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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

16. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company has established and documented processes for determining fair values. Fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If listed prices or quotes are not available, then fair value is based upon internally developed models that primarily use inputs that are market-based or independently-sourced market parameters, including interest rate yield curves.

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of valuation hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 - inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

The following describes the valuation methodologies used for the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

a.Residential Loans Held in Consolidated SLST – Residential loans held in Consolidated SLST are carried at fair value and classified as Level 3 fair values. In accordance with the practical expedient in ASC 810, the Company determines the fair value of residential loans held in Consolidated SLST based on the fair value of the CDOs issued by the securitization and its investment in the securitization (eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP), as the fair value of these instruments is more observable.

The investment securities (eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP) that we own in the securitization are generally illiquid and trade infrequently. As such they are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair valuation of these investment securities is determined based on an internal valuation model that considers expected cash flows from the underlying loans and yields required by market participants. The significant unobservable inputs used in the measurement of these investments are projected losses within the pool of loans and a discount rate. The discount rate used in determining fair value incorporates default rate, loss severity, prepayment rate and current market interest rates. Significant increases or decreases in these inputs would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.

b.Residential Loans and Residential Loans Held in Securitization Trusts – The Company’s acquired residential loans are recorded at fair value and classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value for residential loans is determined using valuations obtained from a third party that specializes in providing valuations of residential loans. The valuation approach depends on whether the residential loan is considered performing, re-performing or non-performing at the date the valuation is performed.

For performing and re-performing loans, estimates of fair value are derived using a discounted cash flow model, where estimates of cash flows are determined from scheduled payments for each loan, adjusted using forecast prepayment rates, default rates and rates for loss upon default. For non-performing loans, asset liquidation cash flows are derived based on the estimated time to liquidate the loan, expected liquidation costs and home price appreciation. Estimated cash flows for both performing and non-performing loans are discounted at yields considered appropriate to arrive at a reasonable exit price for the asset. Indications of loan value such as actual trades, bids, offers and generic market color may be used in determining the appropriate discount yield.

The Company independently calculates valuations for residential loans based on discounted cash flows using an internal pricing model to validate all third-party valuations of residential loans. The Company has established thresholds to compare internally generated prices with independent third-party prices and any differences that exceed the thresholds are reviewed both internally and with the third-party pricing service. The Company reconciles and resolves all pricing differences in excess of the thresholds before a final price is established.

c.Preferred Equity and Mezzanine Loan Investments – Fair value for preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments is determined by both market comparable pricing and discounted cash flows. The discounted cash flows are based on the underlying estimated cash flows and estimated changes in market yields. The fair value also reflects consideration of changes in credit risk since the origination or time of initial investment. This fair value measurement is generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

d.Investment Securities Available for Sale – The Company determines the fair value of all of its investment securities available for sale based on discounted cash flows utilizing an internal pricing model. The methodology considers the characteristics of the particular security and its underlying collateral, which are observable inputs. These inputs include, but are not limited to, delinquency status, coupon, loan-to-value ("LTV"), historical performance, periodic and life caps, collateral type, rate reset period, seasoning, prepayment speeds and credit enhancement levels. The Company also considers several observable market data points, including prices obtained from third-party pricing services or dealers who make markets in similar financial instruments, trading activity, and dialogue with market participants. Third-party pricing services typically incorporate commonly used market pricing methods, trading activity observed in the marketplace and other data inputs similar to those used in the Company's internal pricing model. The Company has established thresholds to compare internally generated prices with independent third-party prices and any differences that exceed the thresholds are reviewed both internally and with the third-party pricing service. The Company reconciles and resolves all pricing differences in excess of the thresholds before a final price is established. The Company’s investment securities available for sale are valued based upon readily observable market parameters and are classified as Level 2 fair values.

e.Equity Investments – Fair value for equity investments is determined (i) by the valuation process for preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments as described in c. above or (ii) using weighted multiples of origination volume and earnings before taxes, depreciation and amortization of the entity and the net asset value ("NAV") of the equity investment entity. These fair value measurements are generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

f.Derivative Instruments – The fair values of the Company's interest rate cap agreements are measured using models developed by either third-party pricing providers or the respective counterparty that use the market-standard methodology of discounting the future expected cash receipts which would occur if floating interest rates rise above the strike rate of the caps. The floating interest rates used in the calculation of projected receipts on the interest rate caps are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observable market interest rate curves and volatilities. The inputs used in the valuation of interest rate caps fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The Company's interest rate swaps are classified as Level 2 fair values and are measured using valuations reported by CME Clearing. The derivatives are presented net of variation margin payments pledged or received.

The Company's options were classified as Level 2 fair values and are measured using prices obtained from the counterparty.

