any of the foregoing, whether or not consented to by Guarantor.
 
 
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(u) Security” means any security or collateral held by or for Buyer for the Repurchase Transactions or the Guarantied Obligations, whether real or personal property, including any mortgage, deed of trust, financing statement, security agreement, and other security document or instrument of any kind securing the Repurchase Transactions in whole or in part. “Security” shall include all assets and property of any kind whatsoever pledged or mortgaged to Buyer pursuant to the Security Documents.
 
(v) Seller” means: (a) Seller as defined above, acting on its own behalf; (b) any estate created by the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding affecting Seller; (c) any trustee, liquidator, sequestrator, or receiver of Seller or Seller’s property; and (d) any similar person duly appointed pursuant to any law governing any Insolvency Proceeding of Seller.
 
(w) State” means the State of New York.
 
(x) Stock” means all shares, options, warrants, general or limited partnership interests, membership interests or other ownership interests (regardless of how designated) of or in a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other entity, whether voting or nonvoting, including common stock, preferred stock, or any other “equity security” (as such term is defined in Rule 3a11-1 of the General Rules and Regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended).
 
(y) Subsidiary” means as to any Person, a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which shares of stock or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power (other than stock or such other ownership interests having such power only by reason of a contingency) to elect a majority of the board of directors or other managers of such corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity are at the time owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person.
 
(z) Tangible Net Worth” means, as of a particular date,
 
 
(i)
all amounts that would be included under capital on a balance sheet of the Seller at such date, determined in accordance with GAAP, less
 
 
(ii)
the sum of (A) amounts owing to the Seller from Affiliates and (B) intangible assets.
 
2. Absolute Guaranty of all Guarantied Obligations. Guarantor unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees Seller’s prompt and complete payment, observance, fulfillment, and performance of all Guarantied Obligations. Guarantor shall be personally liable for, and personally obligated to pay and perform, all Guarantied Obligations. All assets and property of Guarantor shall be subject to recourse if Guarantor fails to pay and perform any Guarantied Obligation(s) when and as required to be paid and performed pursuant to the Repurchase Documents.
 
 
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3. Nature and Scope of Liability. Guarantor’s liability under this Guaranty is primary and not secondary. Guarantor’s liability under this Guaranty shall be in the full amount of all Guarantied Obligations, including any interest, default interest, costs, and fees (including Legal Costs) payable by Seller under the Repurchase Documents, including any of the foregoing that would have accrued under the Repurchase Documents but for any Insolvency Proceeding.
 
4. Changes in Repurchase Documents. Without notice to, or consent by, Guarantor, and in Buyer’s sole and absolute discretion and without prejudice to Buyer or in any way limiting or reducing Guarantor’s liability under this Guaranty, but subject to the terms of the Repurchase Agreement, Buyer may: (a) grant extensions of time, renewals or other indulgences or modifications to Seller, any Co-Guarantor or any other party under any of the Repurchase Document(s), (b) change, amend, or modify any Repurchase Document(s), (c) authorize the sale, exchange, release or subordination of any Security, (d) accept or reject additional Security in accordance with the terms of the Repurchase Agreement, (e) discharge or release any party or parties liable under the Repurchase Documents, (f) foreclose or otherwise realize on any Security, or attempt to foreclose or otherwise realize on any Security, whether such attempt is successful or unsuccessful, in accordance with the terms of the Repurchase Agreement, (g) accept or make compositions or other arrangements or file or refrain from filing a claim in any Insolvency Proceeding, (h) make loans to Seller in such amount(s) and at such time(s) as Buyer may determine, (i) credit payments in such manner and order of priority as Buyer may determine in its discretion provided such credits shall be consistent with the requirements of the Repurchase Agreement, and (j) otherwise deal with Seller and any Co-Guarantor and any other party related to the Repurchase Transactions or any Security as Buyer may determine in its sole and absolute discretion. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Guarantor’s liability under this Guaranty shall continue even if Buyer alters any obligations under the Repurchase Documents in any respect or Buyer’s or Guarantor’s remedies or rights against Seller are in any way impaired or suspended without Guarantor’s consent. If Buyer performs any of the actions described in this paragraph, then Guarantor’s liability shall continue in full force and effect even if Buyer’s actions impair, diminish or eliminate Guarantor’s subrogation, contribution, or reimbursement rights (if any) against Seller or any Co-Guarantor, or otherwise adversely affect Guarantor or expand Guarantor’s liability hereunder.
 
5. Certain Financial Covenants. Guarantor shall not permit with respect to itself any of the following to be breached, as determined quarterly on a consolidated basis in conformity with GAAP as set forth in the financial statements of the Guarantor delivered pursuant to Section 15 hereof:
 
(a) Minimum Tangible Net Worth. Tangible Net Worth to be less than $250 million;
 
(b) Minimum Debt Service Coverage. Debt Service Coverage to be less than 1.75 to 1 in the aggregate;
 
(c) Debt to Book Equity. Recourse Indebtedness to Net Worth to exceed 3.0 to 1; and
 
 
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(d) Minimum Cash or Marketable Securities. Cash or marketable securities, approved by Buyer, based on Guarantor’s ratio of recourse Indebtedness to Net Worth, to be less than the following:
 
Debt to Book Equity Ratio
 
Minimum Cash or Marketable Securities
     
Above 2:1
 
$10 million
     
Between 1:1 and 2:1
 
$5 million
     
Below 1:1
 
$3 million
 
6. Nature of Guaranty. Guarantor’s liability under this Guaranty is a guaranty of payment and performance of the Guarantied Obligations, and is not a guaranty of collection or collectibility. Guarantor’s liability under this Guaranty is not conditioned or contingent upon the genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of any of the Repurchase Documents. Guarantor’s liability under this Guaranty is a continuing, absolute, and unconditional obligation under any and all circumstances whatsoever (except as expressly stated, if at all, in this Guaranty), without regard to the validity, regularity or enforceability of any of the Guarantied Obligations. Guarantor acknowledges that Guarantor is fully obligated under this Guaranty even if Seller had no liability at the time of execution of the Repurchase Documents or later ceases to be liable under any Repurchase Document, whether pursuant to Insolvency Proceedings or otherwise. Guarantor shall not be entitled to claim, and irrevocably covenants not to raise or assert, any defenses against the Guarantied Obligations that would or might be available to Seller, other than actual payment and performance of all Guarantied Obligations in full in accordance with their terms. Guarantor waives any right to compel Buyer to proceed first against Seller, any Co-Guarantor(s) or any Security before proceeding against Guarantor. Guarantor agrees that if any of the Guarantied Obligations are or become void or unenforceable (because of inadequate consideration, lack of capacity, Insolvency Proceedings, or for any other reason), then Guarantor’s liability under this Guaranty shall continue in full force with respect to all Guarantied Obligations as if they were and continued to be legally enforceable, all in accordance with their terms before giving effect to the Insolvency Proceedings. Guarantor also recognizes and acknowledges that its liability under this Guaranty may be more extensive in amount and more burdensome than that of Seller. Guarantor waives any defense that might otherwise be available to Guarantor based on the proposition that a guarantor’s liability cannot exceed the liability of the principal. Guarantor intends to be fully liable under the Guarantied Obligations regardless of the scope of Seller’s liability thereunder. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if the Guarantied Obligations are “nonrecourse” as to Seller or Seller’s liability for the Guarantied Obligations is otherwise limited in some way, Guarantor nevertheless intends to be fully liable, to the full extent of all of Guarantor’s assets, with respect to all the Guarantied Obligations, even though Seller’s liability for the Guarantied Obligations may be more limited in scope or less burdensome. Guarantor waives any defenses to this Guaranty arising or purportedly arising from the manner in which Buyer disburses the Repurchase Transactions to Seller or otherwise, or any waiver of the terms of any Repurchase Document by Buyer or other failure of Buyer to require full compliance with the Repurchase Documents. Guarantor’s liability under this Guaranty shall continue until all sums due under the Repurchase Documents have been paid in full and all other performance required under the Repurchase Documents has been rendered in full, except as expressly provided otherwise (if at all) in this Guaranty. Guarantor’s liability under this Guaranty shall not be limited or affected in any way by any impairment or any diminution or loss of value of any Security whether caused by (a) hazardous substances, (b) Buyer’s failure to perfect a security interest in any Security, (c) any disability or other defense(s) of Seller or any Co-Guarantor(s), (d) any acts or omissions of Buyer; or (e) any breach by Seller of any representation or warranty contained in any Repurchase Document.
 
 
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7. Waivers of Rights and Defenses. Guarantor waives any right to require Buyer to (a) proceed against Seller or any Co-Guarantor(s), (b) proceed against or exhaust any Security, or (c) pursue any other right or remedy for Guarantor’s benefit. Guarantor agrees that Buyer may proceed against Guarantor with respect to the Guarantied Obligations without taking any actions against Seller or any Co-Guarantor(s) and without proceeding against or exhausting any Security. Guarantor agrees that Buyer may unqualifiedly exercise in its sole discretion (or may waive or release, intentionally or unintentionally) any or all rights and remedies available to it against Seller or any Co-Guarantor(s) without impairing Buyer’s rights and remedies in enforcing this Guaranty, under which Guarantor’s liabilities shall remain independent and unconditional. Guarantor agrees and acknowledges that Buyer’s exercise (or waiver or release) of certain of such rights or remedies may affect or eliminate Guarantor’s right of subrogation or recovery against Seller (if any) and that Guarantor may incur a partially or totally nonreimbursible liability in performing under this Guaranty. Guarantor has assumed the risk of any such loss of subrogation rights, even if caused by Buyer’s acts or omissions. If Buyer’s enforcement of rights and remedies, or the manner thereof, limits or precludes Guarantor from exercising any right of subrogation that might otherwise exist, then the foregoing shall not in any way limit Buyer’s rights to enforce this Guaranty. Without limiting the generality of any other waivers in this Guaranty, Guarantor expressly waives any statutory or other right that Guarantor might otherwise have to: (i) limit Guarantor’s liability after a nonjudicial foreclosure sale to the difference between the Guarantied Obligations and the fair market value of the property or interests sold at such nonjudicial foreclosure sale or to any other extent, (ii) otherwise limit Buyer’s right to recover a deficiency judgment after any foreclosure sale, or (iii) require Buyer to exhaust its Security before Buyer may obtain a personal judgment for any deficiency. Notwithstanding anything in the Repurchase Agreement to the contrary, any proceeds of a foreclosure or similar sale shall be applied first to any obligations of Seller that also constitute Guarantied Obligations within the meaning of this Guaranty. Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that any nonrecourse or exculpation provided for in any Repurchase Document, or any other provision of a Repurchase Document limiting Buyer’s recourse to specific Security or limiting Buyer’s right to enforce a deficiency judgment against Seller or any other person, shall have absolutely no application to Guarantor’s liability under this Guaranty. To the extent that Buyer collects or receives any sums or payments from Seller or any Co-Guarantor, Buyer shall apply such amounts first to that portion of Seller’s obligations to Buyer (if any) that is covered by this Guaranty.
 
8. Additional Waivers. Guarantor waives diligence and all demands, protests, presentments and notices of every kind or nature, including notices of protest, dishonor, nonpayment, acceptance of this Guaranty and the creation, renewal, extension, modification or accrual of any of the Guarantied Obligations. Guarantor further waives the right to plead any and all statutes of limitations as a defense to Guarantor’s liability under this Guaranty or the enforcement of this Guaranty. No failure or delay on Buyer’s part in exercising any power, right or privilege under this Guaranty shall impair or waive any such power, right or privilege.
 
 
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9. No Duty to Prove Loss. To the extent that Guarantor at any time incurs any liability under this Guaranty, Guarantor shall immediately pay Buyer (to be applied on account of the Guarantied Obligations) the amount provided for in this Guaranty, without any requirement that Buyer demonstrate that Buyer has currently suffered any loss or that Buyer has otherwise exercised (to any degree) or exhausted any of Buyer’s rights or remedies with respect to Seller or any Security.
 
10. Full Knowledge. Guarantor acknowledges, represents, and warrants that Guarantor has had a full and adequate opportunity to review the Repurchase Documents, the transaction contemplated by the Repurchase Documents, and all underlying facts relating to such transaction. Guarantor represents and warrants that Guarantor fully understands: (a) the remedies Buyer may pursue against Seller and/or Guarantor in the event of a default under the Repurchase Documents, (b) the value (if any) and character of any Security, and (c) Seller’s financial condition and ability to perform under the Repurchase Documents. Guarantor agrees to keep itself fully informed regarding all aspects of the foregoing and the performance of Seller’s obligations to Buyer. Buyer has no duty, whether now or in the future, to disclose to Guarantor any information pertaining to Seller, the Repurchase Transactions or any Security. If at any time provided for in the Repurchase Documents, Guarantor agrees and acknowledges that an Insolvency Proceeding affecting Guarantor, or other actions or events relating to Guarantor (including Guarantor’s change in financial position), as set forth in the Repurchase Documents, may be event(s) of default under the Repurchase Documents.
 
11. Representations and Warranties. Guarantor acknowledges, represents, and warrants as follows, and acknowledges that Buyer is relying upon the following acknowledgments, representations, and warranties by Guarantor in making the Repurchase Transactions:
 
(a) Repurchase Documents. All Repurchase Documents to which Guarantor is a party have been duly authorized, executed, and delivered by Guarantor, and are fully valid, binding, and enforceable against Guarantor, in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, and other limitations on creditors’ rights generally and to equitable principles. Seller is validly formed, in good standing, and obligated under the Repurchase Documents in accordance with their terms.
 
(b) No Conflict. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Guaranty will not violate any provision of any law, regulation, judgment, order, decree, determination, or award of any court, arbitrator or governmental authority, or of any mortgage, indenture, loan, or security agreement, lease, contract or other agreement, instrument or undertaking to which Guarantor is a party or that purports to bind Guarantor or any of Guarantor’s property or assets.
 
(c) No Third Party Consent Required. No consent of any person (including creditors or partners, members, stockholders, or other owners of Guarantor) is required in connection with Guarantor’s execution of this Guaranty or performance of Guarantor’s obligations under this Guaranty (other than consents that have been obtained). Guarantor’s execution of, and obligations under, this Guaranty are not contingent upon any consent, license, permit, approval, or authorization of, exemption by, notice or report to, or registration, filing, or declaration with, any governmental authority, bureau, or agency, whether local, state, federal, or foreign.
 
 
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(d) Authority and Execution. Guarantor has full power, authority, and legal right to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Guaranty. Guarantor has taken all necessary corporate and legal action to authorize this Guaranty, which has been duly executed and delivered and is a legal, valid, and binding obligation of Guarantor, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency and other limitations on creditors’ rights generally and to equitable principles.
 
(e) No Representations by Buyer. Guarantor delivers this Guaranty based solely upon Guarantor’s own independent investigation and based in no part upon any representation, statement, or assurance by Buyer.
 
(f) No Misstatements. No information, exhibit, report or certificate furnished by Seller or Guarantor to Buyer in connection with the Repurchase Transactions or any Repurchase Document contains any material misstatement of fact or has omitted to state a material fact or any fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not materially misleading.
 
12. Reimbursement and Subrogation Rights. Except to the extent that Buyer notifies Guarantor to the contrary in writing from time to time:
 
(a) General Deferral of Reimbursement. Guarantor waives any right to be reimbursed by Seller for any payment(s) made by Guarantor on account of the Guarantied Obligations, unless and until all Guarantied Obligations have been paid in full and all periods within which such payments may be set aside or invalidated have expired. Guarantor acknowledges that Guarantor has received adequate consideration for execution of this Guaranty by virtue of Buyer’s entering into the Repurchase Transactions (which benefits Guarantor, as an owner or principal of Seller) and Guarantor does not require or expect, and is not entitled to, any other right of reimbursement against Seller as consideration for this Guaranty.
 
(b) Deferral of Subrogation and Contribution. Guarantor agrees it shall have no right of subrogation against Seller or Buyer, no right of subrogation against any Security, and no right of contribution against any Co-Guarantor unless and until in Buyer’s reasonable determination: (a) such right of subrogation does not violate (or otherwise produce any result adverse to Buyer under) any applicable law, including any bankruptcy or insolvency law; (b) all amounts due under the Repurchase Documents have been paid in full and all other performance required under the Repurchase Documents has been rendered in full to Buyer; (c) all periods within which such payment and performance may be set aside or invalidated have expired; and (d) Buyer has released, transferred or disposed of all of its right, title and interest in all Security (such deferral of Guarantor’s subrogation and contribution rights, the “Subrogation Deferral”).
 
 
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(c) Effect of Invalidation. To the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines that Guarantor’s Subrogation Deferral is void or voidable for any reason, Guarantor agrees, notwithstanding any acts or omissions by Buyer, that: (a) Guarantor’s rights of subrogation against Seller or Buyer and Guarantor’s right of subrogation against any Security shall at all times be junior and subordinate to Buyer’s rights against Seller and to Buyer’s right, title, and interest in such Security; and (b) Guarantor’s right of contribution against any Co-Guarantor shall be junior and subordinate to Buyer’s rights against such Co-Guarantor.
 
13. Claims in Insolvency Proceeding. Guarantor shall not file any claim in any Insolvency Proceeding affecting Seller unless Guarantor simultaneously assigns and transfers such claim to Buyer, without consideration, pursuant to documentation fully satisfactory to Buyer. Guarantor shall automatically be deemed to have assigned and transferred such claim to Buyer whether or not Guarantor executes documentation to such effect. By executing this Guaranty, Guarantor hereby authorizes Buyer (and grants Buyer a power of attorney coupled with an interest, and hence irrevocable) to execute and file such assignment and transfer documentation on Guarantor’s behalf. Buyer shall have the sole right to vote, receive distributions, and exercise all other rights with respect to any such claim; provided, however, that if and when the Guarantied Obligations have been paid in full Buyer shall release to Guarantor any further payments received on account of any such claim.
 
14. Buyer’s Disgorgement of Payments. Upon payment of all or any portion of the Guarantied Obligations, Guarantor’s obligations under this Guaranty shall continue and remain in full force and effect if all or any part of such payment is, pursuant to any Insolvency Proceeding or otherwise, avoided or recovered directly or indirectly from Buyer as a preference, fraudulent transfer, or otherwise irrespective of (a) any notice of revocation given by Guarantor prior to such avoidance or recovery, or (b) payment in full of the Repurchase Transactions. Guarantor’s liability under this Guaranty shall continue until all periods have expired within which Buyer could (on account of Insolvency Proceedings, whether or not then pending, affecting Seller, any Co-Guarantor, or any other person) be required to return, repay, or disgorge any amount paid at any time on account of the Guarantied Obligations.
 
