XML 24 R10.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.24.0.1
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. In our opinion, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been included and are of a normal and recurring nature.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include our financial statements and the financial statements of our wholly owned subsidiaries, partnerships and other joint ventures in which we own a controlling interest, including variable interest entities (“VIEs”) of which we are the primary beneficiary. Entities in which we have a significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Our VIEs are described in Note 15. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that could materially affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to the U.S. and global economies. Although vaccine availability and its usage have led to less negative short-term effects, such as travel bans, quarantines, layoffs and shutdowns, the ongoing longer-term macroeconomic effects on inflation, interest rates, capital markets, labor shortages, property values and global supply chains continue to negatively impact many industries, including the U.S. commercial real estate market. In addition, new strains of COVID-19 continue to emerge, which may cause governments and businesses to re-impose aggressive measures to help slow its spread, making the future impact difficult to predict. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 on the economy, including rising
inflation, increasing interest rates, tightening of capital markets and reduced property values, both globally and to our business, makes any estimate or assumption at December 31, 2023 inherently less certain.
Significant Accounting Policies
Cash and Cash Equivalents. All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. We place our cash and cash equivalents in high quality financial institutions. The consolidated account balances at each institution periodically exceed FDIC insurance coverage limits and we believe that this risk is not significant.
Loans, Investments and Securities. Loans held-for-investment are intended to be held-to-maturity and, accordingly, are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan origination costs and fees, loan purchase discounts, and net of the allowance for credit losses. We invest in preferred equity interests that, in some cases, allow us to participate in a percentage of the underlying property’s cash flows from operations and proceeds from a sale or refinancing. At the inception of each such investment, we determine whether such investment should be accounted for as a loan, equity interest or as real estate. To date, we have determined that all such investments are properly accounted for and reported as loans.
At the time of purchase, we designate a debt security as available-for-sale, held-to-maturity, or trading depending on our ability and intent for the security. Securities available-for-sale, which is included as a component of other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, is reported at fair value with the fluctuations in fair value recognized through earnings. Held-to-maturity securities are carried at cost net of any unamortized premiums or discounts, which are amortized or accreted over the life of the securities. For securities classified as held-to-maturity, an evaluation is performed as to whether a decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis is other-than-temporary.
The determination of other-than-temporary impairment is a subjective process requiring judgments and assumptions and is not necessarily intended to indicate a permanent decline in value. The process includes, but is not limited to, assessment of recent market events and prospects for near-term recovery, assessment of cash flows, internal review of the underlying assets securing the investments, credit of the issuer and the rating of the security, as well as our ability and intent to hold the investment to maturity. We closely monitor market conditions on which we base such decisions.
Allowance for Credit Losses. We estimate allowances for credit losses on our structured loans and investments (including unfunded loan commitments), loss-sharing obligations related to the Fannie Mae DUS program and our held-to-maturity debt securities under CECL based on current expected credit losses for the life of the loan and investment. Our estimation of credit losses utilizes information obtained from internal and external sources relating to past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts about the future. We have licensed a third party model to assist with the measurement of expected credit losses, which utilizes incurred losses inherent in the portfolio. The loss factors are determined through the generation of probability of defaults and loss given defaults for similar loans with similar credit. These results require a significant amount of judgment applied in selecting inputs and analyzing the results produced by the models to determine the allowance for credit losses. Changes in such estimates can significantly affect our expected credit losses.
Our method for calculating the estimate of expected credit loss considers historical experience and current conditions for similar loans and reasonable and supportable forecasts about the future. The reasonable and supportable forecast period is determined based on our assessment of the most likely scenario of assumptions and plausible outcomes for the U.S. economy, level of historical loss forecast estimates, material changes in growth and credit strategy and other factors that may affect our loss experience. We regularly evaluate the reasonable and supportable forecast period to determine if a change is needed.
Beyond our reasonable and supportable forecast period, we generally revert to historical loss information over the remaining loan/asset period, taken from a period that most accurately reflects the expectation of conditions expected to exist during the period of reversion. We may adjust historical loss information for differences in risk that may not reflect the characteristics of our current portfolio, including, but not limited to, loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratios, among other relevant factors. The method of reversion selected represents the best estimate of the collectability of the investments and is reevaluated each reporting period. We generally expect to use an average historical loss for reversion, utilizing an immediate or straight-line method for the remaining life of the investments.
