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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
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| ☒ | | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021
OR
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| ☐ | | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to Commission File Number: 001-35543 | | |
WESTERN ASSET MORTGAGE CAPITAL CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
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Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | 27-0298092 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation
47 W 200 S,
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(Address of principal executive offices)
(626) 844-9400
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | | | | | | | | |
| Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered |
| Common Stock, $0.01 par value | WMC | New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | | Accelerated filer | ☒ |
Non-accelerated filer
| ☐ | | Smaller reporting company | ☒ |
| | | Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates was $187,567,608 based on the closing sales price on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2021.
On March 4, 2022, the registrant had a total of 60,380,105 shares of common stock outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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| PART I | |
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| PART II | |
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ITEM 6. | | |
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| PART III | |
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| PART IV | |
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FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
The Company makes forward-looking statements herein and will make forward-looking statements in future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), press releases or other written or oral communications within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). For these statements, the Company claims the protections of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in such sections. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the Company’s control. In particular, it is difficult to fully assess the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the United States economy, the mortgage finance markets and the broader financial markets. There is still uncertainty around the severity and duration of the pandemic domestically and
internationally, as well as the uncertainty around the efficacy of Federal, State and local governments’ efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and respond to its direct and indirect impacts on many aspects of Americans’ lives and economic activity.
These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of the Company’s business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans and objectives. When the Company uses the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “continue,” “intend,” “should,” “may” or similar expressions, the Company intends to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, may be forward-looking: market trends in the Company’s industry, interest rates, real estate values, the debt securities markets, the U.S. housing and the U.S. and foreign commercial real estate markets or the general economy or the market for residential and/or commercial mortgage loans; the Company’s business and investment strategy; the Company’s projected operating results; changes in interest rates and the market value of the Company’s target assets; credit risks; servicing - related risks, including those associated with foreclosure and liquidation; the state of the U.S. and to a lesser extent, international economy generally or in specific geographic regions; economic trends and economic recoveries; the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain financing arrangements, including under the Company’s repurchase agreements, a form of secured financing, and securitizations; the current potential return dynamics available in residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS” and collectively with RMBS, “MBS”); the level of government involvement in the U.S. mortgage market; the anticipated default rates on CMBS and Commercial Loans; the loss severity on Non-Agency MBS; the general volatility of the securities markets in which the Company participates; changes in the value of the Company’s assets; the Company’s expected portfolio of assets; the Company’s expected investment and underwriting process; interest rate mismatches between the Company’s target assets and any borrowings used to fund such assets; changes in prepayment rates on the Company’s target assets; effects of hedging instruments on the Company’s target assets; rates of default or decreased recovery rates on the Company’s target assets; the degree to which the Company’s hedging strategies may or may not protect the Company from interest rate volatility; the impact of and changes in governmental regulations, tax law and rates, accounting guidance and similar matters; the Company’s ability to maintain the Company’s qualification as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes; the Company’s ability to maintain its exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act” or the "Investment Company Act"); the availability of opportunities to acquire Agency RMBS, Non-Agency RMBS, CMBS, Residential and Commercial Whole Loans, Residential and Commercial Bridge Loans and other mortgage assets; the availability of qualified personnel; estimates relating to the Company’s ability to make distributions to its stockholders in the future; the Company’s understanding of its competition; the uncertainty and economic impact of pandemics, epidemics or other public health emergencies, such as the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19; and the Manager's expectations regarding COVID-19 recovery.
The forward-looking statements are based on the Company's beliefs, assumptions and expectations of its future performance, taking into account all information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are not predictions of future events. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to the Company. Some of these factors, are described in Item 1A - "Risk Factors" and Item 7 - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of this annual report on Form 10-K. These and other risks, uncertainties and factors, including those described in the annual, quarterly and current reports that the Company files with the SEC, could cause its actual results to differ materially from those included in any forward-looking statements the Company makes. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. New risks and uncertainties arise over time and it is not possible to predict those events or how they may affect the Company. Except as required by law, the Company is not obligated to, and does not intend to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Part I
Item 1. Business
Our Company
Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and Subsidiaries (the “Company” unless otherwise indicated or except where the context otherwise requires “we,” “us” or “our”) commenced operations in May 2012, focused on investing in, financing and managing a diversified portfolio of real estate related securities, whole loans and other financial assets, which we collectively refer to as our target assets. We are externally managed by Western Asset Management Company, LLC (our “Manager”) pursuant to the terms of a management agreement. We conduct our operations to qualify and be taxed as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on our taxable income that we distribute currently to our stockholders as long as we maintain our intended qualification as a REIT. However, certain activities that we may perform may cause us to earn income which will not be qualifying income for REIT purposes. We have designated a subsidiary as a taxable REIT subsidiary, or TRS, to engage in such activities. We also intend to operate our business in a manner that permits us to maintain our exemption from registration under the 1940 Act. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under the symbol "WMC."
Our objective is to provide attractive risk adjusted returns to our stockholders primarily through an attractive dividend, which we intend to support with sustainable distributable earnings (which we previously referred to as core earnings), as well as the potential for higher returns through capital appreciation. Our investment strategy is based on our Manager's perspective of which mix of our target assets it believes provides us with the best risk-reward opportunities at any given time. We also deploy leverage as part of our investment strategy to increase potential returns.
Our Manager
We are externally managed and advised by our Manager, an SEC-registered investment advisor and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. (“Franklin”), headquartered in Pasadena, California, that specializes in fixed-income asset management. From offices in Pasadena, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, New York, São Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo and Zurich, our Manager's 762 employees provide investment services for a wide variety of global clients, including mutual funds, corporate, public, insurance, health care, union organizations and charitable foundations. In addition, two of our directors, James W. Hirschmann III and Bonnie M.Wongtrakool, are also employees of our Manager. Our Manager is responsible for, among other duties: (i) performing all of our day-to-day functions; (ii) determining investment criteria in conjunction with our Board of Directors; (iii) sourcing, analyzing and executing investments, asset sales and financings; (iv) performing asset management duties; and (v) performing financial and accounting management.
Our Competitive Advantages
Our competitive advantages in the marketplace stems from our relationship with our Manager. As of December 31, 2021, our Manager had approximately $492.4 billion in assets under management. Our Manager's scale makes it an important trading partner for many of the largest broker-dealers and banks, which provides our investment team the ability to source real estate related opportunities directly from originators as well as access attractive financing.
Our Investment Strategy
Our Manager’s investment philosophy, which developed from a singular focus in fixed-income asset management over a variety of credit cycles and conditions, is to provide clients with a long-term value-oriented portfolio. We benefit from the breadth and depth of our Manager’s overall investment philosophy, which focuses on a macroeconomic analysis as well as an in-depth analysis of individual assets and their relative value. In making investment decisions on our behalf, our Manager seeks to identify assets across the broad mortgage universe with attractive risk adjusted returns, which incorporates its view on the outlook for the mortgage markets, including relative valuation, supply and demand trends, the level of interest rates, the shape of the yield curve, prepayment rates, financing and liquidity, residential real estate prices, delinquencies, default rates, recovery of various segments of the economy and vintage of collateral, subject to maintaining our REIT qualification and our exemption from registration under the 1940 Act.
In December 2021, we announced that our investment strategy will focus on residential real estate related investments, including but not limited to non-qualified mortgage loans, non-agency RMBS, and other related investments. We believe this focus will allow us to address attractive market opportunities while maintaining alignment with our Manager’s core competencies. The portfolio transition is expected to be accomplished over the next 12-18 months. We plan to transition out of the commercial investments in our portfolio, though we may from time to time make commercial investments on an opportunistic basis.
Our Target Assets
Residential Whole Loans. — Residential Whole Loans are mortgages secured by single family residences held directly by us or through consolidated trusts with us holding the beneficial interest in the trusts. Our Residential Whole Loans are mainly adjustable rate mortgages that do not qualify for the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau’s (or CFPB) safe harbor provision for “qualified mortgages” ("Non-QM mortgages"). Our Manager’s review, relating to Non-QM mortgages, includes an analysis of the loan originator’s procedures and documentation for compliance with Ability to Repay requirements. As discussed in Note 7 "Financing," we have and may continue to securitize whole loan interests, selling more senior interests in the pool of loans and retaining residual portions. The characteristics of our Residential Whole Loans may vary going forward.
Non-Agency RMBS. — RMBS that are not guaranteed by a U.S. Government agency or U.S. Government-sponsored entity. The mortgage loan collateral for Non-Agency RMBS consists of residential mortgage loans that do not generally conform to underwriting guidelines issued by a U.S. Government agency or U.S. Government-sponsored entity due to certain factors, including mortgage balances in excess of Agency underwriting guidelines, borrower characteristics, loan characteristics and/or level of documentation, and therefore are not issued or guaranteed by a U.S. Government agency or U.S. Government-sponsored entity. The mortgage loan collateral may be classified as subprime, Alternative-A or prime depending on the borrower’s credit rating and the underlying level of documentation. Non-Agency RMBS collateral may also include reperforming loans, which are conventional mortgage loans that were current at the time of the securitization, but had been delinquent in the past. Non-Agency RMBS may be secured by fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages or hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages.
Agency RMBS. — Agency RMBS, which are RMBS for which the principal and interest payments are guaranteed by a U.S. Government agency, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA” or “Ginnie Mae”), or a U.S. Government-sponsored entity ("GSE"), such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA” or “Fannie Mae”) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC” or “Freddie Mac”). The Agency RMBS we acquire can be secured by fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages or hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages. Fixed-rate mortgages have interest rates that are fixed for the term of the loan and do not adjust. The interest rates on adjustable-rate mortgages generally adjust annually (although some may adjust more frequently) to an increment over a specified interest rate index. Hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages have interest rates that are fixed for a specified period of time (typically three, five, seven or ten years) and, thereafter, adjust to an increment over a specified interest rate index. Adjustable-rate mortgages and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages generally have periodic and lifetime constraints on the amount by which the loan interest rate can change on any predetermined interest rate reset date. These investments can be in the form of pools, TBA and CMO (including interest only, principal only or other structures).
GSE Risk Sharing Securities Issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. — From time to time we have and may in the future continue to invest in risk sharing securities issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Principal and interest payments on these securities are based on the performance of a specified pool of Agency residential mortgages. The payments due on these securities, however, are not secured by the referenced mortgages. The payments due are full faith and credit obligations of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac respectively, but neither agency guarantees full payment of the underlying mortgages. Investments in these securities generally are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% real estate asset test applicable to REITs and generally do not generate qualifying income for purposes of the 75% real estate income test applicable to REITs. As a result, we may be limited in our ability to invest in such assets.
Other investments. — In addition to MBS, our principal investment, we may also make other investments in securities, which our Manager believes will assist us in meeting our investment objective and are consistent with our overall investment policies. These investments will normally be limited by the REIT requirements that 75% our assets be real estate assets and that 75% of our income be generated from real estate, thereby limiting our ability to invest in such assets.
Our Investment Portfolio
Investment Portfolio
Our investment strategy will focus on residential real estate related investments, including but not limited to non-qualified mortgage loans, non-agency RMBS, and other related investments. The portfolio transition is expected to be accomplished over 12-18 months.
Our investment portfolio composition at December 31, 2021.
Our Financing Strategy
Previous to 2020, the Company had relied primarily on short-term repurchase agreement financing. During 2020, the uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic made it challenging to obtain financing arrangements on favorable terms. In the latter part of 2020 and the beginning of 2021, terms for financing arrangements have improved significantly. As a result, we diversified our financing sources to provide an alternative to short-term repurchase agreements with daily margin requirements. We expect to continue to seek financing arrangements without daily margin requirements or with margin requirements that apply only after a significant reduction in the valuation of the assets financed, including but not limited to repurchase agreements, term financing, securitization and convertible senior unsecured notes, as the market permits. We believe the amount of leverage we use is consistent with our intention of keeping total borrowings within a prudent range, as determined by our Manager, taking into account a variety of factors such as general economic, political and financial market conditions, the anticipated liquidity and price volatility of our assets, the availability and cost of financing the assets, the creditworthiness of financing counterparties and the health of the U.S. residential and commercial mortgage markets. We expect to maintain a debt-to-equity ratio of two to four and a half times the amount of our stockholders’ equity, depending on our investment composition. We seek to enhance equity returns by effectively utilizing leverage and seeking to limit our exposure to interest rate volatility and daily margin calls. The following table presents our debt-to-equity ratio for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 | | |
Total debt(1) | | $ | 736,357 | | | $ | 527,720 | | | |
| Total equity | | $ | 193,109 | | | $ | 255,112 | | | |
| Debt-to-equity ratio | | 3.8 | | | 2.1 | | | |
(1) Total debt excludes the securitized debt which is non-recourse to us
Our Hedging and Risk Management Strategy
Our overall portfolio strategy is designed to generate attractive returns to our investors through various economic cycles. In connection with our risk management activities, we may enter into a variety of derivative and non-derivative instruments. When purchased, our primary objective for acquiring these derivatives and non-derivative instruments is to mitigate our exposure to future events that are outside our control. Our derivative instruments are designed to mitigate the effects of market risk and cash flow volatility associated with interest rate risk, including prepayment risk. As part of our hedging strategy, we may enter into interest rate swaps, including forward starting swaps, interest rate swaptions, U.S. Treasury options, future contracts, TBAs, credit default swaps, and forwards and other similar instruments. There can be no assurance that appropriate hedging strategies will be available or that if implemented they will be successful.
Regulation
REIT Qualification
We elected to be taxed as a REIT under Section 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2012. We will generally not be subject to corporate U.S. federal income tax to the extent that we make qualifying distributions to stockholders, and provided that we satisfy, on a continuing basis, through actual investment and operating results, the REIT requirements including certain asset, income, distribution and stock ownership tests. If we fail to qualify as a REIT, and do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we will be subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes and may be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the subsequent four taxable years following the year in which we lost our REIT qualification. The failure to qualify as a REIT could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and amounts available for distribution to stockholders.
Investment Company Act Exemption
We conduct our operations so that we are not considered an investment company under the 1940 Act in reliance on the exemption provided by Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the 1940 Act. Section 3(c)(5)(C), as interpreted by the staff of the SEC, requires that: (i) at least 55% of our investment portfolio consist of "mortgages and other liens on and interest in real estate," or "qualifying real estate interests," and (ii) at least 80% of our investment portfolio consist of qualifying real estate interests plus "real estate-related assets." We have relied and intend to continue to rely on current interpretations of the staff of the SEC in an effort to continue to qualify for an exemption from registration under the 1940 Act. For more information on the exemptions that we utilize refer to Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Competition
Our net income depends, in part, on our ability to acquire assets at favorable spreads over our borrowing costs. In acquiring our target assets, we compete with other REITs, specialty finance companies, savings and loan associations, banks, mortgage bankers, insurance companies, mutual funds, institutional investors, investment banking firms, financial institutions, governmental bodies and other entities. In addition, other REITs with similar asset acquisition objectives, including others that may be organized in the future, compete with us in acquiring assets and obtaining financing. These competitors may be significantly larger than us, may have access to greater capital and other resources or may have other advantages. In addition, some competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments, and establish more relationships, than us. Current market conditions may attract more competitors, which may increase the competition for sources of financing. An increase in the competition for sources of funding could adversely affect the availability and cost of financing, and thereby adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Environmental Matters
We are not aware of any federal, state or local environmental laws or regulations that will materially affect our earnings or statement of position or result in material capital expenditures.
Employees and Human Capital
We have no employees. We are externally managed pursuant to the management agreement between us and the Manager dated May 9, 2012. All of our officers and two of our directors, James W. Hirschmann III and Bonnie W. Wongtrakool, are employees of our Manager. We benefit from our Manager's global infrastructure and operating platform, through which we are able to source, evaluate and manage potential investments in our target assets. Our Manager strides to create a diverse and inclusive workforce in operating its business. By supporting, recognizing, and investing in the employees, our Manager believes that it is able to attract and retain the highest quality talent.
Measures implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 included travel bans, "shelter in place" restrictions and curfews, banning large gatherings, closing non-essential businesses, mandating vaccinations, and generally promoting social distancing in the workplace. Our Manager's concern for its employees' well-being resulted in the decision to have a significant amount of its employees working remotely. We do not believe the remote working environment hurt our operations. Although many of these measures and recommendations have been lifted or suspended, some remain in place. As of December 31, 2021, a significant portion of our Manager's employees continued to work remotely.
Corporate Governance and Internet Address
We emphasize the importance of professional business conduct and ethics through our corporate governance initiatives. The Board has appointed a lead independent director to enhance governance. Currently, four of six directors are independent directors, so our Board of Directors consists of two-thirds independent directors. The audit, nominating, and corporate governance, risk, and compensation committees of our Board of Directors are composed entirely of independent directors. We have adopted corporate governance guidelines and a code of business conduct and ethics, which delineate our standards for our officers and directors.
Our internet address is www.westernassetmcc.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We make available, free of charge through a link on our site, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to such reports, if any, as filed or furnished with the SEC, as soon as reasonably practicable after such filing or furnishing. Our site also contains our code of business conduct and ethics, corporate governance guidelines and the charters of our audit committee, nominating and corporate governance committee and compensation committee of our Board of Directors. Within the time period required by the rules of the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, we will post on our website any amendment to our code of business conduct and ethics as defined in the code. Our documents filed with, or furnished to, the SEC are also available for review on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our business and operations are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, the occurrence of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make distributions to stockholders and could cause the value of our capital stock to decline.
RISK FACTOR SUMMARY
Risks related to our business
•The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and measures intended to prevent its spread have had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.
•We may not be able to make or sustain distributions to our stockholders.
•Increases in interest rates could adversely affect the value of our investments and cause our interest expense to increase.
•Changes to, and the replacement of LIBOR may adversely affect interest expense related to our loans and interest income with respect to our investments.
Risks related to our investing strategy
•Our investments in Non-Agency MBS, Residential Whole Loans, and Commercial Loans involve credit risks, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations.
•A lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business.
•Our investments in Residential Whole Loans, and Commercial Loans subject us to servicing-related risks, including those associated with foreclosure and liquidation.
•The commercial mortgage loans underlying the CMBS and our Commercial Loans we may acquire are subject to risks, which could result in losses to us.
•If our Manager overestimates the loss-adjusted yields of our CMBS investments, we may experience losses.
•If we do not control the special servicing of the mortgage loans included in the CMBS in which we invest and, in such cases, the special servicer may take actions that could adversely affect our interests.
•Our investments are recorded at fair value, and quoted prices or observable inputs may not be available to determine such value, resulting in the use of significant unobservable inputs to determine value.
•We may be adversely effected by declines in value of the assets in which we invest.
•Interest rate mismatches between our RMBS and Whole Loans backed by ARMs or hybrid ARMs and our borrowings used to fund our purchases of these assets may cause us to suffer losses.
•Prepayment may adversely affect our profitability.
•Geographic concentration of the properties securing the mortgage loans underlying our investments exposes us to risk.
•We may make investments in non U.S. dollar denominated securities, which will be subject to currency rate exposure and risks associated with the uncertainty of foreign laws and markets.
Risks related to financing and hedging
•We may be unable to access funding on advantageous terms, if at all.
•Our strategy to address interest rate risk may not be effective and could result in future realized losses.
•Our strategy involves significant leverage, which may amplify losses.
•Our Manager may not be able to prevent mismatches in the maturities of our assets and liabilities.
•We may be subject to margin calls under our master repurchase agreements.
•We may lose money on our repurchase transactions.
•If a counterparty to one of our swap agreements or TBAs defaults on its obligations, we may incur losses.
•We may fail to procure adequate repurchase agreement financing or to renew or replace repurchase agreement financing.
•Our repurchase agreement financing may require additional collateral or restrict us from leveraging our assets.
•An increase in our borrowing costs relative to the interest that we receive on our portfolio investments may adversely affect our profitability and cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
•Our inability to finance, refinance and securitize our investments in Residential and Commercial Whole Loans could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and earnings and limit the cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
Risks associated with our relationship with our Manager
•Our Manager has been granted broad investment authority.
•There are conflicts of interest in our relationship with our Manager and the Management Agreement with our Manager was not negotiated on an arm's-length basis and may be costly and difficult to terminate.
•We are dependent on our Manager and its key personnel for our success.
•Our Manager's management fee is payable regardless of our performance.
Risks related to our common stock
•We may pay taxable dividends in our common stock and cash, in which case stockholders may sell shares of our common stock to pay tax on such dividends, placing downward pressure on the market price of our common stock.
•The market price and trading volume of our common stock may vary substantially.
•Common stock eligible for future sale may have adverse effects on our share price.
•We have no minimum distribution payment level and cannot assure you of our ability to pay distributions in the future.
•Conversion of our convertible senior unsecured notes may dilute the ownership interest of existing stockholders.
Risks related to our organization and structure
•Ownership limitations may restrict change of control or business combination opportunities in which our stockholders might receive a premium for their shares.
•Provisions in our organizational documents and Delaware law may prevent or hinder a change in control and adversely affecting the market price of our common stock.
Risks related to REIT status
•We may fail to remain qualified as a REIT, incurring substantial tax liability.
•Dividends payable by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates available for some dividends.
•REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect our ability to execute our business plan.
•Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to liquidate or forgo otherwise attractive opportunities.
•Our reported taxable income for certain investments may exceed the economic income we ultimately realize.
•Certain apportionment rules may affect our ability to comply with the REIT asset and gross income tests.
•The "taxable mortgage pool" rules may increase the taxes that we or our stockholders may incur, and may limit the manner in which we effect future securitizations.
•Our ability to invest in and dispose of "to be announced" securities could be limited by our REIT status.
•Securities subject to our repurchase agreements may not qualify as real estate assets, adversely affecting our REIT status.
•Liquidation of assets may jeopardize our REIT qualification or create additional tax liability for us.
•Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively and may cause us to incur tax liabilities.
•Qualifying as a REIT involves highly technical and complex provisions of the Code.
Risks related to our business
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and measures intended to prevent its spread have had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in early 2020, has causing significant disruptions to the U.S. and global economies and contributed to volatility and negative pressure in financial markets. Many governments and other authorities around the world have re-instituted, or strongly encouraged measures intended to control the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, including restrictions on freedom of movement and business operations such as travel bans, border closings, business closures, quarantines and shelter-in-place orders. While vaccine availability and the uptake has increased, the longer term macroeconimic effects on global supply changes, inflation, labor shortages and wage increases continue to impact many industries. The actual and potential impact and duration of COVID-19 or another pandemic have and are expected to continue to have significant repercussions across regional, national and global economies and financial markets, and have triggered a period of regional, national and global economic slowdown and may trigger a longer term recession. The impact of the pandemic and measures to prevent its spread have negatively impacted us and could further negatively impact our business. To the extent current conditions persist or worsen, we expect there to be a materially negative effect on the value of our assets and our results of operations, and, in turn, cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
Our commercial mortgages collateralized by hotels and, retail properties were disproportionately impacted by the effects of COVID-19. We expect over the near- and long-term that the economic impacts of the pandemic will impact the financial stability of these borrowers. As a result, some of our borrowers experienced financial hardship, making it difficult to meet their payment obligations to us, leading to requests for forbearance and elevated levels of delinquency and default, which had and is likely to continue to have an adverse effect on our business, the value of these assets and our results of operations and financial condition.
We are subject to risks related to residential mortgages. Over the near and long term, the economic and market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to continue to adversely impact the financial condition of borrowers underlying our residential mortgage loan investments. As a result, we anticipate that the number of borrowers who become delinquent or default on their loans may further increase. Such increased levels of payment delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, or losses would adversely affect our business, the value of these assets, results of operations and financial position. Future outbreaks involving other highly infectious or contagious diseases could have similar adverse effects.
The full extent of the impact and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including the duration and spread of the virus and its variants, the availability, acceptance and effectiveness of vaccines, and the impact of governmental interventions, among others. Future outbreaks involving COVID-19 or other highly infectious or contagious diseases could have similar adverse effects. If these effects continue for a prolonged period or result in a global economic slowdown or recession, many of the risk factors identified in this Annual Report on Form 10-K could be exacerbated and such effects could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, value of our investments and cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
We cannot predict the effect that government policies, laws, and plans adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic or other future outbreaks involving highly infectious or contagious diseases and resulting recessionary economic conditions will have on us.
Governments have adopted, and we expect will continue to adopt, policies, laws, and plans intended to address the on going COVID-19 pandemic and adverse developments in the credit, financial, and mortgage markets that it has caused. We cannot assure you that these programs will be effective, sufficient, or otherwise have a positive impact on our business.
We may not be able to successfully operate our business or generate sufficient revenue to make or sustain distributions to our stockholders.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to operate our business successfully or implement our operating policies and strategies as described herein. The results of our operations depend on several factors, including the availability of opportunities for the acquisition of assets, the level and volatility of interest rates, the availability of adequate short and long-term financing, conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions.
We may change any of our strategies, policies or procedures without stockholder consent.
We may change any of our strategies, policies or procedures with respect to investments, acquisitions, growth, operations, indebtedness, capitalization, distributions, financing strategy and leverage at any time without the consent of our stockholders, which could result in an investment portfolio with a different risk profile. A change in our investment strategy may increase our exposure to interest rate risk, default risk and real estate market fluctuations. Furthermore, a change in our asset allocation could result in our making investments in asset categories different from those described herein. These changes could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, the market price of our common stock and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
Increases in interest rates could adversely affect the value of our investments and cause our interest expense to increase, which could result in reduced earnings or losses and negatively affect our profitability as well as the cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
Our investment portfolio contains a significant allocation to MBS, as well Residential and Commercial Whole Loans. The relationship between short-term and longer-term interest rates is often referred to as the “yield curve.” In a normal yield curve environment, an investment in such assets will generally decline in value if long-term interest rates increase. Declines in market value may ultimately reduce earnings or result in losses to us, which may negatively affect cash available for distribution to our stockholders. Ordinarily, short-term interest rates are lower than longer-term interest rates. If short-term interest rates rise disproportionately relative to longer-term interest rates (a flattening of the yield curve), our borrowing costs will generally increase more rapidly than the interest income earned on our assets. Because our investments on average, generally bear interest based on longer-term rates than our borrowings, a flattening of the yield curve would tend to decrease our net interest margin, net income, book value and the market value of our net assets. It is also possible that short-term interest rates may exceed longer-term interest rates (a yield curve inversion), in which event our borrowing costs may exceed our interest income and we could incur operating losses. Additionally, to the extent cash flows from investments that return scheduled and unscheduled principal are reinvested, the spread between the yields on the new investments and available borrowing rates may decline, which would likely decrease our net income. A significant risk associated with our target assets is the risk that both long-term and short-term interest rates will increase significantly. If long-term rates increase significantly, the market value of these investments will decline, and the duration and weighted average life of the investments will increase. At the same time, an increase in short-term interest rates will increase the amount of interest owed on the repurchase agreements we enter into to finance the purchase of our investments.
Changes to, and the replacement of LIBOR may adversely affect interest expense related to our loans and investments.
In July 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (the authority that regulates LIBOR) announced its intent to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. In March 2021, the administrator of LIBOR announced its intention to cease the publication of the one-week and two-month USD-LIBOR settings immediately following December 31, 2021, and the remaining USD-LIBOR settings immediately following the LIBOR publication on June 30, 2023. The one-week and two-month USD LIBOR settings were last published on December 31, 2021. Additionally, it is expected that banks will no longer issue LIBOR-based debt after December 31, 2021. Accordingly, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the publication of such rates beyond these dates. The Alternative Reference Rates Committee (“ARRC”) has proposed that the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) is the rate that represents best practice as the alternative to USD-LIBOR for use in derivatives and other financial contracts that are currently indexed to USD-LIBOR. ARRC has proposed a paced market transition plan to SOFR from USD-LIBOR. At this time, it is not known whether or when SOFR or other alternative reference rates will attain market traction as replacements for LIBOR. However, market participants are still evaluating what convention of SOFR will be adopted for various types of financial instruments and securitization vehicles. It is possible that not all of our assets and liabilities will transition away from LIBOR at the same time or to the same alternative reference rate. We have material contracts, including agreements governing certain of our indebtedness, that are indexed to USD-LIBOR and are monitoring this activity and continuing to evaluate the related risks. In addition, approximately half of our investment portfolio pays interest at a variable rate that is tied to LIBOR. If LIBOR is no longer available, we may need to renegotiate some of our agreements to determine a replacement index or rate of interest. To
the extent the replacement index or rate of interest is lower than the existing LIBOR-based rate it could have an adverse impact on the value of such investments, our financial condition and results of operations. However, at this time, it is not possible to predict the effect of any such changes, any establishment of alternative reference rates or any other reforms to LIBOR that may be enacted in the United Kingdom or elsewhere. Uncertainty as to the nature of such potential changes, alternative reference rates or other reforms may adversely affect the trading market for LIBOR-based securities, including our material contracts that are indexed to USD-LIBOR. Furthermore, we may need to renegotiate any agreements governing our indebtedness extending beyond 2021 that utilize LIBOR as a factor in determining the interest rate to replace LIBOR with the new standard that is established. As such, the potential effect of any such event on our business, financial condition and results of operations cannot yet be determined. See Item 7 - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Proposed Changes to LIBOR" for additional information.
We cannot assure you that our internal controls over financial reporting will consistently be effective.
We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. We cannot ensure you that there will not be any material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting in the future.
Cybersecurity risk and cyber incidents may adversely affect our business by causing a disruption to our operations, a compromise or corruption of our confidential information and/or damage to our business relationships, all of which could negatively impact our financial results.
A cyber incident is considered to be any adverse event that threatens the confidentiality, integrity or availability of our information resources. These incidents may be an intentional attack or an unintentional event and could involve gaining unauthorized access to our information systems for purposes of misappropriating assets, stealing confidential information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. The result of these incidents may include disrupted operations, misstated or unreliable financial data, liability for stolen assets or information, increased cybersecurity protection and insurance cost, litigation and damage to our investor relationships. As our reliance on technology has increased, so have the risks posed to both our information systems, both internal and those provided by our Manager and third party service providers. Our Manager has implemented processes, procedures and internal controls to help mitigate cybersecurity risks and cyber intrusions, but these measures, as well as our increased awareness of the nature and extent of a risk of a cyber incident, do not guarantee that our financial results, operations or confidential information will not be negatively impacted by such an incident.
Risks related to our investing strategy
Market and economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have made it more difficult for us to determine the fair value of our investments.
Market-based inputs are generally the preferred source of values for purposes of measuring the fair value of our assets under U.S. GAAP. However, the markets for our investments have and continue to experience extreme volatility, reduced transaction volume and liquidity, and disruption as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made it more difficult for us, and for the providers of third-party valuations that we use, to rely on market-based inputs in connection with the valuation of our assets under U.S. GAAP. The fair value of certain of our investments may fluctuate over short periods of time, and our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these investments existed. The value of our common and our results of operations could be adversely affected if our determinations regarding the fair value of these investments were materially higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon their disposal.
Our investments in Non-Agency MBS, Residential Whole Loans, and Commercial Loans involve credit risks, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations.
The holder of a residential mortgages, commercial mortgages or MBS assumes the risk that the related borrowers may default on their obligations to make full and timely payments of principal and interest. Under our investment policy, we have the ability to acquire Non-Agency MBS, Residential Whole Loans and Commercial Loans. In general, these investments carry greater investment risk than Agency MBS because the former are not guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. Government, any federal agency or any federally chartered corporation. Higher-than-expected rates of default and/or higher-than-expected loss severities on these investments could adversely affect the value of these assets. Accordingly, defaults in the payment of principal and/or interest on our Residential Whole Loans, Commercial Loans, and Non-Agency MBS and would likely result in
our incurring losses of income from, and/or losses in market value relating to, these assets, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations.
In the last few years, our portfolio of Residential Whole Loans and Commercial Loans has increased, and we expect that our investment portfolio in residential real estate related investments will continue to increase during 2022. As a holder of these loans, we are subject to the risk that the related borrowers may default or have defaulted on their obligations to make full and timely payments of principal and interest. A number of factors impact a borrower’s ability to repay including, among other things, changes in employment status, changes in interest rates or the availability of credit, and changes in real estate values. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of these risks. In addition to the credit risk associated with these assets, Residential Whole Loans and Commercial Loans are less liquid than certain of our other credit sensitive assets, which may make them more difficult to dispose of if the need or desire arises. If actual results are different from our assumptions in determining the prices paid to acquire such loans, particularly if the market value of the underlying properties decreases significantly subsequent to purchase, we may incur significant losses, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations.
We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities and competition may limit our ability to acquire
desirable investments in our portfolio assets and could also affect the pricing of these securities.
We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities. Currently, our profitability depends, in large part, on our ability to acquire our portfolio assets at attractive prices. In acquiring these assets, we compete with a variety of institutional investors, including other REITs, specialty finance companies, public and private funds (including other funds managed by our Manager), commercial and investment banks, commercial finance and insurance companies and other financial institutions. Many of our competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we do. Other REITs have recently raised, or may raise, additional capital, and may have investment objectives that overlap with ours, which may create additional competition for investment opportunities. Some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that may not be available to us, such as funding from the U.S. Government. Many of our competitors are not subject to the operating constraints associated with REIT tax compliance or maintenance of an exemption from the 1940 Act. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than us. Furthermore, competition for investments in our portfolio assets may lead to the price of such assets increasing, which may further limit our ability to generate desired returns. We cannot assure you that the competitive pressures we face will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Also, as a result of this competition, desirable investments in these assets may be limited in the future and we may not be able to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities from time to time, as we can provide no assurance that we will be able to identify and make investments that are consistent with our investment objectives.
A lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business.
Many of the assets we acquire are not publicly traded. A lack of liquidity may result from the absence of a willing buyer or an established market for these assets, as well as legal or contractual restrictions on resale or the unavailability of financing for these assets. In addition, mortgage-related assets generally experience periods of illiquidity, especially during periods of economic stress such as the economic recession in 2008 or the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in increased delinquencies and defaults with respect to residential and commercial mortgage loans. The illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if the need or desire arises. In addition, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we have previously recorded our investments. Further, we may face other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment in a business entity to the extent that we or our Manager has or could be attributed with material, non-public information regarding such business entity. As a result, our ability to vary our portfolio in response to changes in economic and other conditions may be relatively limited, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
An economic recession and declining real estate values could impair our assets and harm our operations.
The risks associated with our business are more severe during economic recessions and are compounded by declining real estate values. The Residential Whole Loans, Commercial Loans, Non-Agency RMBS and Non-Agency CMBS in which we invest a part of our capital will be particularly sensitive to these risks. Declining real estate values will likely reduce the level of new mortgage loan originations since borrowers often use appreciation in the value of their existing properties to support the purchase of additional properties. Borrowers will also be less able to pay principal and interest on loans underlying the securities in which we invest if the value of residential and commercial real estate weakens further. Further, declining real estate values significantly increase the likelihood that we will incur losses on these investments in the event of default because the value of collateral on the mortgages underlying such securities may be insufficient to cover the outstanding principal amount of
the loan. Any sustained period of increased payment delinquencies, foreclosures or losses could adversely affect our net interest income from these investments, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders
Our investments in Residential Whole Loans, and Commercial Loans subject us to servicing-related risks, including those associated with foreclosure and liquidation.
We rely on third-party servicers to service and manage the mortgages underlying our loan portfolio. The ultimate returns generated by these investments may depend on the quality of the servicer. If a servicer is not vigilant in seeing that borrowers make their required monthly payments, borrowers may be less likely to make these payments, resulting in a higher frequency of default. If a servicer takes longer to liquidate non-performing mortgages, our losses related to those loans may be higher than originally anticipated. Any failure by servicers to service these mortgages and/or to competently manage and dispose of REO properties could negatively impact the value of these investments and our financial performance. In addition, while we have contracted with third-party servicers to carry out the actual servicing of the loans (including all direct interface with the borrowers), for loans that we purchase together with the related servicing rights, we are nevertheless ultimately responsible, vis-à-vis the borrowers and state and federal regulators, for ensuring that the loans are serviced in accordance with the terms of the related notes and mortgages and applicable law and regulation. In light of the current regulatory environment, such exposure could be significant even though we might have contractual claims against our servicers for any failure to service the loans to the required standard.
The foreclosure process, especially in judicial foreclosure states such as New York, Florida and New Jersey, can be lengthy and expensive, and the delays and costs involved in completing a foreclosure, and then subsequently liquidating the REO property through sale, may materially increase any related loss. In addition, at such time as title is taken to a foreclosed property, it may require more extensive rehabilitation than we estimated at acquisition. Thus, a material amount of foreclosed residential mortgage loans, particularly in the states mentioned above, could result in significant losses in our Residential Whole Loan portfolio and could materially adversely affect our results of operations.
The commercial mortgage loans underlying the CMBS and our Commercial Loans we may acquire are subject to defaults, foreclosure timeline extension, fraud and commercial price depreciation and unfavorable modification of loan principal amount, interest rate and amortization of principal, which could result in losses to us.
CMBS may be secured by a single commercial mortgage loan or a pool of commercial mortgage loans. Commercial mortgage loans may be secured by multifamily or commercial property and are subject to risks of delinquency and foreclosure, and risks of loss that may be greater than similar risks associated with loans made on the security of residential property. The ability of a borrower to repay a loan secured by an income-producing property typically is dependent primarily upon the successful operation of such property rather than upon the existence of independent income or assets of the borrower. If the net operating income of the property is reduced, the borrower's ability or willingness to repay the loan may be impaired. Net operating income of an income-producing property can be affected by, among other things:
•tenant mix;
•success of tenant businesses;
•property management decisions;
•property location and condition;
•competition from comparable types of properties;
•changes in laws that increase operating expenses or limit rents that may be charged;
•any need to address environmental contamination at the property or the occurrence of any uninsured casualty at the property;
•changes in national, regional or local economic conditions and/or specific industry segments;
•declines in regional or local real estate values;
•declines in regional or local rental or occupancy rates;
•increases in interest rates;
•real estate tax rates and other operating expenses;
•changes in governmental rules, regulations and fiscal policies, including environmental legislation; and
•acts of God, terrorist attacks, social unrest and civil disturbances.
If our Manager overestimates the loss-adjusted yields of our CMBS investments, we may experience losses.
Our Manager will analyze any CMBS investments we may acquire based on loss-adjusted yields, taking into account estimated future losses on the mortgage loans included in the securitization's pool of loans, and the estimated impact of these losses on expected future cash flows. Our Manager's loss estimates may not prove accurate, as actual results may vary from estimates. In the event that our Manager underestimates the pool level losses relative to the price we pay for a particular CMBS investment, we may experience losses with respect to such investment.
If we do not control the special servicing of the mortgage loans included in the CMBS in which we invest and, in such cases, the special servicer may take actions that could adversely affect our interests.
With respect to CMBS in which we invest, overall control over the special servicing of the related underlying mortgage loans will be held by a "directing certificateholder" or a "controlling class representative," which is appointed by the holders of the most subordinate class of CMBS in such series. We may not have the right to appoint the directing certificateholder. In connection with the servicing of the specially serviced mortgage loans, the related special servicer may, at the direction of the directing certificateholder, take actions with respect to the specially serviced mortgage loans that could adversely affect our interests.
Our investments are recorded at fair value, and quoted prices or observable inputs may not be available to determine such value, resulting in the use of significant unobservable inputs to determine value.
We expect that the values of some of our investments may not be readily determinable. We measure the fair value of these investments on at least a monthly basis. The fair value at which our assets are recorded may not be an indication of their realizable value. Ultimate realization of the value of an asset depends to a great extent on economic and other conditions that are beyond the control of our Manager, our Company or our Board of Directors. Further, fair value is only an estimate based on good faith judgment of the price at which an investment can be sold since market prices of investments can only be determined by negotiation between a willing buyer and seller. If we were to liquidate a particular asset, the realized value may be more than or less than the amount at which such asset is valued. Accordingly, the value of our common stock could be adversely affected by our determinations regarding the fair value of our investments, whether in the applicable period or in the future. Additionally, such valuations may fluctuate over short periods of time.
Our determination of the fair value of our investments for GAAP includes inputs provided by third party dealers and pricing services. Valuations of certain investments in which we invest are often difficult to obtain. In general, dealers and pricing services heavily disclaim their valuations. Dealers may claim to furnish valuations only as an accommodation and without special compensation, and so they may disclaim any and all liability for any direct, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of any inaccuracy or incompleteness in valuations, including any act of negligence or breach of any warranty. Depending on the complexity and illiquidity of a security, valuations of the same security can vary substantially from one dealer or pricing service to another. Therefore, our results of operations for a given period could be adversely affected if our determinations regarding the fair market value of these investments are materially different than the values that we ultimately realize upon their disposal. Due to an overall increase in market volatility, the valuation process has been particularly challenging recently as market events have made valuations of certain assets more difficult, unpredictable and volatile.
Declines in value of the assets in which we invest will adversely affect our financial position and results of operations, and make it more costly to finance these assets.
We use our investments as collateral for our financings. Any decline in their value, or perceived market uncertainty about their value, would likely make it difficult for us to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all, or maintain our compliance with terms of any financing arrangements already in place. Our investments in mortgage-backed securities and Whole Loans are recorded at fair value under a fair value option election at the time of purchase with changes in fair value reported in earnings. As a result, a decline in fair values of our mortgage-backed securities and Whole Loans could reduce both our earnings and stockholders' equity. If market conditions result in a decline in the fair value of our assets, our financial position and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Interest rate mismatches between our RMBS and Whole Loans backed by ARMs or hybrid ARMs and our borrowings used to fund our purchases of these assets may cause us to suffer losses.
We may fund our RMBS and Whole Loans with borrowings that have interest rates that adjust more frequently than the interest rate indices and repricing terms of RMBS and Whole Loans backed by adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs, or hybrid
ARMs. Accordingly, if short-term interest rates increase, our borrowing costs may increase faster than the interest rates on RMBS and Whole Loans backed by ARMs or hybrid ARMs adjust. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, we could experience a decrease in net income or a net loss.
In most cases, the interest rate indices and repricing terms of RMBS and Whole Loans backed by ARMs or hybrid ARMs and our borrowings will not be identical, thereby potentially creating an interest rate mismatch between our investments and our borrowings. While the historical spread between relevant short-term interest rate indices has been relatively stable, there have been periods when the spread between these indices was volatile. During periods of changing interest rates, these interest rate index mismatches could reduce our net income or produce a net loss, and adversely affect the level of our dividends and the market price of our common stock.
In addition, RMBS and Whole Loans backed by ARMs or hybrid ARMs will typically be subject to lifetime interest rate caps that limit the amount an interest rate can increase through the maturity of the RMBS and Whole Loans. However, our borrowings under repurchase agreements typically are not subject to similar restrictions. Accordingly, in a period of rapidly increasing interest rates, the interest rates paid on our borrowings could increase without limitation while caps could limit the interest rates on these types of RMBS and Whole Loans. This problem is magnified for RMBS and Whole Loans backed by ARMs or hybrid ARMs that are not fully indexed. Further, some RMBS and Whole Loans backed by ARMs or hybrid ARMs may be subject to periodic payment caps that result in a portion of the interest being deferred and added to the principal outstanding. As a result, we may receive less cash income on these types of RMBS and Whole Loans than we need to pay interest on our related borrowings. These factors could reduce our net interest income and cause us to suffer a loss during periods of rising interest rates.
As of December 31, 2021, our Non-Agency RMBS and Whole Loans were secured by ARMs, Hybrid ARMS, pay option ARMs and fixed-rate mortgages. There can be no assurance that this will not change in the future.
Prepayment may adversely affect our profitability.
The RMBS assets and Residential Whole Loans we acquire are backed by pools of residential mortgage loans. We receive payments, generally, from the payments that are made on these underlying residential mortgage loans. While commercial mortgages frequently include limitations on the ability of the borrower to prepay, residential mortgages generally do not. When borrowers prepay their residential mortgage loans at rates that are faster than expected, the net result is prepayments that are faster than expected on the related RMBS and Residential Whole Loans. These faster than expected payments may adversely affect our profitability.
We may purchase RMBS assets and Residential Whole Loans that have a higher interest rate than the then prevailing market interest rate. In exchange for this higher interest rate, we may pay a premium to par value to acquire the asset. In accordance with accounting rules, we amortize this premium over the expected term of the asset. If the asset is prepaid in whole or in part at a faster than expected rate, we must expense all or a part of the remaining unamortized portion of the premium, which can adversely affect our profitability.
Prepayments generally increase when interest rates fall and decrease when interest rates rise, but changes in prepayment are difficult to predict. House price appreciation, while increasing the value of the collateral underlying our RMBS and Residential Whole Loans, may increase prepayments as borrowers may be able to refinance at more favorable terms. Prepayments can also occur when borrowers default on their residential mortgages and the mortgages are prepaid from the proceeds of a foreclosure sale of the property (an involuntary prepayment), or when borrowers sell the property and use the sale proceeds to prepay the mortgage as part of a physical relocation. Prepayments also may be affected by conditions in the housing and financial markets, increasing defaults on residential mortgage loans, which could lead to an acceleration of the payment of the related principal, general economic conditions and the relative interest rates on fixed-rate mortgages and ARMs. While we seek to manage prepayment risk, in selecting RMBS and Residential Whole Loans investments we must balance prepayment risk against other risks, the potential returns of each investment and the cost of hedging our risks. No strategy can completely insulate us from prepayment or other such risks, and we may deliberately retain exposure to prepayment or other risks.
In addition, a decrease in prepayments may adversely affect our profitability. When borrowers prepay their residential mortgage loans at slower than expected rates, prepayments on the RMBS may be slower than expected. These slower than expected payments may adversely affect our profitability. We may purchase RMBS assets that have a lower interest rate than the then prevailing market interest rate. In exchange for this lower interest rate, we may pay a discount to par value to acquire the asset. In accordance with accounting rules, we accrete this discount over the expected term of the asset based on our prepayment assumptions. If the asset is prepaid at a slower than expected rate, however, we must accrete the remaining portion of the discount at a slower than expected rate. This will extend the expected life of the asset and result in a lower than expected yield on assets purchased at a discount to par.
We could be materially and adversely affected by poor market conditions where the properties securing the mortgage loans underlying our investments are geographically concentrated.
Our performance depends on the economic conditions in markets in which the properties securing the mortgage loans underlying our investments are concentrated. As of December 31, 2021, a substantial portion of our investments had underlying properties in California. Our financial condition, results of operations, the market price of our common stock and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders could be materially and adversely affected by this geographic concentration if market conditions, such as an oversupply of space or a reduction in demand for real estate in an area, deteriorate in California. Moreover, due to the geographic concentration of properties securing the mortgages underlying our investments, the Company may be disproportionately affected by general risks such as natural disasters, including major wildfires, floods and earthquakes and , severe or inclement weather, should such developments occur in or near the markets in California in which such properties are located.
We may incur losses as a result of unforeseen or catastrophic events, including the emergence of a pandemic and acts of terrorism.
The occurrence of unforeseen or catastrophic events, including the emergence of a pandemic, such as COVID-19 and its variants, or other widespread health emergency (or concerns over the possibility of such an emergency) and terrorist attacks could create economic and financial disruptions, and could lead to operational difficulties that could impair our ability to manage our businesses.
We may make investments in non U.S. dollar denominated securities, which will be subject to currency rate exposure and risks associated with the uncertainty of foreign laws and markets.
Some of our real estate-related securities investments may be denominated in foreign currencies, and therefore, we expect to have currency risk exposure to any such foreign currencies. A change in foreign currency exchange rates may have an adverse impact on returns on our non U.S. dollar denominated investments. Although we may hedge our foreign currency risk subject to the REIT income tests, we may not be able to do so successfully and may incur losses on these investments as a result of exchange rate fluctuations. To the extent that we invest in non U.S. dollar denominated securities, in addition to risks inherent in the investment in securities generally discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we will also be subject to risks associated with the uncertainty of foreign laws and markets, including, but not limited to, unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, political and economic instability in certain geographic locations, difficulties in managing international operations, currency exchange controls, potentially adverse tax consequences, additional accounting and control expenses and the administrative burden of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws.
We are highly dependent on information systems and systems failures could significantly disrupt our business, which may, in turn, negatively affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to make distributions to all stockholders.
Our business is highly dependent on communications and information systems of our Manager and other third party service providers. Any failure or interruption of our Manager's or other third party service providers' systems could cause delays or other problems in our securities trading activities, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and negatively affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
Loss of our exemption from regulation pursuant to the 1940 Act would adversely affect us.
We conduct our business so as not to become regulated as an investment company under the 1940 Act in reliance on the exemption provided by Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the 1940 Act. Section 3(c)(5)(C), as interpreted by the staff of the SEC, requires that: (i) at least 55% of our investment portfolio consist of "mortgages and other liens on and interest in real estate," or "qualifying real estate interests," and (ii) at least 80% of our investment portfolio consist of qualifying real estate interests plus "real estate-related assets." In satisfying this 55% requirement, based on pronouncements of the SEC staff, we may treat whole pool Agency RMBS and CMBS as qualifying real estate interests. The SEC staff has not issued guidance with respect to whole pool Non-Agency RMBS. Accordingly, based on our own judgment and analysis of the SEC's pronouncements with respect to whole pool Agency RMBS, we may also treat Non-Agency RMBS issued with respect to an underlying pool of mortgage loans in which we hold all of the certificates issued by the pool as qualifying real estate interests. We currently treat partial pool Agency, Non-Agency RMBS and partial pool CMBS as real estate-related assets. We treat any ABS, interest rate swaps or other derivative hedging transactions we enter into as miscellaneous assets that will not exceed 20% of our total assets. We rely on guidance published by the SEC staff or on our analyses of guidance published with respect to other types of assets to determine which assets are qualifying real estate assets and real estate-related assets.
The SEC in 2011 solicited public comment on a wide range of issues relating to Section 3(c)(5)(C), including the nature of the assets that qualify for purposes of the exemption and whether mortgage REITs should be regulated in a manner similar to
investment companies. There can be no assurance that the laws and regulations governing the 1940 Act status of REITs, including the guidance of the Division of Investment Management of the SEC regarding this exemption, will not change in a manner that adversely affects our operations. To the extent that the SEC or its staff publishes new or different guidance with respect to these matters, we may be required to adjust our strategy accordingly. In addition, we may be limited in our ability to make certain investments and these limitations could require us to hold assets we might wish to sell or to sell assets we might wish to hold. To the extent that the SEC staff provides more specific guidance regarding any of the matters bearing upon the exemption we rely on from the 1940 Act, we may be required to adjust our strategy accordingly. Any additional guidance from the SEC staff could provide additional flexibility to us, or it could further inhibit our ability to pursue the strategies we have chosen.
The mortgage related investments that we acquire are limited by the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. If the SEC determines that any of these securities are not qualifying interests in real estate or real estate-related assets, adopts a contrary interpretation with respect to these securities or otherwise believes we do not satisfy the above exceptions or changes its interpretation of the above exceptions, we could be required to restructure our activities or sell certain of our assets. We may be required at times to adopt less efficient methods of financing certain of our mortgage related investments and we may be precluded from acquiring certain types of higher yielding securities. The net effect of these factors would be to lower our net interest income. If we fail to qualify for an exemption from registration as an investment company or an exclusion from the definition of an investment company, our ability to use leverage would be substantially reduced. Further, if the SEC determined that we were an unregistered investment company, we could be subject to monetary penalties and injunctive relief in an action brought by the SEC, we would potentially be unable to enforce contracts with third parties which could seek to obtain rescission of transactions undertaken during the period for which it was established we were an unregistered investment company. If we were required to register as an investment company, it would result in a change of our financial statement requirements. Our business will be materially and adversely affected if we fail to qualify for this exemption from regulation pursuant to the 1940 Act. In addition, the loss of our 1940 Act exemption would also permit our Manager to terminate the Management Agreement, which could result in material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Compliance with our 1940 Act exemption will limit our ability to invest in certain of our target assets.