15. Financial Information. Within ninety days after the end of each calendar year or other fiscal year of Guarantor (or within five business days after filing, in the case of tax returns) and within forty-five days after the end of each of the first three calendar quarters, and within fifteen business days after Buyer’s request made at any time or from time to time, Guarantor shall deliver to Buyer: (a) complete and current financial statements of Guarantor (audited for the annual financial statements and unaudited for the financial statements of the first three calendar quarters), in form and scope reasonably satisfactory to Buyer; (b) copies of Guarantor’s tax returns; and (c) such other financial information relating to Guarantor as Buyer may reasonably request.
 
16. Consent to Jurisdiction. Guarantor agrees that any Proceeding to enforce this Guaranty may be brought in any state or federal court located in the State, as Buyer may select from time to time. By executing this Guaranty, Guarantor irrevocably accepts and submits to the nonexclusive personal jurisdiction of each of the aforesaid courts, generally and unconditionally with respect to any such Proceeding. Guarantor agrees not to assert any basis for transferring jurisdiction of any such proceeding to another court. Guarantor further agrees that a final judgment against Guarantor in any Proceeding shall be conclusive evidence of Guarantor’s liability for the full amount of such judgment.
 
 
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17. Merger; No Conditions; Amendments. This Guaranty and documents referred to herein contain the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the matters set forth in this Guaranty. This Guaranty supersedes all prior agreements among the parties with respect to the matters set forth in this Guaranty. No course of prior dealings among the parties, no usage of trade, and no parol or extrinsic evidence of any nature shall be used to supplement, modify, or vary any terms of this Guaranty. This Guaranty is unconditional. There are no unsatisfied conditions to the full effectiveness of this Guaranty. No terms or provisions of this Guaranty may be changed, waived, revoked, or amended without Buyer’s written agreement. If any provision of this Guaranty is determined to be unenforceable, then all other provisions of this Guaranty shall remain fully effective.
 
18. Governing Law; Enforcement. This Guaranty shall be governed solely by New York internal law (disregarding such state’s law on conflict of laws) notwithstanding the location of any Security. Guarantor acknowledges that any restrictions, limitations, and prohibitions set forth in New York Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law Sections 1301 and 1371 that would or might otherwise limit or establish conditions to Buyer’s recovery of a judgment against Guarantor if the Security were located in New York State shall have absolutely no application to Buyer’s enforcement of this Guaranty as against Guarantor, except to the extent that real property Security is located within the State of New York. Guarantor acknowledges that this Guaranty is an “instrument for the payment of money only,” within the meaning of New York Civil Practice Law and Rules Section 3213. In the event of any Proceeding between Seller or Guarantor and Buyer, including any Proceeding in which Buyer enforces or attempts to enforce this Guaranty or the Repurchase Transactions against Seller or Guarantor, or in the event of any Guarantor Litigation, Guarantor shall reimburse Buyer for all Legal Costs of such Proceeding.
 
19. Fundamental Changes. Guarantor shall not wind up, liquidate, or dissolve its affairs or enter into any transaction of merger or consolidation (except a transaction of merger or consolidation in accordance with the Repurchase Agreement), or sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of (or agree to do any of the foregoing) all or substantially all of its property or assets, or change its state of formation or entity status, without Buyer’s prior written consent.
 
20. Further Assurances. Guarantor shall execute and deliver such further documents, and perform such further acts, as Buyer may request to achieve the intent of the parties as expressed in this Guaranty, provided in each case that any such documentation is consistent with this Guaranty and with the Repurchase Documents.
 
21. Supplemental Provisions.
 
(a) Other Guaranties. This Guaranty is in addition to and independent of any guaranty(ies) executed by any Co-Guarantors and any other guaranties of Seller’s obligations executed by Guarantor in favor of Buyer. This Guaranty shall in no way limit or lessen any other liability, arising in any way, that Guarantor may have for the payment of any indebtedness of Seller to Buyer.
 
 
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(b) Multiple Guarantors. If more than one person or entity has executed this Guaranty (or any other guaranty of the Repurchase Transactions), then all such persons and entities shall be jointly and severally liable under this Guaranty. Guarantor shall hold harmless, defend, protect, and indemnify Buyer from any Legal Costs and all other claims of every nature that may arise as a result of any dispute between or among any or all of Guarantor, Seller, any Co-Guarantors, and any other persons or entities.
 
(c) Certain Entities. If Seller or Guarantor is a partnership, limited liability company, or other unincorporated association, then: (a) Guarantor’s liability shall not be impaired by changes in the name or composition of Seller or Guarantor; and (b) the withdrawal or removal of any partner(s) or member(s) of Seller or Guarantor shall not diminish Guarantor’s liability or (if Guarantor is a partnership) the liability of any withdrawing general partner of Guarantor.
 
(d) Status of Seller. If this Guaranty defines more than one person as Seller, then any reference to Seller means any one or all of them, whether their liability is joint or several.
 
(e) Counterparts. This Guaranty may be executed in counterparts. The effectiveness of this Guaranty against each Guarantor executing this Guaranty is not conditioned upon execution and/or delivery of this Guaranty by any Co-Guarantor.
 
22. WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY. GUARANTOR WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR THE REPURCHASE DOCUMENTS OR ANY OBLIGATION(S) OF GUARANTOR HEREUNDER OR UNDER THE REPURCHASE DOCUMENTS.
 
23. Miscellaneous.
 
(a) Assignability. Buyer may assign this Guaranty (in whole or in part) together with any one or more of the Repurchase Documents to any Person permitted under the Repurchase Agreement, without in any way affecting Guarantor’s or Seller’s liability. Upon request in connection with any such assignment Guarantor shall deliver such documentation as Buyer shall reasonably request. Buyer may from time to time designate any Buyer Entity to hold and exercise any or all of Buyer’s rights and remedies under this Guaranty. This Guaranty shall benefit Buyer and its successors and assigns (including any Buyer Entity) and shall bind Guarantor and its heirs, executors, administrators and successors. Guarantor may not assign this Guaranty, in whole or in part.
 
(b) Notices. All notices, consents, approvals and requests required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be effective for all purposes if hand delivered or sent by (a) hand delivery, with proof of attempted delivery, (b) certified or registered United States mail, postage prepaid, (c) expedited prepaid delivery service, either commercial or United States Postal Service, with proof of attempted delivery, or (d) by telecopier (with answerback acknowledged) provided that such telecopied notice must also be delivered by one of the means set forth in (a), (b) or (c) above, addressed if to Buyer at 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005, Attention: Stephen Choe, Telecopier Number (212) 250-6911, and if to Guarantor at 40 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10022, Attention: Richard Shea, Telecopier Number (212) 754-5579, or at such other address and person as shall be designated from time to time by any party hereto, as the case may be, in a written notice to the other parties hereto in the manner provided for in this Section. A copy of all notices shall be delivered concurrently to the following: Dechert LLP, 4000 Bell Atlantic Tower, 1717 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Attention: Richard Jones, Esquire, Telefax Number: 215.994.2222. A notice shall be deemed to have been given: (a) in the case of hand delivery, at the time of delivery, (b) in the case of a registered or certified mail, when delivery or the first attempted delivery on a Business Day, (c) in the case of expedited prepaid delivery upon the first attempted delivery on a Business Day, or (d) in the case of telecopier, upon receipt of answerback confirmation, provided that such telecopied notice was also delivered as required in this Section. A party receiving a notice which does not comply with the technical requirements for notice under this Section may elect to waive any deficiencies and treat the notice as properly given.
 
 
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(c) Interpretation. The word “include” and its variants shall be interpreted in each case as if followed by the words “without limitation.”
 
24. Business Purposes. Guarantor acknowledges that this Guaranty, although executed in Guarantor’s individual capacity, is executed and delivered for business and commercial purposes, and not for personal, family, household, consumer, or agricultural purposes. Guarantor acknowledges that Guarantor is not entitled to, and does not require the benefits of, any rights, protections, or disclosures that would or may be required if this Guaranty were given for personal, family, household, consumer, or agricultural purposes. Guarantor acknowledges that none of Guarantor’s obligation(s) under this Guaranty constitute(s) a “debt” within the meaning of the United States Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692a(5), and accordingly compliance with the requirements of such Act is not required if Buyer (directly or acting through its counsel) makes any demand or commences any action to enforce this Guaranty.
 
25. No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Guaranty is executed and delivered for the benefit of Buyer and its heirs, successors, and permitted assigns, and is not intended to benefit any third party.
 
26. CERTAIN ACKNOWLEDGMENTS BY GUARANTOR. GUARANTOR ACKNOWLEDGES THAT BEFORE EXECUTING THIS GUARANTY: (A) GUARANTOR HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW IT WITH AN ATTORNEY OF GUARANTOR’S CHOICE; (B) BUYER HAS RECOMMENDED TO GUARANTOR THAT GUARANTOR OBTAIN SEPARATE COUNSEL, INDEPENDENT OF SELLER’S COUNSEL, REGARDING THIS GUARANTY; AND (C) GUARANTOR HAS CAREFULLY READ THIS GUARANTY AND UNDERSTOOD THE MEANING AND EFFECT OF ITS TERMS, INCLUDING ALL WAIVERS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS GUARANTY AND THE FULL EFFECT OF SUCH WAIVERS AND THE SCOPE OF GUARANTOR’S OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS GUARANTY.
 
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Guarantor has duly executed this Guaranty as of the date indicated below.
 
Date: December 23, 2004    
     
  GUARANTOR
   
  Anthracite Capital, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
  By:   /s/ Robert Friedberg
 
Name: Robert Friedberg
  Title: Vice President
 
Acknowledgment(s)      
         
Deutsche Bank AG, Cayman Islands Branch      
         
By: /s/ Christopher Tognola      
 

Name: Christopher Tognola
Title: Vice President
   
 
By: /s/ Christine Belbusti      
 

Name: Christine Belbusti
Title: Vice President
   
 
Anthracite Funding, LLC      
         
Deutsche Bank AG, Cayman Islands Branch      
         
By: Anthracite Capital, Inc., its sole member      
         
By: /s/ Robert Friedberg      
 

Name: Robert Friedberg
Title: Vice President
   
 
 
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EX-10.16 6 v105220_ex10-16.htm Unassociated Document
CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of March 7, 2008, between Anthracite Capital, Inc. and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc. The parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
 
ARTICLE I: DEFINITIONS
 
Section 1.1. Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
 
Borrower” means Anthracite Capital, Inc., a Maryland corporation.
 
Borrowing Base” means, at any time, the product of (a) the product of (i) the number of shares of Carbon Stock then pledged as Collateral pursuant to the Credit Documents and (ii) the Share Price and (b) 0.6.
 
Borrowing Base Certificate” means a borrowing base certificate substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A.
 
Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or any day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are authorized or required by law to close; provided that, when used in connection with the Loans when they are bearing interest based on LIBOR, the term “Business Day” shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for dealings in Dollar deposits in the London interbank market.
 
Carbon” means Carbon Capital II, Inc., a Maryland corporation.
 
Carbon Stock” means any shares in Carbon held by Borrower and pledged to Lender from time to time pursuant to the Credit Documents, which on the date hereof is 76,376 shares.
 
Closing Date” means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.1 are satisfied.
 
Collateral” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7.
 
Commitment” means $60,000,000, as such amount may be reduced from time to time pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
 
Consent” means, the Consent and Control Agreement to be executed by Carbon in accordance with Section 5.10 hereof, consenting to the pledge by Borrower of the shares of Carbon held by Borrower.
 
Credit Documents” means this Agreement, the Security Agreement, the Consent and any other documents hereafter delivered to Lender by Borrower or Carbon evidencing or securing the Loans or the Collateral.
 
Default” means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.
 
Dollars” or “$” means the lawful money of the United States of America.
 
Event of Default” has the meaning set forth in Article VI.
 

 
Extension Fee” means 0.25% of the Commitment.
 
Fee Letter” means that certain Fee Letter, dated as of February 29, 2008, from Lender to Borrower.
 
Final Maturity Date” means (a) March 6, 2009, (b) such later date to which the Final Maturity Date has been extended pursuant to Section 2.2, or (c) such earlier date on which the Loans shall become due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, whether by acceleration or otherwise.
 
Governing Documents” means, with respect to any person, (a) the articles of incorporation or certificate of incorporation (or equivalent organizational document) of such person, (b) the bylaws (or equivalent governing document) of such person, and (c) any document setting forth the manner of election and duties of the directors or managing members of such Person (if any) and the designation, amount or relative rights, limitations and preferences of any class or series of such Person’s stock; in each case, as each may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with their terms and Section 5.8 of this Agreement.
 
Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States of America, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.
 
Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money or with respect to loans or advances of any kind, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person, (d) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services, (e) all Indebtedness of others secured by any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed (provided, however, that the amount of any Indebtedness under this clause (e) secured by any Lien on any particular property shall be limited to the lesser of the fair market value of such property and the amount of all Indebtedness of others secured by Liens on such property), (f) all guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others (provided, however, that the amount of any Indebtedness under this clause (f) subject to any particular guarantee shall be limited to the lesser of such person’s maximum liability under any such guarantee and the amount of Indebtedness of others guaranteed by such guarantee), (g) obligations that are required to be classified and accounted for as capital leases on a balance sheet of such Person under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, (h) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and (i) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of bankers’ acceptances. The Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Person’s ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such Indebtedness provide that such Person is not liable therefor. The Indebtedness of any Person shall not include current accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business.
 
Intangible Assets” means the excess of the cost over book value of assets acquired, patents, trademarks, trade names, copyrights, franchises and other intangible assets (excluding in any event the value of any residual securities).
 
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Interest Period” means with respect to any Loan based on LIBOR, the period commencing on the borrowing date for such Loan or on the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period, as the case may be, and ending on the numerically corresponding day (or, if there is no numerically corresponding day, on the last day) in the calendar month that is one month, two months or three months thereafter; provided, however, that any Interest Period scheduled to end after the Final Maturity Date shall end on the Final Maturity Date; provided further that, with respect to any Interest Period commencing within the one month period immediately preceding the Final Maturity Date, such Interest Period shall have the duration selected by Lender in its sole discretion.
 
Lender” means BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc.
 
LIBOR” means with respect to any Interest Period, the rate as determined by Lender on the basis of the offered rates for deposits in Dollars for a period coextensive with that Interest Period which appears on the display referred to as “the Reuters Screen LIBOR01” (or any display substituted therefor) of the Reuters U.S. Domestic Money Service transmitted through the Reuters monitor system as being the respective rates at which Dollars would be offered by the principal London offices of each of the banks named thereon to major banks in the London interbank market as of 11:00 a.m., London time, on the day that is two Business Days preceding the first day of that Interest Period.
 
Lien” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities.
 
Loan” means any Loan made pursuant to Section 2.1(a).
 
Margin” means 2.50% per annum.
 
Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, operations, financial condition or prospects of Borrower or (b)  the ability of Borrower to perform any obligations under any Credit Document.
 
Non-Recourse Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person, Indebtedness for borrowed money in respect of which recourse for payment (except for customary exceptions for fraud, misapplication of funds, environmental indemnities, and other customary exceptions to non-recourse provisions) is contractually limited to specific assets encumbered by a Lien securing such Indebtedness.
 
Note” means the Note of Borrower, executed and delivered as provided in Section 2.5.
 
Obligations” means any now existing or hereafter arising obligations of Borrower to Lender, whether primary or secondary, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, secured or unsecured, due or not, liquidated or unliquidated, arising by operation of law or otherwise under any Credit Document whether for principal, interest, fees, expenses or otherwise, together with all costs of collection or enforcement, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in any collection efforts or in any action or proceeding.
 
Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
 
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Prime Rate” shall mean a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the rate of interest publicly announced by Wachovia Bank, National Association, at its principal office from time to time as its prime rate or base rate. Any change in the Prime Rate shall be effective on the date such change is announced.
 
Security Agreement” means the Ownership Interests Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, executed by Borrower.
 
Share Funding Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).
 
Share Funding Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).
 
Share Price” means the fair market value of the shares of Carbon Stock as determined by BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., consistent with its method of valuing similar assets.
 
Share Purchase Notice” means a written notice delivered to Borrower by Lender indicating Lender’s election to exercise its option to purchase all or a portion of the shares of Carbon Stock then constituting Collateral.
 
Share Purchase Price” means the product of (a) the total number of shares of Carbon Stock to be purchased pursuant to a Share Purchase Notice and (b) the Share Price, determined as of the date of the Share Purchase Notice.
 
Solvent” means, with respect to any Person and as at the date on which a determination of solvency is to be made, that (i) the present fair saleable value of the assets of such Person is, on such date, greater than the total amount of liabilities (including, without limitation, contingent and unliquidated liabilities) of such Person as of such date, (ii) as of such date, such Person is able to pay all liabilities of such Person as such liabilities mature, and (iii) as of such date, such Person does not have unreasonably small capital with which to carry on its business. In computing the amount of contingent or unliquidated liabilities at any time, such liabilities shall be computed at the amount which, in light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or mature liability.
 
“Tangible Net Worth” means, as of a particular date, (i) all amounts that would be included under stockholder’s equity on a balance sheet of Borrower and its consolidated subsidiaries at such date, determined in accordance with GAAP, less (ii) the sum of (A) amounts owing to Borrower and its consolidated subsidiaries from affiliates and (B) Intangible Assets of Borrower and its consolidated subsidiaries.
 
Total Recourse Indebtedness” means, for any period, the aggregate Indebtedness (excepting any Non-Recourse Indebtedness) of Borrower and its consolidated subsidiaries during such period.
 
Transactions” means the execution, delivery, and performance by Borrower and Carbon of the Credit Documents, the borrowing and repayment of the Loans, the pledge, assignments or grant of the security interests in the Collateral pursuant to the Credit Documents, the payment of interest and fees thereunder and the use of the proceeds of the Loans.
 
Unused Fee” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.12.
 
Section 1.2. Terms Generally. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes,” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (c) the words “herein,” “hereof,” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (d) all references herein to Articles, Sections, and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Schedules to, this Agreement and (e) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and general intangibles.
 
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Section 1.3. Specified Times and Dates; Determinations. All times specified in this Agreement shall be determined, unless stated specifically herein to the contrary, on the basis of the prevailing time in New York City. Unless stated specifically herein to the contrary, if any day or date specified in this Agreement for any notice, action or event is not a Business Day, then the due date for such notice, action or event shall be extended to the immediately succeeding Business Day; provided that interest shall accrue on any payments due by Borrower which are extended by the operation of this Section 1.3. Any determination by Lender hereunder shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding.
 
ARTICLE II: THE LOANS
 
Section 2.1. Loans.
 