We also perform a qualitative assessment beyond model estimates and apply qualitative adjustments as necessary. Our qualitative analysis includes a review of data that may directly impact our estimates including internal and external information about the loan or property including current market conditions, asset specific conditions, property operations or borrower/sponsor details (i.e., refinance, sale, loan modification, bankruptcy) which allows us to determine the amount of the expected loss more accurately and reasonably for these investments. We also evaluate the contractual life of our assets to determine if changes are needed for contractual extension options, renewals, modifications, and prepayments.
To the extent possible, we estimate our allowance for credit losses using a pooling approach for homogeneous assets with similar risk characteristics with the goal of enhancing the precision of their estimate. If particular assets no longer display risk characteristics that are similar to those of the pool, we may decide to revise our pools or perform an individual assessment of expected credit losses. If it is determined that a foreclosure is probable, or we expect repayment through the operation or sale of the collateral and the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, we calculate expected credit losses based on the fair value of the collateral as of the reporting date.
During the loan review process, if we determine that it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due for both principal and interest according to the contractual terms of a loan, we evaluate whether that loan is impaired. We consider the capitalization and market discount rates, as well as the borrower’s operating income and cash flows, in estimating the value of the underlying collateral when determining if a loan is impaired. We may also obtain a third party appraisal, which may value the collateral through an “as-is” or “stabilized value” methodology. Such appraisals may be used as an additional source of valuation information only and no adjustments are made to appraisals. If, upon completion of the valuation, the fair value of the underlying collateral securing the impaired loan is less than the net carrying value of the loan, we record a specific allowance for credit losses with a corresponding charge to the provision for credit losses and remove the impaired loan from the CECL analysis described above.
If a loan modification constitutes a concession whereas we do not receive ample consideration in return for the modification, and the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and cannot repay the loan under the current terms, then the modification is considered by us to be a troubled debt restructuring. We record interest on modified loans on an accrual basis to the extent the modified loan is contractually current. The allowance for credit losses on a troubled debt restructuring is measured using the same method as all other loans held for investment.
Charge-offs to the allowance for credit losses occur when losses are confirmed through the receipt of cash or other consideration from the completion of a sale; when a modification or restructuring takes place in which we grant a concession to a borrower or agree to a discount in full or partial satisfaction of the loan; when we take ownership and control of the underlying collateral in full satisfaction of the loan; when loans are reclassified as other investments; or when significant collection efforts have ceased and it is highly likely that a loss has been realized.
We record a loss on a restructured loan when we grant a concession to the borrower in the form of principal forgiveness related to the payoff or the substitution or addition of a new debtor for the original borrower or when we incur costs on behalf of the borrower related to the modification, payoff or the substitution or addition of a new debtor for the original borrower. When a loan is restructured, we record our investment at net realizable value, taking into account the cost of all concessions at the date of restructuring. In addition, a gain or loss may be recorded upon the sale of a loan to a third party in the consolidated statements of income in the period in which the loan was sold.
Loans Held-for-Sale, Net. Loans held-for-sale, net represents our Agency Business commercial real estate loans originated and sold under the GSE and HUD programs, which are generally transferred or sold within 60 days of loan origination, as well as our Private Label loans, which are either sold instantaneously or pooled and securitized, or sold, within 180 days of loan origination. Such loans are reported at the lower of cost or market on an aggregate basis and include the value allocated to the associated future MSRs. During the period prior to its sale, interest income on a loan held-for-sale is calculated in accordance with the terms of the individual loan and the loan origination fees and direct loan origination costs are deferred until the loan is sold. All of our held-for-sale loans are financed with matched borrowings from credit facilities contracted to finance such loans. Interest income and expense are earned or incurred after a loan is closed and before a loan is sold.
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated, put presumptively beyond the reach of the entity, even in bankruptcy, (2) the transferee (or if the transferee is an entity whose sole purpose is to engage in securitization and the entity is constrained from pledging or exchanging the assets it receives, each third party holder of its beneficial interests) has the right to pledge or exchange the transferred financial assets, and (3) we or our agents do not maintain effective control over the transferred financial assets or third party beneficial interest related to those transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. We have determined that all loans sold have met these specific conditions and account for all transfers of mortgage loans as completed sales.
Allowance for Loss-Sharing Obligations. When a loan is sold under the Fannie Mae DUS program, we undertake an obligation to partially guarantee the performance of the loan. Generally, we are responsible for losses equal to the first 5% of the UPB and a portion of any additional losses to an overall maximum of 20% of the original principal balance. Fannie Mae bears any remaining loss. In addition, under the terms of the master loss-sharing agreement with Fannie Mae, we are responsible for funding 100% of mortgage delinquencies (principal and interest) and servicing advances (taxes, insurance and foreclosure costs) until the amounts advanced exceed 5% of the UPB at the date of default. Thereafter, we may request interim loss-sharing adjustments which allow us to fund 25% of such advances until final settlement.
