Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

3 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP, for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. In our opinion, all material adjustments (consisting of normal, recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation, in accordance with GAAP, have been included. The results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year ending December 31, 2011.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying financial statements include, on a consolidated basis, our accounts, the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, and variable interest entities, or VIEs, in which we are the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

VIEs are defined as entities in which equity investors (i) do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, and/or (ii) do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The entity that consolidates a VIE is known as its primary beneficiary, and is generally the entity with (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (ii) the right to receive benefits from the VIE or the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE.

Our consolidated VIEs include: (i) the CT Legacy REIT, and (ii) eleven securitization vehicles, including our four CT CDOs which were sponsored and issued by us, as well as seven other, similar, vehicles. See Note 10 and Note 11 for additional information on our investments in VIEs.

Balance Sheet Presentation

Our consolidated balance sheets separately present: (i) our direct assets and liabilities, (ii) the direct assets and liabilities of CT Legacy REIT, and (iii) the assets and liabilities of consolidated securitization vehicles, some of which are subsidiaries of CT Legacy REIT. Assets of all consolidated VIEs can generally only be used to satisfy the obligations of those VIEs, and the liabilities of consolidated VIEs are non-recourse to us.

We have aggregated all the assets and liabilities of the consolidated securitization vehicles due to our determination that these entities are substantively similar and therefore a further disaggregated presentation would not be more meaningful. Similarly, the notes to our consolidated financial statements separately describe (i) our direct assets and liabilities, (ii) the direct assets and liabilities of CT Legacy REIT, and (iii) the assets and liabilities of consolidated securitization vehicles, some of which are subsidiaries of CT Legacy REIT.

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries

Our co-investment interests in the private equity funds we manage are accounted for using the equity method. These entities’ assets and liabilities are not consolidated into our financial statements due to our determination that (i) these entities are not VIEs, and (ii) the investors have sufficient rights to preclude consolidation by us. As such, we report our allocable percentage of the earnings or losses of these entities on a single line item in our consolidated statements of operations as income from equity investments.

One such fund, CT Opportunity Partners I, LP, or CTOPI, maintains its financial records at fair value in accordance with GAAP. We have applied such accounting relative to our investment in CTOPI, and include any adjustments to fair value recorded at the fund level in determining the income we record on our equity investment in CTOPI.

Revenue Recognition

Interest income from our loans receivable is recognized over the life of the investment using the effective interest method and is recorded on the accrual basis. Fees, premiums, discounts and direct costs associated with these investments are deferred until the loan is advanced and are then recognized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield. For loans where we have unfunded commitments, we amortize these fees and other items on a straight line basis. Fees on commitments that expire unused are recognized at expiration. Income accrual is generally suspended for loans at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90 days past due or when, in the opinion of management, recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful. Income is then recorded on the basis of cash received until accrual is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed.

Interest income from our securities is recognized using a level yield with any purchase premium or discount accreted through income over the life of the security. This yield is calculated using cash flows expected to be collected which are based on a number of assumptions on the underlying loans. 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 rates. Additional factors that may affect reported interest income on our securities include interest payment shortfalls due to delinquencies on the underlying mortgage loans and the timing and magnitude of expected credit losses on the mortgage loans underlying the securities. These are impacted by, among other things, 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.

Fees from special servicing and asset management services are recorded on an accrual basis as services are rendered under the applicable agreements, and when receipt of fees is reasonably certain. We do not recognize incentive income from our investment management business until contingencies have been eliminated. Depending on the structure of our investment management vehicles, certain incentive fees may be in the form of carried interest or promote distributions.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We classify highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase as cash equivalents. We place our cash and cash equivalents with high credit quality institutions to minimize credit risk exposure. As of, and for the periods ended, June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we had bank balances in excess of federally insured amounts. We have not experienced any losses on our demand deposits, commercial paper or money market investments.

Restricted Cash

We classify the cash balances held by CT Legacy REIT as restricted because of limitations imposed on the payment of dividends by CT Legacy REIT to its common equity holders, including us. As further described in Notes 1 and 10, common dividends cannot be paid by CT Legacy REIT until the mezzanine loan and repurchase obligations have been satisfied. Accordingly, while these cash balances are available for use by CT Legacy REIT for operations, debt service, or other purposes, they are currently unavailable to us.

Securities

We classify our securities as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading on the date of acquisition of the investment. Held-to-maturity investments are stated at cost, adjusted for the amortization of any premiums or discounts, which are amortized through our consolidated statements of operations using the level yield method described above. Other than in the instance of an other-than-temporary impairment, as discussed below, these held-to-maturity investments are carried on our consolidated financial statements at their amortized cost basis.

We may also invest in securities which may be classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at estimated fair value with the net unrealized gains or losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. Changes in the valuations do not affect our reported income or cash flows, but do impact shareholders’ equity and, accordingly, book value per share. On August 4, 2005, we changed the accounting classification of certain of our securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity. We have not designated any securities as available-for-sale since that time.