At times the Manager may be limited in allocating equity to target that do not qualify as real estate or real estate related assets for purposes of the 1940 Act exemption. This limitation could adversely affect the performance of our portfolio if these non qualifying assets presents more attractive investment opportunities. Among the current target assets that are not real estate assets are ABS, non pool Agency and Non-Agency MBS, GSE Risk Sharing Securities and certain Commercial Mezzanine Loans.
Risks related to financing and hedging
Our inability to access funding or the terms on which such funding is available could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, particularly in light of ongoing market dislocations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our ability to fund our operations, meet financial obligations and finance our asset may be impacted by our ability to secure and maintain our financings and other borrowings with our counterparties. If we are not able to renew our existing facilities or arrange for new financing on terms acceptable to us, or if we default on our covenants or are otherwise unable to access funds under our financing facilities or if we are required to post collateral or face larger haircuts, we may have to dispose of assets at significantly depressed prices and at inopportune times, which could cause significant losses.
In addition, if the regulatory capital requirements imposed on our lenders change, they may be required to significantly increase the cost of the financing that they provide to us. Our lenders also have revised and may continue to revise their eligibility requirements for the types of assets they are willing to finance or the terms of such financings, including haircuts and requiring additional collateral in the form of cash, based on, among other factors, the regulatory environment and their management of actual and perceived risk, particularly with respect to assignee liability. Moreover, the amount of financing we receive under our financing arrangements will be directly related to our lenders’ valuation of our assets subject to such agreements. Typically, repurchase agreements grant the lender the absolute right to reevaluate the fair market value of the assets that cover outstanding borrowings at any time. If a lender determines in its sole discretion that the value of the assets has decreased, it has the right to initiate a margin call. These valuations may be different than the values that we ascribe to these assets and may be influenced by recent asset sales and distressed levels by forced sellers. A margin call requires us to transfer additional assets to a lender without any advance of funds from the lender for such transfer or to repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings.
If in the future we are unable to post adequate collateral for a margin call by a counterparty, in a time frame as short as the close of the same business day, it could result in a condition of default under certain of our repurchase agreements, thereby enabling the counterparty to liquidate the collateral pledged by us, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our strategy involves leverage, which may amplify losses.
Our current target leverage generally ranges between two to four and a half the amount of our stockholders' equity (calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP). We incur this leverage by borrowing against a substantial portion of the market value of our assets. By utilizing this leverage, we can enhance our returns. Nevertheless, this leverage, which is fundamental to our investment strategy, also creates significant risks.
As a result of our significant leverage, we may incur substantial losses if our borrowing costs increase. Our borrowing costs may increase for any of the following reasons:
•short-term interest rates increase;
•the market value of our securities decreases;
•interest rate volatility increases; or
•the availability of financing in the market decreases.
Fluctuations in interest rates could materially affect our financial results
Interest rate fluctuations could reduce the income on our assets and could increase our financing costs, which may adversely affect our earnings and our cash available for distribution to our stockholders. Changes in interest rates will affect our operating results as such changes will affect the interest we receive on any floating rate interest bearing assets and the financing cost of our floating rate debt, as well as our interest rate swap that we may utilize for hedging purposes. Changes in interest rates may also affect borrower default rates, which may result in losses for us.
There can be no assurance that our Manager will be able to prevent mismatches in the maturities of our assets and liabilities.
Because we employ financial leverage in funding our portfolio, mismatches in the maturities of our assets and liabilities can create risk in the need to continually renew or otherwise refinance our liabilities. Our net interest margins are dependent upon a positive spread between the returns on our asset portfolio and our overall cost of funding. Our Manager actively employs portfolio-wide and security-specific risk measurement and management processes in our daily operations. Our Manager's risk management tools include software and services licensed or purchased from third parties, in addition to proprietary systems and analytical methods developed internally. There can be no assurance that these tools and the other risk management techniques described above will protect us from asset/liability risks.
We may be subject to margin calls under our master repurchase agreements, which could result in defaults or force us to sell assets under adverse market conditions or through foreclosure.
We have entered into master repurchase agreements with various financial institutions and borrow under these master repurchase agreements to finance the acquisition of assets for our investment portfolio. Pursuant to the terms of borrowings under our master repurchase agreements, a decline in the value of the subject assets may result in our lenders initiating margin calls. A margin call means that the lender requires us to pledge additional collateral to re-establish the ratio of the value of the collateral to the amount of the borrowing. The specific collateral value to borrowing ratio that would trigger a margin call is not set in the master repurchase agreements and will not be determined until we engage in a repurchase transaction under these agreements. Our fixed-rate securities generally are more susceptible to margin calls as increases in interest rates tend to have a greater negative affect on the market value of fixed-rate securities. If we are unable to satisfy margin calls, our lenders may foreclose on our collateral. The threat of or occurrence of a margin call could force us to sell our assets, either directly or through a foreclosure, under adverse market conditions. Because of the significant leverage we have, we may incur substantial losses upon the threat or occurrence of a margin call.
If a counterparty to our repurchase transactions defaults on its obligation to resell the underlying security back to us at the end of the transaction term, or if the value of the underlying security has declined as of the end of that term, or if we default on our obligations under the repurchase agreement, we will lose money on our repurchase transactions.
When we engage in repurchase transactions, we generally sell securities to lenders (repurchase agreement counterparties) and receive cash from these lenders. The lenders are obligated to resell the same securities back to us at the end of the term of
the transaction. Because the cash we receive from the lender when we initially sell the securities to the lender will be less than the value of those securities (this difference is the haircut), if the lender defaults on its obligation to resell the same securities back to us we may incur a loss on the transaction equal to the amount of the haircut (assuming there was no change in the value of the securities). We would also lose money on a repurchase transaction if the value of the underlying securities has declined as of the end of the transaction term, as we would have to repurchase the securities based on their initial value but would receive securities worth less than that amount. Further, if we default on one of our obligations under a repurchase transaction, the lender can terminate the transaction and cease entering into any other repurchase transactions with us. Our inability to post adequate collateral for a margin call by the counterparty, in a time frame as short as the close of the same business day, could result in a condition of default under our repurchase agreements, thereby enabling the counterparty to liquidate the collateral pledged by us, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Certain of our repurchase agreements contain cross-default provisions, such that if a default occurs under an agreement with any specific lender, that lender could also declare a default under other repurchase agreements or other financing or derivative contracts, if any, with such lender. Further, three of the counterparties to our repurchase agreements held, as of December 31, 2021, collateral valued in excess of 5% of our stockholders' equity as security for our obligations under the applicable repurchase agreements. Any losses we incur on our repurchase transactions could adversely affect our earnings and thus our cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
If a counterparty to one of our swap agreements or TBAs defaults on its obligations, we may incur losses.
If a counterparty to one of the bilateral swap agreements that we enter into or TBAs that we enter into defaults on its obligations under the agreement, we may not receive payments due under the agreement, and thus, we may lose any unrealized gain associated with the agreement. In the case of a swap agreement, the fact that such swap agreement hedged a liability means that the liability could cease to be hedged upon the default of a counterparty. Additionally, we may also risk the loss of any collateral we have pledged to secure our obligations under a bilateral swap agreement if the counterparty, or in the case of a cleared swap, if our clearing broker, becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy.
Failure to procure adequate repurchase agreement financing, which generally have short terms, or to renew or replace repurchase agreement financing as it matures, would adversely affect our results of operations.
We use repurchase agreement financing as a strategy to increase the return on our investment portfolio. However, we may not be able to achieve our desired leverage ratio for a number of reasons, including if the following events occur:
•our lenders do not make repurchase agreement financing available to us at acceptable rates;
•certain of our lenders exit the repurchase market;
•our lenders require that we pledge additional collateral to cover our borrowings, which we may be unable to do; or
•we determine that the leverage would expose us to excessive risk.
We cannot assure you that any, or sufficient, repurchase agreement financing will be available to us on terms that are acceptable to us. In recent years, investors and financial institutions that lend in the securities repurchase market, have tightened lending standards in response to the difficulties and changed economic conditions that have materially adversely affected the MBS market. These market disruptions have been most pronounced in the Non-Agency MBS market, and the impact has also extended to Agency MBS, which has made the value of these assets unstable and relatively illiquid compared to prior periods. Any decline in their value, or perceived market uncertainty about their value, would make it more difficult for us to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all, or maintain our compliance with terms of any financing arrangements then in place.
As of December 31, 2021, we had amounts outstanding under five repurchase agreements. Prior to entering into a lending relationship with any financial institution, our Manager does a thorough credit review of such potential lender. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a material adverse development involving one or more major financial institutions or the financial markets in general, in addition to the regulatory changes, could result in our lenders reducing our access to funds available under our repurchase agreements or terminating such agreements altogether.
Furthermore, our ability to achieve our investment objectives will depend not only on our ability to borrow money in sufficient amounts and on favorable terms, but also on our ability to renew or replace our financing arrangements. If we are unable to renew or replace our maturing borrowings due to liquidity shortfalls in the market and other funding markets, changes in the regulatory environment or for any other reason, we will have to sell some or all of our assets, possibly under adverse market conditions which may have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, the aforementioned changes to the regulatory capital requirements imposed on our lenders may significantly increase the cost of the financing that they provide to us. Our lenders also may revise their eligibility requirements for the types of assets
they are willing to finance or the terms of such financings, based on, among other factors, the recent changes in the regulatory environment and their management of perceived risk, particularly with respect to assignee liability.
Our repurchase agreement financing may require us to provide additional collateral and may restrict us from leveraging our assets as fully as desired.
We use repurchase agreements to finance acquisitions of our investments. If the market value of the asset pledged or sold by us to a financing institution pursuant to a repurchase agreement declines, we may be required by the financing institution to provide additional collateral or pay down a portion of the funds advanced, but we may not have the funds available to do so, which could result in defaults. Posting additional collateral to support our credit will reduce our liquidity and limit our ability to leverage our assets, which could adversely affect our business. In the event we do not have sufficient liquidity to meet such requirements, financing institutions can accelerate repayment of our indebtedness, increase interest rates, liquidate our collateral or terminate our ability to borrow. Such a situation would likely result in a rapid deterioration of our financial condition and possibly necessitate a filing for bankruptcy protection.
Further, financial institutions providing the repurchase facilities may require us to maintain a certain amount of cash uninvested or to set aside non-levered assets sufficient to maintain a specified liquidity position which would allow us to satisfy our collateral obligations. As a result, we may not be able to leverage our assets as fully as we would choose which could reduce our return on equity. If we are unable to meet these collateral obligations, our financial condition could deteriorate rapidly.
Lenders may require us to enter into restrictive covenants relating to our operations.
When we obtain further financing, lenders could impose restrictions on us that would affect our ability to incur additional debt, our capability to make distributions to stockholders and our flexibility to determine our operating policies. Loan documents we execute may contain negative covenants that limit, among other things, our ability to repurchase stock, distribute more than a certain amount of our funds from operations, and employ leverage beyond certain amounts.
Our rights under repurchase agreements may be subject to the effects of the bankruptcy laws in the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of us or our counterparties under the repurchase agreements.
In the event of our insolvency or bankruptcy, certain repurchase agreements may qualify for special treatment under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the effect of which, among other things, would be to allow the lender under the applicable repurchase agreement to avoid the automatic stay provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and to take possession of and liquidate the assets that we have pledged under their repurchase agreements. In the event of the insolvency or bankruptcy of a lender during the term of a repurchase agreement, the lender may be permitted, under applicable insolvency laws, to repudiate the contract, and our claim against the lender for damages may be treated simply as the claim of an unsecured creditor. In addition, if the lender is a broker or dealer subject to the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970, or an insured depository institution subject to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, our ability to exercise our rights to recover our securities under a repurchase agreement or to be compensated for any damages resulting from the lender's insolvency may be further limited by those statutes. These claims would be subject to significant delay and, if and when received, may be substantially less than the damages we actually incur.
An increase in our borrowing costs relative to the interest that we receive on our portfolio investments may adversely affect our profitability and cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
As long as we earn a positive spread between interest and other income we earn on our leveraged assets and our borrowing costs, we believe that we can generally increase our profitability by using greater amounts of leverage. We cannot, however, assure you that repurchase financing will remain an efficient source of long-term financing for our assets. The amount of leverage that we use may be limited because our lenders might not make funding available to us or they may require that we provide additional collateral to secure our borrowings. If our financing strategy is not viable, we will have to find alternative forms of financing for our assets which may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at acceptable rates. In addition, in response to certain interest rate and investment environments or to changes in the market liquidity, we could adopt a strategy of reducing our leverage by selling assets or not reinvesting principal payments as MBS amortize and/or prepay, thereby decreasing the outstanding amount of our related borrowings. Such an action could reduce interest income, interest expense and net income, the extent of which would be dependent on the level of reduction in assets and liabilities as well as the sale prices for which assets were sold.
As our financings mature, we will be required either to enter into new borrowings or to sell certain of our investments. Since we rely primarily on borrowings under repurchase agreements to finance our assets, our ability to achieve our investment objectives depends on our ability to borrow funds in sufficient amounts and on acceptable terms, and on our ability to renew or replace maturing borrowings on a continuous basis. Our repurchase agreement credit lines are renewable at the discretion of our lenders and, as such, do not contain guaranteed roll-over terms. Our ability to enter into repurchase transactions in the future
will depend on the market value of our assets pledged to secure the specific borrowings, the availability of acceptable financing and market liquidity and other conditions existing in the lending market at that time. If we are unable to renew or replace maturing borrowings, we could be forced to sell assets in order to maintain liquidity. Forced sales under adverse market conditions could result in lower sales prices than ordinary market sales in the normal course of business. Further, an increase in short-term interest rates at the time that we seek to enter into new borrowings would reduce the spread between our returns on our assets and the cost of our borrowings. This would adversely affect our returns on our assets, which might reduce earnings and, in turn, cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
Our investments in Residential and Commercial Whole Loans are difficult to value and are dependent upon the ability to finance, refinance and securitize such investments. The inability to do so could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and earnings and limit the cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
We may seek to finance and refinance our Residential Whole Loans and Commercial Whole Loans to generate greater value from such loan. However, there may be impediments to executing either a financing or refinancing strategy for these investments. The financing of these investments presents additional challenges because in general it is less available than repurchase financing for MBS, especially Agency CMBS and Agency RMBS, and likely to have less advantageous pricing and more onerous terms. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will be able to finance Whole Loans at all, let alone on terms we believe are advantageous.
We may enter into hedging transactions that could expose us to contingent liabilities in the future.
Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT and exemption from registration under the 1940 Act, part of our investment strategy may involve entering into economic hedging transactions that could require us to fund cash payments in certain circumstances (such as the early termination of the hedging instrument caused by an event of default or other early termination event, or the decision by a counterparty to request margin securities it is contractually owed under the terms of the hedging instrument). The amount due would be equal to the unrealized loss of the open swap positions with the respective counterparty and could also include other fees and charges. These economic losses will be reflected in our results of operations, and our ability to fund these obligations will depend on the liquidity of our assets and access to capital at the time, and the need to fund these obligations could adversely impact our financial condition.
Hedging against interest rate exposure may adversely affect our earnings, which could reduce our cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT and exemption from registration under the 1940 Act, we may pursue various economic hedging strategies to seek to reduce our exposure to adverse changes in interest rates. Our hedging activity varies in scope based on the level and volatility of interest rates, the type of assets held and other changing market conditions. Interest rate hedging may fail to protect or could adversely affect us because, among other things:
•interest rate hedging can be expensive, particularly during periods of rising and volatile interest rates;
•available interest rate hedges may not correspond directly with the interest rate risk for which protection is sought;
•due to a credit loss, the duration of the hedge may not match the duration of the related liability;
•the amount of income that a REIT may earn from hedging transactions (other than hedging transactions that satisfy certain requirements of the Code or that are done through a taxable REIT subsidiary (a "TRS") to offset interest rate losses is limited by U.S. federal tax provisions governing REITs);
•the value of derivatives used for hedging may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with accounting rules to reflect changes in fair value. Downward adjustments or "mark-to-market losses," would reduce our stockholders' equity;
•the credit quality of the hedging counterparty owing money on the hedge may be downgraded to such an extent that it impairs our ability to sell or assign our side of the hedging transaction; and
•the hedging counterparty owing money in the hedging transaction may default on its obligation to pay.
Our hedging transactions, which are intended to limit losses, may actually adversely affect our earnings, which could reduce our cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
While the majority of our interest rate swaps are traded on a regulated exchange, certain hedging instruments are traded over the counter and do not trade on regulated exchanges and, therefore, are not guaranteed by an exchange or a clearing house. In addition, over the counter instruments are more lightly regulated by U.S. and foreign governmental authorities.
Consequently, there may be no requirements with respect to record keeping, financial responsibility or segregation of customer funds and positions. Furthermore, the enforceability of agreements underlying hedging transactions may depend on compliance with applicable statutory and commodity and other regulatory requirements and, depending on the identity of the counterparty, applicable international requirements. The business failure of a hedging counterparty with whom we enter into a hedging transaction which did not clear through a clearing house would most likely result in its default. Default by a party with whom we enter into a hedging transaction may result in the loss of unrealized profits and force us to cover our commitments, if any, at the then current market price. Although generally we seek to reserve the right to terminate our hedging positions, it may not always be possible to dispose of or close out a hedging position without the consent of the hedging counterparty and we may not be able to enter into an offsetting contract in order to cover our risk. There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any hedging instruments purchased or sold, and we may be required to maintain a position until exercise or expiration, which could result in losses.
Risks associated with our relationship with our Manager
Our Board of Directors has approved very broad investment guidelines for our Manager and does not approve each investment and financing decision made by our Manager.
Our Manager is authorized to follow very broad investment guidelines. Our Board of Directors periodically reviews our investment guidelines and our investment portfolio but does not, and is not required to review all of our proposed investments, except that an investment in a security structured or issued by another entity managed by our Manager must be approved by at least two-thirds (2/3) of our independent directors prior to such investment. In addition, in conducting periodic reviews, our Board of Directors may rely primarily on information provided to them by our Manager. Furthermore, our Manager may use complex strategies, and transactions entered into by our Manager may be costly, difficult or impossible to unwind by the time they are reviewed by our Board of Directors. Our Manager has great latitude within the broad parameters of our investment guidelines in determining the types and amounts of Agency and Non-Agency RMBS, CMBS, ABS and Whole Loan investments it may decide are attractive investments for us, which could result in investment returns that are substantially below expectations or that result in losses, which would materially and adversely affect our business operations and results. Further, decisions made and investments and financing arrangements entered into by our Manager may not fully reflect the best interests of our stockholders.
There are conflicts of interest in our relationship with our Manager that could result in decisions that are not in the best interests of our stockholders.
We are subject to conflicts of interest arising out of our relationship with our Manager. We do not have any employees. All of our executive officers and two of our directors, James W. Hirschmann III and Bonnie M. Wongtrakool, are employees of our Manager. Our Management Agreement with our Manager was negotiated between related parties and its terms, including fees and other amounts payable, may not be as favorable to us as if it had been negotiated at arm's-length with an unaffiliated third party. In addition, the obligations of our Manager and its officers and personnel to engage in other business activities may reduce the time our Manager and its officers and personnel spend managing us.
We compete for investment opportunities directly with other client portfolios managed by our Manager. Clients of our Manager have investment mandates and objectives that target the same assets as us. A substantial number of client accounts managed by our Manager have exposure to RMBS, CMBS and other investments and may have similar investment mandates and objectives. While our Manager has only a limited number of client accounts investing in Whole Loans, the supply of Whole Loan investments meeting the Manager's investment criteria is extremely limited. In addition, our Manager may have additional clients that compete directly with us for investment opportunities in the future. Our Manager has an investment allocation policy in place that is intended to ensure that no single client is intentionally favored over another and that trades are allocated in a fair and equitable manner. We may compete with our Manager or its other clients for investment or financing opportunities sourced by our Manager; however, we may either not be presented with the opportunity or have to compete with our Manager to acquire these investments or have access to these sources of financing. Our Manager and our executive officers may choose to allocate favorable investments to itself or to its or other clients instead of to us. Further, at times when there are turbulent conditions in the mortgage markets or distress in the credit markets or other times when we will need focused support and assistance from our Manager, our Manager's other clients will likewise require greater focus and attention, placing our Manager's resources in high demand. In such situations, we may not receive the level of support and assistance that we may receive if we were internally managed or if our Manager did not act as a manager for other entities. There is no assurance that our Manager's allocation policies that address some of the conflicts relating to our access to investment and financing sources will be adequate to address all of the conflicts that may arise.
We pay our Manager a management fee that is not tied to our performance. The management fee may not sufficiently incentivize our Manager to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for us. This could hurt both our ability to make distributions
to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock. Furthermore, the compensation payable to our Manager will increase as a result of future issuances of our equity securities, even if the issuances are dilutive to existing stockholders.
As of December 31, 2021, our Manager owned 1,164,786 shares of our common stock. To the extent our Manager elects to sell all or a portion of these shares in the future, our Manager's interests may be less aligned with our interests.
We are dependent on our Manager and its key personnel for our success.
We have no separate facilities and are completely reliant on our Manager. All of our executive officers and two of our directors, are employees of our Manager. Our Manager has significant discretion as to the implementation of our investment and operating policies and strategies. Accordingly, we believe that our success will depend to a significant extent upon the efforts, experience, diligence, skill and network of business contacts of the executive officers and key personnel of our Manager. The executive officers and key personnel of our Manager evaluate, negotiate, close and monitor our investments; therefore, our success depends on their continued service. The departure of any of the executive officers or key personnel of our Manager could have a material adverse effect on our performance. In addition, we offer no assurance that our Manager will remain our investment manager or that we will continue to have access to our Manager's principals and professionals. The term of our Management Agreement with our Manager expires on May 16, 2022, with automatic one-year renewals thereafter. If the Management Agreement is terminated and no suitable replacement is found to manage us, we may not be able to execute our business plan. Moreover, our Manager is not obligated to dedicate any of its personnel exclusively to us nor is it obligated to dedicate any specific portion of its time to our business, and none of our Manager's personnel are contractually dedicated to us under our Management Agreement with our Manager.
The Management Agreement with our Manager was not negotiated on an arm's-length basis, may not be as favorable to us as if it had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party and may be costly and difficult to terminate.
All of our executive officers and two of our directors are employees of our Manager. Our Management Agreement with our Manager was negotiated between related parties and its terms, including fees payable, may not be as favorable to us as if it had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party.
Termination of the Management Agreement with our Manager without cause is difficult and costly. Our independent directors review our Manager's performance and any fees payable to our Manager annually and the Management Agreement may be terminated annually upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of our independent directors based upon: (i) our Manager's unsatisfactory performance that is materially detrimental to us; or (ii) our determination that any fees payable to our Manager are not fair, subject to our Manager's right to prevent termination based on unfair fees by accepting a reduction of management fees agreed to by at least two-thirds (2/3) of our independent directors. We are required to provide our Manager 180 days prior notice of any such termination. Unless terminated for cause, we are required to pay our Manager a termination fee equal to three times the average annual management fee earned by our Manager during the prior 24-month period immediately preceding such termination, calculated as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter before the date of termination. This provision increases the effective cost to us of electing not to renew, or defaulting in our obligations under, the Management Agreement, thereby adversely affecting our inclination to end our relationship with our Manager, even if we believe our Manager's performance is not satisfactory.
Our Manager is only contractually committed to serve us until May 16, 2022. The Management Agreement is automatically renewable for one-year terms; provided, however, that our Manager may terminate the Management Agreement annually upon 180 days prior notice. If the Management Agreement is terminated and no suitable replacement is found to manage us, we may not be able to execute our business plan.
Pursuant to the Management Agreement, our Manager does not assume any responsibility other than to render the services called for thereunder and is not responsible for any action of our Board of Directors in following or declining to follow its advice or recommendations. Under the terms of the Management Agreement, our Manager, its officers, stockholders, members, managers, directors, personnel, any person controlling or controlled by our Manager and any person providing sub-advisory services to our Manager are not liable to us, our directors, our stockholders or any partners for acts or omissions performed in accordance with and pursuant to the Management Agreement, except because of acts constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of their duties under the Management Agreement. In addition, we indemnify our Manager, its officers, stockholders, members, managers, directors, personnel, any person controlling or controlled by our Manager and any person providing sub-advisory services to our Manager with respect to all expenses, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, charges and claims arising from acts of our Manager not constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of duties, performed in good faith in accordance with and pursuant to the Management Agreement.
Our Manager's management fee is payable regardless of our performance.
We pay our Manager a management fee regardless of the performance of our portfolio. Our Manager's entitlement to non-performance-based compensation might reduce its incentive to devote its time and effort to seeking assets that provide attractive risk-adjusted returns for our portfolio. This in turn could hurt both our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock.
Our Manager is subject to extensive regulation as an investment advisor, which could adversely affect its ability to manage our business.
Our Manager is subject to regulation as an investment advisor by various regulatory authorities that are charged with protecting the interests of its clients, including us. Instances of criminal activity and fraud by participants in the investment management industry and disclosures of trading and other abuses by participants in the financial services industry have led the U.S. government and regulators to the rules and regulations governing, and oversight of, the U.S. financial system, including the investment management industry and more aggressive enforcement of the existing laws and regulations. Our Manager could be subject to civil liability, criminal liability, or sanction, including revocation of its registration as an investment adviser, revocation of the licenses of its employees, censures, fines, or temporary suspension or permanent bar from conducting business, if it is found to have violated any of these laws or regulations. Any such liability or sanction could adversely affect its ability to manage our business. Our Manager must continually address conflicts between its interests and those of its clients, including us. In addition, the SEC and other regulators have increased their scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest. We believe our Manager has procedures and controls that are reasonably designed to address these issues. However, appropriately dealing with conflicts of interest is complex and difficult and if our Manager fails, or appears to fail, to deal appropriately with conflicts of interest, it could face litigation or regulatory proceedings or penalties, any of which could adversely affect its ability to manage our business.
Risks related to our common stock
We may pay taxable dividends in our common stock and cash, in which case stockholders may sell shares of our common stock to pay tax on such dividends, placing downward pressure on the market price of our common stock.
We generally must distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (subject to certain adjustments and excluding any net capital gain), in order to qualify as a REIT, and any REIT taxable income that we do not distribute will be subject to U.S. corporate income tax at regular rates. The Board of Directors will evaluate dividends in future periods based upon customary consideration, such as our cash balances, and cash flows and market conditions and could consider paying future dividends in shares of common stock, cash, or a combination of shares of common stock and cash.
If we make a taxable dividend payable in cash and common stock, taxable stockholders receiving such dividends will be required to include the full amount of the dividend as ordinary income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, stockholders may be required to pay income tax with respect to such dividends in excess of the cash dividends received. If a U.S. stockholder sells the common stock that it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of our common stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to certain non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in common stock. If we make a taxable dividend payable in cash and our common stock and a significant number of our stockholders determine to sell shares of our common stock in order to pay taxes owed on dividends, it may put downward pressure on the trading price of our common stock.
The market price and trading volume of our common stock may vary substantially.
Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "WMC." The stock markets, including the NYSE, have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations currently and over the past several years. As a result, the market price of our common stock is likely to be similarly volatile, and investors in our common stock may experience a decrease in the value of their shares. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the ability of our stockholders to sell their common stock or the price that our stockholders may obtain for their common stock.
Some of the factors that could negatively affect the market price of our common stock include:
•actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results;
•changes in our earnings estimates or publication of research reports about us or the real estate industry;
•changes in market valuations of similar companies;
•adverse market reaction to any increased indebtedness we incur in the future;
•additions to or departures of our Manager's key personnel;
•actions by our stockholders;
•changes in our dividend policy or payments;
•speculation in the press or investment community; and
•adverse changes in general stock and bond market conditions, including as a result of pandemics and health crises, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Market factors unrelated to our performance could also negatively impact the market price of our common stock. One of the factors that investors may consider in deciding whether to buy or sell our common stock is our distribution rate as a percentage of our stock price relative to market interest rates. If market interest rates increase, prospective investors may seek alternative investments paying higher dividends or interest. As a result, interest rate fluctuations and conditions in the capital markets can affect the market value of our common stock. For instance, if interest rates rise, it is likely that the market price of our common stock will decrease as market rates on interest-bearing securities increase.
Investing in our common stock may involve a high degree of risk.
The investments that we make in accordance with our investment objectives may result in a high amount of risk when compared to alternative investment options and volatility or loss of principal. Our investments may be highly speculative and aggressive, and therefore an investment in our common stock may not be suitable for someone with lower risk tolerance.
Common stock eligible for future sale may have adverse effects on our share price.
We cannot predict the effect, if any, of future sales of our common stock, or the availability of shares for future sales, on the market price of our common stock. The market price of our common stock may decline significantly when the restrictions on resale (or lock up agreements), which may attach to future sales of our common stock, by certain of our stockholders lapse. Sales of substantial amounts of common stock or the perception that such sales could occur may adversely affect the prevailing market price for our common stock.
Also, we may issue additional shares in follow-on public offerings or private placements to make new investments or for other purposes. We are not required to offer any such shares to existing stockholders on a preemptive basis. Therefore, it may not be possible for existing stockholders to participate in such future share issuances, which may dilute the existing stockholders' interests in us.
We have not established a minimum distribution payment level and we cannot assure you of our ability to pay distributions in the future.
We intend to pay quarterly distributions and to make distributions to our stockholders in an amount such that we distribute all or substantially all of our net taxable income, calculated in accordance with the REIT requirements, each year. We have not established a minimum distribution payment level and our ability to pay distributions may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including the risk factors described herein. All distributions will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our earnings, our financial condition, debt covenants, maintenance of our REIT qualification and other factors our Board of Directors may deem relevant from time to time. We believe that a change in any one of the following factors could adversely affect our results of operations and impair our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders:
•the profitability of our existing investments and the investment of net proceeds of any subsequent offering;
•our ability to make profitable investments;
•margin calls or other expenses that reduce our cash flow;
•decreases in the value of our portfolio or defaults in our asset portfolio; and
•the fact that anticipated operating expense levels may not prove accurate, as actual results may vary from estimates.
We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions in the future. In addition, some of our distributions may include a return in capital.
Future offerings of debt or equity securities, which would rank senior to our common stock, may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
If we decide to issue debt or equity securities in the future, which would rank senior to our common stock, it is likely that they will be governed by an indenture or other instrument containing covenants restricting our operating flexibility. Additionally, any convertible or exchangeable securities that we issue in the future may have rights, preferences and privileges more favorable than those of our common stock and may result in dilution to owners of our common stock. We and, indirectly, our stockholders, will bear the cost of issuing and servicing such securities. Because our decision to issue debt or equity securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings. Thus holders of our common stock will bear the risk of our future offerings reducing the market price of our common stock and diluting the value of their stock holdings in us. Furthermore, the compensation payable to our Manager will increase as a result of future issuances of our equity securities, including issuances upon exercise of the warrants, described below, even if the issuances are dilutive to existing stockholders.
Conversion of our convertible senior unsecured notes may dilute the ownership interest of existing stockholders, including holders who had previously converted their notes.
The Company has outstanding $37.7 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75% convertible senior unsecured notes, which mature on October 1, 2022 (the "2022 Notes"), unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased by the holders pursuant to their terms, and are not redeemable by the Company except during the final three months prior to maturity.
The 2022 Notes are convertible into, at the Company's election, cash, shares of the Company's common stock or a combination of both, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and during specified periods. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain specified events and the holders may require the Company to repurchase all or any portion of their notes for cash equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2022 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if the Company undergoes a fundamental change as specified in the supplemental indenture. The conversion rate is 83.1947 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 2022 Notes and represented a conversion price of $12.02 per share of common stock.
The Company also has outstanding $86.3 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75% convertible senior unsecured notes, which mature on September 15, 2024 (the "2024 Notes"), unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased by the holders pursuant to their terms, and are not redeemable by the Company except during the final three months prior to maturity.
The 2024 Notes are convertible into, at the Company's election, cash, shares of the Company's common stock or a combination of both, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and during specified periods. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain specified events and the holders may require the Company to repurchase all or any portion of their notes for cash equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2024 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if the Company undergoes a fundamental change as specified in the supplemental indenture. The initial conversion rate was 337.9520 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 2024 Notes and represented a conversion price of $2.96 per share of common stock.
To the extent we issue shares of our common stock upon conversion of the 2022 Notes or the 2024 Notes, the conversion of some or all of our 2022 Notes or the 2024 Notes will dilute the ownership interests of existing stockholders. Any sales in the public market of shares of our common stock issuable upon such conversion of the 2022 Notes or the 2024 Notes could adversely affect the prevailing market prices of our common stock.
Risks related to our organization and structure
Our authorized but unissued shares of common and preferred stock may prevent a change in our control.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue additional authorized but unissued shares of common or preferred stock. In addition, our Board of Directors may, without stockholder approval, amend our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to increase the aggregate number of our shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue and classify or reclassify any unissued shares of common or preferred stock and set the preferences, rights and other terms of the classified or reclassified shares. As a result, our Board of Directors may establish a series of shares of common or preferred stock that could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for our shares of common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.
Ownership limitations may restrict change of control or business combination opportunities in which our stockholders might receive a premium for their shares.
To maintain our qualification as a REIT, no more than 50% in value of our outstanding capital stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals during the last half of any calendar year. "Individuals" for this purpose include natural persons, private foundations, some employee benefit plans and trusts, and some charitable trusts. To assist us in
maintaining our qualification as a REIT, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation generally prohibits any person from directly or indirectly owning more than 9.8% in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of our capital stock or more than 9.8% in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of our common stock. This ownership limitation could have the effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction in which holders of our common stock might receive a premium for their shares over the then prevailing market price or which holders might believe to be otherwise in their best interests.
Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our amended and restated bylaws and Delaware law may have the effect of preventing or hindering a change in control and adversely affecting the market price of our common stock.
Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws and applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law may make it more difficult and expensive for a third party to acquire control of us even if a change of control would be beneficial to the interests of our stockholders. These provisions could discourage potential takeover attempts and could adversely affect the market price our common stock.
We may pay distributions from offering proceeds, borrowings or the sale of assets to the extent that distributions exceed earnings or cash flow from our operations.
We may pay distributions from offering proceeds, borrowings or the sale of assets to the extent that distributions exceed earnings or cash flow from our operations. Such distributions would reduce the amount of cash we have available for investing and other purposes and could be dilutive to our financial results. In addition, funding our distributions from our net proceeds may constitute a return of capital to our investors, which would have the effect of reducing each stockholder's basis in its shares of common stock.
Risks related to REIT status
If we do not qualify as a REIT or fail to remain qualified as a REIT, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax as a regular corporation and could face a substantial tax liability, which would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
We believe we have operated and intend to continue to operate in a manner that allows us to qualify as a REIT. Our qualification as a REIT depends on our satisfaction of certain asset, income, organizational, distribution, stockholder ownership and other requirements on a continuing basis. Our ability to satisfy the asset tests depends upon our analysis of the characterization and fair market values of our assets, some of which are not susceptible to a precise determination, and for which we will not obtain independent appraisals. Our compliance with the annual REIT income and quarterly asset requirements also depends upon our ability to successfully manage the composition of our income and assets on an ongoing basis. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not contend that our interests in our subsidiaries or in securities of other issuers will not cause a violation of the REIT requirements.
If we were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, and we do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we would be subject to U.S. federal income tax, on our taxable income at regular corporate rates, and dividends paid to our stockholders would not be deductible by us in computing our taxable income. Any resulting corporate tax liability could be substantial and would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders, which in turn could have an adverse impact on the value of our common stock. Unless we were entitled to relief under certain Code provisions, we also would be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which we failed to qualify as a REIT.
Dividends payable by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates available for some dividends.
The maximum tax rate applicable to income from "qualified dividends" payable to U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates is currently 20%, exclusive of the 3.8% investment tax surcharge. Dividends payable by REITs, however, generally are not eligible for the qualified dividend reduced rates. Stockholders that are individuals, trusts or estates generally may deduct 20% of the aggregate amount of ordinary dividends distributed by us, subject to certain limitations for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026. While the qualified dividend rules do not adversely affect the taxation of REITs or dividends payable by REITs, the more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate qualified dividends could cause investors who are individuals, trusts and estates to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could adversely affect the value of the stock of REITs, including our common stock.
REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect our ability to execute our business plan.
We generally must distribute annually at least 90% of our net taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gains, in order for U.S. federal corporate income tax not to apply to earnings that we distribute. To the extent that we satisfy this distribution requirement, but distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, we will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on our undistributed REIT taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax if the actual amount that we pay out to our stockholders in a calendar year is less than a minimum amount specified under U.S. federal tax laws. We intend to continue to make distributions to our stockholders to comply with the REIT requirements of the Code and avoid corporate income tax and the 4% annual excise tax.
From time to time, we may generate taxable income greater than our income for financial reporting purposes prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, or differences in timing between the recognition of taxable income and the actual receipt of cash may occur. For example, the Code limits our ability to use capital losses to offset ordinary income, thereby requiring us to distribute such ordinary income. If we do not have other funds available in these situations we could be required to borrow funds on unfavorable terms, sell investments at disadvantageous prices or distribute amounts that would otherwise be invested in future acquisitions to make distributions sufficient to enable us to pay out enough of our taxable income to satisfy the REIT distribution requirement and to avoid corporate income tax and the nondeductible 4% excise tax in a particular year. These alternatives could increase our costs or reduce our equity. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to grow, which could adversely affect the value of our common stock.
Even if we remain qualified as a REIT, we may face other tax liabilities that reduce our cash flow.
Even if we remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income, tax on income from some activities conducted as a result of a foreclosure, excise taxes, state or local income, property and transfer taxes, such as mortgage recording taxes, and other taxes. In addition, to meet the REIT qualification requirements, prevent the recognition of certain types of non-cash income, and to avert the imposition of a 100% tax that applies to certain gains derived by a REIT from dealer property or inventory, we may hold some of our assets through TRSs or other consolidated entities that will be subject to corporate-level income tax at regular corporate rates. We may also incur a 100% excise tax on transactions with a TRS if they are not conducted on an arm's-length basis. The payment of any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to liquidate or forgo otherwise attractive opportunities.
To qualify as a REIT, we must ensure that at the end of each calendar quarter, at least 75% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash items, government securities and qualified real estate assets, including certain mortgage loans and securities. The remainder of our investments in securities (other than government securities, qualified real estate assets and securities issued by a TRS) generally cannot include more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer or more than 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer. In addition, in general, no more than 5% of the value of our total assets (other than government securities, qualified real estate assets and securities issued by a TRS) can consist of the securities of any one issuer, and no more than 20% of the value of our total assets can be represented by securities of one or more TRSs. If we fail to comply with these requirements at the end of any calendar quarter, we must correct the failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter or qualify for certain statutory relief provisions to avoid losing our REIT qualification and suffering adverse tax consequences. As a result, we may be required to liquidate otherwise attractive investments from our investment portfolio. These actions could have the effect of reducing our income and amounts available for distribution to our stockholders.
In addition to the asset tests set forth above, to qualify as a REIT we must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of our income, the nature and diversification of our assets, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of our stock. We may be required to make distributions to stockholders at disadvantageous times or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution and may be unable to pursue investments that would be otherwise advantageous to us in order to satisfy the source-of-income or asset-diversification requirements for qualifying as a REIT. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to make and, in certain cases, to maintain ownership of, certain attractive investments.
We may be required to report taxable income for certain investments in excess of the economic income we ultimately realize from them.
We have acquired and may acquire in the future mortgage-backed securities and other portfolio instruments in the secondary market for less than their face amount. In addition, pursuant to our ownership of certain mortgage-backed securities, we may be treated as holding certain debt instruments acquired in the secondary market for less than their face amount. The discount at which such securities or debt instruments are acquired may reflect doubts about their ultimate collectability rather than current market interest rates. The amount of such discount will nevertheless generally be treated as "market discount" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Under general tax rules, accrued market discount is reported as income when, and to the
extent that, any payment of principal of the mortgage-backed security or debt instrument is made. If we collect less on the mortgage-backed security or debt instrument than our purchase price plus the market discount we had previously reported as income, we may not be able to benefit from any offsetting capital loss deductions to the extent we do not have offsetting capital gains.
In addition, pursuant to our ownership of certain mortgage-backed securities or debt instruments, we may be treated as holding distressed debt investments that are subsequently modified by agreement with the borrower. If the amendments to the outstanding debt are "significant modifications" under applicable Treasury regulations, the modified debt may be considered to have been reissued to us at a gain in a debt-for-debt exchange with the borrower. In that event, we may be required to recognize taxable gain to the extent the principal amount of the modified debt exceeds our adjusted tax basis in the unmodified debt, even if the value of the debt or the payment expectations have not changed.
Moreover, some of the mortgage-backed securities or debt instruments that we acquire may have been issued with original issue discount. Under general tax rules, we are required to report such original issue discount based on a constant yield method and will be taxed based on the assumption that all future projected payments due on such mortgage-backed securities will be made. If such mortgage-backed securities turn out not to be fully collectable, an offsetting loss deduction will become available only in the later year that uncollectability is provable.
Finally, in the event that mortgage-backed securities or any debt instruments we are treated as holding pursuant to our investments in mortgage-backed securities are delinquent as to mandatory principal and interest payments, we may nonetheless be required to continue to recognize the unpaid interest as taxable income as it accrues, despite doubt as to its ultimate collectability. Similarly, we may be required to accrue interest income with respect to subordinate mortgage-backed securities at the stated rate regardless of whether corresponding cash payments are received or are ultimately collectable. In each case, while we would in general ultimately have an offsetting loss deduction available to us when such interest was determined to be uncollectable, the utility of that deduction could depend on our having taxable income in that later year or thereafter.
Certain apportionment rules may affect our ability to comply with the REIT asset and gross income tests.
The Code provides that a regular or a residual interest in a real estate mortgage investment conduit, or REMIC, is generally treated as a real estate asset for the purpose of the REIT asset tests, and any amount includible in our gross income with respect to such an interest is generally treated as interest on an obligation secured by a mortgage on real property for the purpose of the REIT gross income tests. If, however, less than 95% of the assets of a REMIC in which we hold an interest consist of real estate assets (determined as if we held such assets), we will be treated as holding our proportionate share of the assets of the REMIC for the purpose of the REIT asset tests and receiving directly our proportionate share of the income of the REMIC for the purpose of determining the amount of income from the REMIC that is treated as interest on an obligation secured by a mortgage on real property.
The "taxable mortgage pool" rules may increase the taxes that we or our stockholders may incur, and may limit the manner in which we effect future securitizations.
Securitizations could result in the creation of taxable mortgage pools for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, so long as we own 100% of the equity interests in a taxable mortgage pool, we generally would not be adversely affected by the characterization of the securitization as a taxable mortgage pool. Certain categories of stockholders, however, such as foreign stockholders eligible for treaty or other benefits, stockholders with net operating losses, and certain tax-exempt stockholders that are subject to unrelated business income tax, could be subject to increased taxes on a portion of their dividend income from us that is attributable to the taxable mortgage pool. In addition, to the extent that our stock is owned by tax-exempt "disqualified organizations," such as certain government-related entities and charitable remainder trusts that are not subject to tax on unrelated business income, we may incur a corporate level tax on a portion of our income from the taxable mortgage pool. In that case, we may reduce the amount of our distributions to any disqualified organization whose stock ownership gave rise to the tax. Moreover, we would be precluded from selling equity interests in these securitizations to outside investors, or selling any debt securities issued in connection with these securitizations that might be considered to be equity interests for tax purposes. These limitations may prevent us from using certain techniques to maximize our returns from securitization transactions.
Our ability to invest in and dispose of "to be announced" securities could be limited by our election to be subject to tax as a REIT.
We may purchase Agency RMBS through "to-be-announced" forward contracts, or TBAs. In certain instances, rather than take delivery of the Agency RMBS subject to a TBA, we may dispose of the TBA through a dollar roll transaction in which we agree to purchase similar securities in the future at a predetermined price or otherwise, which may result in the recognition of income or gains. We account for dollar roll transactions as purchases and sales of securities. The law is unclear regarding whether TBAs will be qualifying assets for the 75% asset test and whether income and gains from dispositions of
TBAs will be qualifying income for the 75% gross income test. Accordingly, our ability to purchase Agency RMBS through TBAs and to dispose of TBAs, through dollar roll transactions or otherwise, could be limited.
The failure of securities subject to repurchase agreements to qualify as real estate assets could adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT.
We enter into financing arrangements that are structured as sale and repurchase agreements pursuant to which we nominally sell certain of our securities to a counterparty and simultaneously enter into an agreement to repurchase these securities at a later date in exchange for a purchase price. Economically, these agreements are financings which are secured by the securities sold pursuant thereto. We believe that we will be treated for REIT asset and income test purposes as the owner of the securities that are the subject of any such sale and repurchase agreement notwithstanding that such agreement may transfer record ownership of the securities to the counterparty during the term of the agreement. It is possible, however, that the IRS could assert that we did not own the securities during the term of the sale and repurchase agreement, in which case we could fail to qualify as a REIT.
Liquidation of assets may jeopardize our REIT qualification or create additional tax liability for us.
To continue to qualify as a REIT, we must comply with requirements regarding the composition of our assets and our sources of income. If we are compelled to liquidate our investments to repay obligations to our lenders, we may be unable to comply with these requirements, ultimately jeopardizing our qualification as a REIT, or we may be subject to a 100% tax on any resulting gain if we sell assets that are treated as dealer property or inventory.
Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively and may cause us to incur tax liabilities.
The REIT provisions of the Code substantially limit our ability to hedge our assets and liabilities. Any income from a hedging transaction we enter into to manage risk of interest rate changes with respect to borrowings made or to be made to acquire or carry real estate assets does not constitute "gross income" for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income tests, provided that certain identification requirements are met. To the extent that we fail to properly identify such transactions as hedges, or enter into other types of hedging transactions, the income from those transactions is likely to be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of both of the gross income tests. As a result of these rules, we limit our use of advantageous hedging techniques, and we may implement those hedges through a domestic TRS. This could increase the cost of our hedging activities because our TRS would be subject to tax on gains or expose us to greater risks associated with changes in interest rates than we would otherwise want to bear. In addition, losses in our TRS will generally not provide any tax benefit, except for being carried forward against future taxable income in the TRS.
Qualifying as a REIT involves highly technical and complex provisions of the Code.
Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Code provisions for which only limited judicial and administrative authorities exist. Even a technical or inadvertent violation could jeopardize our REIT qualification. Our qualification as a REIT will depend on our satisfaction of certain asset, income, organizational, distribution, stockholder ownership and other requirements on a continuing basis. In addition, our ability to satisfy the requirements to qualify as a REIT depends in part on the actions of third parties over which we have no control or only limited influence.
New legislation or administrative or judicial action, in each instance potentially with retroactive effect, could make it more difficult or impossible for us to qualify as a REIT
The U.S. federal income tax treatment of REITs may be modified, possibly with retroactive effect, by legislative, judicial or administrative action at any time, which could affect the U.S. federal income tax treatment of an investment in us. The U.S. federal income tax rules dealing with REITs constantly are under review by persons involved in the legislative process, the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department, which results in statutory changes as well as frequent revisions to regulations and interpretations. Revisions in U.S. federal tax laws and interpretations thereof could affect or cause us to change our investments and commitments and affect the tax considerations of an investment in us.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comment
None
Item 2. Properties
At December 31, 2021, our executive and administrative offices are located in Pasadena, California, in office space shared with our Manager. We do not own any material important physical properties as we rely on our Manager for management services; however, we have real estate owned or REO that we acquire, from time to time, through foreclosures on mortgage loans.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "WMC."
The following table summarizes our dividends declared on common stock, on a per share basis, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Declaration Date | | Record Date | | Payment Date | | Common Stock Dividend |
| 2021 | | | | | | |
| December 21, 2021 | | December 31, 2021 | | January 26, 2022 | | $0.06 |
| September 23, 2021 | | October 4, 2021 | | October 26, 2021 | | $0.06 |
| June 22, 2021 | | July 2, 2021 | | July 26, 2021 | | $0.06 |
| March 23, 2021 | | April 2, 2021 | | April 26, 2021 | | $0.06 |
| 2020 | | | | | | |
| December 17, 2020 | | December 28, 2020 | | January 26, 2021 | | $0.06 |
| September 22, 2020 | | October 2, 2020 | | October 26, 2020 | | $0.05 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we must make annual distributions to our stockholders of at least 90% of our taxable income (not including net capital gains). We have adopted a policy of paying regular quarterly dividends on our common stock. Refer to Note 12- "Stockholders' Equity" to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for details on the tax characterization of our dividend.
A combination of cash and stock dividends has been paid on our common stock since our initial public offering. Dividends are declared at the discretion of the Board of Directors and depend on actual and anticipated cash from operations, our financial condition, capital requirements, the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and other factors the Board of Directors may consider relevant.
As of March 4, 2022, we had seven registered holders of our common stock and 60,380,105 shares outstanding.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
In conjunction with our IPO and concurrent private placement, our Board of Directors approved the Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation Equity Plan (the "Equity Plan") and the Western Asset Manager Equity Plan (the "Manager Equity Plan" and collectively the "Equity Incentive Plans"). For further details, see Note 11- "Share-Based Payments" to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following table presents certain information about the Equity Incentive Plans as of December 31, 2021:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Award | Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights | | Weighted-average exercise
price of outstanding
options, warrants and
rights | | Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans |
| Restricted common stock | N/A | | N/A | | 656,033 | |
| Total | N/A | | N/A | | 656,033 | |
Stockholder Return Performance
The following graph is a comparison of the cumulative total stockholder return on the Company's common stock, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (the "S&P 500 Index"), the Russell 2000 Index (the "Russell 2000") and the FTSE NAREIT Mortgage REITs Index (the "FTSE Mortgage REIT"), a peer group index for a five-year period from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2021, and accordingly does not take into account the dividend the Company declared on December 21, 2021 and paid on January 26, 2022. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2015 in the Company's common stock, the S&P 500 Index, the Russell 2000 and the FTSE Mortgage REIT and that all dividends were reinvested without the payment of any commissions. There can be no assurance that the performance of the Company's shares will continue in line with the same or similar trends depicted in the graph below.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Index | 12/31/16 | 12/31/17 | 12/31/18 | 12/31/19 | 12/31/20 | 12/31/21 |
| Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corp | $ | 100.00 | | $ | 111.36 | | $ | 105.97 | | $ | 148.29 | | $ | 48.82 | | $ | 34.50 | |
| S&P 500 Index | $ | 100.00 | | $ | 121.83 | | $ | 116.49 | | $ | 153.17 | | $ | 181.35 | | $ | 233.41 | |
| Russell 2000 Index | $ | 100.00 | | $ | 114.65 | | $ | 102.02 | | $ | 128.06 | | $ | 153.62 | | $ | 176.39 | |
| FTSE NAREIT Mortgage REITs Index | $ | 100.00 | | $ | 119.79 | | $ | 116.77 | | $ | 141.67 | | $ | 115.09 | | $ | 133.08 | |
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities: Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities
Not applicable.
Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer
On December 21, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Company reauthorized its repurchase program of up to 3,000,000 shares of its common stock through December 31, 2023. The previous reauthorization on December 19, 2019 of the Company's repurchase program of up to 2,700,000 shares of its common stock expired on December 31, 2021. Purchases made pursuant to the program will be made in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The authorization does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common shares and the program may be suspended or discontinued at the Company's discretion without prior notice.
The following table shows common shares repurchase activity during the year ended December 31, 2021:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Month of Settlement | | Total Number of Shares Purchased | | Average Price Paid Per Share(1) | | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(2) | | Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs at the end of period |
| November 1 - 30, 2021 | | 43,714 | | | 2.20 | | 43,714 | | | 2,956,286 | |
| December 1 - 31, 2021 | | 436,094 | | | 2.27 | | 436,094 | | | 2,520,192 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Total | | 479,808 | | | | | 479,808 | | | |
(1) Shares purchase price includes brokers commission of $0.02 per share.
(2) The Company repurchased 479,808 shares in 2021 of common stock accounted for as treasury stock pursuant to the authorization.
ITEM 6. Reserved
ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion provides the reader a narrative from the perspective of management and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation, a Delaware corporation, commenced operations in May 2012, focused on investing in, financing and managing a diversified portfolio of real estate related securities, whole loans and other financial assets, which we collectively refer to as our target assets. Our investment strategy is based on our Manager's perspective of which mix of our target assets it believes provides us with the best risk-reward opportunities at any given time. Our objective is to provide attractive risk adjusted returns to our stockholders primarily through an attractive dividend, which we intend to support with sustainable distributable earnings (which we previously referred to as core earnings), as well as the potential for higher returns through capital appreciation.
Factors Impacting Our Operating Results
Our results of operations are affected by several factors. They primarily depend on, among other things, the level of interest income and market value of our investments, the supply of and demand for the target assets in which we invest, and the financing and other costs associated with our business. Interest income and borrowing costs may vary due to changes in interest rates and the availability of financing, each of which could impact the net interest income we receive on our investments. Also, our operating results may be affected by conditions in the financial markets, such as unanticipated credit events experienced by our investment portfolio.
Changes in market interest rates. With respect to our business operations, increases in interest rates, in general, may over time cause: (i) the interest expense associated with variable rate borrowings to increase; (ii) the value of certain of our assets to decline; (iii) to the extent applicable under the terms of our investments, prepayments on our investments to slow, and (iv) to the extent that we enter into interest rate swap agreements as part of our hedging strategy, the value of these agreements to increase.
Conversely, decreases in interest rates, in general, may over time cause: (i) the interest expense associated with variable rate borrowings to decrease; (ii) the value of certain of our investments to increase; (iii) to the extent applicable under the terms of our investments, prepayments on our investments to increase, and (iv) to the extent that we enter into interest rate swap agreements as part of our hedging strategy, the value of these agreements to decrease.
Credit risk. One of our strategic focuses is acquiring assets which are believed to be of high credit quality. Management believes this strategy will generally keep credit losses and financing costs low. However, we are subject to varying degrees of credit risk in connection with our target assets. Our Manager seeks to mitigate this risk by seeking to acquire high quality assets, at appropriate prices given anticipated and unanticipated losses and by deploying a value-driven approach to underwriting and diligence, consistent with our Manager’s historical investment strategy. However, unanticipated credit losses could occur which could adversely impact operating results.
Size of portfolio. The size of our portfolio of assets is a key revenue driver. Generally, as the size of our portfolio grows, the amount of interest income earned increases, and conversely as the size of our portfolio declines, the amount of interest income earned will decline.
Market conditions. The Covid-19 recovery has been uneven across parts of the economy, geographically due to localized restrictions and caseloads, and across demographics with certain segments of the economy operating well above and others well below pre-COVID-19 levels. For the most part, structured credit spreads remained at wider levels relative to pre-COVID-19 and ended 2021 at their widest level for the year, in spite of the overall strength of the US economy due to the remaining uncertainties and unevenness of the recovery.
The housing market ended 2021 in a strong position, but one that is decelerating from the rapid home price appreciation ("HPA") experienced during the peak Covid-19 demand surge. Fueling the housing boom of the post-Covid-19 world are historically low mortgage rates, a dismal lack of housing supply on the market, tight lending conditions and a rebirth of household formations. Home price growth is expected to cool off but remain above average. Many market forecasts are still calling for a strong year, with the HPA growth estimates for 2022 ranging between 7% and 9%. The Manager believes housing starts should continue to rise to meet the strong demand, and as supply-chain issues ease, construction can pick up to close to 1.5 million units. This should help to reduce the supply and demand imbalance. However, that means that mortgage origination
volumes will again be strong in 2022 with net supply of agency mortgages anticipated to reach approximately $600 billion, which would be the second highest year on record after 2021’s $800 billion.
After a challenging year for commercial real estate with revenues limited due to mandated stay-at-home orders, the reopening of retailers and leisure travel has provided a tailwind for the industry. Our Manager believes single asset single borrower ("SASB") non-agency mortgages secured by high-quality commercial properties with strong equity sponsors will benefit if as the Manager anticipates as COVID-19 restrictions continue to lift and the economy moves toward a full reopening.
Our Manager believes the largest dislocated opportunities are in residential and commercial mortgage credit, which are sectors that have not received the benefit of a Federal Reserve backstop and have lagged other credit sectors in that the have rebounded since March 2021. Mortgage credit offers value backed by real assets that benefit from a rising inflation environment and can generate attractive risk-adjusted returns.
See Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K additional factors that may impact our operating results. Also, please see "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section of this annual report on Form 10-K for additional discussion surrounding the ongoing impact we expect COVID-19 will have on our liquidity and capital resources.
Proposed Changes to LIBOR
In March 2021, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), which regulates LIBOR, announced that December 31, 2021, will be the termination date for 1-week and 2-month USD-LIBOR. The FCA also set June 30, 2023, as the termination date for the other five USD-LIBOR (overnight, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month).
In July 2021, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee's ("ARRC") formally recommended Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group's forward looking Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") term rate. However, market participants are still evaluating what convention of SOFR will be adopted for various types of financial instruments and securitization vehicles. For example, the mortgage and derivatives markets have adopted the daily compounded and paid in arrears SOFR convention. In contrast, government sponsored enterprises, such as Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac have begun issuing adjustable rate mortgages, mortgage-backed securities, and credit risk transfer deals indexed to the 30-, 90-, and 180-day Average SOFR rates published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as well as Term SOFR rates in the future. It is possible that not all of our assets and liabilities will transition away from LIBOR at the same time or to the same alternative reference rate
Since late 2019, our Manager has had in place a LIBOR working group comprised of representatives from all relevant areas of the Firm. Our Manager's working group was focused on the transition of the various LIBOR tenors that ceased at the end of December 2021 and remains focused on the USD LIBOR tenors that will cease at the end of June 2023. We were not impacted by any LIBOR tenor that ceased at the close of 2021. A comprehensive inventory of LIBOR exposures has been developed. The inventory includes portfolio instruments with LIBOR-related terms; accounts and portfolios with benchmarks tied to LIBOR; and other agreements using LIBOR to determine receivables or payment obligations. Our Manager's working group is committed to identifying potential negative economic or operational impacts and seeking to mitigate these risks.
We have investments and repurchase agreements that are indexed to LIBOR and our Manager continues to evaluate any potential related risks. However, we cannot predict the effects of the elimination of LIBOR on interest expense and interest income on our investments indexed to LIBOR. See Item 1A - "Risk Factors - Changes to, or and the elimination replacement of, LIBOR may adversely affect interest expense related to our loans and investments."
Critical Accounting Policies
The consolidated financial statements include our accounts, those of our consolidated wholly-owned TRS and certain variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which we are the primary beneficiary. All intercompany amounts have been eliminated in consolidation. In accordance with GAAP, our consolidated financial statements require the use of estimates and assumptions that involve the exercise of judgment and use of assumptions as to future uncertainties. In accordance with SEC guidance, the following discussion addresses the accounting policies that we currently apply. Our most critical accounting policies will involve decisions and assessments that could affect our reported assets and liabilities, as well as our reported revenues and expenses. We believe that all of the decisions and assessments upon which our consolidated financial statements have been based were reasonable at the time made and based upon information available to us at that time. For a review of recent accounting pronouncements that may impact our results of operations, refer Note 2 - “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Valuation of Financial Instruments
We disclose the fair value of our financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy (Levels I, II, and III, as defined below). ASC 820 "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands financial statement disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. ASC 820 further specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques, which is based on whether the inputs into the valuation technique are observable or unobservable. The hierarchy is as follows:
Level I — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level II — Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
Level III — Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs. In situations where quoted prices or observable inputs are unavailable, for example, when there is little or no market activity for an investment at the end of the period, unobservable inputs may be used.
The level in the fair value hierarchy within which a fair value measurement in its entirety falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Transfers between levels are determined by us at the end of the reporting period.
Mortgage-Backed Securities and Other Securities
Our mortgage-backed securities and other securities portfolio primarily consists of Agency RMBS, Non-Agency RMBS, Agency CMBS, Non-Agency CMBS, ABS and other real estate related assets. These investments are recorded in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments - Debt and Equity Securities,” ASC 325-40, “Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets” or ASC 310-30, “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality.” We have chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825, “Financial Instruments” for our mortgage-backed securities and other securities portfolio. Electing the fair value option allows us to record changes in fair value in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of “Unrealized gain (loss), net.”
Residential Whole Loans
Investments in Residential Whole Loans are recorded in accordance with ASC 310-20, "Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs." We have chosen to make the fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for our entire Residential Whole-Loan portfolio. Residential Whole Loans are recorded at fair value with periodic changes in fair market value being recorded in earnings as a component of "Unrealized gain (loss), net." All other costs incurred in connection with acquiring Residential Whole Loans or committing to purchase these loans are charged to expense as incurred.
Securitized Commercial Loans
Securitized commercial loans are comprised of commercial loans of consolidated variable interest entities which were sponsored by third parties. These loans are recorded in accordance with ASC 310-20, "Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs." We have chosen to make the fair value election pursuant to ASC 825. Accordingly, these loans are recorded at fair value with periodic changes in fair value being recorded in earnings as a component of "Unrealized gain (loss), net."
Commercial Loans
Investments in Commercial Loans, which are comprised of commercial mortgage loans and commercial mezzanine loans, are recorded in accordance with ASC 310-20, "Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs." We have chosen to make the fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for our Commercial Loan portfolio. Accordingly, these loans are recorded at fair value with periodic changes in fair value being recorded in earnings as a component of "Unrealized gain (loss), net." All other costs incurred in connection with acquiring the Commercial Loans or committing to purchase these loans are charged to expense as incurred.
Interest Income Recognition
Agency MBS, Non-Agency MBS and other securities, excluding Interest-Only Strips, rated AA and higher at the time of purchase
Interest income on mortgage-backed and other securities is accrued based on the respective outstanding principal balances and corresponding contractual terms. We record interest income in accordance with ASC subtopic 835-30 "Imputation of Interest," using the effective interest method. As such premiums and discounts associated with Agency MBS, Non-Agency MBS and other securities, excluding Interest-Only Strips, are amortized into interest income over the estimated life of such securities. Adjustments to premium and discount amortization are made for actual prepayment activity. We estimate prepayments at least quarterly for our securities and, as a result, if the projected prepayment speed increases, we will accelerate the rate of amortization on premiums or discounts and make a retrospective adjustment to historical amortization. Alternatively, if projected prepayment speeds decrease, we will reduce the rate of amortization on the premiums or discounts and make a retrospective adjustment to historical amortization.
Non-Agency MBS and other securities that are rated below AA at the time of purchase and Interest-Only Strips that are not classified as derivatives
Interest income on Non-Agency MBS and other securities that are rated below AA at the time of purchase and Interest-Only Strips that are not classified as derivatives are also recognized in accordance with ASC 835, using the effective yield method. The effective yield on these securities is based on the projected cash flows from each security, which is estimated based on our observation of the then current information and events, where applicable, and will include assumptions related to interest rates, prepayment rates and the timing and amount of credit losses. On at least a quarterly basis, we review and, if appropriate, make adjustments to our cash flow projections based on input and analysis received from external sources, internal models, and our judgment about interest rates, prepayment rates, the timing and amount of credit losses, and other factors. Changes in cash flows from those originally projected, or from those estimated at the last evaluation, may result in a prospective change in the yield/interest income recognized on such securities. Actual maturities of the securities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying collateral, periodic payments of scheduled principal, and prepayments of principal. Therefore, actual maturities of the securities will generally be shorter than stated contractual maturities.
We adopted ASU 2016-13 beginning January 1, 2020. The ASU requires a company to measure credit loss using an expected credit loss model. We elected the fair value option for our investments and as such does not apply the expected loss model instead we record changes in fair value of these investment in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of "Unrealized gain (loss), net." For the purposes of calculating interest income, to ensure that a projected credit loss of a security does not impact the effective yield and interest income we maintain a “shadow allowance” account. We use the shadow allowance to create a management basis. The management basis which is the difference between the net present value of projected cash flows less shadow allowance amount. The shadow allowance and the management basis are operational accounts that are used solely for the purposes of determining and calculating accretable yield and accretable book value and are not recorded in the consolidated financial statements. The management basis is limited to a fair market value of the investment. Actual realized loss on a security is recorded as a reduction in both the management basis and the amortized cost basis. Interest income is computed using the amortized basis as the reference amount and applying the yield calculated using management basis.
Loan Portfolio
Interest income on our residential loan portfolio and commercial loan portfolio is recorded using the effective interest method based on the contractual payment terms of the loan. Any premium amortization or discount accretion will be reflected as a component of "Interest income" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Income recognition is suspended for loans at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90-days past due or when, in the opinion of management, a full recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful. When the ultimate collectability of the principal of an impaired loan is in doubt, all payments are applied to principal under the cost recovery method. When the ultimate collectability of the principal of an impaired loan is not in doubt, contractual interest is recorded as interest income when received, under the cash basis method until an accrual is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated.
Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”)
VIEs are defined as entities that by design either lack sufficient equity for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or are unable to direct the entity’s activities or are not exposed to the entity’s losses or entitled to its residual returns. We evaluate all of our interests in VIEs for consolidation. When the interests are determined to be variable interests, we assess whether we are deemed the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is determined to be the party that has both the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
To assess whether we have the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, we consider all facts and circumstances, including our role in establishing the VIE and our ongoing rights and responsibilities. This assessment includes first, identifying the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and second, identifying which party, if any, has power over those activities. In general, the parties that make the most significant decisions affecting the VIE or have the right to unilaterally remove those decision makers is deemed to have the power to direct the activities of a VIE.
To assess whether we have the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, we consider all of our economic interests. This assessment requires that we apply judgment in determining whether these interests, in the aggregate, are considered potentially significant to the VIE. Factors considered in assessing significance include: the design of the VIE, including its capitalization structure; subordination of interests; payment priority; relative share of interests held across various classes within the VIE’s capital structure; and the reasons why the interests are held by us.
In instances where we and our related parties have variable interests in a VIE, we consider whether there is a single party in the related party group that meets both the power and losses or benefits criteria on its own as though no related party relationship existed. If one party within the related party group meets both these criteria, such reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of the VIE and no further analysis is needed. If no party within the related party group on its own meets both the power and losses or benefits criteria, but the related party group as a whole meets these two criteria, the determination of primary beneficiary within the related party group requires significant judgment. The analysis is based upon qualitative as well as quantitative factors, such as the relationship of the VIE to each of the members of the related-party group, as well as the significance of the VIE's activities to those members, with the objective of determining which party is most closely associated with the VIE.
Ongoing assessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE is required.
2021 Activity
Investment Activity
We continually evaluate potential investments, and our investment selection is based on the supply and demand of our target assets, costs of financing, and the expected future interest rate volatility costs of hedging. As part of our investment focus on residential real estate-related investments, during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, we acquired $427.8 million of Residential Whole Loans. Also, we strategically sold $27.5 million of commercial investments.
The following table presents our investing activity for the year ended December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investment Type | | Balance at December 31, 2020 | | Purchases | | Loan Modification/Capitalized Interest | | Principal Payments and Basis Recovery | | Proceeds from
Sales | | Transfers to REO | | Realized Gain/(Loss) | | Unrealized Gain/(loss) | | Premium and discount amortization, net | | | | Balance at December 31, 2021 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Agency RMBS and Agency RMBS IOs | | $ | 1,708 | | | $ | — | | | N/A | | $ | (331) | | | $ | — | | | N/A | | $ | — | | | $ | (205) | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 1,172 | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | | 25,381 | | | — | | | N/A | | (1,148) | | | — | | | N/A | | — | | | 3,543 | | | (7) | | | | | 27,769 | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | | 164,081 | | | — | | | N/A | | (15,181) | | | (27,488) | | | N/A | | (9,266) | | | (13,323) | | | 6,535 | | | | | 105,358 | |
Other securities(1) | | 48,754 | | | — | | | N/A | | — | | | — | | | N/A | | — | | | 4,468 | | | (1,574) | | | | | 51,648 | |
| Total MBS and other securities | | 239,924 | | | — | | | N/A | | (16,660) | | | (27,488) | | | N/A | | (9,266) | | | (5,517) | | | 4,954 | | | | | 185,947 | |
| Residential Whole Loans | | 1,008,782 | | | 427,848 | | | 485 | | | (406,688) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 2,850 | | | (9,775) | | | | | 1,023,502 | |
| Residential Bridge Loans | | 13,916 | | | — | | | — | | | (8,437) | | | — | | | (751) | | | (206) | | | 928 | | | (22) | | | | | 5,428 | |
| Commercial Loans | | 310,523 | | | — | | | — | | | (103,285) | | | — | | | (30,000) | | | — | | | (46,813) | | | 147 | | | | | 130,572 | |
| Securitized commercial loans | | 1,605,335 | | | — | | | — | | | (354,202) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 79,972 | | | 24,703 | | | | | 1,355,808 | |
| Total Investments | | $ | 3,178,480 | | | $ | 427,848 | | | $ | 485 | | | $ | (889,272) | | | $ | (27,488) | | | $ | (30,751) | | | $ | (9,472) | | | $ | 31,420 | | | $ | 20,007 | | | | | $ | 2,701,257 | |
(1) Other securities include $45.6 million of GSE CRTs and $6.1 million of ABS at December 31, 2021.
Portfolio Characteristics
Residential Real Estate Investments
Residential Whole Loans
The Residential Whole Loans have low LTV's and are comprised of 2,355 Non-QM adjustable rate mortgages and six investor fixed rate mortgages. The following table presents certain information about our Residential Whole-Loans investment portfolio as of December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Weighted Average |
| Current Coupon Rate | | Number of Loans | | Principal
Balance | | Original LTV | | Original FICO Score(1) | | Expected Life (years) (2) | | Contractual
Maturity
(years) | | Coupon
Rate |
| 2.01% - 3.00% | | 27 | | $ | 15,640 | | | 65.1 | % | | 757 | | | 5.3 | | 28.8 | | 2.8 | % |
| 3.01% - 4.00% | | 496 | | 244,022 | | | 63.7 | % | | 756 | | | 3.3 | | 28.0 | | 3.7 | % |
| 4.01% - 5.00% | | 1,051 | | 413,451 | | | 65.1 | % | | 747 | | | 2.9 | | 28.2 | | 4.7 | % |
| 5.01% - 6.00% | | 757 | | 305,344 | | | 64.9 | % | | 738 | | | 3.0 | | 26.8 | | 5.4 | % |
| 6.01% - 7.00% | | 28 | | 10,181 | | | 67.9 | % | | 721 | | | 3.1 | | 25.8 | | 6.3 | % |
| 7.01% - 8.00% | | 2 | | 505 | | | 73.2 | % | | 753 | | | 4.5 | | 26.8 | | 7.1 | % |
| Total | | 2,361 | | $ | 989,143 | | | 64.8 | % | | 746 | | | 3.1 | | 27.7 | | 4.6 | % |
(1)The original FICO score is not available for 230 loans with a principal balance of approximately $74.3 million at December 31, 2021. We have excluded these loans from the weighted average computations.
Residential Bridge Loans
We are no longer allocating capital to Residential Bridge Loans. The following table presents certain information about the remaining nine Residential Bridge Loans left in the portfolio at December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Weighted Average |
| Current Coupon Rate | | Number of Loans | | Principal
Balance | | Original LTV | | | | Contractual Maturity (months)(1) | | Coupon
Rate |
| 7.01% – 9.00% | | 3 | | $ | 2,946 | | | 70.4 | % | | | | 0.0 | | 8.8 | % |
| 9.01% – 11.00% | | 4 | | 2,393 | | | 76.7 | % | | | | 0.0 | | 10.4 | % |
| 11.01% - 13.00% | | 2 | | 495 | | | 69.7 | % | | | | 0.0 | | 11.4 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total | | 9 | | $ | 5,834 | | | 72.9 | % | | | | 0.0 | | 9.7 | % |
(1) Non-performing loans that are past their maturity date are excluded from the calculation of the weighted average contractual maturity. The weighted average contractual maturity for these loans is zero.
Non-performing Residential Loans
The following table presents the aging of the Residential Whole Loans and Bridge Loans as of December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Residential Whole Loans | | Bridge Loans | | | | | |
| | No of Loans | | Principal | | Fair Value | | No of Loans | | Principal | | Fair Value | | | | | |
| Current | | 2,329 | | $ | 971,790 | | | $ | 1,006,271 | | | — | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | | | | |
| 1-30 days | | 9 | | 3,146 | | | 3,285 | | | 1 | | 75 | | | 76 | | | | | | |
| 31-60 days | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | | | | |
| 61-90 days | | 3 | | 1,993 | | | 1,989 | | | 2 | | 954 | | | 935 | | | | | | |
| 90+ days | | 20 | | 12,214 | | | 11,957 | | | 6 | | 4,805 | | | 4,417 | | | | | | |
| Total | | 2,361 | | $ | 989,143 | | | $ | 1,023,502 | | | 9 | | $ | 5,834 | | | $ | 5,428 | | | | | | |
Residential Whole Loans in Non-Accrual Status
As of December 31, 2021, there were 20 Non-QM loans carried at fair value in non-accrual status with an unpaid principal balance of approximately $12.2 million and a fair value of approximately $12.0 million. These nonperforming loans represent approximately 1.2% of the total outstanding principal balance. No allowance or provision for credit losses was recorded as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021 since the valuation adjustment, if any, would be reflected in the fair value of these loans. We stopped accruing interest income for these loan when they became contractually 90 days delinquent. As of December 31, 2021, we had no Non-QM loans in forbearance
As of December 31, 2021, we had nine Residential Bridge Loans remaining in the portfolio and six were in non-accrual status with an unpaid principal balance of approximately $4.8 million and a fair value of $4.4 million. No allowance and provision for credit losses was recorded for loans carried at fair value as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021 since valuation adjustments, if any, would be reflected in the fair value of these loans. We stopped accruing interest income for these loans when they became contractually 90 days delinquent.
As of December 31, 2021, we had four real estate owned ("REO") properties with an aggregate carrying value of $1.1 million related to foreclosed Bridge Loans. The REO properties are held for sale and accordingly carried at the lower of cost or fair value less cost to sell. The REO properties are classified in "Other assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Non-Agency RMBS
The following table presents the fair value and weighted average purchase price for each of our Non-agency RMBS categories, including IOs accounted for as derivatives, together with certain of their respective underlying loan collateral attributes and current performance metrics as of December 31, 2021 (fair value dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Weighted Average |
| Category | | Fair Value | | Purchase
Price | | Life (Years) | | Original LTV | | Original
FICO | | 60+ Day
Delinquent | | 6-Month
CPR |
| Prime | | $ | 10,388 | | | $ | 72.49 | | | 4.0 | | | 59.0 | % | | 769 | | | 4.0 | % | | 49.7 | % |
| Alt-A | | 17,381 | | | 51.48 | | | 11.3 | | | 80.7 | % | | 664 | | | 20.3 | % | | 11.8 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total | | $ | 27,769 | | | $ | 59.34 | | | 8.6 | | | 72.6 | % | | 703 | | | 14.2 | % | | 26.0 | % |
Agency RMBS Portfolio
The following table summarizes our Agency portfolio by investment category as of December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal Balance | | Amortized Cost | | Fair Value | | Net Weighted Average Coupon |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Agency RMBS IOs and IIOs (1) | N/A | | $ | 59 | | | $ | 114 | | | 1.3 | % |
Agency RMBS IOs and IIOs accounted for as derivatives (1) | N/A | | N/A | | 1,058 | | | 1.3 | % |
| Total Agency RMBS | — | | | 59 | | | 1,172 | | | 1.3 | % |
| Total | $ | — | | | $ | 59 | | | $ | 1,172 | | | 1.3 | % |
(1)IOs and IIOs have no principal balances and bear interest based on a notional balance. The notional balance is used solely to determine interest distributions on the interest-only class of securities.
Commercial Real Estate Investments
Non-Agency CMBS
The following table presents certain characteristics of our Non-Agency CMBS portfolio as of December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Principal | | | | Weighted Average |
| Type | | Vintage | | Balance | | Fair Value | | Life (Years) | | Original LTV |
| Conduit: | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
| | | 2005-2009 | | $ | 180 | | | $ | 175 | | | 1.9 | | | 83.7 | % |
| | | 2010-2020 | | 78,776 | | | 21,155 | | | 5.6 | | | 62.8 | % |
| | | | | 78,956 | | | 21,330 | | | 5.5 | | | 62.9 | % |
| Single Asset: | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2010-2020 | | 100,663 | | | 84,028 | | | 1.8 | | | 65.4 | % |
| Total | | | | $ | 179,619 | | | $ | 105,358 | | | 2.5 | | | 64.9 | % |
Commercial Loans
The following table presents our commercial loan investments as of December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Loan | Loan Type | Principal Balance | Fair Value | Original LTV | Interest Rate | Maturity Date | Extension Option | Collateral | Geographic Location |
| CRE 3 | Interest-Only Mezzanine loan | $ | 90,000 | | $ | 29,113 | | 58% | 1-Month LIBOR plus 9.25% | 6/29/2021 | None (1) | Entertainment and Retail | NJ |
| CRE 4 | Interest-Only First Mortgage | 38,367 | | 38,267 | | 63% | 1-Month LIBOR plus 3.02% | 8/6/2022 | One-Year Extension | Retail | CT |
| CRE 5 | Interest-Only First Mortgage | 24,535 | | 24,212 | | 62% | 1-Month LIBOR plus 3.75% | 11/6/2022 | Two One-Year Extensions | Hotel | NY |
| CRE 6 | Interest-Only First Mortgage | 13,207 | | 13,033 | | 62% | 1-Month LIBOR plus 3.75% | 11/6/2022 | Two One-Year Extensions | Hotel | CA |
| CRE 7 | Interest-Only First Mortgage | 7,259 | | 7,163 | | 62% | 1-Month LIBOR plus 3.75% | 11/6/2022 | Two One-Year Extensions | Hotel | IL, FL |
| CRE 8 | Interest-Only First Mortgage | 4,429 | | 4,422 | | 79% | 1-Month LIBOR plus 4.85% | 12/6/2022 | None | Assisted Living Facilities | FL |
| SBC 3 | Interest-Only First Mortgage | 14,362 | | 14,362 | | 49% | One-Month LIBOR plus 4.10% | 7/6/2022 | None | Nursing Facilities | CT |
| | $ | 192,159 | | $ | 130,572 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
(1) CRE 3 is in default and not eligible for extension.
Commercial Loan Payoffs
On July 7, 2021, SBC 1, with an outstanding principal balance of $45.2 million collateralized by nursing facilities, was paid off in full.
On September 7, 2021, CRE 2, with an outstanding principal balance of $46.8 million collateralized by nursing facilities, was paid off in full.
On September 24, 2021, SBC 2 with an outstanding principal balance of $9.2 million collateralized by an apartment complex was paid off in full.
Non-Performing Commercial Loans
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted a broad range of industries in which our commercial loan borrowers operate and could impair their ability to fulfill their financial obligations to us, most significantly retail and hospitality asset. All but the one loans discussed below remain current.
CRE 3 Loan
As of December 31, 2021, the CRE 3 junior mezzanine loan with an outstanding principal balance of $90.0 million secured by a retail facility was non-performing and past its maturity date of June 29, 2021. We were receiving interest payments on this loan from a reserve that was exhausted in May 2021. During the second quarter of 2021, the fair value of the loan declined significantly. We are currently in discussions with the borrower and certain other lenders regarding alternatives to address the situation which might include modifications of loan terms, deferral of payments and the funding of new advances. There can be no assurance that these discussions will result in an outcome in which we would be repaid any amount of the loan and we may suffer further declines in fair value with respect to the mezzanine investment. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, we suffered a decline of $51.2 million in the fair value of this investment. We could experience a total loss of our investment under various scenarios, which at current levels would result in a $29.1 million reduction in the Company’s book value. Refer to Note 6 - "Commercial Loans" for details.
The following table presents the aging of the Commercial Loans as of December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Commercial Loans |
| | No of Loans | | Principal | | Fair Value |
| Current | | 6 | | $ | 102,159 | | | $ | 101,459 | |
| 1-30 days | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| 31-60 days | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| 61-90 days | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| 90+ days | | 1 | | | 90,000 | | | 29,113 | |
| Total | | 7 | | $ | 192,159 | | | $ | 130,572 | |
Commercial Real Estate Owned
In October 2020, we commenced foreclosure proceedings. However, on February 24, 2021, the borrower filed for bankruptcy protection halting the foreclosure process. In August 2021, the bankruptcy case was dismissed by the bankruptcy court and we, together with the other holders of the loan, foreclosed on the property through a SPE formed for the purpose of holding the property. The SPE is consolidated by us and the property is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less cost to sell. As of December 31, 2021, the REO is recorded at $42.5 million and classified in "Other assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the other members' interests in the SPE of approximately $11.2 million are recorded as "Non-controlling interest" in the consolidated financial statements.
The property was marketed for sale and in January 2022, a purchase and sales agreement was executed for a purchase price of $55.9 million, subject to customary diligence. The sale of the Property closed on February 14, 2022. The Company and the other investors fully recovered their aggregate initial investment of $42.0 million. The Company estimates it will recognize a gain on sale of approximately $6.7 million, based on the December 31, 2021 carrying value.
Securitized Commercial Loans
On September 15, 2021, the commercial loan that served as collateral for the RETL2019-RVP securitization paid in full by the borrower and the RETL HRR bond with an outstanding principal amount of $45.3 million held in WMC RETL LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was paid off. Accordingly, the RETL 2019 Trust is no longer consolidated.
Geographic Concentration
The mortgages underlying our Non-Agency RMBS and Non-Agency CMBS are located in various states across the United States and other countries. The following table presents the five largest concentrations by location for the mortgages collateralizing our Non-Agency RMBS and Non-Agency CMBS as of December 31, 2021, based on fair value (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Non-Agency RMBS | | | Non-Agency CMBS |
| | Concentration | | Fair Value | | | Concentration | | Fair Value |
| California | 26.5 | % | | $ | 7,371 | | | California | 36.5 | % | | $ | 38,446 | |
| New York | 10.4 | % | | 2,889 | | | Nevada | 18.4 | % | | 19,378 | |
| Florida | 9.0 | % | | 2,504 | | | Bahamas | 13.6 | % | | 14,375 | |
| New Jersey | 4.6 | % | | 1,271 | | | Delaware | 4.6 | % | | 4,870 | |
| Maryland | 4.0 | % | | 1,106 | | | Texas | 4.1 | % | | 4,364 | |
The following table presents the various states across the United States in which the collateral securing our Residential Whole Loans and Residential Bridge Loans at December 31, 2021, based on principal balance, is located (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Residential Whole Loans | | | Residential Bridge Loans |
| | Concentration | | Principal Balance | | | Concentration | | Principal Balance |
| California | 73.9 | % | | $ | 730,771 | | | New York | 45.1 | % | | $ | 2,631 | |
| New York | 11.6 | % | | 114,625 | | | California | 30.1 | % | | 1,754 | |
| Florida | 2.7 | % | | 26,293 | | | Florida | 19.3 | % | | 1,125 | |
| Georgia | 2.5 | % | | 25,106 | | | New Jersey | 3.7 | % | | 219 | |
| Texas | 1.9 | % | | 19,062 | | | Pennsylvania | 1.8 | % | | 105 | |
| Other | 7.4 | % | | 73,286 | | | Other | — | % | | — | |
| Total | 100.0 | % | | $ | 989,143 | | | Total | 100.0 | % | | $ | 5,834 | |
Financing Activity
We will look to continue to expand and diversify our financing sources, especially those sources that provide an alternative to short-term repurchase agreements with daily margin requirements.
Repurchase Agreements
Our repurchase agreements bear interest at a contractually agreed-upon rate and have terms ranging from one month to 12 months. Our counterparties generally require collateral in excess of the loan amount, or haircuts. As of December 31, 2021, the contractual haircuts required under repurchase agreements on our investments were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Minimum | | Maximum (excluding IOs and IIOs) | | Maximum (including IOs and IIOs) |
| Short-Term Borrowings | | | | | | |
| Agency RMBS IOs | | 7.0% | | 20.4% | | 20.4% |
| Non-Agency RMBS | | 10.0% | | 59.9% | | n/a |
| Residential Whole Loans | | 16.1% | | 16.1% | | n/a |
| Residential Bridge Loans | | 19.5% | | 19.5% | | n/a |
| Commercial Loans | | 55.0% | | 55.0% | | n/a |
| Other Securities | | 58.7% | | 59.8% | | n/a |
| | | | | | |
| Long-Term Borrowings | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Non-Agency CMBS and Non-Agency RMBS Facility | | | | | | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | | 25.0% | | 25.0% | | n/a |
| Non-Agency CMBS | | 30.0% | | 30.0% | | n/a |
| Other securities | | 25.0% | | 30.0% | | n/a |
| | | | | | |
| Residential Whole Loan Facility | | | | | | |
Residential Whole Loans(1) | | 10.0% | | 10.0% | | n/a |
| | | | | | |
| Commercial Whole Loan Facility | | | | | | |
Commercial Loans(2) | | 22.0% | | 55.0% | | n/a |
(1) The haircut is based on 10% of the outstanding principal amount of the Residential Whole Loans
(2) Each Commercial Loans is financed separately under this facility and the haircuts are dependent on the type collateral.
Residential Whole Loan Facility
On November 5, 2021, we entered into an amendment of our Residential Whole Loan Facility. The amendment facility has a stated of capacity $500 million and bears an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.00%, with a LIBOR floor of 0.25%. The facility is available to finance five types of residential mortgages: Non-Agency mortgage loans, Non-QM loans, investor loans,
re-performing and non-performing loans. The advance rates differ by type of loan, but for performing Non-QM loans the advance rate is 90% of the outstanding principal amount. The facility matures on November 4, 2022. The facility is a mark to market margin facility; however, the margin requirement is only triggered if the fair value of the collateral declines below its outstanding aggregate principal amount.
Non-Agency CMBS and Non-Agency RMBS Facility
On May 5, 2021, we amended our Non-Agency CMBS and Non-Agency RMBS financing facility to, among other things, extend the facility for an additional 12 months and reduce the interest rate. The amended facility has improved advance rates and bears interest at a rate of three-month LIBOR plus 2.00%. The facility is not subject to daily margin calls; however the margin requirement is triggered when the loan to value ratio surpasses a certain threshold (the "LTV Trigger"), on a weighted average basis per asset type, calculated on a portfolio level. The LTV Trigger for collectively for RMBS investments is 75% and 70% for collectively for CMBS investments.
Commercial Whole Loan Facility
On May 5, 2021, we amended our $100 million Commercial Whole Loan Facility to, among other things, convert the term to a 12-month facility with up to one 12-month extension option, subject to the lender's consent.
Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes
For the year ended December 31, 2021, through a series of transactions summarized below, we reduced the our overall convertible senior unsecured notes outstanding by $51.1 million and extended the maturity to 2024 for $86.3 million of our convertible senior unsecured debt to further strengthen our balance sheet. The following summarizes the transactions for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021.
•In March 2021, we repurchased $6.7 million aggregate principal amount of our 2022 Notes at a weighted average discount to par value of 6.3%.
•In August 2021, we repurchased $22.3 million aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes at a weighted average discount to par value of 2.8%. Refer to Note 7 - "Borrowings" for details of the 2024 Notes.
•In September 2021, we issued $86.3 million of the 2024 Notes and used the net proceeds, together with approximately $20.2 million of cash on hand, to repurchase an additional $100.3 million of our 2022 Notes.
•In December 2021, we repurchased $8.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 2022 Notes at a weighted average premium to par value of 1.0%.
Outstanding Borrowings
Repurchase Agreements
At December 31, 2021, we had outstanding borrowings under five of our master repurchase agreements. The following table summarizes certain characteristics of our repurchase agreements at December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Securities Pledged | Repurchase
Agreement
Borrowings | | Weighted Average
Interest Rate on
Borrowings
Outstanding at end
of period | | Weighted Average
Remaining Maturity
(days) |
| Short Term Borrowings: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Agency RMBS | $ | 976 | | | 1.02 | % | | 58 |
| | | | | |
Non-Agency RMBS(1) | 38,354 | | | 2.94 | % | | 4 |
Residential Whole Loans(2) | 1,439 | | | 2.57 | % | | 5 |
Residential Bridge Loans(2) | 4,368 | | | 2.61 | % | | 5 |
Commercial Loans(2) | 6,463 | | | 3.20 | % | | 5 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Other securities | 2,457 | | | 3.50 | % | | 18 |
| Total short term borrowings | 54,057 | | | 2.92 | % | | 6 |
| Long Term Borrowings: | | | | | |
| Non-Agency CMBS and Non-Agency RMBS Facility | | | | | |
Non-Agency CMBS(1) | 59,802 | | | 2.14 | % | | 125 |
| Non-Agency RMBS | 15,632 | | | 2.14 | % | | 125 |
| Other Securities | 27,506 | | | 2.22 | % | | 125 |
| Subtotal | 102,940 | | | 2.16 | % | | 125 |
| Residential Whole Loan Facility | | | | | |
Residential Whole Loans(2) | 396,531 | | | 2.25 | % | | 308 |
| Commercial Whole Loan Facility | | | | | |
| Commercial Loans | 63,661 | | | 2.27 | % | | 268 |
| Total long term borrowings | 563,132 | | | 2.24 | % | | 270 |
| Repurchase agreements borrowings | $ | 617,189 | | | 2.30 | % | | 247 |
| Less unamortized debt issuance costs | — | | | N/A | | N/A |
| Repurchase agreements borrowings, net | $ | 617,189 | | | 2.30 | % | | 247 |
(1)Includes repurchase agreement borrowings on securities eliminated upon VIE consolidation.
(2)Repurchase agreement borrowings on loans owned are through trust certificates. The trust certificates are eliminated in consolidation.
At December 31, 2021, we had outstanding repurchase agreement borrowings with the following counterparties: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(dollars in thousands)
Repurchase Agreement Counterparties | | Amount Outstanding | | Percent of Total Amount Outstanding | | Investments Held as Collateral | | Counterparty Rating(1) |
Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch (2) | | $ | 498,545 | | | 80.7 | % | | $ | 577,622 | | | A |
| Citigroup Global Markets Inc. | | 102,941 | | | 16.7 | % | | 180,982 | | | A+ |
Nomura Securities International, Inc. (3) | | 12,270 | | | 2.0 | % | | 21,283 | | | Unrated (3) |
| | | | | | | | |
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All other counterparties (4) | | 3,433 | | | 0.6 | % | | 7,225 | | | |
| Total | | $ | 617,189 | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 787,112 | | | |
(1)The counterparty ratings presented above are the long-term issuer credit ratings as rated at December 31, 2021 by S&P.
(2)Includes master repurchase agreements in which the buyer includes Alpine Securitization LTD., a Credit Suisse sponsored asset-backed commercial paper conduit.
(3)Nomura Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Nomura Securities International, Inc., is rated BBB+ by S&P at December 31, 2021.
(4)Represents amount outstanding with two counterparties, which each holds collateral valued less than 5% of our stockholders’ equity as security for our obligations under the applicable repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2021.
The following table presents our average repurchase agreement borrowings, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, by type of collateral pledged for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Collateral | | Year ended December 31, 2021 | | Year ended December 31, 2020 |
| Agency CMBS | | $ | — | | | $ | 365,073 | |
| Agency RMBS | | 1,182 | | | 69,137 | |
Non-Agency RMBS(1) | | 46,140 | | | 14,459 | |
Non-Agency CMBS(1) | | 78,476 | | | 157,280 | |
Residential Whole Loans | | 125,746 | | | 267,609 | |
Commercial Loans | | 118,660 | | | 179,251 | |
| | | | |
| Residential Bridge Loans | | 9,400 | | | 23,144 | |
| Membership interest | | 13,361 | | | 4,749 | |
| Other securities | | 26,489 | | | 28,136 | |
| Total | | $ | 419,454 | | | $ | 1,108,838 | |
Maximum borrowings during the period(2) | | $ | 644,675 | | | $ | 3,006,550 | |
(1)Includes repurchase agreement borrowings on securities eliminated upon VIE consolidation.
(2)Amount represents the maximum borrowings at month-end during each of the respective periods.
Repurchase Agreements Financial Metrics
Certain of our financing arrangements provide the counterparty with the right to terminate the agreement and accelerate amounts due under the associated agreement if the we do not maintain certain financial metrics. Although specific to each financing arrangement, typical financial metrics include minimum equity and liquidity requirements, leverage ratios, and performance triggers. In addition, some of the financing arrangements contain cross-default features, whereby default under an agreement with one lender simultaneously causes default under agreements with other lenders. We were in compliance with the terms of such financial tests as of December 31, 2021.
Securitized Debt
Residential Mortgage-Backed Notes
In May 2019, we completed a residential mortgage-backed securitization comprised of a portion of our Residential Whole Loan portfolio. The Arroyo Mortgage Trust 2019-2 ("Arroyo Trust 2019"), a wholly owned subsidiary, issued $919.0 million of mortgage-backed notes and we retained the non-offered securities in the securitization, which include the class B, Class A-IO-S and Class XS certificates. These non-offered securities were eliminated in consolidation. At December 31, 2021,
Residential Whole Loans, with an outstanding principal balance of approximately $358.9 million, serve as collateral for the Arroyo Trust's securitized debt.
The following table summarizes the consolidated Arroyo Trust's issued mortgage-backed notes at December 31, 2021 which is classified in "Securitized debt, net" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Classes | Principal Balance | Coupon | Carrying Value | Contractual Maturity |
| Offered Notes: | | | | |
| Class A-1 | $ | 277,549 | | 3.3% | $ | 277,549 | | 4/25/2049 |
| Class A-2 | 14,885 | | 3.5% | 14,885 | | 4/25/2049 |
| Class A-3 | 23,583 | | 3.8% | 23,583 | | 4/25/2049 |
| Class M-1 | 25,055 | | 4.8% | 25,055 | | 4/25/2049 |
| Subtotal | 341,072 | | | $ | 341,072 | | |
| Less: Unamortized deferred financing costs | N/A | | 3,501 | | |
| Total | $ | 341,072 | | | $ | 337,571 | | |
In June 2020, we completed a second residential mortgage-backed securitization. The Arroyo Trust 2020-1 ("Arroyo Trust 2020) issued $341.7 million of mortgage-backed notes and we retained the non-offered securities in the securitization, which include the class B, Class A-IO-S and Class XS certificates. These non-offered securities were eliminated in consolidation. At December 31, 2021, Residential Whole Loans, with an outstanding principal balance of approximately $188.2 million, serve as collateral for the Arroyo Trust 2020's securitized debt.
The following table summarizes the consolidated Arroyo Trust 2020's issued mortgage-backed notes at December 31, 2021 which is classified in "Securitized debt, net" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Classes | Principal Balance | Coupon | Carrying Value | Contractual Maturity |
| Offered Notes: | | | | |
| Class A-1A | $ | 125,469 | | 1.7% | $ | 125,469 | | 3/25/2055 |
| Class A-1B | 14,888 | | 2.1% | 14,888 | | 3/25/2055 |
| Class A-2 | 13,518 | | 2.9% | 13,518 | | 3/25/2055 |
| Class A-3 | 17,963 | | 3.3% | 17,963 | | 3/25/2055 |
| Class M-1 | 11,739 | | 4.3% | 11,739 | | 3/25/2055 |
| Subtotal | $ | 183,577 | | | $ | 183,577 | | |
| Less: Unamortized deferred financing costs | N/A | | 2,030 | | |
| Total | $ | 183,577 | | | $ | 181,547 | | |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Notes
We hold a controlling financial variable interest in CSMC USA and were required to consolidate the CMBS VIE. Refer to Note 7 - "Financings" for details. The following table summarizes the consolidated 2014 CSMC USA's commercial mortgage pass-through certificates at December 31, 2021 which is classified in "Securitized debt, net" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Classes | Principal Balance | Coupon | Fair Value | Contractual Maturity |
| Class A-1 | $ | 120,391 | | 3.3 | % | $ | 124,143 | | 9/11/2025 |
| Class A-2 | 531,700 | | 4.0 | % | 559,447 | | 9/11/2025 |
| Class B | 136,400 | | 4.2 | % | 133,776 | | 9/11/2025 |
| Class C | 94,500 | | 4.3 | % | 91,460 | | 9/11/2025 |
| Class D | 153,950 | | 4.4 | % | 142,388 | | 9/11/2025 |
| Class E | 180,150 | | 4.4 | % | 160,325 | | 9/11/2025 |
| Class F | 153,600 | | 4.4 | % | 117,912 | | 9/11/2025 |
Class X-1(1) | n/a | 0.7 | % | 12,347 | | 9/11/2025 |
Class X-2(1) | n/a | 0.2 | % | 2,572 | | 9/11/2025 |
| $ | 1,370,691 | | | $ | 1,344,370 | | |
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(1) Class X-1 and Class X-2 are interest-only classes with notional balances of $652.1 million and $733.5 million as of December 31, 2021, respectively.
The above table does not reflect the portion of the class F bond held by us because the bond is eliminated in consolidation. Our ownership interest in the class F bond represents a controlling financial interest, which resulted in consolidation of the trust. The class F bond had a fair market value of $11.4 million at December 31, 2021, and our exposure to loss is limited to our ownership interest in this bond.
Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes
2022 Notes
As of December 31, 2021, we had $37.7 million aggregate principal amount of the 2022Notes outstanding. The 2022 Notes mature on October 1, 2022, unless earlier converted, redeemed by the holders pursuant to their terms or repurchased by us , and are not redeemable by us except during the final three months prior to maturity.
2024 Notes
As of December 31, 2021, we had $86.3 million aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Notes outstanding. The 2024 notes mature on September 15, 2024, unless earlier converted, redeemed by the holders pursuant to their terms or repurchased by us , and are not redeemable by us except during the final three months prior to maturity.
Recourse and Non-Recourse Financing
We utilize both recourse and non-recourse debt to finance our portfolio. Our recourse debt included our short and long-term repurchase agreement financings and our convertible senior unsecured notes. At December 31, 2021, our total non-recourse financing is comprised of $519.1 million of securitized debt issued in connection with our two Residential Whole Loan securitizations and $1.3 billion of securitized debt from owning a Non-Agency CMBS bond with a fair value of $11.4 million that was deemed a controlling financial variable interest in CSMC USA which required us to consolidate the CMBS VIE.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (dollars in thousands) | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
| Recourse and non-recourse financing | $ | 2,599,845 | | | $ | 2,973,732 | |
| Non-recourse financing | | | |
| Arroyo 2019-2 | 337,571 | | | 603,121 | |
| Arroyo 2020-1 | 181,547 | | | 289,169 | |
| RETL 2019 Trust | — | | | 297,456 | |
| CMSC USA | 1,344,370 | | | 1,256,266 | |
| Total recourse financing | $ | 736,357 | | | $ | 527,720 | |
| | | |
| Stockholders' equity | $ | 193,109 | | | $ | 255,112 | |
| | | |
| Recourse leverage | 3.8x | | 2.1x |
Hedging Activity
The following tables summarize the hedging activity during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Derivative Instrument | Notional Amount at December 31, 2020 | | Acquisitions | | Settlements, Terminations or Expirations | | Notional Amount at December 31, 2021 |
| Fixed pay interest rate swaps | $ | — | | | $ | 22,000 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 22,000 | |
| Variable pay interest rate swaps | — | | | 56,500 | | | (56,500) | | | — | |
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| Credit default swaps | 6,170 | | | — | | | — | | | 6,170 | |
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| Total derivative instruments | $ | 6,170 | | | $ | 78,500 | | | $ | (56,500) | | | $ | 28,170 | |
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| Derivative Instrument | Fair Value at December 31, 2020 | | Acquisitions | | Settlements, Terminations or Expirations | | Realized Gains / Losses | | Mark-to-market | | Fair Value at December 31, 2021 |
| Fixed pay interest rate swaps | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (311) | | | $ | 311 | | | $ | (38) | | | $ | (38) | |
| Variable pay interest rate swaps | — | | | — | | | (179) | | | 179 | | | — | | | — | |
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| Credit default swaps | (495) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 36 | | | (459) | |
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| Total derivative instruments | $ | (495) | | | $ | — | | | $ | (490) | | | $ | 490 | | | $ | (2) | | | $ | (497) | |
Capital Markets Activity
The following is a summary of activity for the year ended December 31, 2021:
Stock Repurchase
On December 21, 2021, our Board of Directors reauthorized the repurchase program of up to 3,000,000 shares of our common stock through December 31, 2023. In the fourth quarter of 2021, pursuant to the repurchase plan we acquired 479,808 shares with an average price, including commission, of $2.27 per share, totaling approximately $1.1 million.
However, management's overall goals include growing the Company's equity base to help reduce the Company's expense ratio and expand capital for investment, but from time to time when shares are trading at a significant discount repurchasing shares can generate value for our shareholders. The timing, manner, price and amount of any future repurchases will be determined by the Company in its discretion and will be subject to economic and market conditions, stock price, applicable legal requirements and other factors.
Dividends
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, we declared dividends totaling $0.24 per share generating a dividend yield of approximately 11.4% based on the stock closing price of $2.11 on December 31, 2021
Book Value
The following chart reflects our book value per common share basic and diluted shares over five consecutive quarters:
We continue to implement measures to improve our balance sheet by increasing liquidity, reducing leverage, and seek alternative financing arrangements to preserve long-term shareholder value. The decrease in book value to $3.20 at December 31, 2021 when compared to our September 30, 2021 book value of $3.45 was primarily due to a decline in fair value in our investment portfolio coupled with a reduction in net interest income from investment payoffs and accelerated premium amortization associated prepayments in our Residential Whole Loan portfolio.
Results of Operations
Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2021 to the year ended December 31, 2020
General
Due to the continued uncertainty surrounding the COVID -19 pandemic our results of operations continued to be impacted and for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 may not be comparable. The full impact of COVID-19 on our results of operations is still uncertain as it depends on several factors beyond our control including, but not limited to (i) the duration and spread of the virus and its variants of the outbreak, (ii) the availability, acceptance and effectiveness of vaccines, (iii) the pandemic’s impact on the U.S. and global economies, (iv) the timing, scope and effectiveness of additional governmental responses to the pandemic, (v) the timing and speed of economic recovery, and (vi) the negative impact on our borrowers, asset values and cost of capital.