At inception, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guaranty is recognized. In determining the fair value of the guaranty obligation, we consider the risk profile of the collateral and the historical loss experience in our portfolio. The guaranty obligation is removed only upon either the expiration or settlement of the guaranty.
We evaluate the allowance for loss-sharing obligations by monitoring the performance of each loss-sharing loan for events or conditions that may signal a potential default. Historically, initial loss recognition occurs at or before a loan becomes 60 days delinquent. In instances where payment under the guaranty on a loan is determined to be probable and estimable (as the loan is probable of, or is, in foreclosure), we record a liability for the estimated allowance for loss-sharing (a “specific reserve”) by transferring the guarantee obligation recorded on the loan to the specific reserve with any adjustments to this reserve amount recorded in provision for loss sharing in the statements of income. The amount of the allowance considers our assessment of the likelihood of repayment by the borrower or key principal(s), the risk characteristics of the loan, the loan’s risk rating, historical loss experience, adverse situations affecting individual loans, the estimated disposition value of the underlying collateral, and the level of risk sharing. We regularly monitor the specific reserves and update loss estimates as current information is received.
Capitalized Mortgage Servicing Rights. We recognize, as separate assets, rights to service mortgage loans for others, including such rights from our origination of mortgage loans sold with the servicing rights retained, as well as rights associated with acquired MSRs. Income from MSRs related to loans we originate are recognized when we record a derivative asset upon the commitment to originate a loan with a borrower and sell the loan to an investor. This commitment asset is recognized at fair value based on the discounted expected net cash flows associated with the servicing of the loan. When a mortgage loan we originate is sold, we retain the right to service the loan and recognize the MSR at the initial capitalized valuation. We amortize our MSRs using the amortization method, which requires the MSRs to be amortized over the period of estimated net servicing income or loss and that the servicing assets or liabilities be assessed for impairment, or increased obligation, based on the fair value at each reporting date. Amortization of MSRs is recorded as a reduction of servicing revenues, net in the consolidated statements of income. The following assumptions were used in calculating the fair value of our MSRs for the periods presented:
Key rates: We used discount rates ranging from 9% to 13%, representing a weighted average discount rate of 12%, based on our best estimate of market discount rates to determine the present value of MSRs.
Servicing Cost: A market participant’s estimated future cost to service the loan for the estimated life of the MSR is subtracted from the estimated future cash flows.
Estimated Life: We estimate the life of our MSRs based upon the stated yield maintenance and/or prepayment protection term of the underlying loan and are reduced using prepayment rates that consider the note rate of the loan and the expiration of various types of prepayment penalty and/or lockout provisions prior to that stated maturity date.
MSRs are initially recorded at fair value and are carried at amortized cost. The fair value of MRSs from loans we originate and sell are estimated considering market prices for similar MSRs, when available, and by estimating the present value of the future net cash flows of the capitalized MSRs, net of adequate compensation for servicing. Adequate compensation is based on the market rate of similar servicing contracts. The fair value of MSRs acquired approximate the purchase price paid.
We evaluate the MSR portfolio for impairment on a quarterly basis based on the difference between the aggregate carrying amount of the MSRs and their aggregate fair value. We engage an independent third party valuation expert to assist in determining an estimated fair value of our MSR portfolio on a quarterly basis. For purposes of impairment evaluation, the MSRs are stratified based on predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans, which we have identified as loan type, note rate and yield maintenance provisions. To the extent that the carrying value of the MSRs exceeds fair value, a valuation allowance is established.
We record write-offs of MSRs related to loans that were repaid prior to their expected maturity and loans that have defaulted and determined to be unrecoverable. When this occurs, the write-off is recorded as a direct write-down to the carrying value of MSRs and is included as a component of servicing revenue, net in the consolidated statements of income. This direct write-down permanently reduces the carrying value of the MSRs, precluding recognition of subsequent recoveries. For loans that payoff prior to maturity, we may collect a prepayment fee which is included as a component of servicing revenue, net.