(a) Loans. Subject to the terms and conditions and relying upon the representations and warranties herein set forth, Lender hereby agrees to make loans to Borrower at any time and from time to time, on any Business Day on or after the Closing Date to the Final Maturity Date, in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed the lesser of the Borrowing Base and the Commitment. Subject to the foregoing, Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow the Loans.
 
(b) Borrowing Procedure. All requests for Loans shall be made by Borrower by delivering a borrowing request substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B to Lender in writing in accordance with the time periods set forth in Section 2.3(f). Such request shall be irrevocable and shall specify (i) the requested borrowing date (which shall be a Business Day), (ii) whether the Loan is to bear interest based on LIBOR or the Prime Rate, and (iii) the amount of such Loan. Each borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount of not less than $5,000,000 or an integral multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof.
 
Section 2.2. Repayment of Loans. Any principal of any Loan not previously paid shall be payable on the Final Maturity Date. No later than 60 days prior to the then current Final Maturity Date, Borrower may request that Lender extend the Final Maturity Date up to a Business Day which is up to 364 days after the then current Final Maturity Date (but such Business Day shall be no later than March 2, 2011). Borrower acknowledges that Lender’s decision shall be made in the sole and absolute discretion of Lender and that Lender shall have no obligation to extend the Final Maturity Date. No later than 30 days prior to the then current Final Maturity Date, Lender shall notify Borrower of Lender’s decision. If Lender fails to so notify Borrower, Lender shall be deemed to have notified Borrower that it shall not extend the Final Maturity Date. If Lender notifies Borrower that it shall extend the Final Maturity Date, the Final Maturity Date shall be extended if, and only if, on the then current Final Maturity Date, each of the conditions specified in Section 4.3 shall be satisfied.
 
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Section 2.3. Interest.
 
(a) Loans. The Loans shall bear interest on the unpaid principal amount thereof from the borrowing date thereof until payment in full thereof. Interest shall be payable in arrears on (i) in the case of Loans based on LIBOR, the last day of each Interest Period, (ii) in the case of Loans based on the Prime Rate, on the last Business Day of each calendar quarter commencing on June 30, 2008, (iii) the date of each prepayment (on the principal amount prepaid), and (iv) the Final Maturity Date.
 
(b) Interest Rate. The interest rate for each Loan shall be selected in accordance with Section 2.3(f). The interest rate for each Loan bearing interest based on the Prime Rate shall be equal to the Prime Rate for each such day plus the Margin. The interest rate for each Loan bearing interest based on LIBOR shall be fixed on the first day of such Loan for the entire Interest Period of such Loan and shall be equal to LIBOR for such Interest Period plus the Margin.
 
(c) Default Interest. After the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Borrower shall pay on demand, on the principal amount of the outstanding Loans, interest at a rate per annum equal to 3% per annum plus the higher of (i) the Prime Rate and (ii) the interest rate applicable to the Loans.
 
(d) Maximum Interest Rate. Notwithstanding anything in any Credit Document to the contrary, in no event shall the interest charged under any Credit Document exceed the maximum rate of interest permitted under applicable law. Any payment made which if treated as interest would cause the interest charged to exceed the maximum rate permitted shall instead be held by Lender to the extent of such excess as additional Collateral hereunder and applied to future interest payments as and when such amount becomes due and payable hereunder.
 
(e) Calculations. Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a year of 360 days. In computing interest on the Loans (or interest on such interest), the date of the making of the Loans shall be included and the date of payment of the Loans shall be excluded.
 
(f) Interest Rate Options. Borrower may specify in a notice to Lender whether any of the following Loans shall bear interest based on the Prime Rate or on LIBOR, and if LIBOR, the duration of the Interest Period therefor: (i) any Loans being requested pursuant to Section 2.1(b), (ii) any Loans bearing interest based on the Prime Rate which Borrower desires to convert into Loans bearing interest based on LIBOR, and (iii) any Loans bearing interest based on LIBOR for which the Interest Period shall expire prior to the Final Maturity Date. Any such notice shall be delivered to Lender in writing to request, convert or continue a Loan to bearing interest based on (x) LIBOR, within at least four Business Days and (y) the Prime Rate, within at least two Business Days, or, in each case, such shorter period as shall be agreed to by Lender (it being understood that the parties have agreed that the notice periods have been waived for the initial advance on the Closing Date), before the borrowing date, the requested date of the conversion or the expiration of the then current Interest Period, as the case may be. If Borrower shall fail to deliver any such notice or after the occurrence and during the continuation of any Event of Default, Lender may, in its sole discretion, designate whether any Loans or which Loans shall bear interest based on the Prime Rate or on LIBOR, and, if LIBOR, the duration of the Interest Period therefor.
 
Section 2.4. Prepayment of Loans.
 
(a) Optional. Borrower shall have the right on not less than four Business Days prior written notice to Lender to prepay the Loans (as designated by Borrower) at any time in whole or from time to time in part; provided that such any prepayment shall be in a minimum amount of not less than $250,000.
 
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(b) Mandatory. (i) If at any time the aggregate principal amount of the Loans outstanding shall exceed the lesser of (A) the Commitment and (B) the Borrowing Base, Borrower shall immediately repay the outstanding Loans to the extent required to eliminate such excess, and (ii) Borrower shall prepay the outstanding Loans to the extent required under Section 7.14.
 
(c) Breakfunding Costs. In the event Borrower prepays all or any portion of the Loans, whether as a result of acceleration or otherwise, Borrower will pay to Lender, a break funding charge to cover actual loss, cost and expense attributable to such an event (“Breakfunding Costs”). Breakfunding Costs shall be deemed to include but not be limited to an amount determined by Lender as follows: (i) calculate Lender’s remaining interest cost based on (A) LIBOR then applicable to the Loan or Loans being prepaid, times (B) the principal amount of the prepayment, amortized accordingly, times (C) the remaining period of time until the end of the Interest Period applicable to the Loan or Loans being prepaid, dayweighted accordingly; (ii) calculate Lender’s implied reinvestment rate based on (A) the U.S. Treasury rate as of the prepayment date for a period approximately equal to the period from the prepayment date until the end of the Interest Period applicable to the Loan or Loans being prepaid, times (B) the principal amount of the prepayment amortized accordingly, times (C) the remaining period of time until the end of the Interest Period applicable to the Loan or Loans being prepaid, dayweighted accordingly; and (iii) if the amount calculated pursuant to clause (ii) is equal to or greater than the amount calculated pursuant to (i), the Breakfunding Costs will be zero ($0), and if the amount calculated pursuant to (i) exceeds the amount calculated pursuant to clause (ii), the Breakfunding Costs will be calculated using Lender’s discounted cash flow formula to determine the present value of the excess of the amount calculated pursuant to clause (i) less the amount calculated pursuant to clause (ii). Breakfunding Costs shall be payable to Lender on the prepayment date of any Loan to the extent requested by Lender prior to such prepayment date; provided, however, that any Breakfunding Costs which are not determinable or which, for any other reason, are not requested prior to such prepayment date shall be paid by Borrower thereafter promptly upon receipt by Borrower from Lender of a request therefor. Such Breakfunding Costs shall be specified in a certificate delivered by Lender which sets out in reasonable detail the basis therefor.
 
Section 2.5. Note. The Loans made by Lender to Borrower are not evidenced by Notes on the Closing Date. At any time upon request by Lender, the Loans made by Lender to Borrower shall be evidenced by one or more Notes, duly executed by or on behalf of Borrower, delivered and payable to Lender in an aggregate principal amount equal to the Commitment. Lender shall maintain its records to reflect the amount and date of the Loans and of each payment of principal and interest thereon. All such records shall, absent manifest error, be conclusive as to the outstanding principal amount hereof; provided, however, that the failure to make any notation to Lender’s records shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of Borrower to repay the Loans.
 
Section 2.6. Payments. All payments by Borrower shall be payable on the due date thereof, in immediately available funds in Dollars, without any setoff, counterclaim, withholding or deduction of any kind; provided that payments required pursuant to Section 2.4(b) shall be due 2 Business Days from the date Borrower has knowledge that such payment is required. In addition, each time any payment is not received within 5 days of the applicable due date (other than any payment due on the Final Maturity Date) such missed payment shall be assessed a late charge of 5% of the aggregate amount then due. All payments shall be applied by Lender as follows: first, to the payment of all accrued but unpaid fees, costs or expenses under the Credit Documents; second, to the payment of all accrued but unpaid interest under the Credit Documents; third, to the repayment of then outstanding principal amount of the Loans; and fourth, the balance, if any, to Borrower or to whomsoever may be entitled to such amounts as determined by Lender in its reasonable discretion.
 
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Section 2.7. Collateral. The Obligations of Borrower under the Credit Documents shall be secured by the shares of Carbon Stock as more fully described in the Security Agreement (the "Collateral"). Borrower may at any time reduce the number of shares of Carbon Stock pledged to Lender pursuant to the Security Agreement but only if (a) Borrower shall make a corresponding proportionate reduction to the Commitment and (b) such reduction in the number of shares of Carbon Stock pledged would not cause the Borrowing Base to be less than 115% of the Commitment (after giving effect to the reduction to the Commitment).
 
Section 2.8. Illegality. If Lender determines at any time that any law or regulation or any change therein or in the interpretation or application thereof makes or will make it unlawful for Lender to maintain the Loans or to claim or receive any amount payable to it hereunder based on LIBOR, Lender shall give advance notice of such determination to Borrower as shall be reasonable under the circumstances, whereupon the Loans shall thereafter bear interest at the Prime Rate.
 
Section 2.9. Capital Adequacy. If Lender shall have determined that, after the date hereof, the adoption of any applicable law, rule or regulation regarding capital adequacy, or any change therein, or any change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or any request or directive regarding capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law, but if not having the force of law, the compliance with which is in accordance with the general practice of Lender for borrowers similarly situated to Borrower with respect to extensions of credit of the type contemplated by this Agreement) of any such Governmental Authority has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on the capital of Lender (or any Person controlling Lender (its “Parent”)) as a consequence of Lender’s obligations hereunder to a level below that which Lender (or its Parent) could have achieved but for such adoption, change or compliance (taking into consideration Lender’s policies with respect to capital adequacy) by an amount deemed by Lender to be material, then from time to time, within 15 days after demand by Lender, Borrower shall pay to Lender (or its Parent, as the case may be) such additional amount or amounts as will compensate Lender (or its Parent, as the case may be) for such reduction. Lender agrees that it will not request payment from Borrower under this Section 2.9 unless it makes a request for payment from all of Lender’s similarly situated customers under provisions of the type described in this Section 2.9.
 
Section 2.10. Reserved.
 
Section 2.11. Reduction and Termination of the Commitment. (a) Borrower may, upon at least 4 Business Days notice to Lender, terminate in whole or reduce in part the unused portions of the Commitment; provided that each partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount of not less than $5,000,000 or an integral multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof and (b) the Commitment shall be reduced by the purchase amount as determined pursuant to Section 2.14 and Section 7.14.
 
Section 2.12. Unused Fee. Borrower shall pay to Lender a fee (the “Unused Fee”) of .15% per annum on the daily amount by which the Commitment exceeds the outstanding amount of the Loans. The Unused Fee shall be payable in arrears on each June 30, September 30, December 31 and March 31, commencing June 30, 2008.
 
Section 2.13. Taxes. (a) Any and all payments made by Borrower hereunder shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any present or future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, or withholdings, and all liabilities with respect thereto to the extent attributable to the Loans or the Collateral, excluding (i) taxes imposed on net income and (ii) all income and franchise taxes of the United States of America, any political subdivisions thereof, and any state of the United States of America, and any political subdivisions thereof (all such non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, withholdings and liabilities being hereinafter referred to as “Taxes”). (b) If Borrower shall be required by law to deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder, (i) the sum payable shall be increased as may be necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.13) Lender shall receive an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) Borrower shall make such deductions and (iii) Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant taxation authority or other authority in accordance with applicable law. (c) Borrower shall pay and hereby indemnifies Lender from any documentary stamp Taxes in connection with the execution or delivery of any Credit Document. Within 30 days after the date of any payment of Taxes, Borrower will furnish Lender with evidence of payment thereof. Borrower hereby indemnifies Lender for the full amount of Taxes (including, without limitation, any Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section) paid by Lender and any liability (including penalties, interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally asserted. Payment pursuant to this indemnification obligation shall be made upon written demand therefor. The obligations of Borrower under this Section 2.13 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
 
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Section 2.14. Share Funding.
 
(a) Lender may, at its option, in lieu of funding all or any portion of a Loan requested pursuant to Section 2.1(b), purchase, for cash, shares of Carbon Stock from Borrower. In order to exercise its rights under this Section 2.14, Lender shall deliver written notice (a “Share Funding Notice”) to Borrower, no later than 2 Business Days following receipt of a borrowing notice from Borrower, setting forth Lender’s election to exercise its rights under this Section 2.14 and specifying (i) the amount of the Loan requested by Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1(b) that Lender desires to fund through the purchase of shares of Carbon Stock (such amount, the “Share Funding Price”) and (ii) the date on which Lender desires to consummate such purchase and sale; provided that if the Share Funding Price or the number of shares to be purchased by Lender has not been determined by the date of such requested advance, Lender shall make an interim Loan on the date of such requested advance pursuant to and upon the terms in the borrowing notice, which interim Loan shall be repaid upon consummation of the purchase of the shares of Carbon Stock by Lender pursuant to this Section 2.14(a). If Lender delivers a Share Funding Notice, Borrower shall be obligated to sell to Lender, and Lender shall be required to purchase from Borrower, a number of shares of Carbon Stock determined by dividing (i) the Share Funding Price by (ii) the Share Price (determined as of the date of the Share Funding Notice); provided that Lender may, at any time, prior to consummation of the purchase of the shares of Carbon Stock under this Section 2.14 elect to instead fund all or any portion of the Share Funding Price in accordance with the original Loan request. In the event the number of shares of Carbon Stock are not divisible exactly into the Share Funding Price, the parties shall agree to adjust the Share Funding Price accordingly.
 
(b) At the closing of the purchase and sale of the shares of Carbon Stock pursuant to Section 2.14(a), Borrower shall promptly take all necessary and desirable actions requested by Lender in connection with the consummation of the purchase and sale of the shares of Carbon Stock pursuant to Section 2.14(a), including the execution of such customary agreements and such instruments (including stock powers or other instruments of transfer) for transactions of this type. Upon consummation of purchase of shares of Carbon Stock hereunder the Commitment shall be automatically reduced by the Share Funding Price.
 
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ARTICLE III: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
Borrower represents and warrants to Lender on the date hereof and on the date of the making of each Loan that:
 
Section 3.1. Organization; Powers; Authorization; Enforceability, Etc. (a) Borrower is duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing (if and to the extent applicable) under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization or formation, has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, is qualified to do business in every jurisdiction where such qualification is required. (b) The Transactions are within the powers of Borrower and have been duly authorized by all necessary action for Borrower. (c) Each Credit Document to which it is a party has been duly executed and delivered by Borrower and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law. (d) The Transactions (i) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, (ii) will not violate any applicable law or regulation or the charter, by-laws, trust agreement or other organizational documents of Borrower or any order of any Governmental Authority binding on Borrower, (iii) will not violate or result in a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon Borrower or its assets, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by Borrower to the extent that such violation, or such default or right to payment could be reasonably expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and (iv) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of Borrower other than pursuant to the Credit Documents. (e) There are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of Borrower, threatened against or affecting Borrower (i) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination or that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) that involve the Credit Documents, the Collateral or the Transactions. (f) Borrower is in compliance with all laws, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property, to the extent that any noncompliance therewith could be reasonably expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. (g) No Default has occurred and is continuing.
 
Section 3.2. Investment Company Status. Borrower is not an “investment company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940.
 
Section 3.3. Security Interests; Certain Information. Lender has a valid and perfected first priority Lien on all of the Collateral and all filings and other actions necessary for the perfection and first priority status of such Liens have been duly made or taken and remain in full force and effect.
 
Section 3.4. Taxes. (a) Borrower has timely filed or caused to be filed all tax returns and reports required to have been filed (giving effect to any extensions), all such reports were correct and complete in all material respects and Borrower has paid or caused to be paid all taxes required to have been paid by it, except taxes that are being contested in compliance with Section 5.4. (b) Borrower does not intend to and shall not treat the Loans and Transactions as being a “reportable transaction” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4). In the event Borrower determines to take any action inconsistent with such intention or treatment, (i) Borrower will promptly notify Lender thereof and (ii) Borrower acknowledges that Lender may treat the Loans as part of a transaction that is subject to Internal Revenue Code Section 6112 and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, and that Lender may file such IRS forms or maintain such lists and other records to the extent required by such statute and regulations. No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used directly or indirectly in connection with any “listed transaction” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4(b)(2)).
 
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Section 3.5. Solvency. Borrower is Solvent and will be Solvent after giving effect to the Transactions.
 
Section 3.6. Disclosure. None of the written reports, financial statements, certificates or other written information (other than financial projections and pro forma information) furnished by or on behalf of Borrower to Lender in connection with the negotiation of the Credit Documents or delivered hereunder (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
 
ARTICLE IV: CONDITIONS
 
Section 4.1. Closing Date. The obligations of Lender to make any Loan to Borrower hereunder shall not become effective until each of the following conditions is satisfied:
 
(a) Lender shall have received the following documents:
 
(i) a counterpart of this Agreement executed by Borrower;
 
(ii) the Security Agreement executed by Borrower;
 
(iii) a completed Borrowing Base Certificate;
 
(iv) a certificate of a responsible officer of each of Borrower and Carbon certifying as to its Governing Documents.
 
(b) Lender shall have received Lien searches against each of Borrower and Carbon indicating that there are no Liens against the Collateral.
 
(c) Lender shall have received payment of the Commitment Fee described in the Fee Letter, and all other fees and expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) due and payable on or before the Closing Date (including all such fees described in the Fee Letter).
 
(d) Lender shall have received certification from Borrower that there is no pending litigation or other proceedings, the result of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
(e) Lender shall be satisfied that all necessary consents and approvals with respect to the Transactions shall have been obtained and shall be satisfactory to Lender.
 
(f) Lender shall be satisfied that there has been no condition that Lender deems to be material and adverse in the business, operations, financial condition or prospects of the Collateral.
 
(g) Lender shall have received such documents, certificates and legal opinions regarding each of Borrower and Carbon, as requested by Lender and all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender and its counsel.
 