The Company obtains additional third-party valuations for interest rate swaps, interest rate cap agreements and option contracts. The Company has established thresholds to compare different independent third-party prices and any differences that exceed the thresholds are reviewed both internally and with the third-party pricing services. The Company reconciles and resolves all pricing differences in excess of the thresholds before a final price is established.

g.Collateralized Debt Obligations – CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST are classified as Level 3 fair values for which fair value is determined by considering several market data points, including prices obtained from third-party pricing services or dealers who make markets in similar financial instruments. The third-party pricing service or dealers incorporate common market pricing methods, including a spread measurement to the Treasury curve or interest rate swap curve as well as underlying characteristics of the particular security. They will also consider contractual cash payments and yields expected by market participants.

Refer to a. above for a description of the fair valuation of CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST that are eliminated in consolidation.

Management reviews all prices used in determining fair value to ensure they represent current market conditions. This review includes surveying similar market transactions and comparisons to interest pricing models as well as offerings of like securities by dealers. Any changes to the valuation methodology are reviewed by management to ensure the changes are appropriate. As markets and products develop and the pricing for certain products becomes more transparent, the Company continues to refine its valuation methodologies. The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies, or assumptions, to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. The Company uses inputs that are current as of each reporting date, which may include periods of market dislocation, during which time price transparency may be reduced. This condition could cause the Company’s financial instruments to be reclassified from Level 2 to Level 3 in future periods.

The following table presents the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets (dollar amounts in thousands):


	Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis at
	December 31, 2023								December 31, 2022
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets carried at fair value
Residential loans:
Residential loans	$	—	$	—	$	827,535	$	827,535	$	—	$	—	$	1,081,384	$	1,081,384
Consolidated SLST	—		—		754,860		754,860		—		—		827,582		827,582
Residential loans held in securitization trusts	—		—		1,501,908		1,501,908		—		—		1,616,114		1,616,114
Investment securities available for sale:
Agency RMBS	—		1,989,324		—		1,989,324		—		—		—		—

Non-Agency RMBS	—		24,493		—		24,493		—		68,570		—		68,570
CMBS	—		—		—		—		—		30,133		—		30,133
ABS	—		—		—		—		—		856		—		856
Multi-family loans	—		—		95,792		95,792		—		—		87,534		87,534
Equity investments (1)	—		—		147,116		147,116		—		—		179,746		179,746
Derivative assets:
Interest rate caps (1) (2)	—		6,510		—		6,510		—		2,473		—		2,473
Assets of disposal group held for sale (3)	—		2,960		—		2,960		—		29,418		9,010		38,428
Total	$	—	$	2,023,287	$	3,327,211	$	5,350,498	$	—	$	131,450	$	3,801,370	$	3,932,820
Liabilities carried at fair value


Consolidated SLST CDOs	$	—	$	—	$	593,737	$	593,737	$	—	$	—	$	634,495	$	634,495
Derivative liabilities:
Interest rate swaps (2) (4)	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total	$	—	$	—	$	593,737	$	593,737	$	—	$	—	$	634,495	$	634,495

(1)Excludes assets of disposal group held for sale (see Note 9).

(2)Included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

(3)Includes derivative assets classified as Level 2 instruments in the amount of $3.0 million and $29.4 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and equity investments classified as Level 3 instruments in the amount of $9.0 million as of December 31, 2022.

(4)All of the Company’s interest rate swaps outstanding are cleared through a central clearing house. The Company exchanges variation margin for swaps based upon daily changes in fair value. Includes derivative liabilities of $40.5 million netted against derivative assets of $13.1 million and a variation margin of $27.4 million as of December 31, 2023.

The following tables detail changes in valuation for the Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

Level 3 Assets:


	Year Ended December 31, 2023
	Residential loans
	Residential loans		Consolidated SLST		Residential loans held in securitization trusts		Multi-family loans		Equity investments		Equity investments in disposal group held for sale		Total
Balance at beginning of period	$	1,081,384	$	827,582	$	1,616,114	$	87,534	$	179,746	$	9,010	$	3,801,370
Total gains/(losses) (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings	8,080		(10,748)		72,173		11,863		21,279		(3,290)		99,357

Transfers out (1)	(26,277)		—		(16,208)		(10,306)		—		—		(52,791)
Transfer to securitization trust, net (2)	(282,831)		—		282,831		—		—		—		—
Transfer from disposal group held for sale	—		—		—		—		5,720		(5,720)		—
Funding/Contributions	—		—		—		21,924		33,958		—		55,882
Paydowns/Distributions	(482,137)		(61,974)		(518,819)		(15,223)		(93,587)		—		(1,171,740)
Sales	(21,165)		—		(3,979)		—		—		—		(25,144)
Purchases	550,481		—		69,796		—		—		—		620,277
Balance at the end of period	$	827,535	$	754,860	$	1,501,908	$	95,792	$	147,116	$	—	$	3,327,211

(1)Transfers out of Level 3 assets represents the transfer of residential loans to real estate owned and the consolidation of a VIE previously classified as an equity investment (see Note 7).