Further, as required under GAAP, when, based on current information and events, there has been an adverse change in the cash flows expected to be collected from those previously estimated for one of our securities, an other-than-temporary impairment is deemed to have occurred. A change in expected cash flows is considered adverse if the present value of the revised cash flows (taking into consideration both the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be collected) discounted using the security’s current yield is less than the present value of the previously estimated remaining cash flows, adjusted for cash receipts during the intervening period.

Should an other-than-temporary impairment be deemed to have occurred, the security is written down to fair value. The total other-than-temporary impairment is bifurcated into (i) the amount related to expected credit losses, and (ii) the amount related to fair value adjustments in excess of expected credit losses, or the Valuation Adjustment. The portion of the other-than-temporary impairment related to expected credit losses is calculated by comparing the amortized cost basis of the security to the present value of cash flows expected to be collected, discounted at the security’s current yield, and is recognized through earnings in the consolidated statement of operations. The remaining other-than-temporary impairment related to the Valuation Adjustment is recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. A portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized through earnings is accreted back to the amortized cost basis of the security through interest income, while amounts recognized through other comprehensive income (loss) are amortized over the life of the security with no impact on earnings.

Loans Receivable, Provision for Loan Losses, Loans Held-for-Sale and Related Allowance

We purchase and originate commercial real estate debt and related instruments, or Loans, generally to be held as long-term investments at amortized cost. Management is required to periodically evaluate each of these Loans for possible impairment. Impairment is indicated when it is deemed probable that we will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the Loan. If a Loan is determined to be impaired, we write down the Loan through a charge to the provision for loan losses. Impairment on these loans is measured by comparing the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral to the book value of the respective loan. These valuations require significant judgments, which include assumptions regarding capitalization rates, leasing, creditworthiness of major tenants, occupancy rates, availability of financing, exit plan, loan sponsorship, actions of other lenders and other factors deemed necessary by management. Actual losses, if any, could ultimately differ from these estimates.

In conjunction with our quarterly loan portfolio review, management assesses the performance of each loan, and assigns a risk rating based on several factors including risk of loss, loan-to-value ratio, or LTV, collateral performance, structure, exit plan, and sponsorship. Loans are rated one through eight, which are defined as follows:

1 - Low Risk: A loan that is expected to perform through maturity, with relatively lower LTV, higher in-place debt yield, and stable projected cash flow.

2 - Average Risk: A loan that is expected to perform through maturity, with medium LTV, average in-place debt yield, and stable projected cash flow.

3 - Acceptable Risk: A loan that is expected to perform through maturity, with relatively higher LTV, acceptable in-place debt yield, and some uncertainty (due to lease rollover or other factors) in projected cash flow.

4 - Higher Risk: A loan that is expected to perform through maturity, but has exhibited a material deterioration in cash flow and/or other credit factors. If negative trends continue, default could occur.

5 - Low Probability of Default/Loss: A loan with one or more identified weakness that we expect to have a 15% probability of default or principal loss.

6 - Medium Probability of Default/Loss: A loan with one or more identified weakness that we expect to have a 33% probability of default or principal loss.

7 - High Probability of Default/Loss: A loan with one or more identified weakness that we expect to have a 67% or higher probability of default or principal loss.

8 - In Default: A loan which is in contractual default and/or which has a very high likelihood of principal loss.

In addition, for certain pools of smaller loans which have similar credit characteristics, primarily loans with an outstanding principal balance of $10.0 million or less in our consolidated securitization vehicles, we have recorded a general provision for loan losses in lieu of the asset-specific provisions we record on all other loans. This general provision is based on macroeconomic data with respect to historic loan losses, vintage, property type, and other factors deemed relevant for such loan pools. These loans do not undergo the same level of asset management as our larger, direct investments.

In certain cases, we may classify loans as held-for-sale based upon the specific facts and circumstances of particular Loans, including known or expected transactions. Loans held-for-sale are carried at the lower of our amortized cost basis and fair value. A reduction in the fair value of loans held-for-sale is recorded as a charge to our consolidated statement of operations as a valuation allowance on loans held-for-sale.

Real Estate Held-for-Sale

Loan investments where we have foreclosed upon the underlying collateral and own an equity interest in real estate are categorized as real estate owned. We generally do not intend to hold such foreclosed assets for long-term operations and therefore classify such assets as real estate held-for-sale on our consolidated balance sheets. Real estate held-for-sale are carried at the lower of our basis in the real estate and fair value, with reductions in fair value recorded as an impairment of real estate-held-for-sale on our consolidated statements of operations.