Section 4.2. Additional Conditions to Loans. On the date on which each Loan is to be made:  (a) Lender shall have received a request for such Loan executed by Borrower; (b) the representations and warranties set forth in Article III hereof and in any documents delivered herewith, shall be true and correct with the same effect as though made on and as of such date; (c) Borrower and Carbon shall be in compliance with all the terms and provisions contained herein and in the Credit Documents to be observed or performed; (d) Lender shall have received a completed Borrowing Base Certificate reflecting that after giving effect to such borrowing the aggregate amount of the Loans outstanding shall not exceed the lesser of (i) the Commitment, and (ii) the Borrowing Base; and (e) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
 
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Section 4.3. Conditions to Extension. On each date on which the then current Final Maturity Date is to be extended pursuant to Section 2.2: (a) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (b) Borrower shall have paid the Extension Fee to Lender.
 
ARTICLE V: COVENANTS
 
Until the termination of the Commitment and the principal of and interest on the Loans and all fees and other Obligations payable under the Credit Documents shall have been paid in full, Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that:
 
Section 5.1. Reporting Requirements. Borrower shall furnish to Lender each of the following:
 
(a) Within 90 days following the end of each fiscal year, a consolidated balance sheet, an income statement, a statement of changes in shareholders’ equity and a statement of cash flows of Borrower as of the end of such fiscal year, setting forth in comparative form consolidated figures for the preceding fiscal year, all such financial information described above to be in reasonable form and detail and audited by an independent certified public accounting firm of recognized national standing reasonably acceptable to Lender, and whose opinion shall be to the effect that such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and shall not be limited as to the scope of the audit or qualified as to the status of Borrower as a going concern or otherwise.
 
(b) Within 45 days following the end of each fiscal quarter of Borrower (other than the fourth fiscal quarter, in which case 90 days after the end thereof) an unaudited consolidated balance sheet, income statement and statement of changes in shareholders’ equity of Borrower as of the end of such fiscal quarter, all such financial information described above to be in reasonable form and detail and reasonably acceptable to Lender.
 
(c) Promptly and in no event later than the last day of each calendar month a completed Borrowing Base Certificate as of such day.
 
(d) Within a reasonable period of time after a request from Lender, such other financial data or information as Lender may reasonably request with respect to any of the Pledged Interests
 
(e) Within a reasonable period of time after a request from Lender, complete copies of all federal and state tax returns and supporting schedules of Borrower.
 
(f) Promptly upon receipt thereof, a copy of any other report or “management letter” submitted by independent accountants to Borrower in connection with any annual, interim or special audit of the books of Borrower.
 
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(g) With reasonable promptness upon any such request, such other information regarding the business, properties or financial condition of Borrower as Lender may reasonably request.
 
Section 5.2. Information and Notices. Borrower will furnish or will cause to be furnished to Lender promptly following any request therefor, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of Borrower, or compliance with the terms of the Credit Documents, as Lender may reasonably request. Borrower will furnish to Lender prompt written notice of the following:  (a) the occurrence of any Default and (b) the filing or commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or affecting Borrower, Carbon that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Each notice delivered under this Section shall be accompanied by a statement of Borrower setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.
 
Section 5.3. Books and Records; Inspection Rights; Access. Borrower will keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities. Borrower will permit any representatives designated by Lender, during normal business hours and upon reasonable advance notice, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to directly discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its partners or trustees (or its designee), officers and independent accountants, as applicable.
 
Section 5.4. Existence; Payment of Obligations; Compliance with Laws. Borrower will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, licenses, permits, privileges and franchises material to the conduct of its business. Borrower will pay its liabilities including tax liabilities, that, if not paid, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) Borrower has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto and (c) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Borrower will comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
 
Section 5.5. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans shall be used by Borrower for working capital and general corporate purposes. No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used directly or indirectly for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock within the meaning of Regulations T, U, or X of the Federal Reserve Board.
 
Section 5.6. Indebtedness; Liens; Restrictions on Subsidiaries.
 
(a) Borrower shall not voluntarily repay any Indebtedness prior to its scheduled maturity unless the Loans have been repaid in full and the Commitment has been terminated.
 
(b) No Obligor shall permit any Liens to exist on the Collateral except Liens created pursuant to the Credit Documents.
 
(c) The Obligations are at least pari passu with all other obligations of Borrower.
 
(d) Borrower shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to agree to enter into or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction of any kind on the ability of such subsidiary to pay dividends or make any other distribution or transfer of funds or assets or make loans or advances to, or pay any Indebtedness owed to, Borrower; except for restrictions on dividends and distributions during an event of default under and pursuant to the material agreements of such subsidiary.
 
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Section 5.7. Fundamental Changes. (a) Borrower shall not merge or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge or consolidate with it. (b) Borrower shall not sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (in each case, whether now owned or hereafter acquired). (c) Borrower shall not distribute, sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) any Collateral except as expressly permitted herein. (d) Borrower shall not enter into any agreement or undertaking restricting its right or ability or the rights or ability of Lender to sell, assign or transfer any of the Collateral or proceeds thereof except as expressly permitted herein. (e) Borrower shall not, and shall not permit Carbon to alter, amend, modify or change its Governing Documents or other organizational documents in any manner which could have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
Section 5.8. Further Assurances. Borrower shall upon request by Lender (a) promptly correct any material defect or error that may be discovered in any Credit Document or in the execution, acknowledgement or recordation thereof and (b) do, execute, acknowledge, deliver, record, re-record, file, re-file, register and re-register any and all such further acts, deeds, conveyances, security agreements, pledge agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, trust deeds, assignments, estoppel certificates, financing statements and continuation thereof, termination statements, notices of assignment, transfers, certificates, assurances and other instruments as Lender may require from time to time in order to (i) carry out more effectively the purposes of this Agreement or any other Credit Documents, (ii) subject to the Liens and security interests created by any of the Credit Documents any of Borrower’s properties, rights or interests covered or now or hereafter intended to be covered by any of the Credit Documents, (iii) perfect and maintain the validity, effectiveness and priority of any of the Credit Documents and the Liens and security interests intended to be created thereby and (iv) better assure, convey, grant, assign, transfer, preserve, protect and confirm unto Lender the rights granted or now or hereafter intended to be granted to Lender under any Credit Document. Lender shall upon request by Borrower promptly correct any material defect or error that may be discovered in any Credit Document or in the execution, acknowledgement or recordation thereof.
 
Section 5.9. Replacement Financing. Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain other financing, which financing shall be used to repay the Obligations hereunder, reduce the aggregate amount of Loans outstanding pursuant to this Agreement and replace the financing available under the Credit Documents; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to use the proceeds of other financing obtained for other purposes to repay the Obligations hereunder, reduce the aggregate amount of Loans outstanding pursuant to this Agreement or replace the financing available under the Credit Documents.
 
Section 5.10. Consent. Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the Consent executed by Carbon.
 
Section 5.11. Ratio of Total Recourse Indebtedness to Tangible Net Worth. The ratio of Total Recourse Indebtedness to Tangible Net Worth at the end of each fiscal quarter shall not be greater than 3.0:1.0; provided that compliance with this Section 5.11 shall be determined by excluding the assets and liabilities of variable interest entities required to be consolidated under FIN 46R and without giving any effect to any change in or in the interpretation of FAS 140 after the date hereof.
 
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ARTICLE VI: EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
Section 6.1. If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) shall occur:
 
(a) Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of or interest on the Loans when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or otherwise;
 
(b) Borrower shall fail to pay any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (a) of this Section 6.1) payable under any Credit Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of five days after the receipt of written notice of the date on which the same shall become due and payable (it being understood that invoices by Lender to Borrower shall constitute such written notice);
 
(c) any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of Borrower in connection with any Credit Document or any amendment or modification thereof, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with any Credit Document or any amendment or modification hereof shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made;
 
(d) Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Sections 5.1, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8 and 5.11 hereof or Sections 5.2, 5.3, 5.5, 5.6 and 5.12 of the Security Agreement;
 
(e) Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in any Credit Document (other than those specified in clause (a), (b), (c) or (d) of this Section 6.1), and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after notice thereof from Lender to Borrower;
 
(f) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of Borrower or any subsidiary or its debts, or of a substantial part of their assets, under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for Borrower or any subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;
 
(g) Borrower or any subsidiary shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (f) of this Section 6.1, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for Borrower or any subsidiary or for a substantial part of their assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against them in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;
 
(h) Borrower or any subsidiary shall become unable, admit in writing or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due;
 
(i) one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of (i) in the case of Borrower, (A) $5,000,000, if the net worth of Borrower is less than $250,000,000 or (B) $10,000,000, if the net worth of Borrower is greater than or equal to $250,000,000, and (ii) in the case of any subsidiary, $1,000,000, shall be rendered against Borrower or any subsidiary and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of 30 consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of Borrower or any subsidiary to enforce any such judgment;
 
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(j) any material provision of any Credit Document shall, for any reason, cease to be valid and binding on Borrower, or Borrower shall so state in writing; or any Credit Document shall, for any reason, cease to create a valid Lien on any of the Collateral purported to be covered thereby or any Lien granted to Lender shall cease to be a perfected first priority Lien, or Borrower shall so state in writing; and
 
(k) Borrower or any subsidiary shall fail to make any payment on any Indebtedness of Borrower or any subsidiary, or any guaranty obligation in respect of any other Person, and such failed payment shall exceed, in the aggregate, (i) $5,000,000, if the net worth of Borrower is less than $250,000,000 or (ii) $10,000,000, if the net worth of Borrower is greater than or equal to $250,000,000; or any other event shall occur or condition exist under any agreement or instrument of Borrower or any subsidiary relating to such Indebtedness, if the effect of such event or condition is to accelerate, or permit (with the giving of notice or passing of time or both) the acceleration of, the maturity of such Indebtedness;
 
then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to Borrower described in clause (f), (g) or (h) of this Section 6.1), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, Lender may by notice to Borrower, take any or all of the following actions, at the same or different times:  (i) terminate the Commitment, and thereupon the Commitment shall terminate immediately, and (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other Obligations of Borrower accrued hereunder, shall become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by Borrower; and in case of any event with respect to Borrower described in clause (f), (g) or (h) of this Section 6.1, the Commitment shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other Obligations of Borrower accrued hereunder, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by Borrower.
 
ARTICLE VII: MISCELLANEOUS
 
Section 7.1. Notices. All notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by U.S. mail or sent by telecopy (with confirmed receipt or followed by overnight delivery) to the addresses (or telecopy numbers) set forth on the signature pages hereof. Any party hereto may change its address or telecopy number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt or, if mailed, the fifth Business Day following the date so mailed, if earlier. Telecopied notices shall be deemed to have been given on the day of receipt if received on a Business Day before 11:00 am (New York time), and otherwise, on the succeeding Business Day.
 
Section 7.2. Amendment and Waiver. No alteration, modification, amendment or waiver of any terms and conditions of any of the Credit Documents shall be effective or enforceable against Lender unless set forth in a writing signed by Lender. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of each Loan shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether Lender may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.
 
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Section 7.3. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.
 
(a) Borrower shall pay all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Lender, including but not limited to fees and disbursements of counsel for Lender, in connection with the negotiation and preparation of any Credit Documents, any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions thereto requested or agreed to by Borrower (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), the addition or release of any collateral or the enforcement or protection of Lender’s rights in connection with any Credit Document, including its rights under this Section in connection with the Loans made hereunder or any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect thereof. Borrower hereby authorizes and directs Lender to pay any legal fees relating to this Agreement from the proceeds of any borrowings hereunder and any accounts of Borrower maintained with Lender.
 
(b) Borrower shall indemnify Lender and each Affiliate, each director, officer, employee, member, manager, stockholder, partner, agent and representative of Lender and each Affiliate (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (or actions or other proceedings commenced or threatened in respect of) and related expenses, including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for any Indemnitee (the “Losses”), incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to (i) the execution or delivery of any Credit Document, the performance of the parties hereto of their respective Obligations thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or (ii) the Loans or the use of the proceeds therefrom, in each case, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such Losses are determined by a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to have been incurred by reason of gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee.
 
(c) To the extent permitted by applicable law, Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, any Credit Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the Transactions, each Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof.
 
(d) All amounts due under this Section shall be payable promptly after written demand therefor. The Obligations of Borrower under this Section shall survive payment in full of the Loans.
 
Section 7.4. Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, except that Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or Obligations hereunder and any attempted assignment or transfer by Borrower shall be null and void.
 
Section 7.5. Survival. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by Borrower in any Credit Document and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to any Credit Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of each Credit Document and the making of the Loans, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on the Loans or any fee or any other amount payable under any Credit Document is outstanding and unpaid. The provisions of Section 7.3 shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof.
 
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Section 7.6. Right of Setoff. If any amount payable hereunder or under any other Credit Document is not paid as and when due, Borrower hereby authorizes Lender and each affiliate of Lender to proceed, to the extent permitted by applicable law, without prior notice, by right of setoff, bankers’ lien, counterclaim or otherwise, against any assets of Borrower in any currency that may at any time be in the possession of Lender or such affiliate, at any branch or office, to the full extent of all amounts payable to Lender hereunder or thereunder. Lender shall give prompt notice to Borrower after any exercise of Lender’s rights under the preceding sentence, but the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of any of Lender’s actions.
 
Section 7.7. Severability. Any provision of any Credit Document held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without effecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.
 
Section 7.8. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.
 
(a) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
 
(b) BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY FEDERAL OR STATE COURT IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK IN ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT AGAINST IT AND RELATED TO OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND CONSENTS TO THE PLACING OF VENUE IN NEW YORK COUNTY OR OTHER COUNTY PERMITTED BY LAW. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT BY WAY OF MOTION, AS A DEFENSE OR OTHERWISE, IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ANY CLAIM THAT IT IS NOT PERSONALLY SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS, THAT THE SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING IS BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM, THAT THE VENUE OF THE SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING IS IMPROPER, OR THAT ANY CREDIT DOCUMENT OR INSTRUMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN MAY NOT BE LITIGATED IN OR BY SUCH COURTS. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, BORROWER AGREES NOT TO SEEK AND HEREBY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO ANY REVIEW OF THE JUDGMENT OF ANY SUCH COURT BY ANY COURT OF ANY OTHER NATION OR JURISDICTION WHICH MAY BE CALLED UPON TO GRANT AN ENFORCEMENT OF SUCH JUDGMENT. EXCEPT AS PROHIBITED BY LAW, BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY CREDIT DOCUMENT.
 
(c) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 7.1. Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
 
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Section 7.9. Headings. Article and Section headings used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.
 
Section 7.10.  Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement or of any other Credit Document by facsimile or electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement or of such other Credit Document.
 
Section 7.11. No Reliance. Borrower acknowledges that it is making its own independent decision to enter into the transactions under the Credit Documents and has determined that such transactions are appropriate and proper based upon its own judgment and upon advice from such advisers as it has deemed necessary. Borrower acknowledges that it is not relying on any communication (written or oral) from any Indemnitee (as defined in Section 7.3(b)) as investment or tax advice or as a recommendation to enter into such transactions and specifically agrees and acknowledges that any information and explanation relating to the terms and conditions of such transactions shall not be considered investment or tax advice or a recommendation from any Indemnitee to enter into such transactions. No communication (written or oral) from any Indemnitee regarding such transactions shall be deemed to be an assurance or guarantee as to the expected results, benefits, outcomes or characteristics (economic, tax or otherwise) of such transactions. Borrower acknowledges that it is capable of assessing the merits of and understands (on its own behalf or through independent professional advice), and accepts, the terms, conditions and risks of such transactions and that it is also capable of assuming and assumes the risks of such transactions. Borrower acknowledges that no Indemnitee is acting as a fiduciary or an adviser to Borrower in respect of such transactions.
 
Section 7.12. [Intentionally Omitted]
 
Section 7.13. Power of Attorney. Borrower hereby authorizes and does hereby make, constitute and appoint Lender and legal counsel to Lender, each with power to act separately, as Borrower’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact, to make mutually agreed-upon revisions to each of the Credit Documents including this Agreement and any borrowing notices, as appropriate, and to complete any blanks contained therein, such acts to include completing any blanks contained therein, changing the dates or borrowing amounts, inserting or changing the date of each Credit Document and inserting the account numbers of any accounts in which any Collateral is held. Borrower hereby approves and ratifies all acts of said attorney or designee, and hereby agreed that they shall not be liable for any acts of commission or omission, nor for any error or judgment or mistake of fact or law except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. This power of attorney shall be irrevocable as long as any of the Obligations shall be outstanding. Lender may exercise this power of attorney at any time on and after the Closing Date.
 
Section 7.14. Share Purchase. 
 
(a) Subject to the limitations set forth in this Section 7.14, Lender shall, at any time prior to the Final Maturity Date, have the option to purchase all or any portion of the shares of Carbon Stock constituting Collateral at such time at the Share Purchase Price by delivering a Share Purchase Notice to Borrower, which notice shall specify (i) the number of shares of Carbon Stock that Lender desires to purchase, (ii) the Share Purchase Price of the shares to be purchased and (iii) the date on which Lender desires to consummate such purchase and sale (which date shall be no less than 5 Business Days after the date of the Share Purchase Notice). Subject to the other provisions of this Section 7.14, if Lender delivers to Borrower a Share Purchase Notice, Borrower shall be obligated to sell to Lender, and Lender shall be required to purchase from Borrower, that number of shares of Carbon Stock set forth in the Share Purchase Notice (as the same may be adjusted as provided below); provided that Lender may, at any time prior to the consummation of a purchase and sale of shares of Carbon Stock in respect of a Share Purchase Notice, elect to withdraw such Share Purchase Notice with respect to all or any portion of the shares of Carbon Stock elected to be purchased (without any liability or obligation to Borrower or any other Person), in which case Lender shall have no obligation to purchase the shares of Carbon Stock so withdrawn.
 
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(b) At the closing of the purchase and sale of the shares of Carbon Stock pursuant to this Section 7.14, Borrower shall take all necessary and desirable actions requested by Lender in connection with the consummation of any purchase and sale of the shares of Carbon Stock, including the execution of such customary agreements and such instruments (including stock powers or other instruments of transfer) for transactions of this type. Upon consummation of purchase and sale of shares of Carbon Stock under this Section 7.14: (i) the Commitment shall be automatically reduced by the Share Purchase Price set forth on such Share Purchase Notice and actually paid at the closing; and (ii) the Share Purchase Price actually paid at the closing shall be applied to repay the outstanding Loans and the other Obligations as if Borrower had prepaid such Loans and the other Obligations pursuant to the terms of Section 2.4 hereof.
 