Investments in Equity Affiliates. We invest in joint ventures that are formed to invest in real estate-related assets or businesses. These joint ventures are not majority owned or controlled by us or are VIEs for which we are not the primary beneficiary, and are not consolidated in our financial statements. These investments are recorded under either the equity or cost method of accounting as deemed appropriate. We evaluate these investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. We recognize an impairment loss if the estimated fair value of the investment is less
than its carrying amount and we determine that the impairment is other-than-temporary. We record our share of the net income and losses from the underlying properties of our equity method investments and any other-than-temporary impairment on these investments as income or losses from equity affiliates in the consolidated statements of income.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Significant judgement is required to estimate the fair value of intangible assets and in assigning their estimated useful lives. Accordingly, we typically seek the assistance of independent third party valuation specialists for significant intangible assets. The fair value estimates are based on available historical information and on future expectations and assumptions we deem reasonable.
We generally use an income-based valuation method to estimate the fair value of intangible assets, which discounts expected future cash flows to present value using estimates and assumptions we deem reasonable.
Determining the estimated useful lives of intangible assets also requires judgment. Certain intangible assets, such as GSE licenses, have been deemed to have indefinite lives while other intangible assets, such as broker and borrower relationships and below market rent have been deemed to have finite lives. Our assessment as to which intangible assets are deemed to have finite or indefinite lives is based on several factors including economic barriers of entry for the acquired product lines, scarcity of available GSE licenses, retention trends and our operating plans, among other factors.
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, while finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis. Indefinite-lived intangible assets, including goodwill, are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. In addition, with respect to goodwill, an impairment analysis is performed at least annually. We have elected to make the first day of our fiscal fourth quarter the annual impairment assessment date for goodwill. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value. If, based on that assessment, we believe it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value, then a two-step goodwill impairment test is performed. Based on the impairment analysis performed as of October 1, 2023, there were no indicators that the indefinite-lived intangible assets, including goodwill, were impaired and there were no events or changes in circumstances indicating impairment at December 31, 2023.
Real Estate Owned and Held-For-Sale. Real estate acquired is recorded at its estimated fair value, less costs to sell, at acquisition and is shown net of accumulated depreciation and impairment charges. Costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of a property are capitalized. Real estate acquired is recorded in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
We allocate the purchase price of our real estate acquisitions to land, building, tenant improvements, origination asset of the in-place leases, intangibles for the value of any above or below market leases at fair value and to any other identified intangible assets or liabilities. We amortize the value allocated to in-place leases over the remaining lease term, which is reported in depreciation and amortization expense on our consolidated statements of income. The value allocated to above or below market leases are amortized over the remaining lease term as an adjustment to rental income.
Real estate assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Ordinary repairs and maintenance which are not reimbursed by the tenants are expensed as incurred. Major replacements and betterments which improve or extend the life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful life.
Our properties are reviewed for impairment each quarter if events or circumstances change indicating that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We recognize impairment if the undiscounted estimated cash flows to be generated by an asset is less than the carrying amount of such asset. Measurement of impairment is based on the asset’s estimated fair value. In evaluating for impairment, many factors are considered, including estimated current and expected operating cash flows from the property during the projected holding period, costs necessary to extend the life or improve the asset, expected capitalization rates, projected stabilized net operating income, selling costs, and the ability to hold and dispose of the asset in the ordinary course of business. Impairment charges may be necessary in the event discount rates, capitalization rates, lease-up periods, future economic conditions, and other relevant factors vary significantly from those assumed in valuing the property.
Real estate is classified as held-for-sale when we commit to a plan of sale, the asset is available for immediate sale, there is an active program to locate a buyer, and it is probable the sale will be completed within one year. Real estate assets that are expected to be disposed of are valued at the lower of the asset’s carrying amount or its fair value less costs to sell.
We recognize sales of real estate properties upon closing. Payments received from purchasers prior to closing are recorded as deposits. A gain or loss on real estate sold is recognized when the collectability of the sale price is reasonably assured, we are not
obligated to perform significant activities after the sale and when control of the asset transfers to the buyer. A gain may be deferred in whole or in part until collectability of the sales price is reasonably assured and the earnings process is complete.
Hedging Activities and Derivatives. We measure derivative instruments at fair value and record them as assets or liabilities. Fair value adjustments will affect either accumulated other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings, or net income depending on whether the derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge for accounting purposes and, if so, the nature of the hedging activity. We use derivatives for hedging purposes rather than trading or speculation. Fair values are estimated based on current market data from financial sources that trade such instruments and are based on prevailing market data and derived from third party proprietary models based on well recognized financial principles and reasonable estimates about relevant future market conditions.