Deferred Financing Costs

The deferred financing costs which are included in prepaid expenses and other assets on our consolidated balance sheets include issuance costs related to our debt obligations, and are amortized using the effective interest method, or a method that approximates the effective interest method, over the life of the related obligations.

Repurchase Obligations

In certain circumstances, we have financed the purchase of investments from a counterparty through a repurchase agreement with that same counterparty. We currently record these investments in the same manner as other investments financed with repurchase agreements, with the investment recorded as an asset and the related borrowing under any repurchase agreement recorded as a liability on our consolidated balance sheets. Interest income earned on the investments and interest expense incurred on the repurchase obligations are reported separately on our consolidated statements of operations.

Interest Rate Derivative Financial Instruments

In the normal course of business, we use interest rate derivative financial instruments to manage, or hedge, cash flow variability caused by interest rate fluctuations. Specifically, we currently use interest rate swaps to effectively convert floating rate liabilities that are financing fixed rate assets to fixed rate liabilities. The differential to be paid or received on these agreements is recognized on the accrual basis as an adjustment to the interest expense related to the attendant liability. The interest rate swap agreements are generally accounted for on a held-to-maturity basis, and, in cases where they are terminated early, any gain or loss is generally amortized over the remaining life of the hedged item. These swap agreements must be effective in reducing the variability of cash flows of the hedged items in order to qualify for the aforementioned hedge accounting treatment. Changes in value of effective cash flow hedges are reflected on our consolidated financial statements through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and do not affect our net income (loss). To the extent a derivative does not qualify for hedge accounting, and is deemed a non-hedge derivative, the changes in its value are included in net income (loss).

To determine the fair value of interest rate derivative financial instruments, we use a third-party derivative specialist to assist us in periodically valuing our interests.

Income Taxes

Our financial results generally do not reflect provisions for current or deferred income taxes on our REIT taxable income. Management believes that we operate in a manner that will continue to allow us to be taxed as a REIT and, as a result, we generally do not expect to pay substantial corporate level taxes other than those payable by our taxable REIT subsidiaries. Many of these requirements, however, are highly technical and complex. If we were to fail to meet these requirements, we may be subject to federal, state and local income tax on current and past income, and penalties.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense is recognized in net income using a fair value measurement method, which we determine with the assistance of a third-party appraisal firm. Compensation expense for the time vesting of stock-based compensation grants is recognized on the accelerated attribution method and compensation expense for performance vesting of stock-based compensation grants is recognized on a straight line basis.

The fair value of the performance vesting restricted common stock is measured on the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the probability of the market vesting conditions being satisfied. The Monte Carlo simulation is run approximately 100,000 times. For each simulation, the payoff is calculated at the settlement date, and is then discounted to the grant date at a risk-free interest rate. The average of the values over all simulations is the expected value of the restricted common stock on the grant date. The valuation is performed in a risk-neutral framework, so no assumption is made with respect to an equity risk premium. Significant assumptions used in the valuation include an expected term and stock price volatility, an estimated risk-free interest rate and an estimated dividend growth rate.

Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by employees who receive equity awards, and subsequent events are not indicative of the reasonableness of the original estimates of fair value made by us.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Total comprehensive income (loss) was $270.3 million and ($82.8) million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010. The primary components of comprehensive income (loss) other than net income (loss) are the unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments and the component of other-than-temporary impairments of securities related to the Valuation Adjustment.

There was a one-time $3.8 million adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive loss upon our adoption of new accounting guidance effective January 1, 2010. See below discussion under “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in this Note 2 for additional information. See Note 12 for additional discussion of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Earnings per Share of Common Stock

Basic earnings per share, or EPS, is computed based on the net earnings allocable to common stock and stock units, divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and stock units outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is based on the net earnings allocable to common stock and stock units, divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock, stock units and potentially dilutive common stock options and warrants. See Note 12 for additional discussion of earnings per share.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may ultimately differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made in the presentation of the prior period consolidated financial statements to conform to the June 30, 2011 presentation.

Segment Reporting

We operate in two reportable segments. We have an internal information system that produces performance and asset data for the two segments along service lines.

The Balance Sheet Investment segment includes our consolidated portfolio of interest earning assets and the financing thereof.

The Investment Management segment includes the investment management activities of our wholly-owned investment management subsidiary, CT Investment Management Co., LLC, or CTIMCO, and its subsidiaries, as well as our co-investments in investment management vehicles. CTIMCO is a taxable REIT subsidiary and serves as the investment manager of Capital Trust, Inc., all of our investment management vehicles and CT CDOs, and serves as senior servicer and special servicer for certain of our investments and for third parties.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Codification, or the Codification, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and requires certain disclosures about fair value measurements under GAAP. Specifically, this guidance defines fair value based on exit price, or the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or the transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Our assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value are discussed in Note 17.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

New accounting guidance which was effective as of January 1, 2010 changed the criteria for consolidation of VIEs and removed a preexisting consolidation exception for qualified special purpose entities, which includes certain securitization vehicles. The amended guidance requires a qualitative, rather than quantitative assessment of when a VIE should be consolidated. Specifically, an entity would generally be required to consolidate a VIE if it has (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and (ii) the right to receive benefits from the VIE or the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE.