(c) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 7.14 to the contrary, in connection with each and any election by Lender to purchase shares of Carbon Stock under this Section 7.14, in no event will the Share Purchase Price, and the applicable number of shares of Carbon Stock that may be purchased by Lender in connection therewith, exceed the greater of (i) the outstanding Commitment or (ii) an amount which would be required to repay the outstanding Loans and the other Obligations in full, in each case, determined as of the date of the applicable Share Purchase Notice; provided in the event that Lender would be required to purchase one or more fractional shares of Carbon Stock, the parties shall agree to adjust the Share Purchase Price accordingly.
 
(d) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 7.14 to the contrary, in lieu of selling shares of Carbon Stock to Lender pursuant to this Section 7.14 following receipt of a Share Purchase Notice, Borrower may elect to either: (i) prepay, in full, all outstanding Loans and any other Obligations and terminate the Commitment; or (ii) prepay, in full, the outstanding Loans and any other Obligations in an amount equal to the Share Purchase Price and reduce the Commitment by the same amount. If Borrower, after receiving the Share Purchase Notice from Lender desires to exercise its rights pursuant to this Section 7.14(d), Borrower must: (A) deliver written notice to Lender no later than 3 Business Days following the date Borrower receives such Share Purchase Notice (such written notice being irrevocable without the consent of Lender) specifying whether Borrower elects to effectuate the prepayment pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) above; and (B) cause prepayment of the applicable amount to be made to Lender, in full, no later than 10 Business days following delivery of the Share Repayment Notice. Failure of Borrower to meet any of the deadlines outlined in this clause (d) shall result in the automatic forfeiture by Borrower of its right to effectuate a prepayment pursuant to this clause (d) in respect of the applicable Share Purchase Notice.
 
Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
     
 
BORROWER:
   
 
ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
By  /s/ Chris Milner
 
Name: Chris Milner
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
 
  Notice Address:
   
  c/o BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.
  40 East 52nd Street
  New York, New York 10022
  Attn: Richard Shea
  Fax: (212) 810-8758
   
  With a copy to:
   
  Anthracite Capital, Inc.
 
c/o BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.
  One PNC Plaza, 19th Floor
  249 Fifth Avenue
  Pittsburgh, PA 15222
  Attn: Janice DeJulio
  Fax: (412) 762-4546
   
  and a copy to:
   
 
Anthracite Capital, Inc.
  c/o BlackRock Realty Advisors
  50 California Street
  San Francisco, CA 94115
 
Attn: Herman H. Howerton, Esq.
  Fax: (415) 835-0092
 


     
  LENDER:
   
  BLACKROCK HOLDCO 2, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
By   /s/ Ann Marie Petach
 
Name: Ann Marie Petach
  Title: Managing Director
 
  Notice Address:
   
  c/o BlackRock, Inc.
  40 East 52nd Street
  New York, New York 10022
  Attn: Ann Marie Petach
  Fax: (212) 810-8765
   
  With a copy to:
   
  c/o BlackRock, Inc.
  40 East 52nd Street
 
New York, New York 10022
 
Attn: Robert P. Connolly, Esq.
 
Fax: (212) 810-3744
 

 
EXHIBIT A
 
BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE
 

 
EXHIBIT B
 
BORROWING REQUEST
 

EX-10.17 7 v105220_ex10-17.htm Unassociated Document
 


 
OWNERSHIP INTERESTS PLEDGE
AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

between

ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC.,
as pledgor

and

BLACKROCK HOLDCO 2, INC.,
as lender

Dated as of March 7, 2008
 


 


Table of Contents

1.
GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST
 
1
2.
COLLATERAL
 
1
3.
OBLIGATIONS
 
1
4.
WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS
 
2
5.
PLEDGOR’S AGREEMENTS
 
2
6.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
5
7.
REMEDIES AFTER EVENT OF DEFAULT
 
6
8.
ACTIONS BY LENDER IN RESPECT OF THE COLLATERAL
 
6
9.
NATURE OF LENDER’S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES
 
7
10.
PLEDGOR’S CONSENT AND WAIVER
 
7
11.
LENDER MAY ASSIGN
 
8
12.
LIMITS ON LENDER’S DUTIES
 
8
13.
RELEASE; TERMINATION
 
8
MISCELLANEOUS
 
9
15.
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL
 
10

Index of Defined Terms

   
1
 
Anti-Money Laundering Laws
   
5
 
Collateral
   
1
 
Credit Agreement
   
1
 
Event of Default
   
5
 
Legal Requirements
   
4
 
Lender
   
1
 
Obligations
   
1
 
Pledge and Security Agreement
   
1
 
Pledged Interests
   
1
 
   
1
 
Rights and Remedies
   
7
 
 
 
i


OWNERSHIP INTERESTS PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
 
This agreement (the “Pledge and Security Agreement” or “Agreement”) is delivered as of March 7th, 2008 by ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC., a Maryland corporation, having an address c/o BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., 40 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10022 (“Pledgor”), in favor of BLACKROCK HOLDCO2, INC., a Delaware corporation, having an address c/o BlackRock, Inc., 40 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022 (the “Lender”), pursuant to the terms of that certain Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), dated of even date hereof, from Pledgor, as borrower, to Lender. Capitalized terms used herein that are not otherwise specifically defined herein shall have the same meanings herein as in the Credit Agreement.
 
1. GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST. 
 
Pledgor does hereby pledge, assign, transfer, grant and deliver to Lender, a continuing first priority security interest in the Collateral (as hereinafter defined) to secure the payment and performance in full of the Obligations.
 
2. COLLATERAL. 
 
The term “Collateral” shall mean and include the following property, wherever located:
 
2.1 all of Pledgor’s right, title and interest (including, without limitation, Pledgor’s voting rights) in the investments described on Exhibit A as “Pledged Interests” (all interests in the Collateral pursuant to this Section 2.1 or Section 2.2 are referred to herein as “Pledged Interests”), as updated by the parties hereto from time to time;
 
2.2 all certificates or other instruments, if any, representing a Pledged Interest;
 
2.3 all Pledgor’s income, cash flow, rights of distribution (whether in cash, property or equity interests), dividends, interest, proceeds, accounts, fees, profits, rights of redemption or other rights to payment which in any way relate to or arise out of the Pledged Interests; and
 
2.4 all rights of access arising from the Pledged Interests to books, records, information and electronically stored data relating to any of the foregoing.
 
3. OBLIGATIONS. 
 
The term “Obligations” shall mean all now existing or hereafter arising obligations of Pledgor to Lender, whether primary or secondary, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, secured or unsecured, due or not, liquidated or unliquidated, arising by operation of law or otherwise under any Credit Document whether for principal, interest, fees, expenses or otherwise, together with all costs of collection or enforcement, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in any collection efforts or in any action or proceeding.
 
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4. WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS. 
 
Pledgor warrants and represents to, and agrees with, Lender that:
 
4.1 Pledgor is the owner of the Collateral free and clear of all pledges, liens, security interests and other encumbrances of every nature whatsoever, except for any such liens or encumbrances in favor of Lender;
 
4.2 Pledgor has the full right, power and authority to pledge the Collateral and to grant the security interest in the Collateral as herein provided;
 
4.3 There are no restrictions on, or consents required with respect to, the transfer of the Collateral to Lender hereunder, or with respect to any subsequent transfer thereof or realization thereupon by Lender;
 
4.4 Each Pledged Interest listed on Exhibit A is as described and set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof;
 
4.5 Pledgor has delivered to Lender true and complete copies of the organizational documents of each of the entities listed on Exhibit A and, as of the date hereof, the same have not been further amended or modified in any respect whatsoever;
 
4.6 All of the warranties and representations made by or in respect of Pledgor under the Credit Agreement are true and accurate;
 
4.7 The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Pledgor does not and shall not result in the violation of any mortgage, indenture, material contract, instrument, agreement, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or regulation to which Pledgor is subject, or by which it or any of its property is bound; and
 
4.8 This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Pledgor and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Pledgor, enforceable in accordance with the terms hereof, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors.
 
4.9 The grant of the security interest in the Collateral, combined with the filing of financing statements, the execution of assignments and/or possession of the Collateral, each as appropriate, is effective to vest in Lender a valid and perfected first priority security interest in and to the Collateral as set forth herein.
 
5. PLEDGOR’S AGREEMENTS. 
 
Pledgor agrees so long as any of the Obligations remain outstanding that:
 
5.1 Pledgor shall execute all such instruments, documents and papers, and will do all such acts as Lender may reasonably request from time to time to carry into effect the provisions and intent of this Agreement including, without limitation, the execution of stop-transfer orders, stock powers, notifications to obligors on the Collateral, the providing of notification in connection with book-entry securities or general intangibles, and the providing of instructions to the issuers of uncertificated securities, and will do all such other acts as Lender may reasonably request with respect to the perfection and protection of the pledge and security interests granted herein and the assignments effected hereby including, without limitation, the execution and delivery of any amendments to this Agreement to evidence the investments or portions thereof included in the Collateral, and authorizes Lender at any time and from time to time to file UCC financing statements, continuation statements, and amendments thereto describing the Collateral without the signature of Pledgor;
 
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5.2 Except for any liens or encumbrances in favor of the Lender, Pledgor shall keep the Collateral free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, attachments, security interest pledges and charges;
 
5.3 Pledgor shall not transfer the Collateral or any direct or indirect interest therein to any other person, except as specifically permitted by the Credit Agreement;
 
5.4 Pledgor shall deliver to Lender, if and when received by Pledgor, any item representing or constituting any of the Collateral. If under any circumstance whatsoever any proceeds should be paid to or come into the hands of Pledgor, Pledgor shall hold the same in trust for immediate delivery to Lender to be held as additional Collateral;
 
5.5 Except as permitted by this Agreement, Pledgor shall not exercise any right with respect to the Collateral which would materially dilute or materially adversely affect Lender’s security interest in the Collateral;
 
5.6 Pledgor shall not, without the prior written consent of Lender in each instance, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, vote the Collateral in favor of or consent to any resolution or action which does or might:
 
5.6.1 impose any additional restrictions upon the sale, transfer or disposition of the Collateral other than restrictions, if any, the application of which is waived to the full satisfaction of Lender as to the Collateral; or
 
5.6.2 result in the issuance of any additional interest in any of the investment entities listed on Exhibit A, or of any class of security, which issuance could reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the value of the Collateral;
 
5.6.3 vest additional powers, privileges, preferences or priorities in any other class of interest in any of the investment entities listed on Exhibit A to the material detriment of the value of or rights accruing to the Collateral; or
 
5.6.4 cause the Collateral to become certificated, or opt in to the regime of security interest perfection governed by Article 8 of the uniform commercial code.
 
5.7 Pledgor shall not enter into or consent to any amendment or modification of or with respect to the governing documents of any of the investment entities listed on Exhibit A which could reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the value of the Collateral without the prior written consent of Lender in each instance, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed;
 
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5.8 Insofar as the same may be material or significant to Lender’s interests, Pledgor shall perform in all material respects all of its obligations as a partner, member or shareholder of each of the investment entities listed on Exhibit A and shall enforce, to the extent provided for it in the governing documents of such entities all of the obligations of the other shareholders, partners or members of such entity;
 
5.9 Pledgor shall not itself or on behalf of any investment entities listed on Exhibit A take any action which would cause or result in a violation of any provisions of the Credit Documents;
 
5.10 Pledgor shall take all such actions as may be necessary or desirable in order to insure that all of the Obligations of Pledgor under the Credit Documents are punctually and faithfully paid and performed in the manner provided for therein;
 
5.11 Pledgor shall, with reasonable promptness, but in all events within 3 Business Days after it has actual knowledge thereof, notify Lender in writing of the occurrence of any act, event or condition which Pledgor, in its good faith determination, believes constitutes a default or Event of Default under any of the Credit Documents, specifying the nature and existence thereof. Such notification shall include a written statement of any remedial or curative actions which Pledgor proposes to undertake to cure or remedy such default or Event of Default;
 
5.12 Restrictions on Liens. Pledgor shall not, without the prior written consent of Lender (which consent may be withheld in Lender’s sole discretion) (a) further encumber the Pledged Interests; (b) alter in a material way the character or conduct of its business from that conducted as of the date hereof; (c) dissolve, terminate or liquidate, nor merge or consolidate with any other person;
 
5.13 Place for Records, Inspection. Pledgor shall maintain all of its business records at the address specified at the beginning of this Agreement. Upon reasonable prior notice and at reasonable times during normal business hours, Lender shall have the right (through such agents or consultants as Lender may designate) to make copies of and abstracts from Pledgor’s books of account, correspondence and other records and to discuss its financial and other affairs with any of its investors and any accountants hired by Pledgor;
 
5.14 Expenses. Pledgor shall pay all costs and expenses reasonably incurred by Lender in connection with the enforcement of Lender’s rights under the Credit Documents, including, without limitation, reasonable third party costs and expenses, including reasonable legal fees and disbursements, appraisal fees, inspection fees, plan review fees, travel costs, fees and out-of-pocket costs of consultants. Pledgor’s obligations to pay such costs and expenses shall include, without limitation, all reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses reasonably incurred for preparing and conducting litigation or dispute resolution arising from any breach by Pledgor of any covenant, warranty, representation or agreement under any Loan Document;
 
5.15 Compliance with Legal Requirements. Pledgor shall comply, in all material respects with all laws, rules, regulations, orders and decrees (including without limitation environmental laws) applicable to it, or to its properties (“Legal Requirements”). In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation thereof, Pledgor hereby agrees to provide Lender with any additional information that Lender reasonably requests from time to time in order to ensure compliance by Pledgor with all applicable Anti-Money Laundering Laws. The term “Anti-Money Laundering Laws” shall mean the USA Patriot Act of 2001, the Bank Secrecy Act, and Executive Order 13224 - Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism, and any similar Legal Requirements;
 
4

 
5.16 Insurance. Pledgor will maintain with financially sound and reputable insurers, insurance with respect to such properties and its business against such casualties and contingencies as shall be in accordance with the general practices of businesses engaged in similar activities in similar geographic areas and in amounts, containing such terms, in such forms and for such periods as may be reasonable and prudent;
 
5.17 Taxes. Pledgor will pay or cause to be paid taxes, assessments and other governmental charges payable by it and file all returns and reports relating thereto before the same become delinquent including, without limitation, upon its income or profits. Promptly upon request by Lender, Pledgor will provide evidence of the payment of such taxes, assessments and other governmental charges in the form of receipted tax bills or other form reasonably acceptable to Lender, or evidence of the existence of applicable contests as permitted herein; and
 
5.18 Existence of Pledgor, Maintenance of REIT Status. Pledgor will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence as a Maryland corporation. Pledgor will do all things commercially reasonable, to maintain its status as a real estate investment trust and not take any action which could lead to its disqualification as a real estate investment trust.
 
6. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. 
 
6.1 The occurrence of any one or more Events of Default under the Credit Agreement shall constitute an event of default (“Event of Default”) under this Agreement and upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, Lender may exercise any one or more of the rights and remedies as hereinafter set forth or as set forth and provided for in each of the other Credit Documents.
 
6.2 Prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default, and after the cure of such Event of Default (if cured prior to an acceleration of the Final Maturity Date by Lender) and the reimbursement by Pledgor of all expenses incurred by Lender resulting from such Event of Default, Pledgor shall be entitled to exercise any and all rights to receive cash dividends and distributions, consent, vote, approve, elect, determine, consult, propose, agree, and all other rights or prerogatives, if any, pertaining to the Collateral or any part thereof, to the extent permitted under the terms of the Credit Agreement and other Credit Documents, in a way not adverse to Lender’s interest in the Collateral.
 
5

 
7. REMEDIES AFTER EVENT OF DEFAULT. 
 
7.1 Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, and at any time Lender shall have all of the rights and remedies of a secured party upon default under the Uniform Commercial Code as adopted in the State of New York, in addition to which Lender may sell or otherwise dispose of the Collateral or any portion thereof and/or enforce and collect the Collateral or any portion thereof (including, without limitation, the liquidation of debt instruments or securities and the exercise of conversion rights with respect to convertible securities, whether or not such instruments or securities have matured, and whether or not any penalties or other charges are imposed on account of such action) for application towards (but not necessarily in complete satisfaction of) the Obligations. The proceeds of any such collection or of any such sale or other disposition of the Collateral, or any portion thereof shall be applied as Lender shall determine. Pledgor shall remain liable to Lender for any deficiency remaining following such application. Any surplus remaining after payment in full of all Obligations shall be paid over to Pledgor or to whomsoever may be lawfully entitled to receive such surplus.
 
7.2 Unless the Collateral is perishable, threatens to decline speedily in value, or is of a type customarily sold on a recognized market (in which event Lender shall give Pledgor such notice as may be practicable under the circumstances), Lender shall give Pledgor at least the minimum notice required by law of the date, time and place of any public sale thereof, or of the time after which any private sale or any other intended disposition is to be made.
 
7.3 Pledgor acknowledges that any exercise by Lender of Lender’s rights upon an Event of Default will be subject to compliance by Lender with the applicable statutes, regulations, ordinances, directives and orders of any federal, state, municipal or other governmental authority including, without limitation, any of the foregoing which may restrict the sale or disposition of securities. Lender in its sole discretion, but in good faith, at any such sale or in connection with any such disposition may restrict the prospective bidders or purchasers as to the nature of business, investment intention, or otherwise, including, without limitation, a requirement that the persons making such purchases represent and agree to the satisfaction of Lender that they are purchasing the Collateral, or some portion thereof, for their own account, for investment and not with a view towards the distribution or a sale thereof, or that they otherwise fall within some lawful exemption from registration under applicable laws.
 
8. ACTIONS BY LENDER IN RESPECT OF THE COLLATERAL. 
 
Pledgor hereby appoints Lender, or any agent designated by Lender, as the attorney-in-fact of Pledgor after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing to: (a) endorse in favor of Lender any of the Collateral; (b) cause the transfer of any of the Collateral in such name as Lender may from time to time determine; (c) renew, extend or roll over any Collateral; (d) make, demand and initiate actions to enforce any of the Collateral or rights therein; and (e) file financing statements, continuation statements, and amendments thereto describing the Collateral without the signature of Pledgor.
 
Lender may take such action with respect to the Collateral as Lender may reasonably determine to be necessary to protect and preserve its interest in the Collateral. Lender shall also have and may exercise at any time after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing all rights, remedies, powers, privileges and discretions of Pledgor with respect to and under the Collateral. The within designation and grant of power of attorney is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable until this Pledge and Security Agreement is terminated by a written instrument executed by a duly authorized officer of Lender or until all Obligations have been paid or fulfilled and the obligation of Lender to make Loans under the Credit Agreement has terminated. The power of attorney under this Section 8 shall not be affected by subsequent disability or incapacity of Pledgor. Lender shall not be liable for any act or omission to act pursuant to this Section 8, except for any act or omission to act which constitutes gross negligence or willful misconduct.
 