In 2021, we continued to make progress towards strengthening our balance sheet and improving liquidity. During the year ended December 31, 2021, through a series of transactions, we reduced the aggregate principal amount of our convertible senior unsecured notes outstanding by $51.1 million and extended the maturity to 2024 for $86.3 million of our convertible senior unsecured debt through the issuance of the 2024 Notes. We also amended and extended two key financing facilities, our Residential Whole Loan Facility and our Non-Agency RMBS and Non-Agency CMBS Facility, resulting in improved advance rates and lowered interest rates. These facilities have limited mark to market provisions (See Note 7 - "Financings" for additional details.). For the year ended December 31, 2021 we did not receive a margin call on either of these facilities.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, we generated a net loss of $49.9 million or $0.81 per basic and diluted weighted common share, compared to a net loss of $328.3 million or $5.72 per basic and diluted weighted common share for the year ended December 31, 2020. Although the residential credit markets improved in the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, our commercial real estate investments especially in the retail and hospitality sectors are taking longer to recover, which impacted valuations and was a key driver of the net loss for the period. Our Non-Agency CMBS and Commercial Loan investments declined in fair value by approximately $60.1 million and further losses are possible. However, during the third quarter of 2021, certain of our commercial investments benefited from improvements in the commercial mortgage markets resulting in $157.2 million in payoffs from three commercial loans, a Non-Agency CMBS bond and a risk retention bond. With our new focus of capital allocation in residential real estate-related investments, in the second half of 2021, we deployed capital
to acquire $417.8 million in Non-QM loans and in December 2021, we strategically sold three Non-Agency CMBS investments for net proceeds of $27.5 million. During the transition of the portfolio over the next 12 to 18 months we may experience negative fluctuations in earnings.
The following tables set forth certain information regarding our net interest income on our investment portfolio for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, 2021 | | Average Amortized
Cost of Assets | | Total Interest Income | | Yield on Average Assets | |
| | | | | | | |
| Investments | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Agency RMBS | | $ | 89 | | | $ | 17 | | | 19.10 | % | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | | 29,128 | | | 1,457 | | | 5.00 | % | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | | 198,214 | | | 16,409 | | | 8.28 | % | |
| Residential Whole Loans | | 917,960 | | | 35,092 | | | 3.82 | % | |
| Residential Bridge Loans | | 10,043 | | | 1,099 | | | 10.94 | % | |
| Commercial loans | | 270,982 | | | 12,537 | | | 4.63 | % | |
| Securitized commercial loans | | 1,427,347 | | | 94,349 | | | 6.61 | % | |
| Other securities | | 49,330 | | | 3,111 | | | 6.31 | % | |
| Total investments | | $ | 2,903,093 | | | $ | 164,071 | | | 5.65 | % | |
| | | | | | | |
| | Average Carrying Value | | Total Interest Expense | | Average Cost of Funds(1) | |
| Borrowings | | | | | | | |
| Repurchase agreements | | $ | 419,455 | | | $ | 14,517 | | | 3.46 | % | |
| Convertible senior unsecured notes, net | | 150,961 | | | 12,805 | | | 8.48 | % | |
| Securitized debt | | 2,078,156 | | | 109,588 | | | 5.27 | % | |
| Total borrowings | | $ | 2,648,572 | | | $ | 136,910 | | | 5.17 | % | |
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Net interest income and net interest margin(2) | | | | $ | 27,161 | | | 0.94 | % | |
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| Year ended December 31, 2020 | | Average Amortized
Cost of Assets | | Total Interest Income | | Yield on Average Assets | |
| | | | | | | |
| Investments | | | | | | | |
| Agency CMBS | | $ | 342,673 | | | $ | 10,700 | | | 3.12 | % | |
| Agency RMBS | | 58,491 | | | 1,988 | | | 3.40 | % | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | | 32,905 | | | 1,539 | | | 4.68 | % | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | | 262,372 | | | 21,798 | | | 8.31 | % | |
| Residential Whole Loans | | 1,223,043 | | | 54,359 | | | 4.44 | % | |
| Residential Bridge Loans | | 26,354 | | | 1,756 | | | 6.66 | % | |
| Commercial loans | | 337,485 | | | 23,194 | | | 6.87 | % | |
| Securitized commercial loans | | 1,093,487 | | | 59,212 | | | 5.41 | % | |
| Other securities | | 53,753 | | | 3,482 | | | 6.48 | % | |
| Total investments | | $ | 3,430,563 | | | $ | 178,028 | | | 5.19 | % | |
| | | | | | | |
| | Average Carrying Value | | Total Interest Expense | | Average Cost of Funds(1) | |
| Borrowings | | | | | | | |
| Repurchase agreements | | $ | 1,108,838 | | | $ | 35,243 | | | 3.18 | % | |
| Convertible senior unsecured notes, net | | 193,516 | | | 16,252 | | | 8.40 | % | |
| Securitized debt | | 1,864,964 | | | 81,096 | | | 4.35 | % | |
| Total borrowings | | $ | 3,167,318 | | | $ | 132,591 | | | 4.19 | % | |
| | | | | | | |
Net interest income and net interest margin(2) | | | | $ | 45,437 | | | 1.32 | % | |
(1) Average cost of funds does not include the interest expense related to our derivatives. In accordance with GAAP, such costs are included in "Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2) Since we do not apply hedge accounting, our net interest margin is this table does not reflect the benefit / cost of our interest rate swaps. See Non-GAAP Financial Measure section for net investment income table that includes the benefit / cost from our interest rate swaps.
Interest Income
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we earned interest income on our investments of approximately $164.1 million and $178.0 million, respectively. The decrease of approximately $14.0 million was mainly due to a smaller investment portfolio from 2021 payoffs of $406.7 million and $157.2 million in our Residential Whole Loans and commercial investments, respectively, and our $90.0 million commercial mezzanine loan becoming non-performing in May 2021. The consolidation of CSMC USA as of August 1, 2020 and the 2021 acquisition, in the latter part of 2021, of $427.8 million, in Non-QM loans partially offset the decline in interest income.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased by $4.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to December 31, 2020, mainly a result of the consolidation of CSMC USA, which increased interest expense by $48.2 million. However, interest expense on our recourse leverage declined by $24.2 million from lower average borrowings attributable to a smaller investment portfolio, improved terms on our amended residential and securities financing facilities, and the repurchases of our 2022 Notes. Also, in 2021 interest expense declined by $17.9 million related to our securitized debt from the payoff of RETL 2019 Trust and paydown in our residential mortgage-backed debt (Arroyo Trust 2019 and Arroyo Trust 2020).
Other income (loss), net
Realized gain (loss), net
Realized gain (loss) represents the net gain (loss) on sales or settlements from our investment portfolio and debt. In December 2021, as part of our new investment focus on residential real estate-related investments we strategically sold three Non-Agency CMBS investments for net proceeds of $27.5 million, realizing a loss of $1.1 million. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, to improve liquidity, reduce our repurchase agreement borrowing and satisfy our margin calls, we sold $2.4 billion in investments mainly in March and April 2020. These sales generated $84.3 million in net realized gains.
The following table presents the realized gains (losses) for each of the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2021 | | Year ended December 31, 2020 |
| | Proceeds | | Gross Gains | | Gross Losses | | Net Gain (Loss) | | Proceeds | | Gross Gains | | Gross Losses | | Net Gain (Loss) |
| Agency CMBS | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,668,149 | | | $ | 116,463 | | | $ | (6,486) | | | $ | 109,977 | |
| Agency RMBS | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 400,948 | | | 12,552 | | | (506) | | | 12,046 | |
Non-Agency RMBS(1) | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 12,658 | | | — | | | (60) | | | (60) | |
Non-Agency CMBS(4) | 27,488 | | | — | | | (9,266) | | | (9,266) | | | 111,804 | | | 1 | | | (23,624) | | | (23,623) | |
| Other securities | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 35,957 | | | 113 | | | (6,223) | | | (6,110) | |
| Residential Whole-Loans | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 144,259 | | | — | | | (10,511) | | | (10,511) | |
Residential Bridge Loans(1) | — | | | 20 | | | (205) | | | (185) | | | — | | | 8 | | | (404) | | | (396) | |
Loans transferred to REO(2) | 752 | | | 15 | | | (36) | | | (21) | | | 419 | | | 126 | | | (32) | | | 94 | |
| Disposition of REO | 738 | | | 54 | | | — | | | 54 | | | 1,892 | | | 18 | | | (808) | | | (790) | |
Convertible senior unsecured notes (3) | (136,754) | | | 405 | | | (1,914) | | | (1,509) | | | (21,975) | | | 3,644 | | | — | | | 3,644 | |
| Total | $ | (107,776) | | | $ | 494 | | | $ | (11,421) | | | $ | (10,927) | | | $ | 2,354,111 | | | $ | 132,925 | | | $ | (48,654) | | | $ | 84,271 | |
(1)Realized gains/losses recognized on the final settlement of the loans.
(2)Realized gains/losses recognized on the transfer of Residential Bridge Loans to REO. Proceeds represent the fair value less estimated selling costs of the real estate on the date of transfer.
(3)Realized gains/losses recognized on the extinguishment of the 2022 Notes. See Note 7 - Financings for details.
(4)Realized losses of $8.2 million were recognized on the permanent write down of Non-Agency CMBS investments for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Unrealized gain (loss), net
Our investments, and securitized debt, for which we have elected the fair value option are recorded at fair value with the periodic changes in fair value being recorded in earnings. The change in unrealized gain (loss) is directly attributable to changes in market pricing on the underlying investments and securitized debt during the period.
We recognized an unrealized loss of $46.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 , mainly driven by the non-performing CRE 3 junior mezzanine loan and our Non-Agency CMBS investments. During the the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 the fair value of the commercial mezzanine loan declined significantly, and we recognized an unrealized loss of $51.2 million. Generally, we saw a recovery in asset prices across our residential investments.
We recognized an unrealized loss of $221.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, driven by the extreme lack of liquidity in mortgage markets combined with forced selling which led to swift and dramatic price declines in the first quarter of 2020. While we saw some price recovery of certain investments in the second quarter of 2020, the rally was not sufficient to significantly reduce the substantial unrealized loss from the dramatic price declines in the first quarter of 2020.
The following table presents the net unrealized gains (losses) we recorded on our investments and securitized debt (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2021 | | Year ended December 31, 2020 |
| Agency CMBS | $ | — | | | $ | (61,033) | |
| Agency RMBS | — | | | (9,131) | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | 3,543 | | | (5,812) | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | (13,322) | | | (50,841) | |
| Residential Whole Loans | 2,850 | | | (22,891) | |
| Residential Bridge Loans | 928 | | | (497) | |
| Commercial loans | (46,813) | | | (15,281) | |
| Securitized commercial loans | 79,972 | | | (58,421) | |
| Other securities | 4,468 | | | (6,938) | |
| Securitized debt | (78,017) | | | 9,458 | |
| | | |
| Total | $ | (46,391) | | | $ | (221,387) | |
Gain (loss) on derivatives, net
As of December 31, 2021, we had interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $22.0 million. Our hedging strategy is designed to mitigate our exposure to interest rate volatility.
In March 2020, we effectively terminated all of our fixed-pay interest rate swaps and variable-pay interest rate swaps to reduce hedging costs and associated margin volatility. The effects of the termination is reflected in the table below for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The following table presents the components of gain (loss) on derivatives for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Realized Gain (Loss), net | | | | | | | | |
| Description | | Other Settlements / Expirations | | Variation Margin Settlement | | Mark-to-market | | Return
(Recovery)
of Basis | | Contractual interest
income(expense), net(1) | | Total |
| Year ended December 31, 2021 | | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest rate swaps | | $ | — | | | $ | 490 | | | $ | (38) | | | $ | — | | | $ | 109 | | | $ | 561 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Agency and Non-Agency Interest-Only Strips - accounted for as derivatives | | — | | | — | | | (206) | | | (300) | | | 394 | | | (112) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Credit default swaps | | 64 | | | — | | | 36 | | | — | | | — | | | 100 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total | | $ | 64 | | | $ | 490 | | | $ | (208) | | | $ | (300) | | | $ | 503 | | | $ | 549 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, 2020 | | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest rate swaps | | $ | (262) | | | $ | (179,759) | | | $ | (2,515) | | | $ | 262 | | | $ | (1,395) | | | $ | (183,669) | |
| Interest rate swaptions | | 80 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 80 | |
| Agency and Non-Agency Interest-Only Strips - accounted for as derivatives | | (940) | | | — | | | (532) | | | (1,096) | | | 1,324 | | | (1,244) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Credit default swaps | | (9,534) | | | — | | | (1,834) | | | — | | | — | | | (11,368) | |
| TBAs | | (2,430) | | | — | | | 928 | | | — | | | — | | | (1,502) | |
| Total | | $ | (13,086) | | | $ | (179,759) | | | $ | (3,953) | | | $ | (834) | | | $ | (71) | | | $ | (197,703) | |
(1)Contractual interest income (expense), net on derivative instruments includes interest settlement paid or received.
Other, net
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, "Other, net" consisted of income of $490 thousand and income of $339 thousand, respectively. The balance is mainly comprised of interest on cash balances, miscellaneous net interest income (expense) on cash collateral for our repurchase agreements and derivatives and miscellaneous fees collected on residential mortgage loans.
Expenses
Management Fee Expense
We incurred management fee expense of approximately $5.9 million and $4.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement, our Manager is paid a management fee equal to 1.5% per annum of our stockholders’ equity (as defined in the Management Agreement), calculated and payable (in cash) quarterly in arrears. The increase was mainly attributable to our Manager's waiver of the management fee from March 2020 to May 2020 to help address the impact of COVID-19 and the disruption in the mortgage markets. Future waivers are at the Manager's discretion.
The management fees, expense reimbursements and the relationship between our Manager and us are discussed further in Note 10, “Related Party Transactions” to the consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Financing Fee
In the second quarter of 2020, in order to manage the severe market conditions and the resulting large margin demands from lenders and pressure on our liquidity, we entered into a longer term financing arrangement for our Residential Whole Loans, as we sought to reduce our exposure to short-term financings with daily mark to market exposure. Under this agreement, we were required to pay the counterparty a 30% premium recapture fee of all realized value on any Residential Whole Loans above such counterparty’s amortized basis upon the securitization or sale.
On June 29, 2020, we securitized approximately $355.8 million of the Residential Whole Loans and paid down the facility by approximately $339.4 million (see "Securitized Debt" below for additional details). As noted above, as part of the financing arrangements, we agreed to pay the lender a fee of 30% of all realized value on the Residential Whole Loans above the counterparty's amortized basis upon securitization or sale. As a result of refinancing the Residential Whole Loans through a securitization, we accrued a premium recapture fee of approximately $20.5 million, which was payable at the maturity of the facility. However, in connection with an amendment to this facility effective October 6, 2020, we paid $12.0 million of the fee with the balance of $8.5 million paid on November 5, 2021 when the facility was further amended and extended to November 2022. The amendment also eliminated the premium recapture fee for assets financed under the amended facility.
Other Operating Expenses
We incurred other operating expenses of approximately $4.7 million and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Other operating cost is comprised of derivative transaction costs, custody, acquisition transaction costs and asset management/loan servicing fees. The increase was primarily a result of transaction, real estate and insurance costs recorded in the consolidated SPE that holds the foreclosed hotel REO. The increase was partially offset by an overall decrease in derivative transaction costs, acquisition transaction costs and asset management/loan servicing fees.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were $10.0 million and $11.0 million, respectively. The decrease was mainly attributable to a decrease in the cost of our director and officer insurance.
Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2020 to the year ended December 31, 2019
General
Our results of operations were adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which created unprecedented market disruption and dislocation. During the first quarter of 2020, the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic created an extreme lack of liquidity in mortgage markets and when combined with forced selling led to swift and dramatic price declines. The significant decline in value of our investment portfolio resulted in substantial margin calls from our repurchase agreement counterparties. In order to satisfy the margin calls, we sold a significant portion of our investments. We also terminated our interest rate hedges because they were ineffective in the low interest rate environment and it further reduced margin call volatility. During the second half of 2020, our portfolio experienced improved valuations and earnings, and we did not have significant asset sales or margin calls during the quarter.
Due to the significant amount of investment sales, resulting from the market volatility created by the COVID-19 pandemic, our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are not comparable.
During the second half of 2020, we continued to make progress towards strengthening our balance sheet, improving liquidity, shareholders equity and the earnings power of the portfolio. For the year ended December 31, 2020, we generated a net loss of $328.3 million or $5.72 per basic and diluted weighted common share, compared to net income of $70.7 million or $1.37 per basic and diluted weighted common share for the year ended December 31, 2019. Our results of operations, for the second half of 2020, was positively impacted by improved valuations on our investment portfolio, specifically our Residential Whole Loan Investments. Our credit sensitive portfolio continued to perform in line with our expectations.
The following tables set forth certain information regarding our net interest income on our investment portfolio for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, 2020 | | Average Amortized Cost of Assets | | Total Interest Income | | Yield on Average Assets | |
| | | | | | | |
| Investments | | | | | | | |
| Agency CMBS | | $ | 342,673 | | | $ | 10,700 | | | 3.12 | % | |
| Agency RMBS | | 58,491 | | | 1,988 | | | 3.40 | % | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | | 32,905 | | | 1,539 | | | 4.68 | % | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | | 262,372 | | | 21,798 | | | 8.31 | % | |
| Residential Whole Loans | | 1,223,043 | | | 54,359 | | | 4.44 | % | |
| Residential Bridge Loans | | 26,354 | | | 1,756 | | | 6.66 | % | |
| Commercial loans | | 337,485 | | | 23,194 | | | 6.87 | % | |
| Securitized commercial loans | | 1,093,487 | | | 59,212 | | | 5.41 | % | |
| Other securities | | 53,753 | | | 3,482 | | | 6.48 | % | |
| Total | | $ | 3,430,563 | | | $ | 178,028 | | | 5.19 | % | |
| | | | | | | |
| | Average Carrying Value | | Total Interest Expense | | Average Cost of Funds(1) | |
| Borrowings | | | | | | | |
| Repurchase agreements | | $ | 1,108,838 | | | $ | 35,243 | | | 3.18 | % | |
| Convertible senior unsecured notes, net | | 193,516 | | | 16,252 | | | 8.40 | % | |
| Securitized debt | | 1,864,964 | | | 81,096 | | | 4.35 | % | |
| Total borrowings | | $ | 3,167,318 | | | $ | 132,591 | | | 4.19 | % | |
| | | | | | | |
Net interest income and net interest margin(2) | | | | $ | 45,437 | | | 1.32 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, 2019 | | Average Amortized Cost of Assets | | Total Interest Income | | Yield on Average Assets | |
| | | | | | | |
| Investments | | | | | | | |
| Agency CMBS | | $ | 1,517,394 | | | $ | 48,959 | | | 3.23 | % | |
| Agency RMBS | | 268,554 | | | 9,128 | | | 3.40 | % | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | | 47,982 | | | 2,468 | | | 5.14 | % | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | | 226,072 | | | 18,195 | | | 8.05 | % | |
| Residential Whole Loans | | 1,196,675 | | | 57,234 | | | 4.78 | % | |
| Residential Bridge Loans | | 115,199 | | | 8,109 | | | 7.04 | % | |
| Commercial Whole-Loans | | 348,884 | | | 28,556 | | | 8.18 | % | |
| Securitized commercial loan | | 830,311 | | | 39,454 | | | 4.75 | % | |
| Other securities | | 69,894 | | | 5,161 | | | 7.38 | % | |
| Total | | $ | 4,620,965 | | | $ | 217,264 | | | 4.70 | % | |
| | | | | | | |
| | Average Carrying Value | | Total Interest Expense | | Average Cost of Funds(1) | |
| Borrowings | | | | | | | |
| Repurchase agreements | | $ | 2,888,151 | | | $ | 90,802 | | | 3.14 | % | |
| Convertible senior unsecured notes, net | | 130,457 | | | 10,556 | | | 8.09 | % | |
| Securitized debt | | 1,305,158 | | | 48,916 | | | 3.75 | % | |
| Total borrowings | | $ | 4,323,766 | | | $ | 150,274 | | | 3.48 | % | |
| | | | | | | |
Net interest income and net interest margin(2) | | | | $ | 66,990 | | | 1.45 | % | |
(1) Average cost of funds does not include the interest expense related to our derivatives. In accordance with GAAP, such costs are included in "Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2) Since we do not apply hedge accounting, our net interest margin is this table does not reflect the benefit / cost of our interest rate swaps. See Non-GAAP Financial Measure section for net investment income table that includes the benefit / cost from our interest rate swaps.
Interest Income
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we earned interest income on our investments of approximately $178.0 million and $217.3 million, respectively. The decrease in interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 was driven by the sales of a significant portion of our investment portfolio to meet margin calls. We sold $2.0 billion of investments, mainly in March and April 2020. The majority of the impact of these sales were reflected in interest income in starting in the second of 2020. Our portfolio experienced improved valuations and we did not have significant asset sales in the second half of the year.
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased from $150.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $132.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease was a result of the significant reduction in leverage associated with the sale of $2.4 billion of investments, mainly in March and April 2020. During the second quarter of 2020, we entered into two new financing facilities to limit our exposure to short-term mark to market financings. Also, we completed a securitization of approximately $355.8 million of our Residential Whole Loans, reducing our recourse leverage by $339.4 million or 46.0%.
Other income (loss)
Realized gain (loss) on investments, net
Realized gain (loss) on investments represents the net gain (loss) on sales or settlements from our investment portfolio. To improve liquidity, reduce our repurchase agreement borrowing and satisfy our margin calls, we sold $2.4 billion in investments mainly in March and April 2020. These sales generated $80.6 million in net realized gains. Our portfolio experienced improved valuations and we did not have significant asset sales during the third quarter.
The following table presents the sales and realized gains (loss) of our investments for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2020 | | Year ended December 31, 2019 |
| | Proceeds | | Gross Gains | | Gross Losses | | Net Gain (Loss) | | Proceeds | | Gross Gains | | Gross Losses | | Net Gain (Loss) |
| Agency CMBS | $ | 1,668,149 | | | $ | 116,463 | | | $ | (6,486) | | | $ | 109,977 | | | $ | 891,072 | | | $ | 32,793 | | | $ | (4,190) | | | $ | 28,603 | |
| Agency RMBS | 400,948 | | | 12,552 | | | (506) | | | 12,046 | | | 205,310 | | | 1,559 | | | — | | | 1,559 | |
Non-Agency RMBS(1) | 12,658 | | | — | | | (60) | | | (60) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | 111,804 | | | 1 | | | (23,624) | | | (23,623) | | | 40,235 | | | 317 | | | (1,624) | | | (1,307) | |
| Other securities | 35,957 | | | 113 | | | (6,223) | | | (6,110) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Residential Whole Loans | 144,259 | | | — | | | (10,511) | | | (10,511) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Residential Bridge Loans (1) | — | | | 8 | | | (404) | | | (396) | | | — | | | 232 | | | (762) | | | (530) | |
Loans transferred to REO(2) | 419 | | | 126 | | | (32) | | | 94 | | | 5,029 | | | 516 | | | (473) | | | 43 | |
| Disposition of REO | 1,892 | | | 18 | | | (808) | | | (790) | | | 1,761 | | | 38 | | | (128) | | | (90) | |
| Total | $ | 2,376,086 | | | $ | 129,281 | | | $ | (48,654) | | | $ | 80,627 | | | $ | 1,143,407 | | | $ | 35,455 | | | $ | (7,177) | | | $ | 28,278 | |
(1)Realized gains/losses recognized on the final settlement of the loans.
(2)Realized gains/losses recognized on the transfer of Residential Bridge Loans to REO. Proceeds represent the fair value less estimated selling costs of the real estate on the date of transfer.
Unrealized gain (loss), net
Our investments, and securitized debt, for which we have elected the fair value option are recorded at fair value with the periodic changes in fair value being recorded in earnings. The change in unrealized gain (loss) is directly attributable to changes in market pricing on the underlying investments and securitized debt during the period. The extreme lack of liquidity in mortgage markets combined with forced selling led to swift and dramatic price declines in the first quarter of 2020. While we did not see price recovery on our investments in the second, third, and fourth quarters, there was still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the opening and recovery of the economy. Therefore, the recovery experienced was not sufficient to significantly reduce the substantial unrealized loss from the dramatic price declines.
The following table presents the net unrealized gains (losses) we recorded on our investment and securitized debt (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2020 | | Year ended December 31, 2019 |
| Agency CMBS | $ | (61,033) | | | $ | 78,544 | |
| Agency RMBS | (9,131) | | | 8,510 | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | (5,812) | | | (230) | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | (50,841) | | | (890) | |
| Residential Whole Loans | (22,891) | | | 20,790 | |
| Residential Bridge Loans | (497) | | | 501 | |
| Commercial loans | (15,281) | | | (121) | |
| Securitized commercial loans | (58,421) | | | (1,070) | |
| Other securities | (6,938) | | | 1,564 | |
| Securitized debt | 9,458 | | | (294) | |
| Other liabilities | — | | | 225 | |
| Total | $ | (221,387) | | | $ | 107,529 | |
Gain (loss) on derivatives, net
In March 2020, we effectively terminated all of our fixed-pay interest rate swaps and variable-pay interest rate swaps to reduce hedging costs and associated margin volatility. The effects of the terminations are reflected in the table below for the December 31, 2020.
The following table presents the components of gain (loss) on derivatives for the year ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Realized Gain (Loss), net | | | | | | | | |
| Description | | Other Settlements / Expirations | | Variation Margin Settlement | | Mark-to-market | | Return
(Recovery)
of Basis | | Contractual interest
income(expense), net(1) | | Total |
| Year ended December 31, 2020 | | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest rate swaps | | $ | (262) | | | $ | (179,759) | | | $ | (2,515) | | | $ | 262 | | | $ | (1,395) | | | $ | (183,669) | |
| Interest rate swaptions | | 80 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 80 | |
| Agency and Non-Agency Interest-Only Strips - accounted for as derivatives | | (940) | | | — | | | (532) | | | (1,096) | | | 1,324 | | | (1,244) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Credit default swaps | | (9,534) | | | — | | | (1,834) | | | — | | | — | | | (11,368) | |
| TBAs | | (2,430) | | | — | | | 928 | | | — | | | — | | | (1,502) | |
| Total | | $ | (13,086) | | | $ | (179,759) | | | $ | (3,953) | | | $ | (834) | | | $ | (71) | | | $ | (197,703) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, 2019 | | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest rate swaps | | $ | (4,978) | | | $ | (108,169) | | | $ | 5,140 | | | $ | 5,769 | | | $ | 3,732 | | | $ | (98,506) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Agency and Non-Agency Interest-Only Strips - accounted for as derivatives | | — | | | — | | | (508) | | | (2,688) | | | 3,277 | | | 81 | |
| Options | | 1,378 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,378 | |
| Futures contracts | | (12,862) | | | — | | | 4,657 | | | — | | | — | | | (8,205) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Credit default swaps
| | (178) | | | — | | | 1,029 | | | — | | | — | | | 851 | |
| TBAs | | 1,934 | | | — | | | (928) | | | — | | | — | | | 1,006 | |
| Total | | $ | (15,038) | | | $ | (108,169) | | | $ | 9,390 | | | $ | 3,081 | | | $ | 7,009 | | | $ | (103,727) | |
(1)Contractual interest income (expense), net on derivative instruments includes interest settlement paid or received.
Other, net
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, "Other, net" consisted of income of $339 thousand and income of $2.2 million, respectively. The balance is mainly comprised of interest on cash balances, miscellaneous net interest income (expense) on cash collateral for our repurchase agreements and derivatives and miscellaneous fees collected on residential mortgage loans.
Expenses
Management Fee Expense
We incurred management fee expense of approximately $4.5 million and $7.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement, our Manager is paid a management fee equal to 1.5% per annum of our stockholders’ equity (as defined in the Management Agreement), calculated and payable (in cash) quarterly in arrears. The decrease was mainly attributable to our Manager's waiver of the management fee from March 2020 to May 2020 to help address the impact of COVID-19 and the disruption in the mortgage markets. Future waivers, if any, are at the Manager's discretion. Also, the termination of our interest rate swaps in March 2020 resulted in realized losses that reduced stockholders' equity that is used to calculate the management fee.
The management fees, expense reimbursements and the relationship between our Manager and us are discussed further in Note 10, “Related Party Transactions”
Financing Fee
In the second quarter of 2020 in order to manage the severe market conditions and the resulting large margin demands from lenders and pressure on our liquidity, we entered into a longer term financing arrangement for our Residential Whole Loans, as we sought to reduce our exposure to short-term financings with daily mark to market exposure. Under this agreement,
we were required to pay the counterparty a 30% premium recapture fee of all realized value on any Residential Whole Loans above such counterparty’s amortized basis upon the securitization or sale.
On June 29, 2020, we securitized approximately $355.8 million of the Residential Whole Loans and paid down the facility by approximately $339.4 million (see "Securitized Debt" below for additional details). As noted above, as part of the financing arrangements, we agreed to pay the lender a fee of 30% of all realized value on the Residential Whole Loans above the counterparty's amortized basis upon securitization or sale. As a result of refinancing the Residential Whole Loans through a securitization, we accrued a premium recapture fee of approximately $20.5 million, which was payable at the maturity of the facility. However, in connection with an amendment to this facility effective October 6, 2020, we paid $12.0 million of the fee with the balance of $8.5 million due on the maturity of the amended facility on November 5, 2021. The amendment also eliminated the premium recapture fee for assets financed under the amended facility.
Other Operating Expenses
We incurred other operating expenses of approximately $2.9 million and $5.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Other operating cost is comprised of derivative transaction costs, custody, and asset management/loan servicing fees. The decrease was primarily a result of a smaller bridge loan portfolio, which were acquired servicing released, thereby decreasing the associated third party asset management/loan servicing fees. In addition we incurred lower acquisition transaction costs, due to no investment acquisitions in the second, third and fourth quarters and lower derivative commissions and fees due to no new derivative transactions since we terminated our interest rate swaps in March 2020.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were $11.0 million and $8.1 million, respectively. The increase was mainly attributable to an increase in the cost of our director and officer insurance and additional legal fees incurred.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We believe that our non-GAAP measures (described below), when considered with GAAP, provide supplemental information useful to investors in evaluating the results of our operations. Our presentations of such non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies, who may use different calculations. As a result, such non-GAAP measures should not be considered as substitutes for our GAAP net income, as measures of our financial performance or any measure of our liquidity under GAAP.
Distributable Earnings (formerly referred to as Core Earnings) is a Non-GAAP financial measure that is used by us to approximate cash yield or income associated with our portfolio and is defined as GAAP net income (loss) as adjusted, excluding: (i) net realized gain (loss) on investments and termination of derivative contracts; (ii) net unrealized gain (loss) on investments and debt; (iii) net unrealized gain (loss) resulting from mark-to-market adjustments on derivative contracts; (iv) other than temporary impairment; (v) provision for income taxes; (vi) non-cash stock-based compensation expense; (vii) non-cash amortization of the convertible senior unsecured notes discount; (viii) one-time charges such as acquisition costs and impairment on loans and (ix) one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP and certain other non-cash charges after discussions between us, our Manager and our independent directors and after approval by a majority of our independent directors.
We utilize Distributable Earnings as a key metric to evaluate the effective yield of the portfolio. Distributable Earnings allows us to reflect the net investment income of our portfolio as adjusted to reflect the net interest rate swap interest expense. Distributable Earnings allows us to isolate the interest expense associated with our interest rate swaps in order to monitor and project our borrowing costs and interest rate spread. It is one metric of several used in determining the appropriate distributions to our shareholders.
Due to the significant amount of investment sales, resulting from the market volatility created by the COVID-19 pandemic, our Distributable Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are not comparable.
The table below reconciles Net Income to Distributable Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
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| (dollars in thousands) | | Year ended December 31, 2021 | | Year ended December 31, 2020 | | Year ended December 31, 2019 |
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders and participating securities | | $ | (48,953) | | | $ | (328,354) | | | $ | 70,699 | |
| Income tax provision | | 99 | | | 396 | | | 1,057 | |
| Net income (loss) before income taxes | | (48,854) | | | (327,958) | | | 71,756 | |
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| Adjustments: | | | | | | |
| Investments: | | | | | | |
| Unrealized (gain) loss on investments, securitized debt and other liabilities | | 46,391 | | | 221,387 | | | (107,529) | |
| Other than temporary impairment | | — | | | — | | | 8,574 | |
| Realized (gain) loss on investments | | 9,418 | | | (80,627) | | | (28,278) | |
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| One-time transaction costs | | 2,415 | | | 21,232 | | | 1,084 | |
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| Derivative Instruments: | | | | | | |
| Net realized (gain) loss on derivatives | | (490) | | | 193,155 | | | 123,569 | |
| Net unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives | | 208 | | | 3,953 | | | (9,390) | |
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| Other: | | | | | | |
| Realized (gain) loss on extinguishment of convertible senior unsecured notes | | 1,509 | | | (3,644) | | | — | |
| Amortization of discount on convertible senior unsecured notes | | 944 | | | 1,097 | | | 718 | |
| Other non-cash adjustments | | 977 | | | 3,304 | | | — | |
| Non-cash stock-based compensation expense | | 618 | | | 699 | | | 564 | |
| Total adjustments | | 61,990 | | | 360,556 | | | (10,688) | |
| Distributable Earnings | | $ | 13,136 | | | $ | 32,598 | | | $ | 61,068 | |
Alternatively, our Distributable Earnings can also be derived as presented in the table below by starting with Adjusted net interest income, which includes interest income on Interest-Only Strips accounted for as derivatives and other derivatives, and net interest expense incurred on interest rate swaps and foreign currency swaps and forwards (a Non-GAAP financial measure) subtracting Total expenses, adding Non-cash stock based compensation, adding one-time transaction costs, adding amortization of discount on convertible senior notes, and adding interest income on cash balances and other income (loss), net:
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| (dollars in thousands) | Year ended December 31, 2021 | | Year ended December 31, 2020 | | Year ended December 31, 2019 |
| Net interest income | $ | 27,161 | | | $ | 45,437 | | | $ | 66,990 | |
| Interest income from IOs and IIOs accounted for as derivatives | 94 | | | 228 | | | 589 | |
| Net interest income (expense) from interest rate swaps | 109 | | | (1,133) | | | 9,501 | |
| Adjusted net interest income | 27,364 | | | 44,532 | | | 77,080 | |
| Total expenses | (20,648) | | | (38,907) | | | (20,944) | |
| Other non-cash adjustments | 977 | | | 3,304 | | | — | |
| Non-cash stock-based compensation | 618 | | | 699 | | | 564 | |
| One-time transaction costs | 2,415 | | | 21,232 | | | 1,084 | |
| Amortization of discount on convertible unsecured senior notes | 944 | | | 1,097 | | | 718 | |
| Interest income on cash balances and other income (loss), net | 554 | | | 649 | | | 2,566 | |
| Income attributable to non-controlling interest | 912 | | | (8) | | | — | |
| Distributable Earnings | $ | 13,136 | | | $ | 32,598 | | | $ | 61,068 | |
Reconciliation of GAAP Book Value to Non-GAAP Economic Book Value
"Economic Book Value" is a non-GAAP financial measure of our financial position on an unconsolidated basis. We own certain securities that represent a controlling variable interest, which under GAAP requires consolidation; however, our economic exposure to these variable interests is limited to the fair value of the individual investments. Economic book value is calculated by taking the GAAP Book Value and 1) adding the fair value of the retained interest or acquired security of the VIEs held by us and 2) removing the asset and liabilities associated with each of consolidated trusts (CSMC USA, Arroyo 2019-2 and Arroyo 2020-1). Management considers that Economic Book Value provides investors with a useful supplemental measure to evaluate our financial position as it reflects the actual financial interest of these investments irrespective of the variable interest consolidation model applied for GAAP reporting purposes. Economic Book Value does not represent and should not be considered as a substitute for Stockholders' Equity, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and our calculation of this measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
The table below is a reconciliation of the GAAP Book Value to Non-GAAP Economic Book Value (dollars in thousands - except per share data):
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| | $ Amount | | Per Share | | |
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| GAAP Book Value at December 31, 2021 | | $ | 193,109 | | 193109000 | $ | 3.20 | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Adjustments to deconsolidate VIEs and reflect our interest in the securities owned | | |
| Deconsolidation of VIEs assets | | (1,950,851) | | | (32.31) | | | |
| Deconsolidation of VIEs liabilities | | 1,869,987 | | | 30.97 | | | |
| Interest in securities of VIEs owned, at fair value | | 70,461 | | | 1.17 | | | |
| Economic Book Value at December 31, 2021 | | $ | 182,706 | | | $ | 3.03 | | | |
Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin
The following tables set forth certain information regarding our Non-GAAP net investment income and net interest margin which includes interest income on Agency and Non-Agency Interest-Only Strips classified as derivatives and excludes the interest expense for third-party consolidated VIEs for the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
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| Year ended December 31, 2021 | | Average Amortized Cost of Assets(1) | | Total Interest Income(2) | | Yield on Average Assets |
| | | | | | |
| Investments | | | | | | |
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| Agency RMBS | | $ | 1,353 | | | $ | 111 | | | 8.20 | % |
| Non-Agency RMBS | | 29,128 | | | 1,457 | | | 5.00 | % |
| Non-Agency CMBS | | 198,214 | | | 16,409 | | | 8.28 | % |
| Residential Whole Loans | | 917,960 | | | 35,092 | | | 3.82 | % |
| Residential Bridge Loans | | 10,043 | | | 1,099 | | | 10.94 | % |
| Commercial loans | | 270,982 | | | 12,537 | | | 4.63 | % |
| Securitized commercial loans | | 1,427,347 | | | 94,349 | | | 6.61 | % |
| Other securities | | 49,330 | | | 3,111 | | | 6.31 | % |
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| Total investments | | $ | 2,904,357 | | | $ | 164,165 | | | 5.65 | % |
| Adjustments: | | | | | | |
| Securitized commercial loans from consolidated VIEs | | (1,427,347) | | | (94,349) | | | 6.61 | % |
| Investments in consolidated VIEs eliminated in consolidation | | 45,647 | | | 3,649 | | | 7.99 | % |
| Adjusted total investments | | $ | 1,522,657 | | | $ | 73,465 | | | 4.82 | % |
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| | Average Carrying Value | | Total Interest Expense(3) | | Average Effective Cost of Funds |
| Borrowings | | | | | | |
| Repurchase agreements | | $ | 419,455 | | | $ | 14,517 | | | 3.46 | % |
| Convertible senior unsecured notes, net | | 150,961 | | | 12,805 | | | 8.48 | % |
| Securitized debt, net | | 2,078,156 | | | 109,588 | | | 5.27 | % |
| Interest rate swaps | | — | | | (109) | | | — | % |
| Total borrowings | | $ | 2,648,572 | | | $ | 136,801 | | | 5.17 | % |
| Adjustments: | | | | | | |
Securitized debt from consolidated VIEs(4) | | $ | (1,389,308) | | | $ | (87,635) | | | 6.31 | % |
| Adjusted total borrowings | | $ | 1,259,264 | | | $ | 49,166 | | | 3.90 | % |
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| Adjusted net interest income and net interest margin | | | | $ | 24,299 | | | 1.60 | % |
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| Year ended December 31, 2020 | | Average Amortized Cost of Assets(1) | | Total Interest Income(2) | | Yield on Average Assets |
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| Investments | | | | | | |
| Agency CMBS | | $ | 343,711 | | | $ | 10,751 | | | 3.13 | % |
| Agency RMBS | | 61,008 | | | 2,165 | | | 3.55 | % |
| Non-Agency RMBS | | 32,905 | | | 1,539 | | | 4.68 | % |
| Non-Agency CMBS | | 262,372 | | | 21,798 | | | 8.31 | % |
| Residential Whole Loans | | 1,223,043 | | | 54,359 | | | 4.44 | % |
| Residential Bridge Loans | | 26,354 | | | 1,756 | | | 6.66 | % |
| Commercial loans | | 337,485 | | | 23,194 | | | 6.87 | % |
| Securitized commercial loans | | 1,093,487 | | | 59,212 | | | 5.41 | % |
| Other securities | | 53,753 | | | 3,482 | | | 6.48 | % |
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| Total investments | | $ | 3,434,118 | | | $ | 178,256 | | | 5.19 | % |
| Adjustments: | | | | | | |
| Securitized commercial loan from consolidated VIEs | | (1,093,487) | | | (59,212) | | | 5.41 | % |
| Investments in consolidated VIE eliminated in consolidation | | 93,688 | | | 8,655 | | | 9.24 | % |
| Adjusted total investments | | $ | 2,434,319 | | | $ | 127,699 | | | 5.25 | % |
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| | Average Carrying Value | | Total Interest Expense(3) | | Average Effective Cost of Funds |
| Borrowings | | | | | | |
| Repurchase agreements | | $ | 1,108,838 | | | $ | 35,243 | | | 3.18 | % |
| Convertible senior unsecured notes, net | | 193,516 | | | 16,252 | | | 8.40 | % |
| Securitized debt | | 1,864,964 | | | 81,096 | | | 4.35 | % |
| Interest rate swaps | | — | | | 1,133 | | | 0.04 | % |
| Total borrowings | | $ | 3,167,318 | | | $ | 133,724 | | | 4.22 | % |
| Adjustments: | | | | | | |
Securitized debt from consolidated VIEs(4) | | $ | (986,786) | | | $ | (53,118) | | | 5.38 | % |
| Adjusted total borrowings | | $ | 2,180,532 | | | $ | 80,606 | | | 3.70 | % |
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| Adjusted net interest income and net interest margin | | | | $ | 47,093 | | | 1.93 | % |
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| Year ended December 31, 2019 | | Average Amortized Cost of Assets(1) | | Total Interest Income(2) | | Yield on Average Assets |
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| Investments | | | | | | |
| Agency CMBS | | $ | 1,521,668 | | | $ | 49,056 | | | 3.22 | % |
| Agency RMBS | | 275,054 | | | 9,620 | | | 3.50 | % |
| Non-Agency RMBS | | 47,982 | | | 2,468 | | | 5.14 | % |
| Non-Agency CMBS | | 226,072 | | | 18,195 | | | 8.05 | % |
| Residential Whole Loans | | 1,196,675 | | | 57,234 | | | 4.78 | % |
| Residential Bridge Loans | | 115,199 | | | 8,109 | | | 7.04 | % |
| Commercial loans | | 348,884 | | | 28,556 | | | 8.18 | % |
| Securitized commercial loan | | 830,311 | | | 39,454 | | | 4.75 | % |
| Other securities | | 69,894 | | | 5,161 | | | 7.38 | % |
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| Total investments | | $ | 4,631,739 | | | $ | 217,853 | | | 4.70 | % |
| Adjustments: | | | | | | |
| Securitized commercial loan from consolidated VIE | | (830,311) | | | (39,454) | | | 4.75 | % |
| Investment in consolidated VIE eliminated in consolidation | | 88,781 | | | 7,875 | | | 8.87 | % |
| Adjusted total investments | | $ | 3,890,209 | | | $ | 186,274 | | | 4.79 | % |
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| | Average Carrying Value | | Total Interest Expense(3) | | Average Effective Cost of Funds |
| Borrowings | | | | | | |
| Repurchase agreements | | $ | 2,888,150 | | | $ | 90,802 | | | 3.14 | % |
| Convertible senior unsecured notes, net | | 130,457 | | | 10,556 | | | 8.09 | % |
| Securitized debt | | 1,305,158 | | | 48,916 | | | 3.75 | % |
| Interest rate swaps | | n/a | | (9,501) | | | (0.22) | % |
| Total borrowings | | $ | 4,323,765 | | | $ | 140,773 | | | 3.26 | % |
| Adjustments: | | | | | | |
Securitized debt from consolidated VIE(4) | | $ | (729,745) | | | $ | (30,312) | | | 4.15 | % |
| Adjusted total borrowings | | $ | 3,594,020 | | | $ | 110,461 | | | 3.07 | % |
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| Adjusted net interest income and net interest margin | | | | $ | 75,813 | | | 1.95 | % |
(1)Includes Agency and Non-Agency Interest-Only Strips accounted for as derivatives.
(2)Refer to below table for components of interest income.
(3)Includes the net amount paid, including accrued amounts and premium amortization for MAC interest rate swaps during the periods included in gain/loss on derivative instruments for GAAP.
(4)Includes only the third-party sponsored securitized debt from RETL Trust, CMSC Trust, MRCD Trust and CMSC USA.
The following table reconciles total interest income to adjusted interest income, which includes interest income on Agency and Non-Agency Interest-Only Strips classified as derivatives (Non-GAAP financial measure) for the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
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| (dollars in thousands) | Year ended December 31, 2021 | | Year ended December 31, 2020 | | Year ended December 31, 2019 |
| Coupon interest income: | | | | | |
| Agency CMBS | $ | — | | | $ | 11,336 | | | $ | 51,286 | |
| Agency RMBS | 47 | | | 2,975 | | | 12,181 | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | 2,127 | | | 2,732 | | | 4,682 | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | 9,874 | | | 15,331 | | | 14,178 | |
| Residential Whole Loans | 44,867 | | | 59,698 | | | 61,024 | |
| Residential Bridge Loans | 1,121 | | | 1,815 | | | 8,846 | |
| Commercial loans | 12,390 | | | 22,832 | | | 27,332 | |
| Securitized commercial loans | 69,646 | | | 49,370 | | | 41,398 | |
| Other securities | 4,685 | | | 8,263 | | | 11,633 | |
| Subtotal coupon interest | $ | 144,757 | | | $ | 174,352 | | | $ | 232,560 | |
| Premium accretion, discount amortization and amortization of basis, net: | | | | | |
| Agency RMBS | $ | (30) | | | $ | (987) | | | $ | (3,053) | |
| Agency CMBS | — | | | (636) | | | (2,327) | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | (670) | | | (1,193) | | | (2,214) | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | 6,535 | | | 6,467 | | | 4,017 | |
| Residential Whole Loans | (9,775) | | | (5,339) | | | (3,790) | |
| Residential Bridge Loans | (22) | | | (59) | | | (737) | |
| Commercial loans | 147 | | | 362 | | | 1,224 | |
| Securitized commercial loans | 24,703 | | | 9,842 | | | (1,944) | |
| Other securities | (1,574) | | | (4,781) | | | (6,472) | |
| Subtotal accretion and amortization | $ | 19,314 | | | $ | 3,676 | | | $ | (15,296) | |
| Interest income | $ | 164,071 | | | $ | 178,028 | | | $ | 217,264 | |
Contractual interest income, net of amortization of basis on Agency and Non-Agency Interest-Only Strips, classified as derivatives(1): | | | | | |
| Coupon interest income | $ | 394 | | | $ | 1,324 | | | $ | 3,277 | |
| Amortization of basis | (300) | | | (1,096) | | | (2,688) | |
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| Subtotal | $ | 94 | | | $ | 228 | | | $ | 589 | |
| Total adjusted interest income | $ | 164,165 | | | $ | 178,256 | | | $ | 217,853 | |
(1)Reported in "Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Effective Cost of Funds includes the net interest component related to our interest rate swaps, as well as the impact of our foreign currency swaps and forwards. While we have not elected hedge accounting for these instruments, such derivative instruments are viewed by us as an economic hedge against increases in future market interest rates on our liabilities and changes in foreign currency exchange rates on our assets and liabilities and are characterized as hedges for purposes of satisfying the REIT requirements and therefore the Effective Cost of Funds reflects interest expense adjusted to include the realized gain/loss (i.e., the interest income/expense component) for all of our interest rate swaps and the impact of our foreign currency swaps and forwards.
The following table reconciles the Effective Cost of Funds (Non-GAAP financial measure) with interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
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| | Year ended December 31, 2021 | | Year ended December 31, 2020 | | Year ended December 31, 2019 |
| (dollars in thousands) | Reconciliation | | Cost of
Funds/Effective
Borrowing
Costs | | Reconciliation | | Cost of
Funds/Effective
Borrowing
Costs | | Reconciliation | | Cost of
Funds/Effective
Borrowing
Costs |
| Interest expense | $ | 136,910 | | | 5.17 | % | | $ | 132,591 | | | 4.19 | % | | $ | 150,274 | | | 3.48 | % |
| Adjustments: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest expense on Securitized debt from consolidated VIEs | (87,635) | | | (6.31) | % | | (53,118) | | | (5.38) | % | | (30,312) | | | (4.15) | % |
| Net interest (received) paid —interest rate swaps | (109) | | | — | % | | 1,133 | | | 0.04 | % | | (9,501) | | | (0.22) | % |
| Effective Borrowing Costs | $ | 49,166 | | | 3.90 | % | | $ | 80,606 | | | 3.70 | % | | $ | 110,461 | | | 3.07 | % |
| Weighted average borrowings | $ | 1,259,264 | | | | | $ | 2,180,532 | | | | | $ | 3,594,020 | | | |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
Liquidity is a measure of our ability to meet potential cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, fund and maintain our assets and operations, make distributions to our stockholders, and other general business needs. To maintain our REIT qualifications under the Internal Revenue Code, we must distribute annually at least 90% of our taxable income, excluding capital gains and, such distributions requirements limit our ability to retain earnings and increase capital for operations. Our principal sources of funds generally consist of borrowings under repurchase agreements, Residential Whole Loan securitizations , payments of principal and interest we receive on our investment portfolio, cash generated from investment sales and, to the extent such transactions are entered into, proceeds from capital market and unsecured convertible note transactions.
We will continue to closely monitor developments related to COVID-19 as they relate to our liquidity position and financial obligations. We currently believe we have sufficient liquidity and capital resources available, for at least the next 12 months, to fund our operations, meet our financial obligations, purchase our target asset, and make dividend payments to maintain our REIT qualifications. As of December 31, 2021, we had access to various sources of liquidity, including $40.2 million of cash and cash equivalents, unencumbered investments, and unused borrowing capacity in certain borrowing facilities since the amount borrowed is less than the maximum advance rate.
Sources of Liquidity
Our primary sources of liquidity are as follows:
Cash Generated from Operations
For the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $2.1 million. This was primarily attributable to the net interest income on our investments, less operating expenses, and general and administrative expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2020, net cash used in operating activities was approximately $147.6 million. This was primarily attributable to the net loss on our investments net of adjustments pertaining to the amortization/accretion of premiums and discounts and other non-cash items less operating expenses, general and administrative expenses and margin settlements on our interest rate swaps. For the year ended December 31, 2019, net cash used in operating activities was by approximately $52.2 million. This was primarily attributable to the net income we earned on our investments net of adjustments pertaining to the amortization/accretion of premiums and discounts and other non-cash items less operating expenses, general and administrative expenses and margin settlements on our interest rate swaps.
Cash Provided by and Used in Investing Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash provided by investing activities was approximately $512.7 million. The net cash provided by investing activity was primarily attributable to proceeds from payoffs in our commercial and
residential whole loans and principal payments on our investments, which was partially offset by our investment acquisitions. For the year ended December 31, 2020, net cash provided by investing activities was approximately $2.7 billion. This was primarily attributable to proceeds from sales and receipts of principal payments on our investments, which were partially offset by our investment acquisitions. For the year ended December 31, 2019, net cash used in investing activities was approximately $478.5 million. This was primarily attributable to our investment acquisitions, including a consolidated CMBS VIE investment, which was partially offset by proceeds from sales and receipts of principal payments on our investments.