(2)During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company transferred certain business purpose loans into residential loan securitizations (see Note 7 for further discussion of the Company's residential loan securitizations).


	Year Ended December 31, 2022
	Residential loans
	Residential loans		Consolidated SLST		Residential loans held in securitization trusts		Multi-family loans		Equity investments		Equity investments in disposal group held for sale		Total
Balance at beginning of period	$	1,703,290	$	1,070,882	$	801,429	$	120,021	$	239,631	$	—	$	3,935,253
Total (losses)/gains (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings	(111,879)		(128,236)		(162,518)		9,531		18,884		(926)		(375,144)

Transfers out (1)	(17,052)		—		(1,806)		—		—		—		(18,858)
Transfer to securitization trust, net (2)	(1,422,577)		—		1,422,577		—		—		—		—
Transfer to disposal group held for sale	—		—		—		—		(9,936)		9,936		—
Funding/Contributions	—		—		—		—		28,086		—		28,086
Paydowns/Distributions	(712,214)		(115,064)		(535,017)		(42,018)		(96,919)		—		(1,501,232)


Purchases	1,641,816		—		91,449		—		—		—		1,733,265
Balance at the end of period	$	1,081,384	$	827,582	$	1,616,114	$	87,534	$	179,746	$	9,010	$	3,801,370

(1)Transfers out of Level 3 assets represents the transfer of residential loans to real estate owned.

(2)During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company transferred certain performing, re-performing and business purpose loans into residential loan securitizations (see Note 7 for further discussion of the Company's residential loan securitizations).


	Year Ended December 31, 2021
	Residential loans
	Residential loans		Consolidated SLST		Residential loans held in securitization trusts		Multi-family loans		Equity investments		Total
Balance at beginning of period	$	1,090,930	$	1,266,785	$	691,451	$	163,593	$	259,095	$	3,471,854
Total gains/(losses) (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings	36,844		(35,953)		43,001		18,795		36,729		99,416

Transfers out (1)	(2,080)		—		(2,053)		—		—		(4,133)
Transfer to securitization trust, net (2)	(305,433)		—		305,433		—		—		—
Funding/Contributions	—		—		—		37,678		107,465		145,143
Paydowns/Distributions	(618,790)		(159,950)		(239,436)		(100,045)		(163,658)		(1,281,879)
Sales	(74,751)		—		(2,376)		—		—		(77,127)
Purchases	1,576,570		—		5,409		—		—		1,581,979
Balance at the end of period	$	1,703,290	$	1,070,882	$	801,429	$	120,021	$	239,631	$	3,935,253

(1)Transfers out of Level 3 assets represents the transfer of residential loans to real estate owned.

(2)During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company transferred certain business purpose loans into a residential loan securitization. The Company also redeemed a residential loan securitization and transferred certain performing, re-performing and non-performing residential loans into a residential loan securitization (see Note 7 for further discussion of the Company's residential loan securitizations).

The following table details changes in valuation for the Level 3 liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

Level 3 Liabilities:


	Consolidated SLST CDOs
	Years Ended December 31,
	2023		2022		2021
Balance at beginning of period	$	634,495	$	839,419	$	1,054,335
Total losses/(gains) (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings	5,718		(90,077)		(54,154)


Paydowns	(46,476)		(114,847)		(160,762)


Balance at the end of period	$	593,737	$	634,495	$	839,419

The following table discloses quantitative information regarding the significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of our Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value (dollar amounts in thousands, except input values):


December 31, 2023	Fair Value	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Weighted Average	Range
Assets
Residential loans:
Residential loans and residential loans held in securitization trusts (1)	$2,138,811	Discounted cash flow	Lifetime CPR	4.9%	—	-	48.5%
			Lifetime CDR	0.7%	—	-	22.6%
			Loss severity	12.7%	—	-	100.0%
			Yield	7.5%	4.7%	-	31.0%

	$190,632	Liquidation model	Annual home price appreciation/(depreciation)	0.3%	—	-	12.0%
			Liquidation timeline (months)	18	9	-	50
			Property value	$2,536,520	$9,000	-	$13,750,000
			Yield	7.6%	7.2%	-	29.2%