6

 
9. NATURE OF LENDER’S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES. 
 
The rights, remedies, powers, privileges and discretions of Lender hereunder (collectively, the “Rights and Remedies”) shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers, privileges or discretions which it may otherwise have. No delay or omission by Lender in exercising or enforcing any of the Rights and Remedies shall operate as, or constitute, a waiver thereof. No waiver by Lender of any default or any Event of Default or of any default under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver of any other default or Event of Default or of any other default under any Loan Document. No exercise of any Rights and Remedies shall preclude any other exercise of the Rights and Remedies. No waiver by Lender of any of the Rights and Remedies on any one occasion shall be deemed a waiver on any subsequent occasion nor shall it be deemed a continuing waiver. All Rights and Remedies and all of Lender’s rights, remedies, powers, privileges and discretions under any other agreement or transaction in respect of the Collateral are cumulative and not alternative or exclusive and may be exercised by Lender at such time or times in such order of preference as Lender in its sole and absolute discretion may determine.
 
10. PLEDGOR’S CONSENT AND WAIVER. 
 
Pledgor hereby agrees that Lender may enforce its rights as against Pledgor or the Collateral, or as against any other party liable for the Obligations, or as against any other collateral given for any of the Obligations, in any order or in such combination as Lender may in its sole discretion determine, and Pledgor hereby expressly waives all suretyship defenses and defenses in the nature thereof, agrees to the release or substitution of any Collateral hereunder or otherwise, and consents to each and all of the terms, provisions and conditions of the other Credit Documents. Pledgor further: (a) waives presentment, demand, notice and protest with respect to the Obligations and the Collateral; (b) waives any delay on the part of Lender; (c) assents to any indulgence or waiver which Lender may grant or give any other person liable or obliged to Lender for or on account of the Obligations; (d) authorizes Lender to alter, amend, cancel, waive or modify any term or condition of the obligations of any other person liable or obligated to Lender for or on account of the Obligations without notice to or further consent from Pledgor; (e) agrees that no release of any property securing the Obligations shall affect the rights of Lender with respect to the Collateral hereunder which is not so released; and (f) to the fullest extent that is permitted by applicable law, waives the right to notice and/or hearing, it might otherwise be entitled thereto, prior to Lender’s exercising the Rights and Remedies upon an Event of Default.
 
7

 
11. LENDER MAY ASSIGN. 
 
Pledgor agrees that upon any sale or transfer by Lender of the Credit Documents and the indebtedness evidenced thereby that is permitted under the Credit Agreement, Lender may deliver the Collateral disposed of as part of such a sale or transfer to the purchaser or transferee, who shall thereupon become vested with all powers and rights given to Lender in respect thereto, and Lender shall be thereafter forever relieved and fully discharged from any liability or responsibility in connection therewith.
 
12. LIMITS ON LENDER’S DUTIES. 
 
Lender shall not have any duty as to the collection or protection of the Collateral, or any portion thereof, or any income or distribution thereon, beyond the safe custody of such Collateral as may come into the actual possession of Lender and the accounting for monies actually received by Lender hereunder, and Lender shall not have any duty as to the preservation of rights against prior parties or any other rights pertaining thereto. Lender shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody and preservation of any Collateral in its possession of such Collateral is accorded treatment equal to that which it accords its own property. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as an undertaking by Lender of any of the liabilities or obligations of Pledgor as pledgor or any other shareholder, member or partner of any of the investment entities listed on Exhibit A, including but not limited to, the obligation to make contributions to capital or the obligation to make any other payment to, for or on behalf of Pledgor. Lender’s rights and obligations in respect of the Pledged Interests are those only of a secured party under New York law.
 
13. RELEASE; TERMINATION. 
 
Upon the indefeasible payment in full of all Obligations and the termination or expiration of any obligation of Lender to make Loans under the Credit Agreement, the security interest granted hereby shall terminate and all rights to the Collateral shall revert to Pledgor. Upon any such payment and termination or expiration, Lender will, at Pledgor’s sole expense, deliver to Pledgor all certificates and instruments, if any, evidencing the Collateral held by Lender hereunder, and execute and deliver to Pledgor such documents as Pledgor shall reasonably request to evidence such termination. In the event that for any reason the payment in full of all Obligations under the Credit Agreement shall be held invalid or shall be voided for any reason, then the foregoing release shall be automatically revoked without further action of the parties hereto and the security interest granted hereby shall be automatically reinstated and remain in force, nunc pro tunc.
 
8

 
14. MISCELLANEOUS.
 
14.1 Independent Remedies. Lender’s Rights and Remedies may be exercised without resort to or regard to any other source of satisfaction of the Obligations.
 
14.2 Successors and Assigns. All of the agreements, obligations, undertakings, representations and warranties herein made by Pledgor shall inure to the benefit of Lender and its respective successors and assigns and shall bind Pledgor and its successors and assigns.
 
14.3 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and all other instruments executed in connection herewith constitute the entire agreement between Pledgor and Lender pertaining to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, whether oral or written, of such parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof.
 
14.4 Modifications. No modification, amendment or waiver of any provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless executed in writing by the party to be charged with such modification, amendment and waiver and, if such party be Lender, then by a duly authorized officer thereof.
 
14.5 Captions. Captions in this Agreement are intended solely for convenience and shall not be deemed to affect the meaning or construction of any provision hereof.
 
14.6 Severability. Each provision hereof shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. The invalidity and unenforceability of any provision(s) hereof shall not impair or affect any other provision(s) hereof which are valid and enforceable.
 
14.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which when executed and delivered is an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. In making proof of this Agreement, it shall not be necessary to produce or account for more than one such counterpart which is executed by the party against whom enforcement of such agreement is sought.
 
14.8 Notices. Any demand, notice or request by either party to the other shall be given in the manner provided therefor in the Credit Agreement.
 
14.9 Conflicts. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the Credit Agreement, the Credit Agreement shall govern.
 
14.10 Governing Law. This Agreement shall in all respects be governed, construed, applied and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of law.
 
14.11 No Partnership. The relationship between Pledgor and Lender shall be only of creditor-debtor and no relationship of agency, partner or joint- or co-venturer shall be created by or inferred from this Agreement or the other Credit Documents. Grantor shall indemnify, defend, and save Lender harmless from any and all claims asserted against Lender as being the agent, partner, or joint-venturer of Pledgor.
 
9

 
14.12 Other Security. To the extent that the Obligations are now or hereafter secured by property other than the Collateral or by the guarantee, endorsement or property of any other Person, then Lender shall have the right in its sole discretion to pursue, relinquish, subordinate, modify or take any other action with respect thereto, without in any way modifying or affecting any of Lender’s rights and remedies hereunder.
 
15. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. 
 
EXCEPT AS PROHIBITED BY LAW, PLEDGOR HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT.

[Signature pages attached]
 
10


This Pledge and Security Agreement has been executed and delivered as an instrument under seal as of the 7th day of March, 2008.
 
     
  PLEDGOR:
   
  ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC., a Maryland corporation
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:    /s/ Richard Shea 
 
Name: Richard Shea 
Title: Chief Operating Officer & President
 
     
  LENDER:
   
  BLACKROCK HOLDCO 2, INC., a Delaware corporation
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:   /s/ Ann Marie Petach 
 
Name: Ann Marie Petach 
Title: Managing Director
 


EXHIBIT A

Pledged Interests
 
 

EX-12 8 v105220_ex12.htm
Exhibit 12

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends

The historical ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for the periods indicated is as follows:
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2003
 
Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends
   
1.20
   
1.26
   
1.34
   
1.16
   
 

For the purpose of calculating the above ratios, earnings represent:
 
 
·
income from continuing operations before adjustment for income or loss from equity investees; plus
     
 
·
fixed charges; plus
     
 
·
amortization of capitalized expenses related to indebtedness; plus
     
 
·
distributed income of equity investees; minus
     
 
·
preferred stock dividend requirements of consolidated subsidiaries.

Combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends represent:
 
 
·
interest expensed; plus
     
 
·
amortized premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses related to indebtedness; plus
     
 
·
preferred stock dividend requirements of consolidated subsidiaries.

The ratios are based solely on historical financial information and no pro forma adjustments have been made thereto. For the year ended December 31, 2003, earnings were insufficient to cover combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends by $20,200.
 

EX-21 9 v105220_ex21.htm
Exhibit 21

List of Subsidiaries

Anthracite CDO Depositor, LLC (1)
 
Anthracite CDO I Ltd. (3)
 
Anthracite CDO I Corp. (2)
 
Anthracite CDO II Depositor, LLC (1)
 
Anthracite CDO II Ltd. (3)
 
Anthracite CDO II Corp. (2)
 
Anthracite CDO III Depositor, LLC (1)
 
Anthracite CDO III Ltd. (3)
 
Anthracite CDO III Corp. (2)
 
Anthracite CRE CDO 2006-HY3 Ltd. (3)
 
Anthracite Euro CRE CDO 2006-1 P.L.C. (4)
 
Anthracite Funding, LLC (1)
 
Anthracite 2004-HY1 Depositor, LLC (1)
 
Anthracite 2004-HY1 Ltd. (3)
 
Anthracite 2004-HY1 Corp. (2)
 
Anthracite 2005-HY2 Depositor, LLC (1)
 
Anthracite 2005-HY2 Ltd. (3)
 
Anthracite 2005-HY2 Corp. (2)
 
AHR Capital BofA Limited (4)
 
AHR Capital DB Limited (4)
 
AHR Capital Limited (4)
 
AHR Capital MS Limited (4)
 
Anthracite Capital Trust I (7)
 
Anthracite Capital Trust II (7)
 
Anthracite Capital Trust III (7)
 
LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust 2004-C2 (8)
 
Anthracite Capital BOFA Funding, LLC (1)
 
Anthracite Capital Mortgage Services, Inc. (2)
 
Courtyards at Mustang GP, LLC (5)
 
Courtyards at Mustang, LP (6)

 
(1)
Delaware limited liability company
     
 
(2)
Delaware corporation
     
 
(3)
Cayman Islands exempt company
     
 
(4)
Irish limited company
     
 
(5)
Texas limited liability company
     
 
(6)
Texas limited partnership
     
 
(7)
Delaware statutory trust
     
 
(8)
New York common law trust

 
 

 
EX-23.1 10 v105220_ex23-1.htm
Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No. 333-32166, 333-69848, 333-64900, and 333-107067 on Form S-3 and Registration Statement No. 333-75467 on Form S-8, of our reports dated March 12, 2008, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of Anthracite Capital, Inc., and the effectiveness of Anthracite Capital, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Anthracite Capital, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2007.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

New York, New York
March 12, 2008
 

 
EX-23.2 11 v105220_ex23-2.htm
Exhibit 23.2
 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements Nos. 333-32166, 333-69848, 333-64900 and 333-107067 of Anthracite Capital, Inc. on Form S-3 and Registration Statements No. 333-75467 of Anthracite Capital, Inc. on Form S-8, of our report dated February 28, 2008 relating to the financial statements BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc., which appear in this Form 10-K.
 

 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
March 12, 2008



EX-31.1 12 v105220_ex31-1.htm
Exhibit 31.1
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Christopher A. Milner, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Anthracite Capital, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
     
Date: March 12, 2008
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Christopher A. Milner
 

Name: Christopher A. Milner
Title: Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 

 
 
EX-31.2 13 v105220_ex31-2.htm
Exhibit 31.2
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, James J. Lillis, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Anthracite Capital, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
     
Date: March 12, 2008
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ James J. Lillis
 

Name: James J. Lillis
Title: Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
 
 

 
 
EX-32 14 v105220_ex32.htm
Exhibit 32

Certification of CEO and CFO Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Anthracite Capital, Inc. (the "Company") for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), Christopher A. Milner, as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and James J. Lillis, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

       
/s/ Christopher A. Milner    

Name: Christopher A. Milner
Title: Chief Executive Officer
   
   
Date: March 12, 2008      
       
       
/s/ James J. Lillis    

Name: James J. Lillis
Title: Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
   
   
Date: March 12, 2008      
 
 
 

 
EX-99 15 v105220_ex99.htm



 






BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended
December 31, 2007 and 2006, and for the period March 21, 2005 (inception)
to December 31, 2005



 

 
BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc.
Table of Contents


   
Page
     
Report of Independent Auditors
 
1
     
Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended
December 31, 2007 and 2006, and for the period March 21, 2005 (inception)
to December 31, 2005
   
     
Consolidated Statements of Net Assets
 
2
     
Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
3
     
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets
 
4
     
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
5
     
Schedule of Real Estate Investments
 
6-7
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
8-17
 
 


 Report of Independent Auditors


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc.:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statements of net assets, and the related statements of operations and changes in net assets, of cash flows and the schedule of real estate investments present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Fund") at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and changes in net assets and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the period from March 21, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 28, 2008

1


BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Net Assets
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2007
 
 2006
 
Assets:
         
Investments in Real Estate at Estimated Fair Value
         
(Cost - $707,997,807 and $313,697,048)
 
$
772,994,426
 
$
336,759,990
 
Loans Receivable at Estimated Fair Value
             
(Cost: $105,944,071 and $0)
   
105,896,691
   
-
 
Real Estate Investment Partnerships at Estimated
             
Fair Value (Cost - $456,510,429 and $303,822,706)
   
595,343,826
   
343,374,042
 
Total Real Estate Investments
   
1,474,234,943
   
680,134,032
 
               
Cash & Cash Equivalents
   
5,744,134
   
37,156,542
 
Restricted Cash
   
7,534,599
   
3,633,888
 
Prepaid and Other Assets
   
13,895,057
   
21,023,329
 
Deferred Costs, net
   
10,690,513
   
2,937,649
 
Total Assets
   
1,512,099,246
   
744,885,440
 
               
Liabilities:
             
Credit Facilities
   
142,500,000
   
70,206,317
 
Mortgage Loans Payable
   
409,345,936
   
162,904,737
 
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
   
10,042,473
   
7,148,639
 
Investment Management and Incentive Fees - related party
   
11,373,889
   
5,960,643
 
Dividends Payable
   
515,863
   
1,207,894
 
Total Liabilities
   
573,778,161
   
247,428,230
 
               
Net Assets
 
$
938,321,085
 
$
497,457,210
 
               
Shares Issued and Outstanding:
             
Preferred Redeemable Stock
   
184.0000
   
135.0000
 
Common Stock
   
5,818.4114
   
3,643.7970
 
               
Share Value:
             
Preferred Redeemable Stock
 
$
1,000.00
 
$
1,000.00
 
Common Stock
 
$
161,235.95
 
$
136,484.61
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements
 
2

 

BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
   
 
 
  
 
 Period from March 21,
 
 
 
Years ended December 31,
 
 2005 (Inception) to
 
 
 
2007
 
 2006
 
 December 31, 2005
 
Investment Income:
               
Rental Revenues from Investments in Real Estate
 
$
26,695,349
 
$
14,491,497
 
$
5,561,339
 
Income from Real Estate Investment Partnerships
   
1,797,676
   
4,483,989
   
1,107,658
 
Income from Loans Receivable
   
1,518,264
   
-
   
-
 
Interest Income
   
2,172,744
   
686,339
   
13,179
 
Total Investment Income
   
32,184,033
   
19,661,825
   
6,682,176
 
                     
Investment Expenses:
                   
Property Operating
   
10,711,362
   
5,275,777
   
2,013,700
 
Interest
   
21,361,838
   
9,300,846
   
2,659,865
 
Other
   
4,204,969
   
1,602,091
   
388,872
 
Total Investment Expenses
   
36,278,169
   
16,178,714
   
5,062,437
 
                     
Investment (Loss) / Income Before Investment Management and Incentive Fees
   
(4,094,136
)
 
3,483,111
   
1,619,739
 
Investment Management and Incentive Fees - related party
   
10,522,817
   
6,169,721
   
4,126,373
 
Net Investment Loss
   
(14,616,953
)
 
(2,686,610
)
 
(2,506,634
)
                     
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Real Estate Investments
   
142,788,362
   
51,099,957
   
17,124,273
 
                     
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
 
$
128,171,409
 
$
48,413,347
 
$
14,617,639
 
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements
 
 
3



BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc.
             