Cash Provided by and Used in Financing Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash used in financing activities was approximately $582.0 million. This was primarily attributable to extinguishment of $137.3 million principal amount of the 2022 Notes, the repayments on securitized debt, and distribution of escrows related to consolidated VIEs and the payment of dividends on our common stock The proceeds from the issuance of the 2024 Notes partially offset the net cash used in financing activities. For the year ended December 31, 2020, net cash used in financing activity was approximately $2.5 billion. This was primarily attributable to net repayments of our repurchase agreement borrowings. Our net cash provided by financing activities was partially offset by dividends paid on our common stock. For the year ended December 31, 2019, net cash provided by financing activity was approximately $537.2 million. This was primarily attributable to net proceeds from financings during the year and a secondary public offering. Our net cash provided by financing activities was partially offset by dividends paid on our common stock.
Financing Facilities
Repurchase Agreements
As of December 31, 2021, we had borrowings under five of our master repurchase agreements of approximately $617.2 million. The following table presents our repurchase agreement borrowings, by type of collateral pledged, as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and the respective effective cost of funds (Non-GAAP financial measure) for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Collateral | Borrowings Outstanding | | Value of Collateral Pledged | | Weighted
Average
Interest Rate
end of
period | | Weighted Average Cost of Funds | | Weighted Average Effective Cost of Funds (Non-GAAP) (1) | | Weighted
Average
Haircut
end of
period |
| December 31, 2021 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Agency RMBS, at fair value | $ | 976 | | | $ | 1,172 | | | 1.02 | % | | 1.10 | % | | 1.10 | % | | 25.00 | % |
Non-Agency RMBS, at fair value(2) | 53,986 | | | 66,555 | | | 2.71 | % | | 3.10 | % | | 3.10 | % | | 39.29 | % |
Non-Agency CMBS, at fair value(2) | 59,802 | | | 107,624 | | | 2.14 | % | | 3.04 | % | | 3.04 | % | | 40.00 | % |
Residential Whole Loans, at fair value(3) | 397,970 | | | 453,447 | | | 2.31 | % | | 4.86 | % | | 4.86 | % | | 10.00 | % |
Residential Bridge Loans(3) | 4,368 | | | 5,207 | | | 2.61 | % | | 2.68 | % | | 2.68 | % | | 20.00 | % |
Commercial loans, at fair value(3) | 70,124 | | | 101,459 | | | 2.36 | % | | 2.62 | % | | 2.62 | % | | 29.73 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Membership interest | — | | | — | | | — | % | | 3.02 | % | | 3.02 | % | | — | % |
| Other securities, at fair value | 29,963 | | | 51,648 | | | 2.32 | % | | 2.78 | % | | 2.78 | % | | 37.05 | % |
| Interest rate swaps | n/a | | n/a | | n/a | | n/a | | (0.03) | % | | n/a |
| Total | $ | 617,189 | | | $ | 787,112 | | | 2.30 | % | | 3.46 | % | | 3.43 | % | | 19.14 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2020 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Agency CMBS, at fair value | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | — | % | | 2.21 | % | | 2.21 | % | | — | % |
| Agency RMBS, at fair value | 1,418 | | | 1,708 | | | 1.34 | % | | 2.00 | % | | 2.00 | % | | 25.00 | % |
| Non-Agency RMBS, at fair value | 14,643 | | | 25,382 | | | 5.23 | % | | 4.81 | % | | 4.81 | % | | 33.33 | % |
| Non-Agency CMBS, at fair value | 77,080 | | | 152,275 | | | 4.83 | % | | 4.10 | % | | 4.10 | % | | 40.24 | % |
Residential Whole Loans, at fair value(3) | 60,024 | | | 97,566 | | | 4.61 | % | | 4.06 | % | | 4.06 | % | | 35.30 | % |
Residential Bridge Loans(3) | 11,254 | | | 12,960 | | | 2.73 | % | | 3.32 | % | | 3.32 | % | | 20.00 | % |
Commercial loans, at fair value(3) | 159,312 | | | 310,523 | | | 2.42 | % | | 3.14 | % | | 3.14 | % | | 36.39 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Membership interest(4) | 18,844 | | | 33,690 | | | 2.90 | % | | 3.01 | % | | 3.01 | % | | 35.00 | % |
| Other securities, at fair value | 16,271 | | | 48,754 | | | 5.12 | % | | 4.12 | % | | 4.12 | % | | 36.88 | % |
| Interest rate swaps | n/a | | n/a | | n/a | | n/a | | 0.10 | % | | n/a |
| Total | $ | 358,846 | | | $ | 682,858 | | | 3.57 | % | | 3.18 | % | | 3.28 | % | | 36.21 | % |
(1)The effective cost of funds for the period presented is calculated on an annualized basis and includes interest expense for the period and net periodic interest payments on interest rate swaps, net of premium amortization on MAC swaps, of approximately $109 thousand received and $1.1 million paid for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. While interest rate swaps are not accounted for using hedge accounting, such instruments are viewed by us as an economic hedge against increases in interest rates on our liabilities and are treated as hedges for purposes of satisfying the REIT requirements. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
(2)Includes repurchase agreement borrowings on securities eliminated upon VIE consolidation.
(3)Repurchase agreement borrowings collateralized by Whole Loans, Bridge Loans and securitized commercial loans owned through trust certificates. The trust certificates are eliminated upon consolidation.
(4)The pledged amount relates to our non-controlling membership interest in our wholly owned subsidiary, WMC RETL LLC, which was financed under a repurchase agreement. The membership interest is eliminated in consolidation.
In connection with our repurchase agreement financings and interest rate swaps, we may receive margin calls or make a margin call from our counterparties. Our ability to meet future margin calls will be affected by our ability to use cash, draw on the unused capacity existing on financing facilities or obtain financing from unpledged collateral, the amount of which can vary based on the market value of such collateral. Our cash position fluctuates based on the timing of our operating, investing, and financing activities and is managed based on our anticipated cash needs. In 2021, we met our margin calls, and the cash collateral related to margin calls held by counterparties on December 31, 2021, was approximately $3.2 million.
At-The-Market Program
In March 2017, we entered into an equity distribution agreement with JMP Securities LLC, or "JMP", which was amended on June 5, 2020, under which we may offer and sell up to $100.0 million shares of common stock in an At-The-Market equity offering from time to time through JMP.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2021 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Less than
1 year | | 1 to 3
years | | 3 to 5
years | | More than
5 years | | Total |
| Borrowings under repurchase agreements | $ | 617,189 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 617,189 | |
| Contractual interest on repurchase agreements | 10,938 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 10,938 | |
| Convertible senior unsecured notes | 37,670 | | | 86,250 | | | — | | | — | | | 123,920 | |
| Contractual interest on convertible senior unsecured notes | 8,154 | | | 11,644 | | | — | | | — | | | 19,798 | |
Securitized debt(2) | — | | | — | | | 1,370,691 | | | 524,649 | | | 1,895,340 | |
| Contractual interest on securitized debt | 71,922 | | | 143,843 | | | 73,682 | | | 375,736 | | | 665,183 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total | $ | 745,873 | | | $ | 241,737 | | | $ | 1,444,373 | | | $ | 900,385 | | | $ | 3,332,368 | |
(1)The table above does not include amounts due under the Management Agreement (as defined herein) with our Manager, as those obligations do not have fixed and determinable payments.
(2)The securitized debt is non-recourse to us and can only be settled with the loans that serve as collateral. The collateral for the securitized debt has a principal balance of $1.9 billion. Assumes entire outstanding principal balance at December 31, 2021 is paid at maturity.
Management Agreement
On May 9, 2012, we entered into a management agreement (the "Management Agreement") with our Manager which describes the services to be provided by our Manager and compensation for such services. Our Manager is responsible for managing our operations, including: (i) performing all of our day-to-day functions; (ii) determining investment criteria in conjunction with our Board of Directors; (iii) sourcing, analyzing and executing investments, asset sales and financings; (iv) performing asset management duties; and (v) performing financial and accounting management, subject to the direction and oversight of our Board of Directors. Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement, our Manager is paid a management fee equal to 1.50% per annum of our stockholders' equity, (as defined in the Management Agreement), calculated and payable (in cash) quarterly in arrears. The Manager waived the management fee for March 2020 through May 2020 because of the unprecedented market disruption and dislocation across fixed income markets surrounding the uncertainty related to COVID-19
pandemic. In December 2021, the Manager agreed to voluntarily waive 25% of its management fee solely for the duration of calendar year 2022 in order to support the earnings potential of the Company and its transition to a residential focused investment portfolio. Future waivers, if any, are at the Manager's discretion. Refer to Note 10 - "Related Party Transactions" to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 included in this annual report on Form 10-K.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any relationships with any entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured investment vehicles, or special purpose or variable interest entities, established to facilitate off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.
Further, other than guaranteeing certain obligations of our wholly-owned taxable REIT subsidiary or TRS and the obligations of our wholly-owned subsidiary, WMC CRE LLC, we have not guaranteed any obligations of any entities or entered into any commitment to provide additional funding to any such entities.
Dividends
To maintain our qualification as a REIT, U.S. federal income tax law generally requires that we distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income annually, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains. We must pay tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that we annually distribute less than 100% of our taxable income.
We evaluate each quarter to determine our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders based on our net taxable income if and to the extent authorized by our Board of Directors. Before we pay any dividend, whether for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise, we must first meet both our operating requirements and debt service payments. If our cash available for distribution is less than our net taxable income, we could be required to sell assets or borrow funds to make cash distributions or we may make a portion of the required distribution in the form of a taxable stock distribution.
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
We seek to manage the risks related to the credit quality of our assets, interest rates, liquidity, prepayment speeds and market values while, at the same time, seeking to provide an opportunity to stockholders to realize attractive risk-adjusted returns from our assets through ownership of our common stock. While we do not seek to avoid risk completely, our Manager seeks to actively manage risk for us, to earn sufficient compensation to justify taking those risks and to maintain capital levels consistent with the risks we undertake.
Credit Risk
We are subject to varying degrees of credit risk in connection with our assets. Although we do not expect to encounter credit risk in our Agency CMBS and Agency RMBS, we are exposed to the risk of potential credit losses from general credit spread widening related to Non-Agency RMBS, Non-Agency CMBS, Residential Whole Loans, Residential Bridge Loans, Commercial Loans and other portfolio investments in addition to unexpected increase in borrower defaults on these investments. Investment decisions are made following a bottom-up credit analysis and specific relevant risk assumptions. As part of the risk management process, our Manager uses detailed proprietary models, applicable to evaluate, depending on the asset class, house price appreciation and depreciation by region, prepayment speeds and foreclosure/default frequency, cost and timing. If our Manager determines that the proposed investment can meet the appropriate risk and return criteria as well as complement our existing asset portfolio, the investment will undergo a more thorough analysis.
As of December 31, 2021, three of the counterparties with which we had outstanding repurchase agreement borrowings held collateral which we posted as security for such borrowings in excess of 5% of our stockholders’ equity. Prior to entering into a repurchase agreement with any particular institution, our Manager does a thorough review of such potential counterparty. Such review, however, does not assure the creditworthiness of such counterparty nor that the financial wherewithal of the counterparty will not deteriorate in the future.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including fiscal and monetary policies and domestic and international economic and political considerations, as well as other factors beyond our control. We are subject to interest rate risk in connection with our assets and our related financing obligations. In general, we expect to finance the acquisition of our assets through financings in the form of repurchase agreements, warehouse facilities, securitizations, bank credit facilities (including term loans and revolving facilities) and public and private equity and debt issuances in addition to transaction or asset specific funding arrangements. Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may utilize derivative financial instruments to hedge the interest rate risk associated with our borrowings. These hedging activities may not be effective. We also may engage in a variety of interest rate management techniques that seek to mitigate changes in interest rates or other potential influences on the values of our assets.
Interest Rate Effect on Net Interest Income
Our operating results will depend in large part on differences between the income earned on our assets and our borrowing costs. The cost of our borrowings is generally based on prevailing market interest rates. During a period of rising interest rates, our borrowing costs generally will increase and the yields earned on our leveraged fixed-rate mortgage assets will remain static. Further, the cost of such financing could increase at a faster pace than the yields earned on our leveraged ARM and hybrid ARM assets. This could result in a decline in our net interest spread and net interest margin. The severity of any such decline would depend on our asset/liability composition at the time as well as the magnitude and duration of the interest rate increase. Further, an increase in short-term interest rates could also have a negative impact on the market value of our assets. If any of these events happen, we could experience a decrease in net income or incur a net loss during these periods, which could adversely affect our liquidity and results of operations.
Interest Rate Cap Risk
To the extent we invest in adjustable-rate RMBS and Whole-Loans, such instruments may be subject to interest rate caps, which potentially could cause such instruments to acquire many of the characteristics of fixed-rate securities if interest rates were to rise above the cap levels. This issue is magnified to the extent we acquire ARM and hybrid ARM assets that are not based on mortgages which are fully indexed. In addition, ARM and hybrid ARM assets may be subject to periodic payment caps that result in some portion of the interest being deferred and added to the principal outstanding or a portion of the incremental interest rate increase being deferred. To the extent we invest in such ARM and/or hybrid ARM assets, we could
potentially receive less cash income on such assets than we would need to pay the interest cost on our related borrowings. To mitigate interest rate mismatches, we may utilize the hedging strategies discussed above under “Interest Rate Risk.”
Interest Rate Effects on Fair value
Another component of interest rate risk is the effect that changes in interest rates will have on the market value of the assets that we acquire. We face the risk that the market value of our assets will increase or decrease at different rates than those of our liabilities, including our hedging instruments. See “Market Risk” below.
The impact of changing interest rates on fair value can change significantly when interest rates change materially. Therefore, the volatility in the fair value of our assets could increase significantly in the event interest rates change materially. In addition, other factors impact the fair value of our interest rate-sensitive investments and hedging instruments, such as the shape of the yield curve, market expectations as to future interest rate changes and other market conditions. Accordingly, changes in actual interest rates may have a material adverse effect on us.
Market Risk
Our MBS and other assets are reflected at their fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. The fair value of our investments fluctuates primarily due to changes in interest rates and other factors. Generally, in a rising interest rate environment, the fair value of these assets would be expected to decrease; conversely, in a decreasing interest rate environment, the fair value of these securities would be expected to increase.
The sensitivity analysis table presented below shows the estimated impact of an instantaneous parallel shift in the yield curve, up and down 50 and 100 basis points, on the market value of our interest rate-sensitive investments, including interest rate swaps, Interest-Only Strips, and net interest income at December 31, 2021, assuming a static portfolio of assets. When evaluating the impact of changes in interest rates, prepayment assumptions and principal reinvestment rates are adjusted based on our Manager’s expectations. The analysis presented utilizes our Manager’s assumptions, models and estimates, which are based on our Manager’s judgment and experience.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Change in Interest Rates | | Percentage Change in Projected
Net Interest Income | | Percentage Change in Projected
Portfolio Value |
| +1.00% | | (7.18) | % | | (0.72) | % |
| +0.50% | | (3.40) | % | | (0.37) | % |
| -0.50% | | 4.13 | % | | 0.34 | % |
| -1.00% | | 7.93 | % | | 0.51 | % |
While the table above reflects the estimated immediate impact of interest rate increases and decreases on a static portfolio, we may rebalance our portfolio from time to time either to seek to take advantage of or reduce the impact of changes in interest rates. It is important to note that the impact of changing interest rates on market value and net interest income can change significantly when interest rates change beyond 100 basis points from current levels. Therefore, the volatility in the market value of our assets could increase significantly when interest rates change beyond amounts shown in the table above. In addition, other factors impact the market value of and net interest income from our interest rate-sensitive investments and derivative instruments, such as the shape of the yield curve, market expectations as to future interest rate changes and other market conditions. Accordingly, interest income would likely differ from that shown above and such difference might be material and adverse to our stockholders.
Certain assumptions have been made in connection with the calculation of the information set forth in the table above and, as such, there can be no assurance that assumed events will occur or that other events will not occur that would affect the outcomes. The base interest rate scenario assumes interest rates at December 31, 2021. The analysis presented utilizes assumptions and estimates based on our Manager’s judgment and experience. Furthermore, while we generally expect to retain such assets and the associated interest rate risk, future purchases and sales of assets could materially change our interest rate risk profile.
Prepayment Risk
The value of our Agency and Non-Agency RMBS and our Residential Whole Loans may be affected by prepayment rates on the underlying residential mortgage. We acquire RMBS and Residential Whole Loans and anticipate that the
underlying residential mortgages will prepay at a projected rate generating an expected yield. If we purchase assets at a premium to par value, when borrowers prepay their residential mortgage loans faster than expected, the corresponding prepayments may reduce the expected yield on our residential mortgage assets because we will have to amortize the related premium on an accelerated basis and, in the case of Agency RMBS, other than interest-only strips, and certain other investment grade rated securities, we are required to make a retrospective adjustment to historical amortization. Conversely, if we purchase assets at a discount to par value, when borrowers prepay their residential mortgage loans slower than expected, such decrease may reduce the expected yield on such assets because we will not be able to accrete the related discount as quickly as originally anticipated and, in the case of Agency RMBS, other than interest-only strips, and certain other investment grade rated securities, we will be required to make a retrospective adjustment to historical amortization.
The value of our Agency and Non-Agency CMBS, as well as Commercial Whole Loans, will also be affected by prepayment rates; however, commercial mortgages frequently limit the ability of the borrower to prepay, thereby providing a certain level of prepayment protection. Common restrictions include yield maintenance and prepayment penalties, the proceeds of which are generally at least partially allocable to these securities, as well as defeasance.
Likewise, the value of our ABS and other structured securities will also be affected prepayment rates. The collateral underlying such securities may, similar to most residential mortgages, allow the borrower to prepay at any time or, similar to commercial mortgages, limit the ability of the borrower to prepay by imposing lock-out provisions, prepayment penalties and/or make whole provisions.
Extension Risk
Most residential mortgage loans do not prohibit the partial or full prepayment of principal outstanding. Accordingly, while the stated maturity of a residential mortgage loan may be 30 years, or in some cases even longer, historically the vast majority of residential mortgage loans are satisfied prior to their maturity date. In periods of rising interest rates, borrowers have less incentive to refinance their existing mortgages and mortgage financing may not be as readily available. This generally results in a slower rate of prepayments and a corresponding longer weighted average life for RMBS and Residential Whole Loans. The increase, or extension, in weighted average life is commonly referred to as “Extension Risk” which can negatively impact our portfolio. To the extent we receive smaller pre-payments of principal, we will have less capital to invest in new assets. This is extremely detrimental in periods of rising interest rates as we will be unable to invest in new higher coupon investments and a larger portion of our portfolio will remain invested in lower coupon investments. Further, our borrowing costs are generally short-term and, even if hedged, are likely to increase in a rising interest rate environment, thereby reducing our net interest margin. Finally, to the extent we acquired securities at a discount to par, a portion of the overall return on such investments is based on the recovery of this discount. Slower principal prepayments will result in a longer recovery period and a lower overall return on our investment.
Prepayment rates on Agency and Non-Agency CMBS, as well as Commercial Whole Loans, are generally less volatile than residential mortgage assets as commercial mortgages usually limit the ability of the borrower to prepay the mortgage prior to maturity or a period shortly before maturity. Accordingly, extension risk for Agency and Non-Agency CMBS and Commercial Whole Loans is generally less than RMBS and Residential Whole Loans as it presumed that other than defaults (i.e., involuntary prepayments), most commercial mortgages will remain outstanding for the contractual term of the mortgage.
Prepayment rates on ABS and our other structured securities will be determined by the underlying collateral. The extension risk of such securities will generally be less than residential mortgages, but greater than commercial mortgages.
Real Estate Risk
Residential and commercial property values are subject to volatility and may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to: national, regional and local economic conditions (which may be adversely affected by industry slowdowns and other factors); local real estate conditions (such as the supply of housing stock); changes or continued weakness in specific industry segments; construction quality, age and design; demographic factors; and retroactive changes to building or similar codes. In addition, decreases in property values reduce the value of the collateral and the potential proceeds available to a borrower to repay our loans, which could also cause us to suffer losses. The COVID 19 pandemic could have a significant impact on real estate values generally or as certain sectors more affected by health related shut downs or reductions in activity.
Counterparty Risk
The following discussion on counterparty risk reflects how these transactions are structured, rather than how they are presented for financial reporting purposes.
When we engage in repurchase transactions, we generally sell securities to lenders (i.e., repurchase agreement counterparties) and receive cash from the lenders. The lenders are obligated to resell the same securities back to us at the end of the term of the transaction. Because the cash we receive from the lender when we initially sell the securities to the lender is less than the value of those securities (this difference is the haircut), if the lender defaults on its obligation to resell the same securities back to us, we could incur a loss on the transaction up to the amount of the haircut (assuming there was no change in the value of the securities).
If a counterparty to a bi-lateral interest rate swap cannot perform under the terms of the interest rate swap, we may not receive payments due under that agreement, and thus, we may lose any unrealized gain associated with the interest rate swap. We may also risk the loss of any collateral we have pledged to secure our obligations under interest rate swap if the counterparty becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy. In the case of a cleared swap, if our clearing broker were to default, become insolvent or file for bankruptcy, we may also risk the loss of any collateral we have posted to the clearing broker unless we were able to transfer or “port” our positions and held collateral to another clearing broker. In addition, the interest rate swap would no longer mitigate the impact of changes in interest rates as intended. Most of our interest swaps are currently cleared through a central clearing house which reduces but does not eliminate the aforementioned risks. Also see “Liquidity Risk” below.
Prior to entering into a trading agreement or transaction with any particular institution where we take on counterparty risk, our Manager does a thorough review of such potential counterparty. Such review, however, does not assure the creditworthiness of such counterparty nor that the financial wherewithal of the counterparty will not deteriorate in the future.
Funding Risk
We have financed a substantial majority of our assets with repurchase agreement financing. Over time, as market conditions change, in addition to these financings, we may use other forms of leverage. Changes in the regulatory environment, as well as, weakness in the financial markets, the residential mortgage markets, the commercial mortgage markets, the asset-backed securitization markets and the economy generally could adversely affect one or more of our potential lenders and could cause one or more of our potential lenders to be unwilling or unable to provide us with financing or to increase the costs of that financing.
Liquidity Risk
Our liquidity risk is principally associated with the financing of long-maturity assets with short-term borrowings in the form of repurchase agreements. Although the interest rate adjustments of these assets and liabilities fall within the guidelines established by our operating policies, maturities are not required to be, nor are they, matched.
Should the value of our assets pledged as collateral suddenly decrease, margin calls relating to our repurchase agreements could increase, causing an adverse change in our liquidity position. Our inability to post adequate collateral for a margin call by the counterparty could result in a condition of default under our repurchase agreements, thereby enabling the counterparty to liquidate the collateral pledged by us, which may have a material adverse consequence on our business and results of operations.
In an instance of severe volatility, or where the additional stress on liquidity resulting from volatility is sustained over an extended period of time, we could be required to sell securities, possibly even at a loss to generate sufficient liquidity to satisfy collateral and margin requirements which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Additionally, if one or more of our repurchase agreement counterparties chose not to provide on-going funding, our ability to finance would decline or exist at possibly less advantageous terms. Further, if we are unable to renew, replace or expand repurchase financing with other sources of financing on substantially similar terms, it may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows, due to the long-term nature of our investments and relatively short-term maturities of our repurchase agreements. As such, there is no assurance that we will always be able to roll over our repurchase agreements.
The costs associated with our borrowings are generally based on prevailing market interest rates. During a period of rising interest rates, our borrowing costs generally will increase while the yields earned on our existing portfolio of leveraged
fixed-rate MBS and other fixed rate assets will remain static. Further, certain of our floating rate assets may contain annual or lifetime interest rate caps as well as limit the frequency or timing of changes to the underlying interest rate index. This could result in a decline in our net interest spread and net interest margin. The severity of any such decline would depend on our asset/liability composition at the time, as well as the magnitude and duration of the interest rate increase. Further, an increase in short-term interest rates could also have a negative impact on the market value of our assets. If any of these events happen, we could experience a decrease in net income or incur a net loss during these periods, which could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and results of operations.
In addition, the assets that comprise our investment portfolio are not traded on a public exchange. A portion of these assets may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or will otherwise be less liquid than publicly traded securities. The illiquidity of our assets may make it difficult for us to sell such assets if the need or desire arises, including in response to changes in economic and other conditions. Recent regulatory changes have imposed new capital requirements and other restrictions on banks and other market intermediaries’ ability and desire to hold assets on their balance sheets and otherwise make markets in fixed income securities and other assets resulting in reduced liquidity in many sectors of the market. This regulatory trend is expected to continue. As a result of these developments, it may become increasingly difficult for us to sell assets in the market, especially in credit oriented sectors such as Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS, ABS and Whole Loans.
We enter into interest rate swaps to manage our interest rate risk. We are required to pledge cash or securities as collateral as part of a margin arrangement, calculated daily, in connection with the interest rate swaps. The amount of margin that we are required to post will vary and generally reflects collateral required to be posted with respect to interest rate swaps that are in an unrealized loss position to us and is generally based on a percentage of the aggregate notional amount of interest rate swaps per counterparty. Margin calls could adversely affect our liquidity. Our inability to post adequate collateral for a margin call could result in a condition of default under our interest rate swap agreements, thereby resulting in liquidation of the collateral pledged by us, which may have a material adverse consequence on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Conversely, if our interest rate swaps are in an unrealized gain position, our counterparties to bilateral swaps are required to post collateral with us, under the same terms that we post collateral with them. We at times enter into a MAC interest rate swap in which we receive or make a payment at the time of entering such interest rate swap to compensate for the out of the market nature of such interest rate swap. Similar to all other interest rate swaps, MAC interest rate swaps are subject to the margin requirements previously described.
Inflation
Virtually all of our assets and liabilities are interest rate sensitive in nature. As a result, interest rates and other factors influence our performance far more so than does inflation. Changes in interest rates do not necessarily directly correlate with inflation rates or changes in inflation rates. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and our distributions will be determined by our Board of Directors consistent with our obligation to distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our net taxable income on an annual basis, in accordance with the REIT regulations, in order to maintain our REIT qualification. In each case, our activities and consolidated balance sheets are measured with reference to historical cost and/or fair market value without considering inflation.
Foreign Investment risk
We have invested in non U.S. CMBS transactions and, in the future, we may make other investments in non U.S. issuers and transactions. These investments present certain unique risks, including those resulting from future political, legal, and economic developments, which could include favorable or unfavorable changes in currency exchange rates, exchange control regulations (including currency blockage), expropriation, nationalization, or confiscatory taxation of assets, adverse changes in investment capital or exchange control regulations (which may include suspension of the ability to transfer currency from a country), political changes, diplomatic developments, difficulty in obtaining and enforcing judgments against non U.S. entities, the possible imposition of the applicable country’s governmental laws or restrictions, and the reduced availability of public information concerning issuers. In the event of a nationalization, expropriation, or other confiscation of assets, we could lose our entire investment in a security. Legal remedies available to investors in certain jurisdictions may be more limited than those available to investors in the United States. Issuers of non U.S. securities may not be subject to the same degree of regulation as U.S. issuers.
Furthermore, non U.S. issuers are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards or other regulatory practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. issuers. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of non U.S. exchanges, brokers, and issuers than there is in the United States, and there is greater difficulty in taking appropriate legal action in non U.S. courts. There are also special tax considerations that apply to securities of non U.S. issuers and securities principally traded overseas.
To the extent that our investments are denominated in U.S. dollars, these investments are not affected directly by changes in currency exchange rates relative to the dollar and exchange control regulations. We are, however, subject to currency risk with respect to such investments to the extent that a decline in a non U.S. issuer’s or borrower’s own currency relative to the dollar may impair such issuer’s or borrower’s ability to make timely payments of principal and/or interest on a loan or other debt security. To the extent that our investments are in non-dollar denominated securities, the value of the investment and the net investment income available for distribution may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates relative to the dollar and exchange control regulations.
Currency exchange rates can be volatile and affected by, among other factors, the general economics of a country, the actions of governments or central banks and the imposition of currency controls and speculation. In addition, a security may be denominated in a currency that is different from the currency where the issuer is domiciled.
Currency Risk
We have and may continue in the future to invest in assets which are denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars and may finance such investments with repurchase financing or other forms of financing which may also be denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars. To the extent we make such investments and/or enter into such financing arrangements, we may utilize foreign currency swaps, forwards or other derivative instruments to hedge our exposure to foreign currency risk. Despite being economic hedges, we have elected not to treat such derivative instruments as hedges for accounting purposes and therefore the changes in the value of such instruments, including actual and accrued payments, will be included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. While such transactions are entered into in an effort to minimize our foreign currency risk, there can be no assurance that they will perform as expected. If actual prepayments of the foreign denominated asset are faster, or slower, than expected, the hedge instrument is unlikely to fully protect us from changes in the valuation of such foreign currency. Further, as with interest rate swaps, there is counterparty risk associated with the future creditworthiness of such counterparty.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Index to Financial Statements
| | | | | |
| |
| |
| Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 | |
| Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 | |
| Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 | |
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 | |
| |
| |
| Index to Financial Statement Schedules |
| |
Financial Statements Schedules other than the one listed above are omitted because the required information is not applicable or deemed not material, or the required information is presented in the financial statements and/or in the notes to financial statements.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of changes in stockholders’ equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, including the related notes and the financial statement schedule as listed in the accompanying index (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Valuation of Non-Qualified Residential Whole Loans
As described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the fair value of the Company’s Non-Qualified Residential Whole Loans (“Non-QM”) was $1.02 billion as of December 31, 2021. The Company’s valuation is based upon prices obtained from an independent third party pricing service that specializes in loan valuation, utilizing a discounted cash flow valuation model that is calibrated to recent loan trade execution. The valuation methodology incorporates commonly used market pricing methods, which include the inputs considered most significant to the determination of fair value of the Company's residential whole loans. The assumptions made by the independent third party pricing service include the market discount rate, default assumption, loss severity and prepayment speeds. Management reviews the analysis provided by pricing service as well as the key assumptions made available to the company.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the valuation of the Company’s Non-QM Residential Whole Loans is a critical audit matter are the significant judgment by management to determine the fair value of these loans, which included significant assumptions related to the market discount rate, default assumption, loss severity and prepayment speeds, which in turn led to a high degree of auditor subjectivity, judgment, and effort in performing audit procedures and evaluating the audit evidence obtained related to the valuation and the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the valuation of Non-QM Residential Whole Loans, including controls over management’s loan data and the prices and significant assumptions received from the independent third party pricing service. These procedures also included, among others, (i) the involvement of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in developing an independent range of prices for the Non-QM Residential Whole Loan portfolio and (ii) comparing the independent range to management’s estimate to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s estimate. Developing the independent estimate involved (i) testing the loan data provided by management and (ii) independently developing the assumptions related to the discount rate, default assumptions, loss severity and prepayment speeds by utilizing data obtained from market sources and observable transactions under a variety of macroeconomic scenarios.
Valuation of Commercial Loans
As described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the fair value of the Company’s commercial loans was $130.5 million as of December 31, 2021. The Company’s valuation is based upon prices received from an independent third party pricing service that specializes in loan valuation, utilizing a valuation model that is calibrated to recent loan trade execution. The valuation methodology incorporates commonly used market pricing methods, which include the inputs considered most significant to the determination of fair value of the Company's commercial loans. The assumptions made by the independent third party pricing service include the market discount rate, default assumption and loss severity. Management reviews the analysis provided by pricing service as well as the key assumptions.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the valuation of the Company’s commercial loans is a critical audit matter are the significant judgment by management to determine the fair value of these loans, which included the market discount rate assumption, which in turn led to a high degree of auditor subjectivity, judgment, and effort in performing audit procedures and evaluating the audit evidence obtained related to the valuation and the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the valuation of commercial loans, including controls over management’s loan data and the prices and market discount rate received from the independent third party pricing service. These procedures also included, among others, (i) testing the loan data provided by management, (ii) the involvement of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in developing an independent range of fair values to evaluate management's estimate for a sample of loans, and (iii) comparing the
independent range to management’s estimate to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s estimate. Developing an independent range involved projecting loan level cash flows using the market discount rate for loans with similar characteristics.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Los Angeles, California March 7, 2022
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2011.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
| Assets: | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 40,193 | | | $ | 31,613 | |
| Restricted cash | 260 | | | 76,132 | |
Agency mortgage-backed securities, at fair value ($1,172 and $1,708 pledged as collateral, at fair value, respectively) | 1,172 | | | 1,708 | |
Non-Agency mortgage-backed securities, at fair value ($123,947 and $167,970 pledged as collateral, at fair value, respectively) | 133,127 | | | 189,462 | |
Other securities, at fair value ($51,648 and $48,754 pledged as collateral, at fair value, respectively) | 51,648 | | | 48,754 | |
Residential Whole Loans, at fair value ($1,023,502 and $1,008,782 pledged as collateral, at fair value, respectively) | 1,023,502 | | | 1,008,782 | |
Residential Bridge Loans ($5,428 and $12,813 at fair value and $5,207 and $12,960 pledged as collateral, respectively) | 5,428 | | | 13,916 | |
| Securitized commercial loans, at fair value | 1,355,808 | | | 1,605,335 | |
Commercial Loans, at fair value ($101,459 and $310,523 pledged as collateral, at fair value, respectively) | 130,572 | | | 310,523 | |
| Investment related receivable | 22,133 | | | 30,576 | |
| Interest receivable | 11,823 | | | 13,568 | |
| Due from counterparties | 4,565 | | | 2,327 | |
| Derivative assets, at fair value | 105 | | | 161 | |
| Other assets | 45,364 | | | 3,152 | |
Total Assets(1) | $ | 2,825,700 | | | $ | 3,336,009 | |
| Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity: | | | |
| Liabilities: | | | |
| Repurchase agreements, net | $ | 617,189 | | | $ | 356,923 | |
| Convertible senior unsecured notes, net | 119,168 | | | 170,797 | |
Securitized debt, net ($1,344,370 and $1,553,722 at fair value and $180,116 and $215,753 held by affiliates, respectively) | 1,863,488 | | | 2,446,012 | |
Interest payable (includes $699 and $784 on securitized debt held by affiliates, respectively) | 10,272 | | | 12,006 | |
| | | |
| Due to counterparties | — | | | 321 | |
| Derivative liability, at fair value | 602 | | | 656 | |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 4,842 | | | 2,686 | |
| Payable to affiliate | 1,925 | | | 3,171 | |
| Dividend payable | 3,623 | | | 3,649 | |
| Other liabilities | 262 | | | 84,674 | |
Total Liabilities(2) | 2,621,371 | | | 3,080,895 | |
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 16) | | | |
| Stockholders' Equity: | | | |
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, and 60,380,105 and 60,812,701 outstanding, respectively | 609 | | | 609 | |
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized and no shares outstanding | — | | | — | |
Treasury stock, at cost, 579,808 and 100,000 shares held, respectively | (1,665) | | | (578) | |
| Additional paid-in capital | 918,146 | | | 915,458 | |
| Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) | (723,981) | | | (660,377) | |
| Total Stockholders' Equity | 193,109 | | | 255,112 | |
| Non-controlling interest | 11,220 | | | 2 | |
| Total Equity | 204,329 | | | 255,114 | |
| Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | $ | 2,825,700 | | | $ | 3,336,009 | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands—except share and per share data)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
(1) Assets of consolidated VIEs included in the total assets above: | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 266 | | | $ | — | |
| Restricted cash | 260 | | | 76,132 | |
Residential Whole Loans, at fair value ($1,023,502 and $1,008,782 pledged as collateral, at fair value, respectively) | 1,023,502 | | | 1,008,782 | |
Residential Bridge Loans ($5,207 and $11,858 at fair value and $5,207 and $12,960 pledged as collateral, respectively) | 5,207 | | | 12,960 | |
| Securitized commercial loans, at fair value | 1,355,808 | | | 1,605,335 | |
Commercial Loans, at fair value ($14,362 and $68,466 pledged as collateral, at fair value, respectively) | 14,362 | | | 68,466 | |
| Investment related receivable | 22,087 | | | 27,987 | |
| Interest receivable | 10,572 | | | 10,936 | |
| Other assets | — | | | 80 | |
| Total assets of consolidated VIEs | $ | 2,432,064 | | | $ | 2,810,678 | |
(2)Liabilities of consolidated VIEs included in the total liabilities above:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Securitized debt, net ($1,344,370 and $1,553,722 at fair value and $180,116 and $215,753 held by affiliates, respectively) | $ | 1,863,488 | | | $ | 2,446,012 | |
Interest payable (includes $699 and $784 on securitized debt held by affiliates, respectively) | 6,480 | | | 7,882 | |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 78 | | | 89 | |
| Other liabilities | 260 | | | 76,132 | |
| Total liabilities of consolidated VIEs | $ | 1,870,306 | | | $ | 2,530,115 | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands—except share and per share data)
Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands—except share and per share data)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the years ended December 31, |
| | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| Net Interest Income | | | | | |
| Interest income | $ | 164,071 | | | $ | 178,028 | | | $ | 217,264 | |
Interest expense (includes $14,341, $8,877 and $5,674 on securitized debt held by affiliates, respectively) | 136,910 | | | 132,591 | | | 150,274 | |
| Net Interest Income | 27,161 | | | 45,437 | | | 66,990 | |
| | | | | |
| Other Income (Loss) | | | | | |
| Realized gain (loss), net | (10,927) | | | 84,271 | | | 28,278 | |
| Other than temporary impairment | — | | | — | | | (8,574) | |
| Unrealized gain (loss), net | (46,391) | | | (221,387) | | | 107,529 | |
| Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | 549 | | | (197,703) | | | (103,727) | |
| | | | | |
| Other, net | 490 | | | 339 | | | 2,204 | |
| Other Income (Loss) | (56,279) | | | (334,480) | | | 25,710 | |
| | | | | |
| Expenses | | | | | |
| Management fee to affiliate | 5,937 | | | 4,544 | | | 7,354 | |
| Financing fee | — | | | 20,540 | | | — | |
| Other operating expenses | 4,742 | | | 2,855 | | | 5,519 | |
| General and administrative expenses: | | | | | |
| Compensation expense | 2,571 | | | 2,787 | | | 2,591 | |
| Professional fees | 3,890 | | | 4,878 | | | 3,980 | |
| Other general and administrative expenses | 3,508 | | | 3,303 | | | 1,500 | |
| Total general and administrative expenses | 9,969 | | | 10,968 | | | 8,071 | |
| Total Expenses | 20,648 | | | 38,907 | | | 20,944 | |
| | | | | |
| Income (loss) before income taxes | (49,766) | | | (327,950) | | | 71,756 | |
| Income tax provision | 99 | | | 396 | | | 1,057 | |
| Net income (loss) | (49,865) | | | (328,346) | | | 70,699 | |
| Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest | (912) | | | 8 | | | — | |
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders and participating securities | $ | (48,953) | | | $ | (328,354) | | | $ | 70,699 | |
| | | | | |
| Net income (loss) per Common Share — Basic | $ | (0.81) | | | $ | (5.72) | | | $ | 1.37 | |
| Net income (loss) per Common Share — Diluted | $ | (0.81) | | | $ | (5.72) | | | $ | 1.37 | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
(in thousands—except shares and share data)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Common Stock Outstanding | | Additional
Paid-In Capital | | Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated)
Deficit | | Treasury Stock | | Total Stockholders' Equity | | Non-Controlling Interest | | Total Equity |
| | Shares | | Par | | | | | | |
| Balance at December 31, 2018 | 48,116,379 | | | $ | 481 | | | $ | 833,810 | | | $ | (331,282) | | | $ | — | | | $ | 503,009 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 503,009 | |
| Net proceeds from public offerings of common stock | 5,299,497 | | | 53 | | | 52,661 | | | — | | | — | | | 52,714 | | | — | | | 52,714 | |
| Offering costs | — | | | — | | | (430) | | | — | | | — | | | (430) | | | — | | | (430) | |
| Grants of restricted stock | 108,000 | | | 1 | | | (1) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Vesting of restricted stock | — | | | — | | | 564 | | | — | | | — | | | 564 | | | — | | | 564 | |
| Equity component of convertible senior unsecured notes | — | | | — | | | 2,445 | | | — | | | — | | | 2,445 | | | — | | | 2,445 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income | — | | | — | | | — | | | 70,699 | | | — | | | 70,699 | | | — | | | 70,699 | |
| Dividends on common stock | — | | | — | | | 178 | | | (64,718) | | | — | | | (64,540) | | | — | | | (64,540) | |
| Balance at December 31, 2019 | 53,523,876 | | | 535 | | | 889,227 | | | (325,301) | | | — | | | 564,461 | | | — | | | 564,461 | |
| Net proceeds from public offerings of common stock | 6,034,741 | | | 60 | | | 22,297 | | | — | | | — | | | 22,357 | | | — | | | 22,357 | |
| Offering costs | — | | | — | | | (371) | | | — | | | — | | | (371) | | | — | | | (371) | |
| Proceeds from non-controlling interest, net of offering costs | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 2 | | | 2 | |
| Exchange of convertible senior notes | 1,354,084 | | | 14 | | | 3,574 | | | — | | | — | | | 3,588 | | | — | | | 3,588 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Vesting of restricted stock | — | | | — | | | 699 | | | — | | | — | | | 699 | | | — | | | 699 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Treasury Stock | (100,000) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (578) | | | (578) | | | — | | | (578) | |
| Net loss | — | | | — | | | — | | | (328,354) | | | — | | | (328,354) | | | 8 | | | (328,346) | |
| Dividends declared on non-controlling interest | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (8) | | | (8) | |
| Dividends on common stock | — | | | — | | | 32 | | | (6,722) | | | — | | | (6,690) | | | — | | | (6,690) | |
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | 60,812,701 | | | 609 | | | 915,458 | | | (660,377) | | | (578) | | | 255,112 | | | 2 | | | 255,114 | |
| Equity contributions | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 12,138 | | | 12,138 | |
| Equity component of convertible senior unsecured notes | — | | | — | | | 2,060 | | | — | | | — | | | 2,060 | | | — | | | 2,060 | |
| Exchange of phantom stock to common stock | 47,212 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Offering costs | — | | | — | | | (70) | | | — | | | — | | | (70) | | | — | | | (70) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Vesting of restricted stock | — | | | — | | | 619 | | | — | | | — | | | 619 | | | — | | | 619 | |
| Treasury stock | (479,808) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (1,087) | | | (1,087) | | | — | | | (1,087) | |
| Net loss | — | | | — | | | — | | | (48,953) | | | — | | | (48,953) | | | (912) | | | (49,865) | |
| Dividends declared on non-controlling interest | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (8) | | | (8) | |
| Dividends declared on common stock | — | | | — | | | 79 | | | (14,651) | | | — | | | (14,572) | | | — | | | (14,572) | |
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | 60,380,105 | | | $ | 609 | | | $ | 918,146 | | | $ | (723,981) | | | $ | (1,665) | | | $ | 193,109 | | | $ | 11,220 | | | $ | 204,329 | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the year ended December 31, |
| | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | |
| Net income (loss) | $ | (49,865) | | | $ | (328,346) | | | $ | 70,699 | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | | | | | |
| Premium amortization and (discount accretion), net | 1,540 | | | 5,141 | | | 7,398 | |
| Interest income earned added to principal of investments | (485) | | | (829) | | | — | |
| Amortization of deferred financing costs | 5,445 | | | 3,577 | | | 1,488 | |
| Amortization of discount on convertible senior unsecured notes | 944 | | | 1,097 | | | 718 | |
| Restricted stock amortization | 618 | | | 699 | | | 564 | |
| | | | | |
| Interest payments and basis recovered on MAC interest rate swaps | — | | | 202 | | | 5,772 | |
| Premium on purchase of Residential Whole Loans | (17,058) | | | (3,858) | | | (15,304) | |
| | | | | |
| Premium on purchase of securitized commercial loans | — | | | — | | | (3,769) | |
| Financing fee | 8,540 | | | 12,000 | | | — | |
| Unrealized (gain) loss, net | 46,391 | | | 221,387 | | | (107,529) | |
| Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments, net | 208 | | | 3,953 | | | (9,390) | |
| Other than temporary impairment | — | | | — | | | 8,574 | |
| Realized (gain) loss on exchange and extinguishment of convertible senior notes, net | 1,509 | | | (3,644) | | | — | |
| Realized (gain) loss on sale of real estate owned ("REO"), net | (54) | | | 789 | | | 90 | |
| Realized (gain) loss on investments, net | 9,472 | | | (81,416) | | | (28,368) | |
| Loss on derivatives, net | — | | | 13,134 | | | 9,631 | |
| | | | | |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | |
| Interest receivable | 1,399 | | | 5,845 | | | 2,546 | |
| Invested related receivable | 2,546 | | | (2,544) | | | — | |
| Other assets | 339 | | | (905) | | | 1,157 | |
| Interest payable | (1,734) | | | (2,995) | | | 6,469 | |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 2,095 | | | (499) | | | (519) | |
| Payable to affiliate | (1,246) | | | 1,023 | | | (2,467) | |
| Other liabilities | (8,539) | | | 8,541 | | | — | |
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 2,065 | | | (147,648) | | | (52,240) | |
| Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | |
| Purchase of securities | — | | | (320,996) | | | (1,581,485) | |
| Proceeds from sale of securities | 27,488 | | | 2,234,048 | | | 1,136,617 | |
| Principal repayments and basis recovered on securities | 16,704 | | | 35,352 | | | 126,091 | |
| Proceeds from sale of REO | 738 | | | 2,620 | | | 1,033 | |
| Purchase of Residential Whole Loans | (410,790) | | | (109,480) | | | (563,821) | |
| Proceeds from sale of Residential Whole Loans | — | | | 144,258 | | | — | |
| Principal repayments on Residential Whole Loans | 411,605 | | | 288,568 | | | 254,125 | |
| Purchase of commercial loans | — | | | — | | | (350,232) | |
| Principal repayments on commercial loans | 103,284 | | | 44,819 | | | 197,245 | |
| Purchase of securitized commercial loans | — | | | — | | | (1,109,461) | |
| Principal repayments on securitized commercial loans | 354,203 | | | 349,608 | | | 1,214,688 | |
| | | | | |
| Principal repayments on Residential Bridge Loans | 9,374 | | | 22,075 | | | 211,316 | |
| Payment of premium for option derivatives | — | | | — | | | (780) | |
Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the year ended December 31, |
| | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| Premium received from option derivatives | — | | | — | | | 2,158 | |
| Premium for credit default swaps, net | — | | | (14,028) | | | 3,885 | |
| | | | | |
| Net settlements of TBAs | — | | | (2,430) | | | 1,934 | |
| Proceeds from (Payments on) termination of futures, net | — | | | — | | | (12,862) | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Due from counterparties, net | 50 | | | 2,340 | | | (2,850) | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Interest payments and basis recovered on MAC interest rate swaps | — | | | (202) | | | (5,772) | |
| Premium for interest rate swaptions, net | — | | | 80 | | | (332) | |
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 512,656 | | | 2,676,632 | | | (478,503) | |
| | | | | |
| Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | |
| Net proceeds from issuance of common stock | — | | | 22,357 | | | 52,714 | |
| | | | | |
| Payment of offering costs | (92) | | | (374) | | | (580) | |
| Repurchase of common stock | (1,087) | | | (578) | | | — | |
| | | | | |
| Proceeds from repurchase agreement borrowings | 4,592,689 | | | 10,020,593 | | | 21,381,571 | |
| Proceeds from convertible note offering | 86,250 | | | — | | | 90,625 | |
| Payments on extinguishment of convertible senior notes | (136,754) | | | (21,975) | | | — | |
| Proceeds from offering to non-controlling interest, net of offering costs | — | | | 2 | | | — | |
| Repayments of repurchase agreement borrowings | (4,334,346) | | | (12,486,624) | | | (21,375,531) | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Proceeds from securitized debt | — | | | 460,787 | | | 1,828,361 | |
| Repayments of securitized debt | (683,472) | | | (579,705) | | | (1,292,141) | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Financing fee | (8,540) | | | (12,000) | | | — | |
| Payments made for deferred financing costs | (3,573) | | | (5,437) | | | (8,522) | |
| Due from counterparties, net | (2,288) | | | 94,280 | | | (56,474) | |
| Due to counterparties, net | (321) | | | (388) | | | (17,072) | |
| Increase (decrease) in other liabilities, net | (75,873) | | | 23,185 | | | (2,860) | |
| Dividends paid on common stock | (14,598) | | | (19,633) | | | (62,864) | |
| Dividends paid to non-controlling interest | (8) | | | (8) | | | — | |
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (582,013) | | | (2,505,518) | | | 537,227 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (67,292) | | | 23,466 | | | 6,484 | |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | 107,745 | | | 84,279 | | | 77,795 | |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $ | 40,453 | | | $ | 107,745 | | | $ | 84,279 | |
| | | | | |
| Supplemental disclosure of operating cash flow information: | | | | | |
| Interest paid | $ | 110,707 | | | $ | 119,957 | | | $ | 144,987 | |
| Income taxes paid | $ | 192 | | | $ | 810 | | | $ | 549 | |
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing/investing activities: | | | | | |
| Underwriting and offering costs payable | $ | 2 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 27 | |
| | | | | |
| Principal payments of securities, not settled | $ | — | | | $ | 44 | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Assets of deconsolidated VIE | $ | — | | | $ | (150,804) | | | $ | — | |
| Liabilities of deconsolidated VIE | $ | — | | | $ | 143,952 | | | $ | — | |
| Mortgage-backed securities recorded upon deconsolidation | $ | — | | | $ | 6,852 | | | $ | — | |
| Assets of consolidated VIE | $ | — | | | $ | 1,245,287 | | | $ | — | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
85
Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)
(in thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the year ended December 31, |
| | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| Liabilities of consolidated VIE | $ | — | | | $ | (1,231,549) | | | $ | — | |
| Mortgage-backed securities derecognized upon VIE consolidation | $ | — | | | $ | (13,737) | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | |
| Dividends and distributions declared, not paid | $ | 3,623 | | | $ | 3,649 | | | $ | 16,592 | |
| Principal payments of Residential Whole Loans, not settled | $ | 21,970 | | | $ | 26,885 | | | $ | 17,254 | |
| Principal payments of Residential Bridge Loans, not settled | $ | 163 | | | $ | 1,102 | | | $ | 1,949 | |
| Other assets - Transfer of Bridge Loans to REO | $ | 752 | | | $ | 419 | | | 5,029 | |
| Other assets - Transfer of Commercial Loans to REO | $ | 30,345 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| Other assets - Transfer of REO from non-controlling interest | $ | 12,138 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| Proceeds from sale of REO, not settled | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 728 | |
| Financing fee payable | $ | — | | | $ | (8,540) | | | $ | — | |
| Exchange of convertible senior notes for commons stock | $ | — | | | $ | 3,588 | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | |
| Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets: | | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 40,193 | | | $ | 31,613 | | | $ | 31,331 | |
| Restricted cash | 260 | | | 76,132 | | | 52,948 | |
| Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | $ | 40,453 | | | $ | 107,745 | | | $ | 84,279 | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
86
Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)
(in thousands)
The following defines certain of the commonly used terms in these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements: “Agency” or “Agencies” refer to a federally chartered corporation, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae” or “FNMA”) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac” or “FHLMC”), or an agency of the U.S. Government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae” or “GNMA”); references to “MBS” refer to mortgage backed securities, including residential mortgage-backed securities or “RMBS,” commercial mortgage-backed securities or “CMBS,” and “Interest-Only Strips” (as defined herein); “Agency MBS” refer to RMBS, CMBS and Interest-Only Strips issued or guaranteed by the Agencies while “Non-Agency MBS” refer to RMBS, CMBS and Interest-Only Strips that are not issued or guaranteed by the Agencies; references to “ARMs” refers to adjustable rate mortgages; references to “Interest-Only Strips” refer to interest-only (“IO”) and inverse interest-only (“IIO”) securities issued as part of or collateralized with MBS; references to “TBA” refer to To-Be-Announced Securities; and references to “Residential Whole Loans,” “Residential Bridge Loans” and “Commercial Loans” (collectively “Whole Loans”) refer to individual mortgage loans secured by single family, multifamily and commercial properties.