The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether we have elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. These derivative instruments must be effective in reducing risk exposure to qualify for hedge accounting. When the terms of an underlying transaction are modified, or when the underlying hedged item ceases to exist, all changes in the fair value of the instrument are marked-to-market with changes in value included in net income for each period until the derivative instrument matures or is settled. Any derivative instrument used for risk management that does not meet the hedging criteria is marked-to-market with the changes in value included in earnings. In cases where a derivative instrument is terminated early, any gain or loss is generally amortized over the remaining life of the hedged item. We may also enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain risks, even though hedge accounting does not apply, or we elect not to apply hedge accounting. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value is recognized immediately in earnings.
In connection with our interest rate risk management, we may hedge a portion of our interest rate risk by entering into derivative instrument contracts to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of our expected cash receipts and our expected cash payments principally related to our investments and borrowings. Our objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest income and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, we have used, and may again in the future, use treasury futures and interest rate and credit default swaps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Instruments designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for us making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.
Our rate lock and forward sales commitments associated with the Agency Business meet the definition of a derivative and are recorded at fair value. The estimated fair value of rate lock commitments includes the effects of interest rate movements as well as the fair value of the expected net cash flows associated with the servicing of the loan which is recorded as income from MSRs in the consolidated statements of income. The estimated fair value of forward sale commitments includes the effects of interest rate movements between the trade date and balance sheet date.
Our treasury futures associated with (1) our held-for-sale Agency Business Private Label loans, and (2) our Structured Business SFR loans, do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting and are tied to the five-year and ten-year treasury rates. Our treasury futures are cleared by a central clearing house and variation margin payments (made in cash) are treated as a legal settlement of the derivative itself, as opposed to a pledge of collateral. Realized and unrealized gains and losses related to our treasury futures are recorded through earnings.
Revenue Recognition. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis as it is earned. In certain instances, the borrower pays an additional amount of interest at the time the loan is closed, an origination fee, a prepayment fee and/or deferred interest upon maturity. In some cases, interest income may also include the amortization or accretion of premiums and discounts arising from the purchase or origination of the loan or security. This additional income, net of any direct loan origination costs incurred, is deferred and accreted into interest income on an effective yield or “interest” method adjusted for actual prepayment activity over the life of the related loan or security as a yield adjustment. Income recognition is suspended for loans when, in our opinion, a full recovery of all contractual principal and/or interest is not probable. Income recognition is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current, and performance is resumed. We record interest income on certain impaired loans to the extent cash is received, as the borrower continues to make interest payments. We record loan loss reserves related to these loans when it is deemed that full recovery of principal and accrued interest is not probable.
Several of our loans provide for accrual of interest at specified rates, which differ from current payment terms. Interest is recognized on such loans at the accrual rate subject to our determination that accrued interest and outstanding principal are ultimately collectible,
based on the underlying collateral and operations of the asset. If we cannot make this determination, interest income above the current pay rate is recognized only upon actual receipt.
Given the transitional nature of some of our real estate loans, we may require funds to be placed into an interest reserve, based on contractual requirements, to cover debt service costs. We will analyze these interest reserves on a periodic basis and determine if any additional interest reserves are needed. Recognition of income on loans with funded interest reserves are accounted for in the same manner as loans without funded interest reserves. We do not recognize interest income on loans in which the borrower has failed to make the contractual interest payment due or has not replenished the interest reserve account. Loans are classified as non-performing once the contractual payments exceed 60 days past due and income from the loans is generally recognized on a cash basis only to the extent it is received. Full income recognition will resume when the loan becomes contractually current, and performance has recommenced.
Additionally, interest income is recorded when earned from equity participation interests, referred to as equity kickers. These equity kickers have the potential to generate additional revenues to us as a result of excess cash flow distributions and/or as appreciated properties are sold or refinanced.
Gain on sales, including fee-based services, net — Gain on sales, including fee-based services, net includes commitment fees, broker fees, loan assumption fees, loan origination fees and gains on sale of loans of our Agency Business. In some instances, the borrower pays an additional amount of interest at the time the loan is closed, an origination fee, net of any direct loan origination costs incurred, which is recognized upon the sale of the loan. Revenue recognition occurs when the related services are performed, unless significant contingencies exist, and for the sale of loans, when all the incidence of ownership passes to the buyer. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis as it is earned from loans held-for-sale.
Property operating income — Property operating income represents income associated with the operations of commercial real estate properties classified as real estate owned and included in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. We recognize revenue for these activities when the fees are fixed or determinable, or are evidenced by an arrangement, collection is reasonably assured and the services under the arrangement have been provided.