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets
             
 
            
 Period from March 21,
 
   
 Years ended December 31,
 
 2005 (Inception) to
 
   
2007
 
 2006
 
 December 31, 2005
 
               
Net Increase in Net Assets resulting from Operations
 
$
128,171,409
 
$
48,413,347
 
$
14,617,639
 
Capital Transactions
                   
Issuance of Stock
   
446,031,068
   
262,638,081
   
176,374,182
 
Redemption of Stock
   
(128,973,485
)
 
(26,875
)
 
-
 
Dividends
   
(4,365,117
)
 
(4,559,164
)
 
-
 
Net Increase in Net Assets resulting from Capital Transactions
   
312,692,466
   
258,052,042
   
176,374,182
 
                     
Total Increase in Net Assets
   
440,863,875
   
306,465,389
   
190,991,821
 
Net Assets
                   
Beginning of Year
   
497,457,210
   
190,991,821
   
-
 
End of Year
 
$
938,321,085
 
$
497,457,210
 
$
190,991,821
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements
 
4


BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 
 
 
 
Period from March 21,
 
 
 
  Years ended December 31,
 
2005 (Inception) to
 
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
December 31, 2005
 
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
 
$
128,171,409
 
$
48,413,347
 
$
14,617,639
 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Increase in Net Asset Resulting from Operations
             
to Net Cash Used in Operating Activities:
             
Net Unrealized Gain on Real Estate Investments
   
(141,071,453
)
 
(51,099,957
)
 
(17,124,273
)
Amortization of Deferred Costs
   
1,975,089
   
655,528
   
133,205
 
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
             
Increase in Restricted Cash
   
(3,900,711
)
 
(3,133,814
)
 
(500,074
)
Decrease / (Increase) in Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
   
8,433,527
   
(1,718,839
)
 
(1,540,490
)
Increase in Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
   
2,893,834
   
2,968,252
   
4,180,387
 
Increase in Investment Management and Incentive Fees
   
5,413,246
   
2,054,221
   
3,906,422
 
Acquisitions of Investments in Real Estate
   
(357,197,019
)
 
(144,667,770
)
 
(105,408,168
)
Real Estate Improvements
   
(37,103,738
)
 
(62,211,355
)
 
(1,507,191
)
Loans Receivable
   
(105,944,071
)
 
-
   
-
 
Contributions to Real Estate Investment Partnerships
   
(152,784,630
)
 
(166,914,215
)
 
(149,392,411
)
Distributions from Real Estate Investment Partnerships
   
-
   
18,241,309
   
-
 
Deposits on Purchase Contracts
   
(1,305,255
)
 
(17,234,000
)
 
(580,000
)
                     
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
   
(652,419,772
)
 
(374,647,293
)
 
(253,214,954
)
                     
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
             
Payment of Deferred Costs
   
(9,727,954
)
 
(2,452,636
)
 
(1,273,746
)
Proceeds from Credit Facilities and Mortgage Loans Payable
   
413,962,508
   
187,809,625
   
90,585,135
 
Principal Repayments on Credit Facilities and Mortgage Loans Payable
   
(95,227,625
)
 
(45,262,825
)
 
(20,881
)
Issuance of Stock
   
446,031,068
   
262,638,081
   
176,374,182
 
Dividends Paid
   
(5,057,148
)
 
(3,351,271
)
 
-
 
Redemptions Paid
   
(128,973,485
)
 
(26,875
)
 
-
 
                     
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
   
621,007,364
   
399,354,099
   
265,664,690
 
                     
Net (Decrease) / Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
(31,412,408
)
 
24,706,806
   
12,449,736
 
                     
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year
   
37,156,542
   
12,449,736
   
-
 
                     
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year
 
$
5,744,134
 
$
37,156,542
 
$
12,449,736
 
                     
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
             
Interest paid during the year
 
$
18,447,829
 
$
8,662,327
 
$
2,526,660
 
Accrued Capital Expenditures
 
$
909,924
 
$
260,834
 
$
31,850
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements
 
5

 

BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc.
Schedule of Real Estate Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 December 31, 2007
 
 December 31, 2006
 
Name
 
Location
 
 
 
  Cost
 
Fair Value
 
 Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Investments in Real Estate:
                         
Retail:
                         
Broomfield Marketplace
   
Broomfield, CO
       
$
15,464,644
  $ 20,700,000  
$
15,384,049
 
$
19,000,000
 
Troy Corners-WO
   
Troy, MI
       
51,663,463
   
54,000,000
   
44,662,554
   
44,759,990
 
 Total Retail
           
67,128,107
   
74,700,000
   
60,046,603
   
63,759,990
 
Office:
                         
Shady Grove
   
Rockville, MD
       
84,497,467
   
97,500,000
   
83,048,902
   
92,300,000
 
Landmark
   
Renton, WA
       
43,971,120
   
59,300,000
   
35,385,280
   
40,900,000
 
Canyon Park Heights
   
Bothell, WA
       
37,368,350
   
42,100,000
   
37,336,821
   
38,100,000
 
Potomac Tower
   
Woodbridge, VA
       
69,458,118
   
69,458,118
   
-
   
-
 
520 Broadway
   
Santa Monica, CA
       
75,682,687
   
78,200,000
   
-
   
-
 
530 Park Ave
   
New York, NY
       
214,025,831
   
217,100,000
   
-
   
-
 
121 High Street
   
Boston, MA
       
14,236,308
   
14,236,308
   
-
   
-
 
 Total Office
           
539,239,881
   
577,894,426
   
155,771,003
   
171,300,000
 
Industrial/Warehouse:
                         
Bensalem
   
Bensalem, PA
       
9,165,450
   
10,800,000
   
8,656,068
   
9,400,000
 
Baypointe
   
Newark, CA
       
30,626,963
   
34,000,000
   
30,626,963
   
30,700,000
 
Total Industrial/Warehouse
           
39,792,413
   
44,800,000
   
39,283,031
   
40,100,000
 
Residential:
                         
Canterbury
   
New York, NY
       
14,034,090
   
19,500,000
   
12,974,998
   
15,300,000
 
10 West 74th. Street
   
New York, NY
       
47,803,316
   
56,100,000
   
45,621,413
   
46,300,000
 
Total Residential
           
61,837,406
   
75,600,000
   
58,596,411
   
61,600,000
 
Total Investments in Real Estate
   
$
707,997,807
 
$
772,994,426
 
$
313,697,048
 
$
336,759,990
 
Investments in Loans Receivable:
                   
429 Delancy
         
$
29,211,902
 
$
29,211,902
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
Cal West Mezz
           
29,161,289
   
29,161,289
   
-
   
-
 
Cabi Mezz
           
47,570,880
   
47,523,500
   
-
   
-
 
Total Investments in Loans Receivable
   
$
105,944,071
 
$
105,896,691
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
 
       
Stated 
                 
Investment Partnerships:
       
Ownership
                 
 
       
%
                 
Retail:
                         
International Drive
   
Orlando, FL
   
83.33%
 
$
-
 
$
76,631
 
$
-
 
$
79,547
 
Bay Street Emeryville
   
Emeryville, CA
   
66.67%
 
 
47,128,210
   
53,168,491
   
46,128,210
   
46,899,581
 
Total Retail
           
47,128,210
   
53,245,122
   
46,128,210
   
46,979,128
 
Office:
                         
400 South Hope
   
Los Angeles, CA
   
66.67%
 
 
52,278,149
   
97,553,336
   
52,278,149
   
76,707,089
 
Central Park at Lisle
   
Lisle, IL
   
60.00%
 
 
31,051,281
   
35,671,822
   
26,823,200
   
25,939,586
 
Metropolitan Tower
   
New York, NY
   
98.25%
 
 
59,415,535
   
77,582,590
   
57,450,469
   
55,261,371
 
Block 37
   
Chicago, IL
   
95.00%
 
 
37,642,680
   
49,161,832
   
39,482,748
   
39,540,845
 
38 Chauncy Street
   
Boston, MA
   
85.00%
 
 
4,325,668
   
6,209,883
   
-
   
-
 
635 Madison
   
New York, NY
   
91.73%
 
 
28,658,482
   
38,609,370
   
-
   
-
 
Bayview
   
San Mateo, CA
   
95.00%
 
 
14,124,013
   
14,435,526
   
-
   
-
 
Total Office
           
227,495,808
   
319,224,359
   
176,034,566
   
197,448,891
 
Industrial/Warehouse:
                         
Bethlehem/Southland
   
Bethlehem, PA
   
80.00%
 
 
1,876,911
   
2,218,415
   
1,819,348
   
2,044,045
 
Devon & Ellis
   
Bensenville, IL
   
85.00%
 
 
6,706,676
   
6,714,398
   
-
   
-
 
South Dulles
   
Chantilly, VA
   
85.00%
 
 
6,428,585
   
6,428,585
   
-
   
-
 
Total Industrial/Warehouse
           
15,012,172
   
15,361,398
   
1,819,348
   
2,044,045
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements
 
6



BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc.
Schedule of Real Estate Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 December 31, 2007
 
December 31, 2006
 
Name
 
Location
 
  
 
Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Broadstone Shangri La
   
Seattle, WA
   
97.50%
 
 
6,056,048
   
9,247,777
   
5,436,726
   
8,293,912
 
Hidden Harbour
   
Tamarac, FL
   
92.50%
 
 
16,123,272
   
28,010,664
   
14,788,918
   
27,233,011
 
Diamond Pointe
   
Las Vegas, NV
   
96.70%
 
 
-
   
97,664
   
-
   
100,275
 
Archstone at the Ranch
   
Westminster, CO
   
96.00%
 
 
7,353,192
   
9,056,120
   
6,846,569
   
7,505,493
 
Verandah at Meyerland
   
Houston, TX,
   
92.50%
 
 
17,985,702
   
19,823,240
   
17,765,909
   
17,470,476
 
Three Palms
   
Tampa, FL
   
92.50%
 
 
15,723,739
   
18,490,767
   
14,318,743
   
14,480,063
 
The Maplewood
   
Los Angeles, CA
   
90.00%
 
 
5,054,482
   
6,807,307
   
4,091,196
   
5,215,251
 
345 Cloverdale
   
Los Angeles, CA
   
90.00%
 
 
3,579,181
   
4,058,779
   
2,846,882
   
2,861,855
 
North Tract Lofts
   
Arlington, VA
   
90.00%
 
 
20,529,488
   
19,603,326
   
10,586,118
   
10,583,788
 
Broadstone 14th & LoveJoy
   
Portland, OR
   
95.00%
 
 
1,118,737
   
1,118,737
   
608,000
   
608,000
 
5015 Clinton Ave.
   
Los Angeles, CA
   
90.00%
 
 
4,118,596
   
4,651,685
   
-
   
-
 
Bronx Portfolio
   
Bronx, NY
   
90.00%
 
 
35,280,592
   
54,312,872
   
-
   
-
 
Hollywood Tower
   
Los Angeles, CA
   
95.00%
 
 
15,756,432
   
14,071,496
   
-
   
-
 
Detroit & Hauser
   
Los Angeles, CA
   
90.00%
 
 
5,537,571
   
4,710,768
   
-
   
-
 
Total Residential
           
154,217,032
   
194,061,202
   
77,289,061
   
94,352,124
 
Land:
                         
Melrose
   
Franklin Park, IL
   
90.00%
 
 
2,565,679
   
3,360,217
   
2,551,521
   
2,549,854
 
ICIS Glendale
   
Glendale, CA
   
95.00%
 
 
10,091,528
   
10,091,528
   
-
   
-
 
Total Land
           
12,657,207
   
13,451,745
   
2,551,521
   
2,549,854
 
Total Investment in Partnerships
   
$
456,510,429
 
$
595,343,826
 
$
303,822,706
 
$
343,374,042
 
Total Real Estate Investments
         
$
1,270,452,307
 
$
1,474,234,943
 
$
617,519,754
 
$
680,134,032
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

7


BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the period March 21, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005

 
1.
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Organization—BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) was incorporated on March 21, 2005, under the laws of the State of Maryland and under its original company name of BlackRock Income and Growth Property Fund, Inc. Pursuant to a certificate of name change filed with the State of Maryland Department of Assessment and Taxation on December 12, 2005, the fund changed its name to BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc. At such time all existing common shares were redeemed in exchange for three classes of common stock, A, B, and C.
 
The Fund is structured as and intends to meet the qualification requirements of a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for U.S. Federal income tax purposes. The Fund’s principal business activities are to invest in real estate for current income or capital appreciation or both.
 
In 2006, the Fund invested in a real estate partnership which required a Taxable REIT Subsidiary (TRS) election. This election was not filed within the required seventy five day period. The REIT filed for 9100 relief with the IRS; which would allow for a retroactive election. The fund successfully received IRS approval on August 9, 2007.
 
The Fund maintains an operating partnership, BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, LP (the “Operating Partnership”), to serve as the vehicle for the consolidation of ownership and control of the Fund’s assets and operations. BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, LLC. (the “Company”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of, and controlled by, the Fund, is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership and, at December 31, 2007, owns .1% of its partnership units together with the Fund which owns a 99.9% limited partnership interest.
 
The Fund consists of three classes of common stock, Class A, Class B, and Class C. Shareholders receive a combination of Class A and B stock based on the aggregate amount invested. Shareholders purchasing up to $10 million of common stock receive 100% Class A. Shareholders purchasing between $10 million and $25 million of common stock receive Class A for the first $10 million; then 92.31% of Class A and 7.69% of Class B for the remainder. Shareholders purchasing between $25 and $50 million of common stock receive Class A for the first $10 million; 92.31% of Class A and 7.69% of Class B for the amounts between $10 and $25 million; and 84.62% of Class A and 15.38% of Class B for amounts above $25 million. Shareholders purchasing $50 million or greater of common stock receive Class A for the first $10 million; 92.31% of Class A and 7.69% of Class B for the amounts between $10 and $25 million; 84.62% of Class A and 15.38% of Class B for amounts between $25 and $50 million; and 76.92% of Class A and 23.08% of Class B for amounts above $50 million. The Class C stock is reserved for purchase by certain individuals or entities associated with, or sponsored by, the Fund, BlackRock, Inc., BlackRock Realty or any of their respective affiliates.
 
Prior to the payment of regular common dividends, but subsequent to the preferred dividends, a special Class B dividend is payable in an amount equal to 0.1625% of the relative share of the Fund’s net asset value allocable to Class B common stock, plus an amount equal to the reversal of accruals of incentive management fees deemed allocable to Class B. Subsequent to the Class B dividend, a special Class C dividend is payable in an amount equal to 0.1625% of the relative share of the Fund’s net asset value allocable to Class C common stock, plus the pro-rata share of acquisition fees and positive incentive management fee accruals deemed allocable to Class C less any current and previous reversals. In accordance with the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan, any amounts reinvested by Class A or Class B shareholders provide common stock in the ratio of 76.92% of Class A and 23.08% of Class B; while shareholders of Class C stock receive 100% of Class C.
 
8


BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the period March 21, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005

 
1.
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
 
Investors enter into subscription agreements for specified capital commitments. The Fund will make demands for capital contributions from shareholders proportionately based on their respective unfunded capital commitment. Any portion of a shareholder’s unfunded capital commitment, which remains uncalled after the third anniversary of the date such shareholder’s commitment is accepted by the Fund, shall be released by the Fund and no longer payable by the shareholder. At December 31, 2007 remaining uncalled commitments totaled $232,735,858. In September 2007 the fund began accepting capital commitments in tranches. Capital commitments in each tranche will be fully invested before capital commitments in subsequent tranches can be called. The tranches are drawn in sequence and within each tranche capital will be drawn pro rata based on the percentage of uncalled committed capital each investor represents within that tranche. 
 
Dividends— Upon the approval of the Board separate cumulative special class dividends will be paid in accordance with the Fund’s article of Incorporation. Dividends are accrued at the time of board approval. For the year ended December 31, 2007 the board approved special and preferred dividends in the amount $4,344,523 and $20,594, respectfully, of which $515,863 remain unpaid and is reflected in Dividends Payable in the Consolidated Statements of Net Assets.
 
Redemptions— Shareholders may request that the Fund redeem all or any portion of their shares on a quarterly basis by giving written notice at least sixty days prior to the end of the quarter for which the request is to be effective. The Fund may redeem, or decline to redeem, all or any portion of the shares held by any investor in the event the Fund deems it necessary. Shares will be redeemed at the per share net asset value of the Fund as of the effective date of each redemption, which is the last business day of the quarter in which the redemption occurred. The Fund will endeavor to honor redemption requests within twenty days after the end of the applicable quarter. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the fund paid $128,973,485 in redemptions, of which $128,606,699 represents the full liquidation of Anthracite Capital, Inc., a related party of BlackRock Realty Advisors, Inc. For the year ended December 31, 2006 and for the period March 21, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005 the fund paid $26,875 and $0 in redemptions.
 
Upon liquidation of the Fund, the net assets attributable to all classes of the common stock shall be distributed pro rata amongst the common shareholders in proportion to the number of shares of common stock, regardless of class, held by each.
 
Basis of Presentation— The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Fund, the Company, the Operating Partnership and the wholly owned subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership; including those elected to be a TRS. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Management’s Use of Estimates in Financial Statements— The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Real Estate Investments—Real estate investments consist of property acquired through direct ownership, real estate investment partnerships, and loans receivable. Wholly owned properties are consolidated. Investments in real estate partnerships are reported on a net basis and initially recorded at the original investment amount, including acquisition fees (see Note 2), and subsequently adjusted for changes in estimated fair value, additional capital contributions, and return of capital distributions received.
 
The estimated fair value of the Fund's investments in partnerships represents its equity in the net assets of the underlying entities with the value of their real estate holdings and mortgage notes payable at estimated fair value.
 
9


BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the period March 21, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005

 
1.
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
 
Real estate investments are stated at estimated fair values based upon valuations performed internally and upon appraisal reports prepared annually by independent real estate appraisers (Members of the Appraisal Institute).
 
The purpose of an appraisal is to estimate the fair value of real estate as of a specific date. Fair value has been defined as the most probable price for which the appraised real estate will sell in a competitive market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, with the buyer and seller each acting prudently, knowledgeably, and for self-interest.
 
In the opinion of the Fund’s management, the stated aggregate value of investments in real estate fairly represents their estimated fair value as of December 31, 2007 and 2006. However, the estimated fair values of real estate investments may differ significantly from that which could be realized if the real estate were actually offered for sale in the marketplace. As the real estate investments are presented at estimated fair value, historical cost depreciation is not recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
 
Loans Receivable- Included in Loans Receivable are two mezzanine loans and a loan receivable. The Fund performs analysis for loans receivable on a regular basis to estimate fair value. Discounts on the face amount of the loans, origination fees, and other costs are capitalized and amortized over the life of the loan to interest income. On November 20, 2007 the Fund acquired an investment in the asset known as the CalWest mezzanine debt at a discounted price of $29,094,192 with a principal balance of $30,000,000. On December 19, 2007 the Fund acquired an investment in the asset known as Cabi mezzanine debt at a discounted price of $47,517,083 with a principal balance of $50,000,000. On September 19, 2007, Diamond provided a loan of $28,475,004 to 429 Delancy for the acquisition of land.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents— For financial statement purposes, cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of 90 days or less.
 
Restricted Cash— The Fund’s restricted cash is comprised of tenant security deposits and property impound accounts.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments—At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Fund has determined the carrying value of the cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, credit facilities, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate the fair value of these instruments.
 
Deferred Costs— Deferred costs represent finance costs incurred in connection with the credit facility and mortgage loans payable of the Operating Partnership and its wholly owned subsidiaries. For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, such costs amounted to $13,323,912 and $3,596,084 net of accumulated amortization of $2,633,399 and $658,435, respectively.
 
Reserves for Tenant Receivables—Tenant receivables are reserved for at the time they are deemed uncollectible. The corresponding allowance for uncollectible receivables is included in revenue. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, tenant receivables were $1,329,714 and $886,394, of which $357,257 and $26,613, respectively, was reserved as bad debt allowance.
 
Revenue Recognition—The Fund recognizes rental revenue when earned pursuant to the terms of tenant leases. Included in rental revenues are $3,361,036, $1,712,129 and $352,302 of expense recoveries for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, and for the period March 21, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005, respectively. 
 
10


BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the period March 21, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005

 
1.
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
 
Income from Real Estate PartnershipsThe Fund’s share of income generated from underlying real estate partnerships is treated as dividend income from real estate partnerships to the extent of operating distributions received. Distributions received in excess of operating earnings are recorded as return of capital.
 
Unrealized Appreciation of Real Estate Investments— The unrealized appreciation of real estate investments is the amount by which the estimated fair value of the underlying investment exceeds the carrying value or the previous period estimated fair value plus the current period cost of capitalized improvements.
 