Note 1—Organization
Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries (the “Company”), commenced operations in May 2012. The Company invests in, finances and manages a diversified portfolio of real estate related securities, Whole Loans and other financial assets. The Company’s current portfolio is comprised of Non-QM loans, Commercial Loans, Non-Agency CMBS and to a lesser extent Agency RMBS, Non-Agency RMBS, Residential Bridge Loans, GSE Risk Transfer Securities and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) secured by a portfolio of private student loans. The Company’s investment strategy is based on Western Asset Management Company, LLC’s (the “Manager”) perspective of which mix of portfolio assets it believes provides the Company with the best risk-reward opportunities at any given time. The Company's current investment strategy will focus on residential real estate related investments, including but not limited to non-qualified mortgage loans, non-agency RMBS, and other related investments. The Manager will vary the allocation among these asset classes subject to maintaining the Company’s qualification as a REIT and maintaining its exemption from the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). These restrictions limit the Company’s ability to invest in non-qualifying MBS, non-real estate assets and/or assets which are not secured by real estate. Accordingly, the Company’s portfolio will continue to be principally invested in qualifying MBS, Whole Loans and other real estate related assets.
The Company is externally managed by the Manager, an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. (“Franklin”). The Company operates and has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust or “REIT” commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2012.
Note 2—Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
The accompanying financial statements and related notes have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned and majority owned subsidiaries and VIEs in which it is considered the primary beneficiary. All intercompany amounts between the Company and its subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs have been eliminated in consolidation.
Variable Interest Entities
VIEs are defined as entities that by design either lack sufficient equity for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or are unable to direct the entity’s activities or are not exposed to the entity’s losses or entitled to its residual returns. The Company evaluates all of its interests in VIEs for consolidation. When the interests are determined to be variable interests, the Company assesses whether it is deemed the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is determined to be the party that has both the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
87
Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands—except share and per share data)
To assess whether the Company has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, it considers all facts and circumstances, including its role in establishing the VIE and its ongoing rights and responsibilities. This assessment includes: first, identifying the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and second, identifying which party, if any, has power over those activities. In general, the parties that make the most significant decisions affecting the VIE or have the right to unilaterally remove those decision makers are deemed to have the power to direct the activities of a VIE.
To assess whether the Company has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, it considers all of its economic interests. This assessment requires the Company to apply judgment in determining whether these interests, in the aggregate, are considered potentially significant to the VIE. Factors considered in assessing significance include: the design of the VIE, including its capitalization structure; subordination of interests; payment priority; relative share of interests held across various classes within the VIE’s capital structure; and the reasons why the interests are held by the Company.
In instances where the Company and its related parties have variable interests in a VIE, the Company considers whether there is a single party in the related party group that meets both the power and losses or benefits criteria on its own as though no related party relationship existed. If one party within the related party group meets both these criteria, such reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of the VIE and no further analysis is needed. If no party within the related party group on its own meets both the power and losses or benefits criteria, but the related party group as a whole meets these two criteria, the determination of primary beneficiary within the related party group requires significant judgment. The analysis is based upon qualitative as well as quantitative factors, such as the relationship of the VIE to each of the members of the related-party group, as well as the significance of the VIE's activities to those members, with the objective of determining which party is most closely associated with the VIE.
Ongoing assessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE are required.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve rapidly. Beginning with the quarter ended March 31, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic, created extensive disruptions to the global economy and the lives of individuals throughout the world. Governments and businesses took unprecedented actions to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to mitigate its effects, including vaccination efforts, face covering mandates, quarantines, travel bans, shelter-in-place orders, closures of businesses and schools, fiscal stimulus, and legislation designed to deliver monetary aid and other relief. With the roll out of the vaccines and the decline in COVID-19 cases many of these restrictions were lifted in 2021. While the overall economy is showing signs of recovery from the initial impacts of COVID-19, workforce shortages, global supply chain bottlenecks and shortages, inflation, as well as COVID-19 variants are impacting the pace of recovery. The extent of the future effects of COVID-19 on our business, results of operations, cash flows, and growth prospects is highly uncertain and will ultimately depend on future COVID-19 developments, none of which can be predicted with any certainty.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
GAAP requires use of the two-class method in computing earnings per share for all periods presented for each class of common stock and participating securities as if all earnings for the period had been distributed. Under the two-class method, during periods of net income, the net income is first reduced for dividends declared on all classes of securities to arrive at undistributed earnings. During periods of net losses, the net loss is reduced for dividends declared on participating securities only if the security has the right to participate in the earnings of the entity and an objectively determinable contractual obligation to share in net losses of the entity. The Company’s participating securities are not allocated a share of the net loss, as the participating securities do not have a contractual obligation to share in the net losses of the Company.
The remaining earnings are allocated to common stockholders and participating securities, to the extent that each security shares in earnings, as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. Each total is then divided by the applicable number of weighted average outstanding common shares to arrive at basic earnings per share. For the diluted earnings, the denominator includes the weighted average outstanding common shares and all potential common shares assumed issued if they are dilutive. The numerator is adjusted for any changes in income or loss that would result from the assumed conversion of these potential common shares.
Offering Costs
Offering costs borne by the Company in connection with common stock offerings and private placements are reflected as a reduction of additional paid-in-capital. Offering costs borne by the Company in connection with its shelf registration will be deferred and recorded in "Other assets" until such time the Company completes a common stock offering where all or a portion will be reclassified and reflected as a reduction of additional paid-in-capital. The deferred offering costs will be expensed upon the expiration of the shelf if the Company does not complete an equity offering.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of 90 days or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are exposed to concentrations of credit risk. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with what it believes to be high credit quality institutions. At times such investments may be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limit.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash represents cash held by the trustee or servicer for mortgage escrows in connection with the Company's securitized loan and commercial loan investments held in its consolidated VIEs. These escrows consist of principal and interest escrows, capital improvement reserves, repair reserves, real estate tax and insurance reserves and tenant reserves. The corresponding liability is recorded in "Other liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The restricted cash is not available for general corporate use.
Valuation of Financial Instruments
The Company discloses the fair value of its financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy (Levels I, II, and III, as defined below). ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures" establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands financial statement disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. ASC 820 further specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques, which is based on whether the inputs into the valuation technique are observable or unobservable. The hierarchy is as follows:
Level I — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level II — Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
Level III — Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs. In situations where quoted prices or observable inputs are unavailable, for example, when there is little or no market activity for an investment at the end of the period, unobservable inputs may be used.
The level in the fair value hierarchy within which a fair value measurement in its entirety falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Transfers between levels are determined by the Company at the end of the reporting period. Refer to Note 3 - "Fair Value of Financial Instruments."
Mortgage-Backed Securities and Other Securities
The Company's mortgage-backed securities and other securities portfolio primarily consisted of Agency CMBS, Non-Agency CMBS, Agency RMBS, Non-Agency RMBS, ABS and other real estate related securities. These investments are recorded in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments - Debt and Equity Securities” and ASC 325-40, “Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets.” The Company has chosen to elect the fair value option pursuant to ASC 825, “Financial Instruments” for its mortgage-backed securities and other securities portfolio. Electing the fair value option allows the Company to record changes in fair value in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of “Unrealized gain (loss), net.”
Residential Whole Loans
Investments in Residential Whole Loans are recorded in accordance with ASC 310-20, "Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs." The Company has chosen to elect the fair value option pursuant to ASC 825 for our entire Residential Whole-Loan portfolio. Residential Whole Loans are recorded at fair value with periodic changes in fair market value being recorded in earnings as a component of "Unrealized gain (loss), net." All other costs incurred in connection with acquiring Residential Whole Loans or committing to purchase these loans are charged to expense as incurred.
Residential Bridge Loans
For the Bridge Loans acquired prior to October 25, 2017, the Company did not elect the fair value option pursuant to ASC 825. These loans are recorded at their principal amount outstanding, net of any premium or discount. Commencing with purchases on October 25, 2017, the Company decided to elect the fair value option pursuant to ASC 825 to be consistent with the accounting of its' other investments, which are all carried at fair value. These loans are recorded at fair value with periodic changes in fair market value being recorded in earnings as a component of "Unrealized gain (loss), net." All other costs incurred in connection with acquiring the Residential Bridge Loans or committing to purchase these loans are charged to expense as incurred.
Securitized Commercial Loans
Securitized commercial loans are comprised of commercial loans of consolidated variable interest entities which were sponsored by third parties. These loans are recorded in accordance with ASC 310-20, "Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs." The Company has chosen to elect the fair value option pursuant to ASC 825. Accordingly, these loans are recorded at fair value with periodic changes in fair value being recorded in earnings as a component of "Unrealized gain (loss), net."
Commercial Loans
Investments in Commercial Loans, which are comprised of first lien commercial mortgage loans and commercial mezzanine loans, are recorded in accordance with ASC 310-20, "Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs." The Company has chosen to make the fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its Commercial Loan portfolio. Accordingly, these loans are recorded at fair value with periodic changes in fair value being recorded in earnings as a component of "Unrealized gain (loss), net." All other costs incurred in connection with acquiring the Commercial Loans or committing to purchase these loans are charged to expense as incurred.
Credit Loss on Investments
The Company’s loan investments are typically collateralized by real estate. As a result, the Company regularly evaluates the extent and impact of any credit migration associated with the performance and or value of the underlying collateral property as well as the financial and operating capability of the borrower on a loan by loan basis. On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates the collectability of both interest and principal of each loan, if circumstances warrant, to determine whether such loan is impaired. A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the existing contractual terms.
The Company elected the Fair Value Option for all of its investments and accordingly it does not apply the expected loss model in accordance with ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("CECL") instead the Company records changes in fair value of these investment in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of "Unrealized gain (loss), net."
For the Company's investment in mortgage-backed securities and other securities the impact of CECL guidance is limited to the calculation of the effective yield and on these investments.
Real Estate Owned
REO represents real estate property acquired by the Company through foreclosure and it is classified as held for sale. Upon completion of the foreclosure, the Company initially records the REO at fair value less estimated costs to sell the property. In subsequent periods, REO is reported at the lower of the current carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling costs and it is classified in "Other assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gains/losses recognized on foreclosure as well as realized gains/losses on the disposition of REO are reported by the Company in "Realized gain (loss), net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Interest Income Recognition
Agency MBS, Non-Agency MBS and other securities, excluding Interest-Only Strips, rated AA and higher at the time of purchase
Interest income on mortgage-backed and other securities is accrued based on the respective outstanding principal balances and corresponding contractual terms. The Company records interest income in accordance with ASC subtopic 835-30 "Imputation of Interest," using the effective interest method. As such premiums and discounts associated with Agency MBS, Non-Agency MBS and other securities, excluding Interest-Only Strips, are amortized into interest income over the estimated life of such securities. Adjustments to premium and discount amortization are made for actual prepayment activity. The Company estimates prepayments at least quarterly for its securities and, as a result, if the projected prepayment speed increases, the Company will accelerate the rate of amortization on premiums or discounts and make a retrospective adjustment to historical amortization. Alternatively, if projected prepayment speeds decrease, the Company will reduce the rate of amortization on the premiums or discounts and make a retrospective adjustment to historical amortization.
Non-Agency MBS and other securities that are rated below AA at the time of purchase and Interest-Only Strips that are not classified as derivatives
Interest income on Non-Agency MBS and other securities that are rated below AA at the time of purchase and Interest-Only Strips that are not classified as derivatives are also recognized in accordance with ASC 835, using the effective yield method. The effective yield on these securities is based on the projected cash flows from each security, which is estimated based on the Company’s observation of the then current information and events, where applicable, and will include assumptions related to interest rates, prepayment rates and the timing and amount of credit losses. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company reviews and, if appropriate, makes adjustments to its cash flow projections based on input and analysis received from external sources, internal models, and its judgment about interest rates, prepayment rates, the timing and amount of credit losses, and other factors. Changes in cash flows from those originally projected, or from those estimated at the last evaluation, may result in a prospective change in the yield/interest income recognized on such securities. Actual maturities of the securities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying collateral, periodic payments of scheduled principal, and prepayments of principal. Therefore, actual maturities of the securities will generally be shorter than stated contractual maturities.
For the purposes of calculating interest income, to ensure that a projected credit loss of a security does not impact the effective yield and interest income the Company maintains a “shadow allowance” account. The Company uses the shadow allowance to create a management basis. The management basis which is the difference between the net present value of projected cash flows less shadow allowance amount. The shadow allowance and the management basis are operational accounts that are used solely for the purposes of determining and calculating accretable yield and accretable book value and are not recorded in the Company's consolidated financial statements. The management basis is limited to a fair market value of the investment. Actual realized loss on a security is recorded as a reduction in both the management basis and the amortized cost basis. Interest income is computed using the amortized basis as the reference amount and applying the yield calculated using management basis.
Loan Portfolio
Interest income on the Company's residential loan portfolio and commercial loan portfolio is recorded using the effective interest method based on the contractual payment terms of the loan. Any premium amortization or discount accretion will be reflected as a component of "Interest income" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Income recognition is suspended for loans at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90-days past due or when, in the opinion of management, a full recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful. When the ultimate collectability of the principal of an impaired loan is in doubt, all payments are applied to principal under the cost recovery method. When the ultimate collectability of the principal of an impaired loan is not in doubt, contractual interest is recorded as interest income when received, under the cash basis method until an accrual is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated.
Purchases and Sales of Investments
The Company accounts for a contract for the purchase or sale of securities, or other securities that do not yet exist on a trade date basis, which it intends to take possession and thus recognizes the acquisition or disposition of the securities at the inception of the contract.
Sales of investments are driven by the Company’s portfolio management process. The Company seeks to mitigate risks including those associated with prepayments and will opportunistically rotate the portfolio into securities and/or other investments the Company’s Manager believes have more favorable attributes. Strategies may also be employed to manage net capital gains, which need to be distributed for tax purposes. Realized gains or losses on sales of investments, including Agency Interest-Only Strips not characterized as derivatives, are a component of "Realized gain (loss) on sale of investments, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, and are recorded at the time of disposition. Realized gains or losses on Interest-Only Strips which are characterized as derivatives are a component of "Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Due From Counterparties / Due To Counterparties
"Due from counterparties" represents cash posted by the Company with its counterparties as collateral for the Company’s interest rate and/or futures contracts, repurchase agreements, and TBAs. "Due to counterparties" represents cash posted with the Company by its counterparties as collateral under the Company’s interest rate and/or currency derivative financial instruments, repurchase agreements, and TBAs. Included in "Due from counterparties" and/or "Due to counterparties" are daily variation margin settlement amounts with counterparties which are based on the price movement of the Company’s futures contracts. Daily variation margin on only the Company's centrally cleared derivatives was treated as a settlement and classified as either "Derivative assets, at fair value" or "Derivative liability, at fair value" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, as provided below, "Due to counterparties" may include non-cash collateral in which the Company has the obligation to return and which the Company has either sold or pledged. To the extent the Company receives collateral other than cash from its counterparties, such assets are not included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company either rehypothecates such assets or pledges the assets as collateral pursuant to a repurchase agreement, the cash received and the corresponding liability are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Subject to maintaining its qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Company as part of its hedging strategy, we may enter into interest rate swaps, including forward starting swaps, interest rate swaptions, U.S. Treasury options, Eurodollar, Volatility Index and U.S, Treasury futures, TBAs, total return swaps, credit default swaps and forwards to hedge the interest rate and currency risk associated with its portfolio and related borrowings. Derivatives, subject to REIT requirements, are used for hedging purposes rather than speculation. The Company determines the fair value of its derivative positions and obtains quotations from third parties, including the Chicago Mercantile Exchange or CME, to facilitate the process of determining such fair values. The Company does not necessarily seek to hedge all such risks. In addition, if the Company’s hedging activities do not achieve the desired results, reported earnings may be adversely affected.
GAAP requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and to measure those instruments at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative. The fair value adjustment will affect either other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity until the hedged item is recognized in earnings or net income depending on whether the derivative instrument is designated and qualifies as a for
hedge for accounting purposes and if so, the nature of the hedging activity. The Company elected not to apply hedge accounting for its derivative instruments. Accordingly, the Company records the change in fair value of its derivative instruments, which includes net interest rate swap payments/receipts (including accrued amounts) and net currency payments/receipts (including accrued amounts) related to interest rate swaps and currency swaps, respectively, in "Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net" in its Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company accounts for variation margins as partial settlement of the respective derivative asset or liability that will result in realized gains or losses on the derivative contract in the Consolidated Statement of Operation. The cash payments for variation margin are included in operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
In the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, premiums received or paid on termination of its interest rate swaps are included in cash flows from operating activities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, proceeds and payments on settlement of swaptions, futures contracts and TBAs are included in cash flows from investing activities. Proceeds and payments on settlement of forward contracts are reflected in cash flows from financing activities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. For Agency and Non-Agency Interest-Only Strips accounted for as derivatives, the purchase, sale and recovery of basis activity is included with MBS and other securities under cash flows from investing activities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
The Company evaluates the terms and conditions of its holdings of Agency and Non-Agency Interest-Only Strips, interest rate swaptions, currency forwards, futures contracts and TBAs to determine if these instruments have the characteristics of an investment or should be considered a derivative under GAAP. In determining the classification of its holdings of Interest-Only Strips, the Company evaluates the securities to determine if the nature of the cash flows have been altered from that of the underlying mortgage collateral. Interest-Only Strips, for which the underlying mortgage collateral has been included into a structured security that alters the cash flows from the underlying mortgage collateral, are accounted for as derivatives. The carrying value of the Agency and Non-Agency Interest-Only Strips, accounted for as derivatives, is included in "Mortgage-backed securities and other securities, at fair value" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The carrying value of interest rate swaptions, currency forwards, futures contracts and TBAs is included in "Derivative assets, at fair value" or "Derivative liability, at fair value" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest earned or paid along with the change in fair value of these instruments accounted for as derivatives is recorded in "Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net" in its Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company evaluates all of its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. An embedded derivative is separated from the host contact and accounted for separately when all of the guidance criteria are met. Hybrid instruments that are remeasured at fair value through earnings, including the fair value option are not bifurcated. Derivative instruments, including derivative instruments accounted for as liabilities, are recorded at fair value and are re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value together with interest earned or paid (including accrued amounts) reported in "Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Repurchase Agreements and Reverse Repurchase Agreements
Investments sold under repurchase agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions, unless they meet all the criteria for sales treatment. Securities financed through a repurchase agreement remain in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as assets and cash received from the lender is recorded in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as a liability. Interest payable in accordance with repurchase agreements is recorded as "Accrued interest payable" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest paid (including accrued amounts) in accordance with repurchase agreements is recorded as interest expense.
The Company may borrow securities under reverse repurchase agreements to deliver a security owned and sold by the Company but pledged to a different counterparty under a separate repurchase agreement when in the Manager’s view terminating the outstanding repurchase agreement is not in the Company’s best interest. Cash paid to the borrower is recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as an asset. Interest receivable in accordance with reverse repurchase agreements is recorded as accrued interest receivable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company reflects all proceeds on reverse repurchase agreement and repayment of reverse repurchase agreement, on a net basis in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Upon sale of a pledged security, the Company recognizes an obligation to return the borrowed security in the Consolidated Balance Sheet in "Due to counterparties." The Company establishes haircuts to ensure the market value of the
underlying asset remains sufficient to protect the Company in the event of default by the counterparty. Realized gains and losses associated with the sale of the security are recognized in "Realized gain (loss) on sale of investments, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes
Convertible senior unsecured notes include unsecured convertible debt that is carried at its unpaid principal balance, net of any unamortized deferred issuance costs, in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest on the notes is payable semiannually until such time the notes mature or are converted into shares of the Company’s common stock. ASC 470-20 "Debt-Debt with Conversion and Other Options" requires that convertible debt instruments with cash settlement features, including partial cash settlement, account for the liability component and equity component (conversion feature) of the instrument separately. The initial value of the liability component will reflect the present value of the discounted cash flows using the nonconvertible debt borrowing rate at the time of issuance. The debt discount represents the difference between the proceeds received from the issuance and the initial carrying value of the liability component, which is accreted back to the notes principal amount through interest expense over the life of the notes.
Share-based Compensation
Compensation cost related to restricted common stock or restricted stock units ("RSUs") issued to the Company’s independent directors, including any restricted stock which is subject to a deferred compensation program, is measured at its fair value at the grant date and amortized into expense over the service period on a straight-line basis. Compensation cost related to restricted common stock issued to the Manager and to employees of the Manager, including officers and certain directors, of the Company who are employees of the Manager and its affiliates, is initially measured at fair value at the grant date, and amortized into expense over the vesting period on a straight-line basis.
Income Taxes
The Company operates and has elected to be taxed as a REIT commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2012. Accordingly, the Company will generally not be subject to corporate U.S. federal or state income tax to the extent that the Company makes qualifying distributions to stockholders, and provided that the Company satisfies, on a continuing basis, through actual investment and operating results, the REIT requirements including certain asset, income, distribution and stock ownership tests. If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT, and does not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, the Company will be subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes and may be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the subsequent four taxable years following the year in which the Company lost its REIT qualification. Accordingly, the failure to qualify as a REIT could have a material adverse impact in the Company’s results of operations and amounts available for distribution to stockholders.
As a REIT, if the Company fails to distribute in any calendar year (subject to specific timing rules for certain dividends paid in January) at least the sum of (i) 85% of its ordinary income for such year, (ii) 95% of its capital gain net income for such year, and (iii) any undistributed taxable income from the prior year, the Company would be subject to a non-deductible 4% excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the sum of (i) the amounts actually distributed and (ii) the amounts of income retained and on which the Company has paid corporate income tax.
The dividends paid deduction for qualifying dividends paid to stockholders is computed using the Company’s taxable income as opposed to net income reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Taxable income, generally, will differ from net income reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations because the determination of taxable income is based on tax regulations and not GAAP.
From time to time the Company may create and elect to treat certain subsidiaries as Taxable REIT Subsidiaries ("TRS"). In general, a TRS may hold assets and engage in activities that the Company cannot hold or engage in directly and generally may engage in any real estate or non-real estate-related business. A domestic TRS is subject to U.S. federal, state and local corporate income taxes, and its value, along with all other TRS's, may not exceed 20% of the value of the Company. If the TRS generates net income it may declare dividends to the Company, which will be included in the Company’s taxable income and necessitate a distribution to its stockholders. Conversely, if the Company retains earnings at the TRS level, no distribution is required and it can increase book equity of the consolidated entity. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has a single wholly-owned subsidiary which it has elected to treat as a domestic TRS.
Current and deferred taxes are recorded on earnings (losses) recognized by the Company's TRS. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are calculated based upon temporary differences between the Company's U.S. GAAP consolidated financial statements and the federal and state basis of assets and liabilities as of the Consolidated Balance Sheet date. The Company evaluates the realizability of its deferred tax assets and recognizes a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating the realizability of the deferred tax asset, the Company will consider the expected future taxable income, existing and projected book to tax differences as well as tax planning strategies. This analysis is inherently subjective, as it is based on forecasted earning and business and economic activity. Changes in estimates of deferred tax asset realizability, if any, are included in "Income tax provision (benefit)" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The Company has none of the components of comprehensive income (loss) and therefore comprehensive income (loss) is not presented.
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
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| Description | | Adoption Date | | Effect on Financial Statements |
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| In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, “Investments-Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investment-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323, and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815).” The amendments in this update clarified the interaction of the accounting for equity securities under Topic 321 and investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting in Topic 323 and the accounting for certain forward contracts and purchase options accounted for under Topic 815. | | January 1, 2021 | | The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. |
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Recently issued accounting pronouncements | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Description | | Effective Date | | Effect on Financial Statements |
| In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, “Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging— Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40).” The amendments in this Update affect entities that issue convertible instruments and/or contracts in an entity’s own equity. For convertible instruments, the instruments primarily affected are those issued with beneficial conversion features or cash conversion features because the accounting models for those specific features are removed. | | January 1, 2022. | | The Company evaluated the impact this standard may have on its consolidated financial statements and does not believe it will have a material impact on its financial statements due to the limited nature of such transactions. |
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| In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” The amendments in this update provided optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this Update apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)." The amendments in this Update clarify that certain optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. | | March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022 | | The Company may elect to adopt the amendments in ASU 2020-04 and ASU 2021-1 at any time after March 12, 2020 but not later than December 31, 2022. Currently, the Company's contracts that are referenced to LIBOR have not been affected by the amendments in these updates. The Company is in the process of evaluating the guidance and the other optional expedients, and the effect on the company's financial statements has not yet been determined. |
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Note 3—Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following tables present the Company's financial instruments carried at fair value as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, based upon the valuation hierarchy (dollars in thousands):
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| | December 31, 2021 |
| | Fair Value |
| Assets | Level I | | Level II | | Level III | | Total |
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| Agency RMBS Interest-Only Strips | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 114 | | | $ | 114 | |
| Agency RMBS Interest-Only Strips accounted for as derivatives, included in MBS | — | | | — | | | 1,058 | | | 1,058 | |
| Subtotal Agency MBS | — | | | — | | | 1,172 | | | 1,172 | |
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| Non-Agency CMBS | — | | | 99,630 | | | 5,728 | | | 105,358 | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | — | | | 25,652 | | | — | | | 25,652 | |
| Non-Agency RMBS Interest-Only Strips | — | | | — | | | 2,117 | | | 2,117 | |
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| Subtotal Non-Agency MBS | — | | | 125,282 | | | 7,845 | | | 133,127 | |
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| Other securities | — | | | 51,648 | | | — | | | 51,648 | |
| Total mortgage-backed securities and other securities | — | | | 176,930 | | | 9,017 | | | 185,947 | |
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| Residential Whole Loans | — | | | — | | | 1,023,502 | | | 1,023,502 | |
| Residential Bridge Loans | — | | | — | | | 5,428 | | | 5,428 | |
| Commercial loans | — | | | — | | | 130,572 | | | 130,572 | |
| Securitized commercial loans | — | | | — | | | 1,355,808 | | | 1,355,808 | |
| Derivative assets | — | | | 105 | | | — | | | 105 | |
| Total Assets | $ | — | | | $ | 177,035 | | | $ | 2,524,327 | | | $ | 2,701,362 | |
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| Liabilities | | | | | | | |
| Derivative liabilities | $ | — | | | $ | 602 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 602 | |
| Securitized debt | — | | | 1,329,451 | | | 14,919 | | | 1,344,370 | |
| Total Liabilities | $ | — | | | $ | 1,330,053 | | | $ | 14,919 | | | $ | 1,344,972 | |
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| | December 31, 2020 |
| | Fair Value |
| Assets | Level I | | Level II | | Level III | | Total |
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| Agency RMBS Interest-Only Strips | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 143 | | | $ | 143 | |
| Agency RMBS Interest-Only Strips accounted for as derivatives, included in MBS | — | | | — | | | 1,565 | | | 1,565 | |
| Subtotal Agency MBS | — | | | — | | | 1,708 | | | 1,708 | |
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| Non-Agency CMBS | — | | | 155,093 | | | 8,988 | | | 164,081 | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | — | | | — | | | 21,416 | | | 21,416 | |
| Non-Agency RMBS Interest-Only Strips | — | | | — | | | 3,965 | | | 3,965 | |
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| Subtotal Non-Agency MBS | — | | | 155,093 | | | 34,369 | | | 189,462 | |
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| Other securities | — | | | 40,161 | | | 8,593 | | | 48,754 | |
| Total mortgage-backed securities and other securities | — | | | 195,254 | | | 44,670 | | | 239,924 | |
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| Residential Whole Loans | — | | | — | | | 1,008,782 | | | 1,008,782 | |
| Residential Bridge Loans | | | — | | | 12,813 | | | 12,813 | |
| Commercial loans | — | | | — | | | 310,523 | | | 310,523 | |
| Securitized commercial loan | — | | | — | | | 1,605,335 | | | 1,605,335 | |
| Derivative assets | — | | | 161 | | | — | | | 161 | |
| Total Assets | $ | — | | | $ | 195,415 | | | $ | 2,982,123 | | | $ | 3,177,538 | |
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| Liabilities | | | | | | | |
| Derivative liabilities | $ | — | | | $ | 656 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 656 | |
| Securitized debt | — | | | 1,538,304 | | | 15,418 | | | 1,553,722 | |
| Total Liabilities | $ | — | | | $ | 1,538,960 | | | $ | 15,418 | | | $ | 1,554,378 | |
When available, the Company uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of an asset or liability. If quoted market prices are not available, the Company will use independent pricing services and if the independent pricing service cannot price a particular asset or liability, the Company will obtain third party broker quotes. The Manager's pricing group, which functions independently from its portfolio management personnel, reviews the third-party broker quotes by comparing the broker quotes for reasonableness to alternate sources when available. If independent pricing services or third-party broker quotes are not available, the Company determines the fair value of the securities using valuation techniques that use, when possible, current market-based or independently sourced market parameters, such as interest rates and when applicable, estimates of prepayments and credit losses.
In instances when the Company is required to consolidate a VIE that is determined to be a qualifying collateralized financing entity ("CFE"), under GAAP and if the Company has elected the fair value option for the securitized debt, the Company will measure both the financial assets and financial liabilities of the VIE using the fair value of either the VIE’s financial assets or financial liabilities, whichever is more observable.
Mortgage-backed securities and other securities
In determining the proper fair value hierarchy or level the Company considers the amount of available observable market data for each security. For Agency IOs, Non-Agency RMBS, CMBS and other securities, to determine whether a security should be a Level II, the securities are grouped by security type and the Manager reviews the internal trade history, for the quarter, for each security type. If there is sufficient trade data above a predetermined threshold of a security type, the Manager determines it has sufficient observable market data and the security will be categorized as a Level II; otherwise, the security is classified as a Level III.
Values for the Company's securities are based upon prices obtained from independent third-party pricing services. The valuation methodology of the third-party pricing services incorporates market information and commonly used market pricing methods, which include actual trades and quoted prices for similar or identical instruments, and are designed to produce a pricing process that is responsive to market conditions. Depending on the type of asset and the underlying collateral, the primary inputs to the model include yields for TBAs, Agency RMBS, the U.S. Treasury market and floating rate indices such as LIBOR, the Constant Maturity Treasury rate and the prime rate as a benchmark yield. In addition, the model may incorporate the current weighted average maturity and additional pool level information such as prepayment speeds, default frequencies and default severities, if applicable. When the third-party pricing service cannot adequately price a particular security, the Company utilizes a broker's quote which is reviewed for reasonableness by the Manager's pricing group.
Residential Whole Loans and Residential Bridge Loans
Values for the Company's Residential Whole Loans and Bridge Loans are based upon prices obtained from an independent third-party pricing service that specializes in loan valuation, utilizing a discounted cash flow valuation model that is calibrated to recent loan trade execution. Their valuation methodology incorporates commonly used market pricing methods, which include the inputs considered most significant to the determination of fair value of the Company's Residential Whole Loans and Residential Bridge Loans. The key loan inputs include loan balance, interest rate, loan to value, delinquencies and fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans. The assumption made by the independent third-party pricing service includes the market discount rate, default assumptions and loss severity. Other inputs and assumptions relevant to the pricing of Residential Whole Loans include FICO scores and prepayment speeds.
The independent third-party pricing service used a combination of recent loan trades and recent residential whole loans securitization transactions adjusted for deal cost and liquidity premium, to form their opinion on the appropriate discount rate.
The Company reviews the analysis provided by pricing service as well as the key assumptions made available to the Company. Due to the inherent uncertainty of such valuation, the fair values established for residential loans held by the Company may differ from the fair values that would have been established if a readily available market existed for these loans. Accordingly, the Company's loans are classified as Level III.
Commercial Loans
Values for the Company's Commercial Loans are based upon prices obtained from an independent third-party pricing service that specializes in loan valuation, utilizing a valuation model that is calibrated to recent loan trade execution. Their valuation methodology incorporates commonly used market pricing methods, which include the inputs considered most significant to the determination of fair value of the Company's Commercial Loans. The assumptions made by the independent third-party pricing vendor include a market discount rate, default assumption, loss severity, cash flows and probability weighted loss scenarios. The Company reviews the analysis provided by the pricing service as well as the key assumptions. Due to the inherent uncertainty of such valuation, the fair values established for Commercial Loans held by the Company may differ from the fair values that would have been established if a readily available market existed for these loans. Accordingly, the Company's Commercial Loans are classified as a Level III.
Securitized commercial loans
Values for the Company’s securitized commercial loans are based on the collateralized financing entity ("CFE") valuation methodology. Since there is an extremely limited market for the securitized commercial loans, the Company determined the securitized debt is more actively traded and therefore was more observable. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the securitized commercial loans' valuation, the Company classifies its securitized commercial loans as Level III.
Securitized debt
Values for the Company's securitized debt that the Company elected the fair value option are based upon prices obtained from independent third-party pricing services. The valuation methodology of the third-party pricing services incorporates market information and commonly used market pricing methods, which include actual trades and quoted prices for similar or identical instruments. In determining the proper fair value hierarchy or level, the Company considers the amount of available observable market data for each security. Since the securitized debt represents traded debt securities, the Manager's pricing team reviews the trade activity during the quarter for each security to determine the appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy. If there is sufficient trade data above a predetermined volume threshold, the Manager determines it has sufficient observable market data and the debt security will be categorized as a Level II. If there is not sufficient observable market data the debt security will be categorized as a Level III.
Derivatives
Values for the Company's derivatives are based upon prices from third-party pricing services, whose pricing is subject to review by the Manager's pricing committee. In valuing its over-the-counter interest rate derivatives, such as swaps and swaptions, its currency derivatives, such as swaps and forwards and credit derivatives such as total return swaps, the Company considers the creditworthiness of both the Company and its counterparties, along with collateral provisions contained in each derivative agreement, from the perspective of both the Company and its counterparties. No credit valuation adjustment was made in determining the fair value of interest rate derivatives and/or futures contracts for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
Third-Party Pricing Data Review
The Company performs quarterly reviews of the independent third-party pricing data. These reviews may include a review of the valuation methodology used by third-party valuation specialists and review of the daily change in the prices provided by the independent pricing vendor which exceed established tolerances or comparisons to executed transaction prices, utilizing the Manager's pricing group. The Manager's pricing group, which functions independently from its portfolio management personnel, reviews the price differences or changes in price by comparing the vendor price to alternate sources including other independent pricing services or broker quotations. If the price change or difference cannot be corroborated, the Manager's pricing group consults with the portfolio management team for market color in reviewing such pricing data as warranted. To the extent that the Manager has information, typically in the form of broker quotations that would indicate that a price received from the independent pricing service is outside of a tolerance range, the Manager generally challenges the independent pricing service price.
The following tables present a summary of the available quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of financial instruments for which the Company has utilized Level III inputs to determine fair value as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands).
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| | Fair Value at | | | | | | Range | | |
| | December 31, 2021 | | Valuation Technique | | Unobservable Input | | Minimum | | Maximum | | Weighted Average |
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| Residential Whole-Loans | | $ | 1,023,502 | | | Discounted Cash Flow | | Market Discount Rate | | 2.6 | % | | 7.5 | % | | 3.5 | % |
| | | | | | Weighted Average Life | | 1.4 | | 8.9 | | 3.1 |
| Residential Bridge Loans | | $ | 5,428 | | | Discounted Cash Flow | | Market Discount Rate | | 9.8 | % | | 23.1 | % | (1) | 17.2 | % |
| | | | | | Weighted Average Life | | 0.3 | | 3.6 | | 2.4 |
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| Commercial Loans | | $ | 130,572 | | | Discounted Cash Flow | | Market Discount Rate | | 4.5 | % | | 21.7 | % | | 9.3 | % |
| | | | | | Weighted Average Life | | 0.5 | | 2.8 | | 1.2 |
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| | Fair Value at | | | | | | Range | | |
| | December 31, 2020 | | Valuation Technique | | Unobservable Input | | Minimum | | Maximum | | Weighted Average |
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| Residential Whole-Loans | | $ | 1,008,782 | | | Discounted Cash Flow | | Market Discount Rate | | 2.1 | % | | 7.5 | % | | 4.1 | % |
| | | | | | Weighted Average Life | | 1.5 | | 8.4 | | 2.9 |
| Residential Bridge Loans | | $ | 12,813 | | | Discounted Cash Flow | | Market Discount Rate | | 8.0 | % | | 35.2 | % | (1) | 18.0 | % |
| | | | | | Weighted Average Life | | 0.3 | | 2.6 | | 1.3 |
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| Commercial Loans: | | $ | 310,523 | | | Discounted Cash Flow | | Market Discount Rate | | 6.3 | % | | 18.4 | % | | 10.5 | % |
| | | | | | Weighted Average Life | | 0.5 | | 1.9 | | 0.7 |
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(1) Yield to maturity is the total return on the loan expressed as an annual rate. Delinquent Bridge Loans that are nearing maturity and with fair value that is significantly less than the principal amount have a higher discount rate or yield to maturity.
The following tables present additional information about the Company's financial instruments which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which the Company has utilized Level III inputs to determine fair value (dollars in thousands) :
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| | Year ended December 31, 2021 |
| Agency MBS | | Non-Agency MBS | | Other Securities | | Residential
Whole Loans | | Residential
Bridge Loans | | Commercial Loans | | Securitized
Commercial Loans | | Securitized
Debt | | |
| Beginning balance | $ | 1,708 | | | $ | 34,369 | | | $ | 8,593 | | | $ | 1,008,782 | | | $ | 12,813 | | | $ | 310,523 | | | $ | 1,605,335 | | | $ | 15,418 | | | |
| Transfers into Level III from Level II | — | | | 5,683 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | |
| Transfers from Level III into Level II | — | | | (32,471) | | | (10,306) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | |
| Purchases | — | | | — | | | — | | | 422,041 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Transfers to REO | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (752) | | | (30,000) | | | — | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Loan modifications / capitalized interest | — | | | — | | | — | | | 486 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | |
| Principal repayments | — | | | (256) | | | — | | | (401,075) | | | (7,312) | | | (103,285) | | | (354,202) | | | — | | | |
| Total net gains/losses included in net income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Realized gains/(losses), net on assets | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (206) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unrealized gains/(losses), net on assets(1) | (206) | | | 698 | | | 1,657 | | | 2,354 | | | 907 | | | (46,813) | | | 79,972 | | | — | | | |
Unrealized (gains)/losses, net on liabilities(2) | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 4,056 | | | |
| Premium and discount amortization, net | (330) | | | (178) | | | 56 | | | (9,086) | | | (22) | | | 147 | | | 24,703 | | | (4,555) | | | |
| Ending balance | $ | 1,172 | | | $ | 7,845 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,023,502 | | | $ | 5,428 | | | $ | 130,572 | | | $ | 1,355,808 | | | $ | 14,919 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unrealized gains/(losses), net on assets held at the end of the period(1) | $ | (206) | | | $ | (1,173) | | | $ | — | | | $ | 5,795 | | | $ | 149 | | | $ | (50,034) | | | $ | 64,973 | | | $ | — | | | |
Unrealized gains/(losses), net on liabilities held at the end of the period(2) | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (3,603) | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2020 |
| Agency MBS | | Non-Agency MBS | | Other Securities | | Residential
Whole Loans | | Residential
Bridge Loans | | Commercial Loans | | Securitized Commercial Loans | | Securitized Debt |
| Beginning balance | $ | 15,915 | | | $ | 45,814 | | | $ | 17,196 | | | $ | 1,375,860 | | | $ | 33,269 | | | $ | 370,213 | | | $ | 909,040 | | | $ | 1,057 | |
| Transfers into Level III from Level II | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Transfers from Level III into Level II | — | | | — | | | (6,482) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Purchases | — | | | — | | | — | | | 92,822 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Sales and settlements | (11,529) | | | (12,658) | | | — | | | (144,259) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Transfers to REO | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (419) | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| VIE consolidation | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,245,287 | | | 17,960 | |
| VIE deconsolidation | — | | | 6,852 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (150,804) | | | — | |
| Loan modifications / capitalized interest | — | | | — | | | — | | | 779 | | | — | | | 49 | | | — | | | — | |
| Principal repayments | — | | | (710) | | | (154) | | | (278,316) | | | (19,105) | | | (44,819) | | | (349,609) | | | — | |
| Total net gains / (losses) included in net income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Realized gains/(losses), net on assets | 1,528 | | | (60) | | | — | | | (10,511) | | | (373) | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unrealized gains/(losses), net on assets(1) | (2,609) | | | (4,013) | | | (1,949) | | | (23,094) | | | (499) | | | (15,282) | | | (58,421) | | | — | |
Unrealized (gains)/losses, net on liabilities(2) | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (887) | |
| Premium and discount amortization, net | (1,597) | | | (856) | | | (18) | | | (4,499) | | | (60) | | | 362 | | | 9,842 | | | (2,712) | |
| Ending balance | $ | 1,708 | | | $ | 34,369 | | | $ | 8,593 | | | $ | 1,008,782 | | | $ | 12,813 | | | $ | 310,523 | | | $ | 1,605,335 | | | $ | 15,418 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unrealized gains/(losses), net on assets held at the end of the period(1) | $ | (616) | | | $ | (3,783) | | | $ | (599) | | | $ | (14,807) | | | $ | (881) | | | $ | (15,282) | | | $ | 746 | | | $ | — | |
Unrealized gains/(losses), net on liabilities held at the end of the period(2) | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 887 | |
(1)Gains and losses are included in "Unrealized gain (loss), net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2)Gains and losses on securitized debt are included in "Unrealized gain (loss), net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Transfers between hierarchy levels for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were based on the availability of sufficient observable inputs. Movements from Level II to Level III was based on the back-testing of historical sales transactions performed by the Manager, which did not provide sufficient observable data to meet Level II versus Level III criteria, resulting in the movement from Level II to Level III. Movements from Level III to Level II was based on information received from a third party pricing service which, along with the back-testing of historical sales transactions performed by the Manager, provided the sufficient observable data for the movement from Level III to Level II. The Company did not have transfers between either Level I and Level II or Level I and Level III for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
Other Fair Value Disclosures
The Company's repurchase agreement borrowings, convertible senior unsecured notes and securitized debt are not carried at fair value in the consolidated financial statements. The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments that are not carried at fair value, as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, in the consolidated financial statements (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
| Carrying Value | | Estimated Fair Value | | Carrying Value | | Estimated Fair Value |
| Assets | | | | | | | |
| Residential Bridge Loans | N/A | | N/A | | $ | 1,103 | | | $ | 1,095 | |
| Total | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,103 | | | $ | 1,095 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Liabilities | | | | | | | |
| Borrowings under repurchase agreements | $ | 617,189 | | | $ | 617,794 | | | $ | 356,923 | | | $ | 359,799 | |
| Convertible senior unsecured notes | 119,168 | | | 122,133 | | | 170,797 | | | 155,129 | |
Securitized debt(1) | 524,649 | | | 528,046 | | | 899,207 | | | 922,362 | |
| Total | $ | 1,261,006 | | | $ | 1,267,973 | | | $ | 1,426,927 | | | $ | 1,437,290 | |
(1) For the year ended December 31, 2021, the remianing nine residential bridge loans left in the portfolio were all carried at fair value.
(2) Carrying value excludes $5.5 million and $6.9 million of deferred financing costs as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
"Due from counterparties" and "Due to counterparties" in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets are reflected at cost which approximates fair value.
Borrowings under repurchase agreements
The fair values of the borrowings under repurchase agreements are based on a net present value technique. This method discounts future estimated cash flows using rates the Company determined best estimates current market interest rates that would be offered for loans with similar characteristics and credit quality. The use of different market assumptions or estimation methodologies could have a material effect on the fair value amounts. This fair value measurement is based on observable inputs, and as such, are classified as Level II.
Convertible senior unsecured notes
The fair value of the convertible senior unsecured notes is based on quoted market prices. Accordingly, the Company's convertible senior unsecured notes are classified as Level I.
Securitized debt
Values for the Company's securitized debt, related to the securitization of a portion of its Residential Whole Loans, are based upon prices obtained from independent third party pricing services. The valuation methodology of the third party pricing services incorporates market information and commonly used market pricing methods, which include actual trades and quoted prices for similar or identical instruments. In determining the proper fair value hierarchy or level, the Company considers the amount of available observable market data for each security. Since the securitized debt represents traded debt securities, the Manager's pricing team reviews the trade activity during the quarter for each security to determine the appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy. If there is sufficient trade data above a predetermined threshold, the Manager determines it has sufficient observable market data and the debt security will be categorized as a Level II. If there is not sufficient observable market data the debt security will be categorized as a Level III. At December 31, 2021, there was not sufficient observable market data for the debt to be classified as a Level II, accordingly it was classified as a Level III.
Note 4 - Mortgage-Backed Securities and other securities
The following tables present certain information about the Company's investment portfolio at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2021 | |
| | Principal
Balance | | Unamortized
Premium
(Discount),
net | | | | Amortized
Cost | | Unrealized
Gain | | Unrealized Loss | | Estimated
Fair Value | | Net Weighted Average Coupon(4) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Agency RMBS Interest-Only Strips(1) | N/A | | N/A | | | | $ | 59 | | | $ | 55 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 114 | | | 1.3 | % | |
Agency RMBS Interest-Only Strips, accounted for as derivatives(1)(2) | N/A | | N/A | | | | N/A | | N/A | | N/A | | 1,058 | | | 1.3 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total Agency MBS | — | | | — | | | | | 59 | | | 55 | | | — | | | 1,172 | | | 1.3 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | 36,147 | | | (13,936) | | | | | 22,211 | | | 3,476 | | | (35) | | | 25,652 | | | 4.3 | % | |
Non-Agency RMBS Interest- Only Strips(1) | N/A | | N/A | | | | 5,608 | | | — | | | (3,491) | | | 2,117 | | | 0.3 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subtotal Non-Agency RMBS | 36,147 | | | (13,936) | | | | | 27,819 | | | 3,476 | | | (3,526) | | | 27,769 | | | 1.0 | % | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | 179,619 | | | (13,088) | | | | | 166,531 | | | 1,543 | | | (62,716) | | | 105,358 | | | 5.4 | % | |
| Total Non-Agency MBS | 215,766 | | | (27,024) | | | | | 194,350 | | | 5,019 | | | (66,242) | | | 133,127 | | | 3.0 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other securities(3) | 51,159 | | | (8,229) | | | | | 47,652 | | | 4,209 | | | (213) | | | 51,648 | | | 5.6 | % | |
| Total | $ | 266,925 | | | $ | (35,253) | | | | | $ | 242,061 | | | $ | 9,283 | | | $ | (66,455) | | | $ | 185,947 | | | 3.2 | % | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2020 | | |
| | Principal
Balance | | Unamortized
Premium
(Discount),
net | | Amortized
Cost | | Unrealized Gain | | Unrealized
Loss | | Estimated
Fair Value | | Net Weighted Average Coupon(4) | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Agency RMBS Interest-Only Strips(1) | N/A | | N/A | | $ | 89 | | | $ | 54 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 143 | | | 2.1 | % | | |
Agency RMBS Interest-Only Strips, accounted for as derivatives(1)(2) | N/A | | N/A | | N/A | | N/A | | N/A | | 1,565 | | | 2.6 | % | | |
| Total Agency MBS | — | | | — | | | 89 | | | 54 | | | — | | | 1,708 | | | 2.5 | % | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | 38,112 | | | (14,649) | | | 23,463 | | | 451 | | | (2,498) | | | 21,416 | | | 1.6 | % | | |
Non-Agency RMBS Interest- Only Strips(1) | N/A | | N/A | | 6,271 | | | — | | | (2,306) | | | 3,965 | | | 0.4 | % | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subtotal Non-Agency RMBS | 38,112 | | | (14,649) | | | 29,734 | | | 451 | | | (4,804) | | | 25,381 | | | 0.6 | % | | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | 235,497 | | | (25,258) | | | 210,239 | | | 2,850 | | | (49,008) | | | 164,081 | | | 5.0 | % | | |
| Total Non-Agency MBS | 273,609 | | | (39,907) | | | 239,973 | | | 3,301 | | | (53,812) | | | 189,462 | | | 2.4 | % | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other securities(3) | 51,537 | | | (8,239) | | | 49,420 | | | 1,152 | | | (1,818) | | | 48,754 | | | 4.4 | % | | |
| Total | $ | 325,146 | | | $ | (48,146) | | | $ | 289,482 | | | $ | 4,507 | | | $ | (55,630) | | | $ | 239,924 | | | 2.5 | % | | |
(1)IOs and IIOs have no principal balances and bear interest based on a notional balance. The notional balance is used solely to determine interest distributions on interest-only class of securities. At December 31, 2021, the notional balance for Agency RMBS IOs and IIOs, Non-Agency RMBS IOs and IIOs, and Agency RMBS IOs and IIOs, accounted for as derivatives was $2.9 million, $181.0 million and $16.8 million, respectively. At December 31, 2020, the notional balance for Agency RMBS IOs and IIOs, Non-Agency RMBS IOs and IIOs and Agency RMBS IOs and IIOs accounted for as derivatives was $3.7 million, $306.0 million and $21.6 million, respectively.
(2)Interest on these securities is reported as a component of "Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(3)Other securities include residual interests in asset-backed securities which have no principal balance and an amortized cost of approximately $4.7 million and $6.1 million, as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
(4)The calculation of the weighted average coupon rate includes the weighted average coupon rates of IOs and IIOs accounted for as derivatives using their notional amounts.
As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the weighted average expected remaining term of the MBS and other securities investment portfolio was 5.9 years and 5.5 years, respectively.
Prior to the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, the Company recorded Other Than Temporary Impairment ("OTTI") when the credit quality of the underlying collateral of the beneficial interest deteriorates and or the scheduled
payments are faster than previously projected. As of January 1, 2020, since we elected the fair value option for these investment a credit loss adjustment, if any, would be reflected in the fair value of these securities and reported as "Unrealized gain (loss), net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following table presents the changes in the components of the Company's purchase discount and amortizable premium on its Non-Agency RMBS, Non-Agency CMBS and other securities for the year ended December 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Discount Designated as
Credit Reserve and OTTI | | Accretable Discount(1) | | Amortizable Premium(1) |
| Balance at beginning of period | | $ | (53,523) | | | $ | (29,465) | | | $ | 14,928 | |
| Accretion of discount | | — | | | 4,364 | | | — | |
| Amortization of premium | | — | | | — | | | (1,215) | |
| Realized credit losses | | 7,290 | | | — | | | — | |
| Purchases | | (28) | | | (7,953) | | | 819 | |
| Sales | | 26,706 | | | — | | | (19,640) | |
| Net impairment losses recognized in earnings | | (6,612) | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | |
Transfers/release of credit reserve(2) | | (22,308) | | | 2,889 | | | 19,419 | |
| Balance at end of period | | $ | (48,475) | | -48475000 | $ | (30,165) | | | $ | 14,311 | |
(1)Together with coupon interest, accretable purchase discount and amortizable premium is recognized as interest income over the life of the security.
(2)Subsequent reductions of a security's non-accretable discount results in a corresponding reduction in its amortizable premium.