Consolidated SLST (3)	$754,860		Liability price	N/A

Total	$3,084,303

Multi-family loans (1)	$95,792	Discounted cash flow	Discount rate	12.6%	11.0%	-	20.5%
			Months to assumed redemption	32	3	-	55
			Loss severity	—

Equity investments (1) (2)	$109,962	Discounted cash flow	Discount rate	14.0%	13.0%	-	15.5%
			Months to assumed redemption	24	7	-	54
			Loss severity	—





Liabilities
Consolidated SLST CDOs (3) (4)	$593,737	Discounted cash flow	Yield	5.8%	5.0%	-	10.0%
			Collateral prepayment rate	6.1%	2.6%	-	7.0%
			Collateral default rate	1.3%	—	-	8.4%
			Loss severity	21.4%	17.2	-	63.3%

(1)Weighted average amounts are calculated based on the weighted average fair value of the assets.

(2)Equity investments do not include equity ownership interests in an entity that originates residential loans. The fair value of this investment is determined using weighted multiples of origination volume and earnings before taxes, depreciation and amortization and NAV of the entity.

(3)In accordance with the practical expedient in ASC 810, the Company determines the fair value of the residential loans held in Consolidated SLST based on the fair value of the CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST, including investment securities we own, as the fair value of these instruments is more observable. At December 31, 2023, the fair value of investment securities we own in Consolidated SLST amounts to $157.2 million.

(4)Weighted average yield calculated based on the weighted average fair value of the CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST, including investment securities we own. Weighted average collateral prepayment rate, weighted average collateral default rate and weighted average loss severity are calculated based on the weighted average unpaid balance of the CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST, including investment securities we own.

The following table details the changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, for our Level 3 assets and liabilities held as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):


	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2023		2022		2021
Assets
Residential loans
Residential loans (1)	$	321	$	(57,892)	$	31,222
Consolidated SLST (1)	(8,086)		(124,834)		(31,128)
Residential loans held in securitization trust (1)	56,576		(219,647)		35,570
Multi-family loans (1)	645		(1,737)		1,924
Equity investments (2)	(7,958)		(4,338)		3,990
Equity investments in disposal group held for sale (2)	—		(1,430)		—
Liabilities
Consolidated SLST CDOs (1)	$	(1,930)	$	92,431	$	54,960

(1)Presented in unrealized gains (losses), net on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

(2)Presented in income from equity investments on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):


		December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
	Fair Value Hierarchy Level	Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	Level 1	$	187,107	$	187,107	$	244,718	$	244,718

Residential loans	Level 3	3,084,303		3,084,303		3,525,080		3,525,080


Investment securities available for sale	Level 2	2,013,817		2,013,817		99,559		99,559
Multi-family loans	Level 3	95,792		95,792		87,534		87,534

Equity investments	Level 3	147,116		147,116		179,746		179,746
Equity investments in disposal group held for sale	Level 3	—		—		9,010		9,010
Derivative assets	Level 2	6,510		6,510		2,473		2,473
Derivative assets in disposal group held for sale	Level 2	2,960		2,960		29,418		29,418
Financial Liabilities:
Repurchase agreements	Level 2	2,471,113		2,471,113		737,023		737,023
Collateralized debt obligations:
Residential loan securitizations at amortized cost, net	Level 3	1,276,780		1,237,531		1,468,222		1,383,715

Consolidated SLST	Level 3	593,737		593,737		634,495		634,495



Subordinated debentures	Level 3	45,000		32,137		45,000		32,721
Senior unsecured notes	Level 2	98,111		94,952		97,384		91,104
Mortgages payable on real estate	Level 3	784,421		761,194		394,707		377,327
Mortgages payable on real estate in disposal group held for sale	Level 3	378,386		377,735		865,414		864,758

In addition to the methodology to determine the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities reported at fair value, as previously described, the following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in arriving at the fair value of the Company’s other financial instruments in the table immediately above:

a.Cash and cash equivalents – Estimated fair value approximates the carrying value of such assets.

b.Repurchase agreements – The fair value of these repurchase agreements approximates cost as they are short term in nature.

c.Residential loan securitizations at amortized cost, net – The fair value of these CDOs is based on discounted cash flows as well as market pricing on comparable obligations.

d.Subordinated debentures – The fair value of these subordinated debentures is based on discounted cash flows using management’s estimate for market yields.

e.Senior unsecured notes – The fair value is based on quoted prices provided by dealers who make markets in similar financial instruments.

f.Mortgages payable on operating real estate – The fair value of consolidated variable-rate mortgages payable approximates the carrying value of such liabilities. The fair value of consolidated fixed-rate mortgages payable is estimated based upon discounted cash flows at current borrowing rates.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

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