As a result of the amended guidance, we have consolidated an additional seven VIEs beginning January 1, 2010, all of which are securitization vehicles not sponsored by us. We have consolidated these entities generally due to our ownership interests in subordinate classes of securities issued by the VIEs, which investments carry certain control provisions. Although our investments are generally passive in nature, by owning more than 50% of the controlling class of each vehicle we do control special servicer naming rights, which we believe gives us the power to direct the most significant economic activities of these entities.

Upon consolidation of these seven securitization vehicles, we recorded a one-time adjustment to shareholders’ equity of ($41.8) million on January 1, 2010. This reduction in equity is due to the difference between the aggregate pre-consolidation book value of our investment in these vehicles (which were accounted for as securities) and the aggregate net assets, or equity, of those vehicles upon consolidation. This difference was primarily caused by asset impairments recorded at the entity-level which are in excess of our investment amount. Due to the fact that the liabilities of these vehicles are entirely non-recourse to us, this excess charge to equity, as well as similar charges on securitization vehicles previously consolidated, will eventually be reversed when our interests in the entities are repaid or sold, or the entities are otherwise deconsolidated in the future.

In January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements,” or ASU 2010-06. ASU 2010-06 amends existing disclosure guidance related to fair value measurements. Specifically, ASU 2010-06 requires (i) details of significant asset or liability transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 measurements within the fair value hierarchy, and (ii) inclusion of gross purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements within the rollforward of assets and liabilities valued using Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy. In addition, ASU 2010-06 clarifies and increases existing disclosure requirements related to (i) the disaggregation of fair value disclosures, and (ii) the inputs used in arriving at fair values for assets and liabilities valued using Level 2 and Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy. ASU 2010-06 is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the gross presentation of the Level 3 rollforward, which is required for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim periods within those years. The adoption of ASU 2010-06 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Additional disclosures, as applicable, are included in Note 17.

In July 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2010-20, “Receivables (Topic 310): Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses,” or ASU 2010-20. ASU 2010-20 primarily requires additional disaggregated disclosures of (i) credit risks associated with financing receivables, and (ii) impaired financing receivables and the related allowance for credit losses. ASU 2010-20 is generally effective for the first interim or annual period ending after December 15, 2010; however certain disclosures are not required until the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of ASU 2010-20 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Additional disclosures have been included, as applicable, in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-02, “Receivables (Topic 310): A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring,” or ASU 2011-02. ASU 2011-02 primarily clarifies when creditors should classify loan modifications as troubled debt restructurings and provides examples and factors to be considered. Loan modifications which are considered troubled debt restructurings could result in additional disclosure requirements and could impact the related provision for loan losses. ASU 2011-02 is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after June 15, 2011, with retrospective application to the beginning of the year. The adoption of ASU 2011-02 will impact how we account for loan modifications, and may result in an increase in the loan modifications we classify as troubled debt restructurings, and therefore our provision for loan losses.

In April 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-03, “Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements,” or ASU 2011-03. ASU 2011-03 primarily removes certain criteria from the consideration of effective control over assets subject to repurchase agreements. The removal of these criteria will generally result in asset transfers pursuant to repurchase agreements being accounted for as secured borrowings, with both the transferred assets and repurchase liability recorded on the transferor’s balance sheet. ASU 2011-03 is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2011, and is to be applied prospectively to transactions which occur subsequent to the effective date. The adoption of ASU 2011-03 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 860): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs,” or ASU 2011-04. ASU 2011-04 amends existing guidance on fair value measurements related to (i) instruments held in a portfolio, (ii) instruments classified within shareholders’ equity, (iii) application of the “highest and best use” concept to nonfinancial assets, (iv) application of blockage factors and other premiums and discounts in the valuation process, and (v) other matters. In addition, ASU 2011-04 expanded the required disclosures around fair value measurements including (i) reporting the level in the fair value hierarchy used to value assets and liabilities which are not measured at fair value, but where fair value is disclosed, and (ii) qualitative disclosures about the sensitivity of Level 3 fair value measurements to changes in unobservable inputs used. ASU 2011-04 is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements, however may significantly expand our disclosures related to fair value measurements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income,” or ASU 2011-05. ASU 2011-05 does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income, however it eliminates the option to present other comprehensive income on the statement of shareholders’ equity and instead requires either (i) a continuous statement of comprehensive income which would replace the current statement of operations, or (ii) an additional statement of other comprehensive income, which would immediately follow the statement of operations, and would report the components of other comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2011, and should be applied retrospectively to all periods reported after the effective date. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.