The following tables present the fair value and contractual maturities of the Company's investment securities at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2021 |
| | < or equal to 10
years | | > 10 years and < or
equal to 20 years | | > 20 years and < or
equal to 30 years | | > 30 years | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Agency RMBS Interest-Only Strips | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 114 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 114 | |
| Agency RMBS Interest-Only Strips, accounted for as derivatives | — | | | 1,058 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,058 | |
| Subtotal Agency | — | | | 1,058 | | | 114 | | | — | | | 1,172 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | 66,384 | | | 17,644 | | | 21,171 | | | 159 | | | 105,358 | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | — | | | — | | | 10,282 | | | 15,370 | | | 25,652 | |
| Non-Agency RMBS Interest-Only Strips | — | | | — | | | 106 | | | 2,011 | | | 2,117 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Subtotal Non-Agency | 66,384 | | | 17,644 | | | 31,559 | | | 17,540 | | | 133,127 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Other securities | 9,255 | | | 4,266 | | | 25,653 | | | 12,474 | | | 51,648 | |
| Total | $ | 75,639 | | | $ | 22,968 | | | $ | 57,326 | | | $ | 30,014 | | | $ | 185,947 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2020 |
| | < or equal to 10
years | | > 10 years and < or
equal to 20 years | | > 20 years and < or
equal to 30 years | | > 30 years | | Total |
| Agency RMBS Interest-Only Strips | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 143 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 143 | |
| Agency RMBS Interest-Only Strips, accounted for as derivatives | — | | | 1,565 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,565 | |
| Subtotal Agency | — | | | 1,565 | | | 143 | | | — | | | 1,708 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | 59,724 | | | 50,408 | | | 53,269 | | | 680 | | | 164,081 | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | — | | | — | | | 7,958 | | | 13,458 | | | 21,416 | |
| Non-Agency RMBS Interest-Only Strips | — | | | — | | | 472 | | | 3,493 | | | 3,965 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Subtotal Non-Agency | 59,724 | | | 50,408 | | | 61,699 | | | 17,631 | | | 189,462 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Other securities | 7,247 | | | 6,203 | | | 24,610 | | | 10,694 | | | 48,754 | |
| Total | $ | 66,971 | | | $ | 58,176 | | | $ | 86,452 | | | $ | 28,325 | | | $ | 239,924 | |
The following tables present the gross unrealized losses and estimated fair value of the Company's MBS and other securities by length of time that such securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2021 |
| | Less than 12 Months | | 12 Months or More | | Total |
| | Fair Value | | Unrealized
Losses | | Number
of
Securities | | Fair Value | | Unrealized
Losses | | Number
of
Securities | | Fair Value | | Unrealized
Losses | | Number
of
Securities |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | — | | | $ | 96,080 | | | $ | (62,716) | | | 16 | | | $ | 96,080 | | | $ | (62,716) | | | 16 | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | — | | | — | | | — | | | 201 | | | (35) | | | 1 | | | 201 | | | (35) | | | 1 | |
| Non-Agency RMBS Interest-Only Strips | — | | | — | | | — | | | 2,117 | | | (3,491) | | | 4 | | | 2,117 | | | (3,491) | | | 4 | |
| Subtotal Non-Agency | — | | | — | | | — | | | 98,398 | | | (66,242) | | | 21 | | | 98,398 | | | (66,242) | | | 21 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Other securities | — | | | — | | | — | | | 9,022 | | | (213) | | | 4 | | | 9,022 | | | (213) | | | 4 | |
| Total | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | — | | | $ | 107,420 | | | $ | (66,455) | | | 25 | | | $ | 107,420 | | | $ | (66,455) | | | 25 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2020 |
| | Less than 12 Months | | 12 Months or More | | Total |
| | Fair Value | | Unrealized
Losses | | Number
of
Securities | | Fair Value | | Unrealized
Losses | | Number
of
Securities | | Fair Value | | Unrealized
Losses | | Number
of
Securities |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | $ | 102,935 | | | $ | (33,602) | | | 16 | | | $ | 50,887 | | | $ | (15,406) | | | 15 | | | $ | 153,822 | | | $ | (49,008) | | | 31 | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | 18,242 | | | (2,498) | | | 4 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 18,242 | | | (2,498) | | | 4 | |
| Non-Agency RMBS Interest-Only Strips | 3,492 | | | (790) | | | 3 | | | 472 | | | (1,516) | | | 1 | | | 3,964 | | | (2,306) | | | 4 | |
| Subtotal Non-Agency | 124,669 | | | (36,890) | | | 23 | | | 51,359 | | | (16,922) | | | 16 | | | 176,028 | | | (53,812) | | | 39 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Other securities | 26,365 | | | (1,818) | | | 6 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 26,365 | | | (1,818) | | | 6 | |
| Total | $ | 151,034 | | | $ | (38,708) | | | 29 | | | $ | 51,359 | | | $ | (16,922) | | | 16 | | | $ | 202,393 | | | $ | (55,630) | | | 45 | |
The following table presents the OTTI the Company recorded on its securities portfolio prior to the adoption of CECL (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | For the year ended December 31, 2019 | |
Agency RMBS(1) | | | $ | 74 | | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | | | 1,331 | | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | | | 6,565 | | |
| Other securities | | | 604 | | |
| Total | | | $ | 8,574 | | |
(1) Other-than-temporary impairment on Agency RMBS includes impairments on Agency RMBS IOs and unrealized loss on Agency RMBS securities that the Company had the intent to sell at the end of the period, if applicable.
The following table presents components of interest income on the Company's MBS and other securities for the three years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the year ended December 31, 2021 | | For the year ended December 31, 2020 | | For the year ended December 31, 2019 |
| | Coupon
Interest | | Net (Premium
Amortization/
Amortization
Basis)
Discount
Amortization | | Interest
Income | | Coupon
Interest | | Net (Premium
Amortization/
Amortization
Basis)
Discount
Amortization | | Interest
Income | | Coupon
Interest | | Net (Premium
Amortization/
Amortization
Basis)
Discount
Amortization | | Interest
Income |
| Agency CMBS | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 11,336 | | | $ | (636) | | | $ | 10,700 | | | $ | 51,286 | | | $ | (2,327) | | | $ | 48,959 | |
| Agency RMBS | 47 | | | (30) | | | 17 | | | 2,975 | | | (987) | | | 1,988 | | | 12,181 | | | (3,053) | | | 9,128 | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | 9,874 | | | 6,535 | | | 16,409 | | | 15,331 | | | 6,467 | | | 21,798 | | | 14,178 | | | 4,017 | | | 18,195 | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | 2,127 | | | (670) | | | 1,457 | | | 2,732 | | | (1,193) | | | 1,539 | | | 4,682 | | | (2,214) | | | 2,468 | |
| Other securities | 4,685 | | | (1,574) | | | 3,111 | | | 8,263 | | | (4,781) | | | 3,482 | | | 11,633 | | | (6,472) | | | 5,161 | |
| Total | $ | 16,733 | | | $ | 4,261 | | | $ | 20,994 | | | $ | 40,637 | | | $ | (1,130) | | | $ | 39,507 | | | $ | 93,960 | | | $ | (10,049) | | | $ | 83,911 | |
The following tables present the sales and realized gains (losses) of the Company's MBS and other securities for the three years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the year ended December 31, 2021 |
| | Proceeds | | Gross
Gains | | Gross
Losses | | Net
Gain (Loss) |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | $ | 27,488 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (9,266) | | | $ | (9,266) | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Total | $ | 27,488 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (9,266) | | | $ | (9,266) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the year ended December 31, 2020 |
| | Proceeds | | Gross
Gains | | Gross
Losses | | Net
Gain (Loss) |
| Agency CMBS | $ | 1,668,149 | | | $ | 116,463 | | | $ | (6,486) | | | $ | 109,977 | |
| Agency RMBS | 400,948 | | | 12,552 | | | (506) | | | 12,046 | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | 111,804 | | | 1 | | | (23,624) | | | (23,623) | |
| Non-Agency RMBS | 12,658 | | | — | | | (60) | | | (60) | |
| Other securities | 35,957 | | | 113 | | | (6,223) | | | (6,110) | |
| Total | $ | 2,229,516 | | | $ | 129,129 | | | $ | (36,899) | | | $ | 92,230 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the year ended December 31, 2019 |
| | Proceeds | | Gross
Gains | | Gross
Losses | | Net
Gain (Loss) |
| Agency CMBS | 891,072 | | | 32,793 | | | (4,190) | | | 28,603 | |
| Agency RMBS | $ | 205,310 | | | $ | 1,559 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,559 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Non-Agency CMBS | 40,235 | | | 317 | | | (1,624) | | | (1,307) | |
| | | | | | | |
| Total | $ | 1,136,617 | | | $ | 34,669 | | | $ | (5,814) | | | $ | 28,855 | |
Unconsolidated CMBS VIEs
The Company’s economic interests held in unconsolidated CMBS VIEs are limited in nature to those of a passive holder of CMBS issued by securitization trusts; the Company was not involved in the design or creation of the securitization trusts. The Company evaluates its CMBS holdings for potential consolidation of the securitized trust, in which it owns the most subordinate tranche or a portion of the controlling class. As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company held five and seven variable interests in unconsolidated CMBS VIEs, respectively, in which it either owned the most subordinate class or a portion of the controlling class. The Company determined it was not the primary beneficiary and accordingly, the CMBS VIEs were not consolidated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company’s maximum exposure to loss from these variable interests did not exceed the carrying value of these investments of $26.5 million and $48.9 million, respectively. These investments are classified in "Non-Agency mortgage-backed securities, at fair value" in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Further, as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company did not guarantee any obligations of unconsolidated entities or enter into any commitment or intent to provide funding to any such entities.
Note 5—Residential Whole Loans and Bridge Loans
Residential Whole-Loan Trusts
Revolving Mortgage Investment Trust 2015-1QR2
Revolving Mortgage Investment Trust 2015-1QR2 ("RMI 2015 Trust") was formed to acquire Non-QM Residential Whole Loans. RMI 2015 Trust issued a trust certificate that is wholly-owned by the Company and represents the entire beneficial interest in pools of Non-QM Residential Whole Loans held by the trust. The Company consolidates the trust since it met the definition of a VIE and the Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary. The Company classifies the underlying Non-QM Residential Whole Loans owned by the trust in "Residential Whole Loans, at fair value" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and has eliminated the intercompany trust certificate in consolidation.
As of December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the RMI 2015 Trust owns 770 and 134 Non-QM Residential Whole Loans with a fair value of $451.7 million and $67.1 million, respectively. The loans are financed under the Company's Residential Whole Loan Facility, and the Company holds the financing liability outside the RMI 2015 Trust. Refer to Note 7 - Financings for details.
Arroyo Mortgage Trust 2019-2
In May 2019, the Company formed Arroyo Mortgage Trust 2019-2 ("Arroyo Trust 2019"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, to completed its first residential mortgage-backed securitization comprised $945.5 million of Non-QM Residential Whole Loans. The Arroyo Trust 2019 issued $919.0 million of mortgage-backed notes and retained all the subordinate and residual debt securities ("Owner Certificates"), which includes the required 5% eligible risk retention. Refer to Note 7 - "Financings" for details. The Company consolidates the trust since it met the definition of a VIE and the Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary. The Company classifies the underlying Non-QM Residential Whole Loans in "Residential Whole Loans, at fair value" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and eliminated intercompany Owner Certificates
in consolidation.
As of December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the Arroyo Trust 2019 owns 1,042 and 1,575 Non-QM Residential Whole Loans with a fair value of $374.3 million and $632.3 million, respectively.
Arroyo Mortgage Trust 2020-1
In June 2020, the Company formed Arroyo Mortgage Trust 2020-1 ("Arroyo Trust 2020"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, to completed its second residential mortgage-backed securitization comprised of $355.8 million of Non-QM Residential Whole Loans. The Arroyo Trust 2020 issued $341.7 million of mortgage-backed notes and retained all the subordinate and residual debt securities, which includes the required 5% eligible risk retention. Refer to Note 7 - "Financings" for details. The Company consolidates the trust since it met the definition of a VIE and the Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary. The Company classifies the underlying Non-QM Residential Whole Loans in "Residential Whole Loans, at fair value" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and eliminated intercompany Owner Certificates
in consolidation.
As of December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the Arroyo Trust 2020 owns 543 and 780 Non-QM Residential Whole Loans with a fair value of $195.7 million and $306.9 million, respectively.
Residential Bridge Loan Trust
In February 2017, the Company formed Revolving Mortgage Investment Trust 2017-BRQ1 ("RMI 2017 Trust") to acquire Residential Bridge Loans. RMI 2017 Trust issued a trust certificate that is wholly-owned by the Company and represents the entire beneficial interest in pools of Residential Bridge Loans and certain Residential Whole Loans held by the trust. Residential Bridge Loans are mortgage loans secured by residences, typically short-term. The Company consolidates the trust since it met the definition of a VIE and the Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary. The Company has eliminated the intercompany trust certificate in consolidation.
The Company is no longer allocating capital to Residential Bridge Loans. As of December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020 there were eight and 25 remaining Residential Bridge Loans in the portfolio with a fair value of $5.2 million and $13.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the trust also owned six and eight investor fixed rate residential mortgages with a fair value of $1.7 million and $2.5 million, respectively.
Consolidated Residential Whole-Loan and Residential Bridge Loan Trusts
The following table presents a summary of the assets and liabilities of the consolidated residential whole-loan trusts and residential bridge loan trust included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 266 | | | $ | — | |
Residential Whole Loans, at fair value ($1,023,502 and $1,008,782 pledged as collateral, at fair value, respectively) | 1,023,502 | | | 1,008,782 | |
Residential Bridge Loans ($5,428 and $12,813 at fair value and $5,207 and $12,960 pledged as collateral, respectively) | 5,207 | | | 12,960 | |
| | | |
| Investment related receivable | 22,087 | | | 27,987 | |
| Interest receivable | 5,282 | | | 4,688 | |
| Other assets | — | | | 80 | |
| Total assets | $ | 1,056,344 | | | $ | 1,054,497 | |
| Securitized debt, net | $ | 519,118 | | | $ | 892,290 | |
| Interest payable | 1,316 | | | 2,222 | |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 69 | | | 77 | |
| | | |
| Total liabilities | $ | 520,503 | | | $ | 894,589 | |
The Residential Whole Loans held by the consolidated Arroyo Trust 2019 and Arroyo Trust 2020 are held solely to satisfy the liabilities of each respective trust, and has no recourse to the general credit of the Company. The Company is not contractually required and has not provided any additional financial support to the these trusts for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
The following table presents the components of the carrying value of Residential Whole Loans and Residential Bridge Loans as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Residential Whole Loans, at Fair Value | | Residential Bridge Loans, at Fair Value(1) |
| | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
| Principal balance | $ | 989,143 | | | $ | 984,555 | | | $ | 5,834 | | | $ | 15,247 | |
| Unamortized premium | 31,070 | | | 24,248 | | | — | | | 3 | |
| Unamortized discount | (1,337) | | | (1,799) | | | — | | | — | |
| Amortized cost | 1,018,876 | | | 1,007,004 | | | 5,834 | | | 15,250 | |
| Gross unrealized gains | 14,190 | | | 9,282 | | | 78 | | | 5 | |
| Gross unrealized losses | (9,564) | | | (7,504) | | | (484) | | | (1,339) | |
| Fair value | $ | 1,023,502 | | | $ | 1,008,782 | | | $ | 5,428 | | | $ | 13,916 | |
(1) Includes $1.1 million of Residential Bridge Loans carried at amortized cost as of December 31, 2020.
Residential Whole Loans
The Residential Whole Loans have low LTV's and are comprised of 2,355 Non-QM adjustable rate mortgages and six investor fixed rate residential mortgages. The following tables present certain information about the Company's Residential Whole Loan investment portfolio at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 |
| | | | | | Weighted Average |
| Current Coupon Rate | Number of
Loans | | Principal
Balance | | Original
LTV | | Original FICO Score(1) | | Expected
Life (years) | | Contractual
Maturity
(years) | | Coupon
Rate |
2.01% - 3.00% | 27 | | | $ | 15,640 | | | 65.1 | % | | 757 | | | 5.3 | | 28.8 | | 2.8 | % |
3.01% - 4.00% | 496 | | | 244,022 | | | 63.7 | % | | 756 | | | 3.3 | | 28.0 | | 3.7 | % |
4.01% - 5.00% | 1,051 | | | 413,451 | | | 65.1 | % | | 747 | | | 2.9 | | 28.2 | | 4.7 | % |
5.01% - 6.00% | 757 | | | 305,344 | | | 64.9 | % | | 738 | | | 3.0 | | 26.8 | | 5.4 | % |
6.01% - 7.00% | 28 | | | 10,181 | | | 67.9 | % | | 721 | | | 3.1 | | 25.8 | | 6.3 | % |
7.01% - 8.00% | 2 | | | 505 | | | 73.2 | % | | 753 | | | 4.5 | | 26.8 | | 7.1 | % |
| Total | 2,361 | | | $ | 989,143 | | | 64.8 | % | | 746 | | | 3.1 | | 27.7 | | 4.6 | % |
(1)The original FICO score is not available for 230 loans with a principal balance of approximately $74.3 million at December 31, 2021. The Company has excluded these loans from the weighted average computations.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2020 |
| | | | | | Weighted Average |
| Current Coupon Rate | Number of
Loans | | Principal
Balance | | Original
LTV | | Original FICO Score(1) | | Expected
Life (years) | | Contractual
Maturity
(years) | | Coupon
Rate |
2.01% - 3.00% | 4 | | | $ | 3,239 | | | 66.7 | % | | 733 | | 5.9 | | 28.0 | | 2.7 | % |
3.01% - 4.00% | 118 | | | $ | 41,489 | | | 55.8 | % | | 709 | | 3.8 | | 23.3 | | 3.7 | % |
4.01% - 5.00% | 1,172 | | | $ | 403,398 | | | 61.8 | % | | 751 | | 2.7 | | 27.7 | | 4.9 | % |
5.01% - 6.00% | 1,166 | | | $ | 523,105 | | | 64.2 | % | | 740 | | 2.9 | | 27.7 | | 5.4 | % |
6.01% - 7.00% | 35 | | | $ | 12,813 | | | 67.5 | % | | 720 | | 3.2 | | 27.0 | | 6.3 | % |
7.01% - 8.00% | 2 | | | 511 | | | 73.2 | % | | 753 | | 4.1 | | 27.6 | | 7.1 | % |
| Total | 2,497 | | | $ | 984,555 | | | 62.9 | % | | 744 | | | 2.9 | | 27.5 | | 5.1 | % |
(1) The original FICO score is not available for 236 loans with a principal balance of approximately $75.2 million at December 31, 2020. The Company has excluded these loans from the weighted average computations.
The following table presents the various states across the United States in which the collateral securing the Company's Residential Whole Loans at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, based on principal balance, is located (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2021 | | | December 31, 2020 |
| State | State Concentration | | Principal Balance | | State | State Concentration | | Principal Balance |
| California | 73.9 | % | | $ | 730,771 | | | California | 65.8 | % | | $ | 647,877 | |
| New York | 11.6 | % | | 114,625 | | | New York | 17.7 | % | | 173,788 | |
| Florida | 2.7 | % | | 26,293 | | | Georgia | 3.4 | % | | 33,577 | |
| Georgia | 2.5 | % | | 25,106 | | | Florida | 2.8 | % | | 27,274 | |
| Texas | 1.9 | % | | 19,062 | | | New Jersey | 2.5 | % | | 24,704 | |
| Other | 7.4 | % | | 73,286 | | | Other | 7.8 | % | | 77,335 | |
| Total | 100.0 | % | | $ | 989,143 | | | Total | 100.0 | % | | $ | 984,555 | |
Residential Bridge Loans
The Company is no longer allocating capital to Residential Bridge Loans. The following tables present certain information about the remaining Residential Bridge Loans in the Company's investment portfolio at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 |
| | | | | | | Weighted Average |
| Current Coupon Rate | | Number of Loans | | Principal
Balance | | Original LTV | | Contractual
Maturity
(months)(1) | | Coupon
Rate |
7.01% – 9.00% | | 3 | | $ | 2,946 | | | 70.4 | % | | 0.0 | | 8.8 | % |
9.01% – 11.00% | | 4 | | 2,393 | | | 76.7 | % | | 0.0 | | 10.4 | % |
11.01% - 13.00% | | 2 | | 495 | | | 69.7 | % | | 0.0 | | 11.4 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Total | | 9 | | $ | 5,834 | | | 72.9 | % | | 0.0 | | 9.7 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2020 |
| | | | | | | Weighted Average |
| Current Coupon Rate | | Number of Loans | | Principal
Balance | | Original LTV | | Contractual
Maturity
(months)(1) | | Coupon
Rate |
| | | | | | | | | | |
7.01% – 9.00% | | 10 | | $ | 8,295 | | | 69.6 | % | | 1.4 | | 8.7 | % |
9.01% – 11.00% | | 15 | | $ | 6,123 | | | 75.5 | % | | 0.5 | | 10.1 | % |
11.01% - 13.00% | | 3 | | 705 | | | 69.8 | % | | 0.0 | | 11.4 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | |
17.01% – 19.00% | | 1 | | 124 | | | 75.0 | % | | 0.0 | | 18.0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Total | | 29 | | $ | 15,247 | | | 72.0 | % | | 0.8 | | 9.4 | % |
(1) Non-performing loans that are past their maturity date are excluded from the calculation of the weighted average contractual maturity. The weighted average contractual maturity for these loans is zero.
The following table presents the various states across the United States in which the collateral securing the Company’s Residential Bridge Loans at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, based on principal balance, is located (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
| State | State Concentration | | Principal Balance | | State | State Concentration | | Principal Balance |
| New York | 45.1 | % | | $ | 2,631 | | | California | 37.5 | % | | $ | 5,713 | |
| California | 30.1 | % | | 1,754 | | | New York | 17.3 | % | | 2,632 | |
| Florida | 19.3 | % | | 1,125 | | | Washington | 16.1 | % | | 2,461 | |
| New Jersey | 3.7 | % | | 219 | | | Florida | 12.9 | % | | 1,969 | |
| Pennsylvania | 1.8 | % | | 105 | | | Connecticut | 5.7 | % | | 872 | |
| Other | — | % | | — | | | Other | 10.5 | % | | 1,600 | |
| Total | 100.0 | % | | $ | 5,834 | | | Total | 100.0 | % | | $ | 15,247 | |
Non-performing Loans
The following table presents the aging of the Residential Whole Loans and Bridge Loans as of December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Residential Whole Loans(1) | | Bridge Loans | | | | | |
| | No of Loans | | Principal | | Fair Value | | No of Loans | | Principal | | Fair Value | | | | | |
| Current | | 2,329 | | $ | 971,790 | | | $ | 1,006,271 | | | — | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | | | | |
| 1-30 days | | 9 | | 3,146 | | | 3,285 | | | 1 | | 75 | | | 76 | | | | | | |
| 31-60 days | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | | | | |
| 61-90 days | | 3 | | 1,993 | | | 1,989 | | | 2 | | 954 | | | 935 | | | | | | |
| 90+ days | | 20 | | 12,214 | | | 11,957 | | | 6 | | 4,805 | | | 4,417 | | | | | | |
| Total | | 2,361 | | $ | 989,143 | | | $ | 1,023,502 | | | 9 | | $ | 5,834 | | | $ | 5,428 | | | | | | |
(1) As of December 31, 2021, there were no loans in forbearance.
Residential Whole Loans
As of December 31, 2021, there were 20 Residential Whole Loans carried at fair value in non-accrual status with an unpaid principal balance of approximately $12.2 million and a fair value of approximately $12.0 million. These nonperforming
loans represent approximately 1.2% of the total outstanding principal balance. These loans are collateral dependent with a weighted average original LTV of 60.0%.
As of December 31, 2020, there were 26 Residential Whole Loans carried at fair value in non-accrual status with an unpaid principal balance of approximately $15.3 million and a fair value of approximately $14.7 million. These nonperforming loans represent approximately 1.6% of the total outstanding principal balance. These loans are collateral dependent with a weighted average original LTV of 60.4%.
These loans are carried at fair value, and accordingly no allowance for credit losses or credit loss expense was recorded, since the adjustment for credit losses, if any, would be reflected in the fair value of these loans as a component of "Unrealized gain (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company stopped accruing interest income for these loans when they became contractually 90 days delinquent.
Residential Bridge Loans
As of December 31, 2021, the Company had nine remaining Residential Bridge Loans in the portfolio. Of these six were in non-accrual status with an unpaid principal balance of approximately $4.8 million and a fair value of $4.4 million. These nonperforming loans had an outstanding principal balance of $5.8 million. These loans are collateral dependent.
As of December 31, 2020, there was one Residential Bridge Loan carried at amortized cost in non-accrual status with an unpaid principal balance of approximately $124 thousand and 20 Residential Bridge Loans carried at fair value in non-accrual status with an unpaid principal balance of approximately $9.9 million and a fair value of $8.9 million. These nonperforming loans had an outstanding Bridge Loans principal balance of $15.2 million. These loans are collateral dependent.
The Company concluded that an allowance for credit losses was not necessary for the loan carried at amortized cost as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 since the fair value of the collateral balance less the cost to sell was in excess of the outstanding principal and interest balance. For loans carried at fair value no allowance for credit losses was recorded as of and for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 since the valuation adjustment, if any, would be reflected in the fair value of these loans. The Company stopped accruing interest income for these loans when they became contractually 90 days delinquent.
Residential Real Estate Owned
As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had four and three residential REO properties with an aggregate carrying value of $1.1 million and $1.1 million, respectively, related to foreclosed Bridge Loans. The residential REO properties are held for sale and accordingly carried at the lower of cost or fair value less cost to sell. The residential REO properties are classified in "Other assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Note 6 - Commercial Loans
Commercial Loans
In January 2019, WMC CRE LLC ("CRE LLC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was formed for the purpose of acquiring Commercial Loans. The Commercial Loans owned by CRE LLC are financed under the Commercial Whole Loan Facility. Refer to Note 7 - Financings for details.
The following table presents information about the Commercial Loans owned by CRE LLC as of December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Loan | Acquisition Date | Loan Type | Principal Balance | Fair Value | Original LTV | Interest Rate | Maturity Date | Extension Option | Collateral | |
| CRE 3 | August 2019 | Interest-Only Mezzanine loan | $ | 90,000 | | $ | 29,113 | | 58% | 1-Month LIBOR plus 9.25% | 6/29/2021 | None (1) | Entertainment and Retail | |
| CRE 4 | September 2019 | Interest-Only First Mortgage | 38,367 | | 38,267 | | 63% | 1-Month LIBOR plus 3.02% | 8/6/2022 | One-Year Extension | Retail | |
| CRE 5 | December 2019 | Interest-Only First Mortgage | 24,535 | | 24,212 | | 62% | 1-Month LIBOR plus 3.75% | 11/6/2022 | Two One-Year Extensions | Hotel | |
| CRE 6 | December 2019 | Interest-Only First Mortgage | 13,207 | | 13,033 | | 62% | 1-Month LIBOR plus 3.75% | 11/6/2022 | Two One-Year Extensions | Hotel | |
| CRE 7 | December 2019 | Interest-Only First Mortgage | 7,259 | | 7,163 | | 62% | 1-Month LIBOR plus 3.75% | 11/6/2022 | Two One-Year Extensions | Hotel | |
| CRE 8 | December 2019 | Interest-Only First Mortgage | 4,429 | | 4,422 | | 79% | 1-Month LIBOR plus 4.85% | 12/6/2022 | None | Assisted Living | |
| | | $ | 177,797 | | $ | 116,210 | | | | | | | |
(1) CRE 3 is in default and not eligible for extension.
Commercial Loan Payoffs
On September 7, 2021, CRE 2, which had an outstanding principal balance of $46.8 million collateralized by nursing facilities, was paid off in full.
Commercial Loan Trust
In March 2018, the Company formed the Revolving Small Balance Commercial Trust 2018-1 ("RSBC Trust") to acquire commercial real estate mortgage loans. The Company consolidates the trust because it determined that the wholly-owned RSBC Trust was a VIE and that the Company was the primary beneficiary. As of December 31, 2021, there is one loan remaining in the trust and it is financed under one of the Company's short-term repurchase agreements. The Company holds the financing liability outside the RSBC Trust. Refer to Note 7 - "Financings" for details.
The following table presents information on the commercial real estate mortgage loan held by RSBC Trust as of December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Loan | Acquisition Date | Loan Type | Principal Balance | Fair Value | Original LTV | Interest Rate | Maturity Date | Extension Option | Collateral | |
| SBC 3 | January 2019 | Interest-Only First Mortgage | $ | 14,362 | | $ | 14,362 | | 49% | One-Month LIBOR plus 4.10% | 7/6/2022 | None | Nursing Facilities | |
| | | $ | 14,362 | | $ | 14,362 | | | | | | | |
RSBC Trust Loan Payoffs
On July 7, 2021, SBC 1, which had an outstanding principal balance of $45.2 million collateralized by nursing facilities, was paid off in full.
On September 24, 2021, SBC 2 which had an outstanding principal balance of $9.2 million collateralized by an apartment complex was paid off in full.
Securitized Commercial Loans
Securitized commercial loans are comprised of commercial loans from consolidated third party sponsored CMBS VIE's. At December 31, 2021, the Company had a variable interest in one third party sponsored CMBS VIEs, CSMC Trust 2014-USA, that it determined it was the primary beneficiary and was required to consolidate. The commercial loans that serve as collateral for the securitized debt issued by this VIE can only be used to settle the securitized debt. Refer to Note 7 -
"Financings" for details on the associated securitized debt. The Company assesses modifications to VIEs on an ongoing basis to determine if a significant reconsideration event has occurred that would change the Company’s initial consolidation assessment.
RETL 2019-RVP
RETL 2018 was refinanced with a new securitization RETL 2019-RVP ("RETL 2019 Trust") in March 2019. The Company acquired a $65.3 million interest in the trust certificates issued by the RETL 2019 Trust, including $45.3 million which represents the 5% eligible risk retention certificate. The Company determined that RETL 2019 Trust was a VIE and that the Company was also the primary beneficiary because the Manager was involved in certain aspects of the design of the trust and the Company together with other related party entities own more than 50% of the controlling class. As the primary beneficiary, the Company consolidated RETL 2019 Trust and its investment in the trust certificates (HRR class and a portion of the C class) of RETL 2019 Trust was eliminated in consolidation. The RETL 2019 Trust held a commercial loan collateralized by first mortgages, deeds of trusts and interests in commercial real estate.
On September 15, 2021, the commercial loan was paid in full by the borrower and the RETL HRR bond which had an outstanding principal amount of $45.3 million held in WMC RETL LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was paid off. Accordingly, the RETL 2019 Trust is no longer consolidated.
CSMC Trust 2014-USA
The Company together with other related party entities own more than 50% of the controlling class of CSMC Trust 2014-USA ("CSMC USA"). As of December 31, 2021, the Company held an 8.8% interest in the trust certificates issued by CSMC USA (F Class) with an outstanding principal balance of $14.9 million. The Company performs ongoing reassessment of its CMBS VIE holdings for potential consolidation of the securitized trust in which it owns a portion of the controlling class. Since the ownership of the controlling financial interest is held within a related party group, the Company must determine whether it is the primary beneficiary under the related party tie-breaker rule. As a result of the Company's evaluation, it was determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary of CSMC USA, and effective on August 1, 2020, consolidated CSMC USA. The Company’s investment in the trust certificate of CSMC USA (F Class) was eliminated in the consolidation. The CSMC USA holds a commercial loan secured by a first mortgage lien on the borrowers’ fee and leasehold interests in a portion of a super-regional mall. The outstanding principal balance on this commercial loan is $1.4 billion as of December 31, 2021. The loan's has a stated maturity date is September 11, 2025 and bears a fixed interest rate of 4.38%. The Company elected the fair value option for the commercial loan as well as the associated securitized debt.
In December 2020, the commercial loan held by CSMC USA was amended to an interest only payment through maturity. As part of the modification a Cash Management Forbearance Agreement was entered into by the special servicer and the borrower, which required both increased reporting requirements and monthly net cash remittance.
Consolidated Securitized Commercial Loan Trusts and Commercial Loan Trust
The two commercial consolidated trusts, CSMC USA and RSBC Trust collectively held two Commercial Loans as of December 31, 2021. The following table presents a summary of the assets and liabilities of the two consolidated trusts included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
| | | |
| Restricted cash | $ | 260 | | | $ | 76,132 | |
| Securitized commercial loans, at fair value | 1,355,808 | | | 1,605,335 | |
| Commercial Loans, at fair value | 14,362 | | | 68,466 | |
| Interest receivable | 5,290 | | | 6,248 | |
| Total assets | $ | 1,375,720 | | | $ | 1,756,181 | |
| Securitized debt, at fair value | $ | 1,344,370 | | | $ | 1,553,722 | |
| Interest payable | 5,164 | | | 5,660 | |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 9 | | | 12 | |
| Other liabilities | 260 | | | 76,132 | |
| Total liabilities | $ | 1,349,803 | | | $ | 1,635,526 | |
The Company’s risk with respect to its investment in the securitized commercial loan trust is limited to its direct ownership in the trust. The commercial loan held by the consolidated securitized commercial loan trust is held solely to satisfy the liabilities of the trust, and creditors of the trust have no recourse to the general credit of the Company. The securitized commercial loan of trust can only be used to satisfy the obligations of that trust. The Company is not contractually required to provide, and has not provided any additional financial support to the securitized commercial trust for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
The following table presents the components of the carrying value of the securitized commercial loans and commercial loans as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | RETL Trust Securitized Commercial Loan, at Fair Value (1) | | CSMC USA Trust Securitized Commercial Loan, at Fair Value | | RSBC Trust Commercial Loans, at Fair Value | | Commercial Loans, at Fair Value |
| | | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
| Principal balance | | $ | — | | | $ | 354,202 | | | $ | 1,385,591 | | | $ | 1,385,591 | | | $ | 14,362 | | | $ | 68,750 | | | $ | 177,797 | | | $ | 256,694 | |
| Unamortized premium | | — | | | 180 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Unamortized discount | | — | | | — | | | (110,770) | | | (135,653) | | | — | | | (94) | | | — | | | (53) | |
| Amortized cost | | — | | | 354,382 | | | 1,274,821 | | | 1,249,938 | | | 14,362 | | | 68,656 | | | 177,797 | | | 256,641 | |
| Gross unrealized gains | | — | | | — | | | 80,987 | | | 16,013 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1 | |
| Gross unrealized losses | | — | | | (14,998) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (190) | | | (61,587) | | | (14,585) | |
| Fair value | | $ | — | | | $ | 339,384 | | | $ | 1,355,808 | | | $ | 1,265,951 | | | $ | 14,362 | | | $ | 68,466 | | | $ | 116,210 | | | $ | 242,057 | |
(1) On September 15, 2021, the commercial loan was paid in full by the borrower and the RETL HRR bond with an outstanding principal amount of $45.3 million held in WMC RETL LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was paid off. Accordingly, the RETL 2019 Trust is no longer consolidated.
Non-Performing Commercial Loans
The following table presents the aging of the Commercial Loans as of December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Commercial Loans |
| | No of Loans | | Principal | | Fair Value |
| Current | | 6 | | $ | 102,159 | | | $ | 101,459 | |
| 1-30 days | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| 31-60 days | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| 61-90 days | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| 90+ days | | 1 | | | 90,000 | | | 29,113 | |
| Total | | 7 | | $ | 192,159 | | | $ | 130,572 | |
The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted a broad range of industries in which the commercial loan borrowers operate and could impair their ability to fulfill their financial obligations to the Company, most significantly hospitality and retail assets. The low average original LTV of the Company's commercial loan portfolio of 59.7%, reflecting significant equity value that the sponsors are motivated to protect, is a mitigating factor of these risks. However, there is no guarantee that losses will not occur.
CRE 3 Loan
As of December 31, 2021, the CRE 3 junior mezzanine loan which has an outstanding principal balance of $90.0 million secured by a class A retail and entertainment complex located in the North East U.S. (the “Property”) was in default. The Property, which was originally scheduled to open in March 2020, was severely impacted by COVID-19 related shutdowns and restrictions and continues to face the challenging conditions impacting large portions of the retail sector. The Company was receiving interest payments on this loan from a reserve that was exhausted in May 2021 and the loan became non-performing.
Additionally, on May 10, 2021, the administrative agent for the senior mortgage loan on the Property (the “Administrative Agent”) notified us, as administrative agent for the junior mezzanine loan, of the Administrative Agent’s intent to accept an assignment in lieu of foreclosure with respect to the Property if the junior mezzanine lenders did not elect to purchase the senior mortgage loan within 30 days pursuant to the terms set forth in an intercreditor agreement among the Administrative Agent, the Company and the senior mezzanine lender. The senior mezzanine lender was provided with a similar notice on May 10, 2021. Since the original notice provided by the Administrative Agent on May 10, 2021, the Administrative Agent has extended the deadline for the junior mezzanine lenders and the senior mezzanine lender to exercise their purchase right with respect to the senior mortgage loan a total of three times, with the most recent extension expired on July 14, 2021, and neither the junior mezzanine lenders nor the senior mezzanine lender offered to purchase the senior mortgage loan.
The Company is currently in discussions with the borrower and certain other lenders regarding alternatives to address the situation which might include modifications of loan terms, deferral of payments and the funding of new advances. There can be no assurance that these discussions will result in an outcome in which the Company would be repaid any amount of the loan and the Company may suffer further declines in fair value with respect to this mezzanine investment. The Company could experience a total loss of its investment under various scenarios, which at current levels would result in a $29.1 million reduction in the Company’s book value.
Commercial Real Estate Owned
In October 2020, the Company commenced foreclosure proceedings for its non-performing commercial loan with an outstanding principal balance of $30.0 million.secured by a hotel. However, on February 24, 2021, the borrower filed for bankruptcy protection halting the foreclosure process. In August 2021, the bankruptcy case was dismissed by the bankruptcy court and the Company and the other holders of the loan foreclosed on the property through a special purpose entity ("SPE") formed for the purpose of holding the property.
The SPE is consolidated by the Company and the property is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less cost to sell. As of December 31, 2021, the REO is recorded at $42.5 million and classified in "Other assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the other members' interests in the SPE of approximately $11.2 million are recorded as "Non-controlling interest" in the consolidated financial statements. The property was marketed for sale and sold in February 2022. See Note 16 - "Subsequent Events" for details on the sale.
Note 7—Financings
Repurchase Agreements
The Company has primarily financed its investment acquisitions with repurchase agreements. The repurchase agreements bear interest at a contractually agreed-upon rate and historically had terms ranging from one month to 12 months. The Company’s repurchase agreement borrowings are accounted for as secured borrowings when the Company maintains effective control of the financed assets. Under these repurchase agreements, the respective counterparties retain the right to determine the fair value of the underlying collateral. A reduction in the value of pledged assets normally requires the Company to post additional securities as collateral, pay down borrowings or establish cash margin accounts with the counterparties in order to re-establish the agreed-upon collateral requirements, and is referred to as a margin call. The inability of the Company to post adequate collateral for a margin call by a counterparty, in a time frame as short as the close of the same business day, could result in a condition of default under the Company’s repurchase agreements, thereby enabling the counterparty to liquidate the collateral pledged by the Company, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
The market disruptions surrounding COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 resulted in the decline of the Company's asset values making it challenging to obtain repurchase agreement financing with favorable terms or at all. The Company's repurchase agreement counterparties have increased borrowing rates and increased haircuts. In the second quarter of 2020 in order to manage the severe market conditions and the resulting large margin demands from lenders and pressure on the Company’s liquidity, the Company entered into three longer term financing arrangements to reduce its exposure to short-term financings with daily mark to market exposure. Below is a summary of each of these financing arrangements.
Residential Whole Loan Facility
On April 21, 2020, the Company entered into amendments with respect to certain of its loan warehouse facilities. These amendments mainly served to convert an existing residential whole loan facility into a term facility by removing any mark to market margin requirements, and to consolidate the Company’s Non-Qualified Mortgage loans, which were previously financed by three separate, unaffiliated counterparties, into a single facility. The target advance rate under the amended and restated facility was approximately 84% of the aggregate unpaid principal balance of the loans. The facility had an original maturity of October 20, 2021. All principal payments and income generated by the loans during the term of the facility were used to pay principal and interest on the facility. Upon the securitization or sale by the Company of any whole loan subject to this amended and restated facility, the counterparty was entitled to receive a recapture premium fee of 30% of all realized value on any whole loans above such counterparty’s amortized basis as well as an exit fee of 0.50% of the loan amount in circumstances where the counterparty was not involved in the disposition of the loans. The financing cost of this facility was reflective of the challenging market conditions, at time, when the Company entered into the agreement.
On June 29, 2020, the Company securitized approximately $355.8 million of the Residential Whole Loans and paid down the facility by approximately $339.4 million (see "Securitized Debt" below for additional details). As part of the financing arrangements noted above, the Company had agreed to pay the lender a fee of 30% of all realized value on the Residential Whole Loans above the counterparty's amortized basis upon securitization or sale. As a result of refinancing the Residential Whole Loans through a securitization, the Company accrued a premium recapture fee of approximately $20.5 million, to be paid at the maturity of the facility, and recorded in "Financing fees" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
On October 6, 2020 the Company entered into an amendment of its Residential Whole Loan Facility. The amendment converted the existing Residential Whole Loan Facility to a limited mark to market margin facility that bore an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.75%, with a LIBOR floor of 0.25%. The target advance rate under the amended facility was 85% and the facility scheduled maturity was on October 5, 2021. In connection with this amendment to the facility the Company paid $12.0 million of the premium recapture fee. The balance of $8.5 million was paid on November 5, 2021 when the amended facility matured after a one month extension and the Company entered into a new amended Residential Whole Loan Facility. The premium recapture fee was eliminated for new and remaining investments financed under this facility.
On November 5, 2021, the Company entered into a further amendment of its Residential Whole Loan Facility. The amended facility has a stated capacity of $500.0 million. and bears an interest rate to LIBOR plus 2.00%, with a LIBOR floor of 0.25%. The facility is available to finance five types of residential mortgages: Non-Agency mortgage loans, Non-QM loans, investor loans, re-performing and non-performing loans. The advance rates may differ by type of loan, but for performing Non-
QM loans the advance rate is 90%. The facility matures on November 4, 2022. The facility is a mark to market margin facility; however, the margin requirement is only triggered if the fair value of the collateral declines to below the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the collateral.
The Company finances its Non-QM Residential Whole Loans held in RMI 2015 Trust under this facility. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $396.5 million. The borrowing is secured by against Non-QM Residential Whole Loans with a fair value of $451.7 million.
Non-Agency CMBS and Non-Agency RMBS Facility
On May 4, 2020, the Company supplemented one of its existing securities repurchase facilities to consolidate most of its CMBS and RMBS assets, which were financed by multiple counterparties, into a single term facility with limited mark to market margin requirements. Pursuant to the agreement, a margin deficit will not occur until such time as the loan to value ratio surpasses a certain threshold (the “LTV Trigger”), on a weighted average basis per asset type, calculated on a portfolio level. If this threshold was reached, the Company may elect to provide cash margin or sell certain assets to the extent necessary to lower the ratio. The term of this facility was 12 months, subject to a 12 month extensions at the counterparty’s option. All interest income generated by the assets during the term of the facility was paid to the Company no less often than monthly. Interest on the facility was due from the Company at a rate of three-month LIBOR plus 5.00% payable quarterly in arrears. Half of all principal repayments on the underlying assets was applied to repay the obligations owed to the counterparty, with the remainder paid to the Company, unless the LTV Trigger has occurred, in which case all principal payments will be applied to repay the obligations.
On May 5, 2021, the Company amended its Non-Agency CMBS and Non-Agency RMBS financing facility to, among other things, extend the facility for an additional 12 months and reduce the interest rate. The amended facility has improved advance rates and bears interest at a rate of three-month LIBOR plus 2.00%. As of December 31, 2021, the outstanding balance under this facility was $102.9 million. The borrowing is secured by investments with a fair market value of $181.0 million as of December 31, 2021.
Commercial Whole Loan Facility
On May 5, 2021, the Company amended its Commercial Whole Loan Facility to, among other things, convert the term to a 12-month facility with a stated capacity of up to $100 million. The facility has a 12-month extension option, subject to the lender's consent.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company had approximately $63.7 million in borrowings, with a weighted average interest rate of 2.27% under its Commercial Whole Loan Facility. The borrowing is secured by the performing commercial loans that are held in CRE LLC with an estimated fair market value of $87.1 million as of December 31, 2021.
Financial Metrics
Certain of the Company’s financing arrangements provide the counterparty with the right to terminate the agreement and accelerate amounts due under the associated agreement if the Company does not maintain financial metrics. Although specific to each financing arrangement, typical financial metrics include minimum equity and liquidity requirements, leverage ratios, and performance triggers. In addition, some of the financing arrangements contain cross-default features, whereby default under an agreement with one lender simultaneously causes default under agreements with other lenders. The Company was in compliance with the terms of such financial tests as of December 31, 2021.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company had borrowings under five of its master repurchase agreements. The following table summarizes certain characteristics of the Company's repurchase agreements at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
| Securities Pledged | Repurchase
Agreement
Borrowings | | Weighted Average
Interest Rate on
Borrowings
Outstanding at end
of period | | Weighted Average
Remaining Maturity
(days) | | Repurchase
Agreement
Borrowings | | Weighted Average
Interest Rate on
Borrowings
Outstanding at end
of period | | Weighted Average
Remaining Maturity
(days) |
| Short Term Borrowings: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Agency RMBS | $ | 976 | | | 1.02 | % | | 58 | | $ | 1,418 | | | 1.34 | % | | 59 |
| Non-Agency CMBS | — | | | — | % | | 0 | | 10,313 | | | 2.25 | % | | 14 |
Non-Agency RMBS(1) | 38,354 | | | 2.94 | % | | 4 | | — | | | — | % | | 0 |
Residential Whole Loans(2) | 1,439 | | | 2.57 | % | | 5 | | 29,800 | | | 3.71 | % | | 15 |
Residential Bridge Loans(2) | 4,368 | | | 2.61 | % | | 5 | | 11,254 | | | 2.73 | % | | 36 |
Commercial Loans(2) | 6,463 | | | 3.20 | % | | 5 | | 34,375 | | | 3.32 | % | | 75 |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Membership Interest | — | | | — | % | | 0 | | 18,844 | | | 2.90 | % | | 29 |
| Other securities | 2,457 | | | 3.50 | % | | 18 | | 2,594 | | | 4.51 | % | | 19 |
| Total short term borrowings | 54,057 | | | 2.92 | % | | 6 | | 108,598 | | | 3.19 | % | | 39 |
| Long Term Borrowings: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Non-Agency CMBS and Non-Agency RMBS Facility | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-Agency CMBS(1) | 59,802 | | | 2.14 | % | | 125 | | 66,767 | | | 5.23 | % | | 126 |
| Non-Agency RMBS | 15,632 | | | 2.14 | % | | 125 | | 14,643 | | | 5.23 | % | | 126 |
| Other Securities | 27,506 | | | 2.22 | % | | 125 | | 13,677 | | | 5.24 | % | | 126 |
| Subtotal | 102,940 | | | 2.16 | % | | 125 | | 95,087 | | | 5.23 | % | | 126 |
| Residential Whole Loan Facility | | | | | | | | | | | |
Residential Whole Loans(2) | 396,531 | | | 2.25 | % | | 308 | | 30,224 | | | 3.00 | % | | 278 |
| Commercial Whole Loan Facility | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Commercial Loans | 63,661 | | | 2.27 | % | | 268 | | 124,937 | | | 2.17 | % | | 287 |
| Total long term borrowings | 563,132 | | | 2.24 | % | | 270 | | 250,248 | | | 3.74 | % | | 225 |
| Repurchase agreements borrowings | $ | 617,189 | | | 2.30 | % | | 247 | | $ | 358,846 | | | 3.57 | % | | 169 |
| Less unamortized debt issuance costs | — | | | N/A | | N/A | | 1,923 | | | N/A | | N/A |
| Repurchase agreements borrowings, net | $ | 617,189 | | | 2.30 | % | | 247 | | $ | 356,923 | | | 3.57 | % | | 169 |
(1)Includes repurchase agreement borrowings on securities eliminated upon VIE consolidation.
(2)Repurchase agreement borrowings on loans owned are through trust certificates. The trust certificates are eliminated in consolidation.
At December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, repurchase agreements collateralized by investments had the following remaining maturities:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (dollars in thousands) | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
| | | |
| 1 to 29 days | $ | 53,081 | | | $ | 59,856 | |
| 30 to 59 days | 370 | | | 13,421 | |
| 60 to 89 days | 606 | | | 35,321 | |
| | | |
| Greater than or equal to 90 days | 563,132 | | | 250,248 | |
| Total | $ | 617,189 | | | $ | 358,846 | |
At December 31, 2021, the following table reflects amounts of collateral at risk under its repurchase agreements greater than 10% of the Company's equity with any counterparty (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2021 |
| Counterparty | Amount of Collateral
at Risk, at fair
value | | Weighted Average
Remaining
Maturity (days) | | Percentage of
Stockholders'
Equity |
| Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch | $ | 84,150 | | | 280 | | 43.6 | % |
| Citigroup Global Markets Inc. | 78,544 | | | 125 | | 40.7 | % |
| | | | | |
Collateral for Borrowings under Repurchase Agreements
The following table summarizes the Company's collateral positions, with respect to its borrowings under repurchase agreements at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
| | Assets
Pledged | | Accrued
Interest | | Assets Pledged
and Accrued
Interest | | Assets
Pledged | | Accrued
Interest | | Assets Pledged
and Accrued
Interest |
| Assets pledged for borrowings under repurchase agreements: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Agency RMBS, at fair value | $ | 1,172 | | | $ | 19 | | | $ | 1,191 | | | $ | 1,708 | | | $ | 49 | | | $ | 1,757 | |
Non-Agency CMBS, at fair value(1) | 107,624 | | | 504 | | | 108,128 | | | 152,275 | | | 649 | | | 152,924 | |
| Non-Agency RMBS, at fair value | 66,555 | | | 343 | | | 66,898 | | | 25,382 | | | 160 | | | 25,542 | |
Residential Whole Loans, at fair value(2) | 453,447 | | | 2,674 | | | 456,121 | | | 97,566 | | | 543 | | | 98,109 | |
Residential Bridge Loans(2) | 5,207 | | | 91 | | | 5,298 | | | 12,960 | | | 180 | | | 13,140 | |
Commercial Loans, at fair value(2) | 101,459 | | | 360 | | | 101,819 | | | 310,523 | | | 1,850 | | | 312,373 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Membership interest(3) | — | | | — | | | — | | | 33,690 | | | — | | | 33,690 | |
| Other securities, at fair value | 51,648 | | | 100 | | | 51,748 | | | 48,754 | | | 44 | | | 48,798 | |
Cash(4) | 3,151 | | | — | | | 3,151 | | | 1,817 | | | — | | | 1,817 | |
| Total | $ | 790,263 | | | $ | 4,091 | | | $ | 794,354 | | | $ | 684,675 | | | $ | 3,475 | | | $ | 688,150 | |
(1)Includes securities eliminated upon VIE consolidation.
(2)Loans owned through trust certificates are pledged as collateral. The trust certificates are eliminated upon consolidation.
(3)The pledged amount relates to the Company's non-controlling membership interest in its wholly owned subsidiary WMC RETL LLC, which was financed under a repurchase agreement. The membership interest is eliminated in consolidation.