Other income (loss), net — Other income (loss), net represents loan structuring, modification and defeasance, as well as broker fees and miscellaneous asset management fees associated with our loan and investment portfolio. We recognize these forms of income when the fees are fixed or determinable, are evidenced by an arrangement, collection is reasonably assured and the services under the arrangement have been provided.
Leases. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term is recorded as an operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease is recorded as a lease liability. Operating lease ROU assets and lease liabilities are included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in our consolidated balance sheets. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Our leases do not provide an implicit rate; therefore, we use our incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of lease payments. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are expensed as incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation. We grant stock awards to certain of our employees and directors, consisting of shares of our common stock that vest immediately or annually over a multi-year period, subject to the recipient’s continued service to us. We record stock-based compensation expense at the grant date fair value of the related stock-based award at the grant date (for the portion that vests immediately) or ratably over the respective vesting periods. Dividends are paid on restricted stock as dividends are paid on shares of our common stock whether or not they are vested. Stock-based compensation is disclosed in our consolidated statements of income under “employee compensation and benefits” for employees and under “selling and administrative” expense for the Board of Directors.
Income Taxes. We organize and conduct our operations to qualify as a REIT and to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code with respect thereto. A REIT is generally not subject to federal income tax on its REIT-taxable income that is distributed to its stockholders, provided that at least 90% of its REIT-taxable income is distributed and provided that certain other requirements are met. Certain REIT income may be subject to state and local income taxes.
The Agency Business mainly operates through a TRS, which is a part of our TRS Consolidated Group and is subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes. In general, our TRS entities may hold assets that the REIT cannot hold directly and may engage in real estate or non-real estate-related business. Current and deferred taxes are recorded on the portion of earnings (losses) recognized by us with respect to our interest in TRSs. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are calculated based on temporary differences between our
GAAP consolidated financial statements and the federal, state, local tax basis of assets and liabilities as of the consolidated balance sheets. We evaluate the realizability of our deferred tax assets (e.g., net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards) and recognize a valuation allowance if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all our deferred tax assets will not be realized. When evaluating the realizability of our deferred tax assets, we consider estimates of expected future taxable income, existing and projected book/tax differences, tax planning strategies available and the general and industry specific economic outlook.
We periodically evaluate tax positions to determine whether it is more likely than not that such positions would be sustained upon examination by a tax authority for all open tax years, as defined by the statute of limitations, based on their technical merits. We report interest and penalties related to tax uncertainties as a component of the income tax provision.
Earnings Per Share. We present both basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”). Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock, where such exercise or conversion would result in a lower EPS amount.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
DescriptionEffective DateEffect on Financial Statements
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. This guidance eliminates the accounting guidance on troubled debt restructurings and amends existing disclosures, including the requirement to disclose current period gross write-offs by year of origination. The guidance also updates the requirements related to accounting for credit losses and adds enhanced disclosures for creditors with respect to loan refinancings and restructurings for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.First quarter of 2023The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
DescriptionEffective DateEffect on Financial Statements
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This guidance requires public entities to disclose significant expense categories and amounts for each reportable segment, along with information regarding the composition of "other segment items." Additionally, the guidance requires the disclosure of the title and position of the entity's Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), an explanation of how the CODM utilizes reported profit or loss measures to assess segment performance, and certain segment-related disclosures on an interim basis, which were previously required only annually.
Fiscal year 2024, with early adoption permittedThe adoption of this guidance will not have a
significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. We do not expect to early adopt and will add the necessary disclosures upon adoption.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This guidance focuses on disclosures around effective tax rates and cash income taxes paid and to improve the usefulness of income tax disclosures for investors. This guidance requires public entities to disclose, on an annual basis, a rate reconciliation presented in both dollars and percentages and to include specific categories and provides further guidance on disaggregation of those categories based on a quantitative threshold equal to 5% or more. This guidance also makes changes to annual disclosures of income taxes paid for all entities by requiring entities to disclose the amount of income taxes paid, net of refunds received, disaggregated by federal, state and foreign jurisdiction.First quarter of 2025, with early adoption permittedThe adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. We do not expect to early adopt and will add the necessary disclosures upon adoption.
Other Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-01, Leases (Topic 842) – Common Control Arrangements and ASU 2023-02, Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures: Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method, both effective for us in the first quarter of 2024. In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-05, Business Combinations – Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60): Recognition and Initial Measurement, which is effective for joint venture entities with a formation date on or after January 1, 2025. We currently do not have any transactions that fall under the scope of these ASUs; therefore, the adoptions are not expected to have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.