Federal Income Taxes—The Fund has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) of 1986, as amended, and intends to operate in a manner enabling it to maintain its tax status as a REIT.  As a result, the company intends to distribute taxable income to its shareholders, and therefore no provision has been made for federal or state income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("the FASB") issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 (i) clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in companies’ financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes , (ii) prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and (iii) provides guidance on derecognition of recognized tax benefits, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. In January 2008, the effective date of FIN 48 was deferred for non-public companies, and it is now expected to be effective for the Fund in its annual reporting period ending December 31, 2008. Therefore, the Fund will evaluate the impact, if any, of adopting FIN 48.

Interest Rate Caps—The Fund uses interest rate caps in order to reduce the effect of interest rate fluctuation of certain real estate investment interest expense on variable rate debt. The fair value of interest rate caps are the estimated amounts that the Fund would receive or pay to terminate these agreements at the reporting date taking into account current interest rates and credit worthiness of the respective counter-parties. At December 31, 2007, the fair values of the interest rate caps totaled $75,750 and are reflected in the Prepaid and Other Assets on the Statements of Net Assets. Changes in Fair Value of the interest rate caps are reflected in Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Real Estate Investments.
 
New Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159 (“SFAS 159”), The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure eligible financial instruments at fair value. The unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option is elected should be reported in earnings. The decision to elect the fair value option is determined on an instrument-by-instrument basis, it should be applied to an entire instrument, and it is irrevocable. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value pursuant to the fair value option should be reported separately in the balance sheet from those instruments measured using another measurement attribute. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The Fund is currently analyzing the potential impact of adopting SFAS 159.
 
On September 13, 2006, the FASB cleared an AICPA Statement of Position, “Clarification of the Scope of the Audit and Accounting Guide Audits of Investment Companies and Accounting by Parent Companies and Equity Method Investors for Investments in Investment Companies”. The effective date for required adoption was recently deferred indefinitely by the FASB. The Fund had adopted an earlier interpretation of the Guide and reported as such since inception.
 
11


BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the period March 21, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005

 
1.
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP and expands disclosure requirements regarding fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier application is encouraged, provided that the reporting entity has not yet issued financial statements for such fiscal year, including financial statements for an interim period within such fiscal year. The Fund is evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No. 157 on its financial statements.
 
 
2.
Real Estate Investment Partnership

Condensed financial information for the Fund’s investments in real estate partnerships is presented below:

            
Period from March 21,
 
   
Years ended December 31,
 
2005 (Inception) to
 
   
2007
 
  2006
 
December 31, 2005
 
Partnership Assets and Liabilities
              
Real estate at estimated fair value
 
$
1,795,064,518
 
$
1,069,455,553
       
Other Assets
   
48,521,483
   
43,881,778
       
Total assets
   
1,843,586,001
   
1,113,337,331
       
Mortgage loans payable-at estimated fair value
   
1,037,821,063
   
610,872,502
       
Other liabilities
   
30,764,851
   
19,567,256
       
Total liabilities
   
1,068,585,914
   
630,439,758
       
Net assets
 
$
775,000,087
 
$
482,897,573
       
The Fund's Share of Net Assets
 
$
595,343,826
 
$
343,374,042
       
                     
Partnership Operations
                   
Rental revenue
   
89,528,529
   
46,053,440
   
17,152,491
 
Other revenue
   
16,455,439
   
25,183,516
   
6,469,388
 
Total revenue
   
105,983,968
   
71,236,956
   
23,621,879
 
Real estate expenses and taxes
   
61,295,367
   
36,842,421
   
11,476,413
 
Interest expense
   
52,809,896
   
29,958,283
   
9,316,001
 
Total expenses
   
114,105,263
   
66,800,704
   
20,792,414
 
Net Investment (Loss) / Income
   
(8,121,295
)
 
4,436,252
   
2,829,465
 
Realized and Unrealized Appreciation
   
166,683,823
   
65,313,719
   
25,999,790
 
Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
 
$
158,562,528
 
$
69,749,971
 
$
28,829,255
 
The Fund's Income from Real Estate Partnerships
 
$
1,797,676
 
$
4,483,989
 
$
1,107,658
 
The Fund's share of Realized and Unrealized Appreciation
 
$
99,282,063
 
$
31,976,581
 
$
13,939,633
 


12

 
BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the period March 21, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005

 
3.
Credit Facilities and Mortgage Loans Payable
 
Debt includes the credit facilities and mortgage loans payable on wholly owned properties as of December 31, 2007 and 2006. The principal terms of the mortgage loan payables are reflected below:

               
Maturity
 
Portfolio Level Debt
 
Principal Balance
 
 Interest Rate
 
Date
 
   
December 31,
 
December 31,
         
Credit Facilities:
 
2007
 
2006
         
Bank of America
 
$
45,500,000
 
$
70,206,317
   
LIBOR (30-day)+75bps
   
2010
 
Capmark
   
97,000,000
    -    
LIBOR (30-day)+165bps
   
2009
 
Total Credit Facilities
   
142,500,000
    70,206,317          
 
 
Mortgage Loans Payable:
               
 
   
 
 
Potomac Center
   
43,960,897
    -    
LIBOR (30-day)+140bps
   
2008
 
Troy Corners
   
22,473,473
    21,422,585    
LIBOR (30-day)+220bps
   
2008
 
Landmark
   
24,981,763
    18,991,694    
LIBOR (30-day)+165bps
 
 
2009
 
Bensalem
   
5,786,640
    5,786,640    
5.42%
   
2009
 
Canyon Park
   
15,535,000
    15,535,000    
5.00%
   
2009
 
Broomfield Market Place
   
9,000,000
    9,000,000    
LIBOR (30-day)+120bps
   
2010
 
Canterbury
   
5,200,000
    5,200,000    
5.25%
   
2010
 
Canterbury
   
1,445,963
    1,418,818    
5.75%
   
2010
 
Shady Grove
   
38,550,000
    38,550,000    
LIBOR (30-day)+150bps
   
2010
 
10 West 74th Street
   
27,000,000
    27,000,000    
LIBOR (30-day)+140bps
   
2010
 
Baypointe
   
20,000,000
    20,000,000    
LIBOR (30-day)+120bps
   
2010
 
520 Broadway
   
51,000,000
    -    
5.57%
   
2012
 
530 Park Ave
   
135,530,000
    -    
LIBOR (30-day)+108bps
   
2012
 
530 Park Ave
   
1,621,279
    -    
LIBOR (30-day)+130bps
   
2012
 
121 High Street
   
7,260,921
    -    
LIBOR (30-day)+140bps
   
2012
 
Total Mortgage Loans Payable
   
409,345,936
    162,904,737          
 
 
Total Credit Facilities and Mortgage Loans Payable
 
$
551,845,936
 
$
233,111,054
             
 
The fair value of the mortgage loans payable have been determined by discounting the future payments required under the terms of the note at rates available to the Fund for debt with similar maturities, terms, and underlying collateral. Based upon the borrowing rates determined by the Fund, the fair values for these mortgages are estimated at $563,002,388 as of December 31, 2007.
 
13

 
BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the period March 21, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005

 
3.
Credit Facilities and Mortgage Loans Payable, continued
 
As of December 31, 2007, principal amounts of mortgage loans payable on wholly owned properties are payable as follows: 

Year Ending December 31,
     
2008
 
$
66,434,370
 
2009
   
46,303,403
 
2010
   
101,195,963
 
2011
   
-
 
2012
   
195,412,200
 
Total
 
$
409,345,936
 
 
On May 5, 2005, the Fund entered into a Subscription Collateralized Credit Facility Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement is collateralized by the signed subscription and stock pledge agreement of stockholders. The Fund can draw up to 90% of the unfunded investor commitment. At December 31, 2006, the outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement was $70,206,316. On January 2, 2007, the credit facility expired and was repaid.
 
On April 2, 2007, the Fund entered into a new Subscription Collateralized Revolving Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement is collateralized by the signed subscription and stock pledge agreement of stockholders. The Fund can draw up to 90% of the unfunded investor commitment. The Credit Agreement has a maturity date of April 2, 2010 and bears interest at LIBOR plus .75%. At December 31, 2007, the outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement was $45,500,000, and the available amount under the credit facility was $54,500,000. On January 2, 2008 the fund paid down $39,574,513 of the outstanding balance.
 
On May 7, 2007, the Fund entered into an Unsecured Credit Agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”). The Revolving Credit Facility has a maturity date of May 1, 2009 and bears interest at 30 day LIBOR plus 1.65%. At December 31, 2007, the outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility was $97,000,000, and the available amount under the credit facility was $13,000,000. On January 4, 2008 the fund paid down the outstanding balance of $97,000,000.
 
4.
Leasing Activity
 
The Operating Partnership leases space to tenants under various operating lease agreements. These agreements, without giving effect to renewal options, have expiration dates ranging from January 2008 through August 2019. At December 31, 2007, the aggregate future minimum base rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases for wholly owned properties are as follows (excluding apartment leases):

Year Ending December 31,
     
2008
 
$
20,447,298
 
2009
 
 
14,749,889
 
2010
 
 
13,449,500
 
2011
   
12,079,604
 
2012
   
9,330,215
 
Thereafter
   
18,943,705
 
Total
 
$
89,000,211
 
 
14

 
BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the period March 21, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005

 
5.
Management and Other Advisory Fees
 
On March 21, 2005, the Fund entered into an investment management agreement (the “Original Agreement”) with BlackRock Realty Advisors, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Investment Manager”), a wholly owned subsidiary of BlackRock Inc. The Original Agreement dated March 21, 2005, between the Investment Manager and the Fund was amended and became effective December 14, 2005 (“Amended Agreement”). The fees are described as follows:
 
Acquisition Fees— Under the Amended Agreement, at the time a real estate investment is acquired, the Investment Manager is entitled to receive an acquisition fee equal to one half of one percent (0.50%) of the gross acquisition cost deemed allocable to the class A and class B common stockholders. For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, and for the period December 14, 2005 through December 31, 2005, the Fund incurred $4,035,257, $2,053,779, and $741,029 in acquisition fees, respectively.
 
For the period March 21, 2005 (inception) through December 14, 2005, no acquisition fees were incurred.
 
Asset Management FeesUnder the Amended Agreement, the Investment Manager will receive a quarterly fee for management services performed equal to 0.1625%, of the Fund’s weighted gross asset value deemed allocable to the class A common stockholders paid in arrears. For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, and for the period December 14, 2005 to December 31, 2005 the Fund incurred $8,749,682, $3,325,039, and $647,032 in asset management fees, respectively.
 
For the period March 21, 2005 (inception) through December 14, 2005, fees under the Original Agreement were based upon 100% of the weighted gross asset value of the fund and totaled $960,980.
 
Incentive Management Fees— Under the Amended Agreement, the Fund shall pay to the Investment Manager an incentive management fee once every twelve quarters, with the first such period commencing January 1, 2006. The management fee will be paid in arrears in an amount equal to the sum of 15% of the amount by which the Fund’s total return allocable to the class A and B stockholders exceed a 2.0% inflation-adjusted total return per quarter. The incentive management fee will be determined after deduction of the base management fee and acquisition fees. For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 the Fund accrued fees of $1,773,135 and $2,844,682 respectively, payable to the Investment Manager.
 
Under the Original Agreement, the Investment Manager earned an incentive management fee quarterly in arrears at the rate of 20% per annum of the amount by which the Fund’s total returns, after deduction of base management fees, including realized and unrealized appreciation and depreciation, exceed a 7% inflation-adjusted return. For the period March 21, 2005 (inception) through December 14, 2005 the fund accrued fees of $2,518,361 which were paid in 2006.
 
Debt Placement Fees— BlackRock Financial Management Inc (“BFM”), an affiliate of the Investment Manager, provides debt placement services to the Fund. Under both the Original and Amended Agreements BFM receives fees equal to the lesser of market fees or 0.5% of the debt placed by BFM. For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, and for the period March 21, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005 the Fund incurred approximately $2,773,483, $1,293,839, and $466,000 for debt placement services, respectively. Such costs are deferred and amortized over the term of the related debt.
 
15

 
BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the period March 21, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005

 
6.
Common and Preferred Stock
 
The following represents changes in the Fund’s outstanding common and preferred stock for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 Class A
 
Class B
 
Class C
 
Common
 
 Preferred
 
Shares Authorized as of December 31, 2007
   
2,000,000
   
2,000,000
   
2,000,000
   
6,000,000
   
2,000
 
Shares Outstanding, at December 31, 2005
   
1,020.5881
   
176.4228
   
435.6495
   
1,632.6604
   
5.0000
 
Issuance of Shares
   
1,173.1003
   
479.8450
   
358.3929
   
2,011.3383
   
130.0000
 
Redemption of Shares
   
-
   
-
   
(0.2017
)
 
(0.2017
)
 
-
 
Shares Outstanding, at December 31, 2006
   
2,193.6885
   
656.2679
   
793.8407
   
3,643.7970
   
135.0000
 
Issuance of Shares
   
2,602.9567
   
337.0076
   
60.5343
   
3,000.4986
   
49.0000
 
Redemption of Shares
   
-
   
-
   
(825.8942
)
 
(825.8942
)
 
-
 
Shares Outstanding, at December 31, 2007
   
4,796.6452
   
993.2755
   
28.4807
   
5,818.4114
   
184.0000
 
 
7.
Preferred Dividend
 
Prior to the payment of common dividends, separate cumulative special class dividends shall be paid in accordance with the Fund’s Articles of Incorporation. Holders of preferred stock will receive a 12.5% annual preferential dividend payable in respect of any outstanding preferred shares. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the fund paid out $20,343 in preferred dividend distributions.
 
8.
Financial Highlights

            
 Period from March
 
            
 21, 2005 (Inception)
 
   
Years ended December 31,
 
 to
 
Per Common Share Operating Performance:
 
2007
 
 2006
 
 December 31, 2005
 
               
Net Asset Value per share, Beginning of Period
 
$
136,484.61
 
$
116,978.90
 
$
100,000.00
 
Income From Investment Operations:
                   
Investment (Loss) / Income Before Investment Management and Incentive Fees
   
(764.49
)
 
1,599.82
   
1,880.77
 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Real Estate Investments
   
28,505.58
   
22,516.94
   
19,398.28
 
Total Investment Income, Before Fees
   
27,741.10
   
24,116.75
   
21,279.05
 
Investment Management and Incentive Fees
   
(2,110.10
)
 
(2,632.81
)
 
(4,300.15
)
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
   
25,630.99
   
21,483.95
   
16,978.90
 
Dividends
   
(879.65
)
 
(1,978.24
)
 
-
 
Net Asset Value per Share, End of Period
 
$
161,235.95
 
$
136,484.61
 
$
16,978.90
 
Total Return, before investment management and incentive fees
   
20.50
%
 
20.83
%
 
20.37
%
Total Return, after investment management and incentive fees
   
18.84
%
 
18.44
%
 
16.17
%
Note: Total fund returns are based on quarterly linked returns for the current year. The quarterly returns
           
are determined by dividing the income for the quarter by the weighted net assets for the quarter.
             
Ratios as a Percentage of Average Net Assets:
                   
Expenses
   
6.21
%
 
6.68
%
 
5.04
%
Net Investment Loss
   
(1.94
%)
 
(0.80
%)
 
(1.37
%)

 
16


BlackRock Diamond Property Fund, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the period March 21, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005

 
9.
Commitments and Contingencies
 
In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others" the Fund has disclosed obligations under certain guarantees.
 
The Fund issues loan guarantees to obtain financing agreements and/or preferred terms related to its investments.  These guarantees include mortgage, construction loans, and letters of credits and may cover payments of principal and/or interest.  These guarantees have fixed termination dates and become liabilities of the Fund in the event the borrower is unable to meet the obligations specified in the guarantee agreement. The Fund may also be liable under certain of these guarantees in the event of fraud, misappropriation, environmental liabilities and certain other matters involving the borrower. The fair value of guarantees is not material.

 
 
 
 
Termination
 
Guaranteed
 
Borrower
 
Guarantor
 
Date
 
Amount
 
Diamond River Edge, LLC
   
Blackrock Diamond Property Fund, LP
   
05/01/2008
 
$
13,642,000
 
Diamond Canyon Trails LLC
   
Blackrock Diamond Property Fund, LP
   
11/19/2008
   
12,044,000
 
Madison Bay Street, LLC
   
Blackrock Diamond Property Fund, LP
   
01/18/2009
   
4,000,000
 
RWDI Maplewood, LP
   
Blackrock Diamond Property Fund, LP
   
12/15/2009
   
1,530,000
 
RWDI Cloverdale, LP
   
Blackrock Diamond Property Fund, LP
   
12/15/2009
   
1,970,000
 
               
$
33,186,000
 
 
On May 5, 2006, Diamond Rivers Edge, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Fund, entered into a forward commitment to acquire the property known as Broadstone River’s Edge. On May 8, 2006, the Fund issued a letter of credit in the amount of $13,642,000, representing 40% of the property’s construction costs.
 
On May 10, 2007, Diamond Canyon Trails LLC, entered into a forward commitment to acquire the property known as Canyon Trails. On November 18, 2007, the Fund issued a letter of credit in the amount of $12,044,000, representing 40% of the property’s construction costs.
 
On January 18, 2008, a letter of credit in the amount of $4,000,000 was issued for the benefit of Madison Bay Street, LLC. The letter of credit is secured by the remaining commitments of the facility and reduces the available commitment.
 
On December 15, 2006, RWDI Maplewood, LP, a real estate investment partnership of the Fund, entered into a loan agreement with La Salle Bank National Association, a national banking association. Pursuant to the loan agreement, the Fund guaranteed a principal repayment in the amount of $1,530,000. The guaranty will be reduced to $765,000 if the debt service coverage ratio (“DSCR”) is 1.10 or greater for two consecutive quarters and will be released if the DSCR is 1.20 or greater for two consecutive quarters.
 
On December 15, 2006, RWDI Cloverdale, LP, a real estate investment partnership of the Fund, entered into a loan agreement with La Salle Bank National Association, a national banking association. Pursuant to the loan agreement, the Fund guaranteed a principal repayment in the amount of $1,970,000. The guaranty will be reduced to $735,000 if the DSCR is 1.10 or greater for two consecutive quarters and will be released if the DSCR is 1.20 or greater for two consecutive quarters.
 
On May 3, 2007, Diamond Vintner’s Grove LLC, entered into a purchase agreement to acquire the property known as Vintner’s Grove for a purchase price of $26,105,100. On March 7, 2007, a wholly owned subsidiary made a deposit of $1,305,255 per the purchase and sale agreement.
 
The Fund is party to a legal proceeding relating to pursuit costs associated with a transaction not consummated and included $485,000 as an estimated settlement amount in accounts payable and accrued expenses.
 
17

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