(4)Cash posted as collateral is included in "Due from counterparties" in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
A reduction in the value of pledged assets typically results in the repurchase agreement counterparties initiating a margin call. At December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, investments held by counterparties as security for repurchase agreements totaled approximately $787.1 million and approximately $682.9 million, respectively. Cash collateral held by counterparties at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was approximately $3.2 million and $1.8 million, respectively. Cash posted by repurchase agreement counterparties at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $0 and $320 thousand, respectively.
Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes
6.75% Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024
In September 2021, the Company issued $86.3 million aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Notes for net proceeds of $83.3 million. Interest on the 2024 Notes is paid semiannually. The 2024 Notes are convertible into, at the Company's election, cash, shares of the Company's common stock or a combination of both, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and during specified periods. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain specified events and the holders may require the Company to repurchase all or any portion of their notes for cash equal to 100% of the principal
amount of the 2024 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if the Company undergoes a fundamental change as specified in the supplemental indenture for the 2024 Notes. The initial conversion rate was 337.9520 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes and represented a conversion price of $2.96 per share of common stock. The 2024 Notes mature on September 15, 2024, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased by the holders pursuant to their terms, and are not redeemable by the Company except during the final three months prior to maturity.
6.75% Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022
At December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had $37.7 million and $175.0 million aggregate principal amount, respectively, of the 2022 Notes outstanding. Interest on the 2022 Notes is paid semiannually. The 2022 Notes are convertible into, at the Company's election, cash, shares of the Company's common stock or a combination of both, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and during specified periods. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain specified events and the holders may require the Company to repurchase all or any portion of their notes for cash equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2022 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if the Company undergoes a fundamental change as specified in the supplemental indenture for the 2022 Notes. The initial and current conversion rate was 83.1947 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes and represented a conversion price of $12.02 per share of common stock. The 2022 Notes mature on October 1, 2022, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased by the holders pursuant to their terms, and are not redeemable by the Company except during the final three months prior to maturity.
The 2022 Notes Exchanges and Repurchases
On July 1, 2020, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,354,084 shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), in exchange for $5.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes pursuant to separate privately negotiated exchange agreements entered into on July 1, 2020 (collectively, the “Exchange Agreement”) between the Company and certain holders of the 2022 Notes. The Company did not receive any cash proceeds as a result of the Exchange Agreement, and the 2022 Notes exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Agreement were retired and cancelled. The common stock was issued in reliance upon the exemption set forth in Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933 for securities exchanged by the Company and an existing security holder where no commission or other remuneration is paid or given directly or indirectly by the Company for soliciting such exchange.
During the quarter ended December 31, 2020, the Company repurchased $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes at an approximate 13% discount to par value, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2021, the Company repurchased $6.7 million aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes at an approximate 6.3% discount to par value, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
During August 2021, the Company repurchased $22.3 million aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes at an approximate 2.8% discount to par value, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
During September 2021, the Company used the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2024 Notes and $20.3 million in cash on hand to repurchase $100.3 million of the 2022 Notes at par, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
During December 2021, the Company repurchased $8.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 2022 Notes at a 1% premium to par value, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Securitized Debt
Residential Mortgage-Backed Notes
Arroyo Trust 2019
In May 2019, the Company completed a residential mortgage-backed securitization comprised of $945.5 million of Non-QM Residential Whole Loans, issuing $919.0 million of mortgage-backed notes. The Company did not elect the fair value option for these notes and accordingly they are recorded at their principal balance less unamortized deferred financing costs and classified in "Securitized debt, net" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table summarizes the issued Arroyo Trust's residential mortgage pass-through certificates at December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Classes | Principal Balance | Coupon | Carrying Value | Contractual Maturity |
| Offered Notes: | | | | |
| Class A-1 | $ | 277,549 | | 3.3% | $ | 277,549 | | 4/25/2049 |
| Class A-2 | 14,885 | | 3.5% | 14,885 | | 4/25/2049 |
| Class A-3 | 23,583 | | 3.8% | 23,583 | | 4/25/2049 |
| Class M-1 | 25,055 | | 4.8% | 25,055 | | 4/25/2049 |
| Subtotal | $ | 341,072 | | | $ | 341,072 | | |
| Less: Unamortized Deferred Financing Costs | N/A | | 3,501 | | |
| Total | $ | 341,072 | | | $ | 337,571 | | |
The Company retained the non-offered securities in the securitization, which include the class B, Class A-IO-S and Class XS certificates. These non-offered securities were eliminated in consolidation. The securitized debt of the Arroyo Trust 2019 can only be settled with the residential loans that serve as collateral for the securitized debt and is non-recourse to the Company. At December 31, 2021, Residential Whole Loans, with an outstanding principal balance of approximately $358.9 million, served as collateral for the Arroyo Trust 2019's securitized debt. The Company may redeem the offered notes on or after the earlier of (i) the three-year anniversary of the closing date or (ii) the date on which the aggregate collateral balance is 20% of the original principal balance. The notes are redeemable at their face value plus accrued interest.
Arroyo Trust 2020
In June 2020, the Company completed a residential mortgage-backed securitization comprised of $355.8 million of Non-QM Residential Whole Loans, issuing $341.7 million of mortgage-backed notes. The Company did not elect the fair value option for these notes and accordingly they are recorded at their principal balance less unamortized deferred financing cost and classified in "Securitized debt, net" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table summarizes the issued Arroyo Trust 2020's residential mortgage pass-through certificates at December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Classes | Principal Balance | Coupon | Carrying Value | Contractual Maturity |
| Offered Notes: | | | | |
| Class A-1A | $ | 125,469 | | 1.7% | $ | 125,469 | | 3/25/2055 |
| Class A-1B | 14,888 | | 2.1% | 14,888 | | 3/25/2055 |
| Class A-2 | 13,518 | | 2.9% | 13,518 | | 3/25/2055 |
| Class A-3 | 17,963 | | 3.3% | 17,963 | | 3/25/2055 |
| Class M-1 | 11,739 | | 4.3% | 11,739 | | 3/25/2055 |
| Subtotal | $ | 183,577 | | | $ | 183,577 | | |
| Less: Unamortized Deferred Financing Costs | N/A | | 2,030 | | |
| Total | $ | 183,577 | | | $ | 181,547 | | |
The Company retained the non-offered securities in the securitization, which include the Class B, Class A-IO-S and Class XS certificates. These non-offered securities were eliminated in consolidation. The securitized debt of the Arroyo Trust 2020 can only be settled with the residential loans that serve as collateral for the securitized debt and is non-recourse to the Company. At December 31, 2021, Residential Whole Loans, with an outstanding principal balance of approximately $188.2 million serve as collateral for the Arroyo Trust 2020's securitized debt. The Company may redeem the offered notes on or after the earlier of (i) the three-year anniversary of the closing date or (ii) the date on which the aggregate collateral balance is equal to or less than 30% of the original principal balance. The notes are redeemable at their face value plus accrued interest.
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Notes
CSMC 2014 USA
The following table summarizes CSMC 2014 USA's commercial mortgage pass-through certificates at December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Classes | Principal Balance | Coupon | Fair Value | Contractual Maturity |
| Class A-1 | $ | 120,391 | | 3.3 | % | $ | 124,143 | | 9/11/2025 |
| Class A-2 | 531,700 | | 4.0 | % | 559,447 | | 9/11/2025 |
| Class B | 136,400 | | 4.2 | % | 133,776 | | 9/11/2025 |
| Class C | 94,500 | | 4.3 | % | 91,460 | | 9/11/2025 |
| Class D | 153,950 | | 4.4 | % | 142,388 | | 9/11/2025 |
| Class E | 180,150 | | 4.4 | % | 160,325 | | 9/11/2025 |
| Class F | 153,600 | | 4.4 | % | 117,912 | | 9/11/2025 |
Class X-1(1) | n/a | 0.7 | % | 12,347 | | 9/11/2025 |
Class X-2(1) | n/a | 0.2 | % | 2,572 | | 9/11/2025 |
| $ | 1,370,691 | | | $ | 1,344,370 | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
(1) Class X-1 and Class X-2 are interest-only classes with notional balances of $652.1 million and $733.5 million as of December 31, 2021, respectively.
At December 31, 2021, the Company owned a portion of the class F certificates with an outstanding principal balance of $14.9 million, which is eliminated in consolidation. The remaining CSMC USA debt that we elected the fair value option had a fair value of $1.3 billion, and is recorded in "Securitized debt, net" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Of the remaining outstanding principal balance of $1.4 billion, $198.3 million is owned by related parties and $1.2 billion is owned by third parties. The securitized debt of the CSMC USA can only be settled with the commercial loan with an outstanding principal balance of approximately $1.4 billion at December 31, 2021, that serves as collateral for the securitized debt and is non-recourse to the Company. The Company has chosen to make the fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for the debt and accordingly the periodic changes in fair value are recorded in current period earnings in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of "Unrealized gain (loss), net."
Note 8—Derivative Instruments
The Company's derivatives may include interest rate swaps, swaptions, options, futures contracts, TBAs, Agency and Non-Agency Interest-Only Strips that are classified as derivatives, credit default swaps and total return swaps.
The following table summarizes the Company's derivative instruments at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
| Derivative Instrument | Accounting Designation | | Consolidated Balance Sheets Location | | Notional
Amount | | Fair
Value | | | | Notional
Amount | | Fair
Value | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Credit default swaps, asset | Non-Hedge | | Derivative assets, at fair value | | $ | 2,030 | | | $ | 105 | | | | | $ | 2,030 | | | $ | 161 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total derivative instruments, assets | | | | | | | 105 | | | | | | | 161 | | | |
| Interest rate swaps, liability | Non-Hedge | | Derivative liability, at fair value | | 22,000 | | | (38) | | | | | — | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Credit default swaps, liability | Non-Hedge | | Derivative liability, at fair value | | 4,140 | | | (564) | | | | | 4,140 | | | (656) | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total derivative instruments, liabilities | | | | | | | (602) | | | | | | | (656) | | | |
| Total derivative instruments, net | | | | | | | $ | (497) | | | | | | | $ | (495) | | | |
The following table summarizes the effects of the Company's derivative positions, including Interest-Only Strips characterized as derivatives and TBAs, which are reported in "Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Realized Gain (Loss), net | | | | | | | | |
| Description | Other Settlements / Expirations | | Variation Margin Settlement | | Return
(Recovery) of
Basis | | Mark-to-Market | | Contractual interest
income (expense),
net | | Total |
| Year ended December 31, 2021 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest rate swaps | $ | — | | | $ | 490 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (38) | | | $ | 109 | | | $ | 561 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest-Only Strips—accounted for as derivatives | — | | | — | | | (300) | | | (206) | | | 394 | | | (112) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Credit default swaps | 64 | | | — | | | — | | | 36 | | | — | | | 100 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total | $ | 64 | | | $ | 490 | | | $ | (300) | | | $ | (208) | | | $ | 503 | | | $ | 549 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, 2020 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest rate swaps | $ | (262) | | | $ | (179,759) | | | $ | 262 | | | $ | (2,515) | | | $ | (1,395) | | | $ | (183,669) | |
| Interest rate swaptions | 80 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 80 | |
| Interest-Only Strips—accounted for as derivatives | (940) | | | — | | | (1,096) | | | (532) | | | 1,324 | | | (1,244) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Credit default swaps | (9,534) | | | — | | | — | | | (1,834) | | | — | | | (11,368) | |
| TBAs | (2,430) | | | — | | | — | | | 928 | | | — | | | (1,502) | |
| Total | $ | (13,086) | | | $ | (179,759) | | | $ | (834) | | | $ | (3,953) | | | $ | (71) | | | $ | (197,703) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, 2019 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest rate swaps | $ | (4,978) | | | $ | (108,169) | | | $ | 5,769 | | | $ | 5,140 | | | $ | 3,732 | | | $ | (98,506) | |
| Interest rate swaptions | (332) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (332) | |
| Interest-Only Strips—accounted for as derivatives | — | | | — | | | (2,688) | | | (508) | | | 3,277 | | | 81 | |
| Options | 1,378 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,378 | |
| Futures contracts | (12,862) | | | — | | | — | | | 4,657 | | | — | | | (8,205) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Credit default swaps | (178) | | | — | | | — | | | 1,029 | | | — | | | 851 | |
| TBAs | 1,934 | | | — | | | — | | | (928) | | | — | | | 1,006 | |
| Total | $ | (15,038) | | | $ | (108,169) | | | $ | 3,081 | | | $ | 9,390 | | | $ | 7,009 | | | $ | (103,727) | |
At December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had cash pledged as collateral for derivatives of approximately $1.4 million and approximately $510 thousand respectively, which is reported in "Due from counterparties" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Interest rate swaps
The Company uses interest rate swaps to mitigate its exposure to higher short-term interest rates in connection with its repurchase agreements. Interest rate swaps generally involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the interest rate swap without exchange of the underlying notional amount. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in order to manage its hedge position with regard to its liabilities, the Company on occasion will enter into interest rate swaps which involve the receipt of fixed-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making variable-rate payments over the life of the interest rate swap without exchange of the underlying notional amount. The Company also enters into forward starting swaps to help mitigate the effects of changes in interest rates on a portion of its borrowings under repurchase agreements. The Company generally enters into MAC (Market Agreed Coupon) interest rate swaps in which it may receive or make a payment at the time of entering such interest rate swap to compensate for the out of the market nature of such interest rate swap. Similar to all other interest rate swaps, these interest rate swaps are also subject to margin requirements.
The Company has not elected to account for its interest rate swaps as "hedges" under GAAP, accordingly the change in fair value of the interest rate swaps not designated in hedging relationships are recorded together with periodic net interest settlement amounts in "Gain (loss) on derivatives instruments, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following table provides additional information on the Company's fixed-pay interest rate swap as of December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2021 |
| Fixed Pay Interest Rate Swap Remaining Term | Notional
Amount | | Average Fixed Pay
Rate | | Average Floating Receive
Rate | | Average
Maturity
(Years) | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Greater than 5 years | $ | 22,000 | | | 1.2 | % | | 0.05 | % | | 9.8 | | |
| Total | $ | 22,000 | | | 1.2 | % | | 0.05 | % | | 9.8 | | |
Interest-Only Strips
The Company also invests in Interest-Only Strips. In determining the classification of its holdings of Interest-Only Strips, the Company evaluates the securities to determine if the nature of the cash flows has been altered from that of the underlying mortgage collateral. Generally, Interest-Only Strips for which the security represents a strip off of a mortgage pass through security will be considered a hybrid instrument classified as an MBS investment in the Consolidated Balance Sheets utilizing the fair value option. Alternatively, those Interest-Only Strips, for which the underlying mortgage collateral has been included into a structured security that alters the cash flows from the underlying mortgage collateral, are accounted for as derivatives at fair value with changes recognized in "Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, along with any interest received. The carrying value of these Interest-Only Strips is included in "Agency mortgage-backed securities, at fair value" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Credit Default Swaps
The Company currently has outstanding credit default swaps and, in the future, may continue to enter into these types of credit derivatives. Under these instruments, the buyer makes a monthly premium payment over the term of the contract in exchange for the seller making a payment for losses of the reference securities, upon the occurrence of a specified credit event.
Note 9—Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
The following tables present information about certain assets and liabilities that are subject to master netting agreements (or similar agreements) and can potentially be offset in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2021 |
| | Gross
Amounts | | Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Consolidated
Balance
Sheets | | Net Amounts
of Assets
presented in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets | | Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Consolidated Balance
Sheets | | |
Description | | | | | Financial Instruments(1) | | Cash Collateral(1) | | Net
Amount |
| Derivative Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Agency and Non-Agency Interest-Only Strips, accounted for as derivatives included in MBS | | $ | 1,058 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,058 | | | $ | (1,058) | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Derivative asset, at fair value(2) | | 105 | | | — | | | 105 | | | (105) | | | — | | | — | |
| Total assets | | $ | 1,163 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,163 | | | $ | (1,163) | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Derivative Liabilities and Repurchase Agreements | | | | | | | | |
Derivative liability, at fair value(2)(3) | | $ | 602 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 602 | | | $ | (105) | | | $ | (497) | | | $ | — | |
Repurchase Agreements(4) | | 617,189 | | | — | | | 617,189 | | | (617,189) | | | — | | | — | |
| Total liability | | $ | 617,791 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 617,791 | | | $ | (617,294) | | | $ | (497) | | | $ | — | |
(1)Amounts disclosed in the Financial Instruments column of the tables above represent securities, Whole Loans and securitized commercial loan collateral pledged and derivative assets that are available to be offset against liability balances associated with repurchase agreement and derivative liabilities. Amounts disclosed in the Cash Collateral column of the tables above represents amounts pledged or received as collateral against derivative transactions.
(2)Derivative asset, at fair value and Derivative liability, at fair value includes interest rate swaps and credit default swaps.
(3)Cash collateral pledged against the Company's derivative counterparties was approximately $1.4 million as of December 31, 2021.
(4)The carrying value of investments pledged against the Company's repurchase agreements was approximately $787.1 million as of December 31, 2021.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2020 |
| | Gross
Amounts | | Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Consolidated
Balance
Sheets | | Net Amounts
of Assets
presented in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets | | Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Consolidated Balance
Sheets | | |
Description | | | | | Financial Instruments(1) | | Cash Collateral(1) | | Net
Amount |
| Derivative Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Agency and Non-Agency Interest-Only Strips, accounted for as derivatives included in MBS | | $ | 1,565 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,565 | | | $ | (1,565) | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Derivative asset, at fair value(2) | | 161 | | | — | | | 161 | | | (161) | | | — | | | — | |
| Total derivative assets | | $ | 1,726 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,726 | | | $ | (1,726) | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Derivative Liabilities and Repurchase Agreements | | | | | | | | |
Derivative liability, at fair value(2)(3) | | $ | 656 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 656 | | | $ | (161) | | | $ | (495) | | | $ | — | |
Repurchase Agreements(4) | | 356,923 | | | — | | | 356,923 | | | (356,923) | | | — | | | — | |
| Total liability | | $ | 357,579 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 357,579 | | | $ | (357,084) | | | $ | (495) | | | $ | — | |
(1)Amounts disclosed in the Financial Instruments column of the tables above represent securities, Whole Loans and securitized commercial loan collateral pledged and derivative assets that are available to be offset against liability balances associated with repurchase agreement and derivative liabilities. Amounts disclosed in the Cash Collateral column of the tables above represents amounts pledged or received as collateral against derivative transactions.
(2)Derivative asset, at fair value and Derivative liability, at fair value credit default swaps.
(3)Cash collateral pledged against the Company's derivative counterparties was approximately $510 thousand as of December 31, 2020.
(4)The carrying value of investments pledged against the Company's repurchase agreements was approximately $682.9 million as of December 31, 2020.
Certain of the Company's repurchase agreement and derivative transactions are governed by underlying agreements that generally provide for a right of set-off in the event of default or in the event of a bankruptcy of either party to the transaction.
Note 10—Related Party Transactions
Management Agreement
In connection with the Company's initial public offering ("IPO") in May 2012, the Company entered into a management agreement (the "Management Agreement") with the Manager, which describes the services to be provided by the Manager and compensation for such services. The Manager is responsible for managing the Company's operations, including: (i) performing all of its day-to-day functions; (ii) determining investment criteria in conjunction with the Board of Directors; (iii) sourcing, analyzing and executing investments, asset sales and financings; (iv) performing asset management duties; and (v) performing financial and accounting management, subject to the direction and oversight of the Company's Board of Directors. Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement, the Manager is paid a management fee equal to 1.50% per annum of the Company's stockholders' equity (as defined in the Management Agreement), calculated and payable (in cash) quarterly in arrears. For purposes of calculating the management fee, "stockholders' equity" means the sum of the net proceeds from any issuances of the Company's equity securities since inception (allocated on a pro rata daily basis for such issuances during the fiscal quarter of any such issuance), plus retained earnings, calculated in accordance with GAAP, at the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter (without taking into account any non-cash equity compensation expense incurred in current or prior periods), less any amount paid for repurchases of the Company's shares of common stock, excluding any unrealized gains or losses on our investments and derivatives and other non-cash items, (excluding other than temporary impairment) that have impacted stockholders' equity as reported in the Company's consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, regardless of whether such items are included in other comprehensive income or loss, or in net income, and excluding one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP and certain other non-cash charges after discussions between the Manager and the Company's independent directors and after approval by a majority of the Company's independent directors. However, if the Company's stockholders' equity for any given quarter is negative based on the calculation described above, the Manager will not be entitled to receive any management fee for that quarter.
In addition, the Company may be required to reimburse the Manager for certain expenses as described below, and shall reimburse the Manager for the compensation paid to the Company's chief financial officer, controller and their staff. Expense reimbursements to the Manager are made in cash on a regular basis. The Company's reimbursement obligation is not subject to any dollar limitation. Because the Manager's personnel perform certain legal, accounting, due diligence tasks and other services that outside professionals or outside consultants otherwise would perform, the Manager may be paid or reimbursed for the documented cost of performing such tasks, provided that such costs and reimbursements are in amounts which are no greater than those which would be payable to outside professionals or consultants engaged to perform such services pursuant to agreements negotiated on an arm's-length basis.
The Management Agreement may be amended, supplemented or modified by agreement between the Company and the Manager. The Management Agreement expires on May 16, 2022 It is automatically renewed for one year terms on each May 15th unless previously terminated as described below. The Company's independent directors review the Manager's performance and any fees payable to the Manager annually and, the Management Agreement may be terminated annually upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Company's independent directors, based upon: (i) the Manager's unsatisfactory performance that is materially detrimental to the Company; or (ii) the Company's determination that any fees payable to the Manager are not fair, subject to the Manager's right to prevent such termination due to unfair fees by accepting a reduction of management fees agreed to by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Company's independent directors. The Company will provide the Manager 180 days prior notice of any such termination. Unless terminated for cause, the Company will pay the Manager a termination fee equal to three times the average annual management fee earned by the Manager during the prior 24-month period immediately preceding the date of termination, calculated as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter prior to the date of termination.
The Company may also terminate the Management Agreement at any time, without the payment of any termination fee, with 30 days prior written notice from the Company's Board of Directors for cause, which will be determined by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Company's independent directors, which is defined as: (i) the Manager's continued material breach of any provision of the Management Agreement (including the Manager's failure to comply with the Company's investment guidelines); (ii) the Manager's fraud, misappropriation of funds, or embezzlement against the Company; (iii) the Manager's gross negligence in the performance of its duties under the Management Agreement; (iv) the occurrence of certain events with respect to the bankruptcy or insolvency of the Manager, including an order for relief in an involuntary bankruptcy case or the Manager authorizing or filing a voluntary bankruptcy petition; (v) the Manager is convicted (including a plea of nolo contendere) of a felony; or (vi) the dissolution of the Manager.
For the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 the Company incurred $5.9 million, $4.5 million and $7.4 million in management fees, respectively. The Manager waived the management fee in part for
six months from October 2018 through March 2019 to reduce the impact of the Company's 2018 secondary public offering on earnings as the Company fully deployed the capital into its target assets. The Manger waived the management fee for three months from March 2020 through May 2020 because of the unprecedented market disruption and dislocation across fixed income markets surrounding the uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In December 2021, the Manager agreed to voluntarily waive 25% of its management fee solely for the duration of calendar year 2022 in order to support the earnings potential of the Company and its transition to a residential focused investment portfolio. Future waivers, if any, will be at the Manager's discretion.
In addition to the management fee, the Company is also responsible for reimbursing the Manager for certain expenses paid by the Manager on behalf of the Company, as defined in the Management Agreement. For the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company recorded expenses included in general and administrative expenses totaling approximately $1.9 million, $1.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively, related to reimbursable employee costs. Any such expenses incurred by the Manager and reimbursed by the Company, including the employee compensation expense, are typically included in the Company's general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. At December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, approximately $1.5 million and approximately $3.0 million, respectively, for management fees incurred but not yet paid was included in "Payable to affiliate" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, approximately $457 thousand and approximately $148 thousand, respectively of reimbursable costs incurred but not yet paid was included in "Payable to affiliate" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Note 11—Share-Based Payments
In conjunction with the Company's IPO and concurrent private placement, the Company's Board of Directors approved the Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation Equity Plan (the "Equity Plan") and the Western Asset Manager Equity Plan (the "Manager Equity Plan" and collectively the "Equity Incentive Plans"). The Equity Incentive Plans include provisions for grants of restricted common stock and other equity-based awards, including restricted stock units to the Manager, its employees and employees of its affiliates and to the Company's directors, officers and employees. The Company can issue up to 3.0% of the total number of issued and outstanding shares of its common stock (on a fully diluted basis) at the time of each award (other than any shares previously issued or subject to awards made pursuant to one of the Company's Equity Incentive Plans) under these Equity Incentive Plans. The number of shares of common stock available under the Equity Incentive Plans is 1,804,258. Approximately 1,148,225 of shares have been issued under the Equity Plans with 656,033 shares available for issuance as of December 31, 2021.
Under the Equity Plan, the Company made the following grants during the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
On June 19, 2020, the Company granted a total of 127,275 restricted stock units (25,455 each) under the Equity Plan to the Company’s then five independent directors. In May 2021, one of the independent directors retired. As a result 25,455 shares of the unvested restricted stock were forfeited during the year ended December 31, 2021. The remaining restricted stock units in this grant vested in full on June 19, 2021, the first anniversary of the grant date, and will be settled in shares of the Company's common stock upon a separation from service with the Company
On June 25, 2021, the Company granted a total of 81,160 restricted stock units (20,290 each) under the Equity Plan to the Company’s four independent directors. These restricted stock units will vest in full on June 25, 2022, the first anniversary of the grant date, and will be settled in shares of the Company's common stock upon a separation from service with the Company
During the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 137,820, 67,480 and 29,200 restricted stock units vested, respectively. The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of approximately $618 thousand, $699 thousand and $564 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. In addition, the Company had unamortized compensation expense of $211 thousand and $619 thousand for equity awards at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
Holders of restricted stock units are entitled to receive dividends (or dividend equivalent payments) and distributions that become payable on the restricted stock units during the restricted period. Dividend equivalent payments allocable to restricted stock units are deemed to purchase additional phantom shares of the Company's common stock that are credited to each participant's deferral account. The award agreements include restrictions whereby the restricted stock units cannot be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of prior to the lapse of restrictions under the respective award agreement. The restrictions lapse on the unvested restricted stock units awarded when vested, subject to the grantee's
continuing to provide services to the Company as of the vesting date. Unvested restricted stock units and rights to dividends thereon are forfeited upon termination of the grantee.
The following is a summary of restricted stock units vesting dates as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
| Vesting Date | Shares Vesting | | Shares Vesting |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| March 2021 | — | | | 36,000 | |
| June 2021 | — | | | 130,365 | |
| March 2022 | 36,000 | | | 36,000 | |
| June 2022 | 81,160 | | | — | |
| 117,160 | | | 202,365 | |
The following table presents information with respect to the Company's restricted stock units for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
| | Restricted Stock Units | | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value(1) | |
Restricted Stock Units | | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value(1) |
| Outstanding at beginning of period | 1,025,542 | | | $ | 14.10 | | | 894,289 | | | $ | 15.76 | |
Granted(2) | 148,138 | | | 5.07 | | | 131,253 | | | 2.79 | |
| Cancelled/forfeited | (25,455) | | | 2.75 | | | — | | | — | |
| Outstanding at end of period | 1,148,225 | | | $ | 13.19 | | | 1,025,542 | | | $ | 14.10 | |
| Unvested at end of period | 117,160 | | | $ | 5.62 | | | 202,365 | | | $ | 5.50 | |
(1)The grant date fair value of restricted stock unit awards is based on the closing market price of the Company's common stock at the grant date.
(2)Includes 66,978 shares and 3,978 restricted stock units attributed to dividends on restricted stock units for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
Note 12—Stockholders' Equity
At-The-Market Program
In March 2017, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement with JMP Securities LLC, which was amended on June 5, 2020, under which the Company may offer and sell up to $100.0 million shares of common stock in an At-The-Market equity offering. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company did not sell shares under this agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company sold 6,034,741 shares under the agreement with an average price of $3.70,for total net proceeds of approximately $22.0 million.
Stock Repurchase Program
In December 2021, The Company extended its share repurchase program as authorized by its Board of Directors. Under the extended program, the Company is permitted to repurchase up to 3,000,000 shares of its common stock through December 31, 2023. The previous authorization expired on December 31, 2021. Any purchases made pursuant to the program will be made in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 of the Securities and Exchange Commission Act of 1934, as amended. The authorization does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common shares, or any shares at all, and the program may be suspended or discontinued at the Company's discretion without prior notice.
In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company repurchased 479,808 shares of common stock with a weighted average price of $2.27. The repurchased stock was not retired and will be accounted for as treasury stock.
Convertible Notes Exchange
On July 1, 2020, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,354,084 shares of its common stock in exchange for $5.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 2022 Notes. See Note 7 - "Financings" for additional information related to the Exchange Agreement.
Dividends
To preserve liquidity, the Company suspended its common stick dividend during the first and second quarter of 2020 given extraordinary market volatility driven by uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Begining in the third quarter of 2020, the Company resumed payment of the quarterly dividend after making progress strengthening its balance sheet and improving liquidity and earnings power of its investment portfolio.
The following table presents cash dividends declared and paid by the Company on its common stock:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Declaration Date | | Record Date | | Payment Date | | Amount per Share | | Tax Characterization | |
| 2021 | | | | | | | | | |
| December 21, 2021 | | December 31, 2021 | | January 26, 2022 | | $ | 0.06 | | | Not yet determined | (1) |
| September 23, 2021 | | October 4, 2021 | | October 26, 2021 | | $ | 0.06 | | | Return of capital | |
| June 22, 2021 | | July 2, 2021 | | July 26, 2021 | | $ | 0.06 | | | Return of capital | |
| March 23, 2021 | | April 2, 2021 | | April 26, 2021 | | $ | 0.06 | | | Return of capital | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | | | | | | | | |
| December 17, 2020 | | December 28, 2020 | | January 26, 2021 | | $ | 0.06 | | | Return of capital | (2) |
| September 22, 2020 | | October 2, 2020 | | October 26, 2020 | | $ | 0.05 | | | Return of capital | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
(1)The cash distributions made on January 26, 2022, with a record date of December 31, 2021, are treated as received by stockholders on January 26, 2022 and taxable in calendar year 2022. The tax characterization of these distributions will be determined in January 2023.
(2)The cash distributions made on January 26, 2021, with a record date of December 28, 2020, were treated as received by stockholders on January 26, 2021 and taxable in calendar year 2021 as return of capital.
Note 13—Net Income (Loss) per Common Share
The table below presents basic and diluted net income (loss) per share of common stock using the two-class method for the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (dollars, other than shares and per share amounts, in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the year ended December 31, 2021 | | For the year ended December 31, 2020 | | For the year ended December 31, 2019 |
Numerator: | | | | | |
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders and participating securities for basic and diluted earnings per share | $ | (48,953) | | | $ | (328,354) | | | $ | 70,699 | |
| Less: | | | | | |
| Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities | 89 | | | 36 | | | 303 | |
| Net income (loss) allocable to common stockholders—basic and diluted | $ | (49,042) | | | $ | (328,390) | | | $ | 70,396 | |
Denominator: | | | | | |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share | 60,747,137 | | | 57,411,384 | | | 51,278,932 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share | 60,747,137 | | | 57,411,384 | | | 51,278,932 | |
| Basic earnings (loss) per common share | $ | (0.81) | | | $ | (5.72) | | | $ | 1.37 | |
| Diluted earnings (loss) per common share | $ | (0.81) | | | $ | (5.72) | | | $ | 1.37 | |
For the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company excluded the effects of the convertible senior unsecured notes from the computation of diluted earnings per share since the average market value per share of the Company's common stock was below the exercise price of the convertible senior unsecured notes. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company excluded the effects of the warrants from the computation of diluted earnings per share since the average market value per share of the Company’s common stock was below the exercise price of the warrants.
Note 14—Income Taxes
As a REIT, the Company is not subject to federal income tax to the extent that it makes qualifying distributions to its stockholders and satisfies on a continuing basis, through actual investment and operating results, the REIT requirements including certain asset, income and stock ownership tests.
Based on the Company's analysis of any potential uncertain income tax positions, the Company concluded that it does not have any uncertain tax positions that meet the recognition or measurement criteria as of December 31, 2021. The Company files U.S. federal and state income tax returns. As of December 31, 2021, U.S. federal tax returns filed by the Company for 2020, 2019 and 2018 and state tax returns filed for 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are open for examination pursuant to relevant statutes of limitation. In the event that the Company incurs income tax related interest and penalties, the Company's policy is to classify them as a component of its provision for income taxes.
Income Tax Provision
Subject to the limitation under the REIT asset test rules, the Company is permitted to own up to 100% of the stock of one or more TRS. Currently, the Company owns one TRS that is taxable as a corporation and is subject to federal, state and local income tax on its net income at the applicable corporate rates. The TRS, which was formed in Delaware on July 28, 2014, is a limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. For the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company recorded a federal and state tax provision of approximately $99 thousand, $396 thousand, and $1.1 million, respectively.
The following table summarizes the Company's income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the year ended December 31, 2021 | | For the year ended December 31, 2020 | | For the year ended December 31, 2019 |
| Current Tax Provision (Benefit) | | | | | | |
| Federal | | $ | 55 | | | $ | 527 | | | $ | 860 | |
| State | | 44 | | | (452) | | | 197 | |
| | | | | | |
| Total Current Provision for Income Taxes, net | | 99 | | | 75 | | | 1,057 | |
| Deferred Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes | | | | | | |
| Federal | | — | | | (85) | | | — | |
| State | | — | | | 406 | | | — | |
| Total Deferred Benefit for Income Taxes, net | | — | | | 321 | | | — | |
| Total Income Tax Provision, net | | $ | 99 | | | $ | 396 | | | $ | 1,057 | |
Deferred Tax Asset and Deferred Tax Liability
As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company recorded a deferred tax asset of approximately $13.0 million and $21.0 million, respectively, relating to capital loss carryforward and temporary differences as a result of the timing of income recognition of certain investments held in the TRS. The capital loss carryforwards may only be recognized to the extent of capital gains. There is uncertainty as to the TRS ability to recognize capital gains in the future. As a result, the Company has concluded it is more likely than not the deferred tax asset will not be realized and has recorded a full valuation allowance.
In addition, the REIT generated net operating losses ("NOLs") during the year ended December 31, 2021 related to ordinary losses on its MBS portfolio and it generated NOLs for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2017, related to its swap terminations, and for its California return a portion of the NOLs is apportioned to the TRS. The Company recorded a deferred state tax asset of $18.6 million and $19.3 million in the REIT and $2.0 million and $2.1 million in the TRS
as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The TRS can carryback the NOLs generated during the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2017 to each of the two preceding years to request a refund for taxes paid. As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company has concluded it is more likely than not the deferred tax asset relating to the NOLs will not be realized and it has recorded a combined valuation allowance of $20.6 million and $21.4 million, respectively.
The following tables disclose the components of the Company's deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability at December 31, 2021 and 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Deferred Tax Asset | | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
Net operating loss available for carry-back and carry-forward (1) | | $ | 20,637 | | | $ | 21,402 | |
Net capital loss carry-forward (1) | | 11,072 | | | 11,966 | |
| Investments | | 1,972 | | | 9,061 | |
| Deferred tax asset | | 33,681 | | | 42,429 | |
| Allowance | | (33,681) | | | (42,429) | |
| Net deferred tax asset | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Deferred Tax Liability | | December 31, 2021 | | December 31, 2020 |
| Net operating loss available for carry-back and carry-forward | | $ | — | | | $ | 85 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| Net deferred tax liability | | $ | — | | | $ | 85 | |
(1) Net operating loss available for carry-forward begin to expire in 2037. Net capital loss available for carry-forward begin to expire in 2022.
Reconciliation of Tax Rate to Effective Tax Rate
The Company's effective tax rate differs from its combined federal and state income tax rate primarily due to the deduction of dividends distributions to be paid under Code Section 857(a). The reconciliation of these rates are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the year ended December 31, 2021 | | For the year ended December 31, 2020 | | |
| Federal statutory rate | | 21.0 | % | | 21.0 | % | | |
| State statutory rate, net of federal benefit | | (4.4) | % | | 1.5 | % | | |
| | | | | | |
| Other | | 0.2 | % | | — | % | | |
| Change in valuation allowance | | 13.8 | % | | (4.4) | % | | |
| | | | | | |
| REIT earnings not subject to corporate taxes | | (30.8) | % | | (18.2) | % | | |
| Effective Tax Rate | | (0.2) | % | | (0.1) | % | | |
Note 15—Commitments and Contingencies
From time to time, the Company may become involved in various claims, regulatory actions and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. Management is not aware of any material contingencies at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively .
Note 16—Subsequent Events
Residential Mortgage-Backed Notes
In February 2022, the Company completed its third securitization of $432.0 million of Residential Whole Loans, issuing $398.9 million of mortgage back notes, The mortgage backed notes were issued by Arroyo Mortgage Trust 2022-1 in five classes with a weighted average fixed interest rate of approximately 3.1% per annum.
Commercial Real Estate Owned
In February 2022, the Company and the other investors sold the unencumbered hotel property for $55.9 million which was foreclosed on in the third quarter of 2022. The Company and the other investors fully recovered their aggregate initial investment of $42.0 million. The Company estimates it will recognize a gain on sale of approximately $6.7 million, based on the December 31, 2021 carrying value.
Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries
Schedule IV
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
As of December 31, 2021
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$ in thousands
Asset Type | | Description | | Number of
Loans | | Interest
Rate | | Maturity
Date | | Periodic Payment Terms(1) | | Prior
Liens | | Face
Amount of
Mortgages | | Carrying Amount of Mortgages(4) | | Principal
Amount of
Loans Subject to
Delinquent
Principal or
Interest |
| Residential Whole-Loans and Bridge Loans |
| Adjustable Rate Residential Mortgage Loan Held in Securitization Trusts | | Original Loan Balance $0 - $249,999 | | 434 | | Hybrid ARM 2.5% to 6.4% | | 11/01/2041 to 11/01/2051 | | P&I | | $ | — | | | $ | 65,285 | | | $ | 68,209 | | | $ | — | |
| Adjustable Rate Residential Mortgage Loan Held in Securitization Trusts | | Original Loan Balance $250,000 - $499,999 | | 656 | | Hybrid ARM 2.7% to 5.9% | | 11/01/2034 to 02/01/2055 | | P&I | | — | | | 213,403 | | | 222,038 | | | 769 | |
| Adjustable Rate Residential Mortgage Loan Held in Securitization Trusts | | Original Loan Balance $500,000 - $749,999 | | 237 | | Hybrid ARM 2.5% to 6.3% | | 04/01/2043 to 11/01/2051 | | P&I | | — | | | 133,682 | | | 138,503 | | | 1,115 | |
| Adjustable Rate Residential Mortgage Loan Held in Securitization Trusts | | Original Loan Balance $750,000 - $999,999 | | 100 | | Hybrid ARM 3.4% to 6.2% | | 05/01/2043 to 11/01/2051 | | P&I | | — | | | 79,399 | | | 82,331 | | | 790 | |
| Adjustable Rate Residential Mortgage Loan Held in Securitization Trusts | | Original Loan Balance $1,000,000 - $1,249,999 | | 35 | | Hybrid ARM 3.5% to 5.8% | | 09/01/2043 to 11/01/2051 | | P&I | | — | | | 35,905 | | | 37,080 | | | 989 | |
| Adjustable Rate Residential Mortgage Loan Held in Securitization Trusts | | Original Loan Balance $1,250,000 - $1,499,999 | | 22 | | Hybrid ARM 3.4% to 5.6% | | 12/01/2041 to 11/01/2051 | | P&I | | — | | | 27,586 | | | 28,451 | | | — | |
| Adjustable Rate Residential Mortgage Loan Held in Securitization Trusts | | Original Loan Balance $1,500,000 and above | | 17 | | Hybrid ARM 2.9% to 6.1% | | 05/01/2044 to 09/01/2051 | | P&I | | — | | | 30,896 | | | 32,043 | | | 1,557 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed Rate Residential Mortgage Loan Held in Securitization Trusts | | Original Loan Balance $0 - $249,999 | | 232 | | Fixed 3.7% to 7.1% | | 07/01/2026 to 11/01/2051 | | P&I | | — | | | 35,329 | | | 36,951 | | | 229 | |
| Fixed Rate Residential Mortgage Loan Held in Securitization Trusts | | Original Loan Balance $250,000 - $499,999 | | 301 | | Fixed 2.9% to 7.2% | | 09/01/2026 to 11/01/2051 | | P&I | | — | | | 106,453 | | | 109,780 | | | 2,064 | |
| Fixed Rate Residential Mortgage Loan Held in Securitization Trusts | | Original Loan Balance $500,000 - $749,999 | | 181 | | Fixed 2.5% to 6.1% | | 11/01/2033 to 11/01/2055 | | P&I | | — | | | 106,729 | | | 109,372 | | | 1,625 | |
| Fixed Rate Residential Mortgage Loan Held in Securitization Trusts | | Original Loan Balance $750,000 - $999,999 | | 78 | | Fixed 2.9% to 6.4% | | 11/01/2033 to 11/01/2051 | | P&I | | — | | | 66,170 | | | 67,992 | | | 805 | |
| Fixed Rate Residential Mortgage Loan Held in Securitization Trusts | | Original Loan Balance $1,000,000 - $1,249,999 | | 31 | | Fixed 2.9% to 5.9% | | 04/01/2048 to 11/01/2051 | | P&I | | — | | | 33,311 | | | 34,236 | | | — | |
| Fixed Rate Residential Mortgage Loan Held in Securitization Trusts | | Original Loan Balance $1,250,000 - $1,499,999 | | 22 | | Fixed 2.7% to 6.3% | | 02/01/2036 to 11/01/2051 | | P&I | | — | | | 28,497 | | | 29,285 | | | — | |
| Fixed Rate Residential Mortgage Loan Held in Securitization Trusts | | Original Loan Balance $1,500,000 and above | | 15 | | Fixed 3.1% to 5.7% | | 10/01/2048 to 11/01/2051 | | P&I | | — | | | 26,498 | | | 27,231 | | | 2,271 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
$ in thousands
Asset Type | | Description | | Number of
Loans | | Interest
Rate | | Maturity
Date | | Periodic Payment Terms(1) | | Prior
Liens | | Face
Amount of
Mortgages | | Carrying Amount of Mortgages(4) | | Principal
Amount of
Loans Subject to
Delinquent
Principal or
Interest |
| Fixed Rate Residential Bridge Loans Held in Securitization Trusts | | Original Loan Balance $0 - $249,999 | | 3 | | Fixed 9.8% to 12.3% | | 11/01/2019 to 12/31/2021 | | Interest Only(2) | | — | | | 324 | | | 400 | | | 144 | |
| Fixed Rate Residential Bridge Loans Held in Securitization Trusts | | Original Loan Balance $250,000 - $499,999 | | 1 | | Fixed 11.3% | | 12/31/2021 | | Interest Only(2) | | — | | | 420 | | | 378 | | | 420 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed Rate Residential Bridge Loans Held in Securitization Trusts | | Original Loan Balance $750,000 - $999,999 | | 3 | | Fixed 8.5% to 10% | | 12/31/2021 to 01/01/2022 | | Interest Only(2) | | — | | | 2,670 | | | 2,473 | | | 1,821 | |
| Fixed Rate Residential Bridge Loans Held in Securitization Trusts | | Original Loan Balance $1,000,000 - $1,249,999 | | 1 | | Fixed 9% | | 12/31/2021 | | Interest Only(2) | | — | | | 1,125 | | | 1,012 | | | 1,125 | |
| Fixed Rate Residential Bridge Loans Held in Securitization Trusts | | Original Loan Balance $1,250,000 - $1,499,999 | | 1 | | Fixed 10.8% | | 12/31/2021 | | Interest Only(2) | | — | | | 1,295 | | | 1,165 | | | 1,295 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total Residential Whole-Loans and Bridge Loans | | $ | — | | | $ | 994,977 | | | $ | 1,028,930 | | | $ | 17,019 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Commercial Loans |
| Commercial Loan Held in Securitization Trust | | Original Loan Balance $32,000,000 | | 1 | | LIBOR + 4.1% | | 07/06/2022 | | Interest Only(3) | | $ | — | | | $ | 14,362 | | | $ | 14,362 | | | $ | — | |
| Commercial Loan | | Original Loan Balance $90,000,000 | | 1 | | LIBOR + 9.25% | | 06/29/2021 | | Interest Only(3) | | — | | | 90,000 | | | 29,113 | | | 90,000 | |
| Commercial Loan | | Original Loan Balance $40,000,000 | | 1 | | LIBOR + 3.02% | | 08/06/2022 | | Interest Only(3) | | — | | | 38,367 | | | 38,267 | | | — | |
| Commercial Loan | | Original Loan Balance $13,206,521 | | 1 | | LIBOR + 3.75% | | 11/06/2022 | | Interest Only(3) | | — | | | 13,207 | | | 13,033 | | | — | |
| Commercial Loan | | Original Loan Balance $24,534,783 | | 1 | | LIBOR + 3.75% | | 11/06/2022 | | Interest Only(3) | | — | | | 24,535 | | | 24,212 | | | — | |
| Commercial Loan | | Original Loan Balance $7,258,696 | | 1 | | LIBOR + 3.75% | | 11/06/2022 | | Interest Only(3) | | — | | | 7,259 | | | 7,163 | | | — | |
| Commercial Loan | | Original Loan Balance $4,425,400 | | 1 | | LIBOR + 4.85% | | 12/06/2022 | | Interest Only(3) | | — | | | 4,429 | | | 4,422 | | | — | |
| Total Commercial Loans | | $ | — | | | $ | 192,159 | | | $ | 130,572 | | | $ | 90,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Securitized Commercial Loans |
| Commercial Loan Held in Securitization Trust | | Original Loan Balance $1,400,000,000 | | 1 | | Fixed 4.38% | | 09/15/2025 | | Interest Only(3) | | — | | | 1,385,591 | | | 1,355,808 | | | — | |
| Total Securitized Commercial Loans | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,385,591 | | | $ | 1,355,808 | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total Residential and Commercial Loans | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,572,727 | | | $ | 2,515,310 | | | $ | 107,019 | |
(1) Principal and interest ("P&I")
(2) Residential Bridge Loans are mainly interest only loans with a balloon payment at maturity.
(3) The borrower may prepay the commercial loan in whole or in part at any time in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement.
(4) The carrying value of the reflects the fair value of the mortgage loans.
Reconciliation of Carrying Value of Mortgage Loans on Real Estate:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| Beginning balance | | $ | 2,938,556 | | | $ | 2,691,532 | | | $ | 2,493,238 | |
| Additions during period: | | | | | | |
| New mortgage loans | | 427,848 | | | 113,340 | | | 2,042,587 | |
| Unrealized gains | | 100,598 | | | — | | | 21,291 | |
| Realized gains | | 35 | | | — | | | — | |
| Capitalized interest | | 485 | | | 829 | | | — | |
| Mortgage loan of consolidated VIE | | — | | | 1,245,287 | | | — | |
| Deductions during period: | | | | | | |
| Collections of principal | | 872,612 | | | 713,854 | | | 1,853,630 | |
| Transfer to REO | | 30,751 | | | 419 | | | 5,029 | |
| Amortization of premium and (discounts), net | | (15,053) | | | (4,805) | | | 5,247 | |
| Unrealized losses | | 63,661 | | | 97,089 | | | 1,191 | |
| Sales of mortgage loans | | — | | | 144,259 | | | — | |
| Realized losses | | 241 | | | 10,812 | | | 487 | |
| Mortgage loan of deconsolidated VIE | | — | | | 150,804 | | | — | |
| Balance at end of period | | $ | 2,515,310 | | | $ | 2,938,556 | | | $ | 2,691,532 | |
ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, we recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and therefore we are required to apply judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
The Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2021.
(b) Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and effected by the Company's Board of Directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and includes those policies and procedures that:
•pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
•provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and
•provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management of the Company has assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. In making its assessment of internal control over financial reporting, management used the criteria described in "Internal Control—Integrated Framework" (2013 framework) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, ("COSO"). Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2021 based on criteria in "Internal Control—Integrated Framework" (2013 framework) issued by the COSO.
The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.
(c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended December 31, 2021, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. Other Information
None.
ITEM 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdiction That Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information regarding the Company's directors, executive officers and certain other matters required by Item 401 of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference to the Company's proxy statement relating to its annual meeting of stockholders to be held on or about June 10, 2021 (the "Proxy Statement"), to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2021.
The information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act required by Item 405 of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2021.
The information regarding the Company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics required by Item 406 of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2021.
The information regarding certain matters pertaining to the Company's corporate governance required by Item 407(c)(3), (d)(4) and (d)(5) of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2021.
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation.
The information regarding executive compensation and other compensation related matters required by Items 402 and 407(e)(4) and (e)(5) of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2021.
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
The tables on equity compensation plan information and beneficial ownership of the Company required by Items 201(d) and 403 of Regulation S-K are incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2021.
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
The information regarding transactions with related persons, promoters and certain control persons and director independence required by Items 404 and 407(a) of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2021.
ITEM 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information concerning principal accounting fees and services and the Audit Committee's pre-approval policies and procedures required by Item 9(e) of Schedule 14A is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2021.
ITEM 15. Exhibits
Documents filed as part of this report:
1) Financial Statements
WESTERN ASSET MORTGAGE CAPITAL CORPORATION
Financial Statements Schedules other than the one listed above are omitted because the required information is not applicable or deemed not material, or the required information is presented in the financial statements and/or in the notes to financial statements.
2) Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report.
| | | | | |
| Exhibit No. | Description |
| 3.1* | |
| 3.2* | |
| 3.3* | |
| 4.1* | |
| 4.2* | |
| 4.3* | |
| 4.4* | |
| 4.5* | |
| 10.1* | |
| 10.2* | |
| 10.3* | |
| 10.4* | |
| 10.5*+ | |
| 10.6*+ | |
| | | | | |
| Exhibit No. | Description |
| 10.7* | |
| 10.8*+ | |
| 10.9*+ | |
| 10.10* | |
| 10.11* | |
| 23.1 | | |
| 31.1 | | |
| 31.2 | | |
| 32.1 | | |
| 101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document |
| 101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
| 101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
| 101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
| 101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
| 101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibits 101) |
* Fully or partly previously filed.
+ Management contract or compensatory plan arrangement.
ITEM 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | WESTERN ASSET MORTGAGE CAPITAL CORPORATION |
| | | By: | | /s/BONNIE M. WONGTRAKOOL Bonnie M. Wongtrakool Chief Executive Officer and Director |
| | | March 7, 2022 |
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | By: | | /s/ BONNIE M. WONGTRAKOOL Bonnie M. Wongtrakool Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
| | | March 7, 2022 |
| | | By: | | /s/ LISA MEYER Lisa Meyer President,Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
| | | March 7, 2022 |
| | | By: | | /s/ JAMES W. HIRSCHMANN III James W. Hirschmann III Director |
| | | March 7, 2022 |
| | | By: | | /s/ EDWARD D. FOX JR. Edward D. Fox Jr. Director |
| | | March 7, 2022 |
| | By: | | /s/ M. CHRISTIAN MITCHELL M. Christian Mitchell Director |
| | March 7, 2022 |
| | By: | | /s/ RANJIT M. KRIPALANI Ranjit M. Kripalani Director |
| | March 7, 2022 |
| | By: | | /s/ LISA G. QUATEMAN Lisa G. Quateman Director |
| | March 7, 2022 |
